Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

His eyes flutter open as he feels his whole body stiffen. A small wave of emotion that he doesn’t quite understand swirls in his chest. His hearts pounds as feeling slowly comes back to him, from the tips of his fingers down to the tips of his toes. His eyebrows furrow in confusion as he slowly sits up.

His vision is a bit blurry, so he focuses on one object at a time. His heart still races as his skin prickles with goosebumps. Sweat beads over his brow as his mouth slowly loses it’s cotton dry taste. The man takes a deep breath and slides his hands over his silk comforter.

The Wall.

The man shakes as he pulls back his bedding and swings his legs over to place his feet on the ground. The sun light bounces off the marble walls, making it hard to see clearly. However, he’s walked these halls for over 500 years, being  blinded by the sun won’t affect his steps. 

“Admiral PD, what are you doing up?” a man wearing a red cloak asks, his hood up and arms folded within the sleeves. “The sun is high in the sky, you should be in bed Admiral.” The PD gently places his hands on the other male’s shoulder, slightly startling him.

“A vision is coming. Bring me to The Wall at once.” The Admiral PD whispers, his body trembling with mixed emotions. He doesn’t know whether he should be mad, scared, excited, or all three. The man in red bows before leading the older gentleman down the hall.

They wonder for 20 minutes before turning down another corridor. The corridor ends with red brick steps that lead down. The two men travel down the spiral stair case before walking into another corridor. These walls are painted black, with gold carvings, filled with symbols and pictures. The males continue their journey, not bothering to glance at the decorated walls, but instead, training their eyes on the soft glow of gold at the end of the hall, shining against the tar-like walls. 

After a breath, the glow shoots into the wall, carving gold in its place. The men watch as lines form into numbers and symbols. After another breath, the glowing stops, leaving a soft scent of iron and light smoke. The emotions inside the leaders’ chest calms as his vision becomes clear once again, no longer needing the assistance of the male in red.

“Admiral PD. What does the vision mean?” His guard asks, removing his hands from the elder. The PD lifts a finger to gently trace over the carving, brows furrowed in confusion once again.

“It’s a date,” The Admiral whispers as his fingers stop at the end of the carving. “And a symbol I do not recognize.” The men fall into silence as their eyes stay on the gold carving in the wall.

“I can’t believe my little baby is going to be serving in The Core!” Jimin smiles shyly as the older woman cups his face. Her dark plaited hair follows the length of his red blouse the stops at the waistband  on her black ankle length skirt.

“Ma, Min Hyun is the baby.” Jimin chuckles, placing his hands over his mothers. She shrugs, moving her flat palm to pinch Jimin’s defined cheeks. 

“I gave birth to you, so you’re my baby.”

“So, since I gave birth to Min Hyun he isn’t your baby?” Another woman asks. She dons a pair of black slacks, with a black blazer and red under shirt. A teenage boy, similar to Jimin in age and appearance, comes up beside her, wearing a black hoodie and jeans. Ma smiles as she removes her hands from Jimin’s face.

“Kind of, I guess he does have my blood in him too,” Jimin’s ma coos, pinching Min Hyun’s cheek. The teen groans, swatting his mother’s hand away. The woman in the blazer smiles, opening her arms so she could wrap them around Jimin.

“Be safe Jiminnie,” she says, squeezing him softly. Jimin smiles, hugging his other mother back.

“I will Umma. I’ll make sure to call after boot camp,” he replies. His umma smiles, pecking her son’s cheek before stepping back. 

“Make sure you write too, or I’ll never hear the end of it. You know how your ma gets.” Jimin’s umma chuckles. Jimin chuckles too, nodding his head.

“I will.” 

Jimin turns to the teenage boy, ruffling up his hair. Min Hyun hisses back, swatting his hands at Jimin’s as his pupils plus red for a moment before fading back to black.  “See you later kid, be good for Umma and ma, ok?” Min Hyun smiles, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Yeah, make sure you beat up some Werewolves while you’re there hyung!” Min Hyun says. Jimin laughs, throwing his back pack over his shoulder.

“Will do.”

“Your brother will be waiting for you at the gate when you arrive. Just look for him,” The man says. His black suit crinkles as he turns, and a scar on his cheek becomes visible… Jungkook nods, his backpack snug on his back.

“Will do Appa.” Jungkook bows slightly to his father. The woman next to him smiles proudly, opening her arms to embrace her son. The corners of Jungkook’s mouth lift, and he wraps his arms around her in return. “I’ll be safe Umma.”

The woman nods, pulling back as she cups Jungkook’s cheek with one hand. Jungkook places his hand over his mothers, running his thumb over her skin before sliding her hand off his face. His mother takes her step back, standing beside his father. 

“Remember to meet with your brother, he will show you where to check in,” Jungkook’s father reminds him. Jungkook nods sharply. He bows again before turning his back on his parents, looking up at the full moon that lights his path. With a howl, Jungkook shifts into his wolf form and takes off down the path, leaving nothing but paw prints behind.

The building resembles a castle with stone silver bricks and high towers. A large gate stands open as many different Fae walk about the grounds. Spotting the newer Core members from the more experience was like spotting a Unicorn in a den of Leviathan . Those who had just arrived wonder about in awe, but those who are used to the splendor of The Core are not so distracted, and keep their eyes sharp.

Signs hang on the walls, directing Faes to the correct check in lines, while other booths direct wondering trainees to the right spots. Chatter from hundreds of different voices fill the air as excited and nervous trainees mull around.

Jimin drinks the scene in, looking around at all of his surroundings, helped by the light of the moon. He passes from one courtyard to another, where the doors to the large building remain shut.  Jimin remembers a rumor, that The Core only accepts the best of the best and they didn’t want anyone unworthy to walk the halls.

“I thought I noticed the smell of blood.” Jimin pauses before he turns around, his eyes widening as a smile spreads across his face.

“Seokjin hyung!” The man, Seokjin, smiles as he looks Jimin over before meeting eyes. Seokjin has half a foot on Jimin, with long broad shoulders and a lean, muscular body. He screams Core member with his green shirt and camo pants that lead down his long legs to his scuff brown combat boots. Jimin can’t believe Seokjin can pull it off, but it’s Seokjin, and he does

“The last time I saw you, you were 17,” Seokjin laughs, his hand ruffling Jimin’s hair, “Wish I could say you’ve grown but you really haven’t.” Jimin whines playfully as he pulls away to fix his hair.

“I’ve grown!” Jimin huffs, patting his hair one more time before leaving it alone in the hope that it’ll look nice. His demeanor changes instantly, a happy smile back on his face. “It’s really nice to see you again hyung.” Seokjin’s eyes crinkle as he smiles, his hands landing on Jimin’s shoulder.

“It’s nice to see you too, Jimin-ah.”, He slides his arm over Jimin’s shoulder. Jimin shifts comfortably under Seokjin’s arm as he allows Seokjin to lead him away from the entrance. “You really followed me to The Core huh? That’s a bit stalker-ish, even if you’re my favorite dongsaeng.”

“I’ve always dreamed of being a Core member, though hyung being here is a plus,” Jimin responds, looking up at the older male. “It is nice to have someone here I know, makes it less terrifying.”

“Don’t assume that it won’t be. It’s going to be fucking rough kid,” Seokjin says, squeezing Jimin’s shoulder under his larger hand, “And don’t assume I’ll go easy on you just ’cause we have history. You have to earn your keep here.” Jimin chuckles as he nods, wrapping his arm around Seokjin’s waist.

“I wasn’t thinking going easy as much as helping me out from time to time.” Jimin bats his eyes dramatically, coy smile on his face as he moves his shoulder slightly in Seokjin’s embrace, “Since we do have history, hyung.” Seokjin rolls his eyes but his smile never leaves his face, moonlight glinting off his fangs

“Ah, this kid,” Seokjin jokes pulling Jimin closer to him. “Let’s get you checked in, ok?” Jimin nods in response. The Vampires move against the crowd, heading toward the Vampire check in.

Jungkook trots slow along the gravel as he continue moving through the crowd. His yellow eyes scan the area as he sniffs the air, searching for a familiar scent. It doesn’t take him long to catch the scent of his older brother moving around in the crowd, thanks to his wolf form. While he maneuvers, Jungkook notices how many different Fae there are at The Core, along with other werewolves that have also traveled by their wolf form.

He tracks the scent until he reaches the gate, noticing another pure white wolf sitting proud against the wall. Jungkook’s tail starts to wag at the sight and he eagerly moves closer. The other wolf moves to stand on all fours as Jungkook approaches. Jungkook contains his excitement as much as he can as he stands paw to paw with the older wolf. Jung Hyun, Jungkook’s brother, leans forward to gently tap the side of his nose against Jungkook’s.

Nice to see you 

Jungkook gently returns the action, his tail wagging gently behind him.

Nice to see you too.

Jung Hyun tilts his head back, howling at the moon. Jungkook follows his action, howling as well. The two wolves stop and face one another. Jung Hyun tilts his head in the direction of everyone else and starts off, Jungkook following along. He catches up quickly and walks side by side with his elder brother.

“Next!”

Jimin and Seokjin smile as the two boys walk up to the booth. There sits a woman with short blond hair with a clip board and a pile of pins with numbers on it. The woman nods her head at Seokjin before looking at Jimin.

“State your name,” she asks, looking down at her clip board.

“Park Jimin,” Jimin says, “First son of Park Min Ah.” the woman nods as she flips through the clip board before pausing. She nods, holding out her hand toward Jimin. Jimin gives her his hand so she can bring his index finger to her lips. The woman’s fang slits his finger, but Jimin doesn’t flinch. The woman looks up at Jimin.

“Once your print is on the paper, you cannot go back. You must finish your three months of boot camp, followed by your nine months of training service. You also must be aware of the possibility of dying during your stay. You may not contact the outside world during boot camp and you’ll only be supplied one pack of blood during your meals. You may turn away and keep your freedom, or print to stay in these walls.”

Jimin looks over at Seokjin beside him, the older male looking back in curiosity. Jimin smiles back confidently before turning towardd the woman again.

“I accept your terms,” Jungkook says, standing in front of the booth in only a pair of baggy grey pants and his back pack. The redheaded male nods as he places a scroll in front of Jungkook.

“We require your paw print as your acknowledgment to become a Core.” Jungkook once again shrinks into his wolf form, leaning on his back paws to lift his front paws onto the table. The ink is cold and sticky, but he endures it, placing it on the scroll and binding him to The Core. 

The man nods as he rolls the scroll up, and Jungkook transforms back into his human form and quickly pulls on his clothes. man signing Jungkook in hands him a plain white shirt. Attached is a pin with the number 497 written on it.

“You may enter, Jeon Jungkook,” the man says gravely. Jungkook takes the items before leaving the booth. His brother stands further back in uniform…a proud smile on his face. Jungkook smiles back as he moves closer to Jung Hyun, removing his backpack in the process.

“I can’t believe my little brother is all grown up and facing The Core!” Jung Hyun beams, wrapping an arm around Jungkook’s shoulder. Jungkook laughs softly, holding the pin in one hand as he unfolds the white shirt and slips it on.

“Of course,” Jungkook quips, stepping out of his brother’s grip., “I always like beating you at your own game hyung.” Jung Hyun rolls his eyes as he playfully smacks Jungkook’s shoulder.

“Umma says you’re good at everything and it goes straight to your head.” Jung Hyun teases, poking his finger into Jungkook’s temple. Jungkook snorts, swinging his backpack over his shoulder before hooking the pin into his shirt.

“Well, I am good at everything,” Jungkook jokes, smacking his brothers stomach gently. Jung Hyun smirks as he returns the gesture.

“I was good at everything first.” 

“Orientation starts soon, you better head to the grounds.” Seokjin says, patting Jimin on the back. Jimin smirks as he rubs the back of his head.

“Great, get to stand around and listen to old people talk. Going to be like high school all over again,” Jimin sighs, fixing the backpack on his shoulders. “Let me guess, they’re gonna welcome us, tell us what they hope to achieve, and threaten detention if we miss behave.” Seokjin chuckles, ruffling Jimin’s hair.

“Exactly. But make sure you pay attention anyways.” Seokjin grabs Jimin’s shoulders, spinning the younger boy around and gently shoving the Vampire towards the door. Jimin stumbles but catches himself, and turns around to wave at Seokjin.

“Wish me luck! I’ll need it to get through this orientation,” Jimin jokes, placing his hands together and laying his cheek on them to mimic sleeping. Seokjin shakes his head and waves back.

“Good luck Jimin.” The younger Vampire turns to mix in with the crowd, and Seokjin’s smile immediately drops  into a worried frown as he stuffs his hands into his pants pocket. “You’ll need it.” 

Jimin wonders around, trying to take everything in. He notices other Vampires, but also Fae as well. He furrows his brow in confusion as he spots five different creatures mix in with his fellow Vampires.

“I thought we all stay separated,” Jimin murmurs to himself, walking deeper into the crowd. However, most other trainees keep to themselves, while only a handful mingle together. Jimin’s eyes keep wondering as he notices no real order among them. No lines, no authority figure to tell them where to go, just a bunch of confusion and patience. Biting his lip in thought, Jimin pauses in the middle fo the courtyard. “No Core members around, they aren’t keeping an eye-oof!”

Jimin recoils, stumbling back a step. After the small shock, he bows before looking back up.

“I’m very sorry!” Jimin apologizes, meeting gazes with whoever he ran into. The other male looks at Jimin curiously, but he’s friendly enough to smile back.

“It’s alright. I’ve probably bumped into half the room already.” The other man says, holding out his hand. “Kim Taehyung. I’m a Siren.” Grinning back, Jimin puts his hand into Taehyung’s.

