Chapter Text
They arrive at the city close to dusk. It’s mostly deserted, as they expected, but a few people are still around. Most of them are not originally from here, but rather have built a new life in the abandoned and partly destroyed land. Even centuries after, it still struggles to recover, if it truly ever can.
It hadn’t been a hard journey to the fallen kingdom, but it still took almost a day, and the six travellers were ready to find a place to rest, and hopefully gather some information, too. Of course, they already knew the history of this place, and also had a hunch about where the source of magical disturbances might be, but it was important to know as much as they could about what they were facing.
Even though it’s getting dark and there really aren’t many others walking around, they still attract a bit of attention. After all, magic users like them are the delight of childrens’ stories and not that common, and their bright robes stand out, along with their accessories, weapons and horses.
Their leader rides in the front. Kim Namjoon, despite not being the eldest, is known for his remarkable intelligence, earning him his position. His robes are of a dark gray color, with silver lining the seams of the fabric, and on his head sits a circlet that shows off his assigned gem, the moonstone. A sword scabbard sits by his left hip, and a leather satchel’s strap crosses his chest to where the bag rests by his right side. His horse, Maxime, is of a common chestnut color, but no less majestic than the others as it proudly leads the small procession further into the town.
Right behind him are the two eldest of the group. Kim Seokjin and Min Yoongi visibly contrast when riding side by side. The first one gracefully sits atop his white horse, Gureum, wearing white-lined pink robes and a rose quartz circlet, as well as a quiver and bow on his back. The second one scopes their surroundings, from the back of his black horse, Shadow, wearing dark robes with silver and gold linings and his obsidian circlet, resting his hand on his side, where one of his daggers is stored.
Close to them, by himself, rides Park Jimin. The second youngest, despite his petite appearance, has an undeniable aura of elegance that catches the attention of most who look their way. His robes are of a golden color, similar to his horse’s coat, a palomino named Reyna. The gem sitting in his circlet is a yellow garnet. He also wears a satchel similar to their leader’s, and carries a quiver and a longbow.
Bringing up the rear, the youngest, Jeon Jungkook, and the third eldest, Jung Hoseok, are the only ones not in silence, as they share comments about what they can see as they move towards the most rehabilitated part of the city. The younger man’s horse, Tempest, is perhaps the most unusually colored, with its black-and-white coat similar to a cow’s, and it seems a bit impatient with their slow pace. His rider’s robes are dark blue, lined with black and silver, and his gemstone circlet holds a sapphire. On his back, he carries twin broadswords that sit in an “X” shape, their scabbard hanging off the left side of his belt.
The last man rides on a more common horse, a bay of a reddish-brown color named Hope. His robes are as scarlet as the ruby in his circlet, lined with golden weavings. He carries a small leather pouch in his belt, and a wooden staff across his back, that can turn into a double-ended spear. He’s the first one to be approached by someone, as a small child with curious eyes, from the group that had been following them the past few minutes, decides she wants to actually try to talk to them. He gives her a warm smile and answers her shy question of ‘A-are you magic?’ with a little burst of light in his hand, from which sprouts a beautiful white flower that he offers to the girl, who runs away with a giggle to show it off to her friends.
“Charming the crowds already, hyung?” Jungkook says, sharing a playful smile with the other as he straightens back up and they resume their march.
"Well, it’s not much of a crowd but, you know…” He looks ahead of them, with a soft smile, but a sad glint in his eyes. “...these kids probably don’t see much magic around here.”
With a small nod, the youngest looks ahead too. “Yeah, you’re right. I have a feeling they don’t, or that it’s not very nice magic if they do”, he says, thinking about their mission here and the reports they’ve received.
They see the others stop, and do the same. It seems like they have arrived at what must have once been a grand square. In the middle of the courtyard-like space was a big, although cracked stone fountain that had probably been fixed sometime during the past few years, as it sprouted water, even if it was just a small stream that barely allowed the bottom of the largest basin to be filled.
Around this space, the buildings seemed to be in a decent condition, or at least better than most they had seen in the outermost ring of the old city, many of which were just rubble. Here they could see more people moving around, some going home, others heading towards what seemed to be taverns, for their post-supper routine, or through half-mounted displays to merchant stands that were closing down for the night, for some last-minute shopping. There was also a bigger building at the back that seemed busy, and the sign outside told them this was an inn.
“I guess that’s where we’re staying tonight, then…”, Namjoon said, looking around the square, then turning back to the others and gesturing towards the building with his head. “Shall we?"
