Kpop’s Trash Potato

You couldn’t do anything as your hands were chained together, along with your ankles as your movement was limited. “I had to do what I had to do, you bastard!” You yelled at him, glaring into his eyes. “He scoffed before he brought up his other hand and slapped you with all his might, causing you to fall and slide across the floor.

You felt blood trickle down from the corner of your mouth before coughing as you could finally breathe. You let out a sarcastic chuckle before looking over at the male. “What would you like to do with her, sir?” Jungkook asked. Kangdae looked down at you with disgust as he was deep in thought about what he should do with you.

“Send her down to the dungeons. Torture her with the sand sir Daejoong gave up. Tonight when the moon shines just above the castle shall she be whipped with the cat o’ nine. 10 whips.” He said coldly. Your eyes widened in horror as you looked up at him. “You are a true monster…” You muttered. 

Kangdae curled a brow up as he looked at you, though he let out a mocking laugh as he looked at your state. “Please, darling. I’m only doing this world a favour.” He stated before lifting you back up by your hair again. You let out a hiss at the pain from your scalp before looking at him in his eyes. “And if you dare go against me again, I will not hesitate to get rid of one of your limbs.” He stated with a straight face. You reacted in no way and just stared at him until he dropped you on the ground.

“Take her out of my sight,” Kangdae said as he turned his back on you. Jungkook and the other two guards bowed before lifting you up and taking you down to the dungeons. 

“Grab the knife over there,” Jungkook said as he picked up a bottle of some glowing white sand inside of it. “Yes sir!” One of the guards called out as he ran over to get the dagger with a golden hilt and ran back over to Jungkook. “Miss Ryon, I suggest for you and the kids to look away, this will be rather painful to watch.” He stated.

Ryon gasped as she quickly grabbed Chris’ younger siblings and turned them to face the wall. “Do not look, and cover your ears!” She whispered to them, and they did it instantly as they already knew what was about to happen. 

“Miss Aadya…as granted by our King, we are allowed to cut you as many times as I desire.” He stated, opening the bottle he had then dipping the knife into it. “I’ll make sure that you won’t heal yourself and remember these scars for the rest of your miserable life…” He said through gritted teeth. 

You coldly stared at the male as you reacted in no way. “No one is stopping you.” You stated. The male snapped as he brought the knife to your wrist, adding pressure, and sliding the sharp blade across your flesh which opened with ease. Blood quickly oozed out behind the knife as the sand touched the inside of your flesh.

You gritted your teeth as you tried your best to not show any reaction as tears began to brew in your eyes. Jungkook repeated that action many times as he found pleasure in the way you tried to keep quiet, a desire to get some noise out of you.

He smirked as he grabbed your jaw and made you look at him. You glared at the male, sweat glistening down your forehead. He tilted his head to the side as looked at you with a mocking glare. “You know…maybe if you were a good person, I would marry you. You're a beautiful lady, but truly despicable to your core.” He said as caressed the side of your face. 

You gritted your teeth as you swiftly turned and bit his hand harshly. He yelled out as he brought the knife down across your face by reflex. You yelled out finally as you moved your face away. Blood dripped down your face to the ground. “FUCKING BITCH!” He yelled as he grabbed you by the hair. “YOU MADE ME RUIN YOUR PRETTY FACE!!” He yelled as he threw the knife away and stood up.

He released your hair as he began to pace back and forth. He scoffed as he looked over his shoulder at you, anger rising as he walked back over to you. 

Grabbing you by the hair again, he looked you in your eyes before averting to look at the scar. It started at the right side of your face and crossed over your nose and lip to the left side of your face. He lowered his head. “Scars are the trophies of a man while they are the ugliness for a woman.” He said before pushing you away and standing straight up again. 

“Let’s go, we’ll come back when it’s time.” Jungkook said to the other guard that was with him. “Yes sir!” The other called out as they began to pick up their stuff. Jungkook continued to stare at you as he watched as the blood fell down your face and stain the ground. You continued to look at him as well, anger and hate evident in your eyes as you just sat there.

Jungkook looked away as he and the other guards left, locking your cell door as they disappeared from your sight.

You sighed, you felt like screaming as your body felt numb from the loss of blood. You tried to heal the scars, but it didn’t work, this sand…it was slowly killing you, you could fill it. How long will it take? How long until you keel over and die? You closed your eyes slowly as you felt like taking a nap.

“Aadya!” Ryon called out. You opened your eyes again and looked at her. Worry was filled in them as she looked at your wounded body through the bars that seperated you both. “I’m fine…” You said, using the wind to break a part the ropes from the pressure before you sat up from your spot. “Do you know anything about this stuff?” You asked her, hoping she knew at least a little about it.

“I overheard a couple of guards speaking of how that sand is from Daejoong…it kills immortals like you but…ugh! I forgot what he said after that!” She frowned. “It makes us humans immortals!!” Lucas called out as he ran over to the bar.

You looked at him. “Wh-What?!” You asked, standing up as you went over to him despite your body to tell you to stop moving and relax. “Is there more?” You asked. “Yeah, actually. It was one night when Daejoong came here to talk with Kangdae…” Hannah spoke up, walking up behind her brother. “It turns out that sand gave him powers to defeat immortals and live like one…but there is a downside to it,” She said as she crouched down. “He said if the sand disappear or gets destroyed some how, he will die…he managed to manipulate everyone because of the powers he gained. If he dies, everything will return back to normal,” She explained. 

“Everything will turn back to normal…? That means…” You began as your eyes widened. “Thank you!! Thank the heavens you are truly a angel in disguise!!” You yelled, standing up as you smiled. “I have a plan to get out of here, so I need you to listen closely. I promised I’d get you free, and I won’t rest until you all are safe and sound!” You smiled as you looked at them all. You said as you began to tell them how you will get them out of here. 

“Come on Aadya, it’s time.” Jungkook said as he unlocked the cell gate and opened it. You sighed as you got up and made your way to him. “Turn around so I can put these cuffs on,” He said. You obliged–luckily–and felt the cold metal clasp around your hands and wrist. “Is this really necessary?” You asked.

Jungkook pulled you against his body as your back was against his chest. “Of course, darling, to make sure you don’t try anything funny.” He smiled with a double meaning behind it. He pushed you off of you before he turned you around and walked you up the stairs of the dungeon. 

You made up to the outside of the castle, right in front of it. You noticed nearly the whole kingdom was there with torches and such as they watched. Cheers and yells of joy for you getting whipped, the last immortal to be living getting punished. “MAKE HER BLEED!!!” A man yelled. “MAKE IT PAINFUL FOR EVERYTHING SHE MADE US GO THROUGH!!!” A woman now yelled out.

Jungkook forceably made you kneel down as he connected a chain to the cuffs around your hand. He then chained your ankles down to make sure you didn’t try anything. He crouched down next to you to whisper in your ear. “I’m sorry that I have to scar your beautiful body again, darling,” He said, placing a chaste kiss on your cheek before standing up again.

“Welcome everyone who could make it here! My dearest apologies for making you have to come here under short notice!” Kangdae said as he stood at the edge of the stage as he spoke to all the people who waited for the real show to begin. “IT’S OKAY, MY KING!” They all called out in sync as they applauded the man.

“I know that you all must be tired and have labour to do in the morning, so I shall get the punishment over with,” He said before he turned and looked to his side. “My dear head guard! Bring out the cat o’ nine!” He yellede out, making the crowd yell in joy at the punishment.

Jungkook brought out the whip as it had nine roped on it with knots at the ends. In addition it had that same sand on it from the knife from earlier. You felt your heart drop as you looked in horror. Shit…he did say he would… You closed your eyes as you took a deep breath and drowned out everything. 

Just breathe…if you don’t, it’ll hurt worse. You thought as you felt the presence of someone behind you as they ripped your shirt in the back for better access.. Your felt your heart fasten even more, no matter how much you breathed in and out, fear still filled you. It doesn’t even matter if you’re a immortal, this can kill you. You thought, and before you knew it…

CRACK

You felt a stinging sensation on your back as it began to burn. A strangled scream erupted from your throat as you dropped your head and looked at the stage under you. You felt your own blood trickle down your back as it slid across your skin before dripping down to the stage. “ONE!!” The crowd called out as they watched in joy.

You hissed as the stinging only got worse, not because of the wound itself, but because of this stupid concoction. You thought dying would be better than suffering through this pain. 

CRACK

The feeling once again covered your back, if not worse as it would make new wounds or hit the same wound and make it deeper and add this poison in it again. You screamed this time, tears filling your eyes. “TWO!!” “MAKE HER CRY LIKE A BITCH!!” “MAKE HER SCREAM!!” They yelled as they watched and listened to everything. 

It kept going and going. You swore by the 6th time you would pass out. Your consciousness faded in and out as the poison was taking a toll on you. You began to cough up your own blood as if your lungs were collasping. 

CRACK

“TEN!!” They yelled for the last time as they cheered with joy as they looked at your exhausted and cringed face from the pain. Your back was numb, but you could still feel the sting of the marks. 

“That is all she shall receive!!” Kangdae called out as he looked at the crowd. “I thank you all for coming here and watching this Goddess get what she deserves. You all may leave as I thank you once more!” Kangdae said as he bowed to everyone as they cheered and thanked him.

Jungkook walked over to you as he began to unchain you and lift you onto your feet. You could barely even stay awake, how does he suspect you to stand up. “Come on! I don’t have all day!” He said in your eat as he began to push you back down the stairs of the stage, making your ways back inside. “You can kiss my ass,” You struggled to say through gritted teeth. 

Jungkook chuckled as a smuggish grin formed on his face. He quickly brought his right hand to your throat and squeezed tightly. “If I were you, I would hush up. I can still whip you a few more times if I need to,” He said before pushing you roughly again, making you stumble, but you couldn’t handle it anymore as your legs gave out and you collapsed to the ground. Your vision went dark as you couldn’t feel anything anymore. 

Help me….

“Don’t worry Aadya, due time will you bring us all back. In due time will the world know the truth and who the real monster is.” A feminine voice called out as she looked at you and hoped for the best.

“It’s just…once we get away from this village and when you do take me back to the ship…will Yunho really accept me back? I betrayed him when we were younger, I almost got him killed…” Gunho frowned. You sighed as you crawled back out of the hidden chamber. You brought him into a tight hug before speaking. 

“I know he will.” You confidently said to him, breaking away and going back into the hole. He furrowed his brow. “How can you be sure?!” He asked just as you closed it. You looked up at him as you met his gaze. “Because…I would be dead right now.” You simply stated before closing the hatch completely, leaving the male in shock.

You and Hyunjin stopped as you looked at the map. You held your hand over the map as you were the one casting fire from your pointer finger, just enough to see. “If we keep going straight and take a left, we’ll reach the dungeons.” Hyunjin said, tracing his finger over the trail that he saw. 

“Alright, then let’s continue going,” You said as you rolled the map back up, putting it in the satchel that you had before continuing straight. It went quiet again as it felt comfortable being with the male. “Uhm…Aadya?” You suddenly heard him speak. “Yes? Is something wrong?” You asked him.

“It’s just…I haven’t seen her in almost a year and a half. What if- What if she hates me?” He asked, hearing the pain and hesitation in his voice as he looked at the back of your head as you continued to walk. You looked over your shoulder at him as you frowned. “I don’t think she hates you, it was under your power to stop it. You did the best you can to keep her safe, and you still are. We will tell her everything and soon you’ll be together again…safe.” You said to him. 

He looked up at you, tears slowly trickling down his face as he did. “You just have to continue having faith,” You continued as you looked ahead just in time as you saw the turn you’re supposed to take. Turning with Hyunjin following, you saw stairs leading down more. You both took your time as you began to descend. 

“Without faith, there is no hope, and without hope…we’re just lost souls. We won’t know what or who to believe anymore, we would live in a world without harmony and compassion. We have to hold onto that thread, because if not, we’ll all die with hatred for each other.” You told Hyunjin, glancing at the male. 

He nodded his head again as listened to your words as he took them into consideration. “Put your faith in me and I promise that this world will not crumble in hatred anymore,” You told him as you continued going down the stairs.

“We’re here.” You said as you came across a door that had webs and built up dirt and rock on it. You placed your hand on the handle as you slowly pushed it, hearing the cracks and breaks of the built up debris and moss. Just as you did, dust filled the area, making you instinctively use your power to blow it away, though it still made you and Hyunjin cough. 

You looked around for any guards, making sure that you both didn't get caught. Once seeing no one, you slowly stepped out, gesturing behind you for Hyunjin to follow pursuit. He did so as he walked over to you as you both crouched down and slowly made your way around to find his girlfriend, Ryon Hasun.

As you walked around the corner, you saw a brunette head…wait…you saw two more heads but they had black hair. Your eyes widened as you stood up completely and ran over to the cell. “Aadya! Wait!!” Hyunjin yelled at you but in a whisper. 

You grabbed a hold of the bars, startling those inside the cell as they all looked at you. You gasped as you saw Hyunjin’s girlfriend, along with Chan’s younger siblings. You smiled as tears began to form in your eyes. Hyunjin rushed over as he furrowed his brows. “Why did you run over here so quickly?!” He asked as he placed his hand gently on your shoulder. 

Suddenly a woman let out a gasp. “H-Hyunjin…?!” Ryon said as she stood up and ran over to bars as she looked at the male. He looked at her too, their eyes meeting for the very first time after what felt like decades. “Ryon…” The name left his lips with ease as he looked at her with love. “My god, you look more beautiful than I last remember,” He complimented her, brushing her hair back as he put his hand between the cell bars. 

