⊱☯⊰

-''That huge amount of magic can't just disappear.'' – Seunghyun said, watching Jiyong.

-''It didn't disappear.'' – Jiyong said calmly. – ''It was absorbed.''

-''You think the twins got it before they died?'' – The Marquis's eyes were sad when he spoke. The twins grew closer to his heart by the little time they had together and he was really saddened by the news that they didn't make it. If anything, Namjoon was the one who not supposed to survive, not the twins. The injustice still burned him, even though Jiyong did explain how Namjoon's magic worked and how he, as a mortal man, couldn't do a thing, but still. Years of mage's attacks and kills and villainy proved too much to be easily forgotten, even though Namjoon was so well behaved and calm these days, hiding in his room, eating his modest meals and reading, allowing only Jiyong to visit. Seunghyun knew Namjoon was afraid of Jin's retribution because in many ways it was partly his fault that twins were gone and they were everything to Jin. It will take time for Jin to face Namjoon again, to speak to him and eventually forgive him because even though there were blood and hate between them, there was also love and Seunghyun saw it.

Momentarily lost in his thoughts, he was slightly jerked back to preset by Jiyong's voice.

-''They certainly did.'' – He said. There was a certain unrecognizable sound to his voice, Seunghyun wasn't sure, but he did hear it on several occasions before. It was the voice on the edge of excitement and terror and Seunghyun couldn't put his finger on which one it is. Jiyong's eyes frantically flew over the page of the very old book he was studying so intently for several days, before he added. – ''Which would make the thing even easier to do.''

Seunghyun's brows furrowed, still watching his lover's tensed body. He asked. -''To do? What there is to do, love?'

But Jiyong didn't answer for a few moments. Seunghyun knew he ought not to disturb him when he is in this state. He often wondered what was hiding in Jiyong's mind. How many knowledge and secrets. He thought that even if he was allowed a glance into Jiyong's head, he would be left puzzled because nothing would make sense to him. Jiyong was the force of nature, just like the twins were. Maybe that's why Seunghyun was so intrigued by them, because in some ways they reminded him of Jiyong, even though they were completely different and the same at the same time.

-''Oh.'' – Jiyong gasped after a few moments, eyes round, bursting with excitement. – ''Precious, we have to go.''

Sensing the urgency in Jiyong's voice, Seunghyun stood up and in two big steps came to the Count's side. -''What's wrong?''

-''No time, we have to go now.'' – He said, grabbing his hand and then turn to pull him out of the room.

-''Go where?'' – Seunghyun insisted. He disliked being left in the dark while things were happening.

-''Tell you on the way, hurry up Precious.''

Seunghyun allowed being pulled out of the room, brow's still furrowed in confusion.

...

-''Hyung you need to eat something.'' – Jimin's voice came from the door. He was carrying a plate of food.

-''Just leave it Jiminah, I'll eat later.''- Jin's voice was lifeless. He was starring through the wall and who knows where. Jimin sigh, but came to the man and sat next to him.

-''Hyung I miss them terribly, but Yoongi Hyung and you are the only families I have left. Don't make me mourn for you too, please.'' – Jimin said with sadness in his voice and Jin turned his head to look at the young man's eyes.

-''You will not Jiminah. Destiny is a cruel bitch, she loves watching me losing the people I love and suffering. She is just like that.''

His hand cupped Jimin's cheek. – ''I will eat it Jiminie, go now. I need a rest.''

-''Alright Hyung.'' – Jimin nodded, leaning his cheek for a moment in Jin's palm before standing up and hugging him slightly on the shoulders, kissing Jin's hair, before he leaves. He was crying when he met Yoongi in the hall.

Yoongi just opened his arms and Jimin flew into his embrace, hugging the man tight. They didn't need to speak. They shared silently all the emotion they felt, torn between the pain of the loss of two of their closest friends and gratitude that they are safe together.

-''Jin Hyung won't eat. I brought him food again, but I noticed that he didn't touch the other meal I brought him before. I'm worried for him.''- Jimin spoke, his voice muffled by Yoongi's neck, but the latter still understood him.