“Park Jimin, Vampire.”

“Vampire huh?” Taehyung chuckles, squeezing Jimin’s smaller hand in greeting. “We have so many different species here huh? Goblins, Nymphs, Vampires, Werewolves, Centaurs.”

“The Core doesn’t discriminate among Fae,” Jimin says, crossing his arms as he looks around at the other trainees. “But there are so many of us here. I thought The Core was picky about who they let in.”

“They do say the majority of trainees don’t last past the Orientation.” Taehyung says, giving a shrug, “My father said that they let anyone join, but keep the ones that can stick around.” Jimin and Taehyung pause at the sound of a man screaming. The two turn to the madman, looking completely out of his mind, pulling on his hair and biting his lower lip.

“When-when-when! J-ust let us start! I’ve been here for hours! Nothing’s happening. H-Happening!” The man stutters, walking around in circles. A group of girls, Succubi Jimin notes, look at him like he’s crazy before migrating away from him. Jimin laughs nervously, bringing his hand up to scratch his neck.

“Looks like patience is our most terrifying test.” Jimin turns to look at Taehyung as he shakes his head. “Silence is chaos.”

“You can say that again. Everyone wants to stand around and look scary, then lose their minds cause nothing is stimulating them.” Taehyung says, gently elbowing Jimin. “I would’ve been that way too. I’ve been trying to have a conversation with someone for over an hour and you’re the only person that hasn’t threatened to eat my eyes.” Jimin laughs, patting Taehyung’s back.

“Yeah having no one to talk to can be a bit mind crushing.” Jimin  crosses his arms. The Siren laugh, wrapping arm around Jimin’s shoulder.

“That indeed. I thought I was going to be stuck Fae watching.” Taehyung says, looking around at every creature. Following Taehyung’s gaze, Jimin lets out a light chuckle. 

“Yeah, not much to see,” Jimin says as his eyes land on several Werewolves.  His nose wrinkles and he tries not to gag. “Honestly there should be a no dogs allowed policy. Their scent if horrific.”

“Ah, the unexplained hatred between Vampires and Werewolves.” Taehyung gives an amused sigh, looking at Jimin with interest. “So do you actually dislike them, or is it because you were told to dislike them?” Jimin’s brow furrows as a small scowl appears on his face.

“I-”

However, he never gets to complete his sentence, as a sudden horrific scream fills his ears.

Jungkook’s head shoots up as the screams erupt around him. His eyes lands at the top of the walls and they widen slightly. On top of the walls are large black creatures with pure white eyes. Their sharp claws scratch the concrete surface as they bare their even sharper teeth at the Fae. Black fur stands on hairy ends, like a giant black puff ball of death, Jungkook thinks as he tightens his fist.

“Eniival.” he whispers. 

As if a command had been given, the Eniival jump from their place on the wall, down onto the panicked Fae below. Panicked screams echo among the walls as some trainees bang against the door for help. The screams only grow louder as the Eniival claim the lives of a handful of Fae. Jungkook drops his bag on the floor, his brown eyes turning gold as wolf claws grow from his finger nails.

It doesn’t take Jungkook very long to determine that The Core wasn’t going to intervene.

With a snarl from his inner wolf, Jungkook crouches slightly as one of the Eniival lock their white eyes on him, spitting out the remains of a Succubus on the floor. Jungkook feels his body tighten as adrenaline pumps through his veins, the rush of his survival instincts kicking in.

“Bring it on!” Jungkook barks, watching carefully as the Eniival charge toward him. Howling, Jungkook charges towards the beast, his gold eyes locking on their target.

“How did they get in here!?” Jimin yelps in surprise, dropping his bag on the ground as he watches the Eniival drop down onto the crowd. Taehyung follows suit as his eyes look around among the scattering Fae. Some gear up to fight while others look for cover or help. Taehyung notices how no Core members appear.

“Why haven’t any Core members arrived yet?” the Siren asks, horrified. Jimin whirls around to look at Taehyung, scanning the area behind him. The screams of horror could alert even a deaf Fae, why The Core hadn’t shown up is beyond the Vampire.

“I don’t know, but no way am I dying here!” Jimin growls, determined. His eyes glow red, fangs and nails growing and sharpening to dangerous points. Jimin feels the adrenaline pumping through him, the pounding in his ears growing stronger as his senses sharpen. Taehyung shakes his head as he presses his back against Jimin’s. A different Eniival breaks from the pack, moving in their direction.

“This is one hell of an orientation,” Taehyung jokes, watching the large black creature run toward him while slaughtering other Fae in its wake. Jimin just nods in return, watching as another locks its eyes on him.

The Eniival charges toward Jimin, growling loudly. Jimin trembles, but doesn’t back down as the Eniival rushes closer.  Jimin the heat rolling off his body in waves. Holding his fingers together, he starts to run toward the Eniival. The creature’s snarling intensifies as does its excitement as Jimin draws closer. Its fangs elongate and it leaps straight at Jimin. 

Jimin slides under the beast, sticking his arm out to slice the belly, making the Eniival scream in pain. The pavement hardly burns his skin as he skids to a stop. He bounces up quickly, watching the Eniival bleed blue all over the ground, but it turns around, only looking more pissed off. Jimin furrows his brow, keeping his hands up so he can slice the beast when needed. The Eniival lets out a shriek before charging toward Jimin again, leaving more blue blood in its wake. 

Jimin charge attacks as well, but this time he leaps before the creature can. Thanks to his Vampirical genes, he’s able to float in the air longer than any non-winged Fae. Jimin flips in the air and misses the Eniival’s mouth, but takes a shot at the back of its neck. Ji Upside down in the air, Jimin swings his arm, his hand slicing the back of the Eniival’s neck, more blood pouring out of the wound. The creature shrieks again, this time in pain, stumbling around as blue stains the ground and its black fur. Once Jimin lands, he quickly turns back around and charges at the Eniival once again. With a leap, Jimin shoves all five of his claws into the Eniivals temple, successfully killing it.

The corpse falls and Jimin jumps back, careful not to dirty himself. He breathes heavily, the adrenaline still pumping through his heart. Another snarl rings through the yard, along with the sound of something approaching fast. A shiver runs up Jimin’s spine as he turns around just in time to see another Eniival leap toward him. Jimin summersaults away from the on-coming attack, barely missing the poisonous claws. He quickly gets back on his feet as the creature turn on him again.

Jungkook sinks his wolf fangs into the back of the Eniivals neck, ripping the meat and bone from the body as it’s blood pours to the ground.  Rolling away from the corpse, Jungkook spits out the flesh from his mouth, but his face twists in disgust as the taste remains.

“Disgusting.” Jungkook spits again as he shakes his head, vowing to never do that again. He looks up just in time to dodge another Eniival attack. Jungkook rolls again before back flipping back onto his feet. The Eniival charges, Fae blood dripping from its mouth. Jungkook barely misses its claws as he flips onto the creatures back, sinking his own wolf claws into its flesh.

The Eniival shrieks and bucks, attempting to fling Jungkook off its back. Jungkook, however, hangs on as he digs his claws in deeper. The creature keeps bucking and running, letting out loud whimpers that hurt Jungkook’s ears. Jungkook scrunches his brows and he closes his eyes tight, keeping his claws inside the beast. 

When he opens his eyes once more, he sees another Eniival leaping towards them. Jungkook gasps, eyes widening in shock and fear as he releases the Eniival, letting it buck him off his back. He lands on his shoulder and lets out a small yelp of pain, rolling against the gravel. A loud shrieking sound behind him keeps him moving. The Eniival that was gunning for him sinks its claws into the Eniival he was riding. The one that got hit screeches again, crashing to the ground as it shakes and bends in weird ways before finally going limp.

Jungkook shivers, realizing that that could’ve been him. 

The other Eniival has its eyes locked on Jungkook’s and snarls dangerously at him. Jungkook shoots to his feet as it leaps toward him. He jumps to the side, missing the claws entirely. The Eniival growl as it turns to leap again. Thanks to his fast wolf reflexes, Jungkook dodges again. The creature keeps swinging but Jungkook is too fast. However, Jungkook can feel himself slowing down, sweat damping his clothes from the constant movement and fear of getting clawed to death.

The creature swipes once more, and this time Jungkook is able to leap onto it’ back, sinking his own claws into the back of the Eniivals neck. The creature snarls, trying to shake him off, much like its last companion. Jungkook grunts and grapples to hold on, this creature being much stronger than the other, shaking him around like a rag doll. However, Jungkook digs his claws in deeper, and one more harsh jolt causes Jungkook to fly into the air, ripping off the back of its neck.

Blue and red blood cover the grounds and the screaming only grows louder. The dead shells of Eniivals and Fae are scattered around the now battle field. Some Fae still bang on the doors, begging for help, while the others realize that if they want to live, they’ll have to fight. Even still, some that did fight perished, their blood and entrails staining the ground.

Jimin moves out of the way from the threatening fangs of the Eniival, slicing the side of its neck in the process. The creature screeches as it turns to lash out at Jimin. Jimin jumps out of the way and rolls under its legs, having a clear shot from under its jaw. Jimin pushes up, his fingers breaking the fur, piercing through the meat up into the joint between the head and the neck. His fingers, as strong as diamonds, easily snap the joints, his hand popping out from the other side of its head. Jimin pulls his arm back as the beast falls away from him, looking at his arm, half cover in blue blood, in disgust. He doesn’t ponder for long as another Eniival steps up to take the place of the one de just killed.

Jungkook roll across the ground, dodging the claws that would have sliced open the back of his head. He lands on all fours, his gold eyes glowing by the moon light. The Eniival screeches in anger as he charges at Jungkook for the second time. Jungkook snarls, not bothering to get back on his feet as he charges the beast on all fours in his human form. The Eniival leaps toward him, claws aiming to sink into his flesh. Leaping forward, Jungkook flips onto his back and  slides against the ground. The claws miss him as he slides under the beast. Jungkook’s own claws come out, scratching the creature’s belly as he slides. Its screeches again, wobbling in pain as it lands with a thud. Jungkook quickly gets up and jumps the creature, ripping it’s head off.

Jimin jumps out of the way of another leap.

Jungkook scratches the Eniival in the face.

Jimin cuts one of its legs off.

Jungkook rolls out of the way of its teeth.

Jimin successfully slits its neck open, watching it bleed out.

Jungkook claws the Eniivals heart out.

Jimin dodges another.

Jungkook dodges another.

Jimin kills the Eniival by digging his fingers into its temple.

Jungkook kills the Eniival by slicing it’s jugular.

There is so much death and adrenaline on the field. Jungkook turns around when he feels a presence behind him. The instinct to survive is on over drive as the smell of blood and death overtakes his nostrils. He isn’t going to die here. He’s going to survive. He is going to see his family again. He is going to make it.

Both Jimin and Jungkook freeze as they make eye contact. Jimin’s pupils pulse red. Jungkook’s eyes darken to a shade of gold. Jungkook’s claws are inches away from Jimin’s neck. Jimin’s fingers are inches away from Jungkook’s heart. They both freeze in surprise as they take in the fact that they aren’t faced with white eyes. They both pant heavily as they furrow their brows in confusion and shock.

The sound of a canon going off shocks both Jungkook and Jimin back to reality as they bring their arms down, looking for the source of the sound. From the balcony of the castle that overlooks the grounds, stands a man. His sharp green eyes scan the battle field, his long silver hair, pulled back in a low pony tail, blows in the wind. Beside him are other Core members looking over them. The silver hair man clears his throat, his arms folded behind his back.

“Welcome trainees. This was your first test,” He says, voice booming in the open space. Both Jimin and Jungkook furrow their brows as they stare up at him. The man nods. “Those of you that have survived, you are now officially members of The Core.”

“We here at The Core only accept the strongest. You may think this test is insane, cruel, and barbaric. You are right, but this is The Core, not some office job. Danger and possibility of death is what you should always be prepared for, and you shouldn’t assume that because you are trainees you’re free from it. The moment you signed that paper, your lives belonged to us. Be prepared for anything.” Jimin catches movement out of the corner of his eye and he turns to look. Some medical officers are out attending to the wounded or Fae that look too shook up to comprehend anything. Jungkook looks around as well, confirming that there is no threat. The man clears his throat.

“Now, we were watching as the Eniival attacked. We were watching your skills as well as your strategies. With what we saw tonight, we’ll be deciding which pawn rank you will train at,” The male spoke, looking at the field, “This also will be the last chance you have to drop out of The Core. If you wish to leave, go to your designated booths and state your name. Your marks haven’t sunk deep enough into the contact, so it can still be broken. If you’re not a fit, leave. If you are brave enough to face the remaining days, stay.”

To both Jimin and Jungkook’s surprise, a lot of remaining Fae chatter and mumble before a good chunk of trainees head to the doors. The two Fae watch as other Fae pass them, shaking their heads and mumbling about how too intense it was for them. Some mumble about how they want to live. Some Fae that were wounded have the medical officers help them out. Jimin and Jungkook stay put, their feet stuck standing in Fae and Eniival blood alike. The two turn to look at one another, as if questioning if the other was leaving.

“Congratulations!” Jimin and Jungkook jolt to look back up at the male, “you now are officially Core trainees. This is your first test and tomorrow night we all begin official training. As of now, you may enter through the doors.” Jungkook and Jimin watch as the castle doors open. “Wash up and head to the banquet hall. You may relax, as we will not throw another test at you tonight. Eat, get some rest. Tomorrow you will lose these privileges.” With that, the male turns around, retreating back into the castle. 

Jimin and Jungkook stand frozen for a moment before the fatigue of battle settles in their muscles. The two Fae turn to look at one another again.

