Its small point red eyes burned with disgust while looking at the small round glass sphere that showed everything so vividly, making it wish to just swoop in and tear them apart. Inch by inch, inflicting so much pain that they wouldn't even dare to let a smile slip. But it knew well what to do.

"What made you stare so intently, Beth?" The bird turned its small neck to the side, beady eyes observing the Dark King's majestic form appearing in its line of sight.

"Nothing much, Marcus." It replied in a tone of nonchalance, the shrieky high pitched tone never showed any emotions. Its head often moved whenever it did anything. Well, that's what a bird would do. But...

"Bethany." Marcus had his chin in his hand, worry evident in the silver orbs. "Did Luminous send any letters back?"

The bird's ears perked upon hearing this. "No. You don't have to worry Marcus. Our Prince will manage." It spread its wings and its beak picked on small feathers.

"What do you mean that he can manage? I bet he'd be so clueless." He head shook just as his cape followed with each of his worried steps. The dark chambers reflected the waves of his voice, but the dark abyss that swirled around the castle was not because of the night that decided to show its grace upon Arcturus. The dark in the Dark Palace is eternal.

The bird rolled it's eyes at the Dark king which, he for sure failed to notice. "He can manage. He is the son of the Dark King after all."

Marcus chuckled. Sorrow casted upon the now... gentle, yes, that would be the right word, gentle eyes. "He is my son indeed. But he still has sides of Eve. From how he looks to deep down in heart, he is just like her."

A bitter taste fell upon the bird's small tongue. The same feeling when it saw the couple strolling down the night.

He didn't forget about the pathetic Queen and his disgusting love for her. The bird's small rosy tongue felt like it ate worms, disgust burning in its whole form.

"That's why I am guiding him Marcus. If I guided Evely- Forgive me, the Queen, she wouldn't have ended up like that. What could be done? It was her fate. It was already written."

To Marcus, the bird's shrilly voice and choice of words didn't give any sort of comfort. Instead... he felt there was some other reason to the string of emotionless combination of alphabets that came out of its little mouth. Why is she being suspicious whenever I talk about the Queen...

"She was so stubborn that she didn't listen to anything I said. But look at you, you earned the title of King after following my words."

She was so stubborn? To listen to your words? Why would a Queen listen to a servant?

None of the bird's next words fell upon Marcus' ears.

She didn't listen to you?

What did you say that made her deny?

She would never say no to anyone or anything.

What you said, that made her deny?

That wouldn't be anything good.

Not for me, not for my son...

Not for her...

Though Marcus had such thoughts, he knew what to do. She wouldn't do that. Beth wouldn't do that. Because he had known her for years.

"So, what's the next plan?" He tried to change the topic, particularly to stop the memories of the late Queen arising in his heart.

"You must ask our General."

_____________________________________________________________

"Any message from the Prince, General?"

General Lucas bowed his head to him before answering. The dark aura clearly depicted the form of the Dark King sitting high in the throne of thorns.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Drops of sweats adorned the face of the General of the Dark palace.

"Well, I don't think of waiting till you gain the confidence to open your mouth."

"Y-yes, Sire. The message stated that they've found the Map. The Map which the legend says." His head looked at the cold hard floor below.

"Map of the Murelands." His hands pushed his silver strands back.

They sure move so fast.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"And I assume our Prince knows what to do."

"He does Sire. The possibilities would be ten people. Some of the young men of the council and few girls including the human, the Prince and Princesses of the Light Palace."

"The Prince and Princess has returned?" Marcus' eyebrows shot up, a different, a far feeling... Something he hadn't felt in so long...

What is this feeling?

"They did. The day The Patron was found."

"And I believe Seojun's at the palace too?"

Hatred. Disgust. Rage. Agony. Yes. That must be it.

The General nodded his head, just wanting to be out of the room as soon as he could.

"Well, well. Nice family reunion there I suppose." His fingers held the silver dusts in their hand. The General could see the line of swirling silver dusts flowing through his hands, illuminating the dark place and going through a dark alley.

Lucas was not sure what the King was up to. But, surely that is not going to end good for the Light Palace.