-''I'll talk to him Jiminie. He will listen to me. Stop crying love.''

-''I just can't lose him too. Him, Tae and V were my only true family and now....I'm so broken, so lost, because I have this strange feeling like they are still here, but they are not, I know they are not and it's driving me crazy Yoongi.''

Yoongi just squeezed him tighter, kissing his hair. – ''I know Jiminie, I know, it does seem so wrong.''

It took him some time until he calmed him down enough to let him go. They kissed softly, more out of love and comfort than passion. The closeness was important, that they still have each other. Yoongi had no idea what he would do if he lost Jimin as he thought he did, for a few painful days.

-''I'm going to read a little.'' – Jimin said and kissed him again. – ''Please check Jin Hyung.'' – He added.

-''I'm on my way love.'' – He said and with the last kiss on his plump lips, he let Jimin go. Yoongi watched him until he turned the corner and then sighing deeply turned towards the hall that led to Jin's room. He heard hurried voices and he came nearer. Jin wasn't alone. He listened more carefully and his blood froze. This would turn out so bad if it wasn't stopped. He turned the door handle carefully, sliding the door open slightly to peek inside and the sight was disturbing.

There on the bed sat Jin, his hands tightly curled into a fist full of a duvet, staring at the man in front of him. Namjoon was on his knees, hands raised towards Jin, a dagger laid on his palms.

-''Here Jin, take it...please take it... use it.'' – Namjoon held the dagger up towards Jin. There were tears in Namjoon's now warm brown eyes. - ''Please. I do not deserve to live, please...after everything I did to you. After I hurt you constantly... fuck...it should be me instead of them. If I could I would give my life for theirs, please Jinnie...just end this. I've done so many bad things....there are no excuses...''

Jin took the dagger from Namjoon's hands and place it, blade first under Namjoon's throat, while grabbing a fistful of Namjoon's hair with another hand, jerking his head so he could stare into his eyes.

-''You took everything from me.'' – He said, voice cold and hot at the same time. – ''First, it was your grandfather, who came and kill my mother and my uncle. Burned my village and killed everyone I knew. And then you came and kill the two persons I cared the most in my life, my tiger cubs, my brothers, my sons...'' – Jin choked at this, eyes filling with tears as his hand shook the blade. – ''You took everything from me! And I can't even blame you for it because it wasn't you!'' – He growled at Namjoon's face.

-''I can't even blame you for being so weak to let that thing rule your life, because that was my fault! I did that!'' – Jin continued, gripping at his hair violently and gritting his teeth as he cried the angry tears. All that time Namjoon didn't say a word. His silent tears slid from his sad eyes, evident pain in them of seeing Jin so upset and hurt. He wishes he could help him, ease his pain at least a little, even if that meant his own life.

The blade pressed deeper into the skin. Namjoon felt tightening on his neck, blade nearly slicing through.

-''Do it Jinnie. Do it. After everything I've done, I deserve death.''

-''Death would be too easy.'' – Yoongi spoke from the door and both Jin and Namjoon switch their eyes towards him, not otherwise moving a muscle.

Yoongi came in slowly, his face cold as stone. He spoke again.

-''I don't think killing you would help Hyung at all.'' – He stared at Namjoon. – ''Then you will be dead and he would still be here.''

Jin's eyes slid from Yoongi and stared past Namjoon, allowing the words to sink through.

-''That would not be a punishment then Joon. It would be mercy and I'm still not ready to let you go off so easily, not after what you did to Jimin and Hyung. Not after everything you did to twins.''

Yoongi came closer, kneeling on one knee next to the two men. His hand slowly, but determinately came to Jin's that was holding the knife and wrapped itself around his fingers.

-''Let go Jinnie. Let go.'' – He almost whispered into Jin's ear, gently massaging Jin's neck, willing him to relax. Jin's entire body was pent up with tension.

