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“Tae, I swear by the Moon, if you don’t stop whining right this second, I will smite you and hang your body to the nearest tree so the wild dogs can have you!” snarled the auburn-haired prince from atop his stallion at the front of the line, to the vast amusement of the whole company within earshot who knew perfectly well the man would rather die himself than see harm come to his younger brother.
Said younger man huffed “But Jin hyung! My sword is in two pieces!” An amused chuckle to his right made him turn his attention to the brunet riding slightly ahead. “Don’t make fun of me Hobi Hyung!”
“I’m not making fun of you, Tae, I swear! You’re just so cute when you’re annoyed” snickered Hoseok earning a heated glare from the younger and an amused glance from his best friend, Seokjin, himself. The younger prince huffed and narrowed his eyes at the elder who only smirked wider and wagged his finger in his direction, “Now, now Tae, don’t you glare at me. It’s technically your fault that it’s broken in the first place”.
Jung Hoseok, the combat leader of their unit and nation-wide award-winning marksman, had been trained by the royal guard since his early youth to serve and protect the royal family like his ancestors had. For their proximity in age, he’d establish and unorthodox friendship with the two princes and other young royals, a relationship the old king encouraged to foment loyalty. Now a days, there was nowhere the princes went without Hoseok at their side and the king was able to rest easy knowing they were well guarded.
The bickering carried on for several minutes, entertaining the fifteen men as they made their way through the forest. Several of them sported mild injuries, scrapes and many bruises as a result of their latest encounter with a dark monster that had been plaguing a small village in the mountains. The King, Seokjin’s and Taehyung’s grandfather had sent them on a quest to eradicate the beast, counting on his grandson’s spiritual abilities to overcome the dark entity.
Having been successful in their mission, they were now on their way back, but still six days away from home. The battle had been harsh and their energy had come to a dangerous low while purifying the place, but their strength had come through in the end. The village had bounced back with vitality as soon as the creature was gone, celebrating and showering them in thankful attention as soon as they had descended from the monster’s cave. They were much rested now and on their way to recovery, yet physical injuries were always harder to cure when laced with dark magic, resulting in many of their men still sporting bleeding cuts.
Jimin, the princes’ cousin and newly minted Royal Shielder, perused his maps in contemplation, ignoring most of the squabbling going on behind him. The younger man, an orphan since childhood, had been raised at court by his granduncle the king, alongside his cousins. Being Taehyung’s age, they’d become as close as siblings and more often than not, joined forces to wreak havoc in the palace, only to be either caught or enabled by Hoseok and Seokjin half the time. He’d shown a superior adeptness in the arts of protective magic during their spiritual training, in direct contrast with the princes’ battle magic, making them a well-balanced team when it came to executing missions such as the one recently completed.
“Hyung, there’s actual merit in stopping at a city for the night instead of making camp in the forest” said the blond man and addressing Seokjin, who only lifted an eyebrow, a silent request for further information.
Jimin lifted his compass and pointed slightly to their left “Hayan City is just across the valley to the south. We’d make it there by nightfall if we were to travel at moderate speed.”
Seokjin seemed to lose himself in thought for a moment before turning back to his cousin with an amused smirk “I have heard nothing but praise for the blacksmiths of Hayan.”
Jimin shared a smile with the elder as they turned their mounts southwards, prompting the rest of their company to do the same.
Hayan City honored its name with ample use of smooth, pale limestone in all of its main buildings. It was bustling with people coming and going in its ample cobble-stoned streets, even as supper time approached. Ripples of murmurs and conversations reached their ears as they ventured further into the city, heading for the blacksmith’s guild. “Is that not the prince?!”
“What could he be doing in a place like this?!”
“Isn’t he handsome? Oh, I wish he would notice me, I’d make a good princess don’t you think?
“Just look at those mounts! They must cost a fortune!”
“They’re carrying battle blades; do you think they’re on a mission?”
The group split near the center square, where Jaebum, Hoseok’s Major General, took most of the men to look for sleeping quarters and guarantee rest for those who still held injuries. Seokjin and his brother carried on, accompanied by Hoseok and Jimin, in search of a good blacksmith to hopefully replace Taehyung’s sword.
“We may not find something today Tae, don’t get your hopes up” said Seokjin as they stepped into the first shop. The younger only pouted but nodded in understanding, knowing it wouldn’t be easy to find a weapon that was both sturdy and malleable enough to channel his spiritual energy through it. It was usually something the royal blacksmiths would forge for him, but being away from home and unarmed, with several days to go before reaching the safety of the palace, was making him anxious.
Nearly one hour later, they were just about ready to quit their search when the swell of voices reached them amongst the clanging of metal being beaten into shape. There were three very distinct tones; two low and velvety rich ones, building the base and alternating turns half singing and half speaking in very fast and flowing verses while another one, singing higher and so immaculately steady that it could have been a recording. This last one, wove over the other ones in a high and airy tone, achieving perfect harmonies enriching the simple song into a breathtaking piece. The royal party was stuck in place listening to what seemed to be an old work song, perfectly maintaining the rhythm of the hammer.
