Trigger Warning

Pretty sad death scene so don't read if this is triggering to you

"Who's the Knight," Hongjoong asked Jongho.

"He's my cousin," Jongho replied before moving forwards quickly.

"Yeonjun," he called out. Yeonjun turned around away from the hugging couple, only to be instantly pulled into a hug. Jongho's hug was warm and comforting and he hugged him back tightly. Jongho held his cousin tightly, feeling as he dropped his head on his shoulder.

"Long time no see little Cuz," Yeonjun whispered.

"Thank you. Thank you for protecting him, for saving him," Jongho whispered.

"He uh, he talked about San and I realised he knew you two. I don't, I never liked what Balhae were doing, I didn't want to do any of it. I'm so sorry. I promise, I promise I didn't kill any of them. They just, they just slaughtered them. I'm so sor-."

"I know," Jongho said softly as he felt his cousin begin to cry. Hongjoong, Yunho and Mingi walked over to the four of them, Yunho with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Jongho noticed that and bristled slightly.

"Yunho he just saved Wooyoung's life, he's not going to kill anyone," he snapped. Yunho glanced at the younger and raised an eyebrow.

"He's a Knight of Balhae, yo-."

"And he's currently crying like a baby on my shoulder. He isn't going to hurt anyone," Jongho said firmly.

"M-My sword," Yeonjun whispered. Jongho nodded and quickly pulled out Yeonjun's sword, dropping it to the ground and watching as Yunho finally relaxed. Hongjoong glanced at their youngest and the enemy Knight before deeming it safe and stepping over to Wooyoung and San. He looked over Wooyoung's body from what he could see and he had to take in a deep breath to stop him from bursting into tears. Wooyoung was alive, but it was clear that he had been through hell and back in the time that he was taken. He had cuts and bruises all over his body and the robes were wet and torn. He paused, wanting to hug the younger but not wanting to hurt him more. Wooyoung glanced up, his eyes meeting the Prince's and he sniffled. He pulled away slightly from San, knowing he needed to see the others. San wanted to keep Wooyoung in his arms but he knew the others were worried as well so he stood beside him, keeping an arm gently around his waist.

"Hey Youngie," Hongjoong said softly. The others all turned around to face him, Yeonjun letting go of Jongho and stepping to the side so they could reunite.

"Th-They asked q-questions about you," Wooyoung sniffled, looking at Hongjoong. Hongjoong's heart broke and his eyes welled up slightly with tears but he held them back.

"That's ok Wooyoung. Whatever you told them, it's ok. They wouldn-."

"He didn't tell them anything." Everyone glanced at Yeonjun in shock, not expecting his words.

"What do you mean," Hongjoong asked slowly.

"I mean they did everything they could to break him and he didn't tell them anything about you. No matter what they did, he wouldn't betray you," Yeonjun said. Hongjoong was both shocked and horrified at his words, turning to Wooyoung as the tears finally begun to fall. If he didn't say anything, then the torture would've gotten worse and he would've been in so much pain but he didn't say anything.

"Y-You didn't give in," Hongjoong whispered.

"We're family right, we protect each other," Wooyoung said quietly. Hongjoong let out a sob before opening his arm and moving forwards. Wooyoung let go of San and fell into Hongjoong's arms as he burst into more tears. Hongjoong held him tightly but loosened his grip when Wooyoung whimpered slightly. Wooyoung curled up in his arms and tucked his head into his neck, feeling warm and safe despite everything going on. Hongjoong's always been like a big brother to him, always looking out for him even when he didn't ask.

"M-My face. It l-looks-."

"Beautiful. It looks beautiful Sweetheart," Hongjoong cut in softly. Whatever happened in that room, it's going to hit Wooyoung hard, he's probably just adrenaline that is keeping him going right now.

"I-I'm so cold, and so tired," Wooyoung whispered.

"You're safe now, we'll look after you," Hongjoong whispered. Wooyoung sobbed but nodded, cuddling close in his arms. San hated hearing his loves cries and he quickly moved closer, hugging him from behind.

"Your Highness." Everyone paused and turned to the Knight that walked over to them.

