He felt himself drowning...

The pair of brown eyes stared back at him, shock being evident on those elegant features. Slowly, he felt himself drowning in them. What is this? Why he didn't want to look away? The light from the lighter in his hand was  the only source of warmth and light. But no, still, even in that chilly night, he felt his cheeks getting hot.

"What are you doing here?" He mumbled quietly. His voice only heard by her in that huge room. His hands still holding hers up and they both were so close. "N-nothing. Reading books." His grip loosened in her hands, she pulled it away turning her face to the side as red hues dusted her soft cheeks.

"You drink coffee too?" He moved away, his hands rubbing his mint hair harshly, making her find it really attractive. Eww. No. Stay true to our policy. The single's policy.

"Mmhm. Wait. You said 'too'? You drink coffee too?" Her eyes widened, making her look pretty even in the small amount of light. The small smile on her face tugging his heart, luring his soul. Again, what is this feeling?

"Yeah." He stared at the wooden floor below. The room was cold, yet, he felt so hot. The flick of his fingers made the gentle breeze blow, cooling him a little.

"Interesting. Isn't it?" Ji Ah turned around, standing on her toes to reach the top shelf. "What's interesting?" Yoongi asked, picking on the dirt in his nails, trying to seem as uninterested as possible.

"A Verde's powers." She finally caught to that tall book stacked on to of a huge pile in the top shelf, but to her dismay, all the books stacked fell directly on her head. Yet, she felt only one hard smack of book. She was sure there must be at least seven books, so she saw up, the glowing green dusts were gently carrying the books stopping them from falling down on her. She pointed up and said, "They come in handy at anytime." Slowly rubbing the place that one book fell with her fingers. She kept that heavy book on the table, her petite form almost struggling to carry it.

He can't help but find himself smile. What's with this women? Why he is feeling strange around her? He didn't know. But he'll find out.

"I never thought you are the one into books." He said, looking at her skimming through the pages. She looked up, her eyes reflecting the light from the candles beside.

"Oh, this is not for me. It's for Jimin. He keeps whining about explanations so, I thought of finding some books for him. And by the way, thank you for saving me from Joon. I never knew about his interests in wooden tables." She chuckled while marking the pages. He just shrugged in return, moving away from the room.

Soon he stopped in his tracks, turning around he said, "Sleep tight Princess Ji. I shall see you in the morning." With a bow of honorary, he turned and left the room. Also with a slightest flutter made in the maiden's heart.

"Good night to you too." She didn't know why. Somehow, this mint haired man made her feel something strange... What can be that?

_____________________________________________________________

The suns peeked over the ground graciously, everything seemed hurried up in that noisy town. The people moving on their own doing their daily works in order to earn for their loved ones. The town was so lively that it made him wonder the opposite.

And he never wanted it to happen.

The sun kissed his spotless skin as his feet took him forward in fast strides. His long dark violet coat hiding his entire identity to the people who were oblivious to his presence. Well, even if they noticed, they would feel just a gust of wind passing through. Because he, was even more faster than the wind.

He exhaled a breath as soon as he reached his destination. The lady sitting inside on the chair, knitting her long woolen thread didn't even care to look up at him.

"Did I ask you to come here Jin?" She said, anger being evident in her annoyed tone. He smiled while pulling his long coat off. "You never ask me to come here. You just want me to be here always." His hands grazed over the glass antiques kept in the table as he argued back at her. They seem new. "You didn't stop collecting these yet?" He asked, always being curious of why she collects those.

"Because they may be a great help for me unlike you-"

"Are you saying that I am a disgrace?" His purple orbs stared straight at her, demanding for the answers.

"Yes. You are. And you know why? You tend to forget taking bath before you go to sleep." She scolded him earning a loud hearty laughter, his purple hair bouncing as he laughed. He slowly came forward, kneeling down near her chair as he kissed the back of her hand.

"How were you mother?" His eyes gazed at the almost finished woolen sweater.

"I'm still alive for your kind information my son." He laid his head on her lap. His eyes closing on its own. "Won't you ask me back?" He said. She can't help but smile at her son. How much ever he grew up, he still haven't changed much. He looks exactly like the sixteen year's Seokjin till now.