Following their ears, Seokjin and his kinsmen rounded the corner and spotted a shabby building, deteriorated by time and what could have been a bad fire, judging by the scorching marks on the once white limestone of the façade. The workshop was open to the street, lit by gas light lanterns and cramped with tools and working tables. Nearest to the entrance, a man about the same age as them, stood over a polishing wheel, coaxing shine out of a wickedly sharp looking blade. His voice was one of the velvety rich ones they noted, and his words were fast with a cadence so smooth it sounded like water running down a stream. His nearly platinum-blond hair falling over his eyes in a messy mullet, contrasted beautifully with his sharp eyes, the color of strong coffee and honeyed complexion. His form was slender and tall, with broad shoulders and a certain power in his way of standing. He wore tattered and baggy trousers with a grey sleeveless top that showed off his toned arms and three black, tattooed parallel bands on his upper bicep.
As the foursome approached further, a second man came into view standing at a table further inside and to the side. This man was shorter and sung/spoke his words in the song at breakneck speed making the royals wonder if he was even breathing at all. His black hair fell in short waves contrasting his pale complexion and equally dark eyes. He wore a black turtle neck shirt over black trousers and stood so still when he wasn’t singing, immersed in his work dressing the hilt of a sword with spiritual power charged leather, that he could have been mistaken by a shadow against the wall.
Finally standing fully at the shop’s front, the royal party could finally make out the remaining voice’s owner. He was younger than the other two and tall, although not taller than the first man. He also sported black hair, which was held mostly away from his face in a haphazard ponytail, with a few strands scaping to tickle his cheekbones and plastering to his face by the copious amounts of sweat, product of his exertion. His chest was bare showing rippling muscles and several tattoos along his back. The hammer he held was huge and heavy looking, yet he handled it with swiftness and precision as he pounded the sheet of steel he was working on.
The tall blond man was the first to notice the newcomers, cutting off his own verse in his song, drawing the attention of the other two. “Ah, welcome to our shop! What can we do for you?”
The deep dimples of his smile and smooth voice had Seokjin momentarily stunned, only coming out of his stupor by a sharp jab at his rib, courtesy of a blushing Taehyung. “Ri-right. We’re looking for a spirit blade. A sword preferably.”
“Of course, come on in! I’m sure hyung over there can find something that might suit you” said the tall man gesturing for them to enter the small space and leading them around the tables to gather around the shorter man’s workstation. “This is Yoongi hyung, he can read your aura and suggest a piece according to your reading if you like” the phrase sounded more like an open question, not pressuring them into a decision but allowing them to decline should they prefer to do so.
Seokjin noted he wasn’t treating them with the usual mindless deference most people did when they recognized him as a royal. ‘Is it possible they don’t know us?’ he pondered as they approached the shorter man dressed in black. “Actually, it’s not for me. Tae, would you want to have a reading? It might make things easier.”
Taehyung jumped at being called by his brother and swiftly adverted his eyes from the broad back of the younger man that had been hammering away a scant minute before they arrived. Said man was now donning a loose shirt over his head, covering his inked skin and making Taehyung gain lucidity enough to answer the question in affirmative. The man they now knew was named Yoongi gave him an amused smile when their eyes met but refrained from saying anything, to Taehyung’s relief. He placed his palms up and closed his eyes briefly as the skin around his hands glowed softly for a few moments. A small frown took up place in his sharp features before he dropped his hands and opened his eyes. “There’s a barrier around your aura, I can’t do more than a superficial reading while it’s there unless I try to break it.”
“Oh! That’s my bad, sorry!” came Jimin’s voice as he emerged from behind Seokjin’s back, peeking up at the older man with an apologetic expression “I’m so used to shielding you all the time, it comes as second nature now.”
Seokjin simply smiled at his cousin and ruffled his blond hair in amusement. “It’s ok Jimin-ah, it’ll just take a moment, when Yoongi-ssi is done you can put up your barrier again if you like.”
The younger simply nodded in response before turning to Taehyung and the black-haired man who was watching him with a mostly polite expression mixed in with something that looked like thinly veiled awe. Jimin couldn’t help but blush at the older man’s heavy gaze on him as he removed the barrier from Taehyung.
Yoongi was hard-pressed to believe such a strong barrier had been placed, subconsciously, by such a delicate looking boy. If he focused his third eye on the others of the party for a second, he could detect other barriers of the same kind on them. He’d never met a shielder powerful enough to maintain more than two barriers at the time without the need of absolute concentration and enormous amounts of spiritual energy. The boy sure was something else. Re-focusing on his task, he repeated the previous process with the taller boy only to falter once again at the sheer force of the younger’s spirit field.