She giggled softly as tears streamed down her face—not just her—but Hyunjin also was crying softly as they gazed at each other. You smiled at them but didn’t dwindle too much on them as you looked over the two kids in the corner who watched. 

They looked just like their older brother as you couldn’t help but smile. “Hannah…Lucas…hi.” You greeted them, catching them off guard as they looked at each other rather than at you. “Who…Who are you?” Hannah spoke as she looked at you with confusion. You looked at her with gentle eyes before speaking. “I am Aadya, Goddess of Life and All. I’m here to protect and save you all.” You said, crouching down to be more eye level with them.

“G-Goddess…that means- Are you going to marry Hyun-?” “I am not.” You interrupted Ryon, turning to face her. “I have no such feelings for him as the way you feel towards him.” You blanlantly said. Her eyes widened as her face flushed. You chuckled as you looked around to make sure no one was coming. 

“We have to be quick since we can’t stay here for long.” You suddenly got serious as you looked at both Ryon and Chan’s younger siblings. “In four days, I will getting you all out of here and to safety. Hannaha, Lucas…I will get you and your older brother back together. He misses you both dearly and worried to death about you both. I will send you five to somewhere safe and sacred that no one will ever find you again” You said before pausing as you heard something in the distance. 

You furrowed your brows as you realised that guards are heading your way. “We have to go now…remember, continue surviving as it won’t be long until I see you again. I will be back soon…” You said before you grabbed Hyunji’s wrist and went back through the secret passage, closing it just in time as the guard came into view. 

The guards looked at them with disgust. “Did we feed them today?” One of them asked the other. “I don’t know, nor do I care. Stop asking me and hurry up set up the game.” The other said as they sat down on a stool and placed a table in front of them. The first guard pulled out a deck of cards and placed them faced down on the table…

You and Hyunjin were back at the room you first came to when you got your powers back. “Are you going to try and practise to get your wings?” Hyunjin asked as he looked over at you. You zoned out for a moment, feeling as the air was different. You snickered a bit as you knew exactly what it was that you were feeling right now. “Aadya…?” Hyunjin called out for you, causing you to zone back in and look over at him. 

“Hm? Oh, yes. My apologies, I was just thinking.” You smiled to reassure him as you turned to fully face him. He smiled back at you before looking around. “Do you need space?” He asked, which in response, you nodded your head. “Yeah, just in case my wings protrude and hit you,” You softly chuckled as he joined you. He then took a few steps back from you as he sat down and watched in awe. 

You slowed your breathing as you kneeled down on the ground, concentrated on your back and the muscle and bones. You closed your eyes as you saw a few things under your eyelids, something felt like there was electricity soaring throughout your body. You gasped as you felt something slowly cutting through the back of your flesh. 

You let out a scream of agony as you fell over from the pain. Hyunjin widened his eyes as he listened in horror. “A-Aadya! Are you okay?!” He asked, nearly running to you. You held your hand up and pushed him away with wind. “I-I’m fine…this is the pro-cess of getting wings,” You struggled to speak as the pain was nearly unbearable. Tear welled up in your eyes as you continued to feel the bones and muscle force his way out of you back as blood slowly ran down your back, staining your shirt. And just as you felt the fabric of your shirt rip, you felt another presence entering the area. “I knew it…” You muttered under your breath.

You stumbled to stand straight up as you the process of your wings retracted back, it left a sting, but it wasn’t as painful as them protuded out. You rushed over to Hyunjin and grabbed him by the wrist. “What ever I say, you must agree, understood?” You whiserped to him. “Huh?” He questioned as he looked at you with confusion. “Understood?” You asked him again, look into his beautiful cat-like eyes. He slowly nodded his head.

“Look who we got here,” A voice suddenly said, making both Hyunjin and Aadya look over at him. You widened your eyes, pretending to be surprised that he was here. “How- I thought no one goes down here anymore!?” You asked, looking at the male in front of you. He raised a brow and tilted his head to the side as he looked at you with confusion. 

“Why are you even down here in the first place?” He asked you, glancing over at Hyunjin as his eyes sligtly widened. “Hyunjin?! What are you doing here?!” The male asked, looking at the prince with surprise. Hyunjin looked at you before looking back at the male. “I-” “I asked him show me this place, but he denied. So, I threatened that if he didn’t then I will kill that whore of a mistress of his!” You yelled, stepping closer to the male. 

He didn’t budge as looked down at you with anger. “Threatened?! I- Hyunjin, is this true?!” The male asked, looked back at the younger guy. Hyunjin looked at you, back at the guard, then back at you. “What ever I say, you must agree, understood?” The words rang through his head, sighing before looking back at the guard. “Y-Yes, Jungkook hyung…she threatened if I didn’t bring her here she would kill Ryon…you know how much I love Ryon.” He said, going with your lie.

The guard, Jungkook, turned back towards you and grabbed your forearm harshly. “Threatening to kill a human for your desires…I should of known. Not only that, but forcing Hyunjin, the prince! To bring you down here against his will is diabolical! You will be punished for your sins, Chung Aadya.” He said before turning you around and putting you in restraints. 

You looked at Hyunjin as you smiled, mouthing a ‘good job’. He frowned as he just stood there and watched everything happen. “Hyunjin, follow me so I can take you back to your room, then after, to the holding cells for this Goddess.” Jungkook said as he pushed you forward to walk. Hyunjin harshly swallowed his spit as he followed closed behind. What are you doing, Aadya…the plan! Hyunjin thought as he nibbled on his lower lip.

You watched Chan sew the clothing with ease as he worked swiftly through the fabric. You admired his work as you watched his fingers most around, working to the best of their abilities.

“Where did you learn to do this?” You asked him. The male stopped what he was doing as he looked over at you. “My mother taught me before she passed away…” He muttered, speaking softly as he had a small smile on his face. Your eyes widened as you quickly straightened up your posture. “I-I am sorry…I need to not-” “It’s okay, Aadya…” He quickly interrupted. “You didn’t know,” He chuckled, making you relax again as he fully turned his body to speak. “I feel as if I should tell you more about me, we are allies after all,” He smiled brightly now.

You shook your head. “Not allies, friends.” You informed him, watching as his eyes slightly widened and his ears turned red. He nervously chuckled as he looked down at his fingers as he was fidgeting with them. “But do not force yourself to tell me something you aren’t ready to speak of.” You said to him, softly placing your right hand on his shoulder as you gently massaged it.

He snapped his head to look back at you once again. “No, I want to.” He explained, placing his hand on yours as he rubbed circles on it with his thumb. “May I?” He asked. You were taken aback. “Chan, you do not need to ask for permission from me,” You said, nervously chuckling as you slowly removed your hand from him. “Please don’t think that you have to,” You said.

He simply nodded his head as he took a deep breath before spilling his life to you. “Like I said, my mother has taught me how to sew clothing. It was one of the things I loved to do! My father too taught me how to play instruments. I fell in love with music at such a young age. I would play the theorbo, the harpsichord, the lute, and the organ.” He spoke, a big smile plastering across his face as he remembered his past. “I played it for my younger siblings. My sister Hannah, and my brother Lucas. They enjoyed when I did it, it calmed them…” He spoke as he let out a staggered sigh.

“Though, one day, my parents got killed in an accident as they went out to the shops. It was only me and my two siblings left. We only had each other, and they depended on me…” He muttered, a sniffle escaping from him as the memories felt new as if they happened just the other day.

You frowned as you placed your hand on his shoulder to calm him. He looked over at you, a weak smile forming on his face as he continued. “I worked a part time job just to earn money for things to get for them. Everything was going well…everything was going just to plan as if our parents' death didn’t affect us.” He sighed again, now placing his hand on top of yours.

“My parents were killed on purpose…and I knew that. Those men who killed them came to me and my siblings and began to threaten us, saying if we don’t comply and go with them, they would kill us just like how they killed our parents. I knew I had to protect them, so I had to bargain with them. I promised that I’ll do anything as long as they leave my siblings out of it…” He looked up at the ceiling as he took a breath of air.

“They smugly agreed. They took all three of us and came here, as I thought everything was going to be fine, the next day as the sun rose and I woke up…I could hear the screams of my brother and sister. I quickly rushed to them, only to see them getting assaulted by the guards. I tried to stop them, but, another guard grabbed me and made me watch. I cried and cried as I asked them what they wanted from us. The guards looked at us with that same smug look before saying that they want the heart of the Ancient Bronze Dragon. I told them we didn’t have it.”

“They laughed at me with mockery before they let go of my siblings and walked over to me. They told me that the reason of my parents death was because they had the heart. I looked at them with pure shock…I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was in disbelief as I shook my head. But…I did remember something like, but it wasn’t my parents who had it. No one has it as the dragon is still alive and roaming around in secret. I saw him once as my parent’s and I visited him a long time ago, before my sister was born.”

“I tried telling them what the truth was, but he didn’t believe me and threatened me. If I wish to keep my siblings alive, I was to find the heart and or the dragon…if not, they will torture my siblings everyday as I live here…” Chan then went quite as he closed his eyes tightly.

“Even as we speak my siblings are in the dungeons getting torture. I have yet to see them for the past 7 years. I don’t even know if they’re alive! What if they are dead and I’m doing this for nothing!!?” Chan began to sob as he began to overthink everything.

You furrowed your brows as you placed your hand on his shoulder. “I doubt it. The devils that they are would of told you and still forced you to work for them.” You told him, making him look up at you. “You think so?” He asked. You nodded your head. “I know so.” You replied.

He let out a staggered sigh as he looked back down at his hands. “Ya know? My name isn’t really Chan…” He spoke, catching your attention. “It’s not?” You asked him. “No…it’s really Chrisopher. Though I prefer being called Chris, the guards call me Chan to mock me.” He explained as he glanced at you briefly to see your reaction before looking back down at his hands.

You nodded your head. “Well…Chris…I’m sorry to hear that. I truly am, and with everything I have, I will save your siblings before you get off of this island!” You said, grabbing his hands and put them in yours. “I will bring justice for you and your family.” You told him as you ruffled his hair.

You watched as tears began to form in his eyes by how watery they began to look. He smiled brightly at you as he let out a giggle of happiness before bringing you into his embrace. “Thank you! You don’t know how much that’ll mean to me!” He said before you hugged him back. You smiled in his embrace to. Anything to protect you humans from the real monsters.

You shivered as you remember what he told you about his siblings. You then stood up as you looked over at Hyunjin. “Let’s not mind it right now. I’m going to save you all in about 5 days. How did you sleep?” You spoke to Hyunjin as he nodded before stretching.

“I slept pretty good.” He strangled out as he spoke it between him stretching. “Have you practised on any of you abilities yet?” He asked you. You nodded your head a small smile began to form on your face. “You wanna see how it feels to float?” You asked him. His eyes slightly widened before he nodded his head.

“Sure!” He smiled as he stood still and waited for you to do it. You stepped away from him as you was now across the room from him so you could give him room. “Ready?” You asked him. He nodded his head with excitement. You took a deep breath before you lifted up your hand as the things around Hyunjin began to rattle from the sudden change of pressure in the room. Your eyes faded into white as wind blew around Hyunjin as it slowly lifted him up, inch by inch.

Hyunjin looked down as he watched the floor get further and further away from his feet. “WOAH! This is so cool!!” He yelled in joy. “Can you move me around?” He asked as he looked over at you. “Yeah.” You simply said as you began to move your hand around the room which caused Hyunjin to move also.

The moving wind that you made caused things around the room to get messy as things flew around, either right under Hyunjin or across the room. Suddenly you heard a loud knocking on the door. You and Hyunjin looked at each other in shock. “It’s Kangdae! What in the world is going on in there! It feels cold!” He yelled as he continued to bang on the door.

You slowly put Hyunjin back down on the ground as you and him fixed up the room. You fixed your hair before walking towards the door. You looked at Hyunjin as you noticed strands of his hair were out of place. You quickly fixed his hair before opening the door.

“Goodmorning, Kangdae,” You forced a smile as you looked at him. He looked at you, then Hyunjin, then back at you before he smiled. “Please, call me father.” He suggested as he placed his hand on your shoulder and gently caressed it.

You wanted to grab him by his wrist and break his arm, or even dislocated his shoulders…but of course, you couldn’t. You just nodded your head. “What brings you here so early, father?” Hyunjin spoke up as he gazed at his dad that stood there. “Well, son, I want to talk to you both about your wedding. I want to have it in 5 days.” He stated.

You and Hyunjin looked at each other with surprise before looking back at Kangdae. “Five days?! Kangdae-!” The male interrupted you as he cleared his throat. You sighed as you gave in. “..Father. That’s too soon! I've yet to here for a month and yet you’re asking me to quickly marry your son! I demand a means behind this!” You yelled at him.

Kangdae just chuckled as he crossed his arms. “I thought this would be better since you do not want to die, same goes with Hyunjin’s pathetic mistress,” He spoke as he glanced at his son. Hyunjin tensed up at the mention of his girlfriend.

You rolled your eyes. “Unless…is something supposed to be happening in five days?” Kangdae asked as he stared deep into your soul, searching for answers as he watched your facial expression. You kept a blank stare as you looked at him. “The beginning of getting our wedding ready,” You said and crossed your arms. “We were waiting until we got to know each other a little more until we start planning it out,” You explained to him.

Hyunjin nodded his head as he began to play along with your ploy. “We merely had a little date the other day in the library as we slept together for the first time last night. Father, may you wait a little longer until we’re both ready to make our vows?“ Hyunjin asked as he looked his dad in the eyes, awaiting for a response.

Kangdae was a little surprised as he stepped back a little as he slowly nodded his head as he took everything. “I see…” He spoke as he looked between the both of you.