"How were you The Head of Guards?" Her fingers combed his unruly hair, already assuming that he dashed all way home.

"I am still alive, but I feel dead." She could imagine him pouting, being his playful self. But, no.

"Jinnie?"

His sniffles made it clear to her.

"It will be alright my dear. Trust me." She comforted him as much as she can. But she didn't know why he is crying now. His sobs echoed through the rooms, his face buried in her lap as he refused to look up. "Who made you cry darling? Tell me. Momma will smack them with my pink spatula right in their ugly face. Who dared to hurt you my handsome?"

Ah. Now we know how he got this confidence from.

He chuckled as she used the same words she use to say when he is younger to make him stop crying. "There, calm down. Tell me what happened?"

"There is nothing in particular mother. Just-"

"Is your work hard?" He nodded affirmatively. His purple eyes staring at nothing in particular as they teared up again.

"This is why I told you not to be a soldier. Just like your father you are." She chuckled as she remembered her husband.

"This wouldn't have happened if he was still alive..." Her fingers didn't leave his face, caressing his soft cheeks and wiping the tears gently. Her words came out heavily making his heart ache at that thought. But it has been two years. Two years since his Father was killed in the battlefield. Two years since he heard his last command. Two years since he took the position that his father was in. The General of Arcturus...

"I brought cherry wine. Let's have it together. And have a little talk? Like good old days mother?" He wiped his eyes and forced out a smile. His mother's face relaxed at his smile.

Strange about this small smile, changing one's whole mood and surrounding.

"So tell me Jin. Are you seeing anyone?" There, that teenage girl's sparkle in her purple eyes teasing her son.

"I see many people everyday." He said chunking a large piece of meat inside his mouth.

"You know what I'm talking about. I too want to see a daughter in law. And even plenty of grandchildren. At least" she held out her fingers, counting under her breath. "At least twenty." He choked hard on his food, Coughing so harshly that his whole face became red. He reached out for water, chugging it all down to not choke and die today.

"What do you mean twenty? That's a bit too much don't you think?" He talked in between his coughs. Bit too much? Its threee much.

"Ha!" If he didn't die by choking on a meal, then he would be dead by heart attack. "So you are seeing someone. Who is it?"

"No one mother. I'm not seeing anyone. And this is not the time for those." He stared at her which actually meant to not say a word about it. So she chose to change the topic.

But still, he can't avoid the fact that he messed up with her. Loeva. And he can't even encounter her properly. But, that way it's better right? He don't have to face it so he can avoid it, that string tied in his heart?

That night came to an end peacefully and he didn't forget to bid good bye to her before returning to the castle.

Ten months. Is it?

Will everything be over?

Will Marcus be defeated in the upcoming war?

He didn't know how long these torturous days will take to go past. But he wished the more sooner it can be, the more better. Loud pair of footsteps distracted him from his thoughts. His right hand found his sword in his belt loop instinctively as he looked to see who it is. But his posture relaxed to see a Neel running towards him.

"I-" He took a pause to catch his breath. His hands holding his knees supportively. How long has he been running?

"I found the map." His staggered breath and posture made it clear for Jin. And the thing in his hand valued thousands, no, millions of life...

"I'll prepare for the meeting. Take some rest tonight." He gave a reassuring pat on his shoulder. A smile of appreciation mixed with gratitude was there in the Generals face. "You can give that to me. I'll go through it." Taehyung seemed hesitant, but nonetheless, he pulled it out of his coat and handed it to Jin.

Jin turned around to leave but Taehyung stopped him by holding his hand. His blue eyes seemed dead serious. "I was told something... It was... umm, credulus. It was too fast for me to understand anything, but I'm sure I heard this." He looked so confused yet Jin was glad that he brought some information like this.

"We'll discuss everything tomorrow Tae. Rest well." The younger nodded at him turning on his heel to leave. But soon he twisted back.

"Sweet night Jin." He said with a playful salute to him earning a wink from the elder. Taehyung laughed in return. "You didn't change at all." He shook his head a the pouty General, bidding final adieu and went on his way.

"I don't want anything to change..." He mumbled which for sure Taehyung didn't hear. Except that one person along with them all through their conversation...