Opening his eyes, Yoongi looked apologetically at the elder man that had spoken before, clearly being their leader. “I’m very sorry sir, but with this much spiritual energy, I’m afraid none of our weapons will be of use to you. Even if our steels are the best in the city, we don’t have bindings strong enough.”
Seokjin pursed his lips and glanced at a pouting Taehyung who had been admiring a beautiful claymore hung in the wall. Jimin was replacing the barrier on the younger while trying to cheer him up. The taller man approached them then, standing beside Yoongi. “Forgive me if I’m being too bold, but why are you looking for a weapon out here? The strongest bindings can be found only in Capital city.”
Seokjin smiled at the man, endeared by his curiosity. “We had an altercation not long ago and my brother’s blade was damaged. We’re still several days away from home and unwilling to walk around one weapon short.”
“Ah, that’s a shame! Must have been one hell of an altercation. I’m Namjoon by the way” said the dimpled man and Seokjin couldn’t help but laugh.
“Yes, I’d say it was, Namjoon-ssi.”
“Do you still have the broken blade?” They all turned to the younger man, who had up until now remained standing in the corner leaning against the wall.
“Yeah, well… I have the hilt side. The tip, I’m afraid will be impossible to get back” said Taehyung with a dark smile that made the younger man grin almost as wickedly. ‘Oh no… that’s one dangerous combination’ thought Seokjin as he watched his brother pull out what was left of his sword handing it to the black-haired man, who looked at it appraisingly.
“This was one hell of a blade!”
With a sigh, Yoongi admonished the younger with a quick slap upside the head but leaned closer to study the broken weapon as well. “The bindings are still in perfect shape…” he began, hovering a glowing hand over the red strapped hilt. “We could strip it down and use them on a new blade if you want to.”
Taehyung perked at that and looked to Seokjin with hopeful eyes. Seokjin sighed, knowing his brother wouldn’t rest easy until he had a new weapon in hand. “How long would that take?”
The three blacksmiths seemed to have a conversation with each other using only their eyes, until Yoongi, the eldest shrugged and Namjoon turned back to them with a kind smile. “If we are to make a new blade in the same style as this one, it would be around two days, but if you’d like to choose one from our stock then we could have it by tomorrow at midday since the binding and polishing take less time”
Seokjin turned back to his brother who was already perusing their existing blades aided by the younger blacksmith. “See anything you like Taehyung-ah?”
“Yes! Hyung look at this! Jungkook says these ones are the newest ones.”
‘Jungkook huh?’ thought the prince.
Walking forward to his brother’s side, he could feel Jimin’s small hand gripping the back of his tunic as he was prone to do when in unknown company, making him smile at the younger before turning his attention to what his sibling was trying to show him. It was a gorgeous odachi, well balanced, slender yet solid, very Taehyung-like. “It’s beautiful, Tae.”
“You can try it out if you like” said Namjoon from behind him “We have a training courtyard just on the other side of the house.”
Just as Seokjin was about to decline, a cold shiver ran down his spine making him go stiff momentarily. A small hand pulled on his tunic making him react again to the sound of his cousin’s cry “Hyung!”
“I know Jiminie, stay with Tae!” Seokjin whipped around and out the store to join his general on the narrow street.
“They’re coming in fast!” exclaimed Hoseok with his bow and arrow already in hand and glowing a gentle yellow as the marksman charged them with spiritual energy.
A visceral growl emanated from the shadows of a nearby alley followed closely by the appearance of several disfigured blobs of dark matter, half crawling half sliding towards them at great speed. Seokjin had his own longsword in hand and was already swinging it in a circle to cast a spell when several other creatures emerged from other corners of the street. Between the two of them they could take down the majority of the creatures but the others went out of sight as soon as they struck down the first ones. Fearing for his family, knowing Jimin was not adept at close range fighting and that Taehyung was unarmed at the moment, Seokjin spun to run back to the shop only to stop cold in his tracks.
Namjoon was standing with a two-bladed sword spinning mid-air and slicing through another monster that had attempted to sneak up on Seokjin from behind. Yoongi was standing in front of Jimin with twin pistols that glowed an icy blue, targeting smaller monsters that had formed in the corners nearest to them. Jungkook was standing with Taehyung holding an impressive Halberd in his hands swinging it as if it were made of straw instead of dense steel.
The fray took only a few minutes, long enough for Jimin to amass enough energy to send out a purifying pulse that blessed the whole city in one go. The seven men stood for a few moments catching their breaths and processing the happenings of the past few minutes, keyed up on adrenaline and eyeing every dark corner distrustfully. They started to relax out of their fighting stances one by one and turned to re-convene inside the show when a wave of dizziness struck Jimin making him sway on his feet. Yoongi, who had not strayed far from his side, managed to catch him and stabilize him before he fell, gently guiding him to a seat. “That was one hell of a pulse you sent out” he said by way of conversation, making the younger give him a shy smile in return.
