"V? I don't know what you're talking about..." Taehyung mumbled as he held Jimin close to his chest to distract him from the looming gaze of the incubus.

Their close contact made him growl. "He's touching what's mine!" The incubus hissed. Kai yanked him back by his silver hair, earning him a whimper of pain from his comrade though it didn't seem to phase him.

"Let them be for a moment Taemin," He told the demon. "They've been brainwashed, the only comfort they've had is each other. Besides, Agust here will reverse it."

That caught the duo's attention. Just behind Kai and Taemin were Yoongi and Hoseok, both looking crushed. For a moment, they locked eyes. The three of them hadn't been in the same room together since they arrived and Taehyung couldn't tear his eyes away from the battered state of his Hyung. He just looked so bruised and defeated. He'd never seen Yoongi like that.

It made something stir in him.

"Who did this to him?"

---------------------

"Where are they?"

"Your majesty!" Jungkook raced down the halls of the palace, only ever stopping to slay a goon in his way. Huening Kai was running after him, desperately trying to get him to safety while the others dealt with the army outside. He could feel the quaking footsteps of the giants defending the kingdom. The impact made him trip a few times but he was still able to keep up.

"Jimin! Taehyung!" Jungkook hoped they hadn't gotten to them yet. He couldn't believe he just left them alone like that! They had to be terrified.

"Prince Jungkook!" Huening Kai called out. He glanced back at the mob of soldiers chasing after them and quickened his pace. "We need to get you out of here!"

"Not until I find them!" He had to find them. He had to make sure they were safe. Curse the architects for putting his bedroom on such a high floor.

Jungkook whipped out his wand. Though he didn't have much energy to teleport, he'd give it his best shot. The prince grabbed his assistant's hand and focussed on the location in mind while they continued to speed down the corridors.

The constant snarling of demonic soldiers kept distracting him, getting Jungkook nothing but tiring results. "Forget it! Huening Kai, get behind me!" The assistant wasted no time and stood behind the prince as he stopped dead in his tracks.

With a gust of blinding magic from his wand, Jungkook sent them all flying but he knew more were on their way. He didn't waste any more time. Jungkook grabbed Huening Kai's hand and sprinted to his bedroom.

---------------------

"I said - WHO DID THIS TO HIM?" The room shook as Taehyung's loud voice rang through it. Jimin winced at his volume, but Kai just grinned.

"TaeTae," Jimin mumbled. "Please calm down!" He tried to regain his attention, but Taehyung refused to tear his eyes away from the others. The smirk on Kai and Taemin's faces didn't make him any happier.

"No need to be so annoyed V," Taemin giggled. "We're just going to teach him a little lesson. Same for the prince as well, though I'm sure we've got him already. Oh, the things I'll do to him~" The succubus licked his lips sadistically only to edge Taehyung on.

Taehyung let out a low, throaty growl. The colour slowly began to fade from his vision, his eyes becoming a frightening shade of white. Jimin only watched in fear as Tae's breathing began heavier and skin got paler. Kai strides behind him, running his hands across Taehyung's twitching figure. "That's right love," he purred. "Come back to me."

"What are you doing to him?" Jimin shouted. He was about to run to comfort his soulmate but suddenly felt himself being held back by someone, only to find Taemin behind him with a treacherous grin. Yoongi could hear the struggles from both of them, but couldn't find the strength to move. He glanced over at Hoseok for some sort of help, but the guard was still struggling to get out of his hold. Worst of all, they'd gagged him, so he couldn't use his powers.

He felt so helpless. Yoongi was fresh out of prison where he was fed nothing but lukewarm water and small slices of mouldy bread. (Which was much more generous than he thought Agust D deserved) Point is - he had no energy. All he could do was watch from the arms of the goon that held him. Momentarily, he made eye contact with Taehyung. A silent plea for him not to give Kai what he wanted.