“Jiminnie!” Jimin jumps in surprise as he feels a weight on his back and arms wrap around his arms and chest. Turning his head, Jimin sees Taehyung smiling at him, “I’m so happy you’re alive! I would’ve been so bummed out if you had died! You’re like, my only friend!” Jungkook stares at the two a moment longer, slightly confused, before turning to walk away in search of his bag. Jimin groans as he tries to wiggle out of the Siren’s grasp.

“Thanks, thanks. Let me go! You’re heavy,” Jimin whines, making Taehyung laugh. The Siren lets Jimin go as the Vampire lets out a sigh of relief. With a stretch and a sigh, Jimin turns around to face his friend, only for him to reach out to him. “What happened to your arm!?”

“Oh this?” Taehyung asks, looking at the bandage that covers his whole upper arm. “One of the Eniival was able to take a bite, well, more like a scrape. But it was pretty deep.”

“You’re lucky that wasn’t one of their claws,” Jimin says, pulling his arms back to rest them on his hips. “If it was their claws you would’ve been dead. Don’t Sirens have reflexes?” Taehyung looks a bit offended as he covers his heart.

“I’ll have you know we are more of oral fighters. I can make your brain explode without having to touch you,” Taehyung says. “So we normally don’t need jump out of the way.” Jimin sighs with a bit of a chuckle, patting Taehyung on the back as he goes to search for his bag.

“You’re going to have to learn how to jump kid.”

“I’m glad you’re ok,” Jung Hyun sighs, walking up to a wondering Jungkook. Jung Hyun’s nose scrunches up as he smiles. “You smell terrible.” Jungkook shot his brother a scowl.

“Yeah, that kinda happens when you fight for your life.” Jungkook gently punches his brother in the arm. “Thanks for the head up by the way, not like I would’ve needed to know that they were gonna send things in to kill us.” Jung Hyun chuckles, rubbing his arm and looking at his younger brother.

“The Core forbids us to tell anyone about Orientation. We want to see how well you react in dangerous situations and determine your skill level. It also scares away any Fae that can’t handle the stress of being in The Core.”

“Fae died, hyung,” Jungkook states, making his Hyung sigh.

“We tell you when you check in you could die,” Jung Hyun says, “It’s sad, but necessary, to determine who can be in The Core. If you’re too weak to survive then we don’t want you.” Jungkook stays quiet, his muscles feeling heavy and sore. Jung Hyun smile, running a hand through his brother’s hair.

“I’m glad you’re alive though, Jungkook. I really am.”

“You can toss your stuff right in the cubby. No one is going to touch it,” Seokjin says, pointing to the wooden cubby where Jimin and Taehyung could drop off their stuff. “I would also toss your clothes. Eniival stench never washes out and gets worse every day.”

“Man, these were my favorite jeans too,” Taehyung whines, unbuttoning his pants. Jimin sets his stuff down in the cubby and gets to work removing his shirt, letting out a groan of pain. Seokjin starts to laugh as he moves to lean against the wall next to Jimin.

“A little sore?” Jimin shoots Seokjin a pathetic glare, making the older Vampire chuckle lightly. “Aw, don’t give me that look you adorable rascal.”

“Hyung.” Jimin sighs, pulling his black jeans down before stepping out of them, kicking them towards the laundry basket by the laundry shoot. “you seriously couldn’t have even hinted anything?”

“I told you to pay attention,” Seokjin responds, pulling off his own shirt before removing his pants. Jimin shoots him another glare before yelping at the sudden sting on his butt. He turns around, eyes wide and threatening while Taehyung has his bottom lip between his teeth, wide eyes on Jimin’s bottom.

“Damn, I’ve never seen a Fae with such a nice butt before,” Taehyung says, bringing his own hand up to stare at it in awe. “It’s so firm yet still jiggles. I think I see some gold on my hand.” Jimin scowls.

“Did you really have to touch it?” Taehyung eyes went to travel to Jimin’s in slight shock.

“How can I resist? You have a finer ass then any succubus I’ve ever come across! And you know how fucking fine they can be.” Taehyung kneels down, hands coming out to showcase Jimin’s butt, staring in awe, “Is this what heaven looks like? Have I touched a god?”

“I’m seriously reconsidering my friendship with you,” Jimin mutters, looking down at the Siren. Taehyung smiles cheekily, looking up at Jimin with shining eyes.

“Can I squeeze it?” Jimin sighs, rubbing his eyes.

“I’m too sore for this conversation.” Jimin walks away from the two Fae and toward the showers. Jimin hears an audible gasp behind him.

“You jiggle while walking too! Oh my god!” Taehyung exclaims behind him while Seokjin roars in laughter.

“Here are the scrolls of the trainees that wish to stay, Noir,” A woman calls, walking into the room. The man with long silver hair, Noir, nods as he looks at the other handful of males and females in the room. The woman places the scrolls in the middle of the round table before she takes a seat herself.

“These are our new trainees huh?” a woman says, picking up one of the scrolls before letting out a hum. “This is our smallest group yet.”

“I think a good deal of the trainees died,” A man speaks, also picking up the scrolls.  “A good bit only survive because they hid better than others. Only so many have actually fought.” Noir nods as he looks around the room.

“All the ones that did fight stayed. Only a few of the hiders stayed,” He says as more of the members grab scrolls.

“Although, hiding is almost as good as fighting, after all. Being able to decipher a winning or losing fight is good,” Another woman speaks, looking at another scroll. Noir nods once again as he turns to his right side, looking at the fourth member.

A man, the youngest in the room, keeps grabbing scrolls to open before placing them in a pile. The way the younger man moves with quickness makes it obvious that he’s looking for something. Noir studies the younger Fae quietly, before placing his hands on top of one another.

“Namjoon-ah,” The younger man, Namjoon, halts his search to look up at the older man. Noir cocks his head to the side with a curious frown. “What are you searching for?” Namjoon places the scroll in his hands down before grabbing another.

“My team, Sir,” Namjoon responds calmly, bowing before opening the scroll. Noir raises his eyebrow.

“Your team?”

“Yes, Sir.” Namjoon looks in the scroll before rolling it up and keeping it by his side, “I’ll only take these four, Sir.” The younger Fae bows before he continues his search for the other three scrolls he desired.

Jimin sighs softly, laying on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed in the Vampire chamber. All his other Fae members were sleeping, but he couldn’t. The sun is blinding and hot but that wasn’t what was keeping him up. Giving up on sleep, Jimin rolls off his bed to head to the window. The field is green with a few trees, their leaves blowing in the soft wind. Jimin collapses against the window, his muscles sore, aching, complaining about being worked by the short walk to get there. Jimin sighs once again, leaning against the window and looking out across the courtyard, hoping to find something interesting to keep him entertained.

Jungkook pulls the mustard-colored short sleeve top on while the rest of his kind did the same; Making their beds, combing their hair, yawning. Jungkook stretches and immediately winces, his sore muscles now aching thanks to the fight with the Eniival last night. He lets out the smallest groan as he sits on his bed to tie on his combat boots.

“Today is the day Jungkookie.” Jungkook feels his bed dip with the new presence. Jungkook just nods as he double knots his laces, his brother’s hand rubbing softly against his shoulder blade. “You’ll meet your leader and  get put into a team for training.”

“A team huh?” Jungkook ponders, leaning back into his brother’s hand. “Don’t tell me I have to partner with a weak Fae.”

“Your team will be made up of Fae with close or the same skill level,” His brother says, digging his palms into Jungkook’s tense muscles. “You’ll only be with them for the year of training, after that you’ll move on depending on how fast you grow and if they grow too. Only a few team members stay together after training.”

“I see.” Jungkook said closing his eyes, “God, I hope I don’t get team up with a fucking Vampire.”

Jimin moans softly as his hand comes up to grip the hair of the person behind him. Seokjin’s hands push into Jimin’s lower back as his fangs sink deeper into Jimin’s shoulder. The hot water runs as steam plumes up around them. There are other Fae in the shower room, but only a handful seem uncomfortable with what they’re doing. Neither Jimin or Seokjin care though.

“Hyung,” Jimin breathlessly spoke, Seokjin’s fangs pulling out from one shoulder to sink in the other. Jimin slightly winces but push back against him, his muscles relaxing as his other hand pushes against the wall Seokjin has him pinned against. The cool tile feels nice against this chest, a contrast to warm steam rising around them. Seokjin’s hand slowly travels up Jimin’s back, digging the tips of his fingers in softly as he slowly pulls his fangs out of Jimin’s skin, moving over to Jimin’s ear.

“There, all your muscles are relaxed now,” Seokjin whispers, his fangs teasing the shell of Jimin’s ear. “You were so tense you could shove coal up your ass and you’d give me back a diamond. ” Jimin smiles, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

“You sure know how to lay on the dirty talk, Seokjin hyung.” Jimin feels Seokjin’s lips curl up against his ear before the older male pulls back, laughing and shaking his head. Pushing away from the wall, Jimin hides his own smile as he retreats back under the warm water while facing the older Vampire. “Thank you. I really needed that.”

“Yeah, you could barely walk properly cause of how tense you were,” Seokjin chuckles, going back under the water to wet his hair before he reaches for the shampoo to pour in his hand. Jimin gives a happy sigh as he rolls his shoulders, the knots and kinks all gone, replaced with flexible, relaxed muscles. “I’ll show you a trick to relax yourself. It’s very useful when you’re out training and need to sooth those tired muscles.” Jimin nods.

“I’ll need that for sure.”

Jimin and Seokjin walk into the dining hall, already filled with so many Fae walking about; some talk to each other while others stuff their faces with food. Seokjin and Jimin walk further into the room, up to the bulletin board. The two pause as they scan the board for Jimin’s name.

“You’re not in the one or two pawn ranks,” Seokjin says, eyes shifting to the other side of the bulletin board.

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Jimin asks, looking on the other side as well. Seokjin smiles as his eyes scan over the board.

“Well, depends how you view it,” he says. “The lower your rank the easier training is. Higher is more difficult. But, being in the lower ranks means you’re weaker than people in the higher ranks.”

“So, if I’m higher I get bragging rights but get my ass kicked more.” Jimin sighs, his hands going to his hips as he looks at board. “How unfortunate.”

“What is?” Jimin jumps at the sudden warmth on his back and weight on his head. Seokjin smiles wide, seeing the goofy smile on Taehyung’s face and the slight baffled look on Jimin’s as he turns. Jimin moves to look up at Taehyung, resulting in the Siren’s chin now on his forehead.

“That you’re my friend,” Jimin jokes, crossing his arms. Taehyung gasps dramatically, a frown decorating his face.

“Rude. Well, if you don’t want to be my friend then...” Taehyung’s hands lower to grip Jimin’s butt, making the Vampire narrow his eyes at him. “We can be lovers instead. Some secret romance between two breeds of Fae. Forbidden. Scandalous. A heart-wrenching drama that’ll make your soul bleed.”  

“I’m starting to dislike you,” Jimin snips, but Seokjin knows there’s no bite behind it. If Jimin was really annoyed, he would’ve pulled away long before. Taehyung’s goofy smile returns as his head drops to Jimin’s shoulder.

“Well that sucks, cause you and I are in the same rank,” Taehyung says, his arms wrapping around Jimin’s shoulders while he points at the board. Jimin and Seokjin whirl their heads towards where Taehyung was pointing at.

Jeon Jungkook (3)

Jung Hoseok (3)

Kim Taehyung (3)

Park Jimin (3)

“Only eighteen three′s? Wow, your generation sucks,” Seokjin teases, looking past their names to the other fourteen names that are clumped together. Jimin bumps cheeks with Taehyung, his hand coming down to pinch the Siren’s left thigh.

“Just cause we’re in the same rank doesn’t mean we’re a team,” Jimin says, feeling the larger flinch against his attack. Seokjin chuckles, crossing his arms. 

“Actually, you are, along with Jung Hoseok and Jeon Jungkook,” Seokjin says. “Your team is pretty small actually. Only four huh? Usually teams range from five to nine.”

“See, teammate!” Taehyung says, moving from behind Jimin to his side but still keeping one arm slung over Jimin’s shoulders. “Now I get to watch your butt all day.” Jimin rolls his eyes, but smiles as he leans into Taehyung. He’s happy he’s already getting along with one of his three team mates. 

Jungkook sticks a piece of the raw rabbit meat into his mouth as he watches the room full of Fae. He hears a plate hitting the table, making him look up. Jung Hyun smiles back.

“Rank three, that’s my brother,” He says, plopping down on the bench next to him. Jungkook smiles, licking his teeth clean of any leftover meat.

“Of course I’m in a higher rank. I probably took out a majority of the Eniivals,” Jungkook says proudly, shoving another piece of meat into his mouth. Jung Hyun chuckles, patting Jungkook’s back.

“Your team is by the far the smallest in the history of The Core. Usually trainees are in groups of five or even nine. Four is really tiny for training,” Jung Hyun says, digging into his own rabbit. Jungkook swallows as he reaches for his bottle of water beside him.

“I’ve finally trumped you in something hyung,” Jungkook chuckles, shaking his head softly. “I have a smaller team.”

“We have to wait to see if it’s good thing or a bad thing., Jung Hyun says, picking at his teeth. “It could be that your team is the shitty part of the rank.”

“If we were that bad, we would be in a lower rank,” Jungkook replies. Jung Hyun shrugs his shoulders as he takes another bite from his food before turning to face Jungkook.

Jungkook walks out into the court yard with his back pack over his shoulder, wandering around till he sees the red flag with the number three on it. There are already a group of Fae standing around, seemingly waiting on their team leaders. Jungkook wanders over, hiding his scowl once he notices a few Vampires mixed into the crowd. He stands by a tree that is close to the flag and crosses his arms to wait.