“But I don’t care.” He said as he knitted his brows together. “Tonight, I demand to see you both for dinner as we further discuss your futures. I will not take no as an answer. Do not be absent or else,” Kangdae said before turning on his and leaving.

You and Hyunjin watched in disbelief. “You gotta be joking me,” You sighed as you ran your fingers through your hair. Hyunjin closed and locked the door as he too let out a frustrated sigh. “He’s so persistent! It’s almost as if he knows,” Hyunjin said, whispering the last part. You nodded your head. “We should just meet with him and see what he says. Whatever he tells us, we can work around and still escape. I promise.” You told him as you rubbed his shoulder, making the male smile. “I know. I’ve never doubted the abilities of a deity.”

You and Hyunjin walked into the large dining room. You looked around as there were many shelves that held plates, cups, and bowls for decorations. Other shelves held weapons like swords, or even a musket.

Hanging over the large table was a gold and diamond chandelier. You looked at it with awe before you and Hyunjin walked over to where Kangdae was sitting, at the edge.

Hyunjin pulled out the seat for you to sit down, which made you smiled at the respectful action. He pushed you in slightly before taking his own seat.

Kangdae watched in awe at the both of your “relationship” before he clapped his hands twice. As he did so, many butlers and maids walked in with cloche’s in their hands as they set the food in front of you all.

Once it was all settled, Kangdae turned and faced you both. “So…” He began as he began to cut into the sirloin steak he had. “Main reason why I want to talk to you both is because I want you to start trying for kids now.” He said, making you choke on the water you just began to drink. Hyunjin too was caught off guard but quickly patted you on your back to help you out.

“Uh..d-dad! That’s totally out of the blue, don’t you think we should wait until after our wedding…?” Hyunjin spoke, looking at his dad with surprise. “That is much preferable by the townspeople, but I simply don’t care. I want Aadya to grant a demigod for us, either that or she’ll be simply killed like the rest of her kind.” He said, taking a sip of his wine as he looked over at you.

You felt chills run down your back once your gazes connected. “Father, you can’t just force someone to have kids! I’m your son for heaven's sake!” Hyunjin yelled, abruptly standing up. Kangdae kept his composure as he looked over at his child. “Do not go against me, boy. Remember your place or your whore of a mistress will have to suffer.” He calmly stated.

Hyunjin balled up his fist as he clenched his jaw to keep quiet. You furrowed your brows as you slowly stood up. “I forbid you to dare call a woman a…’whore’…do you not have such decency? If that’s how you feel about females, then I refuse to even marry your son if you would treat me in such ways also. Hwang Kangdae, judgement day is right around the corner, I wish to not have you in line for such consequences,” You spoke to the male.

Now, it was Kangdae’s turn to have chills run down his back. Remembering the past as how he almost got killed by you as you were only a mere child, he nodded his head. “My apologies…” He said as he cleared his throat. “Then..let’s just focus on the wedding,” He spoke before snapping his fingers again.

This time maids and butlers came in with different coloured clothes and ribbons. “We will start off with the colour as the theme,” He stated. You and Hyunjin nodded your heads before sitting down. Hyunjin leaned over towards you to whisper in your ear. “Thank you,” He said. “I promised you, didn’t I?” You replied.

He smiled ear to ear as he nodded his head. “You did. Thank you for saving her from danger once again,” He continued to thank as he felt gracious for you. “You surely are a miracle,” He whispered, but you still managed to hear him as you softly smiled at his words.

Walking back over to you, he held it out for you to look at, watching the clothing unfold itself and he exposed it. Your mouth was left agape as you admired it the same way you did the dress. But this time…but this time it was more your fitting style. 

It fitted your pirate aesthetic though it kept the goddess feel to it. It was the same colour as the dress, but had a few extra details on the legs. It was a one piece as it was sleeveless. It had a corset for the top half as it could easily make your curves show more. 

You smiled at Chan as you soon brought him into a tight hug. “I love it!” You told him. He laughed with joy as he hugged you back. “I’m glad you do,” He said before breaking away from you. “The cloak will also look good with it…if you would want that,” He said as walked over and grabbed it.

He held them both up and showed you how it’d look. You nodded your head as you liked how it looked. “You're absolutely fabulous at your job,” You told him, making the male laugh shyly.

“Only because you told us how you want it to look…you did mention you were a tailor with ATEEZ because of your…human parents taught you,” He said, placing the clothing down gently as walking over to a door.

You followed him as you both left the room and began to walk down the hall. “Yeah…but still. You must have had more experience than me,” You told him, causing him to chuff a little laugh. “In a way, but, not really.” He spoke as he grabbed your hand as he walked side by side with you now.

“Though I may sound like every other human to say this, but you’re a goddess and possibly know everything, so this is natural for you.” He explained, glancing at you before looking straight again. You chuckled before looking down. “I mean…in a way. But like everything, I do have to remember,” You added as you looked up again at the familiar double doors.  “And we shall start tonight,” He smiled as he opened the door for the both of you to enter. 

You studied the map intently, as Gunho explained everything about it that you needed to know. “Whatever happens, please be safe.” Gunho spoke as he rubbed your shoulders. “Don’t push yourself too hard, and just calmly do it without the goal to accomplish it tonight,” He told you.

You chuckled as a soft smile formed on your face. “You sound just like your brother,” You told him, causing him to smile as his ears turned a light red on the tips of his ears. “We’re too alike, I guess,” He shrugged before looking over at Hyunjin and Chan.

“Now, the both of you. As an Ayrith guard who knows everything, you have at least two hours until they will be coming back to get you,” He told you as he pulled out a watch. “Chan, if you have your watch with you, please do check it often.” Gunho spoke, having Chan nod as he brought his own out and showed it. He soon synced it with the male after tinkering with it.

“Now go,” Gunho spoke as he pulled a torch on the wall of the library and pulled it down before pulling it out. He opened that part of the wall as he moved out of the way for you all to go. 

Chan went first as he had the map and a torch, Hyunjin followed with you soon after. Gunho waited a bit before closing it back, wishing for the best of all of this as he waited for you three to come back.

“This way will lead to a good open area,” Chan spoke as he turned right as slowly made his way down the tight stone corridor. Hyunjin and you followed, looking around at all of the dust, spiders and a few rats that you came across. Yes, it was disgusting, but it oddly doesn’t bother you in the slightest.

“We should try a few elemental powers of mine,” You spoke, breaking the comfortable silence that’s been occurring for the past 30 minutes, despite Chan saying a few things from time to time about telling you where to go.

“You have already worked with water,” Hyunjin replied back, glancing back at you briefly. “It was once, and I was in a panic,” You chuckled. “I used to be able to do it easily as I continued to use them,” You explained, remembering the few times you did it with ease and not being emotionally driven.

“Then we should practise each one every day,” Chan spoke from the front, glancing back to look at you before looking ahead again. “When I reactivate one, I can practise it in the room,” You said as you nod your head. 

It fell silent for at least another minute before you all stopped moving. “We’re here,” He spoke as he looked at a door that was covered with dust, spiderwebs and moss. He grabbed onto the handle as he turned to the side and forced the door open with his shoulder. 

The door loudly squeaked open as dust flew out, causing all three of you to cough harshly. Chan was the first to walk in as he carefully made his way down the stairs that were there. You and Hyunjin followed as you looked around.

It looked like an abandoned library, at least half the size as the large library you were just in. The shelves were nearly bare, as it was covered entirely with dead bugs, rat droppings, spiderwebs, mould and moss. The stench as you walked in burned your nostrils as it made your stomach turn in disgust.

Chan coughed more as he made it all the way down as he walked over to an opening. He placed the torch down in one of the sconces. Hyunjin walked next to him as he placed down a book that he brought down as you stood in front of them. 

“So…you already worked with water, healing and the connection to living energy, correct?” Hyunjin questioned. You nod your head as a response, looking around as you thought for a moment. “I can work on air and fire, as we have those elements here,” You told them. “Oh, I have a canteen with water in it,” Chan said, pulling it out and setting it down in front of you all.  “And the debris that fell from the area decaying after so long,” Hyunjin mentioned, looking around before he picked up a piece from next to his foot.

You kept quiet for a moment as you thought about it. Practising all four elements this soon? You thought as you then looked up at them again. “I think I have an idea that my mother did to assist me,” You told them, walking over as you grabbed both the stone and canteen from them. You walked around a bit as you grabbed a book and came back over.

You briefly set both the canteen of water, and stone down on the ground across from each other. You went over to the torch that was hanging on the wall, as you set a corner over it as you watched it catch on fire.

The boys watched you intently, wondering what you were doing. You walked back over to where you placed the other two things before placing the book that was on fire adjacent to them both. You stood in the centre of them before taking a deep breath. “How much longer do we have, Chan?” You asked the oldest male, turning to face him for a moment. 

He pulled out his watch as he looked at it. “About an hour until we have to leave and go back, which will take us another 30 minutes,” He explained, nodding your head as you bowed your head and closed your eyes. Clasping your hands in front of you, placing them on your chest as you began to concentrate for a moment.

“Mother Nature of our world to the fire that glows, and the water that flows.” You began as there was a sudden change in the atmosphere of the room. “Hear my voice as I wish to claim again, from the air I swallow, to the earth that is hollow.” You continued, the air in the room circling around as it pushed everything around. It made things fall, and made things crash into the wall. You on the other hand began to slowly levitate in the air, along with the canteen, stone, and book that’s on fire. You opened your eyes, exposing the pure white colour of them.

The boys watched in awe of how the works of a real deity. The beauty of it, and the native tongue of your kind. It sounds elegant just like you, but wondrous as they wanted to know what you spoke. “Hear my cries, as I wish to use thy elements pave. Mother Nature, teach me thy every way.” You finally spoke as everything fell silent. 

The chaos faltered as the only noise that was heard was from the creatures around, the fire flickering, and the distant creaking of the castle from above. The boys now watched in confusion. Did it work? Is it over? What’s happening? Were the only things they could think of. 

Though their questions were soon answered at the fire, water, air, and stones of debris rushed over to you, forming a sphere around your floating body. It moved in all directions as it formed a beautiful sight. The boys gasped as the chaos again started but was more and more forceful as the air pushed them around. They grabbed a hold of the shelves as tightly as they could as they hoped this ceremony wouldn’t last too long. 

You gasped as you woke up from laying on the floor. You sat up quickly as you looked around. You were on the shore as the sea crashed into the sand before retrieving back and repeating. You slowly stood up as you brushed off the ground up rocks and shells from you and walked towards the woods that were in front of you. 

Walking past the trees as the earthy smell flooded in you, caused your soul to pound in excitement. You continued, listening to the cracks and crunches as you walked over the leaves and branches. You then heard a whisper, snapping your head in the direction, you furrowed your brows as you looked for the suspect.

You walked towards the sound as it continued. It got louder and louder as you continued, but you soon stopped. You saw it. You saw a blue flame floating side to side as it whispered to you. It swayed with elegance as it called out for you in murmurs. 

You slowly stepped closer to it, as you were cautious about the foreign thing. As you got close to it, it disappeared. You stepped back as it startled you, but you saw it appear again, but in another area. “Are you…leading me somewhere?” You asked it, wondering if it was actually trying to get you to follow it. It twisted around as it whispered more and more, soon forming a tiny arm as it gestured for you to come here.

You did exactly that, walking after it before gaining speed as you ran. You watched as it disappeared and reappeared in a different spot as you went to it. As you did, it came to a halt as you saw a large opening to a cave in front of you. You slowed down as you began to catch your breath. You walked up to it slowly, making the wisp disappear again as you did. You heard its whispers echo through the cave. You looked at it as you saw it was gesturing to come inside. 

You hesitantly did so as you slowly walked in curious as to what it wanted to show you. Listening to the footsteps of creatures that lived inside of the cave, and whispers of the wisp, you felt a little eerie about this.

You looked around, watching as spiders crawled across the walls of the cave and slowly came down from the ceiling, using the string of their spiderwebs. You then stopped as you saw a large hole in the ground. You couldn’t see the bottom of it as you stepped back a little, but you stopped as you bumped into something. 

Fear rose in you as you didn’t even dare to look around at it. You felt it move behind you as it felt too hard to be a person or any type of mammal. Soon, though, you heard crumbling behind you as it leaned next to your head. “Who are you?” It asked as it whispered next to you. You were hesitant to reply, so you kept quiet.

The thing behind you instead spoke. “You’re the summoner…” It figured out as it then stood back up and backed away a little. “Very soon…we will speak once more,” It said before it pushed you down the hole. Your eyes widened as you screamed. The rushing air around you as you fall down more and more. Your heart quickened as you closed your eyes. “I REALLY WISH I HAD MY WINGS RIGHT NOW!!” You said in the midst of the chaos as you saw the bottom of the hole as the floor was rock. You braced yourself for impact as you tightly closed your eyes and waited. 

But it never came as you instead forcefully got stopped by a gust of air. You slowly opened your eyes as you looked in front of you, the floor that was a few centimetres away from your face. You finally let out a breath of air you didn’t realise that you were holding in. You then fell to the ground, groaning before you stood back up and looked around for something.

You were deeper in the cave as you saw nothing but the grey colour of stone surrounding you. But you did see something in the distance flickering. It looked like both water and fire and its reflection danced across the wall. 

You subconsciously stepped closer to it as you cautiously looked around you just in case something appeared. Take a few more steps, you finally stood in front of the fire and water…at least…that’s what you thought it was. 