-''Let go Hyung, c' mon.'' – Yoongi repeated, this time more firmly and Jin suddenly relaxed his grip around the blade and allowed Yoongi to take it. The hand that was still in Namjoon's hair, tightened and brought Namjoon closer to Jin's face. Their breaths almost mingle in the middle and his eyes pierced through his very soul.

-''I will devote my life to redeem at least some of my crimes that I've committed.'' – Namjoon whispered, not blinking. – ''And even if I never earn your forgiveness, I will be well served, because I cannot forgive myself for being so weak and so naïve to think that ''he'' wished me good.'' – He meant his second personality, his magic. It was always ''he''. Ruthless, bold, sadistic and genius magic. Namjoon was always in awe and in terror from it.

-''I don't know if I'm ever going to forgive you.'' – Jin said, his gorgeous plump lips were red from the biting, while his eyes were glistening through tears. – ''But I need time if I'm about to try.''

-''I know you don't want to hear this...'' – Namjoon kept talking. - ...not now, not from me, but I still love you.'' – Jin growled at this, his teeth flashing dangerously as his eyes burned through Namjoon's. Namjoon swallowed audibly. – ''I never stopped Jinnie and I will do everything I can to fix the wrongs that I've done to you. I swear it with my life.''

The conviction and bravery in Namjoon's eyes were so sincere that Jin paused for a moment. They stared at each other intently, before Jin let go of him, standing up and slipping past him abruptly so he can walk to the window.

-''Leave me now.'' – His voice didn't give any room for arguing. Namjoon stood up on his feet, brushing at his tears and sniffling. He glanced at Yoongi's murderous glare and then at Jin's back. Taking a deep sigh, Namjoon turned and walked towards the door only to stop in his track by the swishing sound of something silvery passing right next to his head. Namjoon stared at the dagger, now nailed in the wood of the door in front of him and then quickly turned around, to see Yoongi in a half-crouch, hand arched down as if he just threw the dagger. Namjoon knew he did. Jin just glanced at them over his shoulder and then turned again to stare through the window. Yoongi's glare was cutting through Namjoon's body limb by limb and he gulped, trying to control his voice.

-''That goes to you too....Yoongi...I will try my best to earn yours and Jimin's forgiveness.'' – Yoongi bared his teeth at that but kept his silence. – ''if either of you ever accepts my apology.''

He didn't wait for Yoongi's reply if there was one, but quietly opened the door and stepped out, closing behind him, the knife wedged in it, wiggling slightly from the movement.

Jin stared at the sea, hands crossed on his chest as he fought back the emptiness he felt. Yoongi came behind and wrapped his hands around his waist, hugging him tightly and burying his face in the nape of Jin's neck. He didn't say anything. Jin knew he wouldn't, that was never Yoongi's way. Whenever Jin was in pain, Yoongi would just patch him up and then curl next to him, offering his comfort and warmth in silence.

Jin allowed Yoongi to sit him on the bed again and feed him the food Jimin brought and then curl next to him until they both fell asleep.

...

-''I thought I might find you here.'' – Hoseok spoke gently, hand brushing through Jungkook's hair as he sat next to him.

-''TaeTae loves this spot.'' – He younger man said, still not accepting the truth.

-''It's a nice spot.'' – Hoseok agreed, tensing slightly at the mention of Tae's name, his thoughts momentarily went towards his blond brother. His magnificent blond devil. Gods, how he missed him, with every fiber of his body and soul. He glanced at the sea, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. The Sun will set soon and the sky already started changing colors.

Jungkook nodded at that, there were silent for a while when Jungkook spoke. –''You know, Jimin Hyung has this feeling... he doesn't feel that they are dead.'' – He made a pause, adding after a few moments. – ''Neither do I, it's just.... It doesn't feel right.''

-''Jungkookie...'' – Hoseok started but the young man stopped him.

-''I know what you want to say, I get it. I know that they are...not here...but I'm telling you it doesn't feel like that. I still feel....him.'' – Jungkook placed his hand over his heart, fingers gripping at his shirt. His jaw clenched hard as he took a few hash breaths through his nose, fighting through tears that formed in his eyes, forcing them to go dry and not slid down his cheeks.