Jimin yawns, looking at the dark blue sky, the stars barely visible because of how early in the night it is. Taehyung sighs as he wraps one arm around Jimin’s shoulder.

“There are so many of us. I wonder which two are our other team mates?” Taehyung inquires, looking at the surrounding Fae. Jimin shrugs as he looks around, scowling at a few werewolves.

“I just hope none of these flea bags are in our group. I don’t think I can handle working with wet dogs,” Jimin mutters, earning a, eye roll from Taehyung.

“And what will you do if both of our other teammates are Werewolves?”

“Die,” Jimin jokes, smiling at Taehyung. “I’m sure they’ll all be together since they’re pack animals.” Taehyung hums as he looks around, and as expected, the Werewolves are huddled around together, ignoring the other Fae. Taehyung’s eyes fall on the figure by the tree and smiles.

“Or a lone wolf.”

“Trainees.” 

Every trainee pauses their conversations as three Fae walk to their group. The two women flank the man, all of their auras screaming leadership and demanding respect. Any trainee that was slouching stood straight, and Taehyung removes his arm from Jimin’s shoulder. The leaders’ faces remain stoic as they scan the small crowd of Fae.

“We are the team leaders for pawn rank three,” One of the women, a Nymph Jimin notes, speaks, her long blonde hair trailing behind her. Her light green eyes scan the trainees’ faces. “We will be training you for the year. You all have gained rank three because of your performance yesterday against the Eniival. You successfully killed at least three Eniival and the majority of you immediately fought the moment they started to attack. Your instinct to fight pushed you ahead of your fellow trainees. So, congratulations on surviving that one task. There will be more moments to highlight your bravery again in your training.”

“Great, more death sentencing,” Taehyung whispers to Jimin, making the Vampire nod in response.

“Guess we got the short end of the stick huh?” Jimin replies, making Taehyung chuckle.

“We will now split off into groups. The group with six trainees may follow me,” The Nymph says, walking off. Behind her trail six trainees, looking a bit lost and confused. The next woman walks up.

“The group of eight, you may follow me.” With that, the rest of the Fae left, leaving four trainees behind. Taehyung and Jimin whirl to look at the last two remaining.

Jimin and Jungkook lock eyes, unable to fight looks of disgust from appearing on their faces.

“Fuck.” They both whisper, turning away from one another.

*

“I am Kim Namjoon, your team leader,” The man, Namjoon, says, with hands behind his back as he stare at the four males in front of him, “I personally hand-picked you four because of your performance yesterday. Your four had automatic responses to the threat and with the four of you, you would make a fantastic team.”

Both Jimin and Jungkook scoff.

“I don’t see how any team with a Vampire is a good team,” Jungkook says, eyes scanning Jimin’s figure in disgust. “Honestly, you should have replace him with another Werewolf.” Jimin turns to face Jungkook, arms cross and a scowl on his face.

“Oh boy, someone needs to put a muzzle on their pet,” Jimin sneers, “Snippy dogs need to be put down.” Jungkook growls, his eyes shimmer in gold, his threatening gesture making Jimin’s pupils turn red in response. The air grows tense as the two Fae stare each other down.

“Enough.” Namjoon’s voice snaps the two Fae out of their staring contest and they turn to look back at their team leader. Namjoon’s eyes narrow dangerously at the two as he takes a few steps closer to his team. “The petty problem between Werewolves and Vampires is not going to keep you two from working together. I suggest you get over it and shut the hell up before I decide to throw you both out of rank and have you clean the bathrooms with your bare hands.” Jimin and Jungkook look at one another with a scowl before looking in opposite directions. Taehyung and the other male chuckle to themselves. Namjoon clears his throat.

“Vampires are always good for a team for many reasons,” Namjoon starts, casually walking over toward Jungkook. “Vampires can crack the bones in their hands to make them into a weapon as strong as diamond. Vampire fingers can break even a dragon’s skull. They are naturally very strong, even stronger then werewolves.” Namjoon says, staring into Jungkook’s eyes. Jungkook scowls at the mention of Vampires being stronger then werewolves. Namjoon’s telling Jungkook that that midget is stronger than him? “Also, Vampires are a natural blood bank. Let a Vampire bite you and your blood type is stored. If you’re bleeding to death, it’ll be helpful to have a Vampire on your team to give you your blood back.”

Jimin smirks at Jungkook as he feels his ego expand. Nothing feels as good as another Fae telling a Werewolf how much better Vampires are then them. Jungkook’s scowl never fades, even after Namjoon turns to look at Jimin. Their leader takes strides towards Jimin.

“Werewolves are also key members in a successful team.” He keeps his eyes locked on the shorter male. Jimin’s smirk falls. “A Werewolf’s sense of smell is better and more effective than a Vampire. If a Werewolf has your scent, even if you’re kidnapped or if an inmate escapes from prison, they’ll be able to track you down. Along with their sense of smell, their hearing is sharper as well. If something is heading for the group, a Werewolf will hear it long before any other Fae would,” Namjoon says. “Also, werewolves are faster. If you faint on the battle field, your Werewolf comrade will be able to get you to a safe location faster than any other Fae.” Jimin shifts his eyes away as if refusing to acknowledge the truth in his leader’s words. Namjoon moves away, his back now facing the team as he walks forward.

“A Siren’s sharp eyes are good for long distance attacks, and  their gift of manipulation is a great tactic against your enemy. A mermaid’s scales can help Fae breath underwater and can enter a enemies body with the access of blood.” Namjoon turns around to find the four trainees staring him. “The perfect team, and the reason I personally selected you four.”

The four fall silent under Namjoon’s stare. “Now follow me, boot camp begins.”

Namjoon turns away once again, his back to them as he walks to his left. The other member, Hoseok the mermaid, picks up his bag to follow. Jimin sighs as he picks up his own bag along with Taehyung.

“This sucks, I can’t believe we’re in a team with a-” Jimin gets cut off by Jungkook shoulder checking him violently as he passes to follow their leader. Jimin’s pupils turn red as he bares his fangs. “-fucking Werewolf.” Taehyung sighs, wrapping one arm around Jimin’s shoulder.

“It won’t be that bad Jimin.” Taehyung coos, only making Jimin’s bad mood worse. Jimin shrugs Taehyung’s arm off him as he stomps behind Namjoon, glaring daggers at Jungkook’s back.

“Every early evening, we will meet here,” Namjoon says, standing at what looks to be a track field. The four males stood in a row; Taehyung, Jimin, Jungkook, and Hoseok, staring back at their leader. Namjoon’s hands are behind his back as he continues to look at his trainees. “You are to run fifty laps, full sprint. Every nine laps you may take a leisure jog. This is to help build endurance. After your laps, we will move on.”

“Are we to do our laps right now?” Hoseok asks, raising his hand. Namjoon moves to the side of the track as his trainees watch him. He holds up his right index finger, a flame appearing above it. All four of their eyes widen in shock.

“Holy shit, he’s an elemental!” Taehyung whispers to Jimin. Jimin nods weakly.

“Your laps start when this flame shoots into the air,” Namjoon says, eyeing the four. Jimin and Jungkook tense up as Taehyung raises his hand.

“Do we get a chance to stretch our-” before the Siren can finish, Namjoon’s flame shoot up into the air. Both Hoseok and Taehyung yelp in shock from the sudden movement, but both Jungkook and Jimin take off.

The first lap they’re neck and neck, stumbling over their footing because of the uneven ground. The Vampire and Werewolf keep glancing at each other out of the corner of their eyes, their thighs starting to burn at the sudden pace they started. After Jungkook gets his footing over the uneven surface he turns to face Jimin. Jimin looks back as he too gets use to the uneven ground. Jungkook’s eyes turn gold as he smirks at Jimin. With that, Jungkook disappears from Jimin’s side, sprinting at his full Fae speed far ahead of him. Jimin’s pupils turn red as he burns with anger.

“The fucking flea bag,” Jimin curses, pushing his legs harder, trying to catch up to the Werewolf. Jungkook’s smirk stays on his face as he continues his fast pace. Sure he wasn’t as fast as his wolf form, but he could out run a Vampire. 

Namjoon watches his trainees as he causally walks the outside of the track.

“Laps will start at 8pm sharp. I’d advise you all to stretch before arriving so you don’t injure your muscles,” He says. Taehyung groans, trying to keep his pace as his calf muscles starts to pulse uncomfortably.

“Now he tells us to stretch!” Taehyung harshly whispers to himself as he makes it around the track to come back. Namjoon continues his walk.

“Right now you all are being timed. I’m collecting how fast you are and will train you according to your pace. I will be timing you every session to see if there is any improvement,” Namjoon calls out. The four continue to run around track, each of them at different spots. Jimin keeps pushing his legs to go faster, wanting to get rid of the view of Jungkook’s back.

“Oh fucking Fae!” Taehyung pants, his legs tensing up while feeling like jello at the same time. Hoseok clears out his third water bottle in under a minute as he sits on the ground. Jimin takes a swig of his own and smiles at Taehyung.

“Let me guess, Sirens are more of oral fighters. You can make my brain explode without having to touch me so why in the world would you have to run?” Jimin teases, swaying his body a little. Taehyung narrows his eyes at Jimin before pushing his lips together for a short whistle. Jimin groans loudly, he covering his right ear. His ears ring, bringing on the beginning of a headache, making him close his eyes. Taehyung sticks his tongue out at Jimin, making Hoseok smile from his teammate’s action. Jungkook sits on the ground, far away from his teammates, drinking from his own water bottle. 

A loud thud rings out, and the four Fae turn to see Namjoon standing next to a sack full of items they can’t see. Namjoon unties the bag and looks back at his group of trainees. The four watch intently as Namjoon opens the bag.

“After your laps, I will have you throw a ball of concrete. The weight and size will differ every day, so be prepared,” Namjoon says, taking a step back behind the bag as his trainees huddle around. “Each of you take a ball and throw it as far as you can. That’ll help me determine your strength.” 

Jungkook is the first to move to grab one of the balls. It feels grimy against his palm, his muscles straining as he lifts it. It must weigh about ninety pounds. Jungkook walks away from the bag so Taehyung can move to pick one up. With a grunt, Taehyung lifts the ball and waddles away. Jimin chuckles, picking the ball up with ease as he places one hand on Taehyung’s back.

“Why in the world would oral fighters ever need to lift if you can whistle my brain to explode?” Jimin teases. Taehyung shoots his friend a glare.

“I won’t explode your brain, if only for the fact that I would never see that ass again,” Taehyung grunts out, trying to hold the ball. Jimin chuckles, shaking his head. Jungkook, standing beside Hoseok, doesn’t even hide his eye roll. 

“Throw your ball,” Namjoon commands, shooting another fire ball into the dark sky. The four shift to stand a bit away from one another before each other them throw their ball. Taehyung’s ball barley lands a foot away from him while Hoseok’s is able to go about seven feet.

Jungkook throws his ball, his muscles flexing in all his strength to get it to fly, his wolf pride making him want to see it fly way ahead of the others. The concrete ball spins and flips, dropping at a good fifteen feet before rolling against the ground. Jungkook smirsk, seeing the distance between his ball and the others. His smirk fades though, as he sees the fourth ball fly.

Jimin waits till Jungkook throws his ball before he decides to throw his. Jungkook may have won in the laps, but Jimin knew he could pay him back with this throwing contest. This ninety-pound ball felt like five pounds, and and knew he could wipe that smug off Jungkook’s face. So as soon as the Werewolf’s ball hit the ground Jimin threw his. He made sure to throw it in such a way that his ball would cast a shadow over Jungkook’s, and felt victory in watching the smirk on Jungkook’s face fade into shock. Jimin’s ball lands at least fifteen feet in front of Jungkook’s, a smug smirk growing on Jimin’s face.

“Wow, you’re really strong,” Hoseok speaks in awe, staring at the ball. Jungkook feels his chest tighten in pain as he bites into his bottom lip. Jimin places his hands on his hips, turning to face Hoseok and Jungkook.

“Of course, I’m a Vampire.” Jimin’s eyes land on the hard, cold eyes of Jungkook, making the Vampire smirk wider. “When it comes to strength, we can snap a dog’s back with our pinky.” Jungkook fights back a snarl but his face scrunches up dangerously. Jimin’s pupils flash red and fade, making sure to shoulder check Jungkook as he walks away. Jungkook barely stumbles, his fists tightening.

“Blood whores,” Jungkook growls to himself, staring at both their balls sitting out in the grass. Jungkook shifts to move away, leaving Hoseok and Taehyung. The two look at one another before giving a sigh.

“Great, we get to witness a year of a dick measuring contest.” Taehyung sighs.

The rest of the night is spent like that. Namjoon giving them a task while Jimin and Jungkook try desperately to outdo one another. Taehyung and Hoseok watch with eye rolls and sighs as the two keep up their act. Namjoon doesn’t comment on their actions, but keeps a special eye on the two. Naturally, Vampires and Werewolves tend to be more athletic and physically capable then most other Fae, but these two seem to be especially skilled. Namjoon smirks, rubbing his nose.

“How’s training?” Jung Hyun asks, sitting next to his younger brother, a rabbit on his plate. It’s dinner time so all ranks in The Core are able to mingle. Jungkook chugs his water, his annoyance showing plainly on his face. Jung Hyun smiles, holding the raw meat to his lips. “That great huh?”

“I’m teamed with a Vampire,” Jungkook growls, swallowing a large amount of water, “and he’s a complete asshole.”

“A Vampire that’s an asshole. Shocker,” Jung Hyun says with a bit of sarcasm, making his younger brother turn to him with a scowl.