It was just enough for him to snap out of his trance. Taehyung was left gasping for air as dark trails of mist flew from his body. It made Kai furious. He pulled Taehyung close to his body then angrily yanked his face in the direction of Yoongi. "Stab him!" He shouted. The soldiers did as they were told and Yoongi let out a horrid cry in pain as the dagger penetrated deep into his skin.

"Yoongi!" All three men called out. Taemin hissed and clamped his hand over Jimin's mouth.

"I never want to hear another man's name out of your mouth." He growled. At that, the mist flew right back into Taehyung. He let out a monstrous roar that shook the room, making the ground rumble and candles flicker. There was a moment of stiff silence in the room before Taehyung fell limp in Kai's arms. The demonic king grinned at the sight. He leaned down to Tae's ear and whispered, "Come on out V."

Taehyung lets out another growl, this time, his eyes illuminating with a white colour. He pushed off Kai with a gasp while Jimin watches helplessly from Taemin's arms. Taehyung's throat felt dry, he couldn't find the strength to speak either. He clutched his neck hoping for some sort of sound to come out, but there was nothing.

The moment he glanced at Kai to undo this, he collapsed to the ground. "Spells are getting much quicker these days, hm?" Taemin mused, not at all phased by the struggling man in his grasp. Kai chuckled and nodded, effortlessly scooping Taehyung into his arms bridal style.

His grin faltered when he noticed the horrified look on Yoongi's face. "You've failed Agust D," Kai jeered. "And now, I'll have the satisfaction of watching you perish. Kill-"

"TAEHYUNG! JIMIN!" A familiar voice echoed through the room. Hearing it, Jimin perked up now moving much more desperately to be in the arms of his prince.

Neither Kai nor Taemin moved. They didn't look phased by the prince's arrival but were more so annoyed he hadn't been taken care of sooner.

A sea of shock and worry washed over Jungkook's face the moment he managed to push past Kai's soldiers. "Unhand them!" He shouted. The goons moved forward to attack, but Kai silently waved them off, wanting to see where this went.

Taemin hissed at the prince, he tightened his grip on Jimin making him squirm even more in discomfort. "Never!" The incubus hissed. "He's mine and you stole him!"

"I don't want to hear it!" Jungkook raised his wand for an attack but he was suddenly grabbed from behind. With everyone now captured Kai could smirk victoriously.

"God, you're all so easy to catch off guard! Bring back the king and queen, those two were a challenge to defeat." Jungkook stirred at the mention of his parents.

"How dare you speak of them!" He spat. "I'll have you hung by my own hands!"

Kai only chuckled at that. He shifted Taehyung in his arms with a grin. "Your threats means nothing to me, I've got what I wanted. So, let's try this again, shall we? Throw them all from the highest point of the palace. Starting with Agust D, and if they survive - cut off their heads."

Just before the soldiers could carry out the order, Huening Kai arose from out of nowhere. In a few swift motions, he was able to cut through the soldiers carrying Yoongi and Hoseok, then did the same for the prince. "Grab each other and hold onto me!" He shouted. They did as they were told and raced towards him.

Huening Kai raced towards Taemin and Kai, only for them to both disappear in a cloud of mist, taking Jimin and Taehyung with.

Jungkook gasped at the area they once as they crashed through the window and right into Beomgyu's hands.

The shifter managed to catch all of them just in time before any of them could slip out of his grip. Beomgyu glanced over at Yeonjun and Soobin, who were still dealing with the chaos below them. The latter gave him a slight nod, signalling him to go. Beomgyu understood and ran as quickly as he could.

------------------

Beomgyu rushed to the gates of Gwacheon, nearly collapsing once the kingdom was in sight. With the group in his arms, he knew he couldn't relax just yet. The giant ran down a path leading the castle, practically throwing everyone at the front door once he arrived. Everyone tumbled out of his arms with a huff as Beomgyu dropped to the ground within seconds.

