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yoonieper · 4 years

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Secrets of the Sea— Prologue | MYG

❂ Pairing: Yoongi x Reader

❂ Genre: Mermaid AU, slight e2l, angst, future fluff, future smut

❂ Rated: Deep Dark [☁]

❂ Warnings: Graphic violence(ish?), but other than that, none really~ Just a bit of feelings and a scary monster ~(>.<)~

❂ Word Count: 6.5k

❂ Summary: A summer vacation you had planned with you and your friends turns into the unexpected when you happen to discover an otherworldly creature in your own backyard. Is that… is that a merman? What starts off as a clash between species, turns into an unforeseen research project when you both become curious about your two completely different cultures. Land and water, two different worlds on the same planet. Maybe they can come together…?

❂ Author’s Note: Hello everyone~~ Like I mentioned before, this is my first fic I’m posting here on tumblr so please let me know of any improvements that can be made! Part 1 of the series will also be out soon, so keep an eye out for that~ Please enjoy~ Also thank you @unoriginal-username15432 and @absoluteyoongit for beta reading and @purpleskies1999 for the banner :3

Prologue | Part 1 | Part 2 | To be continued...

Coronation Day

“Yoongi?”

At the mention of his name, a sigh escaped his lips, almost like a reflex. It was time, wasn’t it? He didn’t mean to sound so disappointed. Today was supposed to be a good day, the most important day of his life actually. He was finally of age and his brother…. Well, his brother would get what he’s been wanting his whole life.

Ever since Geum Jae and Yoongi had come into this world, their father had drilled into their heads the possibility their future holds. Geum Jae had wanted it badly, and he had dedicated his whole life into doing everything he had to. Who wouldn’t honestly? The chance to have that power, to know the secrets that have long been forgotten? But why did he feel so empty? Sure, he’s thought about the possibility of, what if the chosen was himself, but seeing how Geum Jae has prepared himself through his entire life, he would make the perfect advisor to the throne.

He had no chance.

“Yoongi?” His name was repeated once again. Yoongi took a deep breath and turned around to see a worker at the palace. He had a bigger build, but his face seemed young, child-like almost, contrasting completely with everything below the neck. He was definitely familiar, as Yoongi knew he'd seen him around before, but never once had he ever gotten his name… must still be new.

“Are they ready?” the worker nodded

“The ceremony is about to begin.” Yoongi sighed once again and started to leave the room for the initiation hall, when suddenly a rough hand grabbed onto his arm.

“Sorry to stop you– but I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday.” Despite his rough touch, his sweet smile was enough to make Yoongi forget that detail. “Being the youngest is hard and, well, all this today kinda puts a damper on your birthday, but I wanted to wish you luck nonetheless,” the worker beamed.

Yoongi smiled, the message was enough to warm his melancholic heart and slightly ease his woes. It’s what he needed to hear right now.

“Thank you so much,” Yoongi said, smiling a bit too much. This guy probably thought he was weird, but he didn’t care. He was just happy someone finally acknowledged him without quickly changing the subject and asking how excited his brother is. Was that selfish?

A small bow was given and then the staff member began leading Yoongi through the tall, windy halls of the royal palace. He has already been here many times, either visiting with his father or to hang out with Taehyung, one out of the three kids of his majesty, the king.

The royal coronation ceremony hasn’t happened yet, as neither Taehyung, the oldest, nor his younger two siblings have come of age. Taehyung still has some years to wait for himself, plus the years he has to wait for his siblings. Yoongi and his brother were going to be first out of everyone in the next generation of the royal court to undergo the initiation.

The ceremony had been much anticipated by everyone. Yoongi’s brother Geum Jae has always been considered to be the one who would take the position of advisor. The people were anxious to see if he would be granted the position after all the hard work he’s put into getting it.

Whenever anyone had asked Yoongi– especially leading up to today– he would always answer with he didn’t care what would happen, but that he was rooting for his brother. He was a good guy, someone Yoongi looked up to and respected immensely.