You froze in your spot as you looked at the large creatures in front of you. As if they were expecting you, they turned and gazed deeply into your soul. “There she is,” One of them finally spoke up. It was the water you saw reflecting on the walls, except it was embodied as you easily make out two eyes and a mouth. You examined as you could even see two arms and hands as it extended to you; it couldn’t move much as it was kept in a pond.

You stepped back a little as it was unexpected. “Aadya, it has been a while since the last commune, what has happened?” It asked as it waited for an answer like the others. You furrowed your brows. It knows me? You thought as you tried to think back to the last time you did this ceremony. 

You then gasped as you looked at the creature in forth of you. “More than a decade ago, I told Queen Hydra to erase my memories until I seek them again! I ran away constantly from both Tagyla and Orzart as their guards were after me.” You explained to them, gaining shocked expressions. “But after some time, I regained them. But not long after that, I was captured and brought to Orzart into a forced marriage to have a kid.” You added as you looked at the water element in front you as worry was the only thing it held on its face. 

“Apologies to hear that, my lord…” He frowned as he floated back to its little pond. “But that’s not the main reason you came here, is that correct?” A familiar voice spoke. You looked over at the element as you crossed your arms. “So you were the one that pushed me, aye?” You asked as you raised a brow. Its eyes widened as it looked away and cleared its throat. “I- Well…you see..” It began, but quickly, you cut it off. 

“You are correct though. I didn’t come back to speak as I do have a limit. I came here because I lost all of my abilities to Mother Nature. From water, to storms. I need them back so I can escape!” You finally told them. “Really!?” The fire element said as he looked at you with surprise. You simply nodded your head as you sat down and looked at your hands. “But…that time when-” The water element began, but you shook your head. “That was because of the adrenaline of my emotions,” You said. It then fell silent afterwards. 

After a moment, the air element floated over to you, the wind slowly pushing your hair and clothing around, but you didn’t feel bothered by it as you looked up at it. “Then let’s give you our power once again…” It spoke as it swiftly moved around the air and went over to the blended element of thunder and lighting. 

They furrowed their brows as they looked at you. “The last time we did this, it was nearly unbearable for her, what if it happens again?” Their voices echoed as they stared at the water element. “She was a mere child, so her fragile body couldn’t handle it. But she’s matured now…she should be fine.” The liquid said as it turned to face you. “If you’re okay with it, we can start,” It gently said as it faltered back down into its water a little, awaiting for your answer. 

You thought about it for a bit. Is my body really able to handle it? I may have matured…but won’t it still feel uncomfortable? You thought as you remembered the first time you did which sent shivers down your back. But I need to hurry up and get back upstairs before me and the others get found! You finally thought as your decision was set. 

“Let’s quickly get this over with,” You said as you stood back up and dusted off the debris from your clothing. They all nodded as they gestured for you to stand in the centre where a platform was conveniently placed.

You walked on top of it as you stood in front of all nine elements as you waited for it to start. You watched and listened as they all moved around to their proper place as they encircled you. That’s when the light element spoke as it started the ceremony. “Mother that created us, here my prayers as I wish to give my power up. I, Lumus, the element of light wish to give myself up to the goddess of life and all, lord Aadya! Hear as my brothers and sisters wish the same! Accept each of our requests as we begin to ask.” He began. 

“I wish, too, the same. I, Rane, the element of water, wish to give Aadya my power.” She said also as they each one by one asked for their powers to be given up to you. 

“I, Thera, element of earth wish the same..” He wished.

“I, Breyze, wish to give her the power of my element of air,” He wished.

“Extos, element of life, wish to give her my full control of power,” She wished.

“Necos, element of death, give her my power to control us,” She wished.

“I, Boyle, also give her the control of fire which is my element.” She wished.

“I too, Clot, wish to give her the element of blood,” He wished.

“We, Letric, element of both thunder and lightning grant her access…” They wished.

“Mother, please accept our invitation to give Aadya all of our knowledge of such elements. Teach and show her now how to use us! Let it be ease for her to use us without hesitation as we fully grant her full control over our elements!” Lumus called out as you began to float in the air, just like before.

Rane started first as she had water float out of the pond and over to you as it began to form a sphere over you. The rest did the same. One by one, each over their elementals circled around you. “Let her breathe us! Let her feel us! Let her become one with us!” Lumus added as in a blink of an eye, their elements formed a thin strip in the air as it towered above you.

“Mother, please! Give Aadya our power!” They all said at once as the strip of elements crashed down on you as it ran through your nostrils and mouth. The feeling was uncomfortable as you twitched around as you felt everything rush into your lungs. From the booming of thunder and the lightning that tickled afterwards flooded through you. 

Though you still managed to breathe. You felt as the elements rushed to your heart with the help of the blood elemental. The earth element quickly hardened around your heart to protect the precious organ as the rest moved around cautiously as the elements began to become one with you.

The thunder and lightning rushed up to your brain as it lingered around and electrocuted your nervous system, causing them to give access to the rest of them. They all seeked in you, as they slowly began to vanish by every second as they became one with you. 

It didn’t hurt this time, not in the slightest as you now felt calm, felt relaxed and as if this was right. This was the appropriate time you were met to access them as you felt stronger with their abilities. You felt the ease of controlling them linger as your fingertips. 

“Aadya…it is now time for you to go, as we can see your friends trying to gain your attention,” Clot spoke with his deepened voice. “Take care, our lord. We wish to speak with you again,” Letric said before backing away from you. They all agreed before they began to say something incoherent as you began to lose consciousness from this realm.

And before you knew it, you gently descended back to the ground as you gasped for air, as if you weren’t breathing. Both Chan and Hyunjin thanked the gods that you came back just in time as you had to go. 

“Aadya, did it work?” Hyunjin asked as he grabbed your shoulders, gently massaging them as he looked into your eyes. “It should have…” You whispered as you backed away from them and looked at your hands. Looking around, you stared at the still burning book. You stepped over to it and stared at it intently. 

Raising your right hand, you slowly held it up and pointed your palm at it as you focused only a bit before water came out as a force and put out the fire. You and the other two gasped as you stepped back.

A big smile formed on your face as you looked at them. “It worked! I have my abilities back!” You shouted as you jumped up and down in joy, feeling as if you can cry right now. “I’m happy for you!” Hyunjin smiled as he grabbed you and pulled you in a hug. You smiled as you hugged him back tightly.

“As much as I want to celebrate too, we only have 27 minutes,” Chan spoke up as he walked over to the both of you. “If you don’t have an ability to help us get back up quicker, then I suggest for us to get going,” He said as he began to walk back up the stairs. 

You thought for a moment as an idea popped in your head. “Hm…maybe I do.” You said as you began to move your hands around in a circular formation. You managed to manipulate the air to make a current, making all three of you quickly manoeuvre throughout the catacombs.

It was an exciting ride as you rushed through the stone walls, knocking off dust and spiderwebs because of the air. After at least 15 minutes, you managed to appear back in the library. You gently set all of you down as Chan slowly opened the door. He looked around to check if the coast was clear before signalling all of you to come out. 

Once you did, you all laughed at the event that just happened. “That was one of the best moments of my life!” Chan exclaimed as he looked at you. You smiled at him as you nodded your head. “Ideally, it was,” You agreed in the midst of laughter. 

“You guys are back!” You heard a familiar voice. You all turned towards him and looked him in the eyes. “Yes, and Aadya managed to get all of her abilities back!” Hyunjin said as if he was a proud brother. Gunho smiled as he looked at you. “Congrats, Aadya.” He genuinely spoke as he stepped closer to you and brought you into a gentle hug. 

You hugged him back immediately as you rubbed his back. “Though, I still need to work on getting my wings back,” You said. “Do you have to do another ritual?” Hyunjin asked you. You simply shook your head as you glanced over at them. 

“Gods and Goddesses receive their wings at the age of 8 if not older. The experience of receiving them is really agonising. Think of it as adult teeth in a child’s skull…they force their way out until they are permanent. When I received mine, was when I was reaching a peak…” You explained as it sent shivers down your spine.

“The bones as stuck under our flesh as it will soon force their way out, ripping all the muscles and skin as they jolt out. And in that instant, the feathers, skin, and muscle will form along with it.” You added as you began to pace around, thinking on how you’ll even get them back.

 “I’m thinking, for me to reactivate them and have them permanent…I have to control my body and feel the connection of the bone. I don’t know how many days that will take…but I’m not taking my chances and will practise in our room,” You said as you stood up straight as you looked at them.

They looked dumbfounded as they tried their best to register all of that information. They cringed up at some parts, but understood the analogy. “Should we start tonight before we head to bed?” Hyunjin asked you. You nodded your head.

“Alright then, Gunho, may you escort these two back to their room? I must fix Aadya’s outfits so her wings can beautifully show,” Chan said as he bowed to you. You chuckled as you told him to stop bowing at you. Gunho nodded his head before turning to face you and Hyunjin. “If I may,” He said as you and Hyunjin nodded your heads before following him back to your shared room.

The man walked down the stairs and he entered the room, looking around as if he knew someone had been here. He looked at the books and papers that were scattered about. He walked further in as he stopped.

He crouched down as he looked at the burnt book, a canteen that was once full of water and rocks and stones that were around them. Turning his head as he looked at the guard. “Write a letter to Mr Kangdae…” He spoke with an eerie tone. 

Hyunjin sighed once he got far from the guard to hear him. “My lord, I didn’t actually think that would work…” He said as they walked down a couple of stairs. “Me too, thought he would come with us, even!” Chan huffed as he released the two from his grip. 

“Why are we even going to the library?” You asked, completely puzzled as they had woken you up and to get ready to go there. “Because…we’re going to the secret chambers…” Chan whispered to you. Your eyes widened as you glanced over at him. “Already?” You questioned as you looked at him with surprise. 

The male simply nodded his head before stopping in front of large double doors. “Looks like we’re already here, Hyunjin said as he placed his hand on the golden handles before pushing the door open. Chan did the same to the other door as it exposed the large library. 

You looked in awe at all of the books that filled the room. There was a large gold chandelier in the centre as it brightened the room just enough. There were a few tables with candles on them to assist. You walked in as you couldn’t help but admire the room. “Wow…” Was the only thing could you audibly say.

“A beaut, aye?” Chan chuckled before he walked somewhere. “Aadya,” Hyunjin spoke as he looked over at you. You hummed for him to continue, not looking at him as you were too busy still admiring the room. “What will you do when you find it?” He questioned you. 

You knitted your brows together as you quickly whipped your head around to look at him. “What do you mean?” You questioned him. “You know what me and Chan spoke to you about? What will happen if you actually find it…you know it can…ya know…” He merely spoke as he gazed into your eyes for answers. 

You sighed as you looked away from him. “I-I don’t know…” You began as you looked at your hands. “I know I can die because of it…but there’s still a slight chance where I won’t.” You told him. “And that slight chance you’re speaking of is very slim.” He countered your statement. “I know, I know…but…who else will do it? No one has such powers like me to put a end to Daejoong’s evil deed.” You told him, finally connecting your eyes with him again.

“You can’t think so rash, there may be something else out there that can assist you…” He said, walking towards you as he placed his hand on your shoulder. You furrowed your brows more as you formed a thin line with your lips. You didn’t know what to say to him because he’s right. Even though you’re a immortal, something this can easily kill you and then that will be the end of your kind…unless…unless you-

“Hyunjin! Aadya! Come here!” You heard someone call out. You both looked over to the person to whom the voice belonged. “Coming, hyung.” Hyunjin said. Hyunjin then looked at you briefly. “Just think about it…okay?” He said before walking off, not waiting for a response. You sighed as you watched him leave before you soon did the same. 

“Come on…you said you’d give it here,” You heard Chan speak to someone. “I did, but I’m having doubts. You and I can get in trouble.” An unfamiliar voice spoke. You furrowed your brows as you walked around the corner to see who he was speaking to. It was a guard? You walked next to Hyunjin as you leaned closer to him. “What’s happening…?” You asked him.

“The person who was supposed to give us the maps for the chambers is having second thoughts and won’t give us it anymore.” Hyunjin sighed in defeat. Your eyes widened as you looked over at the two men. The other stood taller than Chan, looking down at him as they spoke. “I care about you, Chan hyung, and I don’t want to have you hang because of my mistake!” The other sighed heavily as he looked at the shorter male.

“Listen, I understand your worries, but this is also something serious!” Chan called out as he pointed at you, not sparing a glance. The male rolled his eyes before pushing past Chan and walked towards you. “Listen here, I know you’re a goddess and everything, and you lost practically all of your abilities…but you putting these two in danger is absolutely irrational! You should know that!’ The male said.

You furrowed your brows as you looked up at him. He had brown wavy hair as it stopped down next to his chin. He had brown eyes as he stared down at you. You were in disbelief, not only because of his rude demeanour towards you, but also because he looked familiar…to familiar. 

You examined him up and down, from his height to certain features on his face, you began to piece things together. He looked at you weirdly as he began to feel uncomfortable from your gaze. “What- What are you looking at?” He stuttered, stumbling back a little bit. You suddenly gasped as you too stumbled back. 

“Gunho…Jeong Gunho?” He looked at you with disbelief, surprised you knew his name without anyone speaking it. “How…?” He began, but soon stopped speaking as he looked at you weirdly. “Your brother! Yunho!” You told him. His eyes widened even more as the name of his brother caused his breath to hitch. “He’s…not dead?” He questioned.

Remembering their past, you understood what he meant. “He was rescued…and he misses you, Gunho.” You told him, stepping closer to him. He watched your moves as your words echoed in his head. “He…misses me? After what I’ve done to him!?” He questioned in disbelief before he rolled his eyes. “Don’t play with my emotions-!” He started off but you stopped him. “He escaped and got saved by Hongjoong. He’s a part of ATEEZ.” You told him before suddenly grabbing the braid in your hair. 