As they approached, they could see a section of the building was a stable, so their leader, along with the eldest, dismounted, leaving the others to make sure the horses were safe and fed, while they went to talk to the innkeeper. The man seemed a bit distrustful of them, but with a little bit of natural charm and diplomacy, as well as a promise to use their magic to help him with some technical problems, they were able to secure two different rooms they would have to share, as there were not that many available rooms in the small establishment.
Paying ahead, as they were only staying tonight and leaving in the early morning, the two waited for the others outside, watching the people, most of which either ignored them or gave them weird looks. When the rest of their group arrived, they split between the rooms (Seokjin, Yoongi and Namjoon in one room, the other three in the other), going upstairs to put away their belongings and change out of their travel robes, into some more comfortable and less noticeable clothing. Having had dinner, they split off into pairs, heading out or staying at the inn, in hopes of getting some more information.
✦✧✦
They enter the surprisingly spacious stables, after getting some apples from one of the merchants. Jungkook heads towards his own horse, while his hyung goes to check on the others’. He greets Tempest with a few pets and offers him some fruit, rubbing at his mane and entering the stall.
“You like that, huh buddy?”, he coos at the horse, smiling as he continues to caress it, and sets down the bag with the other apples, after giving him another one.
Him and Jimin had decided they would take a walk, and check on the horses too. Namjoon-hyung and Seokjin-hyung had both stayed behind to talk to some of the inn patrons, while the other two were trying their luck in one of the taverns, and, in the meantime, the two youngest got to see a bit of the town, and snoop around a little, too.
They had already talked to some of the store owners and others who stayed out until later, hoping to sell some more of their goods before going home for the night. Most of what they heard was similar to the reports and rumours they got, although they managed to get some more details that could help them out like, for example, that whatever creature or magic was making a mess seemed to manifest only by the foot of the small mountain at the northern edge of the town. Besides that, though, not much else was completely believable or helpful for their mission.
“Hey,” Jungkook looks up when he hears the other calling out, seeing that Jimin is coming closer.
“I’ve checked on the others and they seem to be doing fine.” The older boy stops at the stall to his left, where his horse is already greeting him by shuffling closer and nodding her head as he enters. “Ahh, I see you’ve eaten too!”, Jimin says, smiling at her and gently rubbing his small hand on her forehead.
“Here, hyung,” Jungkook says, reaching into the bag for the last apple, and tosses it at the other. “there’s still some left over.”
“Thanks, Jungkookie.” He gives the younger boy a smile, then feeds the snack to Reyna. “Mmm, good girl. You want some water, too?”
Jimin-hyung has this odd (but cute) habit of getting his mare to drink some water out of his cupped hands, even though they are kinda small and can’t hold much (he calls it a bonding experience, right after he pouts at him and hits the maknae for teasing him about his hands). He does the same thing now, too, waving his hand over the nearby watering trough, and bringing it to his other one to make a bowl shape that fills up as the liquid floats towards him. The boy then brings his hands closer, so that the horse can drink, and leans closer to her, cooing and talking in a hushed tone, as if they’re telling each other their deepest thoughts and secrets.
Honestly, Jungkook wouldn’t put it past his hyung to do something like vent to his animal companion. Even if he often enjoys the others’ (and his) company, the shorter man is still pretty closed off sometimes. They’ve tried talking to him, too, but he seldom accepts their comforting words, and even more rarely talks through what’s bothering him right away, but with some coaxing from Namjoon or Seokjin-hyung, they’re able to help him out. They don’t always even notice anything is wrong until there’s a sudden outburst, all the bottled up feelings coming out suddenly.
He’s gotten better over the years, though, and has let down his walls a bit. Jimin-hyung trusts them more, now, and knows he can come to any of them if he needs, even if it’s just to cuddle peacefully, or take a walk, or even do some sparring, to let out his frustration before he’s ready to talk.
With a fond smile at the other’s cute antics, Jungkook turns back to his own horse, brushing his mane with his fingers a little, to straighten it out, then steps out of the stall, with a final pat to Tempest’s head.
“Do you wanna head back now, hyung?”, he asks, seeing the other press a soft kiss to his mare’s forehead and stepping out too.
“Well, I don’t think we’ll find any more useful information but, we could find somewhere to sit and wait for Seokie-hyung and Yoongi-hyung to come back.”, he suggests.
“Hmm, ok, that sounds good.”
✦✧✦
Yoongi and Hoseok had been the first ones to head out, not wanting to wait too long for fear that the tavern would either be too crowded (“Which, really, hyung, is kind of unlikely, what with the amount of people around.”) or not crowded enough, if most patrons left to head home for the night. The two walk calmly, though, partly to avoid standing out too much, but also to take note of their surroundings. As they enter the building, ordering a drink each, and sitting down at one of the free tables, in the corner, the eldest thinks about the information they already have.