He deserved it.

“Yoongi!” He heard the familiar voice of Geum Jae. Instantly, he forgot about his own troubles and realized he needed to be here for his brother, it’s not the time to worry about himself.

His brother came up and ruffled his hair, a habit he had anytime he and Yoongi saw each other.

“Stop,” Yoongi chuckled. “People worked really hard on this,” He mentioned. The royal stylist, something that Taehyung would often exploit, came in early to help fix the mop on his head into something that would be acceptable for broadcasting. Everyone in the tribe, plus many of the neighboring ally tribes, would be watching the ceremony, all anxiously waiting to see the beginning of the future for the Moonborn tribe.

Yoongi swam over to a mirror and tried to fix any stray hairs or crystals that had been moved by his brother’s childish shenanigans. The stylist had decorated it with the traditional crystals their culture adds to their hair. They had carefully been arranged and placed into the braids that decorated his hair– which had been styled and secured by ceremonial beads. Each one had writing that was now illegible to anyone today, but contained proverbs that are said to guide young ones into adulthood. He remembers reading about one of them in his studies:

“Where should you go? That depends on where you want to end up.”

“You ready?” Geum Jae asked suddenly, making Yoongi turn from the mirror.

“Of course I’m ready, we’ve prepared for this our whole lives, especially you~” That wasn’t even an exaggeration. Ever since their birth, their father had given them a head start into preparing for this day specifically. Schooling them about the process and what would happen after.

“Don’t try to lie to me, I’ve known you your whole life, it's so obvious that you’re nervous,” Geum Jae laughed, “Look, your hands are even shaking.” Yoongi looked down and indeed they were a bit wobbly.

“There’s nothing t–“

“Hey” a voice not either of their own called out.

They turned around to see another staff member.

“We’re ready to begin” the staff motioned for them to follow.

Yoongi looked into the eyes of his brother, the first signs of fear he’s let shown.

Geum Jae put a hand on his shoulder “There’s nothing to worry about, whatever happens is what’s best for our tribe. No hard feelings no matter the outcome, promise.” Yoongi smiled at his brother’s encouraging words “Promise~”

The brothers followed the staff into the room Yoongi recognized as the one just outside of the royal hall, where the ceremony will be taking place.

“Yoongi, look” his brother called, pointing to the hologram that was showcasing the audience inside. Thousands had come to witness this historic moment.

Yoongi had never been a fan of big crowds.

“Hey isn't that….” Geum Jae’s voice trailed off as the drones focused on some familiar people in the crowd. ‘There they are’ Yoongi said to himself– a sigh of relief knowing that not everyone in this crowd will be strangers. Sitting right in the front row were his “brothers,” people he can say he is closer with than even his real brother. They were all the next generation of the royal court. All of their parents of the royal court had raised them close, but the 5 of them became almost inseparable. Despite the minor age difference between them all, they grew up incredibly close. Brothers, really.

“You don’t look as nervous anymore” Geum Jae laughed, seeing a smile on his brother that only certain people get the opportunity to see. A light nudge was sent in response. No matter how much he doesn’t want to admit it, his brother was right. All of a sudden those butterflies that felt like they were going a mile an hour, seemed to settle down, even if it was the tiniest bit, it really did help.

“Hey” another staff member called out to the brothers. They hastily pointed to the spots marked for the best angles for the cameras when they entered the hall.

Yoongi quickly looked at his brother in a panic, the reality of the situation suddenly hitting him again, but the warm smile his brother had on his face calmed his resurfaced nerves enough to let him move into position.

“You ready?” Yoongi heard his brother say over the staff, hastily moving everything into position. “Ready as I’ll ever be I guess…” his voice was shaky, but he put on a bright smile for his brother.

——-----------------x——-----------------

“Who do you think it’ll be?” Jimin asked his friends who were with him in the front row of the hall.

“Geum Jae most likely,” Hoseok mentioned.