You showed him the ring in your hair as you felt him gently grab a hold of it. “This is…he still had these?” He questioned as he glanced to look you in the eyes. You nodded your head. His eyes began to slowly have tears grow as he rubbed his finger over the silver jewellry. “He wants to see you, Gunho. He wants you to come back and be a part of ATEEZ with him…” You told him more and more, watching his reaction carefully. 

A small smile formed on his face as he stepped away from you. “Okay.” He told you. “I’ll help you escape and get your abilities back,” He added as he suddenly brought you into a hug. “And thank you…” He whimpered as he placed his head in the crook of your neck. “Thank you? For what?” You asked as you wrapped your own arms around him.

“For telling me this and for coming across him. I can see he trusts certain women…thank you for making him think of them differently.” He explained before breaking away from you and wiping his tears away. You smiled at him as you nodded your head. “Take it back,” You told him as you began to undo your braid. “Huh? I can’t possibly-” “I’m returning it to its righteous owner,” You cut him off. 

He smiled before shaking his head. “He must have given that to you for a reason as he stopped you from continuing. “I can buy others for me and him.” He mentioned as took matters in his own hands and redid your braid. You smiled as you nodded your head. “Let me buy it then, courtesy of a deity.” You told him, which he couldn’t deny, so he nodded his head. 

“Ahem…” Someone cleared their throat. Both you and Gunho turned to look at him. “Ya know, we’re still here,” Chan said as he crossed his arms. You both chuckled before walking over to them. “Sorry, we were having a little moment,” You told them. “We could tell, love,” Chan said with a laugh before looking over at Gunho. 

“I’ll give you guys the map, but we may have to postpone for tomorrow, as it is soon going to be 30 minutes,” Gunho said as he walked back over to a tile in the wall. He pulled it out as he reached in and grabbed something. Pulling out the crinkled yellow paper he handed it over to Chan. Chan took it and put it into his satchel that he had brought with him.

“Thanks Gunho, we’ll be back tomorrow as we’ll be busy with getting their outfits arranged.” He said as he bowed. You and Hunjin did the same before turning to leave. “I’ll let you in on the plan, Gunho, come tomorrow as our new escort.” Hyunjin said as he patted the male on his back. He smiled. “Thank you, hyung. I’ll see you all tomorrow, take care,” Gunho waved as he watched you all leave as he smiled, still shocked his brother is still alive.

He jumped around in joy as he was excited to see him again. He hates himself for what he's done, and he dearly wants to see his older brother too. “Don’t worry, I’ll see you once again, hyung! This time, I’ll be the best younger brother towards you!” He said as he walked over to the counter of the library. “Hm…if I’m going to be a part of ATEEZ…I can help with weaponry, maybe? Or maybe even combat! I can also expose Tagyla, and even…” He gasped as he realised something as he ran towards a certain section in the library as he grabbed a book and opened it. 

“I can bring them here to finally end it all!”

Yeosang suddenly gasped as he stared at everyone with widened eyes. “What?!” Wooyoung asked as he looked at his friend with worry. “You don’t think that…no..it can’t be…” Yeosang muttered as he brought his right hand up as he nibbled on his nail and held his elbow with his other hand. “Say it, Yeosang,” Seonghwa said as he walked over to the young male. “You don’t think that he wants her to marry his son to make a demigod so that he can overtake Daejoong because he’s been his sideman for practically all his life and he finally wants to take everything that Daejoong has and make him suffer just as much as he has?!” He said in one breath.

Everyone stared at him, repeating what he said in their heads but slower as they registered everything that came out of his mouth. Mingi was the first to understand as he grabbed Yeosang by his forearm. “Are you sure!? If that’s it then we have to stop him!” Mingi yelled just in time as everyone too understood what Yeosang said.

Hongjoong took action quickly as he looked at his map, tracing his finger over it as he followed a path where the ship is now to where Orzart is. “It’s not far from here! We can get there quickly!” Hongjoong yelled as he ran out of his cabin to the stern deck. He started yelling out familiar commands to everyone, as yet again, they were setting sail on the seven seas.

“Wh-What?” Aadya asked as she looked at Bangchan in disbelief. “What the hell is that?” She asked as she knitted her brows just as the male finished measuring her body. She stepped down from the stool that was placed in front of her to step on so the Bangchan could get to her quicker. “I know that it’s hard to understand, but that's what I’ve heard…” He explained as he helped you down the stool. 

“He’s not wrong, I remember hearing my father speak of that too. If you don’t take it, then Daejoong will continue to conquer until my dad takes revenge on him,” Hyunjin said as he was sitting on his bed. You nod your head as you nibble on your lower lip. “Chan oppa?” You questioned. “Hm? What’s the matter?” He asked as he looked at you with worried eyes. 

“Is there a place where I can secretly practise my abilities?” You asked him as you stood next to the bed and crossed your arms, awaiting for the males response. He furrowed his brows, placing his hands on his hips and tapping his foot. He suddenly gasped. “Hyunjin! You remember the secret chambers hidden in the walls!?” Bangchan suddenly outbursts.

Hyunjin furrowed his brows as he looked over at his friend. “We’re not supposed to speak of those anymore, you know nobody is allowed down there anymore!” Hyunjin said as he heard those words. “Well…if there won’t be anyone down there anymore, we can have her practise!” He exclaimed. There was a sudden knock at the door. “Sir Bang…is everything alright in there? We need those measurements now!” Someone yelled from the other side of the door.

“Yes! I’m coming right now!” Bangchan called back out before whispering something to the both of you. “There is someone who knows about the chambers and he’s a good friend of mine. I’ll ask him for assistance,” He explained. “If he doesn’t come personally, then I’ll ask for a map,” He finished as he began to head for the door. “Though if you do ever get caught down there….” He stopped as his face saddened. “I’ll…I’ll be back in a few, please do be patient.” He said before he opened the door and left, gently closing the door behind him.

You looked at Hyunjin. He was deep in thought about something. “Hyunjin…what is it?” You asked him, startling the male. “Oh! It’s..i-i-i-it’s nothing,” He smiled forcefully. You knitted your brows together as you stared deep into his soul. “I wasn’t born yesterday…” You said with a blank gaze. He looks down as his face saddens. 

“The chambers are connected throughout the whole castle, even down to the dungeons…” He stated, tears beginning to form in his eyes. “If we have access to the chambers…then…then-” “Then we can find you lover,” You finished his sentence. You walked over to him and placed your hand on the side of his face.. You wiped the tears that fell from his eyes. “Don’t worry…I will do anything in my power to rescue her and get you both away so you can live happily.” You sternly said to him as you ruffled his hair.

He genuinely smiled at you this time as he nodded his head. “Thank you, thank you so much, Aadya!” He exclaimed before he hugged you tightly. “I will do everything in my power to get your abilities back,” He responded. You smiled as you caressed his hair before standing back. “In the meantime, let’s think about our escape plan,” You said as he nodded before the both of you quietly spoke about it.

Back on Atiny, there stood the main 8 members who came together and created ATEEZ, the most feared pirates to ever sail the seven seas. “Reaching Ozart will take us about 1 week, this will be a long journey without any stops in between. We’re going to rescue Aadya and bring her back home!!” Mingi yelled to the other crewmates that stood on the main deck and listened to the male.

“No matter what happens, our main goal is to get her and get away!” He added before turning around to look at the captain who was focused on sailing, using his abilities given to him to control the sea. “Our Pirate King made a few mistakes and he’s willing to change right now,” Mingi also explained as he crossed his arms. “He’s going to be the one who will directly rescue her with the help of Yunho,” He added.

“The rest of us will be on defence and make sure no one stops them,” He finished, watching and listening to everyone’s reaction. “You mean we’ll be able to get her back??!” One of the members of the crew yelled out. “Possibly, that’s what we’re hoping for,” Mingi explained, though deep down he didn’t even believe in this rushed plan himself.

Sighing, he turned around and made his way to Hongjoong who was keeping a heavy gaze on the ocean. Yeosang was next to him as he was telling him where to go. Everyone was there as they spoke to each other, many ideas bouncing around and coming up. “You know that place is loaded with guards!” Jongho said as he crossed his arms. 

“I know, what else are we supposed to do?” San said as he held his dog in his hands for comfort. “How about me and Hongjoong use the longboats and sail into the back of the woods. We can rush to the castle hoods and save her.” Yunho spoke up.

“With what equipment?” Seonghwa asked as he looked at the younger male. “Don’t we have grappling hooks? We can use that to reach inside the castle and find where she is. Maybe take a guard hostage and ask where she is.” He added as he nibbled on his lip as he began to think more. “This sounds like something that should be happening at night where not much light will occur.” Yeosang said as he glanced over at them all. 

Yunho nodded his head. “I’m pretty sure Aadya has something to cloak the two of you somewhere in her cabin.” Jongho added as he uncrossed his arms and looked over at Hongjoong. “What do you think, cap’n?” The youngest asked, hoping he would agree to their plan. 

Hongjoong looked over at them without moving his hand as a small smile began to form on his face. “I agree. San and Seonghwa, go see if you can find those cloaks in Aadya’s room. Jongho, get any small weapon that won’t be easily spotted and bring them out. Yunho and Mingi, the both of you find those grappling hooks. Wooyoung, I want you and Yeosang to continue questioning Changbin about everything he knows.” Hongjoong ordered like the leader he is.  They all smiled with joy as the adrenaline of such an adventure filled their veins. “AYE CAPTAIN!” They all yelled before dispersing. Hongjoong focused back on the sea as he felt the element connect with him, gaining speed as he continued to push forward and save you. I promise I’ll save you this time, Aadya and aid to finally kill my father.

The gunshot echoed through the air, as not far away a flock of birds quickly flew into the air to get away from the commotion. Everyone stared with wide eyes as they watched as Hongjoong shot Changbin in his leg. They were caught off guard as they didn't know what to do or say. Changbin let out a scream of pure pain as he keeled over and groaned in pain as he held onto his leg where the wound was.

Hongjoong dropped his revolver and quickly walked over to Changbin as he grabbed him by his collar and lifted him up. “Where the hell are they taking her!?” He yelled as he shook the male violently. “As hell if I’ll tell you-” Before he could finish his sentence, Jongho walked over and loomed over the male.

“After everything me and you went through together…I won’t mind beating you to the brink of death.” He coldly stated, catching not just Changbin off guard, but also Hongjoong. Changbin hissed in pain as he slowly moved his injured leg. “Can we just hang him upside down along the mast and shoot at him blindfolded?” Yunho asked, appearing out of nowhere behind Jongho. They both stood there, menacingly, as they looked at Changbin.

Changbin couldn’t say anything as he glared at the two before looking at Hongjoong. “You got betrayed by him, don’t you want a little revenge on him?” Hongjoong asked. Changbin looked away, thinking about what to do. 

It was silent as everyone watched and listened closely, some hoping that he would tell them, some already wanting Changbin dead and gone for what he had done in the past.

“Fine! Only because I want to see that bastard Kangdae again and kill him myself,” He said. Hongjoong smirked before standing up and looking around. “Mingi, Jongho, take him to the holding cell,” He voiced, making Changbin widen his eyes as he stared at his old captain.  “Don’t think just because you’re agreeing means I’ll let you walk around freely on my ship,” He spoke before turning around and walking off into his cabin.

Jongho and Mingi grabbed the male, dragging him down the ship into his holding cell for who knows how long it’ll be. Wooyoung dismissed himself as he went downstairs to where Changbin was…he had a couple of things to say to him. 

Yunho turned on his heels as he walked over to the main mast and climbed up to the gallant yard and held onto the lifts as he watched over the sea. Something stung him in his heart, how he didn’t do anything to save and protect the one he loves so dearly. He can finally admit to it. Though at this moment he can only hope that she’ll be okay and be able to stick through and survive.

San had grabbed a few things before heading to Hongjoong’s cabin. He walked with Yeosang as they were quiet as there was a tear, a disturbance in the crew now. Knocking on the door they heard a “Come in,” before they both pushed open the door.

They walked inside as they saw the man sitting at his desk that was centred in the room. He had his eyepatch off as he stared at it. Tears were stained on his cheek as they mixed with the dried blood he still had from the hard punches Yunho landed on him. 

“Hongjoong?” San muttered as he walked over to him, setting his things gently on his desk. Hongjoong glanced at the objects before meeting eyes with San. “This is all my fault…if only I didn’t get manipulated by that bastard and actually stood up against his words about my father…” He choked out.

Yeosang and San stared at him, they felt bad for the male but at the same time, something deep down wanted him to go through this so he could understand his fault. “For crying out loud, she saved me when I was a kid from my father! And what did I do!? I BLOODY FUCKING HELL BETRAYED HER LIKE BACK THEN!!” He yelled, a sob finally erupting from his throat as he picked up his eyepatch and looked at the beautiful letters embedded into the leather.

“She’s the one who gave me the title I live by today…she gave me the gift of the sea. She gave us the name of ATEEZ…” He explained as he cried. “The person I wanted to see and apologise constantly to was here the whole time and I didn’t fucking know,” He suddenly looked over at Yeosang. “I do not blame you or Yunho for this, to hell if I ever did. I can understand why she wanted to hide it because this was more precious than her gender back then,” He said before he looked down at his hands. 

“I’m surprised I’m not dead yet…but I won’t be if she does kill me the next time she sees us…if she actually does.” He spoke as he stood up. Everything went silent as he blankly stared down in guilt. Yeosang sighed before he walked over to him. “Hongjoong, I understand you feel guilty for everything that has happened to Aadya, but you need to understand that you weeping your eyes out like a mere child again won’t save her.” He stated.