They learned early on that you can’t completely trust word-of-mouth, especially when it comes to magical issues, as well as to not go rushing at every request they get. When multiple sources mention the same thing, though, well, chances are it actually is true, even if the details aren’t that believable (which, if he was being honest, they never exactly know how to tell, as magic can be unpredictable and temperamental, as well as constantly changing, created or manifested in new ways). So, they set out to the Broken Kingdom, only a day’s journey away from their castle, and here they are, searching for the source of the magical disturbances they’ve heard about, double-checking their information, and looking for more details, if they are able to gather any more.
So far, from what they asked the stable hands, after they got stalls for all of the horses, as well as from what the innkeeper said, it seems like what they got in their reports is pretty much what most of the townsfolk know or think about the threat. Many of them mention the noises at night, as well as the weird feeling they get if they go too close to the base of the mountain. Some have also spotted strange vults, or even claim to have been injured by whatever these creatures are. If they could only find out what type of being was causing mayhem, they would be at an advantage when going up against them.
As he thought this over, Yoongi kept his eyes moving, observing the people around them. The few that sat at the bar seemed to only chat with the tavern owner while nursing their drinks, most of them with brooding expressions, while the small groups gathered at the tables were a bit more rowdy, animatedly talking to each other and ordering round after round, unbothered by the pointed glares the server girl sent their way, as if she was saying ‘Have you not had enough yet?’ with only a look.
There were also a few lone wolves and quiet groups, mostly keeping to the edges and corners to the room like them, who seemed as disillusioned with life as the ones by the bar. One man in particular, though, had been sneaking glances at them ever since they sat down, which would usually be normal, as people’s eyes tend to stray to the magic users, but they are not wearing their usual type of outfit, or even their weapons or circlets, which makes it a bit odd for the other to be nervously looking over at them, especially when everyone else seems to take no notice of the pair.
“Hey, hyung…” Hoseok leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone. “You see that guy over there? He keeps looking this way.”
The eldest nods. “Mm, I’ve noticed it too. He seems nervous.”
“I wonder what his deal is… Do you think he might know something?”
Yoongi glances towards the man, to inspect him further, but ends up locking eyes with him. That seems to startle the other who, after a shaky sigh, stands up, making his way out the back door of the tavern. Before he exits, though, he looks back at them, motioning with his head as if he wanted them to follow.
The two share a look, standing up. “Guess we’re about to find out.”
✦✧✦
Seeing as they had already befriended the innkeeper, Namjoon thought it might be better if he and Seokjin were the ones staying behind. So, with Yoongi and Hoseok volunteering to check out the taverns, and the two youngest wanting to take a walk around, he and the eldest were left by themselves in the inn’s common room. They sat next to the unlit hearth, on rickety wooden chairs, and talked over their plans for tomorrow.
The two spoke in hushed tones, scanning their surroundings too. Not many people were around, most of them going out or up to their rooms, and only a few had stayed, eating late, or simply lounging, which meant that the atmosphere was quite peaceful, even if it had an underlying negative tone, the same that permeated the whole town. He could detect it better here, with more people around, but he was sure Seokjin had picked up on the gloomy energy clinging to every corner of the city much sooner, probably from the moment they entered, if the unsettled look they’d briefly exchanged back then was anything to go by.
It had only been a few minutes since they sat down when they were interrupted. They spotted the owner of the inn coming towards them and quieted down, sitting up straighter as the man approached. “Would you two be free to come with me now? I have some information you might find useful.”
He waits for Seokjin and Namjoon to stand up, then leads them through to the back of the building, to what looks to be a storage area, and they immediately see what the problem is, as the door on the far wall seems to have been torn off its hinges, and the wall itself is damaged, with big cracks, and some chunks missing.
“What happened?”, Seokjin asks, as they move closer.
The man moves the door aside, then reaches for one of the fallen and partially destroyed crates by it, pulling it closer. “I don’t know exactly, but one of my cooks was the first to notice. Just a day ago, she was meant to come get some supplies for the kitchen when she saw the door was open, as well as some of these.” He gestures towards the crates. “When she came closer, she saw a creature inside one of the crates of eggs and, when it was startled, it did this.” This time, he looks at the wall. “She said it looked like a ‘mongoose’, although, I’m not sure what that is, but she’s foreign, so it might be a creature from her land.”