“You think? Namjoon what about you? Your dad’s leading the ceremony, I’m curious what you both think…”

Namjoon sighed “I agree with Hoseok here, the most obvious choice would be to pick someone who displays traits and actions of a model advisor. I don’t know though, my dad seemed to have a different opinion.”

“Really?” Hoseok said surprised

“I wouldn’t be surprised if his prediction is correct. We can all tell that, no matter what Yoongi says, he would like the position.” The group of friends nodded in agreement.

“He acts like he doesn’t care, but I think he wants it a bit more than even he realizes.” Jimin laughed

“Taehyung! What about you, who do you think?” Jimin said slightly louder.

“Yoongi” Taehyung giggled out cutely from his place on his throne. Royal members were required to sit upon their thrones during these ceremonies (Taehyung had on more than one occasion tried to convince his parents otherwise— to no avail sadly). The thrones were set upon a platform that overlooked the initiation process, sitting right in between the stage and the first row where his friends and other next generation sat. Taehyung was decked out in royal gear that he often forewent for his own style. The little crystals that everyone wore in their hair typically were melted together to form the tiny crown that rested upon his head. The traditional markings that painted his face and body, and the sash indicated his status. He was Prince Kim Taehyung, one of the three successors to the throne. He will eventually undergo the same ceremony, along with his friends that sit in the front row, as they are also successors to the royal court members.

“What about Geum Jae? I thought–“ Taehyung shook his head at the comment from his sister, who was sitting right beside him.

“Geum Jae has worked really hard, I just feel strange about him… I don’t know, but I think it’s Yoongi if the Zale can see what I see in him,” Taehyung beamed.

The group of friends looked at each other confused “Geum Jae strange? Taehyung you’re gonna have to explain this” his sister said defensively. Geum Jae is someone who has helped mentor Eun Jun, mainly in her advancement in battle techniques. They have become close, which everyone thinks has escalated into more than friendly feelings, but no matter how much they pry, she always denies it.

This was an accusation she took personally.

As Taehyung was about to delve deeper into his reasoning, the tall doors of the hall opened.

The ceremony was beginning.

Out walked the Zaleon, with his long robes leading the way. He was the one who would be performing the initiation. Besides the advisor, their connection is said to be one of the strongest as Zaleons are the only ones who can actually hear the Zale. Next the brothers’ parents walked in, arms linked, and the ceremonial paints decorated their bodies. They took a seat at the opposite row the group was sitting at.

Then the music began. Through the speakers blared the sounds of their traditional instruments, a beat said to have been heard by the Oown, a sound they could only describe as the heart of the Zale beating, calling to them.

The eternal flame was then led in by the children. It was said to have been created to lead the Oown down the depths of the ocean. A flame that will burn even in water, nowadays it is used by everyone, for more practical reasons like heating purposes or cooking, but it’s mere existence is still carishesd deeply by the keepers.

The Zaleon then called everyone to stand as, first, Geum Jae, as he was the oldest, then Yoongi were led in.

The whole hall erupted in cheers, some were holding up their Holo signs (mostly for Geum Jae) cheering on their bets. Everyone started clapping along to that pounding beat as they neared the platform. When they got close to the front Yoongi noticed his friends waving and that returned the smile that had fallen as soon as they walked in. The cheers, though pleasant, were triggering his anxiety. Seeing them again made things better.

To the right though Yoongi saw the enthusiastic cheers of his mother, proud of her children for coming so far, and the typical stoic expression his father usually wore was replaced with a slight smile, making a familiar feeling wash over him. He just wanted to make his father proud… No matter the outcome, he just wants him to know he did his best. He had to do well.

When the boys reached the platform, the Zaleon called out to the crowd.

“Welcome everyone, you may now take your seats again,” the crowd did as told. “Ok Geum Jae, Yoongi, are you consenting to undergo this process for the possibility of learning the truth?” The brothers said their yes’. “Then we will now begin.”

——-----------------x——-----------------

The ceremony was long and exhausting. After their parents gave their blessings and lit the lantern with the eternal flame, the Zaleon began his long process of preparing the brothers for the Truth.