“Why in the world would they pair me up with someone like that? It’s no secret that Vampires and Werewolves don’t get along.”

“Cause The Core doesn’t give a shit Jungkook-ah.” Jung Hyun says, swallowing another bite of his rabbit. Jungkook huffs before turning away, looking across the cafeteria at a certain Vampire.

“Does he want to fight or something? Why does he keep looking at me?” Jimin grumbles, sinking his fangs back into the clear bag of blood. He shoots a glare at Jungkook before looking away. Taehyung and Seokjin look at Jimin in curiosity as they each eat their meals.

“Who keeps looking at you?” Taehyung asks, ripping the seed in his hand in half before ripping it into smaller pieces. Jimin pulls the bag away as he looks at his best friend.

“Jungkook.”

“Jungkook? Whose Jungkook?” Seokjin asks, reaching for the bottle of water beside him. Jimin just scowls as Taehyung smiles,  chewing his food.

“He’s our teammate. Jungkook-ah is a Werewolf,” Taehyung says after swallowing. The Siren turns to Jimin with a teasing smirk. “Maybe he likes your ass too.”

“Why are you so obsessed with my ass?” Jimin asks with a huff, making the Siren laugh. Seokjin’s eyes move to look toward the direction where the Werewolves typically sit. He isn’t surprised to see a young male looking their direction, a very unhappy expression on his face. Seokjin smiles as his hand comes up to play with the hair on the back of Jimin’s neck.

“Well, why don’t we give him a show?” Seokjin suggests. Taehyung pauses in curiosity as Jimin gives the older boy a smile.

With no hesitation Seokjin leans forward, taking in Jimin’s bottom lip with his fangs. Jimin lets out an over dramatic moan as his arms wrap around Seokjin’s neck, pulling him closer. Jimin’s lip splits, blood trickling out and down his chin. Seokjin tongue darts out to clean up the blood, smearing it in the process. Jimin can’t resist tasting his own blood. It’s not as sweet and tastes bit stale, but he’ll endure it to make Jungkook uncomfortable. Jimin’s eyes shift to meet Jungkook’s and almost snorts at the look of disgust on the Werewolf’s face.

Jimin and Seokjin pull away from each other, slightly breathless, with the taste of Jimin’s blood on their tongues. Jungkook has look away, making gagging motions at his brother, and Jimin can’t fight his smile, wiping the left-over blood with the back of his hand. That’ll show Jungkook for staring. Jimin and Seokjin’s eyes fall onto the Siren, who’s looking at them both with wide eyes and an open mouth. The Vampires raise their brows as Taehyung starts making weird noises.

“I..I…” Taehyung shakes his head, “Is it normal for Vampires to just randomly make out while doing blood play like that?”

“Yeah, and it’s fun to do to nosy werewolves” Seokjin says, wiping his bottom lip. Jimin gives a noise of agreement as he sinks his fangs into his blood bag. Taehyung looks at them two before shifting awkwardly for a moment. 

“Can you do that again? That was really hot and I need some jerking fantasies.” Jimin’s eye brows furrow at the Siren, and he pretends to contemplate before spitting a small amount of blood at his friend. Seokjin roars in laughter as Taehyung lets out a whine of disgust and he wipes his face.

“How was training today?” Seokjin finally asks, settling down. Taehyung lets out a loud groan as he collapses on the table.

“It was rough. Our leader is a fucking drill sergeant. I’m sore in places I never knew I could be sore in. I swear I pulled a dick muscle at some point!” Taehyung whines, making Seokjin grin in amusement.

“Who’s your team leader?” Seokjin asks, turning towards Jimin. Jimin looks back.

“An elemental name Kim Namjoon,” Jimin says, reaching for his bottle of water. Seokjin’s eyes widen slightly as he leans forward a bit.

“Wow, Kim Namjoon huh? He’s really good. Super smart. They moved him up fast cause he’s just that good,” Seokjin says, nodding his head. “You guys are lucky.”

“Lucky?!” Taehyung groan sitting up, “I should’ve just died at the orientation.” Jimin rolls his eyes, smiling at the Siren.

“You’ll get better. Soon you’ll get used to it.” Jimin kicks the Siren gently under the table. Taehyung whimpers in response, leaning down to message his ankle. Seokjin laughs again in amusement, finding their banter adorable.

“Oi, Seokjin.” The three look to the new voice. Jimin eyes the male. He has the most stoic face Jimin’s ever seen. Though his body is short and thin, he can tell it’s all muscle. His skin is as pale as a Vampire’s, but it was obvious he wasn’t one. Jimin had never seen such a pale Siren before. His eyes are hard but also droopy, as if he would rather be asleep or he just woke up. Jimin can’t believe how nonchalant but demanding the Fae’s presence is.

Seokjin’s body changes from a relaxed position into a tense one, intriguing Jimin. Seokjin is a causal guy, and not just anyone can hold his attention like that. The Siren hasn’t even acknowledged Jimin or Taehyung, eyes just on Seokjin. “When you’re done we’re having a physical. You know, making sure we’re still in shape or what have you.” 

“A physical huh? Want to make sure we still got it?” Seokjin chuckles, looking over the Siren’s body in slight amusement. The Siren huffs in annoyance, as he shoves his hands into his pockets.

“It’s not like they train us to death every day, the fuckers,” He mumbles, rolling his eyes. Seokjin grimaces and nods his head in agreement.

“Ok, I’ll make sure to head down there after dinner.” The Siren just nods back before yawning and walking away. They’re quiet for a couple moments before they turn back to each other. Jimin turns to look at Taehyung and finds him still staring at the Siren’s back in awe.

“Who was that?” Taehyung asks, slightly breathless as he slouches in his seat. Seokjin swallows a mouth full of blood before speaking.

“Min Yoongi, my teammate. He was actually on my training team when I first got here, and we moved into the same rank together.” Seokjin smiles. “He can be kinda grumpy but he’s actually a cool guy.”

“And fucking beautiful,” Taehyung says, snapping his neck to look at Seokjin with wide eyes. “Tell me he’s single, please tell me he’s single! What does he like? Do tall Siren’s do it for him? Please tell me!” Jimin raises his eyebrow at Taehyung, a teasing smile appearing on his face.

“Aren’t you rooming with all the Sirens? Why don’t you just ask him yourself?” Jimin asks. “You know, do your little love call or whatever.” Taehyung looks at Jimin.

“How am I supposed to approach a divine creature like him!? Did you see him?!” Taehyung sighs as he holds his hands to his chest, “He was magical.”

“And grumpy,” Jimin comments, earning another glare from Taehyung. Seokjin laughs as he shakes his head.

“Yoongi is a bit hard to approach and most of the population is scared shitless of him. So I’m sure he is single,” Seokjin says, amusement lacing his voice. Taehyung’s eye light up as his largest box smile appears on his face.

“I’m so going to hit that.” Seokjin laughs at Taehyung’s declaration as he shakes his head.

“You might get hit by that.”

Jimin glares at the bottom of the top bunk where he knows Seokjin is sleeping soundly on. Not that Jimin is mad at Seokjin himself, but more at the fact that his hyung could sleep at all. Jimin gives an annoyed huff as one hand comes up to rub his eyes. He’s exhausted, his body aching, sore, and he knows he needs to rest. However, his insomnia seems to be asshole even when he is exhausted.

“This is bullshit brain. I know you’re tired so let me sleep!” Jimin groans, shifting in his bed so he’s lying on his stomach. He closes his eyes as he lets his sore body sink into the bed. A minute. Two Minutes. Five minutes. Jimin’s eyes pop open and he huffs in frustration. It doesn’t help they’re irrupted by the sun pouring into the room. Jimin gives a defeated sigh before sitting up in his bed, the kinks in his muscles popping in pain. Once again, he finds himself looking around the room as he exhales.

With creaking joints, Jimin rips the blanket off himself steps onto the cold tile floor. Laying around isn’t doing much for him, so he might as well go for a walk.

Jimin finds himself outside. The breeze is doing nothing for the heat coming off Jimin’s skin, but he hopes that it might coax him to sleep. Jimin’s eyes can barely adjust to how bright it is, but he continues his walk. He isn’t completely blinded. The wind picks up, blowing Jimin’s hair around.

“Fucking wind,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair. If only the wind could ruin his insomnia and not his hair. Jimin sighs, rubbing his eyes as he continues his walk off the gravel. Jimin lets his mind wonder as he admires his surroundings.

The trees are a pretty green, the flowers vibrant purple and pink; A funny contrast considering where they are. Jimin smiles as he walks by them. He isn’t a flower type guy, but they’re something nice to look at in the middle of the day. Pausing, Jimin looks at the small forest against the outer wall. There’s no path that leads inside the forest, but he notes the amount of shade produced by the trees. With sensitive Vampire skin and the constant blinding of the sun, Jimin start to think the shade looks really appealing, so he finds a small opening between the bushes.

Not surprisngly, the mini forest really isn’t that long, but is slightly bigger than Jimin thought. The trees grow quite close together while vegetation runs rampant. Jimin can’t believe no other Fae ever ventured into the small space. Granted, most Fae would actually be asleep by this time, and the ones that are awake are patrolling the grounds. However, even then, any Fae could have come by during the night. Jimin keeps on his journey, enjoying the cool shade and the lack of sting against his eyes.

He eventually discovers the end of the forest when he finally hits the wall surrounding the castle. The wall is cover in moss and other plants from the surrounding wildlife. Jimin almost can’t believe The Core would allow this to be here, considering that it’s a good way to sneak out or in. But, Jimin figures, there is nothing on the other side of the wall. The plants could be poisonous for all he knows. Jimin starts moving to his left, admiring the plants around him since his insomnia won’t allow him to sleep.

“Maybe I should try biting myself?” Jimin offers to the wind, rubbing his exhausted eyes that won’t shut. “Or even have Seokjin hyung bite me before bed?”  he says it but knows it won’t work. When he was still home, Ma would try biting him to sleep but it didn’t help. Jimin sighs, rubbing the back of his neck as his eyes wander over his surroundings. “At least this place is pretty.” 

The forest responds with the rustle of leaves, making his surroundings shimmer slightly by the sun. Jimin smiles as he sticks his hands into his red pajama pants and continues his walk. He knows he could get lost here for hours and not mind. The forest is small, but just magical. As he wanders, Jimin notices a tree that looks as if it’s growing out of the wall. His brow raises, amusement bubbling up in his stomach.

“Oh, and what are you?” Jimin asks, walking closer to the tree. It’s oddly shaped compared to the other trees, bent like a hook and branches hanging down as if they were broken. Jimin shakes his head softly, reaching out to touch the cool branches, “Are you sad Mr. Tree? Can you not sleep as well?” The tree rustle in the wind and Jimin takes it as a response to his question. Jimin must be very tired. His smile widens at his own foolishness as he walks around to see where exactly the tree is coming from.

“Where are you sprouting from Mr. Tree? You can’t actually be growing from the wall,” Jimin murmurs, crouching down to push back the leaves. To Jimin’s surprise, there is more room under the tree than he originally thought. There isn’t enough space for a tall Fae like Taehyung or Seokjin, but it’s enough space for someone shorter like Jimin. Jimin looks around, suddenly aware that he’s far from the empire’s estate, and though there are no real rules against leaving, he still feels uneasy. Once making sure no one is around, Jimin crawls under the tree, the grass cool and a little moist while the small amount of light from the sun lights up the hidden space, giving it a magical sparkle. Jimin’s mouth opens in awe at his discovery.

“Mr. Tree, you’re quite beautiful,” Jimin whispers, looking around. His eyes rove from the leaves to the bark, following the trunk to where it meets the wall. To Jimin’s surprise, there’s a hole next to the trunk of the tree. How The Core could allow this is beyond Jimin, and he still can’t believe no one has even seen this. Jimin once again looks around at his surroundings before getting closer to the hole. The opening isn’t very large and he’s sure he can’t get through, even with his smaller body. Jimin isn’t even sure there’s room on the other side for him to get through anyways. There looks to be a bush on the other side. Jimin knows he shouldn’t have even left the grounds anyways, it’s in violation of his blood contract with The Core.

Curiosity and exhaustion clouding his judgment, Jimin sticks his hand through the small opening. After a few moments, his hand touches the bush on the other side, and he figures he could just fit inside. Pulling his hand back, Jimin ponders for a moment, staring at the opening. It’s against the rules to wonder outside the boundaries of the castle. However, it isn’t like Jimin is going to sleep anytime soon. Jimin hesitates, biting his lower lip as he stares at the opening.

In the end, his curiosity gets the best of him.

“Can’t believe I’m doing this,” Jimin whispers, moving closer to the wall. He pops the bones in his hands, expanding the bones and nails to a much harder and sharper state. Jimin takes a breath in, calculating how much space he’ll need to get out, before shoving his hand through the concrete wall and sliding down. The Core would be pissed if they knew Jimin broke through the wall, but in Jimin’s defense, he is a Vampire and Vampires can even crack a Dragon skull in half. If they believe a wall is Fae proof, then it’s their fault for being stupid.

Jimin cuts to the bottom before pulling the piece off, looking at the now larger opening. It’s still very small and should be barely noticeable on the outside. However, now Jimin can get though. Jimin sets the piece of the wall down beside him before crawling through the opening. He hits the bush before he can get his bottom half out the opening, but Jimin is flexible so this small bump in the road doesn’t faze him. Jimin is finally able to maneuver out and stands up. The forest looks much like what does on the other side, except much larger. Jimin smiles, admiring the beauty around him. He can’t wait to see how beautiful it is at night.

