#the mystery just comes from whom from the pool am I gonna draw that day

[impossible-rat-babies]

I also realize I haven’t done any OC-tober prep lol

[pretty-in-roses]

The Black Bat | JHS

AN: I dont feel motivated to write at all :( I want to get better but this shit is HAAAAARD

WARNINGS: GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF VIOLENCE

It's a cold and clear night as Jung Hoseok is walking home after a long shift, he huddles further into his jacket as the wind picks up. The part of town is dark and lonely. The hairs on his neck stand as the sound of footsteps reached his ears. He picks up his pace and the footsteps follow, he wants to look behind him but can't seem to bring himself to do it. He rounds the corner and slams right into a group of men, one of them grips his shoulders tightly, digging his nails into his jacket. Hoseok is trembling with fear as they look around and shove him into the dark alley nearby. 

"Empty your pockets, give us all your money" the man demands pulling out a knife. Hoseok looks around for an escape but finds none, the alley is a dead end and the men have him surrounded. They are bigger than him in stature and all have weapons. He can feel the panic rising in his throat, the men draw closer and closer, ready to cut into him unless he complies but thinking about the bills he has to pay he can't bring himself to do it. He watches in horror as the man draws nearer with a blade in his hand. Something comes hurling through the air and imbeds itself into the man's hand making him drop the knife and a scream rips from his throat echoing through the alley, bloodstains his skin. He freezes in fear as the piece of metal in the shape of a bat shines ominously sealing his fate a dark shape descends from a rooftop landing right in front of Hoseok startling him. The sight of the bat insignia on their chest puts him at ease and he watches in disbelief as they stalk towards the men that were trying to rob him. He couldn't help but feel for them because everyone around here knew what happens to bad people that come across the path of the Black Bat. His trail of thoughts was cut short by the sound of their armoured fist connecting with flesh, followed by a loud cry of agony and the sound of his bones breaking is a sound that will haunt him forever. One man stumbles backwards and his back hits the wall as he slides down it leaving a trail of blood. His face mangled beyond recognition and the black bat turned to the man who managed to dislodge the bat-shaped shuriken from his hand. He's holding a gun with trembling hands he manages to fire a few shots which the bat avoids with ease and suddenly appears behind him startling the man into dropping his gun. The bat is quick to grab the man, slamming him against the wall and he screams at the impact. As the other 3 prepare to run, the bat speaks voice deep and menacing.

"You can run but I will catch you and when I do, I will kill you" the bat drops the unconscious man to the floor, he lays in a pool of his blood and like lightning, they're right in front of the men trying to flee. Fists flying at the speed of sound knocking them out before they even have the chance to react and Hoseok eyes widen as he takes in the Black Bat whom people have described to be a shadow. The elusive Black Bat is even more mysterious than their mentor Batman if that was possible and now to see them clear as anyone could in the night. Hoseok marvels at the sight of the black suit shining in the moonlight, the gender of the Black Bat has always eluded the general public but now as he looks closer he realizes it's a woman, he continues to examine the suit. The helmet has bat ears and the cape, a homage to her mentor no doubt but the intricate details set them apart. Such as the gold bat insignia on her chest, the katana sitting on her back and the full-face helmet giving nothing away. His thoughts get cut short as she speaks, a chill runs down his spine at the sound. 

"Are you hurt?" She questions him scanning his body for any injuries and Hoseok shakes his head, not being able to form a coherent reply. She tilts her head almost amusingly but it's hard to tell with the helmet and she questions him once again. 

"Are you able to get home safely from here?" Hoseok swallows and clears his throat before speaking.

"I'll call a taxi" he's surprised that he was able to form a coherent reply without stuttering and with that, she nods vanishing into the night leaving behind an astonished Hoseok to make his way home. Hoseok is too occupied with his thoughts to notice that she hasn't left as he thought, she's watching him from the rooftops as he calls a taxi and clambers in. The taxi leaves just in time for the police to arrive and the crime-fighting vigilante continues on her night patrol leaving the police to take care of the rest. 

The next day Hoseok meets up with his sister Mejiwoo, while they chat about their daily life and the family events that are coming up. She talks about her job as a detective when she mentions her friends, Hoseok's ears perk up at the mention of Yn's name. She smirks at his sudden interest, raising a brow sipping on her drink. 

"Oh now that I'm talking about Yn, you're suddenly interested?" She laughs, she loves teasing me about my crush on the woman. 

"Urgh shut up," Hoseok grumbles drinking his coffee, 

"Jesus, dude just ask her out already" she watches him blush violently and shake his head, she sighed knowing he won't do it. 

"Ya know, I met The Black Bat" Hoseok tries to change the subject and succeeds when his sister freezes. She looks over him to see if he is lying and finds no deception.

"What happened?" She questions almost cautiously. Hoseok furrows his brows at the tone, he staches it away for another time and tells her the story of how The Black Bat saved him that night. The whole time he keeps note of how her face changes, she seems surprised but there's something she's hiding, something she isn't telling him. Hoseok considers asking her but he knows that if his sister is keeping a secret it's not likely he'll get it out of her. As the sun sets on the horizon Hoseok and Mejiwoo decide to call it a night and watch movies at her apartment.

Hoseok almost has a heart attack as he sees a shadow move out the corner of his eyes but the angry grumbling reminds him of his sister's roommate and best friend. His sister paused the movie and called out to her long time friend. 

"Oi, what's got you in a mood?" Mejiwoo questions her and she snaps her head in our direction before groaning aloud. 

"My dad is hosting a fucking charity event and forcing me to attend" she's frustrated, her brows knitted in thought.

"Yn, chill. I'll come with, like usual" she shrugs nonchalantly. 

"No, you can't because it's on the same day as your fashion showcase" she huffs in defeat. 

"I'm gonna be stuck standing around in uncomfortable shoes as rich assholes kiss my ass or try to get into my pants." She groans, crossing her arms over her chest, throwing her head back. Mejiwoo doesn't answer, she seems to be deep in thought and suddenly she snaps her fingers. She turns to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

"Hey, I have an idea" she exclaims gaining Yn's attention as well as Hoseok and he narrows his eyes at her. She's being pretty suspicious. 

"My brother is free and would love to accompany you!" Mejiwoo exclaims, winding her arm around Hoseoks and tugging him towards Yn. Hoseok is about to object but he's interrupted by Yn. 

"Really?!? You would do that for me?" Yn practically jumping in joy, grabbing Hoseok's face in her surprisingly calloused fingers and all thoughts leave Hoseok's mind. Any thoughts of objecting are forgotten as he gazes into her sparkling eyes, they memorize him and his words die in his throat. He nods dumbly, to which she wraps her arms around him excitedly and he relishes the feeling of her in his arms. He hesitantly wraps his arms around her and she nuzzles further into him, a content sigh echoing through the quiet room. Hoseok and Yn are so caught up in the moment that they forgot about the other person watching them gleefully. Yn's phone pinging brings them out of their little bubble and they both pull apart awkwardly. Yn clears her throat before speaking. 

"I'll get a suit delivered to you and pick you up, text me if you have any questions" she checks her phone and her face immediately hardens. Her face is stern as she gives Hoseok and Mejiwoo a nod before heading out the door. 

Yn's walking into Kim manor when her phone lights up with a message from Mejiwoo. 

[✨MJ💅🏻] : am I good or what 👀 

[Yn] : or what 

[✨MJ💅🏻] : Is this what I get for setting you up with Hoseok???? 😫

[Yn] : you know why I can't date, 

[✨MJ💅🏻] : Yeah, yeah, the life of a vigilante must be a lonely one blah blah blah 🙄

You roll your eyes at her response and opt not to reply. You make your way to the bat cave to get ready for the night patrol and your mins keep trailing back to your moments with Hoseok. The feeling of being wrapped in his embrace is something you don't ever want to forget, being in your line of work isn't ideal and you can't commit to a proper civilian relationship. Knowing that you won't get a chance to be with him causes your heart to ache a little, you sigh as you play the piano keys to open the secret door to the bat cave and make your way into the elevator leading to the cave underground. The sound of your brother's training gets louder as you get closer, the clanging of weapons echo through the cave as you make your way to your father, billionaire industrialist and notorious playboy Kim Seokjin typing away on the Batcave computer system. As he sees you approaching, he stands clearing his throat to get everyone's attention, you and your brothers stand ready for your assignments to be handed out for the night. 