______________________________________________________

"Good. "

Your eyes widened, ears not believing the word came out of the once cold headed brat.

"You've caught on the details well. I guess Luminous' words helped after all." His lips were pulled into an unrecognisable pout. Blue eyes casted towards the ground.

"Why are you sulking while talking about him?" You asked, drinking the water which tasted heaven after the practice.

"Don't you know Lu? He is just jealous because you are doing good after hearing to that Lu and not because of your trainer Taetae." The Laal appeared beside you, his hands held a sword which made you question how he got that. His shirt was drenched... Is he training too?

"Is it true Taehyung?" Your attention was back his lovely blue eyes which was cared downwards. His tongue was poking his cheeks.

You pinched his soft cheeks hard, earning a scream from him. "Do you think he is the reason I do better?"

"Well, that's not a lie though." He shrugged and kept his sword in its sheath, trying to end the conversation right there.

Something that you can't resist is Taehyung being sulky.

"No Taehyung. He may have taught me few points, but if I do good, then it's because of my one and only trainer who trained me day and night. It's always you. Don't feel low about that." Your hands squeezed his shoulders in terms of comfort.

He pulled you closer, strong arms wrapped around you. Seemed like he loved having you in his arm cage. "Thanks." His small laugh was enough to make you feel happy.

Jungkook's lips held a small smile. Whenever he saw them happy, he felt good and that's what he wanted. He didn't know the purpose of him being born. But, as long as he live, he wants to keep his friends happy. "I feel lonely you know." He said, red lips pulled into a pout. Taehyung pulled the younger male closer.

"Wow. Isn't this a group hug?" You could hear Hoseok's voice chirping as he joined the hug. "Let me join too. This is so precious to watch from afar."

"Aww, you're always welcomed in our hugs Hobi." Jungkook cooed in his ears, patting the head of the elder male.

"Gggragga geggrhhkka kkaghekak hehakgaa."

"I'm sure they wouldn't mind you joining too Mr.Mon." Hoseok said for which all the four laughed. The mood was so light and thanks to the sunshine buddy, it became even more lighter.

Meanwhile, the creature that was watching them behind the trees, slurped it's long tongue back and forth, waiting for the order for the next move from the one.

"I don't know why you're acting like children." Seojun wondered loud. A playful smile fell on his lips looking at the group hug in front.

They suddenly shattered away, standing straight in front of the man, who to be more precise, The King.

"Oh come on. Don't give me any formalities. I hate it kids." His fingers grazed through the swords kept near him for practises. The fatherly smile still not leaving his lips.

"We are supposed to, Your Highness. We can't be ignorant to the royal rule." Seojun's eyes fell upon Taehyung. His features felt oddly familiar. Like... Someone he knew all along...

"Why do you feel familiar?" Taehyung rose up his head, confusion painted vividly in his angel blue orbs.

"Must be because of Luminous. They both look alike." Jungkook added in.

"No. Not that." Seojun knew what it is, but, he felt hesitant to bring it up. Still, it's now or never. He knew why Luminous and Taehyung look alike.

"You're all Raehyun's children." His tone came out as a question clearly directed towards the trio.

The three of you looked stared, mouth agape and faces as shocked as they can be.

"You knew our father..." Your voice was low, yet, it called for a clear explanation from Jimin's father.

That's how you four sat down in the green sand, among the mercies of the shade that the humble trees strewn upon the path.

"Quiet the mood maker he was." Seojun's voice reminisced the past.

"WHAT IS HAPPENING OVER THERE?!" A loud voice turned their attention back.

Ji Ah?

"Jimin! Loeva! Jin! Joon! grab others and come on! They are having a picnic party without us."

Mr.Park facepalmed literally at his daughter behaviour.

Still, she made sure to make them laugh in that heavy atmosphere the trio was in.

Soon, the circle widened under the big tree. Namjoon almost carried a whining Yoongi and Jungwon was literally dragging an angry Luminous, the only persons who refused.

"Can't deny you two. That's the elder Princess's order." Ji Ah said walking straight towards her Dad.

