#in order to follow you my love stumbles forth blindly bleeding but always holding you tight | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

talpup · 3 years

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Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud. He knew there would be trails. He knew trouble would come his way. Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant. What he didn’t know. Didn’t expect. Was that literal Chaos would come his way. That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble. Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealously of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers. For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

Sorry about the late update. It was a super busy weekend, and my three big chronic illness bad's are still making me pay the price. Anyway, here you all go. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 96

It was near midnight. All the Captain's were tired, irritable, and on edge. They were meeting because Yami and Teris had never checked-in this evening when Jax had explicitly ordered his Vice Captain's to do so before lights out.

The Black Bulls Captain focused his glare on his fist which rested on the table as questions were asked, hypothesis given, and ideas about what to do were put forth. He blamed himself for Yami and Teris’ disappearance, certain that the Agents of Chaos had taken them.

Having reported to Greywright before this meeting was called, Jax had encouraged the Commander to question the supposed traitor Flic about Yami and Teris’ disappearance. But, Greywright had told him it would do no good. During his interrogation of Flic yesterday afternoon, Greywright had learned that the man knew nothing of the details concerning Alowishus’ plans. Jax would've liked some time alone with Flic anyway. Not to question the man; but simply to beat one of the Agents of Chaos, even if that person was no longer aligned with them.

“I question keeping up the search. Especially this late at night. We went out this morning looking for two Vice Captains and instead of finding them, we lost two more.” Jamie said.

“You sound scared.” Win taunted.

“I’m concerned for the safety of my squad. For all our squads.” Jamie said.

“We’re Magic Knights. We don’t abandon anyone, least of all our own.” Kess said, fiercely.

“I’m not saying we give up.” Jamie told, thinking Pyter would’ve understood if he were still Captain of the Silver Eagles.

“You’ve always been a selfish ass. I doubt you’d want to continue even if it was your own Vice Captain missing.” Mereoleona fumed.

“We don’t even know who took them or why. Blindly searching has done nothing but thinned our resources and wear our Magic Knights to exhaustion, and it’s only been a day.” Danise said.

Whilf nodded in agreement. “There has to a better way to go about this.”

“Better then searching for four Magic Knights Vice Captain’s?” Mereoleona stormed in challenge of the Purple Orcas Captain.

“No one’s saying that. But fumbling around hoping to stumble upon something isn’t working.” Breigha said.

Mereoleona could hardly argue with her friend. During her own futile search this afternoon she had wanted to torch the four kingdoms until whoever took her brother returned him, begging for mercy. She’d fry the fools and then pummel Fuegoleon for letting himself be taken.

“Do we even have an idea if they were taken because they’re all Magic Knights, or three of them royal?” Win asked.

“I’m guessing none of the families have received any word or demands?” Danise tendered. The Coral Peacocks Captain looked from Mereoleona to Julius. She glanced at Kess figuring as Nozel’s Captain she would've been in contact with Nathyn Silva or at least a representative from the royal house.

Julius rapped his knuckles on the tabletop with a silent curse. Just like last year, and two months ago during the Spade Kingdom mess, he had forgotten to send message to Fyntch about Teris being taken. When he had finally gotten around to writing Fyntch last year he hadn’t mentioned that Teris had been taken; simply saying he was sure Fyntch had seen the beam that lit up the sky the morning of the Summer Solstice and assuring him that he and Teris were okay. As for the happening with the Spade Kingdoms Magic Scientist Rayla, he hadn’t bothered sending Fyntch message and told Teris as much so she wouldn’t mention it to their brother.

Having met with Lord Leonidas himself and spoken with House Silva’s representative, Jorah said. “Neither the Silva’s or Vermillion’s have reported receiving demands or word of admission and intent.”

Jamie scoffed, thinking that the Silva’s and Vermillion’s were too proud to admit to it if they had. The two royal houses likely had their own people looking into things and would handle the matter privately if they came across anything.

Whilf looked at the Wizard Kings Advisor. “Has Magic Investigations unearthed anything of use?”

Ellara shook her head sadly at the Purple Orcas Captain. “My people have been out all day checking in with their sources and questioning people searching for some kind of lead. We haven’t given up. But as yet, they have discovered nothing that would tell us who took the Vice Captain's or why.” She looked at Julius, Mereoleona, Jax, and Kess. “I’m sorry.”

Julius and Jax stared at the Wizard Kings Advisor, both thinking Ellara was far from sorry but would be.

96.2

Yami noticed how Calen stuck close by them as he and Teris were made to walk through the portal. Given that Teris had once broken through Calen’s negating magic the first time she had light traveled, it was justifiable that they were concerned.

“Leon! Nozel!” Teris rushed forward only to be grabbed by a cloaked figure.

Yami punched the Agent of Chaos not seeing or caring if the person was a man or woman. He pulled Teris out of their grasp, holding her to him.

“Peace, Livia.” Calen told the woman as Alowishus stepped through the gateway.

Livia stood down and tenderly touched her face.

Hands bound above his head, hanging from a tree branch, Fuegoleon’s eyes blinked slowly open.

Tied and swaying beside the Crimson Lion, Nozel croaked, barely able to lift his head. “You shouldn’t have come.”

“Didn’t have much of a choice.” Yami said, looking them over.

Nozel took in a slow, shallow, shuddering breath; grimacing at the pain the small movement brought.

Teris tried once more to step to them, but Yami held her firm least someone attempt to stop her again.

Teris trembled in Yami’s arms, a fearful rage building. Nozel and Fuegoleon were alive but they were a battered, bloody mess. And that was only the injuries she could see. They had been in the Agents of Chaos’ custody for little more than twenty-four hours. Who knew what those monsters had done to them.

One eye swollen shut. The other, vision tinted red by blood. Nozel told Yami. “First chance you get, you get her out of here.”

Teris shook her head, angry worried tears blurring her sight. Though she had no idea how they were going to manage it, she promised Nozel and Fuegoleon. “No matter what it takes. We’re going to get you out of this.”

“I’m glad you said that; because you hold the way to freedom for your Intended and your cousin. The path to seeing them live through this is a simple one.” Alowishus said, stepping toward her and Yami.

Teris turned to face him. “Let them go and I’ll do it.”

“Teris... No--” Fuegoleon’s lips moved, sound barely coming out. His voice faltered, weakly coughing up blood.

Yami uttered a stream of curses, his grip on Teris tightening. He scowled at Alowishus and the surrounding Agents of Chaos in the low, flickering firelight of Piper’s magic. He would kill every single one of them even if it took his entire life to hunt down every member of Alowishus’ followers.

“That’s not how this goes.” Alowishus told Teris. “Your friends go free only after you and Yami do as I say. Play difficult and we will continue harming them until you do or they die; whichever comes first. But I warn you. They proved difficult themselves, refusing to answer the simplest questions. It’s left them in bad shape. I doubt they’d be able to survive much more.”

Fuegoleon’s eyes slowly lifted, too weak to rise his heavy head. He wanted to tell Teris not to listen. He would rather die than have his cousin agree to whatever these people wanted. But no matter hard he tried, his brain couldn’t make his chapped bleeding lips form the words.

Yami didn’t need a better look at Fuegoleon and Nozel to know Alowishus was telling the truth. It was clear they had been tortured and were in really rough shape. Nozel’s head lolled. Though it was difficult to tell if the man was unconscious or not.

“What do you want?” Yami asked.

“To get to the treasure vault of a labyrinth.” Alowishus said.

“What? You and your people so lacking that you need us for such a simple task.” Yami mocked.

“This isn’t any labyrinth, Yami. The contents of the vault are meant for you and Teris. Destined for the two of you to find and receive.” Alowishus told.

“Labyrinth 297,353.” Teris breathed.

Alowishus smiled. “I see you’ve heard of it.”

Yami looked at Teris in question.

Teris stared back, both surprised and not that Yami didn’t remember. “He wants us to collect the Future of Chaos.”

“Not just the two of you.” Alowishus said, keen ears hearing Teris’ whisper. “I will be going down with you to also receive the page.”

Yami turned to the man. “The History of Chaos has been nothing but a curse. Like hell I’m going to the labyrinth that has the Future of Chaos. I’d rather see those two die.”

“As you wish.” Alowishus’ eyes slid to the Mage that stood beside Nozel and gave a slight nod.

Nozel’s body tensed and began to squirm. Hanging from his arms, he began to swing. His muscles spasmed at the pain. Teeth pressed together trying to hold back the cry that bubbled in his throat.

Yami couldn’t see any outward wounds being made. But when blood began to come from Nozel’s ears, nose, eyes, and mouth, he barked. “Stop!”

Alowishus tilted his head at Yami, not yet giving the signal for the Mage to cease. “Agree.”

Yami glared.

Nozel began to scream.

Voice caught in fear and horror, Teris’ trembled, knuckles white as she clutched onto Yami’s upper arms.

“We’ll do it. We’ll go.” Yami broke.

Alowishus smiled. “Excellent.”

The signal was given and the Mage stopped.

Alowishus held a beckoning hand out to Teris. “Come here.”

Yami’s arm tightened around Teris’ waist. But he hadn’t needed to worry, she didn’t even try to move.

“It appears you require another lesson in how this goes.” Alowishus turned to the Mage and told. “Don’t be so gentle this time.”

Whatever the man was doing, he did it to both Nozel and Fuegoleon. Both their bodies seized. The Crimson Lion and Silver Eagle crying out. Teris tired to take a step toward Alowishus but Yami held her in place. She squirmed in his arms, pushing at his chest; but Yami refused to release her.

Teris looked up Yami at single tear rolling from its bank and down her cheek. “Please.”