_______________________________________________________

Taehyung walked along the huge corridors, the night sky clear to him as he loved the fresh breeze which swept solace over him. He took a deep breath in. For two days he didn't even have time to take a normal breath. His hands rested on the railings as he looked past the horizon of purple ocean with small stars in it. He wanted nothing but this calmness to be last long. To be there forever.

But he even knew that it can't. Sounds of flapping wings was heard by him. A small white bird came near him. But his curiosity increased in seeing the small paper on its leg.

____________________________________________________

He was waiting for it as he strolled past the dark corridors only lit with the luminance of the nature. A smile of success was present on his face as things were going smooth. It must be time... But why didn't it reach me yet...

His thoughts shifted back the the exchange between the General and the Neel.

The Map which the legend says... And even a credulus... Interesting.

Even though he knows what that means, he is not sure whether it is true. That wouldn't be possible. That doesn't exist. He was wondering so many possibilities for that. But in the end chose to shift to what is important now.

He saw a person resting on the railings. The scene being familiar. Oh yes. That's when he first saw you close. That's when you mistook him for the person who is standing there now. Soon... His smile disappeared, seeing a small bird near the Neel. Oh no, Taehyung was having the message from the bird with him.

Shit. He forgot that those birds were monochromatic. Everything will be seen by them in the shades of black and white. His steps fastened near him as Taehyung was examining the small paper which turned into a normal size of letter when he pressed something accidentally.

"It's for me." Luminous tried to stay calm as much as he can. Because if he panics, then he won't get that letter back for sure. And for god's sake who knows what is written in that... Ugh! He just want everything to get over soon so that he can be where he belong.

Taehyung for a moment got surprised at the sudden voice. The material of the letter still being unfamiliar to his fingers. "I see." He just turned it around, examining the outer cover and by the decorations... He can only come into two conclusions.

"Are you planning on keeping it to yourself?" Luminous was almost loosing his patience at him that he almost snapped.

"Here. I have my manners taught." Taehyung lent his hands towards Luminous. Right at the moment Luminous was about to take it, Taehyung pulled in back. A challenging glint shimmered in his blue eyes. His smile putting the Sebran to test. "On one condition." Oh and Sebrans do love tests. "Test your sword skills with me." A chuckle left from Sebran, soon erupting into laughter.

"You are still a kid. And I don't spar with kids." He shook his head as the smile was evident in his face. But that surely mocked the Neel's skills.

"Are you scared of me then?" His hold on the letter tightened. "You know, you may not get this back." He swished the letter in front of his face.

Luminous sighed in defeat. "Alright. Now give it." Taehyung smiled widely as the letter reached the hands of its true owner, Taehyung almost being Luminous' younger self.

"Tomorrow, before the suns set, in the spar ground." Luminous nodded as he turned to take his leave. "If I win, I can see the letter. If you win..."

"What if I win?" His lips tilted sideways as his eyes held the same shimmers as Taehyung's. "You name it." Taehyung concluded as if he was so confident that he might win.

"Lovely then. You know, Sebrans always don't sit down with books and powers." His face was closer to Taehyung as his words left his mouth in a teasing manner, that incredibly attractive smirk evident in both their faces.

"You should know too, that Neels won't always depend on their powers." The look on each of their faces called for an unexpected battle between the two.

Taehyung walked past him and Luminous followed behind, both walking to their own room on the same way. "Can I ask you something?" Taehyung questioned as he turned around, walking backwards as while looking at Luminous.

"What?"

"That letter... Is it from a girl?" His blue eyes held immense amount of mischief, that Luminous for a moment was dumbfounded.

"I don't know why, but you and your friend surely poke your noses into my personal matters." He was reminded of how you sneaked into his room like a mouse and tried escaping yet failed miserably.

"Friend you say? Who?" Jungkook is not that type as he knew very well not to mess up with others. Because out of the three, Kook is the most responsible child. From what their father used to say.

"Luane isn't it?" Taehyung shook his head as he asked him, often turning behind to check whether he is going in the right direction.

Luminous rolled his eyes while hearing your name. Somehow you irritated him to the core... At the same time...

"It is that stupid girl. And no. Why would you think I'd be here if I had someone waiting for me back there?" Luminous stopped in his tracks pointing to the door beside. "I came to my destination. Make sure to sleep well and not to get sick tomorrow."