"There has been an incident at Arkham and The Joker has managed to escape so I'm going to need all of you out patrolling tonight in pairs just to be safe." He crosses his arms over his chest standing tall, his tone cold as always. You stand next to Taehyung who for some unknown reason has his Red Hood helmet on and you roll your eyes at how immature he's being. You pray to God that Jin doesn't take Taehyung with him because you know that would end up in a fight. Taehyung feels like Jin doesn't trust him. You understand how he feels but at the same time, he doesn't understand Jin's fear of losing him again and your dear old father is emotionally constipated so he'd never admit it to Taehyung. Men are so fucking stupid sometimes, Jin speaking pulls you out of your thoughts. You notice Taehyung's shoulder tense and fists clenched at his side at the mention of the Joker, no doubt a painful memory for him so you intertwine your finger with his. Hoping to offer some sort of comfort for him, you can feel his eyes on you. His fingers are tense and slowly he grasps your hand and you give his hand a comforting squeeze. 

"As for the pairs, Namjoon you're with Jimin, Yn and Jungkook and Taehyung you're with me" you sigh and pinch Taehyung's arm before he can say anything. He turns his head to you but you can't read the expression on his face.

"Please don't start a fight," you whisper to him begging. He stares at you and says nothing. You sigh knowing full well what's about to transpire between the two. 

"I'm ready when you are, old man" Taehyung calls out to Jin climbing into the batmobile, you know he has a shit-eating smirk under the helmet. Jin nods and they set off in the batmobile. Meanwhile, Namjoon is holstering his Escrima sticks and Jimin is checking his red robin cowl before they head out. Jungkook is ready, his cape flowing as he gets on his motorcycle. You step into your suit as Jungkook calls out to you. 

"Hey sis, you ready or what" his Robin suit shines in the moonlight as he nears the exit. You laugh as you do the final checks on your suit, pull on your helmet and straddle your bike revving it, it reverberates through the cave as you speed off into the night. 

Before you know it, it's already the day of the charity event and you haven't seen Hoseok since the day he agreed to accompany you. The joker and his goons have kept you busy to the point you had to go out during the day, at the thought of Joker your side ache remembering your last encounter with him, you took a hit for Jungkook which ended up with you breaking 3 ribs on the same day you were meant to go with Hoseok to get him a suit for the event. Mejiwoo being the great friend she is, went with him instead. Thank God for that, you wouldn't want him to get suspicious as to why you could barely stand. Your phone lights up with a text from Hoseok. 

[Hoseok 🥰] : I've got my suit and I'm ready to party 🎉

[Yn] : pffffft, good luck with all the rich stifs around 🙄 BTWs be ready by 6, the car with come to pick you up. 

[Hoseok 🥰] : the car? Aren't you coming to pick me up? 🥺

[Yn]: no, I'm already here. I'm gonna get ready here, I'll meet you here. Don't worry you'll be fine. 😘

(｡・//ε//・｡)

When 6 comes around Hoseok is sitting in his lounge with his sister nervously twiddling his thumbs. She smacks his hand as he's about to run it through his hair again. 

"Stop it, you'll mess it up! Finally got it perfect." She fusses with his hair and the sound of the doorbell has Hoseok stiff as a board. To say he's terrified would be an understatement. Mejiwoo makes her way to the door and opens it greeting the driver.

"Hi Yoongi, Hoseok, hurry up." When he gets up she rushes over to him and ushers him out the door, shutting it behind him. 

"Mr Jung I'm Min Yoongi, the Kim family's butler" he introduces himself to Hoseok and ushers him to the awaiting car. Hoseok leans back in the leather seats closing his eyes hoping to get his nerves under control but alas he isn't so lucky. He tries to distract himself but once again he isn't so lucky, he's so busy overthinking it he doesn't realize that they've already arrived until Yoongi holds the door open for him. Hoseok marvels at the mansion in front of him and he stops breathing at the sight of you. You step out the front door making your way over to him and he's so captivated by you he can't seem to process anything. The way your dress hugs your body and the colour compliments your skin so well. You pry his attention away from admiring you.

"You look great," you compliment him as you grab him by the elbow and practically drags him inside. You're beyond ecstatic to have someone as handsome as Hoseok, you come to a halt in front of the doors to the ballroom that holds the charity event and you turn to Hoseok to straighten his tie. 

"You look gorgeous," Hoseok's voice almost a whisper but you manage to hear him and you smile, gazing into his mesmerizing eyes. You feel yourself being drawn to him, you see a glimmer of nervousness and something akin to love swirling in the depth of his eyes. You take a step closer to him, just as you're about to lift your hand to caress his cheek Yoongi rounds the corner and interrupts you. 

"Miss Yn, what're you still doing out here?" You snap out of the daze and straighten your shoulders. Hoseok clears his throat and holds out his arm for you which you take. Yoongi opens the door and all eyes are on you and Hoseok. You ignore them and stroll into the ballroom with Hoseok, you make a beeline to the bar. You and Hoseok get a drink and survey the room, looking for your family. All of a sudden the hairs on the back of your neck stands up, a chill runs down your spine and Hoseok immediately notices your sudden behaviour change. 

"Yn, how lovely to see you again. It's been so long darling" you body stiffens knowing full well who the voice belongs to, Hoseok observes your reaction and he slips his arm around your waist. You relax a little when you feel Hoseok's arm around your waist and you lean into his warmth, taking a deep breath you turn to the man leering at you. You can feel his beady eyes roam your figure as he licks his lips bringing his drink to his lips and you almost vomit but manage to hold it back. 

"I thought I made myself clear last time, I'm not interested" you bite out and he steps closer to you, Hoseok seeing your discomfort steps in front of you stopping him in his tracks. He lets out a chuckle as he takes in the sight in front of him.

"Why so serious?" He drawls out slowly his voice a few octaves lower and that's enough to make you spring into action. You grab Hoseok by the back of his collar and yank him behind the bar with you, you can hear the machine gun firing. The glass shelves filled with glass bottles of liquor shatter sending the liquid flying everywhere and all over the body of the now-dead bartender. The screams of the people in the ballroom are deafening and the maniacal laugh of the supervillain isn't helping. You don't know what to do, Hoseok is currently wrapped around you protectively giving you no space to disappear to change but you know if you sit here any longer people will die. A groan escapes you when you realize what has to be done, you push Hoseok's arms away and grab his face. Your lips meet and it's like fireworks, you have no words to describe the way you feel right now but time is short. You reluctantly pull away, Hoseok goes to kiss you again but your hold on his face stops him.

"Please trust me and follow me" you beg him, leaning your forehead on his and his face scrunches up in confusion. He nods afraid making any sort of noise might attract more attention. You wait for the machine gun to run out of ammo so you can make a run for it. Then the sudden click and the barrage of bullets are drawn to a halt. Using this moment you drag Hoseok to his feet and run towards the hallway, your first priority being Hoseok's safety. You burst into the library, dropping the hold of his hand, walking over to the piano. 

"Yn, what the fuck are you doing?" Hoseok marches over to you to drag you out the back door but halts in his steps as you play the piano keys and the sudden click of a door opening draws his attention. The door leads to an elevator before Hoseok can question it, the commotion in the hallway has you pushing Hoseok into it and the doors seal shut behind them. He's about to speak again when the sound of doors opening again interrupts him and you step out tentatively. Your gaze stays focused on Hoseok, closely observing his reaction which at first is just plain confusion then as he looks around it morphs into curiosity and just flat out disbelief when he makes his way further in. He stands there mutely taking in the batmobile, the past robin suits on display and all the previous batman suits. His features scrunch up as he starts putting two and two together. All your strange behaviour like all the times he's noticed you sneaking in and out of the house. That one time he saw a katana in your room and all the numerous injuries. This would explain everything, he turns to you eyes filled with astonishment but you don't have time for this shit. 

"Stay here, don't move!" You yell at him taking off towards your suit, you rush to put it on all the while cursing yourself for not grabbing the new prototype suit your father gave you that would have initially saved you the hassle due to the suit's nanotech. 

"Wait," Hoseok grabs you by the arm when you run past him.