Yami shook his head even as his hold slowly released. Teris stepped away him. He made to follow but was barred by someones arm. They didn’t dare touch him, but it was enough to stay his steps.

Teris was more than halfway to him when Alowishus gave his man a nod.

Teris’ steps ceased. Her head started to turn to look over her shoulder at Fuegoleon and Nozel when suddenly Alowishus was right in front of her. His hand clasped her jaw, fingers digging into her cheeks as he turned her to face him.

The next thing Teris knew, Alowishus was kissing her. No. It wasn’t really a kiss. Though that didn’t make it any less unnerving or make her stop trying to push away. It was more like the way a mother bird feeds her young. Only in this case, Alowishus was forcing a thick, vaporous substance down her throat.

Yami broke the arm barring his way and rushed forward. He was tackled and held down by three men. A cloak of mana flickered around Yami like a sputtering candle flame, present one moment and gone the next.

Calen ground his teeth. His magic fighting to negate Yami’s.

Mana skin blinking in and out of existence, Yami threw one of the men holding him into another that was coming to assist. He got to his feet and tossed a second against a tree trunk ten meters away,

“Stand back.” Slade told the third that was still trying to hold Yami back from their Master. The Rope Mage created a glowing rope. It wrapped around Yami, binding him tight.

Yami fell to the ground. He pulled and struggled against the magical binds, yelling curses and threats.

Alowishus released Teris and staggered back. Misandre was there to help steady her Master.

Teris fell to her knees. Sputtering, she coughed up dense black smoke. Her eyes watered, at the burning cold that seeped through her body into her very soul.

“What the hell did you do to her! I’ll kill you!” Yami roared, the magical ropes breaking nearly as fast as Slade could create them.

“I merely replenished her mana stores. You should thank me. In her depleted state she wouldn’t have survived receiving the Future of Chaos, let alone whatever dangers we might cross down there.” Alowishus looked down at Teris who was on all fours choking up thick black puffs. “Your system is adjusting to foreign mana. It’s not a perfect exchange, but you’ll be fine.”

Yami snarled. His fighting didn’t let up, even as Teris’ coughing eased.

“Let him go to her.” Alowishus ordered.

As soon as Slade’s magic released, Yami was on his feet. He rushed to Teris, sliding to his knees to stop beside her. His arm wrapped around her jerking shoulders as she continued to sputter.

“You alright?” Yami asked, pushing her hair back from her face.

Teris nodded, still wheezing. She wiped the stale taste of Alowishus off her mouth and spit, wisps of black mana escaping her mouth and nose like smoke. She pushed up to her knees, a shaking hand gripping Yami’s arm for balance. “Leon? Nozel?”

Yami glanced over at the still bound men. Neither Nozel or Fuegoleon moved. Their breathing so shallow Yami couldn’t see the rise and fall of their chests. Through his sense of their Ki, he was able to pick up on their faint breaths and weakened heartbeats.

“Still breathing.” It was the only thing Yami could say.

Alowishus turned away. “Let’s go. The new moon rises. We must be in the vault by its peak.”

“What’s a moonless night have to do with it?” Teris rasped, Yami helping her to her feet.

Alowishus turned back her. Rather than answer, he told. “Yami’s power might be on the rise. But he has still faced a small down trend as the Summer Solstice has neared. Your power, though lessening, will continue to grow slightly until the morning of the solstice.”

Yami looked at Teris seeing her frown at the unanswered question. He could see her mind working, trying to figure out the answer on her own.

“Before we head out. Turn around and look at your beloved friends.” Alowishus ordered.

Despite not wanting to do anything the man told her to, Teris couldn’t resist. She turned.

Yami stood in her way, wide shoulders and towering frame blocking her view. He gave her a slight shake of his head.

Teris stared up at him.

“Move and let her see them, Yami. You both should know the stakes any further disobedience will have.” Alowishus told.

“She doesn’t need to see them.” Yami said, eyes lifting to the man that called himself Death.

Alowishus stared back. For a moment it looked as if he would insist. With a sigh, he allowed. “Very well. You’ve seen the state of them, Yami. You know what testing me would mean. I doubt you want to be the cause of their deaths.”

Teris balked at that. She tried to step to the side, but Yami moved with her.

“So protective.” Alowishus smirked. Looking at Teris, he told. “It’s probably for the best. A sight like that will stay with you long after they’ve recovered, or died.”

“Leave her alone.” Yami growled.

Alowishus looked down at Teris. “Just so long as you’re aware. Timeis of the essence for the both of us. Your cousin won’t last more than two hours at most. Your Intended not lasting much longer after that. And that’s only if you behave and don’t kill them yourselves by having me set Nexis back to work on them.”

Yami glared at Alowishus. “We won’t try anything. Let’s just get on with it.”

“For the Prince’s sake I hope that’s true. I will be carrying a charm. If I activate it, Nexis continues his work until I deactivate it. If I’m injured, it activates immediately. If I am rendered unconscious, it activates immediately. As unlikely as such a happening is, if I am killed...” Alowishus smiled at the change in Yami’s eyes at the prospect.

“Let me guess. The charm activates.” Yami said.

“No. The charm crumbles to dust. As does the connecting ones left in the hands of my followers. If that happens, not only will the Silva and Vermillion heirs be instantly killed. But the Agents watching Captain's Julius and Jax, as well a the rest of your friends from afar, will spring into action killing them before they even realize there’s a threat.” Alowishus said.

“But you’ll be dead.” Yami said, as if the rest didn’t matter.

Alowishus gave a tight smile. “Only for a time. You cannot kill Death”

“Pretty sure if I removed your head you’ll die.” Yami said.

“I’ve heard that before. Sadly, only one such commenter was still around to see how wrong they were.” Alowishus sighed tiredly and raised a guiding arm. “Shall we?”

Taking Teris’ hand, Yami stepped after Alowishus. They walked for some time through the dark forest with only the dim glow of the accompanying Agents of Chaos’ grimoires to light the way.

While the mana Alowishus gave Teris might've bolstered her magics reserves. It didn’t do much to help against physical exhaustion. Seeing her start to lag, Yami looked ahead to Alowishus. “Didn’t you say time was of the essence? Why are we tripping through a moonless forest?”

“Misandre will see us inside the labyrinth, but first we must find it.” Alowishus said. Pausing his steps to stare at something in his hand.

“What do you got there?” Yami asked.

“Directions. Of a sort.” Alowishus looked over his shoulder at Yami. “Come have a look if you’d like.”

Yami slowly released Teris’ hand. He glared at the surrounding Agents of Chaos in warning. Grateful for the breather, Teris didn’t move to follow him.

Alowishus watched Yami as he stepped beside him and looked at what he held in his open palm.

Yami scowled. “Are those bones?”

“Finger bones to be precise. They’re from the maker of the labyrinth and are pointing us to the labyrinths entrance.” Alowishus smirked at Yami. “You see? I do my part to make things as easy and painless as I can for the two you. When we reach the area, Misandre will portal the three of us in. Once down there, we’ll make our way to the vault and the three of us will enter and receive the Future of Chaos.”

Yami raised a brow. “The three of us?” He scratched the back of his neck. “I might not have the brains Teris does. But I remember the paper sniffers at Investigations saying Yurist’s prophecy said the ones who found the History of Chaos would find its future. Seeing as you weren’t there when we got the first page of Chaos. I don’t see how you expect to get your hands on the second.”

Alowishus’ eyes darkened. “I’ve forgotten more about Yurist and his prophecy’s than the sum knowledge of the four kingdoms libraries and scholars combined. When it comes to such things, you must be careful, Yami. Yes, the prophecy says the two that find the History of Chaos will also find the Future of Chaos. But the key word there is find. Not receive.”

Yami looked at the man thinking that if the keyword was ‘find’ then Alowishus was still somehow wrong and in for a disappointment; because he and Teris weren’t finding anything, they were being led. Giving one last look at the bones that moved like a compass, Yami stepped back to Teris.

They walked a bit more until Alowishus stopped once again.

“Misandre. Here. Three hundred and seven meters down.” Alowishus glanced at Yami and Teris seeing they too had picked up on the numbers. He and his people still hadn’t learned the full meaning of Yami being a third seventh son; and as much as he wanted to question Yami further on it, now wasn’t the time.

Calen stepped to his Master, his concern evident. He remembered last years long lingering injury Alowishus had suffered from his battle with Julius Nova, and Yami and Teris’ combined attack.

“They know the stakes, and won’t try anything.” Alowishus soothed Calen. He looked at Yami and Teris. “Will you.”

Yami’s left hand rested on his katana’s hilt. “I suppose you’ll just have to trust us. Just like we’re having to trust you about not killing the royals, and letting us all go.”

Calen glared at Yami. “If you harm the Master. I’ll do more than kill your friends. I’ll find this Land of the Rising Sun and end every single member of the Sukehiro line.”

“Good luck with that.” Yami said, sure there had to be a family that went by Sukehiro in his homeland; unfortunately for Calen’s plans, it wasn’t Yami’s family.

Misandre opened up a portal. Alowishus gave the Spatial Mage a nod as he passed through. That’s when Yami saw the woman’s hands. Hands he’d recognize anywhere given the amount of times they had hit him and tried to crush his neck.

Yami pulled his katana from its sheath. “Those don’t belong to you!”

“Yami, don’t!” Teris grabbed his arm, not seeing how his eyes had flicked black for a fraction of a second.

Snarling at the woman wearing Bronn’s hands, Yami sheathed his katana. “I’ll soon see those off you and where they belong.”

96.2.2

“Teris. Give us some light.” Alowishus said from somewhere in the dark space.

Teris’ hand twitched tempted to light up the direction Spade’s voice sounded from and fry him. Her grip on Yami’s arm tightened, grateful they had stepped through the portal together.