With a thoughtful frown, Namjoon observes the scene. “A mongoose? Well, it makes sense that it would be interested in the eggs, but how could it have done such damage to the wall? And how would it be here? It's a foreign animal...” He shares a look with the eldest, who shrugs, moving closer to put a hand against the stone, looking for traces of magic.
“I do not know, but it’s the first time we’ve had problems of the sort, and we’ll need to go by without eggs until the next shipment.” The man sighs, then looks at the youngest of the two again. “My employee did however say that there was something wrong with the animal… She mentioned it had unsettling red eyes, and moved like a shadow, coated with dark bits of drying mud.”
“Drying mud… Mongoose...” Namjoon mutters under his breath, his mind already running through the creatures and mythical beasts he knows.
“I don’t think it was any regular animal that did this. I can sense traces of some darker magic here.” Seokjin steps away, turning to face them. “It might be connected to what we are here for, so you shouldn’t worry, ahjussi. The damage to the wall isn’t that extensive, either. Think you can take care of it, Joon-ah?”
“Hmm?” The youngest snaps out of his train of thoughts. “Oh, uh, yeah, just, give me a moment.”
Namjoon steps up to the wall and puts both hands against it. He focuses on finding where there are cracks, then redirects his magic to mend them, pulling in some of the chunks of rock on the floor, too, and it doesn’t take long for the surface to look as good as new.
The innkeeper thanks them profusely, and they leave after reassuring him, once more, that it had most likely been a one-time accident. The two decide to head up to their room then, to wait for the others.
“You have any idea what this creature might be?” Seokjin asks as they climb the stairs.
“I might have a hunch about it…”
✦✧✦
Having collected the maknaes already, Yoongi and Hoseok returned to the inn. Seeing that the other two weren’t in the main room anymore they all headed upstairs, to the room assigned to the two eldest and the leader, knocking and entering when Seokjin called out a ‘Come in!’.
The room was not very spacious, but it had two single beds and a few other pieces of furniture. Another mattress, along with some blankets, had been brought in for the third occupant. Namjoon and Seokjin sat on the side of one bed, facing the door and the other bed. The others quickly followed their lead, Jimin joining them, and the other three sitting together.
Hoseok’s own room, which he would share with Jimin and Jungkook, only had a double bed, but they were confident the three would be able to sleep on the bed together, as it wasn’t uncommon for them to cuddle, being more touchy than the others. So, even if the bed was significantly smaller than the ones back home, they would surely squeeze in somehow.
“So, did you guys find anything useful?” Namjoon looks at them expectantly.
“Hm, we didn’t get much.”, Jungkook starts. “Just that whatever it is doesn’t seem to like the city much and stays close to the mountain.”
Hoseok nods, thinking back to their own investigation. “That makes sense. Yoongi-hyung and I talked to this man - or, well, he sort of came to us, but - he said his kid went exploring with some friends, and they went up the mountain but got hurt.”
The other continues. “Mmhm, apparently they came running back with scratches and bites that didn’t look normal, but most of the parents wouldn’t believe them when they said there were some ‘evil things’ near the castle ruins.”
“And this man who talked to you, he believed?” The question comes from Seokjin, with a raised brow.
“He seemed hesitant, but, yes, he did.” Hoseok frowns. “His wife was the daughter of a magic user who specialised in creatures. She unfortunately passed away a few years ago, but, she knew about these sorts of strange things, and even had some residual power herself.”
The others nod in assent, then turn towards the two who had stayed at the inn, waiting expectantly as their leader seems to think the new information over. Hoseok sometimes teases him, saying they can almost hear the gears in his head turning, and imagine the puzzle pieces fitting together when he gets a certain glint in his eyes.
“I… I think I know which creature we might be up against.”, he finally says. “Or, should I say, creatures, because there might be a whole pack of them. I just can’t figure out what it is they’re after exactly, but we will probably find out if we explore the old castle’s ruins.” Namjoon looks around at them.
“We should head there in the early morning, then. If we’re quick, we might be on our way home before noon.” Seokjin gets up, heading for his bag that was in the corner. “I’ll see if I can get some more supplies, and something for breakfast in the morning. I’ll be back soon.”
As the eldest heads out, the others focus on the leader again. “So, what creature is this?”, Yoongi asks.
“Well…”, Namjoon starts. “If I’m right, they’re called ichneumon or echinemon , and they’re pretty similar to a mongoose, but with certain magic-related differences. I’ve never even heard of one being sighted in the last millenium…”
“Like a mongoose? Hmm, that would explain what the wounds were like…”, Hoseok says, thinking back to the conversation again. “How can you be sure though?”
The other continues, explaining what had happened to the inn storage in detail.
“I’m not one hundred percent sure, but, it does make sense.”