"Please stay, I'll explain everything when I get back" you don't want to waste time explaining all this to him right now. 

"No, no, I was just gonna say be careful" he kisses your forehead and lets your arm go. You smile slightly before taking off towards your bike, you jump on giving Hoseok one last look and put on your helmet speeding out. Hoseok watches your figure disappear out the heavy metal doors he assumes lead's outside when someone clears their throat behind him. 

"Mr Jung please feel free to have a seat and enjoy the show" Yoongi smirks at Hoseok's confusion and takes a seat in the leather chair in front of the monitors. 

The thought of leaving Hoseok alone and defenceless almost makes you turn around as you're speeding through the tunnel but the sound of Yoongi in your helmet stops you. 

"Your brothers and father are being held separately" Yoongi informs you and that's enough to have you speeding up, knowing he's there with Hoseok. The tires of your bike squeals as you do a sharp turn back towards the house as soon as the tunnel leads you out through the waterfall. You rev your bike to go faster, the mansion comes into your sight.

"Lounge" Yoongi's voice is calm, your bike smashes through the window of the lounge and screeches to a halt on the linoleum floor. The two goons with guns immediately train their guns on you ready to fire and you're on them before they can pull the trigger. You grab the gun of the one closest to you and hurl it at the other man effectively discombobulating him. Grabbing the back of his neck and bringing him down on your knee knocks the man out while the discombobulated man stumbles around. You grab the remaining goon and throw him out the other unbroken window. A chorus of thank you and the hostages are gone as you cut each one loose. You curse them for not checking or asking about anyone but ultimately not surprised by the rich bastard’s selfishness and kind of relieved. You brothers are there as well, you cut each one loose last and they stand rubbing their wrists. 

"suit up" and with that, the boys are off.

"I found Jin, he's still in the ballroom and it's surrounded. You're going to need all the help you can get '' Yoongi watches on the screen as Jin is being held at gunpoint along with a bunch of other guests. Hoseok is anxious even though he just watched you take out two armed men. Namjoon, Taehyung, Jimin and Jungkook rush past them when they come back in their respective suits, Taehyung gives Hoseok a once over.

"Taehyung, we don't have time" Namjoon reminds him, he growls and follows Namjoon knowing you need help. They meet up with you upstairs and you've managed to do some recon. 

"We've got 10 armed guards outside the door, 20 inside and the hostages strapped with about 10 kgs of c4. So we split up and take 2 each. Crawl through the roof and take out the men inside. Stealth is key" you signal for Taehyung to follow you while Namjoon takes Jimin and Jungkook with him. You and Taehyung watch the four guards they're all within arms reach. You can't take them out before they alert someone inside. Taehyung holds up 3 fingers and signals to take them out. You go for the men on the farther left meanwhile Taehyung takes the men on the far right. You kick the feet out of one while grappling the other and they both fall. You punch the closest one knocking him out cold and slam the other guys face into the wall the crack of his skull is unmistakable. Taehyung on the other hand has a guy by the throat and kicked the guard through the wall. He suffocates the man in his hold and drops his limp body on the floor. You all meet up in front of the doors and before you can climb into the roof, the double doors to the ballroom slam open. The bone-chilling laugh echos through the house, well there's no turning back now. You walk through the doors cautiously knowing that he must be up to something. 

"Well, well, well if it isn't the bat kids. Black bat, Nightwing, Redhood, Red Robin and Robin. How nice of you to join us but where is the main attraction, WHERE IS BATMAN?" he strolls closer and bows in greeting smiling like a lunatic. 

"We're not here to play nice Joker, let the hostages go and we won't hurt you." Namjoon steps forward spinning his Escrima sticks and getting into an offensive stance. You hear Taehyung cocking his gun and you know what he's about to do. You run towards the Joker and kick him square in the chest effectively throwing him to the ground, his head connecting with the floor. You're on him before he can do anything and slam his head back into the floor. His body lays unmoving as you jump up to assist your brothers with the rest of the guards. You pull out your katana and launch it handle first at one, hitting him point blank and spin kick another. You whip out 3 Batarang and throw it at one guy that's firing at Jimin, disarming him. The commotion comes to an end when punches the last man in the throat and kick him. During that time Jungkook has managed to free the hostages and escort them outside. 

"The police are on their way you all should go change back" Jin walks over to Joker and checks for a pulse. Taehyung walks over and gets a hold of his collar getting ready to drag him away when Jin reaches out to him.

"What're you doing?" He asks confused. 

"What does it look like? I'm taking him into the cave holding cell." Taehyung replies as if it's obvious.

"No, the police are going to take him back to Arkham so they can treat him." Jin insists. 

"So he can escape again? There's no curing him, there's no cure for evil" the sirens of the police cruisers are getting louder and louder the closer they get to the mansion. No one moves a muscle, Taehyung and Jin glaring at each other. You hesitate a bit before putting your hand on Taehyung's hand that holds the Joker by the collar, his glare softens as he turns to you. 

"Let's just go Tae, please. We have to hurry" you insist softly trying to pry his hand from the Jokers collar. As soon as you feel his fingers release slowly you yank Joker away and set him on the floor cuffing his feet and wrists together. Taehyung's shoulders slump in defeat but you know he's fuming, his fists are clenched. 

"Tae-" he stalks off back towards the cave and you run to keep up with him. He brushes off your attempts at talking to him and makes his way to his bike, giving you one last look before speeding out of the cave. You sigh in defeat and slump. Hoseok watches the scene, jealousy rising in his gut. You walk over to Hoseok, the suit retreats into the bracelet, you take a moment to breathe.

"Okay so I have some explaining to do, don't I?" You rub the back of your neck nervously. 

"You don't have to do anything, there's nothing to explain, darling." Hoseok caresses your cheek softly and you lean into touch, grateful for him not pushing you for an explanation. 

"How about instead I explain everything over dinner this week?" You suggest shyly closing your eyes. Hoseok smiles softly and leans his head on yours. His lips brush yours. 

"I would love that" 

[malevolent-spirit]

ok this has been in my drafts for well over a year and im sick of seeing it so im just gonna post it. first lore post yeehaw

Deep in the Viridian Labyrinth, a clan tells its hatchlings stories of old gods, older than the first dragons. Direct descendants of The Eleven, with powers unparalleled by modern dragonkind.