Hoseok's chin wobbled, watching his best friend struggling not to cry. He hugged him across the shoulder and felt shivering. Jungkook was shaking, biting his lower lip, trying not to break down, to admit the loss. That means that everything is over. Hoseok kissed raven locks and whispered. – ''Let it go.''

The sobs started suddenly, each stronger than the last, jerking Jungkook's body harshly and all Hoseok could do is to hold him tight, allowing his own tears to slide down his face. They lost them. They traveled far and wide, only to find them, gave them their hearts and then lost them. It seemed so cruel and unfair. Hoseok knew the feeling of loss. He felt it so many times, but this time. This time was real. This time it was once in the lifetime. This time he felt like his heart was ripped off and only empty space remained, bleeding, sending sharp pain of loss. Hoseok knew that he will never be the same afterward. He knew that he will never love like this again. He doesn't want to, he wants V, only him and no one else. He was ready to live his life with that emptiness, he knew how to fake it, how to make it fine, but Jungkook... Jungkook was different. He loved unconditionally and Tae was his first love, his lover and his partner. Jungkook pledged his life to him and gave his heart selflessly. Hoseok knew that part of Jungkook he knew will die as soon as he accepts the fact that Tae is gone. Gone...like V... gone for good. Fuck, why does it hurt so fucking much?!

He knew what he felt, but it was strange for him to see his young friend fight so badly when he usually was the first to face the truth. While for him, who always had hope in abundance, to suddenly lose it? Losing the love of his life was the blow like any other, harsh and deep. It took all the happiness away from him. He didn't smile anymore. The corners of his mouth were constantly turned down, there was no light in Hoseok's eyes anymore, only emptiness.

Sometime later the Sun has set and the last pinkish colors adorned the sky, turning it purple and then dark blue.

-''You should really take a bath, Kook.'' – Hoseok said, moving away. – ''When was the last time you did that?''

-'A few days ago. I don't mind.''

-''But I do. Go and get cleaned up. You are sleeping with me tonight and my sheets are clean and smell nice.''

-''You don't need to do it Hyung, I will be ok.'' – Jungkook said weekly, but Hoseok saw that he needs it, they both do.

-''Yes, but I need it, so stop arguing and stand up.'' – He pulled them on their feet and they strolled through the garden slowly, arms locked with each other.

Once inside, Jungkook waved and walked towards the bathroom, while Hoseok stopped the servant that was just passing by at the moment.

-''Where is Jiyong Hyung?'' – Hoseok asked.

The man bowed slightly and answered politely. -''Master Kwon left with Master Choi two nights ago.''

Hoseok's brows furrowed. He hasn't noticed them gone, but then again neither of them haven't been hanging out together with each other anymore, even though they all stayed at the same place.

-''Do you know when they are going to return?'' – He asked, but the man couldn't provide the answer since he didn't know. Hoseok nodded and thanked him, strolling slowly to the library where he found Jimin standing next to the table and looking at the old book, still opened on the table.

-''Jiminie.'' – He called softly and Jimin turned to see him, eyes open wide.

-''Hyung, come and see this. This...'' – He left it unspoken and returned his eyes back on the pages. Hoseok now intrigued, brows furrowing again, stepped closer to him.

-''What?'' – He asked.

-''Do you think this is real?'' – Jimin asked a bit breathless. Hoseok looked at him confusingly and then followed Jimin's eyes to the pages of the book. His eyes grew wide. He recognized this book. It was the one the procured for Jiyong many years ago and it contained some very old and very unstable magic. Half of the things in that book were deemed to be legends only, but then again, the artifacts supposed to be legends after all. His eyes scanned the page Jimin was pointing out.

It had the drawing of a simple thin silver necklace with the pointed silver frame and a round moonstone in the middle. The writings were ancient and Hoseok didn't know how to read the language. For the moment he was confused about how Jimin managed, but then he noticed the small writing at the very edge of the page where Jimin's finger was pointing. This was Jiyong's thin and elegant writing, there's no doubt about that, Hoseok was sure.