Traditional songs were sung, long sermons followed. It took 3 hours for them to finally get to the initiation. Yoongi would say he was bored, but the thought about what will be coming soon, closer than it ever has in his life, kept him on edge enough to halfly pay attention.

After the last sermon, the kids who brought in the eternal flame grabbed buckets and went to the tiny pool that contained a substance their people called ‘The Truth.’ It was a thick, dark liquid that reminded people often of tar. People would sometimes say that if you stared at the substance for too long– for the average Keeper whose connection isn’t as strong as royal court members– would lose themselves completely, getting locked in an apathetic state, or even worse, in some cases death. The Truth was always handled with care, never being touched unless necessary or for ceremonial purposes.

The kids brought their buckets to the podiums and poured the Truth onto it, as more and more of the substance was added, The Truth finally started taking shape into the perfect cube it always forms.

“It is now time, my people.” The sleepiness of the crowd was shaken away by the booming voice of the Zaleon. Finally, the moment they have been waiting for.

“The Zale is now ready to choose! Please boys, swim up to your platforms” Yoongi and Geum Jae did as asked. Ceremonial paints now decorated their bodies, enscribings that are supposed to help protect them from what is to come. This process was hard on the body, they could die without proper protection.

Yoongi’s heart was pounding. Why was he so nervous? He knew what the outcome would be. Geum Jae will be the one, and after he can just go home, back to the quiet. He hated the tension, the hecticness the ceremony has caused his life to become.

“Please lower your arms into The Truth.” A deep breath was held as Yoongi placed his arms into the mysterious liquid.

Everyone in the audience stood up, all of them eager to get a look at the results. The sudden whispers and shuffling was enough to distract Yoongi from the minor burning he felt on his arms. The inscribings helped, but he knew he couldn’t do this for long.

What does that mean? Should he feel like this?

A panicked glance was sent to his brother, who also seemed to be feeling the burn of the truth. At least he wasn’t alone...

The Zaleon moved to stand between the two brothers and quietly asked them if they felt the burning they should have by now. When they both nodded a smile was sent their way and he whispered “It is now time.” This was it.

“People of the Moonborn tribe, the Zale has now chosen the successor of Min Hak Kun, the father of Min Geum Jae and Min Yoongi, and the advisor to the king of our humble kingdom. My people please rise in the name of the Zale, and to the future of our tribe~” The crowd cheered and did as asked.

“Boys, you may now lift your arms.” He smiled.

Yoongi didn’t even listen as he watched his brother. He wanted to see how happy he was. But what he got was a look of shock. The only thing peculiar about his arms were the inscribings drawn onto them long ago. He quickly changed his focus to his own arms, and was met with something he never expected.

As he lifted his arms out of the painful liquid his arms were still covered in the substance.

He heard the whole audience gasp.

He looked over to his brother and saw him just as shocked as he’s sure everyone in the crowd was. He could also sense the disappointment.

No, no, this wasn’t how it’s supposed to be. This had to be a mistake…

A tap on his back sent him out of his gaze.

It was the Zaleon, who had brought his brother over. He was the only one who seemed to be unsurprised by the choice.

“Congratulations Yoongi~!” he beamed, but Yoongi didn’t hear. He was too focused on the sad expression plastered on his brother’s face. “You did great Geum Jae as well,” the Zaleon said reading the room.

Geum Jae glanced up at Yoongi, but said nothing as he left the platform to sit with his parents. He may be done now, but Yoongi still has a lot to do.

“Everyone please settle down.” The crowd quieted it down again. “Please welcome our new up and coming advisor!” The audience cheered “The ceremony now is closed to the public, everyone, and I mean everyone,” the Zaleon glanced at his parents and his group of friends on the other side, particularly Jimin for some reason, “Is now advised to leave.”

The Zaleon smiled as the crowd wooed, but when he turned his attention back to Yoongi he knew something was wrong by the expression he wore.