Slowly, she lit up the area. The three blinked, their eyes adjusting.

Looking about the space, Alowishus told. “To use your terminology, the labyrinth isn’t active. With it not open and visible to the surface we will have to deal with the dark. But it also means that most of the beasts and traps will be in hibernation. Still, be on guard. The creatures that reside in places like this are more powerful during the new moon.”

“Which leads me to ask again. Why a moonless night?” Teris questioned.

Alowishus tilted his head. “The vault is this way.”

Senses alert to danger even if he didn’t appear to be, Yami commented almost conversationally. “I suppose we should be thankful that Bronn was such a good Spatial Mage. Without his hands, that woman probably would’ve deposited us between bedrock.”

“Noticed that did you?” Alowishus smiled, leading the way.

“Gotta admit, I half expected her to try and smack me upside the head.” Yami said.

“Parts taken carry a residual portion of a persons magic, not a remnant of the persons character.” Alowishus said.

“Why take Bronn’s hands at all? Were Erskin’s a little too chewed up by Saber Wolves? Or were the hands of your dead follower too painful to see?” Teris asked.

“When you have lived as long as I; such feelings of friendship, love, even hate all but fade away. I’m not so old that I’m incapable of affecting such emotions for the sake of others. But, just between the three of us. I feel little to nothing. Well, until the two of you showed up.” Alowishus stopped and turned to to face them. “You two have done much more than give me the means to reach my aims. You have made me feel again. First excitement. Then awe. I have long since forgotten what hope felt like. But I believe I may have begun to feel a bit of that as well.”

Teris’ brows furrowed. “Just how old are you?”

Alowishus wagged a finger at her. “A proper bred young royal like you should know it’s impolite to ask.”

“Just how old are you?” Yami questioned.

Alowishus smirked and turned away. “Come. Time runs short.”

Though they didn’t come upon any traps. They did happen upon two beasts. Just as Alowishus had said, the creatures were more difficult to subdue than expected. Finally they reached a large cavernous chamber with a set of towering double doors that looked near identical to the ones that had housed the History of Chaos.

“Our time together is almost over.” Alowishus said, as if saddened by the fact.

“You’ll keep your word and let us go.” Yami prompted.

“Of course. I’m a man of my word. After this, you and Teris are free to go. Until I next require you that is.”

“Nozel and Fuegoleon?” Teris questioned.

“Your beloved cousin and your Intended will be set free as well.” Alowishus said.

“Last time we faced a vault containing something having to do with Yurist and Chaos the doors snapped shut behind us and didn’t reopen till someone from the outside did so.” Yami said.

“That won’t be an issue.” Alowishus said.

“Why? Got a tracking charm on you that you’ll leave where you’re standing so the Spatial Mage with Bronn’s hands can portal here and open the doors when we’re done?” Yami asked.

“Clever. But no.” Alowishus told.

“Then what’s your plan for getting us out of there?” Teris questioned.

“Me.” Alowishus said.

“You?” Teris stared.

Alowishus’ expression darkened. “Even if you don’t trust me. Trust that I don’t want to be in that vault room any longer than necessary.”

Alowishus turned and looked at the vault doors. Excited as he was to once again see and this time receive the Future of Chaos, he wondered if his grandfather’s work would have him. And if added to his grimoire, what, if anything, the page of Chaos would show him.

96.3

Nozel’s eyes slowly opened. Even with the pain, thirst, hunger, and fatigue muddling his senses; he could feel a swell of mana not too far from where they were.

Guilt washed over him. Not just for Teris agreeing to whatever Alowishus wanted for his and Fuegoleon’s sake; but for the terrible state the Crimson Lion was in.

During their questioning, the Agents of Chaos had taken to torturing the other in effort to get them to comply. The tactic had worked a lot quicker on Fuegoleon, who had caved, reluctantly answering their questions. Nozel’s will to protect Teris and ability to tune things out had seen him hold out longer. Their tormentors cutting into Fuegoleon’s flesh and magically tearing at his insides as Alowishus calmly waited for Nozel to answer.

Much as he wanted to, Nozel couldn’t fully lay the blame of this on Yami. Not when he and Fuegoleon were being used to make Teris comply with Alowishus Spade’s wishes. Not when even he had broke for Fuegoleon’s sake and answered the mans questions. He tried to recall what those questions had been but currently couldn’t.

His still good eye, the other swollen shut, turned in the direction of the swelling mana. The direction Alowishus had taken Teris and Yami in. He hoped Teris was alright, and silently swore he’d kill Yami if the man let anything happen to her.

Still unconscious, Fuegoleon’s shallow breath rattled in his chest. The Crimson Lion was fading. Yami and Teris needed to hurry.

96.4

Yami’s head snapped up, sensing a rise in Alowishus’ mana.

Teris turned to the man as well, tone accusatory. “The peak of the new moon has a similar effect as the solstice does for us.”

“Not the peak of the new moon. The moment right before. When it is at its darkest. The height of the moons death, if you will.” Alowishus gestured to the closed vault doors. “After you.”

“Never been in a labyrinth where the vault doors didn’t open. Do we just bust in?” Yami asked.

Teris shook her head. “There’s magic holding the doors closed. If we try to force it, the reaction could be similar to our magic when it clashes.”

Yami looked up. “Under three hundred some odd meters of earth and stone. I don’t like our chances of surviving that.”

Teris turned to Alowishus. “The labyrinth’s not active. There is no way we can open the vault doors.”

“You disappoint me. Unless you’re hoping I’m that stupid.”

Teris’ mouth opened, but Alowishus continued on.

“I assure you. I didn’t go through all this trouble without being certain there was a way to open a sleeping labyrinths vault room.”

“Then do it.” Teris said.

“Now that does make me certain you know better. Did you forget the rules regarding your friends up top? Think you could see me dead by tricking me and light travel to them before my followers kill them?” Alowishus’ eyes darkened. “Open it up.”

“The mana you gave me— I doubt it’ll recognize it as mine.” Teris said.

“Then we will just have to hope your system was able to assimilate enough of it for the labyrinth to recognize it is you.” Alowishus said.

“What’s that?” Yami asked, looking between them.

Frowning at Alowishus, Teris explained. “If what Yurist wrote is true. Then our mana should be able to open the doors.”

“So why can’t he do that?” Yami asked.

Teris stepped before the doors. “Shall we.”

Yami scowled. “I asked you a question.”

“Leon and Nozel don’t have much time.” Teris told.

Yami stared a moment. Something was off. He didn’t like how Teris didn’t answer him. How she wouldn’t even look at him, staring straight at the door. But she was right. Braid Face and Lion Cub were in bad shape. They didn’t have much time.

Heaving a sigh, Yami tilted his head side to side, stretching his neck. “How much mana are we giving to open up this thing?”

Teris swallowed, nervously. “As much as it needs in order to recognize us as us.”

Yami did the same as Teris and placed his palm on the door. He slowly loosened his hold on his mana. Even a couple paces from Teris and in direct contact with the object he was letting his mana seep into, it was a struggle to keep it from veering to connect with hers.

A pressure beneath his hand built as if something other than the door was stretching out, making contact with him. It apparently approved, as it stopped taking in his mana forcing Yami to pull back on the eased harness of it least his lose control and his mana connect with Teris’.

Yami turned to Teris surprised she wasn’t done as she had started before him. He stepped to her. A prickle of foreboding tickling the back of his neck. “Teris?”

Watching Teris with interest, Alowishus warned. “I wouldn’t touch her.”

Yami spun to the man, temper and worry rising. “What’s happening?”

“It’s trying to decide if it’s really her.” Alowishus said.

“What do you mean, if it’s her? Of course it’s her.”

“Did you forget? I gave her a portion of my mana.” Alowishus said.

Yami’s muscles tensed, concern tipping into fear. His jaw clenched, understanding what Teris and Alowishus had been talking about. Understanding why she had avoided answering and had refused to look at him.

“I’m confidant her system has been able to assimilate enough of my mana and make it her own by now.” Alowishus eased.

“Bastard! I’ll kill you!” Yami stepped toward Alowishus, katana cloaked in darkness.

“Do you really wish to be the death of Teris’ beloved friends when you are so close to seeing them and yourselves go free? Or was this your secret plan all along? To lash out at me and get her Intended out of the way. Permanently.”

Katana raised to send a slash of darkness, Yami paused.

Alowishus lifted a shoulder, smirking. “I can’t say I blame you. You face enough trails with me and my plans as it is. It would undoubtedly be a relief not to have to deal with the mess of having to fight in order to make Teris yours. You know I could just activate the charm. We could finish up here and return to the top. It’ll simply appear to Teris as if they succumbed to their injuries. It will be our secret. She need never know.”

Yami glared. The cloak of darkness disappeared from his blade. “No.”

“I could send message for only Nozel to be put down.” Alowishus tempted. “Fuegoleon, if he still lives, isn’t the problem after all.”

“I said, no.” Yami growled. He sheathed his katana.

Teris fell to her knees.

Yami turned back and knelt beside her. “I got you. You alright?”

“Yeah.” Teris breathed.

Yami brushed her hair back noting how pale and feverish she was. “When we get outta here you and I are gonna talk about the chance you took without telling me.”

“Had to—for Nozel and Leon.” Teris panted, trembling hand wiping her sweat drenched brow.

Looking down at them, Alowishus felt a pang of disappointment that Yami hadn’t taken him up on his offer. Maybe it was merely because Death had helped create Darkness; but there was something about Yami that made him want to win the young man over.

Alowishus stepped in front of the opening vault doors. “Up. We still got our prize to receive.”

Ignoring the man, Yami asked Teris. “Can you stand?”