It says: - ''Draw out old magic. Redirecting – energy – pattern. Turn the sides. Old to new. Death to life??????''

-''Hyung is this mean...that maybe...there is a chance...'' – Jimin begins, his body anxious, eyes gliding across Hoseok's face trying to read his mind, since the other man kept his silence, deeply concentrating on the page. Jimin went on talking.

-''Do you think this necklace exist? Is there a way we can track it down? Hyung? Is there any chance that this might be true? That we could save them? I know it's highly unlikely, but still, Hyung I feel it in my soul. I know they are not 'dead' dead. I always had that feeling with V, ever since we were little....'' – Jimin went on rambling, getting more and more anxious and excited with every new breath he took.

Hoseok didn't know if it was possible. He could barely hope. He felt his heart in his throat and had to swallow it down so he could speak. – ''Jimin, I don't know if this thing will work or not...'' – He began, stopping Jimin in mid-sentence. – ''But I know who has this necklace. I saw it so many times.''

Jimin grabbed him by the arm, face shocked, eyes almost popping out of his head. – ''Who? Who has it Hyung?''

-''Jiyong Hyung.'' – Hoseok switched his eyes on Jimin's and what he saw there gave him hope.

-''Jiyong Hyung? We need to find him!'' – Jimin turned to run through the door when Hoseok stopped him by the hand and turned him back to face him.

-''Jiyong Hyung and Seunghyun Hyung left two nights ago.'' – Hoseok said, staring at Jimin in equal measure.

-''He is gone! Where?!''

-''I don't know, no one does, but considering he left this book out in the open like this, which never happened before, says to me he left in a hurry and that he might have got the same idea like we just did.''

They stared at each other in complete silence, breathing heavily.

-''Oh, Hellheavens...'' - Jimin breathed and then jumped. – ''I have to tell Hyungs. Oh, fucking hell...'' – He wrapped his arms around startled Hoseok, giggling in his ear and then kissed him on the cheek, before dashing out of the room.

Hoseok stood frozen, legs suddenly giving up on him and he slid down in the chair. Elbows digging into his knees as he buried his face in his hands. He started gasping, heart filling with the emotion of hope that he might see V again, that he might kiss him and hug him and never let go, and fear at the same time, that all of this was just a legend and nothing more. He leaned back suddenly, one hand over his mouth, chest heaving as he breathed. – ''Oh, Gods...''

...

The night was strangely calm. Nothing, but a few floating debris showed anything strange has happened, only several nights ago. The dead sunk into the depths of the sea, to be consumed by sharks and darkness while the living mourned the fallen. Every tear, every sob, every ache of the heart was another nail in the watery coffin into a deep blue cold grave. The most notorious ship ''The Sea Monster'' was just a legend now, eaten by the fire and magic and swallowed by the sea that it used to roam freely, spreading fear and terror.

Sometime later on the open sea sailed a small boat. The only small lull of the water and gentle thud of the debris here and there, coming into the contact with the boat could be heard. Two men were in it, one rowing slowly between the rocks and the rest of the once-legendary ship, while the other knelt on the bow of the boat, watching the water intently.

-''Are we collecting corpses now?'' - Seunghyun asked quietly. His deep voice was smooth and calm as he watched for the smallest signs as to where to row the boat. Jiyong, on the other hand, didn't move, his eyes still glued to the darkness of the water, blazed orange in the night. He let a small hum, followed with a puff of smoke. - ''That depends, my Precious.''

-''Depends on what?'' - Seunghyun asked curiously, tilting his head slightly to see into the water.

-''Hmmm...Whether or not the artifacts did their work...and if this darling...'' – He points at the moonstone necklace, safely clasped in his first. – ''...works as the legends say it should work.'' - Jiyong said calmly, raising his head to look at the Moon. It was still covered with thick clouds that were outlined by the silver of the moonlight, making the night sky magnificent.

Seunghyun sighed deeply, wishing it was so. Wishing that the legends were true, wishing that the twins could be brought back. Such a waste of talent and life.