"Soonyoung, what is it you need," Hongjoong asked. Yunho noticed the way Soonyoung's eyes flittered between Hongjoong and the boy in his arms, the servant in his arms. Yunho quickly stepped forwards and pulled San and Wooyoung away from Hongjoong. Wooyoung whined at the loss but San quickly turned him into his own arms.

"It's Maddox, Your Highness. He's asking for you," Soonyoung said quietly. Hongjoong's stomach dropped and he hurriedly followed after Soonyoung, Yunho following quickly as well. Mingi glanced at Wooyoung and San before hurrying after the others, knowing this probably meant something bad had happened. Soonyoung directed them off to the side, over near a tree that a few Knights were huddled around. Hongjoong furrowed his eyebrows but the Knights parted when they noticed him and he gasped when caught sight of Maddox. Hongjoong has known Maddox since he was born, the Knight being a few years older than him and the son of a noble. Hongjoong grew up with Maddox being like an older brother to him, humbling him when he needed it and comforting him when his father was too hard on him. And now there he was, laying against a tree, his face pale and a big red patch over his stomach, blood pooling underneath him.

"Maddox," Hongjoong whispered in shock. Yunho and Mingi both froze when they saw the state Maddox was in, glancing to Hongjoong. Maddox looked up, his eyes meeting Hongjoong's and a small smile graced his lips.

"Hey Little Man, I seem to have gotten myself in a bit of a tight spot," Maddox said with a small chuckle. Hongjoong's heart lightened at the use of the old nickname from when they were kids. That chuckle quickly turned into coughing, a small trail of blood leaving the corner of his mouth. Hongjoong quickly knelt down beside him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder and using the sleeve on his other hand to wipe the blood from Maddox mouth.

"Come on, we need to get you help," he said quickly.

"God you're bleeding a lot," he added as he looked down.

"Your Highness."

"It's ok, we can fix this."

"Your Highness."

"We'll just do what they did for San, get you some help."

"Hongjoong." Hongjoong sniffled and looking down at Maddox sadly. Maddox gave him a small smile and cupped his face, wiping away his tears as they fell.

"I'm usually not allowed to call you Hongjoong my Little Man. Except I'm dying anyway so it's not gonna matter," Maddox said softly.

"W-We can fix you," Hongjoong cried, lifting his hand and grabbing Maddox's that was cupping his face.

"You can't fix me Joong, it's too late, but that's ok," Maddox said gently.

"Y-You can't die," Hongjoong whispered, shaking his head.

"Don't cry Hongjoong," Maddox said softly.

"I d-don't w-."

"You're gonna be ok," Maddox said gently. Hongjoong sniffled and quickly sat down more, leaning against the tree and cuddling into Maddox's side.

"Tell the others to go please. I want to talk to you. Yunho and Mingi are fine," Maddox whispered.

"All of you leave, go help other wounded," Hongjoong said. The last of the Knights milling around nodded before leaving, except Mingi and Yunho.

"We good to stay," Mingi asked and Hongjoong nodded quickly.

"Now listen to me closely Little Man, cos I don't think I have much long left," Maddox said. Hongjoong sniffled but nodded, wrapping an arm softly around Maddox's shoulders, resting his head on his shoulder. Maddox's right hand slipped into his left and Hongjoong linked their fingers, holding tightly to it despite feeling the blood on it.

"I'm gonna m-miss you," Hongjoong whispered.

"I know, but you'll be ok. Promise me you'll be ok," Maddox said quietly. Hongjoong sniffled but nodded.

"I'll be ok Maddox," he whispered.

"Good. And promise me you'll figure out whatever is happening with you and Seonghwa," Maddox said. Hongjoong chuckled wetly at his words, caught off-guard from it.

"I will," he said.

"Look at me for a second Hongjoong," Maddox said before coughing a few times. Hongjoong turned quickly looking at Maddox, his heart-breaking as he saw just how pale his face was again.

"You care about him a lot. I see it in the way you look at him and the way you care for him. It's precious and I'm happy for you but it's going to be hard-."

"You're d-dying and you're giving me relationship advice," Hongjoong asked incredulously.

"No, I'm telling you something you need to hear because deep down you know this, but you need someone to tell you. To assure you you're doing the right thing," Maddox said. He went to continued but he started coughing, a splatter of blood leaving my lips.