“I didn’t want to risk leaving some parts of the city unattended.”
Yoongi’s brows rose to his hairline in surprise “So you just blessed it all?”
The blond boy just nodded tiredly but still smiling “It’s going to be a while before the effects of the blessing wear off. Better safe than sorry.”
Namjoon looked amused turning to Hoseok in question “How long is ‘a while’?”
Hoseok simply looked to the blond shielder in fondness and shrugged one shoulder with a smirk “Hmm, it’s hard to say since Jiminie is still exhausted by our previous mission, so his power is somewhat diminished these days…” The three blacksmiths shared startled looks between them that only turned shocked when the General finished his through with a casual “maybe a year or so.”
After Hoseok had dismissed an alarmed Jaebum, who had arrived in a panic after feeling the power discharge, they all took seats around the main work table and shared a wine pint to help them regain their bearings. Taehyung broke the silence to ask the very question that was rattling on his kinsmen’s minds “So, do these things happen often around here?”
Namjoon sighed and palmed his face tiredly before lifting his gaze to Seokjin, figuring he might as well tell them all. “It all started about eight months ago when our adoptive father brought back a case of raw steel from an unknown source. He just showed up with it after being gone for months in the mines to the north.”
Seokjin frowned, knowing the only mines in the north were the ones they had just visited less than a week ago. By the glance Hoseok sent him, he could tell his General was thinking along the same lines. Yoongi and Namjoon caught the interaction and shared looks of their own, nodding in unison, agreeing. “The energy it carried was dark and tainted. The blackest I’ve ever seen. But when I tried to tell him that, father simply brushed me off and refused to get rid of it.”
Jimin looked towards the elder in worry. He’d seen first hand how easily Yoongi had detected his barriers and how fast he was able to read new energy signals when the monsters were spawning around them. He had to be extremely sensitive to auras and energies in general to do that, so being exposed to dark energy such as that must have been horrible and even painful. With a frown, he sent the elder a questioning look that was returned with a reassuring smile that didn’t go unnoticed by the others at the table.
“He was different after that” said Jungkook from his spot besides Taehyung. “He became more violent and verbally abusive than he’d ever been.” Taehyung’s brow twitched at the ‘more’, hinting at recurrent abuse even before the facts.
“Not a week later, the first monsters appeared in the city. Several men that had been in the mining expedition alongside our father went missing, only to appear dead some days later” Namjoon, Seokjin noticed, seemed not only sad but angry at the turn of events. The elder hoped the young blacksmith didn’t entertain the idea of taking any blame for what happened.
Yoongi clenched his hands under the table and his face became stone cold. “Father disappeared within a couple of days and turned up dead not far from here.”
“Where is the case with the raw steel now?” asked Hoseok looking mildly concerned.
Jungkook pointed northward “We purified an area in a clearing away from the city and buried it there.”
Jimin tensed beside Yoongi and looked up in alarm at Seokjin “Hyung! We must go neutralize that as soon as possible!”
“We do, but not tonight. You’re in no condition to bless anything right now and it is way too dark to venture out.” Jimin seemed like he wanted to refute his cousin’s orders but a stern look from Hoseok and a worried glance from Yoongi prevented him from voicing his protests and simply sat back with a pout.
“We could go tomorrow afternoon” said Jungkook, garnering the attention of them all before turning to Taehyung, “that way we can have your new sword ready and we’ll be free to accompany you and show you the place.”
Seokjin immediately put his hands up “There is no need for you to get further involved in this, we can take care of it on our own. That’s kind of like our job anyways.”
“With all due respect your Royal Highness, this is a family matter and as such we are already involved” said Namjoon with an apologetic grin.
Seokjin stared at him for a few moments, processing the fact that they did know who they were and up until this point, had not enforced the stiff formalities he was often made to endure when visiting with outsiders of the court. It was, refreshing, he thought. Jimin, Taehyung and Hoseok were watching him expectantly, waiting for him to make the call.
“Fine… then I guess we’ll be back tomorrow at noon”
And so, it went. The inn that Jaebum had found was well kept and clean, with soft beds and hot water for bathing. That night, as Seokjin laid in bed and pondered over the happenings of the day, he was hard-pressed to stop thinking of a dimpled smile and sharp eyes. With a huff, the prince turned to lay on his side, resolved to get a decent night’s sleep, free of platinum blond locks and lean but strong arms.