"Same to you." Taehyung nodded his head as sign of respect, which Luminous halfheartedly returned and went inside his room. To get into his dreamland were there is no small pests like the Neel.

While our Taehyung, had other plans...

Out of two conclusions, one is out. And one yet to be confirmed.

Let's see who you truly are Luminous...

Soon...

_________________________________________________________

Chill crispy wind of spring went past grazing your cheeks in a loving manner. The black roads below felt so different than what you usually see everyday. People of the same colour hairs were walking past, yet you were reminded that they are not Arcturans. The tall cherry trees were blossomed with pink petals, each falling down gently, dancing to the rhythm of the wind.

Women in long skirts and men in royal clothes. An animal was it? A black colour one in that, roaring to its highest, moving in a gentle manner which seemed to be a transport for the people. Umm, they call it machines... Yet you forgot the name of it.

So this is earth?

"Yes it is." You were not startled by the appearance of an old man beside you as you were used to his creepy sudden appearances.

"It is so so beautiful." Children were playing around in what seemed to be a playground. Couples sitting in the stone benches at the side, women having umbrellas over their head gossiping about only god knows what.

"It is beautiful. But, not at the same time." You were confused by Noah's statement.

"They destroy such a beautiful planet day by day." Why would they do that to their mother land?

"Is that you Noah?" You saw a young man. That same one you saw in your previous dream, in the palace. But, who is that little girl near him?

"Let's concentrate in the story shall we?" You gave him your attention as he told this. "As I was so interested in humans, I created the portal to Earth. I wanted to study about them."

You eyes didn't leave the young Noah as you saw him jumping and playing around the small girl making her laugh with his antics.

"But, every action has a reaction." He sighed as he continued, "You see, these portals started malfunctioning soon after a year." The place around you started changing drastically fast, the whole place merged under water. You could see everything as you were high up, in the sky. The once beautiful town wholly submerged in water. People were standing on top of the high building to not get submerged... Flood.

Your surroundings changed again, buildings turning higher and more shiner. But those huge buildings were falling down at a time. The land beneath shaking hard that none of its creatures can live... Quakes.

The place changed again, this time the whole land was hot. Too hot that it irritated your skin so much. The people seemed so thin, each fainting on the streets as they walked... Drought.

Your surroundings changed, but now you concluded that the place doesn't change, it is the time that was changing. This time people were covering their face with some sort of cloth, each not even daring to touch the other. They were dying in loads. So easily death made them theirs. Just because of touch... Disease.

So many disasters...

"This is horrible." You breathed out. Your heart ached in every scene. You could only imagine how it would be for the people who experienced it.

Vast land of snow it was. A high mountain you presumed. The beautiful scenery of sunrise didn't calm you down, didn't surprise you. As all that was going in your mind was what you saw before.

"I'm sorry. But you should know everything Luane." But why?

"This all happened because of you?" His face seemed so guilty that even you felt bad for him.

"Not fully because of me. But... I may be a small seed for that. It was humans who grew it up that, it wouldn't be a surprise if they go extinct." He wasn't nonchalant while saying that.

"The portal can be opened whenever Spring comes to both the planets at the same time. You must've headed it right?

"That's what the people call-" You racked your brain as you remembered that term which was so common along the locals of Arcturus. So so common that people were scared to walk alone to anywhere. It was a common fear...

"The Strange Spring?"

Noah let out a smile.

"You are right." He suddenly seemed to be deep in thoughts. He was glancing at your direction and blinking his eyes for a moment.

His eyebrows were furrowed for a moment. As if contemplating on a thought.

"Time for you to wake up I guess. You will know the answers for every question you ask my child. But you have to wait." With his one last smile, everything vanished into pink dust, leaving nothing but darkness behind.

Answers... Isn't it what everyone need right now?

How long do we have to wait?

Till when...

___________________________________________________

A/N: Eager are you?

To see the fight between Taetae and Lulu????

I am!

Annoyed Luminous and a pouty taetae. What a combo!

Okay.

Bye.

Take care.

LOVE YOURSELF. STAY SAFE AND GOLD. 💜💜

With love,
Be 💖