Yoongi looked up at him “Geum Jae he–“

“The Zale picked you Yoongi, no need to get caught up in who deserves it. All we know is that the Zale saw something in you that Geum Jae didn’t have, cheer up~”

Another glance was taken at Geum Jae who was leaving the hall with their parents. All he could wonder was, what was missing? Geum Jae, someone who has worked hard to appease the Zale his whole life and show that he was worthy of that connection, it wasn’t enough, yet he was?

The worst part is that Geum Jae had made him promise that no matter the outcome, there would be no hard feelings. Apparently that was only the case if it was himself.

Shouldn’t he be happy for him?

“Come Yoongi, we must start the process.” The Zaleon pulled him back to the pool at the back. “I’m sure your father has prepared you for what comes next,” Yoongi shook his head.

“Everyone always thought it was gonna be my brother so he only ever told me some of the proceedings I should know, but not like how he prepared Geum Jae.” The Zaleon frowned. He’s known their father for a while, he had performed the ceremony for him and his sister many years ago. Their father had worked hard for the advisor position his mother held, and when he turned out to be the chosen, he’d assumed he’d figured out the formula. There is no formula. The Zale picks its connections based purely on what it sees as the best path for the future of the keepers. It has nothing to do with work.

“You know, I had a feeling it was going to be you Yoongi.” The Zaleon said suddenly.

Yoongi looked at him slightly confused, “You did?” The Zaleon nodded “Did the Zale tell you or—“ “No no, it was nothing like that. I have performed this ceremony plenty of times you know. I saw something in you that everyone who gets picked has. Namjoon always comes home and tells me about him and his friends, from what I heard, I felt like it was going to you a long time ago.”

Yoongi listened, amazed at his words.

He couldn’t help but wonder what he saw in him that no one else did. Not even himself...

“Well anyway, in that case, I’ll give you those missing details,” he smiled warmly. The Zaleon looked down at the pool of dark liquid. “Now that we have seen that you are indeed capable of the connection with the Zale, we must now create that connection.” The Zaleon started pulling the lever that revealed the pool’s true size.

“You will go into the pool and then be transported to the Zale, there you will learn the Truth, and be shown the path you have been given.” The Zaleon grabbed a torch with the Eternal flame and started lighting the others that sat around the pool.

“Now, I can’t go into too much detail since the experience is different for everyone, but one thing you should know is that the connection comes with a price.” Yoongi thought back to a few moments in his life where his father told him that next step. He did mention something happens but…

“This process is painful. I don’t mean to scare you, but you should know that once the Truth starts entering your body, establishing that connection is a difficult process. I just want you to be prepared.” Yoongi took in his words. For some reason they didn’t scare him as much as they probably should.

As the last torch was lit around the pool, more ancient inscriptions appeared on the rocks that surrounded it.

“Alright, it’s ready. Are you?” Yoongi stared at the ominous black liquid.

“I think so…” he leaned over and put his hand in the Truth. The burning sensation he had felt during the deciding ceremony was now replaced with a warmth that put a slight smile on his face.

“You feel it don’t you?” the Zaleon laughed. “I remember back during my ceremony, the first time I touched the Truth, it hurt like hell. But… but then after I was chosen from my 4 brothers, when I dipped my hand in it, just like you had, suddenly it was like it was giving me the best hug.” Yoongi joined in on the laughter.

A hug, that’s what he’d call it too.

“I’m ready.” Yoongi said with more affirmation.

The Zaleon smiled “In you go then boy.”

Yoongi took a deep breath before he swam over the pool. The Truth was much, much denser than the salt water that his people lived in. It allowed for a similar phenomenon as with sulfur lakes or rivers that can be found in the natural world.

He lowered himself into the liquid, instantly it felt as if it was pulling him down.

It was calling him.

“Now, I have to put the covering back on, but I’ll be right outside. Just knock when you’re back.” Yoongi nodded and watched as the Zaleon lifted and closed the metal doors that were along the sides of the pool.