On the other side of town. Namjoon laid on his cot, smiling to himself as he recalled the grace and power held within the battle-built body of a certain handsome prince. He hadn’t recognized him at first glance, too preoccupied with such a perfectly sculpted face speaking to him so up close. It wasn’t until he’d seen the unmistakable royal signet engraved in his long-sword, that it clicked for him. There were very few people in the kingdom who where able to wield such a large weapon and even less that could charge it with such powerful energy. The blade, masterfully crafted, had shone a bright pink with the strength of its bearer’s aura before blasting every creature within a twenty-pace radius into nothingness with one swipe. The man was as powerful as he was handsome, that much was certain. Yet what held his attention the most, was his kindness and obvious devotion to his family’s care. It was easy work to identify Prince Taehyung and Park Jimin, their cousin, as it was widely known that where ever the prince went, so would they. Jung Hoseok was part of that equation as well, easily discernible as powerful as the man was on his own.
The blacksmith wondered, if it was fate that had brought him to meet the prince in such circumstances of if happenstance was really that strong. Whatever it was, he was glad for it. Even if after tomorrow he might not see the man again, what with his status and obligations, he would be happy none the less for simply getting the chance to meet him one more time.
The following morning found the royal party refreshed and well rested. After making sure their injured soldiers were recovering at a steady pace, aided by Jimin’s purification pulse the previous night, they dressed once again for battle. Their robes were made of reinforced spirit silk of the deepest black, etched with gold in the case of Seokjin’s and Taehyung’s and silver for Jimin and Hoseok. Their hair, long as per royal custom, was tied back and away from the face in a ponytail save for a few shorter strands at the front.
After instructing Jaebum and some of his men who were well enough to fight, to wait for them on the north gate of the city, the four of them made their way back to the blacksmiths’ shop. The previously opened barn door that allowed visitors to look directly into the shop was now closed but a side door they had barely noticed the night before was still open. Namjoon walked out just as they were debating weather to call for them or step inside.
With that same dimpled smile that had Seokjin fighting to keep his composure, the tall man addressed them “You guys are incredibly punctual, just as expected! Come on in!”
Inside, Yoongi and Jungkook were putting on what looked like ranger gear, composed of protective plates around the forearms and torso, etched with runes to bless the metal and grant them protection against dark magic and energy. Jimin had seen the equipment before as several guards in the palace where required to wear it at all times while on duty, yet he spotted differences right away. Momentarily forgetting his shyness, he made straight for Yoongi and started studying his armor in detail asking questions excitedly, making the older man flustered in the process much to the amusement of his adoptive brothers and the rest of the royal party.
“I’ve never seen so many runes perfectly balanced with each other on a surface this small! It must have taken a lot of concentration to get them done so carefully!”
“Ah- yeah, it did take a while but it wasn’t that hard, really” said the black-haired man trying to feign nonchalance as the younger boy beamed at him with intensity rivaling the sun.
Seokjin snickered behind his hand, amused at his young cousin’s reverence of the man. He knew for a fact how uncomfortable the blond usually was amongst unknown people as their auras usually pressed in on his own, unconsciously reacting to his natural shields. There were times when the reaction was so violent, the pressure would turn painful, like a hat too small being worn for too long. The boy had always stuck to his, Hoseok and Taehyung’s side, nesting inside their strong auras to repel others and save himself the painful jabs. This time though, it seemed his cousin was completely at ease amongst the blacksmiths and their peaceful auras.
Shifting his gaze to his brother, Seokjin noticed him fawning over his new blade, now bound with his former sword’s red leather and glinting elegantly in the dim light of the shop. The prince could easily tell how comfortable his brother was with the weapon, sensing his power rebalancing itself to flow onto the new blade making it glow a fiery red like an extension of his own aura.
Satisfied, he shared a relieved look with Hoseok before turning to Namjoon. The man was already watching him with a smile, prompting one of his own. “Well, the first phase was successful, I believe.”
“Shall we get to the next phase then? A performance test” said the taller boy.
“Absolutely. Lead the way Namjoon-ssi, we have a neutralization appointment.”
The group made the trip to the North gate engaged in animated conversation that flowed seamlessly like they’d know each other for years instead of hours. There was just something about the blacksmiths’ auras that resonated well with their own, like pieces of the same puzzle finally falling into place. At the moment, hierarchy was forgotten and they were just a bunch of young men enjoying a walk through the city. To Seokjin and his party, the newness of the situation was uplifting and fun, something they hadn’t had the chance to share with new people often due to their status. Unfortunately, they arrived at their destination way to quickly for their liking and the moment of comfort and camaraderie passed as they mounted their horses and made their way to their destination.
As the minutes progressed along the path, the greenery slowly started to decay and die around them. Yoongi was visibly uncomfortable and sending furtive glances at Jimin who had a small hand pressing on his temple as if in pain. “Are you alright Jimin-ssi?”
The blond straightened up and dropped his hand while sending the elder a tentative smile. “I’m ok, just a little peaked right now,” he said shifting his gaze to Seokjin who was already watching him in concern and answering his unasked question, “this signature is one I know well. It’s identical to the one in the mountains.”