Hongjoong looked at him with slightly widened eyes. “What I’m trying to say is get your fucking ass up and find out where the hell she is! Prove to her that she can actually trust you for once!” He yelled. San stared from the side as he blinked a couple of times as he realised that Yeosang was yelling at their captain. Though he soon smirked.

“He’s right. But understand we’re all at fault too, we didn’t even try to stop her from getting taken! So let’s change that and bring Ji Ah- Aadya back!!” He smiled as he grabbed his medicine he brought to aid Hongjoong’s wounds. “Now sit down and let me heal you,” San said as he walked over and pushed Hongjoong back into his seat to sit down before attending to his wounds on his lips and side of his face.

“Where is she..?” Wooyoung asked as he sat on the floor as he looked at his old friend that was behind bars. Changbin kept quiet as he stared at his hands. Wooyoung deeply sighed as he ran his hands through his now fuschia hair with lilac tips from the old colour he had from the beginning. “For crying out loud, damnit! Do you think I want to ask you this?!” Wooyoung suddenly yelled as he got up from his spot.

Changbin slowly looked over at the male with a blank stare before listening to him. “Do you think I want to ask you where the hell Aadya is!? I’m scared out of my fucking mind where she is…fucking hell, I was scared to what even happened to you!” He yelled with cracks in his voice, tears starting to form and blur up his vision. “I wanted to know where the hell my best friend was!! Yes, you betrayed us, but damn! The friendship we had! I still cared and worried about your well being, to see and know if you were alive or not!” He spat out to the male sitting behind bars. 

It then got dead silent. The creaking of the boat accompanied with yells from above was the only thing that could be heard as Wooyoung looked at Changbin. He frowned before turning away and began to walk to the door. “She’s being taken to Orzart…Kangdae’s home village…” He began, making Wooyoung halt his movements and listen to Changbin.

“CAPTAIN!!” Wooyoung screamed as he bursted through the doors. He noticed Mingi, Yeosang, and San there as they were all talking to one another. “Get everyone!” Wooyoung yelled as he ran over to San and Hongjoong as he was still fixing him up. “Why? What’s wrong?” Mingi asked as he turned to look at his screaming friend. “Aadya! I know where she is and what’s going to happen to her!” He yelled.

Everyone turned to look at him with widened eyes. Hongjoong stood up. “Go get Yunho, Jongho, and Seonghwa!” He ordered as he grabbed his eyepatch and placed it back on before reaching in his drawer and pulled out a map and placed it on his desk. Mingi and Yeosang rushed out as they went to fetch the three. Yeosang went to get both Seonghwa and Jongho and Mingi looked for Yunho. 

Mingi went to his room to only find it empty. The male furrowed his brows as he closed the door and went back up to the main deck, knowing exactly where he was. He looked up as he used his hand to block out the sun as he looked at the tiny figure that was sitting on top of the main mast. “YUNHOO!!” He yelled out as loud as he can, catching not only his attention but everyone else. 

It’s not everyday that you see the male yell this loud, and when he does…well. Yunho, who was on the mast, looked down as he heard his name being called. He looked down as he blankly stared at the purple haired male as he called out for him. Something about his tone seemed urgent so Yunho stood up on the mast and grabbed ahold of the brace that latched from the top of the main mast down to the quarterdeck. He glided down the rope as he landed on the deck with a thud before turning around and walked towards Mingi. “Yes?” He questioned, wondering why his friend was calling for him.

“Wooyoung managed to figure where Aadya is!” He exclaimed. A sudden gleam shone through Yunho’s eyes as he quickly rushed through Mingi’s room to Hongjoong’s as he looked at Wooyoung. “Spill!” He exclaimed as he listened to everything that his friend had to say.

“Either you can be publicly hanged in Orzart, or marry my son and make a demigod.” He happily said. You quickly snapped your head up to look at him with furrowed brows. “Orzart!? I thought-“ “No. Hongjoong’s father agreed to my wish. We’re heading to my hometown. But that is the unimportant matter, what will your decision be? The last immortal to die? Or make more of you so they don’t go extinct?” He chuckled.

You felt disgusted at him, your face cringing at how much he seemed to enjoy this. You clenched your jaw as you grind your teeth together in anger and disgust as you looked out the tiny window to the side of you that you had.

They opened the door and pushed you inside, making you trip over yourself as you fell to the floor. You turned your head to face the guards with furrowed brows as you stared at them with anger. “The tailor will be here shortly to do your measurements,” One of them said before shutting the door, locking it from the outside.

You groaned as you hastily stood up and went over to the window as you unlocked the hinges and looked down. It looks about 15 metres up. “If you’re planning on escaping, there’s no use,” You heard a voice call out to you from behind. You quickly turned around to look at the person.

You knitted your brows together as you looked at the man that spoke. You watched the figure walk out of the darkness that was stored away in the corner of the room. How creepy…

You examined his facial features. His cat-like eyes as they’re a lime colour with a hint of orange and yellow in the centre as you moved your gaze to his nose that was perfectly chiselled without any imperfections as you looked at his lips. They were beautiful plum pink lips. “It’s you...” You mumbled as you moved away from the window, making sure to close it before stepping closer to the male. 

He stopped in his spot as he watched your every move. “Hwang Hyunjin.” You said as a grin slowly grew on your face as you stopped in front of him. You looked up slightly at his gaze as you raised a brow. “What’s with that look on your face?” You asked him, noticing the doubtful and fearful look that was held in his glossy orbs. 

“Are you really...going to marry me?” He hesitated to ask, his eyes switching between each of yours as he waited for a response from you. Your one raised brow soon knitted together with your other as you looked at him with a puzzled look. “Are you really that foolish?” You scoffed as you backed away from him as you went to the wardrobe that was behind him.

“What do you mean am I foolish!? I am one selfless prince, far more different from the stupid rumours and forklores some village people come up with!” He yelled at you, dumbstruck by the sudden name calling towards him. You turned your head to face him, making his lips form a thin line on his face as he continued to stare at you with those fearful gazes. 

“Why would I marry someone I do not love? I only agreed so I can give myself more time to escape.” You told him as you opened the doors to his wardrobe as you looked inside. “Es….cape?!” He chuckled with sarcasm as he made his way over to you. “How are you even going to pull that off!? This castle is loaded with guards...guarding this place!” He explained to you, trying to make you come to reality instead of getting away. 

“Then what about you?” You questioned, pulling your hand out of the wardrobe as you stopped from what you were doing. “Huh?” He questioned back, flustered by the sudden question. “Do you even want to get married?” You specified the question as you turned your body to look at him. He was taken aback. 

You suddenly lifted up your hand, showing him what you had grabbed from the wardrobe. His eyes widened at you. “I-“ He began but you quickly interrupted him. “You already have a lover, and I can tell you’re not doubtful or fearful because of me being immortal, but you feel that way because if anything or everything goes wrong, she’ll die, huh?” You said, quickly putting everything together as you looked into his eyes as they began to sadden more and more as you continued.

“They took her and locked her up, huh? Where, I’ll get you both out and to safety, but you have to trust me.” You said to him, setting the picture back into the wardrobe as you gently placed your hands on his shoulders, your fingers wrapping around him as you lightly massaged his shoulders with your thumbs.

“If you can’t trust me, then forget ever seeing her again,” You told him honestly as you watched the change of emotion in his eyes. “Is everything that Tagyla said about your kind, true?” He asked, staring into your eyes as he lingered for your response.

You frowned, the false accusations that they fed everyone around the lands. “Why would we sacrifice those we gave our everything to? They asked and wished and we gave them.” You sighed with frustration as you crossed arms and stared into his eyes. “There’s a reason why Daejoong hates my kind…” You mumbled to him, walking over to the bed as you sat down.

He followed you and sat next to you, wanting you to continue. “Long ago before I was even born…” You began.

Auna and Gargon—the parents of Aadya and Aion—were on the island Tagyla minding their own business as they watched and protected the mortals that were doing their own business. Something though disrupted them, a scream about 6 metres away from the centre of town drew their attention. 

They rushed to the commotion, wanting to see if they could deal with it and sort through it. Once they reached where the scream came from, they noticed a few people gathered around a single man. “Give it up, you can always get another gold piece like the other times.” One of the men said as they tossed the yellow-orange coloured metal to one of the other male.

“Please, I need that for my family! I promise, I’ll pay you back once I get more!” The man pleaded as he tried to grab his gold but got grabbed by his shoulders by two men as they pulled him back, holding him back from getting his gold. “You no good thieves! Judgement day will fall on you all, especially you and your family Kim Baesin!” The man yelled as he tried to get out of the grip of the men.

“Lee Sangmin, you sure don’t get it. I don’t care if I kill anyone, as long as I get my money from you.” The man snickered as he pulled out a knife from his holster that was in the back of his pants. Gargon noticed as he quickly walked over them, grabbing the weapon as he stood between the two. 

“Now what in the heavens is going on?” He asked as he raised an eyebrow. “Who the hell are you?” The man that had the knife asked as he looked at Gargon. Aadya’s father simply smiled as he crushed the blade in his hand. “A protector,” Gargon said as he held his hand out. 

“Now, can you place this man’s gold in my hand?” He asked as he kept a calm composure. “What the…tsk! Go to hell!” Baesin yelled as he reached and grabbed his musket from his holster. 

He pointed it at Gargon and quickly shot the weapon. Gargon quickly moved his head, but wasn’t as quick since the musket shot grazed the left side of his face. It soon went quiet as Gargon and Auna stood there as they tried to comprehend what just happened.

“Mortal…” Auna suddenly said, speaking up for the first time with her soothing voice. Wings suddenly sprouted out of her and Gargon’s back. “What the…” Baesin gasped. “It’s…it’s the Gods!” One of the men said, quickly letting go of Sangmin as they bowed against the ground. 

“Judgement day has already come forth for you, Kim Baesin. Not only did you sin on taking Lee Sangmin’s money, but you all defied and attacked the God’s.” Auna spoke as she looked at him. “You will be held against your crimes, and so will your crew. The punishment will be seeked of sunrise tomorrow,” She continued, using her powers to arrest Baesin and his goons. 

“Papa…!”

“Wait! I didn’t know, please! Forgive me and my sins, I’ll do better!” Baesin begged, trying his best to go against Auna’s powers and stay put. “Please! Forgive us!” The others soon followed. “I have a son! Please! I’ll do anything!” Baesin pleaded.

“Papa..?”

“A child..” Both Gargon and Auna mumbled. “Yes! Please let me see him once again!” Baesin begged as tears slowly filled his eyes as he stared at the two. Auna slowly flapped her wings as she glided across the air to Baesin and looked down at him. “Of courtesy for your child, I’ll accept your wish. Before your punishment you will be allowed to say your final farewells to him,” She said as she slowly glided down as she stood in front of him.

Her wings tucked behind her before she used her powers and made them walk to the jailhouse to be locked away until morning.

“Papa…”

“Baesin, you have a visitor,” A guard spoke as his voice woke up the male. He turned to look at him as he nodded his head. The guard unlocked his cell as he handcuffed him. Locking the cell once again, the guard led him to a different room and sat him down in front of a little boy.

“You have five minutes, use your time wisely,” The guard spoke before walking away and standing at attention by the door. Baesin sighed before he looked at his son. “Papa what’s happening?-” The little boy questioned but Baesin stopped him as he spoke. “My son, listen clearly to what I’m going to tell you,” He began.

The boy nodded his head before Baesin continued. “I won’t be with you any longer as I’m sentenced to death. The Gods and Goddesses are at fault, they don’t show or know sympathy. They are only killing me and my crew for their own greed, to offer us for their immortality,” He spoke. The boy's eyes widened as he stared at his father. 

“That can’t be true, they are here to keep our world safe and balanced-” He tried to explain to his dad, but stopped once his dad shook his head. “That’s what they told me when they took me. They said they are happy with our sacrifice for their immortality! Son! Understand you need to get vengeance for me!” He yelled. The guard took notice as he quickly walked over to him. 

“That’s enough, you’re going back to your cell!” He yelled as he began to drag him away. “Son! Tell everyone, everyone must know! Become the ruler of the oceanic islands and tell everyone the truth! Kim Daejoong! My son! You must!” He yelled before getting dragged back to his cell. 

“Come on kid, let me take you back to your mother,” Another guard said as he took the kid who had a baffled and blank look back home. “Of course father…anything for you,” The boy muttered.

“…and like how my parents said, Kim Baesin got hanged with his crew when the sun finally rose.” You finished as you looked at Hyunjin. “So, this was all the doing of the Daejoong’s father? Because your parents didn’t listen and give him a second chance?” He knitted his brows together.

“An entity from above can tell when one lies,” You spoke as you looked away and out of the window you were at earlier. Hyunjin kept quiet as he thought about the story you told him, the truth behind the whole ‘sacrifices Gods make with human lives’. “Ryon Hasun…that’s her name. They locked her in the dungeon of this place,” Hyunjin finally spoke.

You looked over at him as you nodded your head. “I’ll make sure I get her out and you both together and off this island,” His eyes widened at your remark. “Wh-What!? You can’t, this place is-” He began but got caught off. “I’m a Goddess, I have powers,” You explained. “If you can help me use them again I’ll be in your debt.” You said as you grabbed his hands. “You have my oath,” You finished as you stared into his beautiful eyes.

He stared back into your eyes as he slowly smiled and relaxed as he nodded his head. “Alright, I’ll help you.” He said as he quickly pulled you into his chest and hugged you tightly. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” He exclaimed before suddenly stopping as there was a knock on the door. 