Darkness.

With one more deep breath Yoongi let go of the rocks that kept him from being dragged down by the thick liquid.

Slowly he was lowered into the darkness. “See you on the other side,” he heard vaguely before being completely submerged.

——-----------------x——-----------------

The darkness consumed his vision.

He couldn’t help but question where he was at the moment. The dense, thickness of the Truth had transformed into the familiar feeling of the vast open waters. There was one clear major difference however, that he couldn’t ignore. It really was pitch black.

It was nothing.

A void. A vacuum.

Nothing.

It didn’t scare him for some reason.

It was more peaceful, tranquil, calming. He liked it.

But then that nothing became something.

That peace was ended by the sudden flash of visions.

It was the Truth.

The history of the Keepers was shown in a matter of seconds. From the Oown, to the wars, to the plagues, to the massacres, to their history on land, to their transition, to their rise. It was everything.

Everything.

All in a matter of seconds.

When it ended he wiped his face to find tears had started falling.

His eyes widened at the sight.

They were black.

Black.

He rubbed his face more to see his hands covered in it.

What was happening?

All in an instant, the tranquil mood the darkness had once granted him, was replaced with fear. Emerging from the great black that surrounded him were long, black arms, similar to ones of an octopus.

He panicked and tried to move, but was locked in place. His heart was pounding in his chest at the sight of the arms traveling slowly up his body, tightening as they went.

So, so much pain suddenly filled his head.

It was pounding, pounding, pounding, like the drums of the ceremony, and only getting worse.

It was the only thing he could hear. The only thing he could focus on. The pounding, the pounding, the pounding.

Yoongi couldn’t even breath. This pounding, the pounding, the-

Pain.

So much pain.

He could feel it.

He could feel it inside of him.

It needed him.

It.

Him.

He could finally see.

They were one.

A sigh left Yoongi’s lips for what felt like the hundredth time. He’s been stuck in this room forever and now, instead of being productive, he feels more like a prisoner. He can’t focus at all.

Yoongi had been sick for ages. Despite the ever advancing technology and medical discoveries that happen often in the Moonborn tribe, whatever plagued Yoongi was a complete mystery. It was a disease that made no sense through the eyes of physicians, so he was left to himself to try and recover the old way. Naturally.

Well the natural way took forever. He was kept in isolation and had to miss out on many of the tribe’s biannual trips to the surface on multiple occasions. Whether that be because of the illness or his apprenticeship work being too much for him to leave.

He missed the surface oddly enough...

The tribe resides at about 7,000 meters (22965.88ft) down from the surface. The sunlight they felt was merely a projection of the surface. In actuality, as soon as you swim outside the safe walls of the tribe, you are met with the chilling darkness of the outside. The tribe only commutes up to the surface for the biannual moonruts, but other than that, they stayed in this abyss of black.

Yoongi has been stuck down here. The lack of sunlight, lack of interaction with anyone else besides his parents, even the lack of moonruts was starting to get to him at this point.

He felt a bit claustrophobic.

It was too much. Too many lessons, too little interaction, so little time.

He needed to leave.

Yoongi planned it for the next nightfall. He would sneak out right before the high moon and if he’s lucky and doesn’t run into any hostile creatures the commute should only take about 3 hours. He’ll stay and enjoy the surface for a little while to clear his head, and just before day break, he’ll make his way back down before anyone notices he is gone. Easy~

It wasn’t necessarily illegal to travel to the surface by oneself as long as they were a certain age, but it definitely wasn’t advised. Many dangerous creatures lurk out or hide in the dark depths so it was always best to go with support. But Yoongi wanted to clear his head, he wanted the alone time. He was willing to take the risk.

The next day, to say he was excited for nightfall would be an understatement. Everyone around him seemed to say he was in a good mood. After his lessons with his father (to which he said he was particularly attentive), his meet up with his “brothers” was a bit strange. As they met up and talked about their apprenticeships, Yoongi wondered if he should mention his excursion to them of all people.