Seokjin frowned at the revelation. If this turned out to be an altercation as bad or worse than the one they fought only a few days past, with less men and still not in top form, there was a high chance for things to go very wrong, very fast. Hoseok as usual was of the same mind as his, already looking at him when the prince glanced his way and mouthing the words ‘Your call’ letting him know he would be there regardless of what he chose to do.
The prince smirked knowing his general was not usually one to cower from a difficult fight. “Find your high ground as soon as we arrive, Hobi, even if we don’t spot any monsters right from the start, no surprises”.
The black-haired man smirked in return and readied his bow and quiver adding his nonchalant reply, “of course, Hyung”.
They were coming up fast upon the site. The dark energy was so heavy that he could feel it brushing up against his own aura. Just like last time. He glanced around at his men, the ten that had been able to fight and hoped they would be enough of a contingent to hold the monsters off as long as necessary.
“Jaebum, work in pairs and watch each other’s back, we don’t want a repeat of what went down in the cave” he said and received an immediate nod from the man who then turned and signaled his men to assign teams.
Turning to his brother, he found him with his new sword already in hand, glowing bright red along the sharp edge of the virgin blade. They locked gazes and nodded at each other as their left fists found their way to the small pendant they wore around the neck in the shape of delicate looking swans, the royal sigil. It was their usual routine before battle, to remind each other what they fought for and who they battled next to, both for caution and comfort.
As they came upon a clearing that seemed to have been scorched by fiend fire, a shuddering breath on his left alerted Seokjin of his cousin’s state. They boy was pale and beads of perspiration stuck to his forehead as he breathed heavily. “Jiminie?”
It was as if he had not spoken at all. The blond’s gaze was fixed upon the large stone resting in the center of the clearing were black tentacle like veins covered its surface, pulsing with dark intent. Seokjin knew what he was seeing and worried he’d been too hasty in taking on this task. It had only been a few days after all and Jimin didn’t seem to be over his traumatic experience back at the cave. He had to know if the boy could make it, otherwise they could all die there in the blink of an eye.
With a deep breath, he mustered all the sternness he never used when talking to family and called out again. “Park Jimin, look at me.”
It did the trick. The blond snapped out of his trance and shook his head before turning towards his cousin. “I- I’m sorry Hyung”
Seokjin visibly softened at the mortified expression on the younger man’s face. “None of that. It’s you I’m worried about. Was it memories?”
Jimin deflated a little and nodded slowly, looking back at the stone for a brief moment before turning once again to his elder. “The source is pulsing, calling out for other signatures to come and strengthen it.”
“That would explain the appearance of the monsters then” said Yoongi, riding up to Jimin’s side looking very concerned at the younger’s crestfallen look.
“Yes, and it also means we’ll be facing a myriad of beasts once we begin the ritual” answered Seokjin, also worried for the safety of his cousin knowing he was not stable enough emotionally to be left on his own while he and Taehyung engaged in battle.
“Your Highness, fear not” said Namjoon as he stopped his horse on the prince’s other side. “My brothers and I will guard Jimin-ssi and stay alert for anything that might come up from behind”.
Seokjin released a long breath he hadn’t know he was holding. He’d seen the blacksmiths in battle the night before and he could rest easier knowing these three powerful individuals would be looking after Jimin while he gathered enough energy, purified it and blessed the place to neutralize the dark entity.
“I’m entrusting him into your care, Namjoon, Yoongi, Jungkook” he said looking at each man in the eye with all the strength and promise of hell should they fail to protect the boy. He was met with Namjoon’s unwavering and serene gaze, Yoongi’s steely determination and Jungkook’s honest acceptance, making him breathe easier for a moment.
The moment they set foot on the clearing’s scorched grass a swarm of bee-like monsters the size of melons sprung up from the underbrush flying straight at their throats with their venomous stingers. As the minutes went by, a multitude of other monsters materialized from the shadows of the forest around them at overwhelming speed.
Taehyung and Seokjin were a blur of black silk and glittering energy wipes decimating enemies in tandem, splattering their ooze-like blood everywhere. Jaebum and his men took turns defending and planting the blessed spikes into the ground around the source. Each one was made with blessed metal and etched with powerful runes that would amplify Jimin’s purifying pulse once it was cast.
In the meantime, the blond shielder fell deeper into meditation gathering loose tendrils of energy from around him, both dark and natural, mixing it and purifying it with his own before willing it into a tight sphere, waiting to be released once it reached its desired strength. Around him, as if realizing his plans, monsters swarmed trying to break into his barrier to kill him. Namjoon and Jungkook swung their blades so fast they were nearly a blur of lethal metal. Yoongi shielded Jimin from up close, deftly firing his pistols right between the eyes of every creature lucky enough to have been missed by his two brothers.