A few guards rushed over to help them while Huening Kai helped Beomgyu as he slowly shrunk back to his human size.

Hearing the commotion, both Jin and Namjoon raced to see what had happened, only to go stiff in shock and confusion. "Y-Yoongi?" Jin gasped. He ran over to the yoonseok duo, helping both of them to their feet. "Yoongi, Hoseok, what the hell happened?"

Namjoon held the prince up. Jungkook rubbed his head in annoyance before his irritation quickly faded into sadness. He couldn't stop his lip from trembling as he said "T-They t-took Tae a-and Ji-Jimin!"

"W-What? Who?"

"Kai and Taemin," Hoseok told them. "They attacked two days early. We weren't prepared and they were able to infiltrate the palace easily..."

There was silence between everyone. Jin and Namjoon locked eyes as if having a silent conversation to discuss what to do next. "Alright, let's get everyone inside and safe. I'll send extra security immediately."

------------------

"Anything?"

"Nothing. Not a word."

The two-speed demons stood outside of the cells. Just behind that wall was Hongjoong. They hardly acknowledged his deafening cries as his limbs were stretched to their limit. Even after days of torture, he refused to say anything about Kai or Taemin. He was strong, but they knew he wouldn't last forever.

"Let's try something else then," said Namjoon, instantly earning a look of intrigue from Jackson. No words were spoken as the duo walked into Hongjoong's prison. Upon seeing the speed demons, the executioner stopped pulling on the ropes leaving Hongjoong suspended in the air and moved away from the target.

"You've got one more chance to talk," Namjoon told him. "Where are Kai and Taemin? Why did they send you? And what do they want with Jimin and Taehyung?" Hongjoong remained silent. His crystal eyes only glared at the duo with disdain, though it didn't seem to phase them much. Raising his brow, Namjoon called over another guard.

"Bring in Seonghwa."

That caught the demon's attention. Hongjoong looked up in horror to see Seonghwa beaten and chained with no life in his eyes. "I see that got your attention," Jackson mused. He yanked Seonghwa back by his black hair, earning a growl from the puppet. "A shame such a pretty face was ruined."

A light sigh escapes Namjoon's lips but he managed to retain his otherwise stoic expression. "He's a demonic puppet Jackson," He stated.

Jackson just grinned. "And? Who doesn't love a bit of danger to spice up a relationship?" Namjoon only shook his head with disapproval. The executioner handed the knight a small blade that he flicked it towards Seonghwa's neck.

"What are you doing?" Hongjoong asked frantically. His question made Jackson awed in fake surprise.

"Oh look at that!" He exclaimed. "He can speak! Really should've tried that earlier, hm?"

An apathetic look flashed across Namjoon's while he slashed Seonghwa's right cheek, making him hiss in pain. Then he cut him on the opposite side. "Stop that!" Hongjoong cried. He locked eyes with Seonghwa, who was silently pleading him not to say anything.

"We'll stop when you tell us what their plans are!" The speed demon cut him once again, this time just below his eye. "As resilient as you may be, it seems your underlings are not. Wooyoung's been hanging from chains for days, Mingi doesn't seem all too fond of fire, and Jongho? I've got something special planned for him. I'll make you watch every last second of their torture unless you speak!"

Jackson shuddered yet couldn't help but grin. "Namjoon-ah, who knew you could be so scary? How does the prince feel about you handling this whole thing? You know he's a true pacifist."

Namjoon gave him a cold glance, making his comrades' smile fall. Jin didn't know about this whole thing. He assumed Ateez were simply serving their sentence I prison, no torture included. Namjoon may have "forgotten" to mention that the last part was still being carried out.

As long as Jin didn't find out, he was fine. The last thing he wanted was for him to hate him over something like this. Or worse, lecture him about it.

"So what's it going to be Hongjoong?" Namjoon continued, snapping himself out of his thoughts. "Are you going to tell us what we want to know? Or are you going to watch us kill every last member of your gang? Starting with the one you love the most."