Still out of breath, Teris merely nodded.

Yami hooked her arm around his neck and wrapped his arm around her waist. Easily bearing most of her weight, he lifted her to her feet with him as he stood. “Let’s get this over with.”

They stepped into the vault with Alowishus. Yami and Teris looked at each other, puzzled when they weren’t congratulated by the same Crazy Happy Killer Voice that had greeted them when they received the History of Chaos.

If the labyrinths were created by the same person. Even if that person wasn’t Yurist himself. Then surely things would be similar. The doors and interior of the vault were almost identical.

At least this vault didn’t have bodies in various stages of decay, Teris morbidly thought.

Alowishus seemed to realize something was wrong as well. Mana flaring, the Master of the Agents of Chaos released a roar of fury. The chamber they were in shook around them. Dirt and stone raining down.

Yami held Teris tight, creating a shielding cocoon of blackness. “Get us out of here!”

Teris would’ve done so but for one thing. Her concern for Nozel and Fuegoleon’s lives. Alowishus still held that charm.

“Now!” Yami gritted, dark cocoon straining against the weight of the crumbling labyrinth.

Teris light traveled them to where they had last seen Fuegoleon and Nozel.

“Get away from them!” Alowishus ordered his people when they made to move against Yami and Teris.

Teris spun around. Yami’s shield dropped,

Teris’ hand lifted on instinct. She sent out a burst of incinerating light only for it to dim and slow as soon as if left her. Slowed as it was, it was still faster than most magical attacks.

Caught by surprised, Alowishus didn’t get a chance to move. The attack struck him in the chest. There was a moment of stillness as everyone stared.

Alowishus and Teris blinked at one another. They both knew he had been undefended and her direct hit should have instantly killed him.

Rage still consuming him, Alowishus counted this as one thing going his way this night. “It would seem your system hasn’t assimilated enough of my mana for it to harm me. Better luck next time.” He saw Yami reach for his katana and ordered. “Misandre. Quickly now.”

Alowishus didn’t wait around long enough to see if Misandre was able to portal his followers out in time. Breaking apart, he disintegrated into the earth.

Katana cloaking in darkness even as he unsheathed it from its scabbard, Yami sent out a several dark slashes. He cursed, knowing before they cut down the trees beyond that he was too slow. Alowishus and the Agents of Chaos were gone.

Yami turned to Fuegoleon and Nozel. With a swipe of his blade, he cut the Silver Eagle and Crimson Lion free. Hoping Alowishus' foreign mana wouldn’t adversely effect her light traveling Fuegoleon and Nozel, Teris took the four of them to Healers Hall.

96.5

Alowishus’ anger had barely calmed. Storming into his private office, he slammed the door behind him and made for the shelf behind his desk, picking up his father's skull.

“Your lied!” Alowishus roared, gripping the skull in both hands.

“I told you, your efforts would be futile.” A voice resonated in his head.

Alowishus shook the skull, not hearing the dead mans words. “The Future of Chaos was not there!”

“The Future of Chaos is not for you.” The voice of the skull sounded in his mind.

“I had a plan to work around that. It was faultless.” Alowishus snapped.

“Apparently not.” The voice said.

“You placed grandfathers work back inside labyrinth 297,353 after you retrieved it, putting special protections in place to keep me out.” Alowishus said.

“You mean after I took back what you stole?” The voice of Erin Spade questioned.

Alowishus snarled, grip tightening. “I had it in my grasp and you took it. Stole it.”

“You stole it first.”

Alowishus slammedthe skull down and turned away. He had barely been able to delve into the unfathomable knowledge that was the Future of Chaos before his father had ripped it from his grasp. He had been sure his father had placed the page back in labyrinth 297,353 for Yami and Teris to eventually find; certainthat his father had merely set barriers to block his re-entrance, since he had been unable to enter again until tonight.

“You placed grandfathers work back inside labyrinth 297,353 after you retrieved it.” Alowishus said, again.

“Did I?” His father's voice sounded in his mind.

“You moved the Future of Chaos to another location!”

“You moved it first when you stole it.”

“You changed the future Yurist saw. You ruined Yami and Teris’ destiny to have the Future of Chaos.” Alowishus accused.

“More thanlikely, I kept theprophecy concerning the Future of Chaosin tact. While my father’s prophetic words could often be unclear. That one sentencewas quite clear. Findand receive. It could hardly be said those twofound the labyrinth, what with you setting upon them and forcing them to bend to yourwill and go down there. I have full confidence that Yami and Teris will find and receive my father’s final work, if they haven’t already.”

“What do you mean haven’t already?” Alowishus demanded.

“Destiny canonly be bent to your will so far before it snapsback to its own designs, Fin.”

Alowishus sneered at beingcalledby his first life's name. “I will have my way, Old Man. Yami and Teris will help me awaken Chaos and see to a finalend. I will get what I have worked sevenexistencesfor.”

“Good luck doing it without the Future of Chaos.” The voice taunted.

“You are useless and more infuriating every time I speak to you. I should ground your bones to dust and forget you ever lived.”

“I wish you would.” The skull of Erin Spade said.

“That would bring you too much joy. Finally finding your rest after all these years. No. You will not rest until I have my way.” Picking up the skull, Alowishus set it back on the shelf. “Till the death of the next moon, Old Man. Know that I won’t enjoy the three nights of your company anymore than you will mine.”

Comments are VERY MUCH appreciated and really make my day. Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently commented or re-blogged. It really means a lot.

Next chapter snippet:

“He’s ill.” Jax said.

“How ill?” Marx asked.

“Deathly.” Yami rumbled.

#yami sukehiro #nozel silva #fuegoleon vermillion #julius novachrono #mereoleona vermillion #black clover #light in the darkness

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softjeon · 6 years

Text

Through the Veil | Pt. 6

• Pairing: Yoongi x Jungkook • Genre: Angst / Fluff | demon!AU (→ Gifset Trailer) • Words: 9k | Co-Writer: Cat @cassiavioletblue ↳ (AO3) • Disclaimer: mentioning of alcohol and violence / death / graphic content

↳ Jungkook is pretty sure that he is a normal human being, but he is also sure that this book, he got from his grandma, is a cookbook. So when it turns out that the words he's reciting are not to cook some tasty meal but to summon something from the depth of the underworld - then maybe there are a few more suprises for him in stock. « previous chapter | masterlist | next chapter »

He had flown faster that he ever had before but you couldn't just transport yourself to hell like you could do on earth, so he had no other choice. He was gasping, coughing, lungs burning and clothes soaked with Jungkook's blood when he stumbled onto Persephone's forecourt, collapsing into the dirt and wings tumbling into a mess of feathers and dirt.

“Persephone!” He yelled, not even caring for decency or addressing her properly or for the hellhounds that could be around, just waiting to attack any unwanted guests. The goddess had noticed the return of her demon right away, had felt his presence. A smile appeared on her lips, as she closed her eyes, listening to his pleas. She followed his call slowly, walking down the stairs of her palace with mindful steps, taking her sweet time until she stood right in front of her demon.

“I see you have returned,” The goddess said and kneeled, to look at the bleeding boy right away. Just when she reached out for him, wanting to push a strand of hair aside, to take a closer look Jungkook gasped loudly, coughing and curling in on himself. A painful scream escaped his lungs and his breath came in short pants. Jungkook couldn’t focus, couldn’t see what was in front of him as he tried to pull himself closer to Yoongi, stammering his name quietly.

Out of a sudden a loud yowling sound came from one of the hellhounds around and the goddess looked up, feeling the air getting thicker around them, the temperature cooling down. “Death is coming,” She whispered, turning her head to Yoongi again.

“Help us! Please!” He was beyond begging, desperation laced through every word. He was holding onto Jungkook so tightly as if he could keep him alive if he just held him together. Or as if he himself would fall apart the second he let go. “Please, I’m sorry for vanishing, I couldn’t - I’ll explain everything, I’d do whatever you ask later just please, please, keep him safe! Don’t let death have him! It’s not his fault! It wasn’t his time - I - I’m sure I fucked up his timeline somehow just please - do something!” Yoongi shuddered violently when he felt death approaching.

They had crossed paths before, not like this, but Yoongi had seen him from afar, from the safety of the distance and an aerial point of view. He had seen the hood, the dark cowl and the blackness underneath, first thinking that it was shadows covering up deaths face. Until it had looked up. Even from that far away Yoongi had felt the cold creeping into his heart and making it clench. There were no shadows or darkness covering death’s face. Its face was the darkness. Just like its voice was the silence. Not just any silence and definitely not the comfortable one. You would know when death spoke because it was a silence so thick, so potent you felt like you had gone deaf during those seconds, until he stopped speaking and you remembered what hearing was again. Yoongi had been scared, he hadn’t admitted it to himself back then but he admitted it now. But he was only scared for Jungkook, scared of losing him. Not for his own safety.

So he stayed where he was, holding Jungkook tight, gently rocking him back and forth as if he was an injured child that just needed comfort to get all better, all the while trying to feed the younger all the energy he had. It didn’t work. It was as if the connection between them was brittle and full of holes, most of the energy trickling away uselessly. And his source wasn’t endless, he only had that much to spare before he would start dying himself. Also his energy was that of a demons and it was like trying to run a car with a wrong fuel, one could maybe dilute it with some other source a little, but as soon as the real source of fuel would go below a certain level or the percentage of the wrong fuel was too high - then it could mean damage beyond repair.

Persephone cocked her head to the side, looking from her servant down to the boy, who was shivering. She felt the love that Yoongi was radiating, the fear and the hope he had in her. The goddess had seen where Yoongi had been the last weeks, had observed him closely, seeing the way that angelic boy made one of her strongest demons fall in love. She had never imagined it to be Yoongi out of all people. He probably didn’t even knew it himself, yet.