It took a long time for Jimin to be able to amass and purify enough energy to cast his pulse. Like it had been during the mountain battle, the energy at the source was so heavily tainted, having absorbed so many souls, that it was nearly sentient on its own. It fought back against Jimin’s every effort to clean it, tormenting his mind and his body with awful memories and visions of suffering both his and of its previous victims. It was by far the most torturous experience he’d ever gone through, feeling in his own flesh and heart the pain of every living creature that had succumbed to the darkness contained in the buried metal. It was agony, acute and white hot. Yet he couldn’t give up yet, not ever. His cousins were counting on him, along with Hoseok and their men. The city dwellers needed their peace restored. Their new friends deserved to avenge the death of their father. Their friends… Yoongi. There was still so much he wanted to know of him, so many things he wanted to share with the enigmatic man. So he couldn’t give up yet, just a little bit more.
It was the moment a pair rough yet gentle hands touched his cheeks that his battered soul received the push it was needing. It was like being swaddled in a soft fleece blanket watching the sun rise over the mountains at home, feeling safe and so perfectly content in one single moment. His serenity won over the turmoil caused by the tainted energy and evened out all the imbalances in one fell swoop, erupting from his chest like a supernova and bathing everything around him in glittering pure vitality.
Yoongi had turned around in time to see tears fall from the young blond’s closed eyes. His face was a mask of raw pain and he could sense the struggle in the boy’s core doing its best to remain balanced and cleaning what he gathered. He’d never felt such a massive taint so up close, not even when their father had first appeared with the metal case back then had it been as bad as now. If he was in pain because of its influence, he couldn’t imagine how much worse it would feel for Jimin, small and delicate looking Jimin, to take into his body and fight it. Against all rational thought, his hands found their way to the boy’s cheeks to tenderly wipe the silvery tears away. He felt their souls snap into place like lock and key opening a flood gate of energy so pure he was momentarily blinded by its brightness.
Seokjin was just recovering his breath from a blow that had caught him on the side when he felt the purifying wave rush through him accompanied by a blinding light that had him shielding his eyes for a moment. After a few seconds it faded and he was able to open his eyes only to find the clearing they had been battling in no longer scorched and dead. Instead, it was as if time had turned back to a moment before the taint arrived. Soft, green grass covered every inch of soil beneath his feet. The shrubs were luscious filled with flowers and healthy leaves. The trees around them stood tall and swayed gently in the cool wind of the departing spring. All around him, his men stood looking just as stunned as he felt. Hoseok swung down from the branch he’d been using as base, looking around in awe and confusion while Taehyung lifted himself from where he had landed after a bad blow from a golem-like monster.
Seokjin suddenly registered he wasn’t in pain anymore, even after the heavy beating he had been taking just moment before. He looked once again over his men and his brother noting none of them had open wounds anymore. Jimin had really overdone it this time. Jimin…
With a start he turned and sprinted to the little hill that overlooked the clearing where he’d left his cousin to his meditation. He found the boy passed out, looking pale and exhausted being held by Yoongi while Namjoon and Jungkook looked at him in awe. The elder blacksmith himself seemed to be in shock as well, even as he held the slightly smaller man to his chest protectively. He breathed a long sigh of relief that seemed to break to stunning spell that had been cast over the younger men and they all turned to look at him, surprise evident in their gazes.
“He must have found some really good catalyst this time” he said and chuckled at the confused expression on the youngers’ faces. “Jiminie uses good memories and emotions to boost his purification powers. He must have found either a really good memory or an incredibly strong emotion for his power to surge like this” he explained and smirked at the blush rising on the dark haired male holding his cousin like the most precious thing in the world.
“Will- uhm, is Jimin-ssi going to be alright after such a spell?”
“Don’t worry Yoongi-ssi, all he needs is rest” said the prince, looking to comfort the obviously worried blacksmith. “Although taking him back to the city might prove difficu-“
“I’ll carry him!”
A smirk crept up into Seokjin’s face at the confirmation of his suspicions. “Then that’s settled. Let’s get going.”
As they rode at a sedate pace back to the city, Seokjin could see his brother immersed in lively chatter with Jungkook, describing to each other the best moments of the battle. It brought a smile to his face, seeing his brother so lively and cheerful.
“So, you do this often Your Highness?”
Seokjin glanced at the blond man riding besides him. His usually sharp gaze looked tender at the moment and for a second, he entertained the idea that the softness he saw in those coffee colored pools was only for him. He smiled to himself and made a split moment decision; one he would bet his dear sword on if only for the chance to secure the happiness he could foresee in not just his future but also in that of his brother and cousin.
“You may call me Seokjin Hyung” he said and nearly snorted at the comic widening of the tall man’s eyes as he registered his comment, yet surprise quickly gave way to that same tenderness he thought he’d seen before only this time it was multiplied tenfold.