"Maddox just stop talking," Hongjoong said sadly.

"No, y-you need to hear this," Maddox said shaking his head.

"Ok," Hongjoong whispered.

"He's a servant, which shouldn't mean anything and it doesn't to us but it does to others. People won't understand but you need to protect him no matter what ok," Maddox said.

"I will, I will protect him with my life," Hongjoong nodded.

"The King Hongjoong, the King," Maddox said, his voice getting weaker. Hongjoong held him tighter, the tears falling quicker.

"He won't understand. If it comes down to it, you're going to have to make a choice," Maddox whispered. He rested his head on Hongjoong's shoulder, breathing weakly.

"I want you to make the right choice, even if it means you have to do something you don't want to do," Maddox said quietly. Hongjoong sniffled but nodded again, holding Maddox tightly. Maddox reached up slowly and reached his hand under the top of his robe, pulling out his necklace.

"I w-want you to keep this," he said. Hongjoong looked down and his breath stuttered. Maddox has had that necklace for years; his father gave it to him before he passed away. He moved slightly and grabbed the necklace, pulling it up over his friends head and placing it over his own head, letting it hang around his neck.

"I won't take it off," Hongjoong promised in a soft whispered, bending down and placing a soft kiss to the top of Maddox's head.

"I w-want you to know that I'm pr-proud of you Joong, proud of who you-you've become," Maddox whispered. Hongjoong squeezed his eyes shut as he continued to cry, reaching down and clasping Maddox's hand tightly in his own.

"Y-Your father is an ass and he won't s-say it, but I w-will. You're a g-good person and you're going to m-make a great K-King," Maddox said, his voice getting weaker.

"I love you Maddox. You've done so much for me and I wouldn't be the man I am today without you," Hongjoong choked out.

"I l-love you too L-Little ma-n," Maddox whispered. Hongjoong held back a sob and pulled Maddox closer. Maddox's breathing was harsh and it was clear he was barely clinging on to life.

"You've done your part Maddox, you did well. You can go now, you can let go," Hongjoong whispered. Maddox was breathing heavily for a few more seconds before he went quiet and his hand went lax in Hongjoong's. Hongjoong cried out, finally beginning to sob as he clung to the Knight. Yunho's heart broke as he watched the scene, holding Mingi tightly in his arms as he cried.

"Is Maddox ok." Yunho spun around quickly to see Jongho and the Balhae Knight, Yeonjun guiding San and Wooyoung over. Yunho just shook his head quietly. Jongho glanced down at the tree, hearing the cries from the Prince and seeing him clinging tightly to a body. There was blood everywhere and their head was buried in the Prince's shoulder but he knew it was Maddox. Jongho turned to look at the other three with him, pulling San and Wooyoung into a gentle hug as they started crying, patting their back to console them more.

"Yunho," Jongho said quietly.

"You need to get him off him," he said quietly. Yunho glanced back over at the Prince as he continued to cry and cling to Maddox's body. He then glanced around and saw that the other's were still helping the wounded, treating them and getting ready to transport those that were able to be moved. Hongjoong can have a bit more time to grieve. Yunho carefully held Mingi closer and walked to the other four.