A smile appeared on her lips and she nodded. “You are in my debt, Yoongi,” She stood up and turned around, just when death stood in front of her. The goddess greeted him with a bow of her head. Yoongi shivered, the presence of both a goddess and death itself too much for his own being. He couldn’t imagine how Jungkook must feel.

Jungkook weakly blinked his eyes open, his bloody hand reaching out for Yoongi when he felt a snap and a painful ache. He wasn’t aware of his surrounding, nor did he notice who was standing next to him, because Jungkook was using his last strength to focus on the demon. “Yo- your wings, Yoongi,” Jungkook stammered, his whole body shaking, “-are dirty, ‘cause of me.” Another snap and Jungkook screamed out, before nothing else but whimpers escaped his body. “I…I can’t feel...y-you,” Jungkook coughed up some blood, “Don’t…don’t leave me.”

“Shh.. sht..don’t worry, it’s alright, baby... it’s alright…,” His voice was trembling so much and Jungkook looked so far gone that he was certain the boy wouldn't hear him at all. But he still kept talking, still kept trying to soothe him even though he had no idea what he was even doing or if there was the slightest chance of being able to save Jungkook.

Persephone turned around and with a whip of her hand she made Yoongi tore his gaze off Jungkook and look up at her, “Death and I, we came to an agreement. So it is possible to safe your little friend.” The word ‘friend’ had a certain tone to it that made pretty clear that she knew how important the angel-boy was to Yoongi. Which made her next statement so much more cruel, “But I am not quite sure why I should ask death to do as you asked. I mean it’s not like I care about him anyway. Tell me, why should I do it exactly? What are you offering me in return, demon?”

Yoongi’s eyes went wide when his heartbeat went into tumbling from the pure joy of knowing that he might be able to safe Jungkook from certain death to the sheer horror of maybe losing Jungkook nonetheless. “I.. I can…,” His mind was utterly blank. He couldn't offer himself because he was Persephone’s anyway, her servant once and for all. He wouldn’t offend her by offering her what she already owned. But he had no idea what the goddess might want. He knew that Jungkook’s time was running out, he could feel it in the way Jungkook lost blood faster than he could feed him with energy, slowly but surely the sand in Jungkook's hourglass came to an end. “No matter what it is you want, no matter what you want to have. I promise - I swear that I will do everything , anything within my power and beyond to get it for you! I don’t care how or what or when, I will get it for you if it's the last thing I’m doing. You know me. You can always kill me if I try to wrong you. There’s nothing you can lose from this, just...just winning. Just...please. Please make him stay alive!”

Persephone smirked at Yoongi’s willingness to do anything to save his love. “I want the angels book!” The goddess ordered and when the demon nodded, she walked around to him and let death do his part. Jungkook had fainted over and over again, holding onto the last bit of strength he had, when he noticed the cold air and he instinctively wanted to scoot closer to Yoongi, seeking for the warmth but he didn’t move. He couldn’t.

Persephone put a hand on Yoongi’s shoulder and spoke softly, “You have to let him go or else death can’t help you. He will be okay, I promise.” Despite knowing he needed to act fast and that he had no other choice than trusting the goddess and her deal with death blindly he couldn’t get himself to let go of Jungkook. His fingers trembled, heartbeat stuttering like a broken engine at just the thought of leaving Jungkook in deaths hands he was unable to move until Persephone placed her hand on his shoulder. His muscles went lax immediately, as if they weren’t his to control. He watched in agony as the dark figure took over from him, cradling Jungkook in its arms and handling him like a rag doll. Jungkook’s head fell back, baring his throat and Yoongi whimpered pathetically. His body was slowly turning numb from the cold that came with death’s closeness and irrational he wanted to put a jacket over Jungkook to keep him from being cold too - while there were greater risks for the boy’s life than that right now.

Yoongi watched as death leaned over the lifeless boy, the darkness under the cloak swirling as if it was alive - and then it enveloped Jungkook's face. With dread the demon realized that death was kissing him, pushing the soul back into his body or breathing the life back into him he didn’t know. He only hoped that what he just witnessed wasn’t the creature sucking the soul right out of Jungkook or else he was swearing on his soul he would lay the underworld in ashes to take revenge for his love.

“Oh, he will eat him,” A croaky old voice said and danced around Yoongi, followed by another who was swirling around on one foot, singing a song way out of tune. A third one appeared under Yoongi’s wing, her eyes were hollow, and she screamed as if she was the one aching. Yoongi had jerked violently when the voice had appeared suddenly out of nowhere so close to his ear. He hated the witches with a passion but it made sense that they were here. They had been around for practically forever, so whenever something interesting happened they made sure to experience it first hand. And apparently they were mostly excited by pain and suffering. So Jungkook in his half-dead- state must seem like desert to them. “So tasty,” One whispered in Yoongi’s ear, while one was looking up at death in awe but she had no eyes either. “He will take him, he will take him,” She repeated over and over again, when suddenly a bright light was illuminating the scene, making them flee as fast they had appeared. Even Persephone was shielding her eyes.

The goddess gasped, watching how Yoongi screamed out out of a sudden, clutching his heart in pain. Suddenly everything was too loud. He could hear the giggles of the grey witches in the distance, Jungkook’s scream, the pain and the love. He could see everything flash by his eyes, every little detail, every moment up until he had seen him for the first time. The bond was repairing itself, making itself stronger and was pulling him back in. The demon felt like a plaything, tossed around between greater powers that he had no idea how to deal with. Nonetheless he stayed were he was, ignoring his own helplessness and pushing down the fear because he would go with anything as long as it made Jungkook better.

Persephone watched in interest before walking over to death, who offered Jungkook over into her arms. Watching how the boy was glowing made her smile. This was powerful magic, and she wondered how the boy had been able to work this kind of powers. Despite all the blood on his clothes, his skin was full off color again, his cheeks were rose dusted, and she could hear how the heart was trying to beat again. Walking over to her demon, she carefully kneeled again. She gave Jungkook over to Yoongi and observed carefully. She had never seen a bond quite like this.

When Persephone allowed him to hold Jungkook again he immediately latched onto him, doing his hardest not to start snarling with death still around and the witches somewhere near. He was too afraid to check for the boys pulse, still shaken with how he had sensed it fading before so he kneeled there awkwardly, body trembling from everything, the emotions, the sensory overload, just too much in general, until he could feel Jungkook breathe again.

Jungkook gasped forcefully, his eyes wide in fear, choking on the first deep breath he took. His heart was beating wildly against his chest and his mind was racing. He screamed out, wanting to get away from whoever he was holding, not realizing it was Yoongi only seeing the pain and the fear in front of his eyes. But he was so weak, couldn’t even try, couldn't understand what had happened. Jungkook screamed out for Yoongi, his vision still blurry making him feel dizzy. He screamed out for him to help him, to not leave him but even his voice was too weak, and it was reducing him to a shivering, crying, cold mess.

“Jungkook..Kookie…,” When the younger didn’t listen, didn’t see, him although he was right in front of him and still holding him to his chest his heart ached painfully. There was confusion written all over Jungkooks face, the panic and pain literally blinding him and so Yoongi took unusual measures to calm him down. He leaned over him and started to kiss his face, just a brush of his lips but he hoped that it would pull him out of his shock and help him come back to his senses. Maybe the underworld was what was making him shake so much or it was the contact with death or the almost-dying but Yoongi swore that he would make it better, that he would help the younger be ok again. He had crossed so many lines tonight there was nothing else holding him back anymore, no caution, no fear or insecurity. He would do whatever Jungkook needed to make sure that he felt safe and loved and as alive as he still was.

Jungkook stilled, closing his eyes on instinct when he felt the familiar warmth on his cheeks, nose and then his lips. His breathing got a little calmer, though his heart was still beating hard against his chest. Jungkook snapped his eyes open just when death disappeared, and Persephone turned her back on Yoongi, strolling back into her palace.

Jungkook stammered, the words not really coming out, his whole body shaking as he reached out for Yoongi’s face, “Wh- what happened?” The tears were falling down his face so quickly, there was no time to stop it, so Jungkook curled in on himself, his arms tightly wrapped around Yoongi’s neck. “I’m…scared,” Jungkook whimpered weakly.

“Sh...shst, it’s fine you’re safe, it’s okay, you’re ok, Jungkookie,” He let the younger cling onto him although the tight grip was painfully digging into his neck. “Take a breath, just breathe through it, baby, I’ve got you. Nothing will…,” His voice broke, how could he tell him that nothing would happen to him as long as Yoongi was around when he had let Jungkook get stabbed about twenty minutes away from the apartment?

“Nothing can hurt you any longer. I’ve got you. You’re safe here...now,” He was keeping his mouth shut about where exactly they were on purpose and also what had been done to keep the boy from dying. There was no point in shocking or traumatizing him further, he would tell him where they were later when he was better, calm and stable enough to not risk getting heart failure from pure stress. He couldn’t imagine what he body must have gone through. But the blood on his clothes still spoke for itself. “Can I pick you up, sweety? I’d like to get you to another place where I can clean you out. Would that be okay? Or do you wanna stay still for a little while. I’m not sure if you’re dizzy...How are you feeling, Kookie. Is it...can you talk?”

Jungkook nodded, his voice only a whisper, “Y- yes.” He could feel how Yoongi wrapped his arms a little closer around him, lifting him up and Jungkook hid himself in the demon’s neck. He felt so weak, not really able to move a muscle. Jungkook was sobbing quietly, feeling so utterly helpless. The warmth of Yoongi’s body was keeping him warm and he was soaking in it like a sponge. Jungkook had lost so much blood and even though death had fully restored him, his body needed to get back into its normal state. He could feel himself drift off a little, his head nodding away but Jungkook jerked up again only to let his eyes fall shut again.