“Seriously, it’s like the voices won’t stop” Namjoon sighed, resting his head on the table.

Though Yoongi wasn’t paying too much attention to the conversation, he was too busy contemplating on whether to tell his friends about his journey to the surface, that line brought him out of his thoughts and back to the situation at hand.

“Voices?” Yoongi suddenly said, making the group look at their friend.

“Were you paying attention at all?” Jimin asked, seeing the confused look on his face.

Yoongi shook his head, becoming flustered at the bold statement “Sorry I had a lot on my mind…” he said shyly, rubbing the back of his neck, a habit of his that comes out in situations like these.

“Namjoon is the whole reason why we’re here” Hoseok pointed out, reminding him of the sole reason that they decided to meet up.

“Sorry…” Yoongi apologized once again, making the group soften their gaze. They knew about his hard times, so they just excused it as it likely having to deal with that.

“Namjoon and his father have been hearing the Zale all night. But not like the typical words of wisdom it usually gives occasionally. It’s been constant.”

Namjoon groaned “It doesn’t fucking stop, not me or my dad can even understand what it’s trying to say” he started massaging his temples.

“Can you hear us?” Taehyung asked playfully as he comforted his friend

Namjoon gave his friend the death glare “Now is not the time for your bullshit Taehyung, yes of course I can fucking hear you… It’s more like someone’s constantly whispering in my ear, and it won’t stop. It’s giving me a fucking headache.”

The friends cringed at the obvious agitation of their friend. “What about you Yoongi, what’s on your mind” Namjoon asked, trying to change the subject. The more he paid attention to the voices, the more his head hurt.

The group’s attention suddenly refocused back to Yoongi.

“Oh um…” he thought about it for a second. Though the smart thing to do would be to tell them of his trip to the surface, he knew if he did, they’d never let him go on his own, and that was the whole point of him leaving. To get away from the busy life of his apprenticeship, and just focus on himself.

“Uh just the usual apprenticeship stuff” he lied.

He’d be back before they even realized. He’d just tell them after he gets back.

When night rolled around Yoongi struggled not to shout with excitement. He was so ready to get away from here.

He decided to pack light, as he would only be gone for a few hours. A “pocket knife”, lantern, ’system’, and his path book, were all the additional items besides himself he brought along.

He snuck out his wing of the house. His craft requires lots of literature and room, so he lives by himself, but on his parents estate. He had tried to move out once, but the journey to his little place out in the city was too much for their father as he aged. Yoongi just decided to make things easier and move back until his apprenticeship is up.

Past the patrolling officers, and past the barrier of their estate, he finally made it out. That was the hard part. The rest was a breeze as he made his way over to the entrance of the tribe. No one really went out at this time of night. The streets he swam through all were empty, except the occasional janitor, or random that passed by.

Upon reaching the entrance, he worried a bit that the officer who monitored the border, wouldn’t let him leave at this time of night, but was met with the ecstatic sight of a sleeping guard instead.

Yoongi quietly slipped past and used his system to open the compression bay. It was a necessary process as the pressure inside the borders of the tribe was slightly less than that of the outside. Compression made it easier on the body when getting adjusted.

After compression, the doors opened to reveal the dark abyss of the outside. Yoongi remembered the first few times he was met with this darkness. Whenever his parents would make trips to other tribes, sometimes they’d bring him and his brother along. At first this sight would absolutely terrify him, it still does to this day a bit, but right now all he’s seeing is a chance at some peace and quiet. Freedom.

Yoongi turned on his lantern. The powerful beam of light did little to help pierce through the murky waters but at least he’d be aware if something came to attack him.

He took a deep breath before swimming out of the comfort of the compression room and went into the dark waters. It was heavy. He could never get used to the change.

Yoongi looked up and sighed.

“Here we go,” he said to himself before pushing forward.

The water felt as if he was swimming through tar, it was thick and dark. This part of the journey always took the longest to complete, everything past the abyssal zone was a breeze.