This story is about a young god of wealth, known for his charm. With his quick wit and charismatic personality, he talked his way into getting what he wanted as often as he did to get out of trouble. He would woo god and goddess alike, having many lovers at any given moment. Not a single one truly captured his heart, though, and he was left with an emptiness that he couldn't fill. He thought that perhaps what he sought was a companion with whom he could share everything with. Yet, despite his best efforts, he never met anyone who rose to his standards. He decided to visit an old witch to ask for help. He tried to coax a solution to his loneliness out of her for free, giving many compliments and promises he didn't intend to keep. She, like so many others, fell to his charms and agreed, but warned that the price was great. The god waved her warning off, and she began her work on the spell needed. The witch needed rare ingredients, sending him off to find them all while she made the necessary preparations. After many long moons of hunting the items down, he returned, eager to find purpose in his life. The witch took the ingredients from the god and dropped them in a cauldron, murmuring ancient words from a worn tome. The room darkened, the air grew stagnant and thick. Shadows danced in the edges of his vision. The space in the cottage warped as colors not seen on that plane in a millennia glittered in and out of existence. Once she finished her chant, she paused to stir the pot. She dipped a claw in the brew, then traced symbols on his face, arms, and wings. The witch’s irises darkened as she said the final word, activating the spell. The runes glowed white, burning into his skin. He screamed in agony, clawing frantically at the runes, trying to stop the pain. He tore long slashes along his face in his desperation. The spell began its work. His skull was the first thing that changed. It hardened into wood, saving only his eyes from the grotesque transformation. Two thorn-covered horns sprouted from his scalp, reaching all the way down to his tail. His screams turned to harsh coughing as smoke pooled in his lungs. Unable to breathe, he writhed on the ground, clawing at the air. The witch peered down at him. In a gravelly voice, she spoke over him, "I warned you the cost was great. What this spell revealed to me was that your heart is incapable of loving another. My magic has given you what you deserve; any love or passion you once were able to feel is now gone. You will be a specter, wandering aimlessly and lost in the pain your greed caused. "But, I made a deal with you, and I will keep it. You will meet your perfect companion,“ She hissed, “but in your current state, they won’t adore you. At the sight of your monstrous form, they will run in fear. Your only chance to heal your heart will be ruined. This is your curse, your fate." Blood trickled into his eyes, blinding him, but not before he saw her blow thick smoke around him. He felt the ground beneath his claws shift as his vision failed. He fell for what felt like an hour, consumed by searing pain and fear, before crashing into water. Intense pain overwhelmed his senses. He thrashed uselessly as he tried in vain to swim towards the surface. He opened his eyes to better see which direction was up, but found that he couldn't see. He sank, his lungs burning, with no way of knowing how to get out. He couldn't breathe. Couldn’t think. He made one more kick before succumbing to darkness. When the god next awoke, he was still underwater, his lungs still burning, his scales still bleeding where it hadn't transformed into wood. He tried to scream, to cry, to swim. His nerves begin to numb after what felt like an eternity, his grip on reality slowly fading. Despite his lack of oxygen, the spell wouldn't let him die. Each time he passed out, he would wake once more in greater pain. Many moons passed, and the magic slowly started to change his body. He grew gills and small fins, and his eyes became adjusted to the darkness of the water. The slashes had turned into scars. His burns were soothed by the cold water, the runes solidifying into what appeared to be gold that melded with his scales. He adjusted, accepting his state. He floated for what seemed like an eternity, pondering his future and his curse, while becoming numb to the pain. One day, he was pulled out of his state by a feeling, a need. With his new mutations, he swam in the direction of the distant surface. He broke out of the water, coughing and spluttering at the sudden change to air. The sun blinded him, making him squint blearily around for any sign of land. He spotted a jungle in the distance, and, ducking his head underwater, swam quickly towards it. By the time he reached the shore, the sun had reached a little past midday, now bearing down harshly. The god stumbled to the edge of the jungle, seeking relief from the light. He laid down beneath a large tree, exhausted and struggling to breathe. The lack of air his gills were receiving finally caused darkness to crawl at the edge of his vision. Several days passed before he woke under the full moon. The curse had made his fins and gills vanish while he was unconscious. There was a pleasant coolness in the air, now rid of the glare of the sun.

The god felt it again, that need, and was drawn further into the forest. He came to a small pond, the surface smooth as glass. He was about to drink from it when he noticed his disfigured reflection. He drew back in horror, claws touching his mask-like face and tracing the gold. He wept, overcome with the loss of his beautiful body, now gazing at his scales, his elongated claws, his maw in disgust. Too soon, he acknowledged his monstrous visage and his fate: someone cursed with the torture of loneliness with no respite. Something in him snapped. His horror dulled to apathy, his fear turned to glee at his immortality. He wanted to test his power out. A rustle behind him made him whip his head around. There was a pack of white wolves, drawn by his scent of salt and old blood. He grinned viciously. He leaped at the nearest one, ripping his teeth into its neck. The rest sprinted away from the god, surprised and terrified at the sudden show of violence. He dropped the wolf from his jaws, looking down in satisfaction. He watched as dark blood dripped from his mouth and claws before returning to the pond to wash it off. Looking at his reflection once more, he noted instead how his old clothes had become torn and ragged, the color washed out. With a sneer, he knew that he was now every bit a monster that the witch had intended him to be- and he loved it. His old love for life and abundance withered, replaced with a desire to kill. His steps were lighter, quieter, making hunting easy. It wasn't long until he discovered clans of longneck and centaurs. Stories were told of a monster in the woods, stalking individuals through many nights before eventually striking. They spoke of the torture the misty specter put its victims through, of its laugh and how it echoed and enveloped anyone who heard it. Nights of the new moon were in particular dangerous, the lack of natural light made for perfect hunting conditions. The tales eventually reached nearby dragon clans, and after some went missing without a trace in the forests, they turned to horror stories told to hatchlings. The god became a legend, a feeling of unease on dark nights. Centuries later, he came across a mysterious dragon, alone in the woods. Curiously, she wasn't weary or anxious as all others were; she appeared to be at peace. She was sitting underneath an old willow tree, her head tilted up to the moon. She had white cloths wrapped around her, a pair of old root-like horns with birds resting on them, and ornate jewelry decorating her body. He knew immediately that this was the companion he was fated to meet, and to inevitably scare away. He no longer felt sadness or loss, however, and treated her as any other creature to cross his path. The mist around him swirled, thickening with malicious delight, crawling towards the hooded dragon. She turned to look at him as he laughed darkly. She didn't cower or scream at the spirit in front of her. In fact, the only sign that she was staring at him was a prickling sensation on the back of his neck that one gets when being watched. He sneered as he realized she was not afraid of him. Well, not yet. Grinning at the thought of her fear, he became determined to draw out her terror and get a reaction before killing her. He didn't expect her to speak. "Why is such a sad creature like you wandering the woods so late at night?" She whispered in a voice young and unimaginably old at the same time, and tilted her head. He was taken aback at the pity, but didn't show it. Instead, his grin widened to reveal sharp, bloody teeth, and replied, "I am afraid I don't see how I am the sad one, when I am not the one trying to talk to the monster in front of me as if it would spare me." He tapped his claw on his chin in mock thoughtfulness before rasping out, "Unless you don't see me as a threat? Oh, that would be very naive of you, my dear. Do you know how many beings have crossed my path, only for them to die in horrific, delightful agony?" He chuckled before answering, not waiting for an answer, "All of them. So, tell me, why are you so calm?" He had come close enough to make out the faint lines of her face, noting her neutral expression with distaste. She was silent, considering the specter in front of her. She was old enough to be able to read the gold runes from under his rags and fur, and knew that he was cursed long ago. She could guess at his torment, at his loneliness and his current mental state. The goddess came to a decision and, before he could act, tackled him to the ground. Thick roots shot out of the earth and tied him down. He snarled, struggling under the grip of the cloaked dragon. "I do not think you know who I am, lost one. Have you heard of Spring? Summer? Of the goddesses of life?" The roots tightened. "Do you have any idea who you were planning on trying to torture for your amusement?" Her voice changed from a whisper to deep and powerful, the trees shaking with her words. He drew back from her piercing gaze, and grew fearful of the goddess in front of him. He was angry at his fear, at his weakness, and scowled, but grew still. She recognized his submission, releasing him. The roots retreated, freeing his body. He drew up cautiously, bowing his head slightly in defeat. "Why not try to kill me if you know what I am? I'm sure you've heard the stories of what I've done, who I am." He growled. She tilted her head again, "I know of your curse." He peered at her before she continued. "I can read the runes on your skin. They tell me of your selfishness, and what it cost you. I assume you were drawn to me tonight because I am the companion in the spell, yes?" She studied his expression, and seeing his eyebrows knit together she continued, "You are fated to yearn for my companionship, but while you assume I will run from you, I will merely distance myself. You will follow me wherever I go, but never have the fulfillment that a close bond would give. Thus, you will continue to be alone in your heart, no matter how hard you try or what you do. The curse will be followed in this way. However, because you won't be able to will yourself away from my side, you will never be left to your own devices. I will watch you and make sure you don't harm anyone else." He knew as she said these words that she was right. He would never be able to leave her side. In that moment, he turned bitterly cold. The ground at his feet grew cold as ice, frost spreading out around his claws. Antheia noticed, and was amused that there was now a new god of winter, but even more so at the fact that he was chained to her, a goddess of spring and summer.

[sunyoonandstars]

✨Linked✨ || BTS Soulmate AU Series || You x !Soulmate! Yoongi | You x Jimin || Part 14

Text/Social Media/Narrative Series

Previous Part | Next Part

LINKED MASTERLIST

Credit goes to the lovely @789cream for creating this beautiful moodboard for my series.Thanks again!

Pairing You x !Soulmate! Yoongi You x Jimin

Word count 3.706

‘siblings’, according to age: Namjoon, Jimin, y/n, Taehyung (you grew up living in the same foster home as implied in earlier parts of this series) 

fluff, angst

Key: y/sh/n = your ship’s name

Eventually, after years of successfully having avoided it, you have come across your soulmate. An ominous stranger of whom you know no more than the back of his head, his phone number and that he works as a part-time barista at your (former) favorite coffee shop. Having been pressured by a friend into contacting him, things start to get complicated. Because your heart already belongs to another. And the last thing you want is for your soul to find its one, true, destined mate …

“According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.”