When Yoongi realized how weak the other was, drifting in and out of consciousness he was cradling Jungkook closer towards him, stabilising his head like one would do with a little child so that he couldn’t strain his neck. He softened his steps, trying to balance out his movements as much as possible so Jungkook could sleep. Flying wasn’t an option. He had lost too much energy when trying to heal Jungkook, he could barely walk. But he tried to not let it show. And the pure relief that he felt over Jungkook being still alive and with him helped him push through the exhaustion. Still he was incredibly glad when he finally reached his cavern. It was dark until Yoongi stretched out his wings as far as he could, activating the bioluminescent lichens that covered most of the walls. Of course there were also homes that looked more like human houses or palasts in the underworld - Persephone's place was light and bright and completely like the temple she had lived in on the surface - but Yoongi’s had this cavern like forever and he didn’t mind living in it. He hoped Jungkook wouldn’t be horrified by it. Especially because the water in the lake in the inner part of the cavern was cold and deep and dark like a subterranean lake in the human world would have been.

Jungkook woke again when he noticed the darkness surrounding him and he panicked for a second, jerking up before he relaxed again, feeling Yoongi’s presence still around him. He blinked his eyes open, focusing on the new surrounding. “Wh-where are we?” Jungkook murmured, wiping away a few off his tears when he suddenly had a really bad thought that he didn’t dare to speak. Instead he sobbed against Yoongi’s shoulder, crying out because everything just hurt, and he felt so dirty, letting Yoongi move him like a doll.

“We’re home. At...at my place. I know you’re not used to live like this but it’s convenient and…,” Jungkook’s silent tears fell onto his skin and he stopped when the younger started sobbing, “What is it? Are you in pain? Are you hurting? I can try to heal you...or at least numb the pain. Just let me got you to the bed, I will take care of it, hold on, please, just a little while longer. Can you do that for me please? I know you are strong so...please hold on for a little while longer.” There was no way that he would be able to take away Jungkook’s pain completely or else he would have done that already, he had lost too much energy. But if he wanted to continue to carry Jungkook he needed the last bits of his strength. If he wanted to take care of Jungkook then he couldn’t lose what kept him conscious. But he could clean the younger up, then let him sleep - and then form his dreams. Not to feed but to send him beautiful, relaxing and comfortable dreams that would have him resting under perfect conditions.

“N-no I’m not hurt…anymore,” Jungkook said, still not understanding himself how that was possible. He gulped heavily, gazing back at Yoongi when he spoke up, “Am I dead? Is…is this why I’m here?” Jungkook sighed in relief when Yoongi shook his head, repeating his words and telling him he was in the demon’s home. Jungkook let his gaze wander around when Yoongi carefully put the boy back on his own two feet. He was struggling a bit at first, but Jungkook got back his footing and held onto Yoongi’s shoulders to keep his balance only letting go when Yoongi made him do so to pull the shirt off of him.

“I will tell you everything in detail after you’ve rested for a bit. You’re really exhausted, aren’t you? Let me just take care of everything else,“ He opened Jungkook’s pants, carefully pulling on the material that had almost become completely stiff and crusted over with dried blood. When he had managed to pull both Jungkook’s pants and boxers over the boys narrow hips he guided him to sit so that he wouldn’t fall over with standing on his own and Yoongi could remove all of his clothing more securely.

Jungkook whimpered when he felt Yoongi pulling down all off his clothes, a blush creeping up his cheeks, but he was too much in a daze too fight it. All off his clothes were soaked in blood anyways. Jungkook looked up at Yoongi with big, vulnerable eyes, wrapping his arms around his chest, not noticing the dark marks that adorned his skin where the knife had stabbed him. All he could feel was the dirt, the dried blood and the fear in his bones.

As a demon Yoongi didn’t really have a concept of ‘decency’ the same way Jungkook had and so he didn’t think Jungkook could have something against being naked considering it was a non-sexual context and all Yoongi was doing was cleaning him. While Jungkook had stood up for the demon to better get a grip on his body and hoist him up Yoongi himself had only gotten rid of his shirt - not because he wanted to cover himself up but because he would have time to clean himself properly later when Jungkook was asleep and getting the other to that point as quickly as possible was his priority right now.

Jungkook hid in Yoongi’s neck the moment the other lifted him up again, carrying him into the water. Yoongi warned the younger with whispered words about the cold, letting him adjust to the temperature. While it held the risk of lowering his blood pressure it also could help to numb the pain a little so Yoongi didn’t try to heat the water up like he otherwise might have done. Jungkook whined nonetheless when Yoongi let him down, the cold creeping into his skin and Jungkook was seeking the closeness of Yoongi instinctively. Jungkook bit his bottom lip to try to stop the twitching and keep himself from shaking. He let out a deep breath, his eyes met his dark, intense ones. The younger one let Yoongi wash most off his body, his hands carefully caressing over his face, removing every bit off bloody detail.

When Yoongi had cleaned Jungkook of blood and dirt he carefully tried to clean the stab wound itself who had healed over quickly but was still visible in the form of a deep scar right where the knife had sunk in. Around it were some ugly dark lines and Yoongi tried to cleanse the skin with pure water over and over again until he realized that it wasn’t dirt. The marks had seeped into Jungkookies skin, staining it permanently. A shiver ran through his body as he figured out what it probably was.

‘Touched by death’.

He had heard about this, about people having marks when they had gotten too close to death but he had thought it to be the kind of rumors that even mythical creatures liked to gossip about. Just that it wasn’t that, a rumor. It was painted sharp and clear into Jungkook's skin. Yoongi was only glad that Jungkook was too out of it to notice anything but he dreaded the moment when he would have to tell him what had happened and that there were visible signs left on his body. Even with him having a little bit of angel in him, Jungkookie was still mortal after all.

Yoongi had taken care of Jungkook so carefully, as if he was scared the younger one could break any moment again. The cold water had waken Jungkook up a little more and he reached out for the towel himself when the demon had wanted to dry him up. “Please,” Jungkook whispered, “Let me…let me do that. Can you…get me some water?” When he saw the hesitation in the other’s eyes, he tried a faint smile, “I am okay, please…I just need a moment and I am thirsty.” Jungkook really was, it felt like his throat was burning, making his voice raspier than it normally sounded.

Yoongi was hesitant to let him alone but as Jungkook kept on asking he thought that doing as he wished and getting him some water couldn’t be as dangerous as stressing him out and upsetting him if he continued to refuse him a few seconds for himself. He regretted that decision right away though. When Yoongi came back, the demon found him covering his face with his hands whole body shaking with his sobs. He had put on the pants the demon had laid out for him and when he had wanted to pull over the shirt, Jungkook had noticed the scars. The black marks making them even more visible. He sunk in on himself, only gazing up when he could feel Yoongi right before him. “I feel…so weak,” He stammered, “I’m so tired, I am so sorry. I can’t...”

Yoongi felt the tears prickling in his eyes at how broken and completely lost Jungkook looked and he tried his hardest to appear calm and collected. Jungkook needed him for support and as someone to lean onto. He could break down later when he had made sure that Jungkook was okay but for now there was no time for letting himself get overwhelmed with emotions.

“It’s ok, Jungkookie, I know it’s a lot right now. But try not to think about anything, please. I’ll explain everything later and you can ask or tell me whatever you need. Really, I will answer all of your questions and try to ease all of your fears, I promise. But for now let's get you to bed, okay? You’re gonna drink some water, I’m gonna get you a fluffy blanket and then you’re gonna fall asleep, safe and sound. You’ll feel stronger when you wake up. That sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it?” He tried to be as convincing as he could, gently pushing Jungkook in the direction of the room that held his bed, following deeper into the cavern.

Jungkook stumbled along, nodding absently but so thankful for the presence of the demon. “I trust you,” The younger one stammered, meaning every word of it. He did. He knew that the demon would tell him what he wanted to know as soon as he was rested. Jungkook could feel it in his heart. When Yoongi stopped in front of a stone ledge, the younger one cocked his head to the side. He took the water from Yoongi, not minding that it was in a little bowl and drank it before he said something. “It’s stone,” Jungkook simply stated but sat down nonetheless. It felt rough and nothing like his bed at home. “Yeah, it’s stone,” Yoongi shrugged his shoulders, half trying to defend his living conditions, half feeling guilty for it and apologizing. “The under…,” He bit his tongue “Where I life getting a comfy home isn’t a guarantee and I don’t mind it. I will try to get you something better for tomorrow or create it if I have to. So you won't have to sleep like this for long.”

“Will you stay?” Looking up with his doe eyes, Jungkook’s voice was pleading for Yoongi to keep close to him, “I don’t want to be alone.” Yoongi’s eyes grew soft when Jungkook asked him to stay, voice small as if he wasn’t sure Yoongi would actually do it. “Of course I’ll stay if you want that. I’ll have to get up later to clean myself too but apart from that I plan on staying the whole night with you and making sure that you’re okay. So, don’t worry. No one can get to you. Not tonight. I promise.”

“Okay,” Jungkook simply said and made himself comfortable as much as he could on the cold stone. His mind was drifting off the second he had closed his eyes, that’s how tired he felt, not even waiting for Yoongi to get next to him. Jungkook pulled his legs in further, his hand under his cheek as he was starting to dream, but before any nightmares could sneak into his mind, Yoongi was next to him, making sure all he felt was warmth and safety. Jungkook sighed snuggling in closer to the demon’s chest and since he was laying next to the other in his dream as well, right in the middle of a beautiful, blooming meadow, with the blue sky surrounding them, the boy didn’t even notice when the demon slipped out of ‘bed’.