"Let him grieve for a bit longer. The minute he gets up, it'll be on him to be the Prince and take on all of those responsibilities. Maddox was around before any of us," Yunho said. Jongho sighed but nodded. Yunho is right. The fight is over, but it means Hongjoong will have a lot more on his plate, meetings to go through, people to update. They can let him have this time.

~~~~~

"Hongjoong, you have to get up now, we're getting ready to take the wounded back to the castle," Yunho said softly as he knelt beside the Prince. Hongjoong had been sitting and clinging to Maddox's body for around 10 minutes without moving, but now Yunho knew they needed the Prince back. He had stopped crying a while back so he was just hugging Maddox tightly. Hongjoong slowly lifted his head and looked at his guard.

"I'm sorry Hongjoong," Yunho whispered. Hongjoong nodded and sniffled before slowly letting go of Maddox. He held out his hand and Yunho grabbed it, standing up and pulling Hongjoong up with him. Hongjoong glanced over at the others who were watching sadly, his eyes landing on Wooyoung who's eyes were barely open as he clung to Jongho's arm.

"We need to get Wooyoung back to the castle and get Sannie fixed up as well," Hongjoong said quickly as he wiped the excess tears from his face with his sleeve.

"Whose horses are still alright," Hongjoong asked.

"All of ours, we jumped off when things got more heated," Jongho said.

"Ok, good. Wooyoung, I want you riding on the horse with Yunho-."

"I want him with me," San said quickly.

"I know you do, but you're hurt and so is he. You can ride beside Yunho to keep an eye on him but you need to focus on not falling off the horse yourself," Hongjoong said. San sighed but nodded, knowing he was right.

"Jongho I want you to tie up Yeonjun's hands and he can ride with you," Hongjoong told the youngest.

"T-Tie him up? Why? He's a good person, he helped me," Wooyoung said quickly.

"I'm still the enemy Wooyoung. I'm not going to hurt anyone and even if some people know that, they need to have me interrogated and evaluated before anything else happens," Yeonjun said quickly.

"Oh," Wooyoung said quietly.

"It's ok though, I don't mind. Nothing's worse than what they do there," Yeonjun said quietly. Hongjoong glanced over at him in intrigue. If all goes well with him and he's like his cousins, Hongjoong thinks he will make a good asset for Fantasia.

"Mingi, I want you to ride back to get Seonghwa and Yeosang. They still have a horse there so they can come back to the castle with you," Hongjoong instructed.

"Of course," Mingi nodded. Hongjoong took a deep breath, glancing down at Maddox one last time before wrapping his hand around the necklace and giving it a small squeeze as he turned and walked away.

"KNIGHTS OF FANTASIA, LISTEN UP," he yelled out, gaining everyone's attention.

"Get the wounded on the available horses, make sure there is someone riding with them to look after them. Any urgent wounds that could be life-threatening need to follow Mingi to a closer town to get them treated. Anyone else needs to follow me back to the castle. We leave in 10 so get set up," he called out. There were immediate responses of the affirmative replying to his orders.

"Come on, let's get going," he said to the others.

"What about the others," Wooyoung asked quietly. Hongjoong glanced over at the younger boy who was looking around the street.

"He said they were going to the closer town," Yeonjun said. Wooyoung opened his mouth to clarify because the others clearly didn't understand but Hongjoong already knew what he meant so he interrupted.

"We're going to come back for the dead, take them back to the castle but we need a better way to transport them. Don't worry, we'd never just leave them here," Hongjoong said. Wooyoung nodded slowly, clinging tighter to Jongho.

"Alright, go get the horses and get on," Hongjoong said. Jongho quickly let go of Wooyoung and San, grabbing Yeonjun and pulling him along. Mingi and Yunho quickly moved to Wooyoung's side gently helping him along to find Yunho's horse.

"Hongjoong," San said quietly. Hongjoong turned to him and walked over.

"The adrenaline from finding Wooyoung is kind of wearing off now and my sides really hurting. Can you help me," San asked, grabbing onto Hongjoong's shoulder to hold himself up. His side really was aching, the pain shooting up his body.

"Of course Sannie, just wrap your arm around my shoulder," Hongjoong said quickly, concern for the younger Knight pushing away any other thoughts. He wrapped his arm around San's waist carefully while San placed his arm around his shoulder.

"I've got you, let's go. Do you know where your horse is," Hongjoong asked him.

"The one I took is just over there," San said, pointing it out. Hongjoong nodded and he guided San over to the horse. When they got there, Hongjoong stepped to the side and gave San the space to climb onto the horse. San smiled in thanks and grabbed the reins, stepping onto the stirrups and going to pull himself up. As he tried to pull himself up though, his wound was stretched and he gasped, letting go immediately to grab his side.

"Darling, you ok," Hongjoong asked quickly as he reached out to make sure he was stable.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Can you uh, can you just help me up please," he asked quietly. San hated asking for so much help but he couldn't avoid it, as he definitely needed the help.

"You're in too much pain, you can't ride alone like this. You're riding with me," Hongjoong said.

"I'll be fi-."

"No you won't. Please just ride with me," Hongjoong said quickly. He didn't want San to ride by himself and then get hurt because the pain became too much and he passed out.

"I can ride by myself," San said quietly.

"It'll give me peace of mind," Hongjoong said. San sighed before giving in and nodding. He knows that Hongjoong will need the extra comfort, to know that someone is there with him. Hongjoong did a specific pattern of whistle he trained Alexa to come with. When he told her to go, he knows she wouldn't have left completely, just gone away from danger but stayed close as that's what she's been trained to do. Sure enough a few seconds later, Alexa emerged from the forest and trotted over to the two of them. Hongjoong let go of San and quickly mounted the horse before hooking his outside foot in the stirrups to stabilize himself. He leant down to the side, using his foot to keep him from falling and he wrapped his arms around San's waist. He took a deep breath before using all his strength and pulled San up, manuevering him so he was sitting behind him. San quickly shuffled forwards and wrapped his arms around Hongjoong's waist, dropping his head down to rest on his shoulder.

"You comfortable there," Hongjoong asked with a light chuckle. San just nodded into his shoulder.

"Thank you," San whispered.

"For what," Hongjoong asked in confusion.

"For coming back, coming to get him back and for finding him," San replied. San didn't say the rest of what he wanted to say, didn't say thank you for doing this despite what you lost in the process.

"It was worth it, Wooyoung's family," Hongjoong said softly, knowing what San was probably thinking and wanting to relieve him of his guilt. San held him tighter and took a deep breath to make sure he wouldn't start crying again. He can wait until the get back and Wooyoung is looked after before he breaks down again.

"Alright Knights, let's ride out," Hongjoong said, spurring Alexa onwards.