― Plato, The Symposium

Soulmates.

You had always dreaded the day on which the birthmark on your left wrist would suddenly start itching, whereas for most people the moment their one and only destined soulmate’s name was supposed to reveal itself, burning under their skin, couldn’t seem to come soon enough.

Foolish romantics.

Because once both sides acknowledge their destined soulmate, a connection forms which can never be undone. Not even by death.

Who in their right mind would voluntarily bind their soul to that of another for life? To share their every joy and hurt and be faithful until they take their very last breath without even having a choice? To suffer indescribable agony once the other one exits this life and be left in utter loneliness, so bottomlessly deep nothing will ever be able to fill it again, causing you physical pain and insanity?  

That’s right. Not you. Especially, because your heart already belongs to someone else … Does it though?

Chapter 14

You get progressively anxious as the hours pass and the time at which you’re supposed to meet up with the ever so mysterious Min Suga approaches. Maybe a little too quickly for your taste. 

Truth be told, you face the reencounter with mixed emotions. Especially since your heart is still in turmoil after your falling-out with Jimin. 

You still can’t believe he’d actually threaten Suga, a man who didn’t do much more than accompany his injured girlfriend to the Emergency Room, in a manner so childish and on display for the whole world to see. You wonder what got into him as you pack up your things and leave the lecture hall, just having finished your last class for today. 

Your heartbeat increasingly accelerates with each step you take towards your designated rendezvous point under the old cherry tree by the campus’ main building. And you’re not even sure what it is that leads your pulse to race. 

Is it only because you’re anxious about showing a virtual stranger your creative works? Because you chose a few samples that are probably a little too revealing? Showing your deepest fears and emotions, making you vulnerable? But that’s what expressing oneself through art is all about, in the end. And it’s nothing new or unfamiliar to you at this point. So that shouldn’t be it. 

Is it Suga himself, maybe? The mere thought of seeing him again? Of looking into those deep dark eyes of his? Or the memory of feeling his warmth against your skin when he wrapped his arms around you to lead you out of harm's way as your head rested all too comfortably against his chest? 

No. No way. That can’t be it. That shouldn’t be it. How dare you think of another man like that when Jimin is most likely beating himself up over your fight this very second? 

No, y/n. Get your head on straight. You’re not swooning over some vague rapper you’ve literally only ever met once. This meeting and the collaboration you’re about to do with Suga are simply meant as a gesture of gratitude so the two of you will be even again and you can focus on fixing things with Jimin. That’s it. Period. 

Still, you can’t help but hold your breath for a few seconds as the handsome musician finally comes in sight. 

Damn. 

Those pastel pink blossoms go perfectly with his mint green hair. And that posture. That jawline. Those piercing black eyes. His whole aura. It hits you like a truck. 

Get a grip, y/n!, you scold yourself, forcing a smile as you wave at Suga to get his attention. 

Involuntarily, you stop cold in your step the instant his eyes eventually shoot up from his phone’s screen to find yours. 

A smile stretches across Suga’s face as he recognizes you, proceeding to take off his headphones and start walking towards you, his stride smooth but his posture in no way showing signs of haughtiness. In bright daylight he looks even paler, you notice. Probably because he spends most of his time behind closed doors, locked in his studio. 

„Hey!“, he greets you when he finally comes to a halt before you, his grin so broad now even his gums are showing. 

Cute, you catch yourself thinking. 

„Hey“, you repeat after him, your voice cracking, sounding unusually rough, almost getting stuck somewhere halfway down your throat. 

„How — How are you?“, Suga asks, shoving both his hands deep into the pockets of his loose, worn-out denims. „I mean, did you sleep all right? Later on, after we texted? And how’s your hand? Wait. Let me see that.“ 

Before you know it, he gently takes your bandaged hand into his in the middle of the square for all to see, going on to carefully inspect the wound dressing. A few of your classmates pass you by, whispering, peering at you blatantly, whispering, one of the girls even going so far as to point her finger. 

Only when you demonstratively clear your throat and Suga looks up to discover your cheeks had turned a bright pink does he realize what he’s done and immediately let’s go of your hand, burying his in the pockets of his jeans again. 

„Sorry”, he mumbles, averting his eyes in obvious embarrassment at his imprudent action. “But the bandage looks fine. It didn’t start bleeding again?“

„I don’t think so“, you shake your head. „I’m all right. But what about you. Your ribs. Did you get hurt last night when — You know.“ 

He seems puzzled by your concern for his wellbeing. 

„Me? I’m okay.“

„Are you sure?“ 

You could swear you just witnessed his hand subconsciously wander upwards towards his right side.

„Yeah. It’s nothing. Just a bruise. I’m good. I swear.“ 

Still not entirely convinced, you realize that you’re going to have to put up with his deception for now, since there’s obviously no point in probing him any further. 

„So, we’re both well. Awesome.“ 

You’re almost sure he takes note of your sarcastic undertone. Yet, Suga merely nods in agreement, avoiding eye contact. 

„So, shall we get going?“, he asks, tilting his head, eying you intently now, an ambiguous smirk playing on his rosy lips. 

„Go? Where?“

„Well, you weren’t planning on spread out your drawings right here in the dirt for me to look at them, were you?“

You eagerly shake your head. 

„That’s what I thought. So, let’s go to my studio. It’s quiet there and private. We won’t be disturbed and your art will be safe from prying eyes.“ He smiles. 

„Only if that’s okay for you, though“, Suga quickly adds, doubt leading his brows to furrow as he notes your initial puzzlement. 

„Of course“, you croak out as soon as you regain your composure, avoiding Suga’s intense gaze and feeling your heart skip a beat at the idea of spending time with him alone, just the two of you. You’re not sure if it’s excitement or anxiety that gets a grip of your heart and lets your stomach do somersaults as you follow him towards the building complex in which most of the practice rooms and studios for students of Music and Dance are situated. 

You hadn’t set foot in the Performing Arts’ main building ever since Namjoon had finished his studies about a year ago. Entering it again now, side by side with the enigmatic rapper, it all seems so different. The air-conditioned breeze welcoming you as the two of you enter the foyer feels electrifying instead of dry and cold like you remembered it, every single particle of the air seeming to dance across your skin, leaving it tingling. 

„I’m just gonna have to check in before we use the studio and get a key“, Suga explains as you watch him head for some kind of a reception desk behind which a middle-aged man is softly snoring, leaning back in his chair, unwrapped Snicker’s bar still clutched in his hand.

You just nod and wait in the middle of the hall for him to return. Anxiously pressing your portfolio to your chest, your heart still pounding, you observe Suga’s every move and can’t help but grin to yourself when you witness him kicking the sleeping clerk’s shoe repeatedly in order to wake him up. 

„Here it is. My sanctuary. Feel honored to be one of the first human beings to ever be allowed entry.“ 

Wide-eyed, you stare back at Suga, who’s watching your reaction, his eyes bright with amusement and affection as he steps inside the small, dark room, its soundproof walls lined with black shelves filled with records and equipment.

„Are you serious?“ 

„Yes“, he solemnly nods, biting his lip to keep it from smiling, it appears. „I never let anybody in here. And nobody wants to come anyway. So…“ 

„Really? I thought you guys, like, shared studios and all?“

„Nope. Not me. I’m one of the top students here. Not to brag. But I’m about to be signed by a rather big label.“

Suga shrugs as if it’s nothing. But you definitely spot a spark light up the deep dark pools of his brown orbs at the idea of the things his future in the music business holds in store for him.

„So … are you sure you want me in here? Am I not, I don’t know, gonna disturb your creative energies or something?“ 

You lift one foot across the door sill but hesitate and pull it back immediately. 

„Yes. Of course. I’m sure“, he chuckles. „Otherwise I wouldn’t have invited you, stupid.“ 

Suga literally flinches as soon as he realizes what he just called you, eyes round, one hand shooting up to cover his mouth. Instead of holding his little insult against him, though, a stifled laugh is your immediate response, and you’re pretty sure you take to him even more now. 