Jimin spots a flower on the ground and picks it up, placing it in a crack in the wall so he doesn’t lose his way. He’s already out here, he might as well explore a bit more. The excitement of his adventure makes Jimin forget about his sore muscles and droopy eyes. He may not even sleep today. Jimin steps over the bush and places another flower on it to mark his way. When he takes a few steps back, Jimin notices how his hole isn’t visible thanks to the bushes and the sister tree growing on the other side. Jimin turns around takes a couple steps before catching sight of something on his left.

The wooden exterior was barely noticeable, but it’s surrounded by trees and moss growing on the outside, so Jimin catches it; A small cottage with a front door and a window. Excitement growing in his chest at his discovery, Jimin heads in that direction. The cottage is smaller than he originally thought, but Jimin doesn’t care one bit. He approaches with caution, crouching down and looking into the window. Once deciding it’s clear, Jimin heads to the front door. The door is difficult to open, years of nature’s abuse gluing it shut, but with a bit of a jiggle and strength, Jimin shoves it open. 

The door creaks, and Jimin notices it’s brighter inside than he originally thought. He can see the dust particles floating in the air, coughing when he inhales some of it. Jimin covers his mouth and nose as he waves the dust away. It’s painfully obvious no one has claimed this cottage in a very long time. Jimin walks in further, the floor boards creaking under his weight as he ventures through the rooms. He walks straight to the window, unlatching it and struggling to open it as well. However, it opens much easier than the door, and lets in fresh air. Turning around, Jimin looks into the living space, now not having to worry about suffocating on dust.

It’s a very small cottage. The kitchen, Jimin assumes thanks to the sink and cupboards, is only a couple feet from the supposed living room, which mixes with the bedroom. There was one dark green, three-seater couch with brown pillows, and a full size bed. Next to both items are small tables and lamps. Those items didn’t excite Jimin as much as the next did.

Bookshelves.

There are four book shelves in total, one up against the wall by the foot of the bed, two against the wall beside the front door, and the last beside the other side of the couch, full of smaller books. Jimin smiles, walking closer to the book shelves. Thanks to his insomnia, Jimin had taken up reading to pass time while he was awake. He always figures if he can’t dream, he at least read, which is just as pleasing.

The bookshelf, to Jimin’s surprise, has a mixture of fiction and nonfiction. One section of a shelf is medical textbooks for all different types of Fae. Jimin runs a finger over each spine, murmuring the titles aloud. He’s surprised by them, along with the dates. The books are over four hundred years old, and the only one that seems to be more recent is about three hundred and eighty.

“Wow,” Jimin whispers, looking around the cottage. In a way, Jimin stumbled upon history. This cottage was here before The Core took the castle as a training facility. Jimin walks with a little more caution, in awe as he touches the dusty furniture. He makes his way over to the bed to inspect it. Dusty, yet untouched, not even any signs of animal droppings. He hasn’t even spotted a bug yet. Jimin wonders to the kitchen area. Mold and rust didn’t surprise him, but he is amazed that the water still runs when he flicks the faucet on. If the water’s safe however, is another question. Jimin crouches down to open the cupboard where the pipes for the sink where. Rust and mold cover them as well. Jimin pulls back to look around the cottage again.

With a bit of scrubbing and elbow grease, this could be Jimin’s new get-a-way for his sleepless nights.

Jungkook walks the ground, the sun not bothering him as much as the other Fae, thanks to his wolf side. His hands are kept warm by his gold pajama pants as he looks at the white fluffy sky. Jungkook couldn’t sleep in the Werewolf chambers.. He’s never been good about being around others, let alone sleeping around them.

Yes, the first night Jungkook stayed close to Jung Hyun but was barely able to sleep and only could because Jung Hyun curled up next to him. However, Jungkook just kept waking up to every sound; someone’s paw against the floor, someone’s sneeze, and that one wolf that snores. Jungkook just knows he won’t make it in that room.

So here he is, wandering the grounds, bowing to passing Fae that are on patrol. They ask him why a trainee would be up at this time of day, and seem understanding when Jungkook offers his explanation. Although, they did warn that once it hit noon, all wanderers must head back to their chambers. By look of the sun, Jungkook figures it must be about eleven. Jungkook groans at the thought of having to head back to the Werewolf chambers and hurries his search for a place to sleep.

He walks past the small forest on the grounds and eyes the green vegetation for a moment. There is no rule against going into the forest .His brother did tell him about the Fae that would into the forest for sex, but Jungkook doesn’t smell any scent of arousal anywhere, so he wonders into the forest. He doesn’t mind sleeping outside, as long as he finds a good place to curl up in his wolf form.

Jungkook wanders in deeper, taken aback by how large the forest seems despite how small it looks from the outside. He continues his journey, yawning loudly every once in a while. His eyes feel heavy, as does his body. Anywhere seems acceptable to Jungkook at this point. Jungkook walks for a while longer, until his body screams for rest and he can’t continue. He opens his mouth widely for another yawn as he looks around. There are lots of trees and bushes around, and he decides to explore the small opening between the bushes. Jungkook knows he’ll be a bit too big even in his wolf form, but goes for it anyways.

Shrinking to his white wolf form, he lays on his clothes and curls up against the bushes that poke into his fur. Jungkook doesn’t bat an eye , but his nose does twitch at a faint scent that Jungkook believes belongs to that annoying Vampire he is teammates with.

The sound of the wake-up alarm from the The Core startles Jimin into awareness. He peers around for a moment, his brow furrowing in confusion. This isn’t the Vampire chambers. Blinking away the sleep from his eyes, Jimin replays yesterday’s events in his mind. He discovered the cottage and was cleaning it so he could run here when he couldn’t sleep. Jimin rubs his eyes, getting up to crack his sore joints. He doesn’t even remember going to sleep. The alarm in the distance makes Jimin jolt up from the couch in a sense of panic. Everyone is waking up and Jimin isn’t in his bed.

“Shit, shit, shit!” Jimin whispers, pulling his shoes back on as he stumbles toward the front door. The last thing he wants is to get caught outside the barrier on his third night at The Core. Who knows what they do when someone breaks a rule. Jimin yanks open the door and closes it behind him, following the small path back to the opening of the wall, praying no one else is in the forest.

“Where were you?” Seokjin asks as they stand in line for their breakfast. Jimin smiles, brushing a lose strand of hair from his forehead.

“Ah, I was out,” Jimin almost squeaks, and prays Seokjin doesn’t catch it. Seokjin raises his brow as they move up the line.

“Out?”

“On a run,” Jimin lies with a nervous smile, “You know, that damn wolf in my team is fast and I want to beat him.” Seokjin’s stare softens into an amused expression as he chuckles softly.

“So competitive. But hey, if you can beat a Werewolf at running, then more props to you. It’ll show those damn mutts,” Seokjin says, walking up the line. Jimin lets out a small sigh of relief, thankful his lie passed without question.

“Hey, Jungkook.” Jungkook looks up, seeing Hoseok’s wide embarrassed smile. Jungkook stops his stretching to give the merman his full attention.

“What is it?” Jungkook replies. Hoseok rubs the back of his head as he chuckles nervously.

“I was wondering… if you could help me with stretching,” Hoseok says brightly. “Your stretching is much different from what I’m use to and I’m not use to stretching my legs as much and obviously, I can’t use fin stretches on them cause they’re not fins and I don’t want to damage my land muscles cause it can mess with-”

“Ok,” Jungkook says, cutting Hoseok off. Jungkook may be a bit cold but he isn’t an ass. Sea Fae are only faintly taught about their land muscles since most stay in the water and obviously, Hoseok hasn’t been on land very much by how often he gets amazed about little land things. “Sit down.” On command, Hoseok plops down on his butt and stares at Jungkook with curious eyes.

“First, stick out your left leg and bend your right leg in,” Jungkook says, sticking his left leg out. Hoseok follows with determination that amuses Jungkook slightly. His Appa always said Sea Fae are like puppies when they come on land, always curious and always following land Faes’ leads. Jungkook figures he would be the same if he suddenly had to live in water. Jungkook reaches for his toes. “Now, reach for your toes. It helps warm up your thighs.”

Hoseok nods and follows. At least tries to. He looks to be struggling as he bites his bottom lip, the tips of his fingers barely touching the laces of his shoes. Jungkook holds back a chuckle as he watches the Merman. Having been fairly flexible from a young age, Jeongguk is amused at Hoseok’s struggle.

“You’ve got to touch your toes!” Hoseok lets out a sound of pain as Taehyung suddenly appears, pushing Hoseok’s shoulder so the Merman touches his toe. Taehyung keeps the pressure as a smile covers his face. “If you don’t touch your toes then you’re not stretching your muscles Hoseokie!” He says too brightly for someone making the Merman groan in pain.

“Tae you’re hurting him.” Jungkook’s scowl appears immediately when he hears Jimin’s voice. Jimin barley glances at Jeongguk as he walks up beside Taehyung with a worried glance at Hoseok. “Get off, you’re gonna make him pull a muscle,” Jimin says, pulling on the Siren. Taehyung moves away and Hoseok lets out a breath, turning around to look at Taehyung with wide eyes.

 “Are you trying to kill me?” He asks in horror, rubbing his shoulder. Taehyung pouts.

“No, I was trying to help,” Taehyung offers, turning to face Jimin. “I was trying to help right Jiminnie?” Jimin chuckles as he shakes his head.

“Yeah, but you’re doing it wrong. Sea Fae’s land bodies are a bit more delicate then ours Tae.” Jimin smiles at Hoseok in apology. “Here Hoseok, let me help you,” Jimin says, dropping his bag on Jungkook’s leg, making the Werewolf growl in the back of his throat. Once again, Jimin doesn’t acknowledge him. Before Jimin can utter a word, his bag smacks into his side.

“I was helping him actually,” Jungkook says sharply, “And the last thing he needs is to be taught wrong by a blood whore.” Jimin snaps his head up to look at Jungkook, an annoyed expression on his face. He scoffs softly as he rolls his eyes.

“Well, what can a dog even teach? Are you going to teach him how to roll over? How to fetch?” Jimin picks up a stick that happens to by laying around on the field, holding it up to Jungkook and waving it. “You want the stick, huh? You want the stick boy? You want it?” Jungkook’s scowl grows as his eyes shift to a glowing gold color, but it doesn’t stop Jimin from tossing the stick over Jungkook’s head. “Go get it, pet.”

Jungkook growls and stands up, his eyes glowing dangerously as his claws elongate. Jimin was up in seconds, pupils bright red. Hoseok and Taehyung jump in surprise and horror.

“Sorry, I was trained to kill, not fetch,” Jungkook growls, taking a step closer to Jimin. Jimin, unafraid, took a step forward as well, a smirk on his face.

“You admit that you’re a trained dog?”  Jungkook furrows his brows while Jimin raises his. Taehyung jumps to his feet, grabbing Jimin’s arms.

“H-hey, remember what leader Namjoon said about fighting. He’ll move you down a rank,” Taehyung says, pulling on Jimin lightly as he tries to break the tension. Jimin and Jungkook keep their eye contact and don’t budge for a whole thirty seconds, making their teammates stand on edge. Jimin lets out an amused scoff, his pupils turning back to black as he relaxes his stance. Jungkook stays on guard though, as he watches Jimin take a step back.

“I’d hate to lose my spot cause of an uneducated beast,” Jimin says, grabbing his bag and pulling it over his shoulder. “Woof woof.” Jimin smirks at Jungkook before being pulled away by Taehyung, silently scolding him. Jungkook doesn’t drop his guard until Jimin is a good ten feet away, letting himself drop back to the ground to continue stretching. His eyes are still gold, his head buzzing in annoyance.

Honestly, Jungkook wants to go over there and show Jimin how uneducated he could be.

Hoseok lets out a shaky breath as he tries to copy Jungkook’s movements. The Sea Fae doesn’t speak out of fear of rubbing the Werewolf the wrong way. He looks over to his right, watching as Jimin and Taehyung talk in hushed tones, which by Taehyung’s expression, meant that he was scolding the Vampire. Hoseok’s face scrunches up in confusion as he turns back to Jungkook who still seems lost in thought.

“Why are Vampires and Werewolves enemies?” Hoseok asks out loud in confusion. Jungkook’s gold irises shift to look at Hoseok who wasn’t looking at him but at his legs. Jungkook finishes his final stretches before standing up, looking at Jimin’s back with a scowl.

“Because Vampires are idiots and Werewolves can’t stand stupidity.” Jungkook says, walking away from Hoseok who furrows his brow. 

“But isn’t that a stupid reason?” He asks to himself in confusion. Hoseok sucks in a sharp breath. “Land Fae are weird.”

“Good evening.” The four trainees whirl their head to see Namjoon walking over with his hands behind his back. The Four all stand up and bow to their leader.

“Good evening sir.” They all say in their bent position. Namjoon just nods in response, walking over to the track with a flame already hovering over his palm.

“One more minute before it’s eight,” Namjoon says, standing on the side of the track. Jimin jogs lightly to the track and claims a spot. Beside him is Taehyung, who is doing last minute stretching for his legs. Jungkook walks over, choosing the area that put the most distance between him and Jimin. Hoseok is the last, scurrying up to the spot next to Jungkook as he shakes out his legs. Namjoon takes a moment to look at the moon before turning back to his group. “Go.”

The fire shoots into the air and the Fae take off. Again, Jungkook is the fastest, zipping past Hoseok, Taehyung, and Jimin, claiming the lead position. Jimin scowls as he presses his legs harder into the track, willing himself to be faster. The wolf’s only pride is his speed, and Jimin would love to take it from him. Jungkook just keeps running as he looks behind him. The gap is pretty big, but Jimin is closer than Jungkook’s pride likes. Jungkook smirks, eyes glowing gold as he looks forward again. With a leap, Jungkook transforms into his wolf form, his cloths laying against the track ground. Jimin watches in horror as the gap between him and the wolf gets larger and larger.