“So… they like… eggs?”, Jungkook asks after a few beats of silence, with a serious (cute) frown.
“Well, mongooses like eggs.”, Hoseok says, turning to look at the leader. “I’m guessing there’s more to it with these magical versions, though?”
Namjoon nods. “There is. I think the egg thing might be related to their animal counterparts, but, traditionally, ichneumon are enemies of the dragon.” The others look confused, so he continues. “They would cover themselves with mud and close their nostrils with their tails, then attack a dragon. I believe they were even able to kill the beasts.”
“They killed dragons?” Jimin is the one speaking out in question, now. “How? And why would they be here, then? There haven’t been dragons around here in centuries, way before the old kingdom fell, even.”
“I think they attacked at the throat, but I’m not sure… The only mentions of them I remember are pretty outdated.”, The leader says. “And, yeah, I was confused too, I see no reason for them to be here.”
“That’s why we should look into it as soon as possible.”, Seokjin says as he enters the room again, setting down his leather pouch and a new bag, most likely full of supplies. “Breakfast and provisions are handled. We should head to bed.”
The others nod in assent. After setting a time to meet in the morning, Hoseok and the two youngest head to their own room. Having changed into their sleepwear, they settle on the bed, him on his back, with Jungkook and Jimin cuddled up to either side, fast asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow (or his chest, in the youngest of the two’s case). The eldest ponders the tasks for tomorrow, but quickly shakes off his worries, and falls asleep not long after the maknaes.
✦✧✦
The moon is still well visible in the sky when they eat a light breakfast and head out.
After packing up, they headed downstairs, where they were served some food by the innkeeper’s wife, who would go back to bed right after.
Dressed in full regalia again, with their colorful (but battle-appropriate) robes, it was obvious to the concerned woman who they were, and that they were ready for action. Apparently fond of the eldest of the group, whom she’d struck up a conversation with last night, she even saw them off with motherlike reminders and worries, after they had brought their horses outside and mounted.
Despite the warnings, though, the six of them continue on towards their destination: the ruins of the castle that once looked over this land.
✦✧✦
Legend says that this was once a prosperous kingdom, with a kind King, a generous Queen, and a beloved Prince. There had been nothing but peace and happiness for centuries, the rulers following in their ancestors’ footsteps. The Queen was even skilled with magic, born with powers that were passed onto her child as well.
The Prince was one of the biggest joys of the kingdom. As a small child, he was a curious, strange little thing, filled with so much kindness and charm, his smile and laugh were able to light up the whole room (sometimes literally, if magic was involved), and as he aged he only grew kinder - and more beautiful.
Everyone found him endearingly handsome even as a gangly teenager, but by the time he reached his twenty-first birthday, anyone who looked his way could not deny he had an ethereal sort of beauty, the kind that poets and troubadours often portray in their works, but that most think is impossible to exist outside of fantasy.
Women and men alike came from all over the realm, for a chance to ask for his hand in marriage, or even to just get a glimpse at the beautiful Prince. However, all offers were turned down, as his parents would not make such a choice for their dear son, and the boy himself had no interest in settling down. Although they feared what the common folk might say, most did not speak ill of this decision. After all, it was a delight to see the young man strolling around the city, greeting the people and helping out with little tasks, without being tied down by things such as marriage.
It was also common for the Prince to explore. He was scolded often as a boy, but that did nothing to tame his curious nature. Neither did age, due to how much freedom he still had. Now, though, he also longed for company, maybe even love, but something told him he would not find it anytime soon, so he continued to learn and roam and discover, as he always had.
In one of his journeys into the forest, at the start of what would be his twenty-fifth year, he found himself in a clearing he had never encountered before. It wasn't common to find new things anymore, so he thought this place was a bit strange which, of course, meant he should definitely explore it.
As he stepped through the trees into the open space, he felt how the air was charged with magic, and the light shining into the area led his focus right to the center, where a small crater could be seen. Coming closer, the Prince peered in, gasping at the sight of a massive object that seemed to be what made the hole.
Its texture was almost like scales, ones of a deep purple color. The stone also seemed to shine, and he could sense it was the source of most of the magic that clogged the air. Almost unconsciously, the young man reached for the gem, picking it up, absorbing whatever strange energy permeated the clearing and nearly dropping the object in surprise. Shaking off the weird feeling, he headed back to the castle, but told no one about what happened.
Eventually, though, all secrets come out. And not long after, rumours were spread about such a gemstone appearing to the Prince, wondrous tales spun about its origins and purpose.