She really acts like a kindergartner.

Jungwon snickered loud and Luminous shushed him by putting his fingers to his lips. Still, he can't hide the smile taking over his lips.

She grew up, but her antics didn't change at all. He did regret it. He knew that Ji Ah, would never mean any harm... But, it's for her good. As long as no one recognise him, he'd not be forced to harm them.

"What a way to pull the Princess card Ji?" Jimin rolled his eyes yet Ji Ah pulled him and sat near Hoseok. The others bowed to the utmost royalty sitting amongst.

"Oh no kids. I've already told you. Stop with those. Just think me as an uncle next door." His smile made them at ease. He was such a warm person. A perfect choice of their Queen.

"Okay Uncle next door." Nobody expected this to come from the General. Jin sat down near him with a smile, ready to take part in the fun.

"What? We need to respect his words." Jin said to defend himself from many inquisitive stares and to be honest, he really made the mood more lighter.

"Of course you are a responsible child Seokjin." Seojun patted the General's head. The others can't help but wonder whether Mr.Park and Jin knew each other way before they did.

"Oh, you've already met through your parents?" Jungwon said, his blue eyes wide as dimples rose up his baby cheeks. "I mean, Jin's parents."

"Yes. You're right." Jin confirmed with a smile until his purple eyes met Loeva's confused ones. He just nodded, but Loeva didn't want to let go of it. She would take care of it later.

"So, what's the fuss about?" Yoongi's pale hand ruffled his mint strands, his feline eyes still not fully recovered from what it seemed to be sleep.

"It's something interesting. He was about to talk about his young age." Jungkook flashed his porcelain teeth to the mint boy. This earned a 'oooos' from almost everyone of them sitting along, the bored one's interest reached their peek.

"Well, I must say, my youth was much more adventurous than what yours is." He reclined on the tree trunk, the nice afternoon sun's rays peek-a-booed through the small gapes from the branches.

"Oh I bet it is." Jimin wiggled his eyebrows towards his father, the latter let out a light chuckle at the behaviour of his son.

"Where shall I start from... The moment I met their Mother?"

All the heads eagerly nodded, somehow, everybody's curiosity piqued up to the maximum level. Yet, they tried to control and listen.

"In highschool."

"So it's the same love stories like everyone's? The one started from highschool?" Literally the one who would interfere during story time asked, earning a punch in his thigh from both you and Jungkook, shushing him to stay quiet.

"Yes Tae. But, mine was quite interesting. Who would have known that the girl I proposed is an alien from another planet? A Princess in that?" His voice pitch was increased, stating that he can't believe that actually happened even now.

"Before we start," Jungwon interrupted, "it'd be nice if we see it instead of hearing." The bafflement was clear in the face of Mr.Park and Light Prince.

"How would you d-"

The surroundings swirled around and changed.

Jimin found himself standing in a different place. Everyone stood together and there was no ounce of doubt in their faces except for the Light Prince. However, before he could ask, Jungwon declared his statement.

"We are in his imagination. So, we can see whatever's happening."

Ah. Now it seems clear.

The vast corridor was filled with long rectangular metals, which seemed like doors. "We're in a school." Jimin's statement made the Arcturans gape at the new structure of school which they haven't seen before.

"We have to stay in the teacher's place, serving them to learn education." Namjoon said, silver eyes keenly observing the tiled walls, "the method came to Arcturus from Earth, from the southern part of Asia."

The Earthlings blinked at the possibility of it, but chose to stay quiet. A sudden ringing noise made Hoseok almost jump and his fingers, as an instinct, laced around Namjoon's shirt. The latter didn't bother to do or say anything as he himself was not sure what that noise meant.

Flocks of students rushed out of the rooms, each carrying a bag on their back, everyone wearing same dress code. The Arcturans were amused by the schools on Earth. Loeva's jaw was open for almost five minutes seeing the structure and few giggles escaped them seeing the high schoolers antics.