You both turned towards the direction as you saw someone walk in. “Ah! Am I ruining something?” A male exclaimed as he closed the door behind him. “Oh, Chan hyung!” Hyunjin greeted as he stood up and walked over to him. “She said she’ll help me!” Hyunjin smiled, making Chan widen his eyes as he looked at you. “R-Really!?” He asked in disbelief. “He has my full oath as a Goddess,” You bowed. 

Chan looked back at Hyunjin and smiled before going over to you. “Well, I was supposed to measure you…looks like we’ll have to come up with some sort of plan, hm?” He questioned as he raised a brow and brought out a measuring tape. You nodded your head before standing up. “Shall we?” You asked with a smile.

“If you’re here to try and kill her again, we’re not going to let that happen!” Yunho said as he grabbed your wrist and pushed you behind him. “Look at that. Someone has fallen for someone like you,” Kangdae spoke up as he stepped forward to you all. 

“I suggest you to get off of my ship as you’re still living,” Hongjoong threatened, placing his hand on the hilt of his cutlass. “Oh, Hongjoong.” Kangdae laughed, placing his hands behind his back as he stared at the young boy. “Must I expose you, like how your gender was exposed?” Kangdae asked, looking at you, who was glaring at the two men behind Yunho. 

“Don’t even think about it!” Yeosang yelled, stepped in front of you all. “Or what?” Changbin asked, raising a brow at the older male. “What are they even talking about!?” San questioned as he looked at the three of you. “Are you hiding something from us again?!” You heard a crew mate yell from beyond the deck.

“That’s not what’s important right now, we can speak of this later. Right now we should worry about the problem. How did you even find us!?” Seonghwa spoke. “You don’t possibly think changing ships would save you, and how this girl bailed the dragon we had. Got her and her son away.” Kangdae laughed as he looked at you again before averting his eyes to Hongjoong.

“But we only came here for a simple reason. We want her.” Kangdae said, pointing at you. He didn’t even spare a glance at you anymore as he kept a trained look on Hongjoong. “Her bounty is double then all of you and your crew mates put together.” He added with a smirk plastered on his face.

What is he doing?

The voice asked inside of you. You furrowed your brows as you continued to look at him. “You could get her bounty money, freedom and also Changbin after what he did.” Kangdae laughed as he crossed his arms. Changbin looked at the older male with a baffled look. “What the hell!? This wasn’t part of the agreement!” He yelled at him.

Kangdae turned to face him, quickly pulling out his musket and pointed it at the male. “Maybe not part of ours, but it was the arrangement I made. I don’t need you anymore, especially after failing.” He growled.

“I’m not accepting your deal.” You heard Hongjoong said in the midst of their conversation. Everyone turned to face him, including you as you had a surprised expression plastered over your face. Kangdae nods his head, placing his weapon back in his holster as he begins to walk towards Hongjoong.

Hongjoong immediately pulls his cutlass out as he points it at the man. “If you do, your father would want you back for helping us find her, she’s been on the run for years. Far more dangerous than you, Pirate King.” Kangdae gently spoke to him, catching Hongjoong off guard as he lowered his cutlass a little as he stared at Kangdae with a lost expression. 

That bastard! He’s trying to get under his skin by using his father!

You clenched your fist as you tried to push past Yunho, but he quickly grabbed you. You turned your head to look at him, to see him shaking his head. “We have to trust him, we know he wouldn’t agree with it.” Yunho whispered. The soft look on his face calmed you as you relaxed a little as you backed away, standing to the side of Yunho now as you watched the scene play in front of you.

“So, what will it be, Joongie?” Kangdae asked, stopping in front of the shorter male. He placed his hand on the tip of the cutlass and lowered it as he placed his other hand on Hongjoong’s shoulder.

The smile of Daejoong’s face flashed in front of Hongjoong as his lips quivered upward into a small smile, feeling like a kid again to be welcomed back into his fathers arms. That empty feeling of having a father figure in his life was desperately pleading for one. He wanted to disagree, but something was forcing him to do otherwise. No Hongjoong! You know he’s lying! Hongjoong thought as he looked at Kangdae in his eyes. But…what if…? He was too lost in his utopia to realise the words leaving his lips. “I….I agree.”

Everyone turned to look at the captain in astonishment, even Kangdae as no one was expecting him to say yes. But a wide smile soon filled Kangdae’s face as he turned around and walked back to the guards. He pushed Changbin towards you all while ordering the Ayrith guards to take you. 

“What- Hyung are you fucking out of your mind!” Jongho yelled as he pulled out a sword. Yunho did the same as the Ayrith came closer to you. He pointed his sword at them, threatening them to come closer, and if they did, he'd easily kill them. “Let them take her…” Hongjoong said to him. 

“No hyung. Listen to yourself! Do you even know what you’re-” “I said let them take her!” Hongjoong said, now a few centimetres in front the taller male with his musket pointed at his temple. A blank emotion filled his eye as he stared at the master gunner. 

Yunho let out a sarcastic laugh as he hesitated to put his sword down. The Ayrith guards grabbed you as they began to pull you away as anger filled you again, your breath quickening as the emotion began to devour you. 

You pushed the Ayrith guards off of you with your strength, making them fly almost across the ship from you as you turned back towards Hongjoong. You rushed to him as you quickly gripped his throat and lifted him off of the ground as you stared into his surprised and fear filled eyes.

“Ji Ah-“ “My name isn’t fucking Ji Ah! You should know me! I’m Aadya, Goddess of Life and All, the little girl that got her family killed because of you!” He was taken aback once again, gripping your hand, trying to pull you off of him, but you only squeezed your hand tighter around him.

“I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you again, even after listening to your crew! You were a daddy’s little boy, and you never changed! I believed that you did, but it seems it only took time to show your true self, Kim Hongjoong. Saving your life from your father, giving you the powers of the sea! I was the one that gave you the title of Pirate King!” You screamed at him as your eyes slowly faded into your sclera. 

Your head was spinning, you felt dizzy as you felt a sensation suddenly crash over you like a tsunami. Something played under your eyes. You saw….

…an hourglass. You watched as the sand didn’t fall down but…up! It went up through the glass as it filled the top of the object. It was glowing bright white from the sand as it was placed in the centre of a table as just behind it there was an even larger one as it resembled the smaller one. Chains hung all around the larger hourglass. 

Footsteps were heard as someone was coming towards it, stopping in front of it. He picked up the object as he unscrewed the top as he picked up some sand. The sight you saw frightened you! You finally figured what it was as you snapped back to reality.

He didn’t say anything but looked at you as tears poured down his eye as you blankly stared off. You came back as you looked over at him, heart sinking before you scoffed. You released him as you dropped him back down to the deck as you felt Ayrith guards grab you again, tears finally filling your eyes as you felt the same pain as you did when you were a child. “Goodbye.” He said. You couldn’t help but cry. You looked into his eye. You shook your head, not being able to believe this circumstance. “I’m so sorry..” He said, and just like that...you were gone and betrayed...again.

You disappeared from their sights as they dragged you down the gangplank. Everyone watched in silence as the only thing that could be heard were the vultures overhead and the sea around them with the quiet sobs of Hongjoong.

“Captain.” San muttered as he walked towards him. “How could you?” He asked, staring down at the older male. “I was scared, okay!? You don’t understand the hell I went through!” He said with tears running down his face. 

Quick steps were soon heard as everyone turned to them as they saw Yunho running towards Hongjoong as he lifted the male up and began to punch the male across the face. It made Hongjoong fall down to the ground. Yunho straddled on him as he continued to land hits across his face as blood began to spurt out of him.

“YE LILY-LIVERED BASTARD!” Yunho yelled as he continued to punch the male. His knuckles began to sting as he continued, feeling as if his heart was being ripped out and stabbed multiple times. “HOW COULD THE ONE THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT US GIVE ONE AWAY!?!!” He continued, tears now beginning to fall off his face.

“YUNHO!” Seonghwa and San yelled. Mingi and Jongho grabbed the tall male by his shoulders as they tried to pry him off. Yunho pushed them off of him as he continued to punch Hongjoong with all of his strength. “ALL BECAUSE YOU WERE SCARED!!?” He continued to yell in Hongjoong’s face as he let the younger male hit him. Blood splattered on the floorboard, covered Hongjoong’s face and Yunho’s hands.

Mingi and Jongho got back up as they grabbed Yunho again, who struggled to get out of their grip again, but taking a few more tugs, they finally got him off of him. It fell silent as they watched. Most agreed with Yunho’s actions, and the others just watched in pain. Hongjoong slowly stood up. “No...I deserved it, I deserved it.” He said as he wiped his mouth, looking at the blood on his fingers before spitting out more blood on the deck. 

“Answer me you bastard! How could you just get rid of her!? You could have made things better, but you gave her up again!” Yunho yelled at the older male as anger coursed through him. “Stop, Yunho!” Jongho yelled as he gripped hardly on the taller male for him to stop trying to lunge at the captain.

“Stop!? Stop what!? He got rid of the girl that showed me women can be different and aren’t trying to use me for things! She taught me a lot and you just- got rid of her like she’s rubbish!” Yunho yelled as he tried to pry his mates off of him. 

“Do you think she wants you to be doing this!?” Mingi asked, looking into the eyes of his friend. Yunho just stared at him with a blank face. “Right...rhetorical question…” Mingi sighed before turning around to look at Hongjoong. “Yunho is right though, why could you just get rid of her!? The last immortal being in the world and you just gave her to Ayrith, the ones who have been killing them for the last 5 decades!?” Mingi scoffed, running his hand through his hair. 

“I’m the one that killed her parents, didn’t you hear?” Hongjoong finally said as he looked at them all. “Something about hearing about my father again did something to my mind, confused me into thinking that I’m a kid again-“ “You’re not a kid anymore, hyung.” Jongho interrupted. “I know. And I’m stupid for even thinking like that, I agree with you all.” Hongjoong sighed, tears slowly going down his face still as he looked over at the gangplank where you got dragged down.

“You all leave, I’ll stay here,” Hongjoong stated as he began to take his weapons out of their holster and placing them on the deck. “What...what are you doing?” Seonghwa questioned, watching his actions as he began to empty out his musket, leaving only one bullet in. “Don’t tell me you’re-“ San began but Hongjoong quickly cut him off with a nod. “You can’t maroon yourself, you may have made a terrible decision, but you’re still a captain, our captain at that,” Seonghwa told him, grabbing his shoulder.

“A captain isn’t a daddy’s boy.” He said, pushing his friend away as he walked towards the gangplank. “If you step off this ship, I’ll kill you myself and ask a witch to bring you back so I can kill you again.” Yunho said, finally getting out the grip of Mingi and Jongho. Hongjoong stopped in his tracks as he turned to face the tall male with the silver hair. 

“You may have…” Yunho began as he took a small pause, taking a deep breath before continuing. “You may have gotten rid of the love of my life and I may hate you for that, but it’s not too late to try to fix this problem.” Yunho told the older male with one eye. “She gave you that eyepatch for a reason,” He added, glancing at the black leather material that was covering the right side of his face. 

“She still trusted you even though she had her doubts,” He finally finished, standing in front of the captain as he looked down at him. “You can either go kill yourself on this now deserted island or help save Aadya, what will it be?” Yunho questioned the male waiting for his answer. Hongjoong kept quiet as he looked down at the gun in his hands before looking up at Yunho again with his brows knitted together. “What are you doing-!?“ San asked, but he soon got caught off.

*BANG*

...

..

.

“Really!? Then….who were you?” She asked as she looked at you. “My name is actually...Aadya…” You mumbled the ending as you moved a branch from your way. She looked at you with widened eyes. “Like...wait, Aadya as in Aadya the Goddess of Life and All!?” She questioned you. 

Yunho and Yeosang turned around to look at the both of you. “You’re telling her?” Yeosang asked as he glanced at Jisoo then at you. You nodded your head with a small smile on your face. “I trust her enough, I mean, I knew her since the time I washed up here,” You chuckled at the memory. “Well, welcome to the crew about knowing who she really is,” Yunho laughed.

You smiled towards him before you four continued to walk through the woods before finding the open area you remembered as a kid. “Wow…” You subconsciously said as you looked around the familiar place. You walked up to a tree with a carving in it stating: ‘Ji Ah and Jisoo, together until the end’. 

You smiled as you turned back around to go back to the others. “Now we’re in the territory of the Ayrith guards, be careful.” Jisoo stated as she looked at you three. Yeosang pulled out his book as he flipped through a couple of pages before finding the one he needed. “Says you have about every elemental ability, the ability to fly with white wings...and to heal, and of course we know,” He told you as he looked up to meet your gaze.

“Neat…” You said as you let out a sigh and sat down. You closed your eyes as you began to focus on whatever ability came to you first. The others watched you carefully, staying quiet so they wouldn’t disturb you. They stared at you with curious eyes as your brows furrowed together. 

Your body subsciously began to relax as your hands began to reach out into the ground, feeling the earth underneath you. You could feel the vibrations of everything on your fingertips, from the animals burrowing under the dirt, and the three others in front of you.

You continued to let loose of your body, your mind connecting into the natural element under you. Though...you felt an energy, a weak but yet powerful energy not too far from you. You felt your being, your soul travelling into the ground scurrying to find the source like a mole digging through the ground. 

You could hear something, as if something was trying to call out for help. The quick scene playing behind your eyelids as you saw It. It was a dragon, she was in pain, in the need of a savour. Your soul peered out of the ground in front of her, as she could feel your presence. She lifted her head as a large piece of cloth covered her eyes from seeing. You noticed the scars and scratches around her whole body. Her wings teared up as she was chained down into the ground.