“Cheater!” Jimin snaps, going out of his way to run over Jungkook’s discarded clothes. Taehyung lets out sounds of excitement while Hoseok stares at Jungkook in awe. 

Jungkook comes from a clan of beautiful wolves with natural shiny white fur that gleams under the light. Jungkook makes another lap and spots Jimin on the other side. With an internal chuckle, Jungkook moves his four legs faster, coming up behind Jimin. With a small amount of effort, Jungkook passes Jimin, knocking into the Vampire just hard enough to make him stumble. Jimin regains his footing with little effort, but glares at the wolf passing him.

“I’m going to stuff him,” Jimin declares to himself, making plans to make Jungkook’s clothes as dirty as he can during his next lap. Namjoon shakes his head and sighs, but continues to time each Fae under his care.

Namjoon drops a smaller bag compared to the bag from last night. The Fae look in curiosity as Namjoon opens the bag. The balls were much smaller this time, but they were black instead of the gray color for concrete. Namjoon looks at his trainees. 

“Pick up the balls and throw them at the wall. Same as last night,” he says, taking a step back. Taehyung smiles, stepping up first to reach for a ball.

“Awesome! These look light!” Taehyung says, using two hands to fit around the ball. When he tried to pick it up, he almost falls forward into the bag. Hoseok, Jungkook, and Jimin furrow their brows in confusion and a hint of amusement. Taehyung gives an embarrassed smile to Namjoon, who watches with a stoic face. Taehyung gulps before straining to pick up the ball, lifting it out of the bag with much difficulty.

“I thought you said they were light Tae, but you look like you’re struggling,” Jimin teases, patting Taehyung’s back.

“I said they look light!” Taehyung groans. Jimin chuckles, lifting the ball with no problem, while Hoseok looks like he’s struggling a little, as does Jungkook. Namjoon moves to stand behind them, looking at the wall.

“Throw your balls,” Namjoon demands, arms crossed over his chest. Taehyung throws his ball, the black orb flying up and sinking into the wall with a loud crack. Hoseok throws next, and the ball lands under Taehyung’s by a foot, but sinks into the wall. Jungkook throws his, and just as it passes Taehyung’s, another black orb flies out, knocking Jungkook’s so it sinks in height and hits the wall earlier then it would have. The other orb, however, bounces off Jungkook’s and sinks higher up the wall.

Jungkook whirls his head around, glaring at the Vampire on the other end of the line. Jimin isn’t looking his way, but the smug smile on his face informs Jungkook that the Vampire is aware. Jungkook’s eyes glow gold, his skin prickling in anger. Jimin’s smirk widens as he finally turns to face Jungkook. Jungkook snarls at him, but Jimin doesn’t move. Hoseok and Taehyung sigh.

(x)

“Today you’ll be tested on your agility,” Namjoon says, walking in front of his trainees as they all stand in a line. “In this obstacle course, there will be many stages. Some test your ability to think quick on your feet, some are just testing your speed and strength. There will be obstacles you’ll excel in, and obstacles you’ll struggle with. At some point you’ll have to partner up. You’ll know when you reach that point when you see it.”

“Leader?” Hoseok raises his hand, nibbling on his bottom lip. Namjoon pauses, standing in front of the mermaid. Hoseok brings his hand down to rub the back of his head. “Is there a chance of death?” The other three trainees held their breath as they stare hard at their leader. Namjoon crosses his arms.

“This is The Core. Always be prepared for death.” The mood drops immediately among the trainees as tension settles in. Namjoon crosses his arms behind his back as he wonders down the line, making eye contact with each trainee. “Take comfort in knowing that there is nothing like the Eniival in the course. The only way you’ll die will be your own lack of skills.”

Oh, that’s comforting. Jimin’s eyes shift to look at the Siren next to him. Taehyung looks back, his eyes wide, lips red from being bitten. Jimin gives a supportive nod and smile, making the Siren smile back, albeit weakly. Jungkook stays stoic as he tries to play through scenarios of what he’ll face once he enters the course. Hoseok’s completely pale, the inside of his cheek bitten raw. Sea Fae always have a disadvantage on land and that worries him.

“You will complete these courses throughout boot camp and training. They’ll get more difficult as you go. I have faith you all will survive,” Namjoon spoke. “Your performance during orientation backs up my faith.” Their leader pauses, looking at the four. “Though, coming out with a missing limb is possible.”

“Oh great,” Taehyung mutters under his breath. “Now I’m more nervous.”

“Though most of this course is solo, when you collide with your partner they are your responsibly. You must work with you partner to pass the obstacle. You’ll have to work together.” Namjoon’s eyes bounce between Jimin and Jungkook while the two fight back a scowl at the mere thought of having to work together. “If you leave your partner behind, you’ll automatically fail and be demoted to janitor duty for your remaining time with The Core and be Dishonorably Discharged.”

“What if your partner dies?” Jimin asks. Namjoon pauses to turn to Jimin.

“Then you carry him to the end of the obstacle. Once you’re at the end, officers will collect the corpse and you’ll continue your course,” Namjoon says. Jimin bites his lip, trying not to think of having to carry one of his teammates’ corpse. The weight of his dead body would haunt him for years. Namjoon continue his speech “If your partner is injured, try to give him medical attention if you can, in any way you know how, before heading your separate ways.”

The four fall silent as they listen intently. Namjoon pauses as well, waiting for any other questions his trainees might have. They have none, Namjoon assumes from their silence. He nods his head, walking around them to the four entrances to the course.

The course starts from the outside, before heading down into the ground to where the trainees assume is under the castle. The wooden walls are high enough that they can’t look inside or see the other courses. What’s inside is a mystery to each of them, because each entrance has a wooden door blocking their path. The moon shines hauntingly against the wooden walls, as if they were the gates to Hell. For all the Fae knew, they were.

“After you’re done with the course, you may be excused to lunch and showers. After lunch, we’ll return to normal training,” Namjoon says, walking by all the doors, watching his trainees carefully. “While you travel there will be items you may collect and take with you. The items can range from food to tools.”

“Are we to carry these items in a bag, or by pockets?” Jungkook asks, observing the doors. He sees no bags anywhere on this side, but possibly on the other side of the doors? Namjoon shakes his head.

“You will not be given bags.”

Great.

“Now, stand by any entrance you want. Only one Fae per door.” Jungkook moves first, taking the inner right door. Hoseok moves to take the far-right door, hesitancy clear in his eyes. Jimin takes the far left and Taehyung takes the door between Jimin and Jungkook. Namjoon looks at the moon, a small flame flaring up in the palm of his hand.

“Good luck Tae,” Jimin says, looking up at his friend. “Don’t croak on me.” Taehyung smiles, not pulling his eyes from the door, but holds a fist out to Jimin.

“Your ass and Yoongi hyung’s mere existence is reason enough for me to live.” Taehyung’s smile widens, and he finally turns to face the Vampire. Jimin rolls his eyes, but keeps smiling, bumping fists with the Siren.

“I’ll let you touch if your beat me to the finish line.” Jimin offers, wiggling his butt to tease Taehyung. Taehyung’s eyes light up and his smile grows wider. 

“And spank?” Taehyung asks in excitement. Jimin turns back to face him with a small look of disgust.

“No,” Jimin states, causing the Siren to whine. Jungkook roll his eyes, his ears burning in annoyance. A conversation about a Vampire’s ass is the last thing he ever wants to hear. Vampires are such filthy creatures. Hoseok looks over with envious eyes. 

“It must be nice, to play around like that,” Hoseok says, louder then he meant too. He wishes he had a friend like that. Most of his friends stayed behind in the Sea while he ventured to land. The other Sea Fae are nice, but he hasn’t really made a friend yet. Jungkook, Taehyung and Jimin look towards the Sea Fae’s direction. Hoseok felt his cheeks turn hot. Jimin smiles.

“Don’t worry, that offer can extend to you too Hoseokie.” Jimin teases, shooting a wink at the Sea Fae. Taehyung laughs.

“It’s like grasping Heaven, Hoseok,” Taehyung says, making grabbing motions as if he was grabbing Jimin’s round butt cheeks. “It’s firm but squishy, and just fits perfectly in your palms.” Jungkook makes a gagging noise, and  Jimin shoots daggers at him. Taehyung looks at Jungkook with a smile before patting the wolf. “Don’t knock it till you try it Kookie.” Both Jimin and Jungkook shoot Taehyung a look.

“No way in hell!” They both snap in unison. Hoseok’s smile widens as he rub the back of his head.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” The Sea Fae chuckles, the heat from his cheeks fading. Namjoon, not being able to shut out their banter, moves his eyes unwillingly to Jimin’s butt. His eyes shoot back up to the moon, Namjoon trying to fight back a smirk.

Idiots.

“Are you ready?” Namjoon’s voice cut off the chatter, making the Fae look at their doors. Tension settles into their joints, the weight of what they’re about to do becoming far more pressing. 

“Ready…”

Taehyung licks his lips, and clears his throat, ready to use his voice.

“Get...”

Hoseok takes a deep breath and exhales, flexing his fingers.

“Set...”

Jimin is still, pupils glowing red as he stares down his door.

“Go…”

Jungkook’s eyes glow gold, watching as his door opens with a creak.

The doors shut behind each trainee as they take off running into the course. Namjoon’s flame vanishes in the sky as he looks at the doors. He smiles, crossing his arms.

“Good luck.”

Jungkook barely notices the barrier in his way when he runs in. Not even three feet in the door and he already has an obstacle. It’s small, just a miniature fence he’ll have to jump over, which he does easily with a leap. Jungkook lands, but quickly notices in another ten feet a slightly higher wall, and higher ones behind it. Jungkook doesn’t know if he’s lucky or screwed for getting this course.

Lucky, he assumes, since for the most part jumping walls is fairly easy for a wolf. Jungkook easily jumps over the second wall as he picks up speed for the next one. This wall is much taller, so Jungkook knows he’ll have to hoist himself over. With a strong leap from the grassy ground, Jungkook jumps, palms smacking against the top of the wooden wall. He pushes himself up and over in seconds. He doesn’t anticipate the ground changing. 

Instead of the grass he assumed would be there, he’s was met with dirt, many small bumps lining the ground. Not the best for an injury free landing. Jungkook grits his teeth, unable to stop his decent, so does the next best thing. Once his feet hit the ground, Jungkook rolls forward, his back hitting the small bumps, making his muscles scream in protest. Jungkook easily gets back up and continues running, wincing slightly at the uncomfortable ache. It’s still better than a sprained ankle.

However, he isn’t safe yet, the uneven the ground just waiting to trip him up. A wrong step could mess up his ankle. Jungkook’s golden eyes glow, his frustration growing. The bumps mess with his pace and make him slow with caution. With a growl, Jungkook transforms into his wolf form, his paws marking the dirt under him. With his cloths in his mouth, Jungkook easily moves against the bumps in the dirt.

Taehyung’s face drops once he makes it past his door. Mud. The dark brown, sticky goop covers everything, no dry ground in sight. Taehyung groans, already feeling the burn in his thighs. His feet keep sinking into the mud, sticking into it. Taehyung feels as though his shoes are about to be tugged off.

“Gross!” Taehyung whines, fighting to get through the brown devil. He tries to keep his pace but the mud is really hard to work through. With a huff, he keeps moving. He takes a few more steps before letting out a curse. 

The mud took his left shoe.

“Son of a bitch!” Taehyung mumbles, keeping his shoeless foot out of the mud as he reaches down to yank his shoe out. The white of his sneakers is fully covered in brown now, making Taehyung groan. “I really hope the rest of the track isn’t like this.” 

Taehyung continues and curses the high heavens as every five steps one of his shoes gets pulled from his foot buy the brown devil. Taehyung eventually switches from wanting to keep his shoes on to sticking his middle fingers at them. They’re slowing him down, and he would be damned if he didn’t get a handful of Jimin’s ass. Sos taking his shoes off, Taehyung caries them as he runs through the mud.

Without his shoes, Taehyung finds that he can move in the mud much easier, though the feeling of the goop soaking his socks and squishing between his toes grosses him out. Taehyung gets farther down his track before slipping. He falls forward into the mud, but to his surprise, he slides. He slides forward until he reaches the second entrance that goes down into the ground. Taehyung yells in horror and excitement as his sliding doesn’t stop.

He slides down a mud slide. The brown goop sticks to his front and he feels it covering his face. It’s gross and terrifying. Taehyung is going fast and all he sees are the wooden walls beside him. He doesn’t know what’s at the bottom and can’t find a way to slow down. However, in a twisted way, the slide is actually very fun.

Jimin almost runs right into a stake. If he was going any faster he surely would’ve had the sharp point run through his skull. Jimin stops and stares at his lane. Many different sharp objects and killing machines block his path. Jimin hears the door behind him close and curses at his luck. No backing down now, and the only way out is forward.

Jimin pauses as he studies his lane. There’s no need to rush and get himself killed. He takes a step to the right of the stake, studying the weapons to his left. There are many paths that lead to death. Jimin takes in a breath before walking around the stake. Slow and steady keeps the Vampire alive.

Breathing slowly, Jimin moves forward, making sure to keep an eye out for traps. He’s doing well, until he hears gears turning and stops. Jimin starts looking around, looking for any sign he’s set off a trap. The gears keep echoing in his lane and Jimin starts to sweat as he looks around, trying to locate the source of the noise. 