"There I am." Mr.Park made their attention avert to a young boy who was leaning on the lockers at the side, with a small smile present in his young face. Yes. He must be Mr.Park. Because they could see a striking resemblance between Jimin and the Young Seojun. His round brown eyes held anticipation, his foot tapping on the floor continuously and his dark hair bounced every time he did so.

The huge flock of students paved way, set of woos and woahs were heard by the confused Arcturans. And humans.

A bone cracking noise made it's way through air, making them scrunch their faces. "Why do I feel like I'm reliving everything again?" Mr.Park said, teeth nibbling on his lower lip.

"Enough Raehyun. Don't need to spend our time on him." A small girl tugged at a boys hand, his eyes literally poured snowflakes on the guy crouching below.

When I said small girl, I meant a girl who is short compared to the blue haired guy beside. Her baby pink strands grazed her shoulders like a wind does to flower. The guy who was whimpering in pain below was scared, yet, he decided not to show and stood up.

"Oh come on, Inez darling. You're going to regret this soon." He chuckled. But before Raehyun could do anything, a hard punch was all the guy earned for his talk. Not from Raehyun. But from Inez.

The three siblings froze in their place. Seeing the person they wished to see for so long yet, when they are near, they were not able to reach out. Your hands found Taehyung's involuntarily, his fingers wrapped around yours as a meaning of comfort. Jungkook just stood there... like he always does. Not knowing what to do, his teeth nibbled on his lips, red eyes almost tearing up. But no, this is not the time to let out his tears.

The whole crowd including our little guests to Seojun's memory, why not, including Raehyun, stood stunned. "That's all the respect I'm giving for you. Repeat it next time, you'll be as good a dead." Inez spat hard walking away, her hand almost dragging a still shocked Raehyun.

"That was dope!" Hoseok exclaimed.

"Never knew, Mom is sooo cooool." Ji Ah squealed, her hands finding another as she did so. But as soon as she saw who's that, she let go of it, earning small hues of red dusts spotting the person's cheeks.

"That's how I met her. Fearless and brave, quick witted. She never feared to do what she likes. But your father really scared the hell out of me. I used to sneak up behind her whenever he's not there. I, just like others, thought they were in a relationship because they'd always stick together. But, after a whole lot of mess in finding out about another planet to her being a Princess, I found that he was sent with her to protect her."

Protectors. From a very young age, the story that Taehyung's mother told about their ancestors would be their work as a royal protectors. Maybe that would be the thing that made him accept the offer Loeva gave for him and Jungkook. This time, they were the protectors for a different cause. Still, even if they were not offered to protect the human among them, they'd sacrifice their life to the girl's safety. For your safety. For they have found themselves through you...

The surroundings swirled and changed. Mr.Park and Queen Inez were standing near a river bed. "Are you serious about this Seojun?" Her folded hands and strong demanding aura made them shiver. Young Seojun took a deep breath, "Yes. Yes I am."

Her posture faltered. "What if I say that I'm an alien?"

"I don't care Inez. Whoever you may be. But as long as you are you, I'm okay with it."

"Okay with what?"

"Being in a relationship with you. For a long long time. Till death."

Bunch of Oooos came from our spectators, Mr.Park's face was on fire. "You are cool too Mr.Park." Hoseok chimed in, making the already blushing Seojun blush more.

"I think that's all you children should see. Let's head back."

"Nope. We are seeing more." Loeva denied.

"But I'm already embarrassed. I wasn't planning on going into the details so-"

"No, no, Dad. We are seeing the next parts too." Dad. Loeva called him Dad for the first time in front of him. So he accepted with a quaint nod.

Jungwon smiled at their relationship. The royal family is so messed up, yet, they try to find happiness in small moments like these.

The place swirled and changed again. But this time, the place was familiar to everyone. "The Light Palace." They mumbled under their breath.

"No. The only palace. There was only one palace back then." Seojun said, his eyes eying the white blossoms arranged in the huge hall.

The young couple stood near a fire pit, the bright flames reflecting on their pure white attires.

"What are you doing?" Jimin questioned, not being able to understand what a married couple is doing beside a fire pit.

"Vowing to fire. It's a practice in Arcturus. We're vowing to fire, keeping it as a witness for our eternal relationship."