„It’s all right“, you brush off his apparent concern. „Really. Call me all the names you want. Cursing is fine, too. My b—“ You stop in mid-sentence, the word boyfriend simply refusing to leave your lips. „Most people I know always treat me so carefully. As if I’m made of glass or something. Even though I curse all the time. I really don’t know what it is about me that makes them think I need to be handled with kid gloves.“ 

“Well, maybe they see something in you that’s so precious it needs to be protected. At all times. And at all costs.”

You shrug your shoulders, breathing a sigh. Still leaning against the doorframe to Suga’s studio, your gaze remains fixed on the floor and avoiding his, since you are well aware of the fact that your cheeks are burning and your eyes well up once more. 

In horror, you watch the ground start to spin beneath your feet.  

Suddenly, it’s just all too much.

Everything comes back all at once.

The words Jimin threw at you. The things you said to him. The events of last night. The questions and feelings you had bottled up for months now. Your Soulmate’s questions. 

What the hell are you so afraid of?

Yes. Exactly. What are you so afraid of, y/n? 

Of actually being loved for who you are? 

„So, are you just gonna keep standing there all night?“, Suga’s words let you jolt from your thoughts. 

You can’t bring yourself to lift your glance or react in any way, though, afraid to lose control and break out in tears once he gets a better look at you and recognizes the storm that’s currently raging behind your brittle facade. 

„Come on. Come on in, will you? Hmm, y/n?“, he coaxes, the tone of his raspy voice serious and ever so soft all of a sudden. 

Next thing you know, you can feel one of his hands gently grab you by your arm and guide you inside. Suga then places you on a black sofa next to his work desk before he goes on to close the door and squat in front of you. 

„What is it? What’s the matter? Did I say something wrong? Or is this uncomfortable for you, y/n?“, he inquires, his words resonating with genuine worry. 

„Come on, please look at me. Can you do that?“

He leans in closer, placing his hands each on one of your knees, his warmth seeping through the fabric of your jeans being of unknown comfort. 

At this point, you have to hold your breath in order to keep the tears inside. However, you are unable to prevent your body from being shaken by suppressed sobs. 

„I’m so sorry, y/n. What is it? Please, tell me! What did I do? Is this too much? Should we have gone to a café or something instead? This isn’t what you think it is, though. I would never —“

„It’s — It’s not you. It’s not because of you. It really isn’t. I swear. It’s — It’s just — I —“, you barely manage to get out the words as the tears start freely streaming down your hot cheeks, blurring your vision of Suga who now takes your face into his hands to get you to look at him. 

„It’s okay. All right? Just breathe. Breathe with me, y/n. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.“

You do as you’re told, focusing on the sensation of Suga’s skin against yours and the sound of his calm breathing and soothing voice. 

„Now. In. And out. Long, deep breaths. In. And out. And let it all out. Everything. Don’t be ashamed. Just cry if you need to. It’s okay. Everything’s gonna be okay.“ 

Somehow, his words seem to flick a switch. Promptly, you start sobbing uncontrollably, allowing Suga to pull you close, gladly resting your head on his shoulder and burying your tear-streaked face in his soft jumper. 

„Ssssshhh, it’s all right. It’s all right, y/n. Just let it all out.“

And you do. You really can’t stop yourself it at this point, even if you wanted to. You don’t care any longer what Suga might think of you. In your heart and mind, there is no room for these kinds of mundane concerns. 

All you can and want to feel right now is the warmth of Suga’s hug as he gently pulls you against his chest and starts rubbing your back, one hand tenderly running over your hair, his movements tranquilizing, his presence and closeness oddly reassuring. You don’t feel like he is a stranger when Suga now carefully lowers your body into a lying position on his sofa, placing a pillow under your head, one of his hands still stroking your neck in a calming manner. 

„But — Your album — The collab — I — I need to —“, you meekly protest, struggling to sit up again. Suga, however, gently presses you back down into the sofa’s cushions. 

„Just close your eyes, y/n. And rest. Don’t worry about the collab. There’s still enough time. You don’t need to deal with that now. How about you take a rest instead, hmm?“

There is no strength left in you to argue with him, so you decide to give in, simply nestle into the pillow and let him cover you with a cozy blanket, your eyelids fluttering shut of their own accord and your head becoming heavier by the second as you are encompassed by Suga’s scent emanating from the upholstery. You wonder how many nights he must have spent holed up in this tiny room, all alone, only his music keeping him company, as you slowly drift off to sleep. 

Damn, Yoongi can’t help but think to himself. 

This situation couldn’t have turned out any worse. Yet, at the same time, things couldn’t have gone much better for him. 

Of course, he hates to see you so broken up about God knows what. But on the other hand, your trust and apparent reliance on his comfort fill his heart with the warmth it has been missing for far too long. 

Smiling fondly, Yoongi watches you sleep. Your beautiful face, previously having been contorted by pain and worry, now looks so peaceful it’s almost too much for his heart to bear. He can feel it twist in his chest, having trouble to resist the urge to place a kiss on your forehead as he leans down to most gingerly extract his hand from in between your neck and the pillow where it’s been stuck for minutes now, careful not to disturb your rest in the process. Just as his operation is about to succeed, though, your hand suddenly shoot up and takes a hold of his wrist before you go on to comfortable nestle your head into Yoongi’s palm with a soft hum. 

„Great“, he whispers to himself, hardly stifling a chuckle, excited by the idea that you might actually feel so comfortable with him, you won’t let him leave your side tonight. 

Even though it’s still early in the evening and he was planning on getting some work on one of his new songs done tonight, Yoongi can’t bring himself to break free from your tight clutch and eventually decides to give in and lie down next to you on the floor, your head still resting on his hand. 

Grinning like an idiot, he’s sure, Yoongi tries to get comfortable on the cold linoleum, careful not to put too much pressure on his injured rib. To be honest, though, he does neither mind the pain nor the inconvenience. Simply knowing that he was, somehow, indeed able to give you some comfort and temporary peace and that he can fall asleep by your side is well worth the stiff neck he’s, in all likelihood, going to have to deal with in the morning.

He’s just about to doze off when he the sudden sound of a phone repeatedly vibrating draws his attention and pulls Yoongi back out of a pleasant semi-sleep. 

Quickly, yet cautiously, his free hand searches the deep pocket of your hoodie jacket for the cause of this disturbance, soon coming across your smartphone which ceases to vibrate the very second Yoongi is about to take the call in your place. 

Not meaning to intrude into your privacy, he can’t help but skim through the notifications popping up on the lock screen.

Two missed calls from Namjoon, a bunch of messages from some guy named Hoseok. 

Five unread texts from Taehyung and one missed call from the same. He must’ve been the one having called just now, Yoongi figures. But it’s really none of his business and he should refrain from meddling with yours. 

The moment he is about to set your phone down on the floor, however, it starts vibrating again, Taehyung’s face flashing up on screen. After pondering how to handle this situation, Yoongi finally determines it would be best for everyone involved if he would take the call and, in doing so, prevent this mess he’s currently in from becoming even more complicated than it already is by worrying Taehyung unnecessarily. 

„Y/n?”, his young colleague’s voice sounds from the phone’s speaker as soon as Yoongi answers it. “Why didn’t you reply to any of my texts? Is everything all right?“ 

„Well, that’s — I’m, uhmm —“ Yoongi has to clear his throat before he can start anew, lowering his voice to a whisper. „Y/n is currently unavailable.“

„What the hell’s that supposed to mean?“, Taehyung snaps back without hesitation. „And who are you even?“

„Doesn’t matter. Just, don’t worry. She’s asleep, all right? She’s … okay.“

„Yoongi!? Is that you?“

Damn. Just about now Yoongi is starting to regret his decision. 

„Well, I guess there’s no point in denying it now, is there?“ 

“You’re with her? Right now? Seriously? Damn, you’re quick.”

Yoongi leans away from you as far as possible so as not to interfere with your peaceful slumber and casts one last scrutinizing glance over his shoulder to make sure you’re still asleep before he turns away again and resumes talking. 