She faced your soul, you could feel her staring into you even though she was momentarily blinded before she said “Save him...” She begged. You looked around as you noticed guards around her, placing blades over fire to heat them up. They turned around to the dragon as they stepped closer to her. “Tell me where your baby is, or I will make sure I’ll kill you and torture him in vain to your stupidity.” The guard said as he ordered a guard to push the sword through her scales into the flesh of her, a roar erupting from her. Another guard then walked up to him and whispered something into his ear before pointing….pointing at you. They both turned to face you, looking into your soul.

That was enough for your soul to quickly travel back to the ground to your body as you let out a hard and heavy gasp as you removed your hands from the ground. Your eyes widened as you looked around, you felt a heavy lump in your throat as you began to panic. The three stared at you with worry. Yunho rushed to you, crouching down to your level as he placed his hand on your face. “Hey, you’re alright,” He comforted as he gently rubbed your face with his thumb. 

“Go.” You told them as you stood up, grabbing the taller males hand and looking into his eyes. “What?” Yeosang asked with confusion laced in his tone. “You have to go, right now! Jisoo! Get everyone and take some to Skystead!” You told her as you pushed her away. “But that place is-“ “Now!” You interrupted her. 

You turned and faced the men. “You both quickly get back to the ship, I have to go take care of something,” You told them as you began to back away from them. “Aadya, whatever you’re thinking, we can’t let you do it yourself,” Yeosang told you as he placed his book away, glancing towards Yunho. 

“Jisoo, go, I’ll meet you there,” You said to her, her face saddening. You walked over to her and immediately wrapped your arms around her. “I promise, I just want you to be safe this time,” You whispered to her in her ear. She nodded her head as she broke away from you.

“Until then, Aadya.” She bowed with a smile. She stood up and ran back the way you came from. You then turned to the men. “I’m going to be fine, trust me,” You chuckled as you hugged them, feeling them wrap their arms around you too. “What if something happens?” Yunho asked you, you all breaking away from each other. “If so, we’ll be able to get through it,” You told them.

The two of them were held back in their thoughts wanting to listen to you, but the danger you might put yourself in, worried them and didn’t want to leave. “Trust me, please.” You begged, backing up towards the other way. They both sighed at the same time before nodding. “Just be careful!” Yunho told you as he grabbed Yeosang as they ran off the same direction Jisoo ran.

You turned to face the other way as you felt some type of strong aura rush over you. Closing your eyes and taking a deep breath, you ran towards that direction to look for the dragon.

You hid behind the trees, looking around for any guards. You managed to find the beautiful red dragon, though disregard all of her scars, she’s one beautiful and strong creature.

After making sure the coast was clear, you slowly made your way to her as you stood in front of her. “Is that...you?” She grumbled through the pain as she moved her head a little. You gently placed your hand on her snout as you rubbed across her scales. “It is, I couldn’t leave you here.” You told her, speaking the tongue of Dragonkin. “I felt your soul looking at me...but you're not a mortal, you’re a Goddess….I thought they were all deceased.” She said to you, a low bellow leaving from her throat as she moved her tail.

“I’m going to help you, I’m going to heal you to the best of my ability, but you have to let me,” You said to her, wrapping your fingers around the blindfold over her eyes before pulling it off her head, watching it fall to the ground. Her eyes adjusted to the sunlight as you watched both of her eyelids close and open. Her vertical pupils averted to look at you. “Aadya.” She said as she immediately knew who you were just by your looks.

You smiled as you nodded your head, moving your head to rub under her chin. “I trust you. I must save my child.” She begged. You nodded your head as you pulled your sword out as you went around her, the blade of your sacred sword cutting the chains off of her body and limbs with ease before you went back to face her. “Relax. This won’t hurt you,” You told her, placing your hand back on her snout as you closed your eyes, relaxing yourself, feeling the dragon doing the same. 

The glowing light, like before, began to shine as it slowly crept into the flesh of the creature. The once open wounds began to close up. You felt the dragon gladly take the energy from you to restore its own. 

It didn’t take long for the majestic creature to fully heal as you backed away from her. She opened her eyes as she stared at you. “Thank you,” She smiled. “Why wouldn’t I help someone like you?” You questioned with a light chuckle before you heard twigs snapping in the direction. “They must be coming back, we should flee,” The dragon said to you as she stood up on her legs.

“That would be too large of a scene, don’t you think?” You tried to explain. “I need to save my son. Get on my back,” She quickly responded as she stared into your soul once again. You nibbled on your lip as you heard more leafs and twigs breaking in the distance. You sighed in defeat as you quickly hopped onto the creature, holding on her horns.

“It’s not too far, just at the edge of the shore,” She told you as she began to flap her wings, the force pushing back everything in reach. You could hear the quick steps of guards as they heard the commotion happening. “Stop! How did you-?” He stopped mid sentence as he saw you on top of the dragon. “Aadya…” He whispered, but you managed to hear him before the red dragon flew away.

Making it to the coast, she flew down before landing safely in the sand. You quickly hopped off of her. “He’s in that cavern,” She said as she used her legs to gallop over to the opening. “Go inside, I’ll be looking out just in case,” You said to her. She snorted through her nose as an okay before going into the darkness of the cave. You hid under the bushes as you looked around carefully.

You placed your hand on the ground and closed your eyes again to feel if the Ayrith guards are near, and luckily they aren’t. You opened your eyes just in time to see the dragon coming out with her son. You backed away to make a little distance between you three as you knew younglings of dragons were quite atrocious, eating anything in its path, besides it’s only family...but still.

“Don’t worry, he knows what’s going on. I had told him a long time ago why I will disappear, that’s why he had stayed hidden in here,” She told you, noticing you creating a distance. You nodded your head, slowly walking up to her.

You noticed the young dragon hiding under the wing of the mother as he peaked his snout out to look at you before hiding again. You let out a soft giggle as you looked at the mother. “What may I call you?” You asked. “My name is Suvraynth, The Warrior. My son is Einnulig, The Gentle.” She told you, making you smile as you stepped towards her son. “Einnulig? I’m not going to hurt you.” You softly spoke to him as you continued to step closer to him.

“She’s the one that saved me. Remember all the stories I told you about immortals? This is Aadya, she is the goddess of life and all.” Suvraynth said to him. The young dragon peaked its head out, looking at you as it was hesitant to walk out. “You saved Mother? And speak our tongue?” He asked, lowering his head up at you, continuing to stay cautious.

You nodded your head with a smile plastered on your face as you looked at the innocent little dragon. “You both should hurry up and flee, go to Skystead. I will see you there,” You said to them, rubbing their heads. “Isn’t that…?” Suvraynth asked as she began to spread her wings. You nodded your head.

A snapping of a twig in the distance made you three quickly snap your heads in the direction of the trees. “Shit…” You cursed under your breath. “Go. I don’t want anything to happen to you both,” You began to rush them. You then noticed as she had something in her mouth as it hung on her tooth. “Aadya, take this,” She said as she bent her head down to your level. 

You looked at her in her eyes before looking at the medallion. You pulled it off her tooth before examining it. “This is so you can summon my son,” She explained. “Your son?!-” “Yes, because I am too old to be your dragon, but I will teach him,” She said as she looked at Einnulig. “Okay, Einnulig?” She asked him. He looked at you, your gazes connecting. Something sparked inside of the small dragonling before he looked over at his mother. “Yes, I understand Mother,” He replied. 

She bellowed before flapping her wings. Einnulig did the same as he followed his mother close behind. “When you are ready, prick your finger in the medallion!” She called out. You nodded your head as you put it in your pocket for later. “I will see you again one day, Suvraynth, The Warrior! And to you Einnulig, The Gentle…I will see you soon!” You called out as you watched them fly higher and higher before they began to go west. Once they were a good distance, you turned around as you dashed through the woods back to the docks. 

Your quick steps were the only thing you could hear as you stepped on leaves and branches. But you began to hear one, then two more quick steps behind you as it turned into many. You fastened your pace, seeing the village in the near distance. Pushing the hanging vines out of your way, you made it back to the centre of town.

You saw in the distance a boat sailing away, Jisoo already sailed away with the rest of the survivors. Your gaze then averted back to your ship, back at Atiny as you rushed towards the docks.

You ran against the sand before your footsteps on the wood echoed around you. You rushed up the gangplank to the quarterdeck. “Hongjoong! Sail away, we have to go!” You yelled at the captain. He turned to you with furrowed brows. 

“I was waiting for you.” He said before he went over to the ship's wheel. “We don’t have all day, goddamnit!” You turned around and rushed to the railing over the quarterdeck. “Weigh anchor! All hands on deck! We have to hurry before-!” “Before...what?” You heard a familiar voice as they interrupted you.

Everyone stopped what they were doing as they turned to see who it was. You clenched your fists together as you looked at the two men in front of you before saying their names. “Changbin, Kangdae. Isn’t it funny to see you here…” You sarcastically said.

She set the mugs down in front of them all. “We only got hard apple cider,” She told them. Wooyoung chuckled. “That’s fine, Jongho would love this stuff,” He joked as he took his drink and took a sip. Jisoo raised a brow as she didn’t know who he was talking about but just nodded her head. 

“He’s the maknae on our ship,” Yunho clarified. “Ah, okay,” She said as she revealed her beautiful smile. “Who else is here?” Seonghwa questioned as he placed his mug back down on the table. Jisoo looked at them as they had their gazes on her. She let out a staggered sigh as she thought of something. 

“Ji Ah!” She called out for you. You quickly whipped your head up to her with a flustered look, realising you were out of it for a while. “Y-Yes?” You stuttered as you stood up from your spot. “Come here, please.” She asked as she pulled a seat from another table and placed it in front of her. 

You nodded your head as you grabbed your mug you noticed she placed in front of you before walking over to sit down. “What’s going on?” You asked them all as they just shrugged. “She’s going to show us who’s all here...but I guess it’s more serious than I thought,” Yunho nervously chuckled. You nod your head as you look up at Jisoo who had her hands clasped in front of her. “Noona, is everything alright?” Seonghwa questioned, noticing her worried expression. 

She quickly snapped out of it as she looked down at him as she nodded her head. “It’s just…” She began but quickly stopped as she let out a sigh. “Taglya...the Ayrith guards are still here...they took over the other end of the island,” Jisoo said quietly, as if someone could be listening. 

All the pirates' eyes widened as they looked at the oldest in the room with disbelief. “You mean…” You began as you looked at the female. “Yes, they took over what’s been happening back there,” She said with a saddened tone as she knew exactly what the youngest was talking about. “What? Is there something you’re not telling us about?” Mingi asked as he looked between both women.

You turned to explain it to them. “Before Ayrith attacked, there was this foundation where many people took and captured dragons, out of any age range to torture or kill them, why do you think you don’t see any as much as back then?” You asked. “I- Seriously!?” Wooyoung yelled in disbelief as he stood up from his spot. “But it got worse. The Ayrith guards are torturing them to control them to conquer every oceanic island around the world,” She added.

“Why do they want to conquer the world? Isn't controlling one good enough?!” Wooyoung asked with furrowed brows. “Maybe since every kingdom believed the leader, especially the time where he lied about immortals,” You sighed as you placed your head in your hands. 

Yunho gently rubbed your back to comfort you as the others looked at you with saddened eyes. “You’re not wrong, ever since Hongjoong’s father took over Tagyla, he began to manipulate everyone,” “Including his own son,” You added to Mingi’s sentence as you sat back up, moving a few hair strands out of your face. 

“Don’t say that about the captain,” Seonghwa nudged your shoulder as he softly chuckled. You kept a straight face as you looked over at him. “I’m just being honest,” You said to him. Wooyoung scratched his nape as he glanced over at Mingi who only shrugged at him. “Well...should we have a few of us stay here while the others report back?” Yunho said as he tried to help the growing awkward atmosphere in the tavern. 

“Me, Yeosang and Yunho can stay back with Jisoo, I have a few things we need to talk about,” You said. They nodded their heads. “Yunho can come with us to retrieve Yeosang to bring back here while the rest of us will stay back on Atiny,” Mingi said as they stood up from their seats.

“You going to be alright until me and Yeosang come back?” Yunho asked you. You simply nodded your head as you turned to face Jisoo. “I have quite some talking to do with her, haven’t seen her for months,” You smiled. “Come on Yunho! Let’s get going just in case anything happens,” Seonghwa said as he tossed his arm around the younger male as they began to walk out.

You watched them leave as the doors of the tavern creaked as they left. You turned to face Jisoo almost immediately as a smile formed on your face. “So? Found a lover during the time I’ve been gone?” You asked, watching her face quickly redden as she stared at you with widened eyes. “I-Huh?!” She asked in embarrassment. 

She quickly turned on her heels as she sped walked away from you. “Yah! Unnie! Come backkk~!” You giggled as you followed behind her to the back of the tavern. For once in your lifetime again….you didn’t have to worry about anything anymore, except laughing with those you care about. 

But how long was this joyous time going to last? How long until true colours show again? When will the emotions you feel be too hard to hold back to the one that makes your heart race? Will you see him again? Will you be able to save everyone? Or...will the rain pour down once it’s your time, the clouds blocking away the sunshine trying so desperately to get by. Will time stop and never start again. Will there never be peace in this world again if all immortals become extinct? The questions you have that may never be answered until you figure it out for yourself. 

-Your brother

His hazel eyes once again flashed in the darkness of your eyelids, but you’re not scared anymore. The comfort you feel as you see them now, the feeling of wanting to see him again. But will you answer his requests to see you? You all can only hope. 

Hope…