This treasure attracted a lot of negative attention, too. Few dared to actually try to steal the strange gem, but a neighboring King, a cruel and greedy man, thought he might have a chance. Some say he had already been planning to take over the peaceful nation and merely sped up his plans, while others think that what transpired was just a heist, just one strike driven by greediness, as the kingdom crumbled soon after into what is now known as the “Broken Kingdom”.
The invaders were, unfortunately, successful. They laid siege to the capital and overwhelmed their forces, quickly taking control of most of the town. By the end of the day, the city streets were filled with blood and rubble, and the castle halls were too. The King and Queen’s bodies were found later by survivors, in the throne room, holding hands, on display like a gorey love portrait, but the Prince and the gemstone were never found.
✦✧✦
“Hyungs! Hurry up!”
They've been picking through rocky terrain ever since they left the old city at the base of the mountain. More light was starting to appear as dawn settled, which would hopefully make it easier for them to climb, while also allowing them to fully appreciate the view of the surrounding plains.
It’s not a very big mountain, but the path to the ledge where the castle sits winds around the back of the rock formation, and it’s not hard to see that it hasn’t been used in decades, as most of it is covered with fallen rocks, or even cracked in some places, potentially from erosion or other occasional phenomena like earthquakes.
So far, they haven’t seen any of the strange creatures, which is a bit unsettling but, considering that their non-magical counterparts are not nocturnal, is not cause for much concern, at least not yet.
Jungkook is the first one to make it to the ledge. He briefly examines the castle imposingly rising ahead, before turning back to look at them and tease them for being slower, the cheeky brat.
Despite being the youngest, Seokjin thinks the boy might be the bravest of the group. As much as they like to baby him, and, in return, he likes to tease them, he's always been a reassuring presence whenever they need, and he's never purposefully disrespectful. Well, not to them at least.
Even though Jungkook usually avoids feelings talks, they can all tell he cares deeply about them. After all, he joined them quite a few years ago, when he was only fifteen, barely of age by his kingdom's standard. They didn't have Jimin or Hoseok with them back then, either, but the boy had come to care for both of them just as much, and actually was more touchy with them than the others.
He's loyal almost to a fault (it makes him do stupid things sometimes) but he's an essential part of their little ragtag group, just like any of the other members are.
There was a time when Seokjin had a hard time changing his perspective on the youngest, as he grew into his body and personality, but now he’s just proud of the man he has become, and how he continues to improve his abilities (not that he'd say that directly to the little brat, but he tried to show it in his actions as his doting hyung instead). Long gone was the shy, skinny teenager, scared of his own abilities. In his place was a (still shy) confident young man, using his magic to help others, living a happy life. Or, well, the eldest hoped it was the case, but from the daily amount of beautiful (cute) bunny smiles they all usually got, he probably didn't need to worry (more) too much.
Seokjin got so lost in thought he didn't even notice they'd made it up to the ledge, and through the open, damaged gates into the broken front courtyard of the crumbling castle.
It was a good thing his head wasn't in the clouds anymore, because as soon as they dismounted and tied their horses to some of the more sturdy-looking stone columns, they heard screeching and saw some ichneumon coming towards them, slowly, warily, along the edge of the courtyard.
“Ah… there they are.”, Hoseok says, sighing, reaching for his bo staff. “Should we just…? How do we get rid of them?”
They ready their weapons too and observe the creatures. It seems like Namjoon’s hunch was right, but there's something off about them, still.
“Well, they're not actual animals, so…” Jimin nocks an arrow on his bow, aiming for one of the creatures. “Let's see what happens?”
He doesn't wait for a response from the others as he lets the arrow go, flying true and hitting its intended target, which promptly vanishes into smoke and ash with a screech.
Raising one eyebrow at the other boys and motioning towards the remaining creatures, he gets ready to shoot another arrow. “I think that answers your question, Hobi-hyung.”
The others chuckle and move forward, some to the ichneumon that showed up first and the rest of them in the main door’s direction, as they could see and hear more of the creatures inside that were starting to come out.
Seokjin forgoes using his own bow to instead use magic, creating blade-like energy focus points extending from his arms and throwing the occasional energy beam. Yoongi, too, decides to start off with magic right away, as his weapons are more suitable for close-combat, and uses some powerful sound pulses and lightning-like strikes.
More and more creatures rush out (“Where do this many of them even come from?”), forcing them to fight back even harder. Hoseok ends up transforming his staff, with a quick tap to the ground, into its double-ended spear form, while Jimin uses some of his potion vials to take out multiple creatures at once. Jungkook is alternating between using one or both of his swords and sending fireballs or jets at the crowd of ichneumon , doing a lot of damage to their numbers as well. Namjoon is the only one sticking to his sword, as he fears using his powers would not go well with the state of the castle, and he prefers the blade to using magic similar to the others’.