Slowly he made his way up. Besides the water, he was surprised how well this was going. He managed to sneak off alright, and so far he hasn’t run into any–

His thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of a presence. Seems he spoke too soon...

Not knowing exactly what it was yet (it’s energy was unfamiliar) Yoongi grabbed his little knife from his bag. He wouldn’t call himself the most skilled fighter, but like every Keeper, he is trained on how to defend himself.

Feeling the presence becoming bigger assures that indeed, this creature was coming closer. Yoongi expanded the little knife into its true form of a sword and prepared for battle. During the tribe's trips up to the surface they often encounter situations like these, and he’s dealt with it himself on plenty of occasions.

But this wasn’t like those occasions, he quickly found out.

It got bigger.

And bigger.

How was this possible?

It was huge.

Yoongi stared down at the dark depths below. Silence. Nothing.

No no, this shouldn’t be possible.

His breathing picked up to the point he was hyperventilating, trying desperately to take another breath.

Then his head. Oh no. The piercing pain felt deep within his skull. It was pounding.

Pounding.

“What-“ he could barely even say.

It was so overwhelming.

Everything.

Everything was too much.

He could hardly notice the sparks flying off the little lantern that was guiding his way up, and like a sinking ship, it fell slowly back down into the deep dark they had started at.

What was happening…

As the light sunk further down he could finally see.

See the black arms rising from the murky depths of the darkness.

He had never experienced true fear until now.

He knew they were coming for him.

Only him.

He couldn’t even move. No matter how much his body, his mind, his soul was begging him to leave, swim as fast as you can. He couldn’t. He couldn’t move.

Deep down he knew he stood no chance.

Tears started falling.

He was terrified.

This shouldn’t be real. He hoped this was some nightmare and he was still home. Maybe he had fallen asleep while waiting to leave.

Yeah that was it. This couldn’t be real.

Yoongi’s grip on his sword tightened. He stood no chance, he knew that, but he needed to try.

As swiftly as he could he swam up toward the light that was calling him, mocking him almost, saying ‘reach me and you’ll be alright.’

That’s what he wanted to believe at least.

As Yoongi started to pick up speed, the arms seemed to as well. He knew in that moment there was no way to out swim this creature.

Once he saw the arms in his peripheral, he knew he was done for.

Trying his best, he swung his sword toward the arm on the left. He was shocked when he saw it cut the way it normally did. Cleanly. It came straight off.

A glimmer of hope he wished he hadn’t felt, came joyishly upon him.

Maybe he could fight his way out.

Maybe.

With a bit more confidence he swung at the arms towards his right, them all having the same fate as the one on the left.

This was working. This was really working! This was—

He watched with horror as the previous arms he had severed, started to grow back at an alarming rate. Not just that but… there were more of them.

He quickly started slicing them again, but that only seemed to make things worse. There was too many of them now.

As he kept swinging, he was quickly tiring himself out. He was desperate now.

Maybe if he tries harder, maybe if he thinks of a plan, maybe if he—

A painful cry echoed out into the desolate ocean.

It was over.

Inside him. It went inside him.

One of the arms had impaled him right through the middle of his torso. ‘How?’ Was a thought that danced around his head, but all he could focus on was the pain. The pain.

He could see the blood that floated in the water, the blood on the arm of the creature, the blood he could taste in his mouth. It was everywhere. He could feel the darkness of the creature. It wanted him. Needed him. He couldn’t escape it.

He couldn’t escape it.

The other arms slowly wrapped and spread over his body like vines, consuming him, tightening as they went along. The pain, the pain.

Everything seemed to come to a stand still. The ocean, time, even life itself seemed to stop right in its place. He stared up into the light and reached out. He felt so close yet so far.

Then it was down.

Down. Down. Down. Down.

The arms pulled him at a speed he couldn’t describe. It was almost in the blink of an eye that he was back down to the murky depths. Any light, any hope now gone.

His consciousness had been fading in and out, but almost in an instant things went black.

It finally had what it needed.

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