Seonghwa flinched as Namjoon brought the blade back down to his neck. The pause as Hongjoong thought things over was long enough to irritate Jackson into slapping the puppets face to emphasise that they were serious.

"I'd rather suck Taemin." The Hongjoong spat.

Namjoon's gaze darkened. "You've made your choice," He growled. "Now you're going to watch the love of your life die-"

"STOP THIS INSTANT!"

Shit. Both Jackson and Namjoon stepped back and stood at attention, looking down to avoid Jin's fuming gaze. "Drop the knife." Namjoon did as he was told, the blade hitting the ground with a loud clink.

Seonghwa flinched yet again when Jin stood over him. He examined the fresh cuts on his pale face and grimaced. "What were you trying to do?" Jin hissed.

"Your instructions were to torture them-"

"And then I told you to cancel that order!" Yelled Jin, his eyes burning with anger and disappointment. "That was days ago!" He pulled Seonghwa to his feet and handed him off to one of the guards. "Take him back to his cell. If I find out physical punishment has continued for any member of Ateez, I'll make sure you're put in there instead!"

The guard bowed hastily, grabbing the puppet and dragging him out of the room. Jin hardly spared the speed demons a glance, instead, turning his attention to Hongjoong. He was still suspended in the air, his limbs being stretched into a starfish position. Jin arched his brow at the state of him and glowered.

"You know," He started. "After you barged in here, caused a ruckus, and insulted me, the last thing you deserve is my empathy." Jin's hand lit up with a familiar glow, as a bright purple whip flew out. Hongjoong's eyes widened when it hit the ground with a crack, breaking the brick below it.

Instead of his body being broken by Jin's weapon, he went falling to the ground. Hitting it with a painful thud while Jin snapped each of the ropes in half with his whip. "I'm feeling extremely generous today," Jin stated. "When we met, you caught me at a bad time. Allowing you to live is my apology."

Jin paced around the puppet slowly, watching as he rubbed his sore arms. Namjoon and Jackson observed nervously. Though they quickly went back to lowering their gaze when Jin sent them a glare. "I need information and it would be wise of you to answer truthfully. Why did they send you?"

"To take over Gwacheon. They assumed that you had been killed by Agust D." The speed demons were shocked that Hongjoong had even opened his mouth. Days of torture, yet all Jin had to do was ask and he started talking?

"Why did they take Jimin and Taehyung?" Jin continued.

"I don't know who Taehyung is," Hongjoong replied truthfully. "But I know Kai was in search for a man named V. He and Jimin were taken by Agust D. Jimin and Taemin have been together for years an the two of them have been ruling Hell together."

"And V?" Hongjoong told him it was the same story. Yet that just led to the question of why Agust D had taken them, and how he managed to depower them in the first place.

"I won't kill you today Hongjoong, but the second you or any of Ateez says or does anything to piss me off, I'm taking your head." Jin turned to the torturer. "Chain him to the wall." He ordered.

The executioner complied. While he surrounded Hongjoong in chains, Jin pulled Namjoon and Jackson out by their ears. They were in for it for sure.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU TWO? Did I tell you to burn them?"

"No..."

"Did I tell you to tear them apart?"

"No..."

"THEN WHY IN THE NAME OF GOD ARE THEY HALF DEAD? I don't care if they're 'just puppets' they're still living, breathing creatures! You were never going to get them to talk with those methods! YOU ABSOLUTE, SADISTIC, IDIOTS!"

Jin took it upon himself to teach them a lesson the best way he knew how. Scolding them to no end. For the others, it was entertaining to listen to, but for Namjoon and Jackson, it was hell.

"Is he still going?" Hoseok asked in awe.

Yoongi nodded as he leaned against the door. "It's been ten minutes..." Beomgyu mumbled. Yoongi chuckled at his surprise. He had nearly forgotten that everyone was used to a completely different version of Jin than the one he had known. It was almost refreshing to hear him like this.