“Only if you call me Namjoon then, Hyung.” Seokjin smiled.
Arriving at the palace several days later had them all witnessing the sight of the normally composed Hoseok vaulting down from his mount and sprinting full speed towards a petite girl with long flowing chocolate colored hair. They embraced and erupted in laughter that had them all smiling fondly at the couple. Seokjin thought his friend never looked happier than when he was with his fiancée. The bubbly girl brought out the goofiest and gentlest side of the warrior, allowing him to completely detach himself from his days of battle. Her gentle nature healed him and complimented him even when he returned too weary and worn from the field.
“How did that come to happen?” asked Namjoon from beside him as they dismounted still watching the couple hug and kiss with abandon several paces away.
“The universe moved for them to find each other, like it does for many of us” he said and smiled at the younger man who was now studying him with those tender coffee eyes of his. “All we have to do is embrace the movement and swing along to the current.”
“That sounds easy.”
Seokjin laughed and held out his hand to the taller man. “Trust me Namjoon, easy is not the word”
“Then what is it?” said the blond, reaching for him and pulling him close while entwining their fingers together.
“Why don’t we find out?”
They both smiled.
Nearly two years later, the kingdom saw the rise of three new royal warriors, climbing through ranks like a ladder based on their pure strength and personal accomplishments within the war-force. Hoseok was no longer a personal guard to the princes. He had been promoted to head of security at the palace, allowing him to travel and engage in battle less often to his and his now wife’s delight, especially now that they had a child on the way. The princes and Jimin still journeyed away from court every once in a while when trouble rose through the kingdom, but they were now accompanied by the three new generals:
Min Yoongi, the best and fastest fire-arm shot in the realm and personal guard to Park Jimin, royal shielder.
Jeon Jungkook, hands down the strongest warrior in His Majesty’s army and personal guard to His Highness Prince Kim Taehyung.
Kim Namjoon, the second fastest swordsman the kingdom has ever seen, only bested by his charge, His Royal Highness Prince Kim Seokjin.
There was a running rumor through the land, about the relationship between the royals and their guards. Lingering touches, adoring gazes and particularly marked zealousness of the guards over their duties had all the tongues wagging wherever they went. The king, never one to humor rumor mills and over embezzled tales finally had enough after he caught two servants whispering in a corridor about his grandson’s guard being seen leaving his chambers in the early morning.
A ball was scheduled for the upcoming month in honor of his grandson’s birthday. The new rumors sparked and caught aflame in a matter of days. Some said the prince was to be betrothed to a neighboring realm’s heir. Some others said the ball was an excuse to introduce the prince to potential suitors amongst those of high rank and nobles invited. However the story was twisted, no one actually managed to guess the true reason behind the celebration. High-born males and females alike primed and fluffed themselves to their absolute best for the occasion, just in case some of the rumors were true and they actually got a shot at being noticed by at least one of the princes or their cousin. Hair was brushed to glossiness, gowns were pressed and starched, faces were painted with masterful hands and friendly smiles were set on everyone’s faces as the lights dimmed and the trumpets announced the arrival of the King.
The aging man smiled at the crowd and thanked them for coming to his family’s celebration. As he turned and gestured to the giant double doors of the ballroom, all the guests held their breath as he announced the guest of honor.
“My grandson, Prince Kim Seokjin…” applause started up immediately yet the king shushed them with a wave of his hand and once again turned to the door to hide his mischievous smile from the crowd as he slammed the last nail in the figurative coffin of his guests expectations with his final words, “and his consort, General Kim Namjoon.”
A collective gasp left the flabbergasted audience just as the doors opened and out walked the prince, looking absolutely regal in in his royal robes of black and gold. He bowed to his grandfather and winked at him sassily as he adjusted his grip on his husband’s arm. Namjoon, looking stunning and powerful in his black and silver robes walked with his husband down the stairs to the dance floor after greeting the king.
The crowd parted for them and just as the waltz begun, his dimples appeared as they usually did, naturally, every time he gazed upon Seokjin’s handsome face. “It seems the universe has moved for us too my prince”
Seokjin smiled sweetly up at his husband and tilted his head coquettishly batting his eyelashes, enjoying the slight coloring of the taller man’s cheeks. “Would you say our souls aligned too?”
The dimples he loved so much deepened and his warm coffee eyes twinkled as they let themselves get carried away by the music. “Absolutely. I believe we’re now moving forward as one, in perfect resonance.”
On the sidelines, the king greeted his other grandsons and their partners. “So, a new year’s double wedding, is it?”
The foursome, nodded enthusiastically and began chatting animatedly about their plans for the ceremony.
It was unheard of, really, for royals to marry former blacksmiths. The people struggled to comprehend the irregularities behind the situation as they saw their prince dancing with his husband. Yet, there they were, proving that love goes beyond ranks, genders and races, looking devastatingly happy in one another’s arms.