The silence took place, hushing the whispers. The clouds finally reseed a little, allowing the full moon to shine in all of his glory. The water started glistening with silver. The Dragon stared in the water depths, searching until a quiet ''Aaaah'' came from his mouth.

-''Precious there, row us there.'' - He pointed at the spot not too far from them. Seunghyun did in the best of his ability and then did his best to maintain the boat not to float away.

Jiyong raised the moonstone towards the moon allowing it to bask in the moonlight for a few moments. The stone started glowing white and Jiyong purred, his orange eyes flashing with content. He then wrapped the chain around his fingers and let the stone dangle above the water, before the silvertip, that was bathed in the white light touched the surface of the water softly. Gentle vibration came beneath them, as the entire sea underworld just awoke.

Seunghyun shivered from the energy that was now enwrapping them. He breathed sharply, eyes wide as he watched Jiyong writing the runes with the stone on the water surface. With each rune, the vibration grew stronger.

Then he reached in his pocket with his other hand to take out a napkin with his initials on it. He placed it on his knee and open it up to take a few strands of hair, dark and light.

-''What's that?'' – Seunghyun asked, observing curiously.

-''The twin's hair.''

-''Why do you have their hair?''

-''The witch's magical power is bound in their hair. They were the two the most powerful witches I've ever encounter, of course, I would have some ''protection'' against them if they ever turn against me, which now proved very useful. I don't think I could do much, but the good witch could.'' – He glanced towards Seunghyun to see if he understood, but seeing his face, he continued explaining. – '' The witches use hair for bewitching and casting spells, or.... conjuring the dead. Which we need to do.''

-''Wait... are you telling me you going to conjure the dead twins?'' – Seunghyun asked panicked. He didn't like this at all.

-''No, because I'm not a witch. The hair is just to find them easier, to bind them tighter to the magic. I don't want to wake up someone or something else. This necklace is a very rare and very powerful magical item. You can thank my obsessive treasure collecting for snatching this one, all those years ago.'' – He said with amusement. – ''The magical moonstone in it, filled with the moonlight of a full moon, combining with the huge power that is now safely sunk at the bottom of this very spot, should create something magnificent. The twins magic enhanced by the power of the artifacts should bound to the magic of the Moon and create the Moonchildren, or that's at least what the legends say.''

-''But wouldn't they be changed then? Tae and V?'' – Seunghyun asked.

-''Hmmm, I think they might be, a bit, but not too much. They are witches after all, not humans.'' – He hummed. – ''They might get more powerful...or not...I have no idea Precious, to tell you the truth.''

-''I thought you know everything.'' – The corner of Seunghyun's mouth curled in a smirk and Jiyong chuckled slightly. – ''Oh, I wish it was so.''

-''Are you sure about this? I wish it will work, but I'm also afraid that it might cause something even worse.'' – Seunghyun asked, arching one of his eyebrows. He did trust Jiyong with his life, but sometimes the man scared the shit out of him.

The Dragon's eyes turned towards him, flashing warmly. – ''No, Precious. I'm not sure, but I do hope I'm right.'' – He turned towards the glowing water again and toss the hair on the runes. The hair suddenly burned up and the runes started glowing green. Jiyong raised his hand with the moonstone so it will catch the light.

There is a hum filled with the dozen of whispers in their ears, echoing all around them. Seunghyun felt overwhelmed by the intensity and he covered his ears from the unbarring noise. Jiyong, on the other hand, glowed with satisfaction as he watched the runes switching from green glow into turquoise, to silver, to pure white.

-''It works...'' – He purred, mouth spreading into a wild grin.

The End

_____________________________________________

When I first imagined this story I had the beginning and the end in mind. This end. I wanted to left it open so you can imagine whatever end you want, but still, the hope remains, because I do love happy endings or at least one with the hope. I do hope that you will like it. Feel free to leave the comment and tell me how did you like the end, what's your favorite part of the story and what do you think about it in general. It was awesome having you as my readers, thank you for your support and comments. Love you all 💕