Yoongi waited for Jungkook’s breath to even out before he gently took a look into his mind. It was incredibly easy to manipulate him, mind as vulnerable as his body right now. It made him hesitate to leave the younger alone because if he could do it as easily then someone else would be able to do that too. Someone who might not have an interest in sending Jungkook calming, relaxing dreams that made him feel better and forget the pain but...Incubi maybe. Or Night-mares (not the bad dreams, but their embodiment, the one with a physical form, that sat on your chest and who gave ‘bad dreams’ their name). But he was feeling horrible with Jungkook's blood on his skin so he took a deep breath and sneaked off to wash himself in the cold lake. Jungkook turned on the cold stone, feeling a bit restless without the demon and the normally comfortable mattress that he had at home. He pulled the blanket a little closer over his body as he was missing the warmth of Yoongi’s body next to him.

Yoongi cleaned himself quick and roughly, scrubbing at the skin until his former pale complexion was red and raw. But no matter how often he cleaned himself he still felt as if the warm blood that had been seeping out of Jungkook's wound was running over his skin constantly. He shivered from the cold when he got back, taking the next best clothes to get something warm and then cuddling himself under the covers with a few inches between him and Jungkook to not scare him off or awake with the cold. Jungkook felt his presence nonetheless, cuddling closer as if Yoongi was what he was searching for in his dreams. The dream kept him safe though and he was happily picking flowers, making a little flower crown to keep himself occupied in his own dream. Jungkook gazed up when Yoongi stepped next to him again and he smiled innocently. When Yoongi kneeled down beside him, Jungkook put it on his head, surprised that the demon let him do so willingly, because even in his dreams the other was mostly hesitant or at least gave him a comment about something, making the flowers wither, but not tonight.

When Yoongi laid down beside Jungkook again, the younger one reached out for him, whining quietly in his sleep mumbling something about wanting to be closer. Just when Yoongi was pulling him in and on his chest, Persephone appeared right next to the bed out of thin air. She was hovering over the ground, not there but just a projection of herself, a ghost-like form that she used sometimes. “My demon,” Persephone said in a whispery sing-song tone, “I see you have your companion back.” She let her hand hover over Jungkook’s body, and the young boy instinctively hid his face in Yoongi’s chest. “Tomorrow,” She said gazing at the demon, “Bring me the book and your debt will be settled.” Reaching out for Yoongi this time, she let her hand caress over his cheek and leaned in to kiss the demon on his hair. Yoongi could feel the energy rush through his veins and he bowed in faithfulness. “You’ve been very brave today,” She whispered before she disappeared again.

Yoongi was caught between exhaustion and relief, sleepiness and too much adrenaline in his system. Persephone's visit seemed like a dream and only when he felt her ‘gift’ replenishing his life energy did he realize that she was actually there, checking up on them with the kind of curiosity that was entirely her; child-like wonder, devoid of moral rules and entirely unpredictable in its manifestation. Yoongi tried to stay awake a little longer, in case she came back and wanted to see what exactly about Jungkook was so special but now that his body was healing and warm and relaxed there was no way he could fight sleep.

Jungkook didn’t know for how long he was sleeping and he didn’t care. His body needed rest and the time to fully heal. He only woke up from the uncomfortableness of the stone beneath him and jerked away when he remembered parts of what had happened last night. Jungkook carefully got out of Yoongi’s embrace without disturbing the other’s sleep and got up, looking up in awe as he saw the beauty of the cave. It was far more mesmerizing in daylight and Jungkook let his gaze wander over all the stalagmites and stalactites that were decorating the cavern.

He kept wandering around, seeing the lake shimmering beautifully under the light. Jungkook kneeled to dip his hand into the cold water, before he walked further where the light was coming from. At the opening of the cave, Jungkook gasped when he saw over a beautiful landscape. His mind still couldn’t comprehend where he was and maybe Jungkook just didn’t want to say it out loud... though it was very obvious.

It took Yoongi about as long to wake up as it took for his subconscious to register that Jungkook had left the bed. He pushed down the terror that attacked his senses immediately, refusing to let his mind wander down ‘what-if’-lane (What if death got him after all? What if Jungkook got scared and ran out blindly, being picked up by the very next creature who had him as his next meal? What if...) He had scrambled to his feet, throat too tight to even call out for the boy, walking to each and every place inside of the cavern that he had been to yesterday with Jungkook by his side, meaning the younger might have remembered it and went to it alone for some unknown reason. The longer he searched, the faster did his heart beat against the inside of his ribcage and the quicker he was walking, almost running, around. Finally, at the end of his wit and ready to go and search for Jungkook in the whole underworld he saw a dark, Jungkook-shaped silhouette standing at the entry of the cavern, faceless against the bright light that came into the darker cave. He relaxed visibly, taking it slow, now that he knew the boy was safe, trying to figure out what exactly he was doing there.

Jungkook was looking up at the sky, or what supposedly should have been the sky when someone or rather something was flying close over the cavern, letting out a screech that was painful to his hearing, making Jungkook jerk back in surprise bumping right into Yoongi, which made him scream out in surprise. “Yoongi!” Jungkook said a little out of breath as he took a few measured steps away from the entry. Jungkook looked at the demon with big eyes, “Am…am I in hell? Is this hell? You said this is your home, right? Am I dead?” He was panicking the moment he had said it out loud and he reached out for the demon, “Why am I here? Where am I?”

Yoongi placed his hands left and right on Jungkook's shoulder and tried to keep him still because he seemed awfully panicky. He had no idea what high blood pressure would do to his wound and if death would come to save him again if it got serious. Probably not.

“No, you are not dead. And you are not in hell. Technically. Not...really. It’s the underworld. Hell is like...how should I explain it…it’s like one floor below? Just with energy levels? It’s not nice there. Here in the underworld - like you don’t need to die to be here? While it’s necessary if you want to go to hell. Except if you are a demon. Or use magic. Or… well, it’s complicated. But I can definitely tell you that you are alive and safe and with me. I didn’t lie when i said that I’ve taken you home with me. This is my home.”

Jungkook gulped heavily, trying to comprehend everything Yoongi had said. The thought of being in the underworld felt a little bit unsettling and Jungkook moved a little closer to Yoongi. “What happened yesterday?” Jungkook asked carefully, the memories off the pain and fear flooding his mind, “Why didn’t I die? I couldn’t feel you anymore? Why did you bring me here?”

Yoongi bit his lip, contemplating how much he could tell Jungkook without shaking him even further. Although his voice was stable his widened eyes and the light tremor in his form gave away how fragile Jungkook was right now. Yoongi had no idea if there were any specific aftereffects of almost-dying but he was pretty certain that it would fuck with your mind and body alike. “Why don’t we sit down first, hm?” He didn’t want to prolong Jungkooks state of confusion so he plopped down right where he was, reaching out for Jungkook's hand and gently pulling him down with him. If Jungkook was sitting he couldn’t faint - or run - that easily. Who knew how he would react.

“The short version is: You got stabbed. I don’t know why they chose you or what they wanted from you but whatever went down in their crazy heads it doesn’t matter anymore. They can’t hurt you ever again. They’re dead. Your injury was...pretty serious-,” Maybe if he avoided words like ‘fatal’ or ‘deadly’ he could make it sound less serious, “- and I couldn't heal you on my own so I took you here. I never told you what exactly I did before you...before I met you. I was in service of Persephone…you might know her as a goddess, there are lots of stories around her, about her relationship with her mum and Hades and pomegranates - just don’t ask her anything about that if you meet her, please, she can be sensitive about that stuff. No one likes to be reminded of your mistakes. Anyway, I asked her to help me save you. And she did. But she asked of something in return. And even though it wasn’t really my place to say yes I did. Because I was afraid of losing you. You understand that, right? That I didn’t do it to hurt you but to save you?”

Yoongi had hesitated to say it out loud because he knew that Jungkook had loved his grandma deeply and still did and that anything of her that he still had was special to him “She wants to have the book. With which you summoned me. You...can’t really do anything with it anyways now that it’s gone blank, right? And...I’m sure you can... I don’t know...look at it? While we’re here? Maybe?” He was rambling but he dreaded Jungkook’s reaction, afraid the younger might start crying or yell at him or tell him he hated him for what he had did. And he hadn’t even mentioned death and its involvement in all this yet. When exactly had he started to care for Jungkook's opinion so much? Since when was he more afraid of hurting Jungkook than offending Persephone? This was a dangerous development and he sure needed to watch his steps.

There was a lot for Jungkook to take in, his fingers fiddling with the hem of his shirt nervously while he listened to everything the other said. Jungkook had heard of Persephone before, had read about her in school but it never crossed his mind that someone like her exist. Well, he hadn’t thought either that demons did exist or angels for that matter. Jungkook didn’t notice the tears that were falling until they fell on his cheek and he hastily dabbed them away, bringing up his shirt in the process. He saw how Yoongi’s eyes shifted downwards for a second again and it reminded him of the scars that he had seen last night. Jungkook got on his knees so he could look at his stomach more closely, letting his finger trace over the dark mark. “Is this… is this why I have this? The dark mark, I mean?” Jungkook shook his head, the memories flooding back into his mind. It could be the only explanation, while he couldn’t remember a third person with him. He couldn’t remember death, was too far gone to notice him in that moment. Only remembering the feeling of being so cold, feeling so utterly helpless had made itself a home in his heart. So, the only explanation he had was that it had been some kind of dark and strong magic.