"Aren't the audience enough for witness?" Ji Ah asked, for which he smiled. She thinks just like him, and that's the exact thing he asked Inez's brother.

"Arcturans or human. Their body and soul are mortal and the witness lasts only till they live. But energies are immortal. They live forever, speaking the stories of our love everywhere they are born."

"That is... just... Wow." Jimin exclaimed, seeing their parents with the huge smile in their faces. This is how they wanted to see them. Always smiling and as a family.

Luminous held a small smile in his lips. Seeing his aunt's young face which he remembered fragments of was something he never expected to bring calmness. That's when he noticed. A person standing close to Inez. Often they'd mumble something in their ears and laugh to themselves.

A woman it was. Her eyes were angelic blue, her blue hair tied into a decorated bun. Her light blue gown stood out to him.

Mother.

That's what he wanted to say. He wanted to call out. Run and hug the woman till he could forget that she was dead. His silver eyes glistened looking at her so energetically welcoming the guests.

You never deserved to die...

Even though he hated the idea of hearing Uncle Seojun's love story, he felt grateful that he could see her face for a moment. A moment that he would cherish more than anything in the world.

And at that time, the dark side of the Dark Prince slowly withered. A smile was present yet the melancholic expression didn't leave the Prince's face. Jin sighed. He still can't believe that this guy would be someone dangerous. He was not sure if he was the Prince at all. Namjoon can't say the thing just with their name being the same. There are thousands of people with the same name. What else made the tall Sebran think that the guy was a Prince?

"Aah!" Your head snapped towards the person who groaned. His hands clutched his stomach and crouched down because of the unbearable pain. His groans increased and he tried to keep himself quiet.

"Jimin? You okay?" Ji Ah's voice sounded panicked at her brother being in pain.

Namjoon turned behind seeing someone clutching his sleeve. The person's eyes were closed and jaw tightened. He too was in pain. "Are you okay Luminous?" Namjoon can't help but be worried for the man. The Sebran held the Prince and he groaned, his eyes shut tight. Namjoon could hear him saying something. But he couldn't make out what it is. The Dark Prince took a sharp breath to ease the pain before saying out loud.

"Jungwon. At the palace grounds. Now!" His grip tightened on Namjoon who was supporting him to stand.

"Working on it!"

Soon the place changed and they found themselves back at the palace grounds, under the tree. But one thing seemed different. It made their blood run cold and they didn't dare to make a move.

The big black creatures lured around the bushes which lead to the forest.

Cronuses.

But, that's not what that caught your eyes. The group of people were... not complete. Someone's missing. No. Two of them are missing.

"Jungwon." Jin whispered, "royals to the palace. Now!"

The younger nodded his head, frantically looking around as he escorted the two princesses and Mr.Park inside.

"Where's the Prince?" He turned to look at Namjoon but he shook his head stating that he too had no idea.

The two Princes are missing...

"I am not going inside while you are fighting here." Jin was on the verge of snapping at the girl in front, whose eyes were filled with courage. But, No, "This is not the time to prove your dimwitted bravery. This is time to act quick. Just get inside for god's sake!" The General pulled the Princess by himself at a speed that you could never imagine of and came back within a blink of your eye.

"Prepare to hunt..." His purple eyes were gravely dangerous as he eyed the black creatures luring like they own the Palace back yards.

__________________________________________________

Jimin knew that he is no more in the land of imagination. He knew that he came back to the palace, but... The only thing is, he couldn't get up. His stomach ached so hard and he used his every strength to open his eyes. But all he came to see was his hands tainted red by the warm liquid flowing down his abdomen.

Blood...

He swore that he could see movement in the corner of his eyes but his body gave up on him and darkness devoured his eyes.

A/N : There are just way too many hints in this chap and let me hear you whatever you knew. And oh no, our poor Jimin...

Stay tuned for the next chap to know how our heroes hunt the monsters down.

Until then,

Don't forget.

LOVE YOURSELF! STAY SAFE AND GOLD 💜

with love,
Be💖

9/4/2021.