~~~~~

When they got back to the castle, Hongjoong directed all of the injured Knights to go over to infirmary, taking San there as well. Out of the around 65 Knights that went to fight, 17 of them were killed, 7 had intense injuries and were taken to a closer while another 13 had minor injuries. Thankfully they have a large infirmary and enough medics to take care those injured. Hongjoong jumped down from the horse and helped San down as well.

"Come on," Hongjoong said softly.

"Out of the way, move." Hongjoong jumped in shock as Yunho shouldered him and a few others out of the way, running into the infirmary. It took Hongjoong a few seconds to realise why he was acting like that but San got it a lot quicker.

"Something's wrong with Wooyoung," he said quickly. They both ran into the infirmary, hurrying over to Yunho who was standing beside a bed where Wooyoung lay. Hongjoong quickly grabbed San's wrist to stop him from doing anything drastic as they got there but San just stayed quiet and watched anxious.

"He's in pretty bad shape. How did this happen," the medic asked as they started to examine Wooyoung. Wooyoung's eyes were closed and it was clear he wasn't conscious.

"He was tortured. Is he going to be ok," Hongjoong asked quickly.

"We'll do our best Your Highness," the medic said. He called over more nurses and together they moved Wooyoung to a wooden stretcher and took him from the room.

"H-He's not going to die is he," San asked, his voice small as his hand shook slightly. Yunho noticed and grabbed his hand tightly.

"He didn't pass out randomly San, he was talking and fine but he's exhausted. He fell asleep. I only ran because I want him to get the best care as quick as possible. He's battered and bruised but from observations, his worse injuries will be some broken bones which isn't great but it won't kill him," Yunho assure him. San let out a breath of relief and nodded, squeezing Yunho's hand tightly.

"Wooyoung's being tended to San, now we need to get you fixed up," Hongjoong said.

"Oh, right," San nodded, making Yunho chuckle softly.

"You're a menace Choi San, always forgetting to look after yourself but never others," Yunho said fondly. San rolled his eyes but gently climbed onto the bed and laid down with the help of Yunho.

"Can we please have a medic over here. This little rascal popped a few stitches," Hongjoong called out. A few seconds later a medic came over with some tools. Hongjoong untied San's robes and moved them to the side before lifting up his shirt to show the wound.

"This shouldn't be too much of an issue. I'll just clean it and stitch it up," the medic said.

"Ok, just look after him," Hongjoong said.

"Of course Your Highness," he replied.