It soon starts getting overwhelming, not so much because of (but also aggravated by) the sheer number of creatures, but also because of the dust and darkness that starts to surround them. Their lungs are burning from the ash in the air, but with a warning from the eldest, they all cast a basic filter spell over their noses, allowing them to breathe properly. Occasionally checking if the others are doing alright, Seokjin lets himself get lost in the mindlessness of the fight.
✦✧✦
They check every corner of the first floor and head on to the next one. It seems like the further up they go, the more destroyed the rooms are, and the more creatures they find. When they reach the second to last floor of the main building (not counting the towers, which go higher), the only way upwards they can find is a service staircase, tucked away in one of the corners of the castle.
As they noticed most of the ceilings missing on this floor, it might be unsafe to climb the stairs, but Namjoon quickly puts his hand to the wall, confirming that the stone staircase and the area near it should be stable enough.
Strangely, at the top of the stairs, it could almost look as if the rest of the castle wasn't in ruins, if it wasn't for the visibly missing floor on the rest of this level. Only this hallway is left standing up here, it seems.
There are two doors to either side. One has been ripped off its hinges, and they can see that the room beyond it has no floor either. The other one is badly damaged, scratched up and with chunks missing but, apparently, still working, as it is slightly ajar.
They don't get much time to ponder the disparity between the area and the rest of the building, as some of the ichneumon in the remaining room notice them.
It's not hard to get rid of the few that were still there. They stop, then, and observe the room they made their way into. Most of the furniture has deteriorated, but not to the extent of what they've seen in the floors below.
The room looks pretty standard, with a purple and silver color scheme: purple drapes on the broken windows, purple bed sheets with silver sewed into the borders, and a matching sofa, for example. One of the walls seems to be made up entirely of a closet, some of its doors open, torn clothes spilling out of it.
It isn't, however, totally devoid of personality. Despite most objects being broken, they spot what was clearly once an easel, with torn canvases piled up next to the wall near it, both blank and painted ones. There also seems to be some old-fashioned sewing materials, and some sort of cage that could've held a small pet, perhaps a rodent.
While the others wonder about who this room might've belonged to, Seokjin closes his eyes and uses his magic to check their surroundings, to make sure that was the last of the creatures. He connects his energy to the walls, to make it easier to detect their magic signature anywhere within the castle stones.
He startles everyone when he gasps out, eyes widening, and they look at him with concern. “Is everything alright, hyung?”
“There's… something else here.” The man looks towards the closet, walking closer to one of the doors that remains intact. “I can feel a strong magical presence. Can't you feel it?”
The others focus, detecting it too, moving closer, observing as the eldest carefully opens the doors, expecting some kind of barrier that doesn't manifest. As Seokjin touches the bare wall behind this apparently empty section of the closet, they watch it slide away, as fast as if it was vanishing, to reveal a wide, circular room that looks intact too, the magic thrumming through it keeping it that way.
It's only after the six of them have crossed into the room, taking in the similar purple-themed decoration, that they notice what is, in a way, displayed in it. Jimin is the first one to see it, or rather him, and gasps, bringing it to the others' attention, and rushing closer.
By the far wall sits a long marble altar, with cushioning on top, and on it lies a gorgeous man, apparently sleeping.
The man has honeyed skin and a handsome face, along with long, thick lashes, and a mop of fluffy, dark hair. He is dressed in purple robes threaded with silver, defining his elegant form well. On his wrist is a bracelet of purple gemstones, and, on his other hand, a ring that looks like a royal seal. By his head, upon a matching colored pillow on a marble pedestal, sits an elaborate crown, and, on a similar perch by his feet, is a big hourglass, with purple sand falling very slowly, as if it counts the time by its own, slower rules.
However, the energy they can feel comes from neither the man nor the objects, but rather from behind him, where, on a higher pedestal, a very large purple gemstone glows and hums, pulsing with bursts of magic.
The group of six are stunned. They quickly recover from their shock, though, and start examining the beautiful man and the artifacts. While Jungkook and Hoseok check the gemstone, their leader checking the hourglass, and Yoongi the crown, the eldest moves towards the altar, where Jimin has already taken one of the slumbering man's hands, most likely doing a health check.
“He must be the missing Prince of the legend.”, Namjoon says, looking up at the boy from where he stands, by his feet. “The crown, the gemstone… I have no clue what this hourglass is for, though, or what kept him in this state for so long. Is he…?”