"I'd rather be in a room with an angry Soobin..." Hoseok muttered.

"Let's not go that far," Beomgyu remarked. "Still, he's never been like this before...I know things have been stressful, but he's never scolded someone this harshly! Or ever really scolded anyone at all..."

Yoongi was tempted to say something but thought it was best if he kept quiet. "Where's the prince?" He said in an attempt to change the topic, but he was just met with a scowl from Beomgyu.

"You stay away from him!" The shifter grumbled, earning Hoseok's attention. "This whole situation is your fault! I'm not letting you anywhere near Prince Jungkook or Prince Seokjin!"

Right, how could he forget? Now that he was out of prison, Yoongi could experience even more backlash for Agust D's action. Oh happy day.

He had already had enough of that in Busan and Yoongi wasn't going to be blamed for anything else while he was here. Yoongi was now rested and fed, so he had plenty of energy to set the record straight. "Listen here shrimp,"

Well, he never said he'd be nice about it, did he? "I have been sitting in a jail cell for days and I'm in no mood to listen to yap about shit I didn't even do! If you want to be useful like you're supposed to, you'd go in there and stop Jin from tearing them a new one."

"So do me a favour you little shit and shut the fuck up while I'm here. You know me, you know what I can do. And I won't hesitate to make sure you don't live another day."

Beomgyu was silent. Just what Yoongi wanted. He smirked at the shifter and waltzed off, deciding to go talk to Jungkook despite his warning.

Hoseok was left stunned as well. He didn't think Yoongi would use Agust's name as a threat. Not that he didn't understood why of course, but it didn't stop him from being any less annoyed. Hoseok got that Yoongi wanted to stand his ground, but using the name of his partner wasn't the way to do it. Or at least Hoseok didn't think so.

Just as Yoongi walked away, Jin and the other speed demons entered. Both looking, what could only be described as, traumatised. Jin, on the other hand, looked quite pleased, and even a little proud.

"Now that that's been handled," Jin said casually. "Let's go check up on Jungkook, shall we? We've got a lot to explain." Then he walked off.

"Well, I'll just-"

"Yeah, you should-"

"A pleasure," Jackson bowed towards the group then shuffled off. The rest followed Jin, none of them daring to utter a word.

--------------------------

Jimin's eyes slowly creaked open. He felt dizzy while he held his head with a groan as he tried to remember what happened. Busan was invaded and they stormed the castle and...and they found him and Taehyung! Yoongi was there, so was Hoseok and Jungkook!

It was all coming back to him, but after they grabbed Jungkook everything was a blur. Jimin groaned once again. Eventually, he found the power to move and sat up. Glancing around his surroundings he realised he was in a bedroom? A nicely decorated one as well.

There was a large mirror not too far from him, just above a black dresser. Jimin gasped when he gazed into it. Instead of his hair being its normal blonde, it was an puzzling shade of blue. He attempted to stand up and get a better look, but he felt something weighing him down. It was something...feathery.

Jimin felt his back, plucking something from behind him. "W-Wings?"

--------------------------

Kai paced around Taehyung's unconscious body. He waited patiently until he finally began to open his eyes. "Mmm," Tae grumbled. He shifted irritably and tried sitting straight. That's when he realised he had no clue where he was. "Where-"

Kai shushed him, bringing his finger to Tae's mouth and gently tilting his face in his direction. Taehyung didn't have the energy to fight him off. "Don't worry love," Kai whispered softly. "You're home now."

Taehyung's eyes widened, finally looking around with a gasp.

Soldiers lined up in the hundreds stood in front of them, bowing before the thrones of their kingdom. And on that throne, was Taehyung.

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So sorry for the super late update! The next chapter will probably take just as long and I'm sorry 😓 Exams are coming up soon, and I'll be travelling. Once again, I'm sorry.

As always, feel free to leave any feedback!