"Is it going to hurt," San asked.

"It will definitely sting," the medic said with a nod. San bit his lip nervously before reaching out and grabbing Hongjoong's hand. Hongjoong glanced at the medic before stepping closer to the bedside and holding his hand tightly.

"Yuyu," San said, holding up his other hand. Yunho chuckled but moved around to the other side of the bed and grabbed his hand.

"Don't stress, you'll be fine," Yunho said softly. San nodded before closing his eyes and letting out a breath, relaxing back against the pillow. It took a few minutes for the medic to clean the blood and restitch the wound but Hongjoong and Yunho took turns in squeezing San's hand, making him giggle as he tried to squeeze back at the same time. Hongjoong smiled fondly down at the younger boy. He really was a child at heart when they weren't in danger and fighting.

"Ok. He should be all good now Your Highness after some rest before he's released. Although I recommend he doesn't do any combat for a while, just until it heals," the medic said.

"Thank you. Now a certain guard of mine needs his arm stitched as well," Hongjoong said, nodding his head over at Yunho.

"Shit, right I forgot about that," San said quickly, sitting up.

"San, stop. You're hurt you idiot," Yunho said quickly.

"You have a massive slice on your arm," San pointed out.

"I know that. Unlike you I don't keep forgetting about my injuries," Yunho said.

"Now scoot," he added. San chuckled and moved over on the bed, allowing Yunho to lay down next to him, his outer arm being the hurt one. The medic moved over and tore off Yunho's sleeve off to completely gain access to the entire cut along his arm.

"Same things apply to you from San's stitches," the medic said.

"Yeah that's ok, I have a good pain threshold," Yunho said, flashing him a small smile.

"Do you need me to hold your hand," Hongjoong asked.

"Nah I'm good. I've got Sannie right here," Yunho said.

"Alright, tough it out then. No whining," Hongjoong said. Yunho gave him a small smile and nodded.

Yunho's stitches took a bit longer that San's but Hongjoong has to hand it to him, he didn't even wince once, just let the medic do his thing. Once the stitching was done, San cuddled up to his side and Hongjoong sat on the chair beside them. He doesn't have anything else he needs to do until the King gets back, where he'll need to debrief and explain everything that happened. It will be intense and not very fun, so he's taking the time to be with his family before it happens.

"Hongjoong." Hongjoong hummed and looked up at Yunho's quiet voice.

"There's someone here to see you," Yunho said, nodding behind him. Hongjoong turned his head before standing up quickly as he saw the person he'd been thinking about for a while. Seonghwa's eyes met the Prince's and it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Hongjoong was ok, he was alive and smiling. He moved quickly, crossing the room and throwing his arms around him. Hongjoong hugged him back tightly, squeezing his waist and letting out a breath. He knew it wasn't the right place to be hugging him but he was just so relieved he was safe and most of the Knights were distracted anyway.

"You're safe," Seonghwa whispered.

"I told you I'd be ok," Hongjoong replied, turning his head and placing a quick kiss to the side of his head.

"I was worried," Seonghwa said.

"I know, but we're all ok and we got Youngie back. He's battered and bruised but I think he's going to be ok," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa nodded quickly in relief before they pulled apart.

"I'm glad, that's good. Yeosang's ok as well, we went to see Jongho," Seonghwa told him.

"Maddox died," Hongjoong whispered. Seonghwa's eyes widened, his lips parting slightly in shock. Apart from him and the boys, Maddox was the closest thing Hongjoong had to family.

"Joo-."

"I'm ok for now and I don't want to talk about it. But tonight I'm going to need you," Hongjoong whispered.

"I'll be there, I promise," Seonghwa said. Hongjoong let out a breath and nodded before leading Seonghwa to the chairs beside the bed and they both sat down. Hongjoong was relieved and relaxed once again. All 8 of them should be ok, as long as Wooyoung can pull through, the worst should be over now. Things would only continue to go up from now on. Right? 

A/N

Here is Chapter 19 everyone, I hope you liked it

Sorry if I panicked you a bit with the trigger warning but I didn't want to give away who it was

Let me know what you thought of this chapter, what you liked or what made you sad

Thank you for reading and I hope you're all doing ok