The shorter boy opens his eyes and lets them roam over the figure of the Prince. “He's still alive. Just in a dormant state, like a really deep sleep, probably magic-induced.”
“That's a really big but really weird magic stone…”, Yoongi says, setting down the crown he was looking at and looking over at the two examining the strange gem. “What's wrong with it?”
Hoseok’s troubled gaze meets his. “I'm not sure, but it's safe to touch. It gives you a sort of freaky but also comforting warm and fuzzy feeling.”
He reaches out a hand to demonstrate, shivering a little as his fingers make contact. He frowns a moment later as he focuses, inspecting with his magic, and eventually pulling back, wide-eyed and thoughtful.
“That's… I don't think this is any regular stone, guys.” The man steps forward again, taking in the smooth scaled surface of the object that is visible from up close. “I think this is an egg, but whatever is inside is dormant too.”
“A giant egg?”, Jungkook asks, taking a closer look, then turning to Namjoon along with the others. “Do you think it's a-”
“Dragon? It could be…”, the taller says, thoughtful. “It makes sense… especially with the ichneumon.”
If they thought nothing more could surprise them, well, they were wrong. There's a long pause when no one says anything, simply taking it all in, gaze bouncing around the room and coming back to the unconscious man and the magical objects.
“So… mystery solved, I guess.” Seokjin is the first one to speak, sighing. “What do we do now? Time to go home?” He looks towards the leader, who is still deep in thought.
“Home? We're not leaving him here, are we?”, Jimin says, taking his eyes off the Prince for the first time in minutes to glare and pout at the eldest (a weirdly mismatched but somehow effectively convincing Jimin expression).
“Well, there must be a way to wake him up if he's only sleeping…” Namjoon looks up, facing the others, while holding the hourglass up. “And something tells me we might be on a time limit…”
Jimin holds onto the slumbering man's hand even harder, wide-eyed. “We need to find a way to wake him up, then! Let's take him back with us.”
“I agree with Jimin-hyung.”, Jungkook says, coming closer, examining the boy with wonder in his eyes.
“If he's been here for hundreds of years, it might take as many for someone else to find him.” Yoongi is looking at the Prince too now. “The magic could run out on its own, even, and then he really would be lost, forever this time.”
With a look of agreement between the eldest and the leader, Seokjin moves closer to the altar, putting one hand on Jimin’s shoulder. “Alright. We should be able to transport him and these things, since the magic hasn't harmed us so far. Let's pack up and head out.”
“Be careful with the egg.”, Namjoon says, watching Hoseok, who starts growing some strong vines in his hand, creating a makeshift bag to securely transport the object. “The room might collapse when we take it, since the magic has been keeping it safe.”
The other nods, focusing on shaping the plants, then waiting for the others to finish their tasks.
Jimin has reluctantly pulled away from the Prince, and is now examining the rest of the space and the adjacent room with Jungkook for any of the boy's belongings they might want to take. Most of them are just seemingly random trinkets, which they store away in a discarded bag they pick up, and amongst them are small wooden carvings, a few plush animals (that have remained undamaged, in the hidden room) and some other memorabilia.
In the meantime, Namjoon tucks the hourglass away, careful to set it upright against the inside of his bag that is mostly packed with books, and Yoongi picks up the crown, observing it more closely. Upon seeing the Prince’s bracelet and inspecting the artifact in his hands, he identifies the boy's personal gem as purple tourmaline, telling the others as much and receiving thoughtful hums in return. He finds a jewelry box big enough for the crown in one of the tables against the wall and safely stores it inside.
Everyone else starts to head out into the bedroom so Seokjin, who has been examining the slumbering man, moves to pick him up, deciding to carry him bridal style. Hoseok then, finally, picks up the egg, and they all hurry to leave the room and head back down.
✦✧✦
The first rumbling sounds can be heard as they're mounting their horses, having safely stored away the magical artifacts and prepared to leave.
Namjoon takes the lead, as usual. Escorted on either side by the youngest two, the eldest follows, the Prince securely in his arms, and behind them ride the other two. They don't look back as they set out, but the noise of falling stone suddenly grows louder, and they know that whatever was left of the upper floors of the castle will soon turn to ruin too. There's no point in mourning over the destruction, though, and they focus on their journey, so that they may make it back home before sundown.
✦✧✦
And thus, the six men set their fate in motion. Their previously uneventful year was about to turn even more chaotic, and there would be hard times ahead, but they would overcome anything thrown at them. After all, seven is a strong number to be together as, so they will come out on top, with a new mission, as is their destiny. The journey itself is the most meaningful part, though, and it will be beautiful as it unfolds.