When Yoongi told him what he had promised Persephone, he just nodded his head. Of course he was sad, but he had other things that reminded him of her. He wasn’t mad at the demon, there was something else on his mind that bothered him way more. “Yoongi, you could have been free?” Jungkook said with big eyes, shifting a little closer to his demon. He reached out to cup his cheeks, making him look up, “You could have just let me die…and be free… You’re a demon! You….,” Suddenly the tears came fast and Jungkook was searching Yoongi’s eyes, his voice barely a whisper, “Why?”

Yoongi was taken back at Jungkook’s suggestion. And then he realized that the younger was right. Not that long ago he would have done anything to get free and was even considering getting Jungkookie in dangerous situations to get him harmed and possibly break the bond with that. But then, when he had actually watched him dying the bond hadn’t even crossed his mind. Only the horror about the younger one ceasing to exist had filled his senses and he had known for sure that he would do whatever it took to stop that from happening.

“I.. I don’t know?” He stumbled over his words and then realized what he had just been saying and that Jungkook, poor, sensitive Jungkookie could take it wrong way so he added, “ Of course I know why I saved you, I just wanted to make sure that you don’t… I mean you haven’t… I wanted…” He had wondered before when exactly he had started to care about the boy so much but it was even more difficult to explain that to Jungkook. Because if he was honest he didn’t understand it himself. He wasn’t supposed to care that much. And especially not for the reasons he did. Maybe if he had saved Jungkookie to get to taste his soul himself, that would be a demon reason to save him. But he would be lying to himself if he said that this is why he had done it. Suddenly his world revolved around Jungkook as if it had always been like that. When he woke up his first instinct was to look for him and when he fell asleep and Jungkook wasn’t with him he was aching to feel the youngers body by his side. His warmth. The comfort it brought to simply know that he was there. Jungkook was...so much more than just some random human being. And not because the angel blood thing made him special. To Yoongi he was the most extraordinary person anyway, angel blood or not. In the end he just looked at Jungkook a little sheepishly, confessing, “I guess I was scared about how it would feel to be without you. So, you could say I saved you for entirely selfish reasons.”

Jungkook let one hand caress down Yoongi’s neck while he wiped away the few tears that had still spilled over away, “Well…I’m glad that you did.” Biting his lip, he averted his gaze putting his hands back onto his knees as he tried to look everywhere but Yoongi. “You can take the book. It’s okay, I am not mad, really,” Jungkook reassured the demon, kind of wanting to fill the awkward silence between them two. Yoongi liked him. Jungkook’s heart was skipping a beat and he almost forgot how to breathe.

Before he could think about it too long, Jungkook jumped into Yoongi’s embrace with that much enthusiasm that it made the demon fall over and on his back. Jungkook hid his face in the crook of Yoongi’s neck, trying to fight the urge to cry again. Instead he placed a soft but quick kisses on Yoongi’s collarbone, then his neck, jawline and cheek before he smiled at the demon beneath him.

Yoongi couldn’t just watch Jungkookie cry like this so he was about to reach out when the younger chose to hug him that exact moment. Yoongi had made a surprised little sound that broke off when he landed on his back and the breath left his lungs because Jungkook landing on him made it a little difficult to breathe. The kisses he got made up for it though.

The demon didn’t dare to move a muscle while Jungkook kissed him in a way that could have been considered sexual or teasing if the younger wasn’t as utterly innocent as he was. Yoongi knew that he shouldn’t read too much into it and that it was just Jungkook’s way of seeking skinship and closeness, no intention behind the kisses but to show Yoongi his joy and gratitude. He shouldn’t act on it. Like at all. But he only had so much self control. So when Jungkook was about to pull back he kept him from moving away with a hand in his hair and another one placed on his lower back, pulling him back in gently and kissing him like he had wanted to for a while: on his lips, insistent, with as much pressure that the younger opened his mouth a little and let him in.

Jungkook sighed, loving the taste of Yoongi’s lips way too much. He felt like he was getting addicted way too fast and he couldn’t control anything anymore. He was Yoongi’s to do with as he pleased. A moan slipped from his lips and Yoongi gracefully pushed Jungkook around, caging the younger one in. Opening his eyes, Jungkook let his hands wander up to Yoongi’s chest, biting his lip in excitement this time. Jungkook couldn’t help but giggle when the demon leaned in again, kissing him so hungrily and the boy felt like he couldn’t breathe and Yoongi had the air he needed to survive. He needed him. Close. Way closer. The pleasure rippled through him way too easily, making his cheeks flush red. The bond was pulsating between them, sending sparks through their veins.

Yoongi groaned low in his throat when Jungkook kissed him back, giggling and carefree as if it was a game to him. It was difficult to resist him when he was initiating skinship - but it was kinda impossible when he reciprocated Yoongi’s kisses so eagerly. The demon was trying to hold back as much as he could and still he wanted more and more...

“Don’t do that Jungkook...don’t kiss me back when you don’t want me to seduce you properly. Someday I might not be able to stay rational and then I’m gonna show you what pleasure feels like. The kind of pleasure where you’re gonna end up in ecstasy,” He closed his eyes for a second, suppressing a shiver at the thought of Jungkook below him, arching up against him, heady with lust and arousal, looking so sinfully perfect like this, willing and needy…

Jungkook was breathing heavily underneath the other, pulling him in further. “Maybe I want you to,” His voice was barely audible and Jungkook closed his eyes, when he couldn’t help but giggle again, hearing the desperate groan coming from Yoongi. It sounded so low, so breathy, so…so hot. “Yoongi,” Jungkook whispered his name against the demon’s lips, feeling dizzy from the pleasure and the heat. When the demon kissed down his neck, letting his tongue trail over his sensitive skin, Jungkook jerked his eyes open, moaning and arching his back into Yoongi’s body.

“Fuck!” Yoongi couldn't help but curse under his breath when the hard planes of Jungkooks body pressed against him like that. How could someone be so utterly sweet and oblivious to what exactly he was doing to Yoongi? Who allowed him to act like this and handle his body so unreservedly sexy when Yoongi knew damn well that the absolute most Jungkook had done with anyone before was making out behind some school building? Except this here of course. And if he wasn’t careful then Yoongi was about to broaden Jungkook’s horizon a little and…

The second he felt another magical presence appearing he stretched out his wings, shielding Jungkook with both them and his body, rather risking to get injured himself than watching Jungkook bleed again. When nothing happened he only warily disengaged from Jungkook, turning around to see who had appeared at the entry of his cavern. With an amused look on his snout there was one of underworld inhabitants standing leaned against some stalagmit and waiting for Yoongi to get up and properly greet him. Yoongi growled at him and deemed that proper enough.

“What do you want?” He spat at him and only then noticed the confused look on Jungkook’s face. Right. Jungkook probably didn’t see jackal-headed-creatures on a daily basis. The creatures fur was a shiny black with some lighter fur pattern around his eyes and throat. They looked friendly and amiable but Yoongi knew better. They had claws just as sharp as his and those jaws could rip a persons head right off if they wanted to. That’s what made them Persephone’s favoured messengers; they were easy to send and easy to talk to but if something went wrong they could handle it just as casually. “Don’t worry, he won’t harm you,” He whispered as quietly to Jungkook but from the amused glint in the creatures eyes he had heard him anyways - and they both knew that if Persephone would decide to change his mind Jungkook was a very easy prey for someone like him. Jungkook’s heart was beating wildly and he had reached out for Yoongi on instinct, having a tight grip on his shirt. He nodded anxiously, still lying underneath the demon.

“I’m coming to tell you to get the book. Preferably an hour ago. Her majesty is waiting,” It was strange to see human words coming out of the furry snout. Normally they spoke the universal language all the creatures in the underworld spoke but apparently Persephone had told her servant to show consideration for Jungkook and speak the boy’s language. Honestly Yoongi prefered the rough barks and dog-like jips that suited the jackal-headed creatures the most. The human body they sported couldn’t be blocked out then but at least the language matched the face.

Jungkook looked up at the creature with interest and fear simultaneously, before patting Yoongi’s chest, as he motioned for Yoongi to sit up, feeling quite uncomfortable to look at the other from down there. He quickly cleaned the dirt off his pants, but still kept close to Yoongi. “We can go and get it,” Jungkook whispered quietly, looking up at the demon, “And then you can travel back here, bring the book to Persephone and…and then come back home?” Jungkook was asking carefully, not really sure if his suggestion was something that Yoongi was considering as well. He wasn’t sure either if the bond was strong enough to manage the distance for a little while if he was at home watching a movie until his demon would come back from the underworld, but before he could think about it further Yoongi crushed his dreams of simply going home right away. “What- what do you mean I can’t come home with you?” Jungkook’s eyes flickered from Yoongi to the Jackal, fearing that he would have to stay with the creature.

“I’m sorry Jungkookie, but you have to stay here. You don’t remember but passing through the entry of the underworld is not like walking from one room to another. You were closer to death than to life anyway so your body didn’t really mind. But leaving it, you will feel it. And it won’t feel nice. I would prefer for you to be entirely healed up before you do that. And...I guess Persephone wants to take a look at you too. I wouldn’t…we shouldn’t just go like this. Would be impolite, you know? She’s a queen in here after all. We should do it the right way. Let you get better, let her check up on you and then I’ll accompany you back to your world and your home safely. How’s that sound, hm?” He really hoped Jungkook wouldn’t start to panic now that he had practically told him in nice words that he was trapped here before Persephone let him go. But it was a safety and precaution thing. Everything would work out perfectly fine. He was sure of that.

A/N: I think mondays are now my preferred update day for this story lmao. Thank you again for reading. I know we always say the same things, but we are so honored and sooooo grateful that you keep up with the story and all our stories in general. It keeps us motivated and going!! Thank you so much! Now...let’s see for how long Jungkook has to stay in the underworld and if they finally can have some peace...or not. ;)

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