„Tae, let’s not make a big deal of this, okay?“, he hisses into your phone’s receiver, disrupting the younger one’s muttering. „We were working on a collaboration for one of my classes and she just started crying out of the blue. I swear, I didn’t do anything. I have no idea what the fuck happened. So I simply comforted her and helped her calm down so she’d get some rest, that’s all.“ 

„Well, in that case, I guess I should thank you for taking such good care of her. I mean it, Hyung. Y/n needs someone like you. Because there are some things she can’t talk to me about. Because, you know, our relations are kinda … complicated sometimes, with Jimin, Namjoon, her and myself having grown up together and all. And not under ideal conditions, I’d say.“ 

„Oh.“

„Yeah. But that’s a story for another time. For now, just make sure she’s okay, please? Because the thing with Jimin is really running her hard, I guess.“ 

„What happened? With her and Jimin?“ 

Yoongi has trouble hiding his excitement at the notion of trouble in paradise. 

He can hear Taehyung sigh and pause at the other end of the phone, most likely wondering whether it’s a wise idea to bring Yoongi into the loop. 

„I’m not sure if it’s my place to tell you“, he finally continues. „But they … kinda fought after you left last night. It was bad, I guess. Well, by their standards at least. Y/n was really hurt. And he’s being an asshole right now.  But that shouldn’t be news to you.“ 

„Not really, no“, Yoongi scoffs, his mind going back to that ridiculous Facebook status update in which that guy practically openly threatened him. Not to mention the almost-fistfight that occurred last night in the stairwell of your apartment building. 

„But he’s not always like that, our Jiminie. Honestly. I’m not sure what’s gotten into him lately. I guess his acting out has something to do with the whole soulmate business.“

„So, basically, what you’re saying is that this is my fault? Her being heartbroken and all?“

Guilt immediately spreads throughout Yoongi's aching chest, leading his heart to convulse and his throat to tighten as his eyes start wandering until they come to a rest on your ravishing features, an innocent half-smile tugging at your rosy lips in your unaware tranquility. 

„Nah. Don’t worry too much, Yoongi-Hyung. They weren’t working recently, Jimin and her. They just didn’t have time to realize that since he was always away, touring with his dance company. She wasn’t happy lately. Not for months. I think she actually came close to ending things with him at one point, but knowing him he did or said something terribly sweet and caring and she decided to overlook all the areas in which their relationship was lacking. What can I say? Love isn’t easy. Unless you find your one, true, destined soulmate, of course.“ 

„Yeah, sure“, Yoongi mumbles absentmindedly, his gaze still fixed on you. „Anyway. I gotta go, Tae. I don’t wanna wake her up. But no word of this to anyone or I’m gonna kill you. Literally.“ 

„All right, all right“, Taehyung chuckles in response. „I’m team y/sh/n, remember? I’m rooting for you, Hyung.“

„Thanks a lot.“

„One day you’ll actually mean it. You’re gonna thank me and actually mean it. Mark my words!“  

„Yeah, yeah. Bye.“

„Bye. See you tomorrow. Don’t be late, or I’m gonna kill you.“ 

„As if.“ 

With those words, Yoongi ends the call and turns off your phone to avoid further disruptions before he, once more, gets as comfortable as possible next to you and his worn-out sofa and eventually falls asleep to the dulcet sound of your calm breathing. 

END OF CHAPTER 14 || TO BE CONTINUED

Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it so far and this chapter didn’t disappoint. 😌 

Here you can find my Masterlist in case you feel like checking out more of my BTS fiction.

Also, if you have Spotify, you can listen to the ‘official’ playlist to the ‘Linked’ series here.It contains all the songs being sent back and forth between Yoongi and the reader and some more fitting the series’ theme.  

Take care and have a great day! ☺️💖

The GIFs used are NOT mine. Credit goes to the initial creators. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

[fiveknivesdates]

No one's gonna stick the pieces together for you

Camilla

Name: Shira Omuraliev

Id number: -05

Birth: October 19th, 1991

Arrival: February 4th, 2000

Gender: Female

Room number: 5

Nationality: American

Specialities: Transformation

Languages spoken: English.

History: Born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Aibek and Azra Omuraliev. Has two siblings, her twin sister Dinara and younger brother Devin whom she has not met. Started using her powers in late 1999 and joined the Organization a couple months later.

That was all that stood on the first page in the book. Two pictures were plastered on the left side of the page, one of a young girl that must be Shira when she arrived. The other looked as if it could have been taken yesterday. She was wearing that same gold eyeliner and her short black hair looked wild. I stared at the pictures for a long while, looking at her smile, her eyes, her hair. Young Shira had long, straight black hair. There was something about these two pictures that irked me deeply. Maybe it was seeing a younger version of somebody I had just met, making her somehow seem more real. This picture of Shira from years ago was proof that she was a person with a life and a story to tell. She had big teeth and was wearing a red t-shirt with butterflies on. She was just a kid, and already she had come to this place. Already she had begun controlling the world around her. She had grown so much, still looking at the newer picture, it was clear that she was still young. There was still a child inside of her, longing to be set free. I saw it in the way she lined her eyes in that shimmering gold, the way her hair had both grown shorter, but also wilder.

There was more to Shira than I had first thought. I needed to know who she had been four years ago when Javier and Miriam were killed. I needed to start somewhere, I needed to dig deep into everything about her if I wanted to know if she could have done it, and as I had just learned a few hours ago, nothing was impossible.

When I heard knocking on my door, I was sure it must be Shira. She had shown me around yesterday, so why shouldn’t she also be the one to check up on me today? However, when I opened the door, I wasn't greeted by a black bob cut, but a cloud of golden curls. Erika was fidgeting with her silk skirt as I looked her up and down.

“Good morning,” She said cheeringly. “It’s time for breakfast, then we’ll begin lessons”

“Lessons?” I asked bewildered as I followed her down the hall to the elevator

“Didn’t Shira mention?” Erika asked me. “Well, you are supposed to receive lessons by everyone, starting with me today”

“For the whole day?”

“No, you’ll get plenty of free time to roam.” Erika answered as the doors opened to the Kitchen and Common Room. “But after dinner we have obligatory training on floor 14”

“What's on floor 14 again?” I asked as we sat down by the kitchen table.

“That’s the maze,” Erika said. “Adi and Shira are turning it into a city so we can practice urban combat and chase.”

“Is it really clever to make everybody compete with each other?” I asked as I sipped the mug of coffee Erika had handed me, then I continued, clarifying: “After yesterday’s dinner?”

“Clever? No, not if you asked me,” Erika answered truthfully. “Necessary? Yes, if you asked Adi”

“How long till I’ll meet your leader?”

“Depends,” Erika said with a sly smile, a beckoning for me to remember a conversation we’d been a part of a few days ago. “Adi is a busy man, but maybe if you ask nicely he’ll let you visit him in his workshop”

“So your leader is too busy to meet your newest member?” I asked, then leaned over the table to punctuate what I was about to say. “Or does he just not care enough to bother?”

If you asked me, I wouldn’t be able to tell you how I knew to strike where I did. The truth is, I sensed something about Erika and the way she said Adi’s name, like she was uttering the name of a god long forgotten. She was the only one who said his name like that, like it meant more than any other word in every other language. It made me believe that she felt strongly about the guy. It made me think that if I ever said something rude about him, she’d take offense to it.

That’s why I let my mouth run.

Erika smiled at me, unbothered. The only thing indicating her irritation was her fingers that wrapped a little tighter around her own mug of coffee. “Adi cares, but he sometimes gets a little stuck in his study”

“Why don't we go down and visit him, then?” I asked with no idea of why I was going this far to meet another new face when I was already exhausted from all the new faces I had met.

“Like I said,” Erika chirped. “We would have to ask nicely”

“We are not allowed in the workshops?”

“We are not allowed in his workshop.” I could see the gentle lines and sweet smile begin to fade on Erika’s face, into a tired annoyance. A triumph. She continued: “And why do you even want to visit him so badly? You’ll get your chance soon enough to see him”

I didn't know why I wanted to see him. To see who was the mastermind behind my kidnapping? To meet the most powerful of the most powerful? Adi was their leader, he must be more powerful then the others, more wise. Or maybe I just want answers.

I don't have any questions on my mind, I am perfectly question free. I am the only one who knows who I am. Still I seek answers, seek purpose. A reasoning.

I don't know.

I don't know what I am seeking, I just know that I have been grasping towards something my entire life and being here, seeing magic unfold inside of myself, it all makes me feel like I am close to finding what I was looking for all that time. I desperately want to close my hand and feel my own life inside of it, and I thought Adi might be the key for me to do so. When in a castle, you go to the king for purpose, not his servants.

“I just do,” I tell Erika, a truthful lie. The kind of lie I have a talent for telling.

“Let’s wait till after your lesson” Erika said with a force behind her words. I close my mouth and look down into my food.

The entirety of Floor Ten is dedicated to training. There is a big empty room with swords and other tools for fighting are lined along the wall. Inside another room is a swimming pool, which I found strange, seeing as we are surrounded by water already.

We entered a small room with a round table in the middle and a whiteboard covering an entire wall.

“Sit down, please.” Erika said, so I did. “Welcome to your first theory lesson.”

I got up right away. I am not here to listen to Erika ramble on about magic while I just sit quietly. I wanted to practice, I wanted to use magic.

“Camilla sit down, please” Erika said again, still with that polite tone but now with more power behind it, so I sat down. I didn't mean to sit down, it just sort of happened. I look up at Erika and she is smiling at me, all sunshine and goldm and I want to tear the smile of her face. I was beginning to figure out that Erika’s smile was unwavering. I knew I was getting on her nerves, I could see that clearly in the way her hands gripped the back of the chair she was standing behind, but still she continued to smile at me.

“I don't want to be here,” I said plain and simple.

“You’ll get to use your powers for the rest of your life,” Erika wheddled. “But it’ll be easier if you know what you are doing. This isn’t just fun and games. We are born with the power to tamper with the universe, don't you think we owe the world to be careful with those powers?”

I didn’t care about the world, I just wanted to know myself. I didn't say as much to Erika but instead folded by hands and waited for her to get on with the lesson.

The lesson lasted until lunch, with no breaks. It was easy stuff, mostly Erika talking about how our powers and the universe works, with only a few mentions of the kind of missions the Organization sent it’s Tethered on, but for a girl like me who has not been in school for four years, I was suddenly reminded of how hard it is to sit still and listen for a prolonged time.

According to Erika, the magic we used was the thing that bound the universe together and made things happen. It’s that happening that we control, that we use to run fast or swim further or light up the world. Few people have this power, and it is unpredictable who gets to be born with the powers. She said the last part like she was answering a question I had yet to say out loud, and when she did I realized it was one of the questions inside of me. Why was I picked? Why me?

The Organization is a funny thing to me. It’s old, older than I can properly grasp, and it’s sole purpose is to protect humankind. That means also protecting Earth. The Organization is led by an elected Tethered, that being the mysterious Adi at the moment. Adi, born in 1770, is the oldest member of the Organization, but he is not the oldest known Tethered.

Erika explained that it takes time to learn new powers, which is why it’s a general rule that the older a Tethered is, the more dangerous.

“But age isn't the only thing that makes us more powerful.” Added Erika. “We all have a bucket, which we use to draw magic from the well of the universe. Imagine if you used your bucket, but gave whatever was in it to someone else. Someone who already knows how to drink the water.”

“Sounds very wise,” I admitted “But I don’t really get it”

“Well,” Erika offered “Point is we can boost each others powers. It’s usually done by physical contact, like holding hands. It’s one of the reasons the Organization is so effective. Drifters have to rely on their own powers and knowledge, but we can share those things.”

“If that’s true, how are the Drifters even benefiting from being alone?” I speculated aloud.

Erika’s eyes lit up. “That is a good question. Why stay alone when you could work together? Why wander the earth, older than any other human around you; lonely. Why do that of your own free will when it’s so easy to reach out your hand to people like you?”

She knew that I knew the answer, and I did. I was alone too, maybe not for as long as some of the Drifters around the world, but that hardly mattered. Fact was that I ran away because I wanted to be alone, because I wanted to be free. They all traded power for solitude, a choice that might sound ridiculous to most people who didn’t know that solitude is sometimes another word for freedom. I knew now that I could not stay here. I am a creature who feeds of freedom, who always shys away from people. I had to stay for a bit, at least until I figured out how to use my powers, then I’d run away and make a life of my own. Alone.

“I think you know the answer, don't you?” Erika prodded.

“I do” I said simply

“People are predictable,” Erika continued on with her lesson. “And we, the Tethered, are still just people. Some of us need connection to other human beings to feel alive, and others can only be themselves when they are alone.” I couldn’t help but tune her out, focusing instead on the glass from where I could see the deep of the ocean. It was light outside again, like the ocean lit up with the sun, even if the actual rays of light could not reach this far underwater.

“What happened to Javier and Miriam?” I cut in. Erika looked taken aback for about half a second, then she composed herself.

“They were found dead.” She began, careful with her words. “First it was Javier in Germany. Him and Zeph were on a mission and they had split up for a bit. Zeph said when he came back to their camp, Javier was laying in the snow with a knife in his shoulder and his heart bigger than his head; murdered by another Tethered.”

“And Miriam?” I asked when Erika stopped.

She smiled and looked down at her own hands. “Miriam was our leader. Brave, smart, funny. Lynn found her dead right there,” She pointed towards the seafloor that I could see clearly through the glass. A single stone was raised in the water. “There had been an earthquake. She was laying on the ground, her hands gripping onto the stone and her lungs shattered.”

“And you don't know who did this?” I asked

“You know we don't,” Erika pointed out.

“Yes,” I admitted. “But I want to find out who did it”

Erika looked me over, then shook her head. “You are in more danger than any of us. You can’t even control your powers properly, how are you supposed to defend youself from a murder? Take my advice and keep your head low while you train”

“Okay” I lied. Erika eyed me again, unconvinced, but still she continued with the lesson.

Erika takes me down to the 13th floor, which is a giant garden. The walls here aren't glass, but mirrors, making the garden seem endless. There are areas where vegetables and herbs are grown in rows, and even a section of fruit trees standing in line like a mini orchard, but the rest of the garden is an overgrown mess. Erika leads me towards a giant willow tree beside a small lake, and we sit down to eat our lunch.

Earlier today I decided that I would investigate Shira. A big part of me didn’t believe she could be the murderer. She just seemed too innocent, too carefree, but my life had taught me that you never knew just what people could be capable of. I wondered, not for the first time, if you could read it on my face how many people I had killed, or if I still had some of my innocence left.

“Can I ask you something?” I started out.

“Of course.” Erika said, looking out at the lake. There must be some sort of artificial light source hidden over us, because in that fleeting moment it looked like Erika was sitting underneath the sun, her hair ablaze in the spots where the light shone through the leaves over us.

“What does ‘transformation’ mean? I saw it on Shira’s page in that book”

“Oh, it's her powers,” Erika explained, turning towards me. I wish she would have kept looking out at the lake, because with her eyes on me I felt exposed, like she could read all my secrets. She properly could. “She has the ability to transform one thing into another. Like, wood into stone or lead into gold.”

I thought about Shira and her gold jewelry. It must be real gold she wore, real gold made by herself. I recalled Erika telling me about Javier’s death. His heart had grown bigger, until it couldn’t fit inside his chest. Shira was familiar with manipulating objects. It wouldn't be out of her capabilities to ruin organs. The mental image of Shira stabbing another person and making his heart grow felt wrong. Still it did not feel impossible.

“Was her and Javier friends?” I asked Erika.

“Kinda,” Erika answered. “They weren't anything special. Javier spent most of his time hanging with Zeph or Aiden, and Shira was mostly found down in the workshops with Adi. But that didn't mean they werent friends, ya know. Everyone here are friends”

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Everyone here were friends” Erika reiterated. “Believe it or not, we didn't used to be this messy. We used to be friends. We had movie nights and we went clubbing each friday. Of course none of us are in the mood for those things since they died.”

“Do you think Shira could have done it?” I asked, the words out of my mouth before my brain caught up.

Erika laughed, shortly. “No, have you met her? Shira couldn't even hurt a fly, as if she would even stand a chance against Miriam.”

“Was Miriam strong?”

“The strongest” Erika sighed. “She was old, very old.”

“But Javier? Could she have done that?”

“I don't see why you are interested”

“Precautions” I said, simply.

Erika looked at me then, and I wished that I had never asked her anything. She looked right through me and it made my soul shake. “Don't try to play detective, Camilla.”

I left with the sound of my own name ringing from her lips. <-- Previous chapter // Next chapter --> Chapter index