When he can’t, Jimin starts to panic, which is the worst thing any Fae can do in this situation. With shaky steps, Jimin continues to walk, his breaths now coming out in uneven huffs. He can hear the metalix sound growing louder and it has him on edge.

“Calm down Jimin. Calm down,” Jimin whispers to himself, his eyes dancing between every sharp object glowing in the moonlight. The thought of dying here makes Jimin anxious. How embarrassing it would be, to be killed at the start of the course. The Werewolf on the team would fall into a fit of laughter. The thought sobers Jimin’s mind.

No way in hell is he going to die before a fucking Werewolf.

Jimin focuses, observing the weapons around him with clearer eyes. The gears are still turning and they’re getting faster. Whatever’s going to happen, is going to happen soon. Jimin gets ready, his body tensing as he moves quickly through the weapons. If only he could spot the weapon ready to be used against him. A scream makes Jimin jump, and he whirls to look at the wooden wall beside him with wide eyes. 

“Taehyung?” Jimin calls out in surprise, hearing his friend. In the same moment, Jimin feels a gust of wind behind him, along with a wet sensation against the back of his neck. He freezes, the sensation registering in his brain. Taking a step forward, Jimin turns to see a spear lodged into the wall where he once stood. If he had been an inch over, he would’ve been dead. Jimin shivers, reaching up to touch the back of his neck.

Blood.

Jimin looks at his own blood with surprise. He’s lucky to be alive for sure. Letting out a huge sigh, he continues forward to the next stage of the obstacle course. If he makes it through, he’ll live. Jimin takes off running, his heart pounding as adrenaline pumps through his blood stream. 

Weapons start to fly from all directions. Jimin can hear them whiz through the air and hit the wooden wall. He lets out a yelp of surprise when a spear flies in front of him. He didges just in time, ducking under the wooden handle and clears the other sharp points. Jimin is close, so close to the end of his lane. He ducks and weaves between flying and standing weapons, nicking himself several times, but thankfully he comes away with nothing more than that.

Once close enough, Jimin jumps toward the opening, successfully missing the flying weapons that would’ve nailed him if he was a second slower…but one does catch the back of Jimin’s thigh, slicing it open. Jimin lands and rolls forward before getting back on his feet. He looks back at the mess of the lane behind him. Weapons are everywhere, stuck in the ground and in the walls. Jimin lets out a breath, thankful that none of those are stuck in him. He turns around and immediately yelps in surprise.

He barely doges the incoming arrow aiming between his eyes. The arrow flies into the lane behind him and Jimin stares at it in shock.

“I can’t let my guard down at all,” Jimin says to himself. He turns to look into the tunnel. Stairs lead down into nothing but pitch blackness, and Jimin wonders if hell is awaiting him.

Hoseok feels his skin break out into goose bumps and slides to a stop. His eyes widen and his mouth drops. How? How exactly? He swallows the lump in his throat as his eyes scan his lane. 

There’s nothing; No obstacles, no uneven dirt, no weapons. Nothing. His lane is completely clear, with just grass and wooden walls lying before him.

Hoseok didn’t know what he was expecting, but he didn’t think he was going to be met with a clear start. With caution, Hoseok jogs through the clearing, checking his surroundings. Maybe because it’s only the beginning? He frowns, confused.  It seems too easy.

Ant then he hears a click.

Hoseok almost freezes at the sound,  the tension in his bones rooting him to the spot. Danger. He starts to jog, eyes scanning the area, trying to figure out where that clicking noise is coming from. It seems to have done nothing, and Hoseok is even more confused.

The clicking stops, and another sound reaches Hoseok’s ears. The sound of running sand. He turns around, eyes widening in shock. The ground behind him is falling away into a pit. Where that pit leads, Hoseok doesn’t care to find out. With a squeak, Hoseok starts to run. He runs as fast as his land legs can take him. He doesn’t dare look back, but he can hear the rumbling sound getting closer. The ground shakes and cracks under his feet, and pushes himself harder, breath huffing out of him in uneven pants.

He needs to get to the end, that’s what he needs to do. Just get to the entrance and he’ll be ok. The hissing of the sand falling right under his heels terrifies him, and Hoseok curses. He wishes to be Jungkook right now, the Werewolf’s speed would be useful. Even Taehyung the Siren would’ve made it!

Why did Hoseok decide to leave the sea? Why did he come onto land? Why did he think joining The Core was a good idea? He should’ve stayed and worked for his uncle in the shell industry! Collecting and carving furniture out of shells wouldn’t have put him in a life or death situation like this!

Sweat trickles down his neck as Hoseok pushes himself faster and faster down his lane. His steps are shaky thanks to the sinking ground, but he was still ahead of the cracking earth, even if only by half a centimeter. Hoseok closes his eyes, willing all his power to go to his legs and make him faster. He needs to live if he wants to return to the Sea. Opening his eyes, Hoseok notices how close the end is.

He’s so , so close to safety. On instinct, Hoseok slows down. It’s an almost fatal mistake, as he is barely  able to stay ahead of the sinking dirt beneath his feet. With a surprised yelp and a burst of fear, Hoseok jumps, soaring towards the light at the end of the tunnel. He lands awkwardly, busting his shoulders and hitting his head against the concrete, but Hoseok welcomes the pain with a groan.

He shifts to sit on his butt, breathing heavily, his body aching in pain at his jarring landing. Breath coming out in pants, Hoseok looks back at his lane. The ground is gone, and there’s no way to get back to the door he came through. Wiggling his limbs, Hoseok crawls towards the edge to look down.

To his surprise, he can see the sand down about twenty feet below. Hoseok furrows his brow, letting out an annoyed sigh.

“All that panic and fear for nothing. That doesn’t look to scary.” So much energy wasted when the chasm below wasn’t even that deep. He feels foolish and angry. Hoseok glares at the sand. “I hate land.”

As soon as he utters the words, the sand below starts to shift. Hoseok watches in horror as the walls down below start moving inwards, crushing the sand between them. Hoseok’s jaw drops as the walls collide in maybe thirty seconds, before moving back to their original spots. The sand falls down to normal, and Hoseok’s face pales.

“I hate land,” Hoseok declares again, moving from the edge as he tries to shake away the image of his crushed body splattered against the walls down below.

Jungkook stops at the end of his stairs. The room is empty, but Jungkook doesn’t trust it. His yellow eyes scan the room and only discover a doorway on the other side. Jungkook returns to his Fae form, slipping back into his clothes. There’s a scent of salt, but he isn’t sure if it’s from this room or possibly from another course. 

Jungkook slip into his shoes before cautiously walking into the room. Namjoon said there would be obstacles and he refuses to believe that this room is actually empty. almost makes it through the entire room without any obstacles, and starts to think maybe to room really is safe. However, a click underneath him proves him wrong. The door to the exit snaps shut, and water starts pouring into the room. To Jungkook’s horror, the water is almost boiling hot. Steam immediately rises from the water as it settles on the floor.

“Shit!” Jungkook curses, running over the damp floor to the door. He starts to bang on it, but the metal door wouldn’t budge. Jungkook’s heart starts pounding as the water reaches his ankles. “There must be a way out of here,” He whispers, placing his hands against the wall, feeling for anything. Steam quickly fills the air as the water rises higher and higher.

As the stinging water reaches his knees, Jungkook panics. The water seems to be pouring in faster and faster, and he hasn’t found a way to make it stop or break out. As the water seeps into his clothing, Jungkook finds it harder to wade through it. The heat makes him sweat, and his hair becomes damp from his sweat as well as the steam. Wading around the room, Jungkook keeps looking for an exit, even as the water reaches his thighs. 

“Fuck,” Jungkook curses, looking at where the water was pouring in from. He pauses, trying to calm his breathing. He’s sticky, thanks to the steam, and the weight of his clothes becomes more burdening. It worries him, but Jungkook tries to keep calm. “Ok, The Core wouldn’t build a room a Fae couldn’t escape from,” Jungkook says to himself, trudging around the open space.

The water rises to hip level, and Jungkook can feel his heart rate elevate. He looks up, the steam making it hard to see the ceiling, but Jungkook could see the steam wafting to the left. Jungkook starts half-swimming, half-wading to where the steam seems to be seeping out. There’s an opening. It’s not very big, but it’s there somewhere. If he can locate it, he can find a way to escape.

The opening must be tiny, as so little steam is leaving through it.  However, now Jungkook knows the general area, so hope and determination sparks in him. That will be his escape. Unfortunately, it means he has to wait for the water to fill the room for him to be able to reach it.

Jungkook prays he’s right, because if not, he’ll be dead for sure.

Jimin walks down the stairs with extra caution, waiting for them to give out or hint at surprise attacks. He receives none, which shocks him, but makes him more paranoid, and has him almost wishing for an attack so he can stop being on edge.  Taking a harsh yet steady breath, he continues his journey. 

The stairs lead him to an empty corridor. The wooden walls are painted dark, and there’s no light, but Jimin’s night vision gives him perfect sight regardless. He can make out every crack in the wooden walls, every scratch in the paint, even the mismatched tiles on the ground. Jimin stares down the corridor, furrowing his brow. Was it safe? Was it a trap? 

Jimin feels his breath quickening, his paranoia growing into panic.  The fear of not knowing what could possibly come next makes Jimin’s body tremble. He gulps painfully, shaking himself out of his panic. He can’t break down now, he’s not done yet. He can’t break down. The mantra plays over and over in his head, but the quick beating of his heart drowns it out. Jimin’s pupils glow red and he balls his fists. 

Fighting the Enivall is different, he knows what the danger is and how to fight it. Here, he’s victim of his own imagination. He needs to calm down, needs to stay focused, needs to be alert. Every part of him is trembling, his legs, his arms, his lips. Any Fae would jump to the conclusion that he’s cold. Jimin shakily brings his own wrist to his mouth and bares his fangs.

He closes his eyes as his own fangs sink into his skin, sinking deeper into the muscle as a small trail of blood drips from his wrist to the floor. Jimin doesn’t drink, just lets his fangs sink into his own skin. Gradually the trembling in his body fades to goosebumps on his skin. Jimin’s breath evens out as his heartbeat slows, almost to a stop. He takes his wrist out of his mouth and breathes out a soft sigh. Thanks to his calming technique, Jimin looks ahead with sharp eyes and a clear mind.

Jimin walks, eyes darting left and right as his ears tune into his surroundings, and not his heart. To his surprise, nothing happens; no clicks, no gears grinding, nothing. Jimin makes it to the door at the end of the corridor in one piece, and furrows his brows. Nothing happened, meaning whatever is behind the door is dangerous. Jimin doesn’t let himself be lulled into a false sense of security, knowing whatever is behind that door could kill him.

Jungkook reaches out, but still isn’t high enough to touch the ceiling. The room is about halfway full, and Jungkook’s feet can’t touch the ground without diving at least a foot below. The steam in the room gets thicker, despite the small opening in the ceiling. Jungkook’s legs sway under the water, trying to keep him above the surface.

He’s so close to the opening, and finally locates the small hole in the ceiling. Jungkook hopes there’ll be a trap door that’ll open once he touches it. However, despite his arm length, he can reach anything. Jungkook growls in frustration. He can already feel his strength wavering, and his heavy, soaked-through clothes only drain his energy fatser. If he transforms into his wolf, he’ll be in even more danger because of his fur. He would also overheat, thanks to the water.

Jungkook curses, swimming to the wall once again. He’s about an inch or two from the hole, searching for anything to hang onto so he can rest his body. Nothing. Growling, Jungkook smacks the wall in frustration. The water keeps pouring in, and Jungkook sighs as the steam fills his lungs.

“Son of a bitch!” He growls, swinging back to where the opening is. Jungkook reaches out and almost howls when he can finally press the tips of his fingers against the ceiling. There is no trap door, but the wood is weak enough to break. Jungkook reaches out, the water having soaked the wood enough so that he could push his claws through. Jungkook plugs the small hole with his thumb to get more leverage against the wood.

Desperately, Jungkook yanks on it. The wood creaks, but doesn’t snap. Howling, Jungkook scrambles against the wall, feeling the water reach the middle of his chest. He’ll lose air soon. Jungkook keeps yanking as the water keeps rising.. The steam makes him dizzy, but Jungkook keeps yanking, hearing the wood slowly cracking and giving into his strength. If he wasn’t in water, it would’ve splintered much earlier.

Jungkook hears the wood snap, but the water has already reached his collar bone and is climbing up his neck. He curses, continuing to pull. This is his only way out, and needs to get out fast before the water claims him. Taking in a breath of steam, Jungkook dips into the hot water. His claws are still stuck in the ceiling, but now his feet are pressed against it also. With the extra help of his feet braced against the ceiling, Jungkook yanks again.The extra leverage is enough, and Jungkook feels the wood detach. He retracts his claws and lets the wood sink down. The opening is only big enough for his head and one arm to fit, but Jungkook welcomes it. Taking a breath of fresh air, Jungkook sinks back down into the hot water to make the hole bigger. The wood gives easier, making a larger hole for him to crawl out of. 

Jungkook swims up, plating his palms against the wood and pulling himself up. After struggling with the weight of his soaked clothes, he finally crawls through. He lands on his stomach, letting out harsh breaths as his warm skin prickles against the cool air of the new corridor. Luckily, the water only just fills the room below him, stopping half an inch from the ceiling. Smiling, Jungkook relaxes on his back. His wet clothes stick to him, but he doesn’t mind. He’s just happy to be breathing fresh air.

Jimin flinches at the bright light. The room glows white, and it hurt his sensitive eyes. Placing a hand over his eyes, Jimin tries to create a shadow so he can look at his surroundings. The walls are completely white and Jimin can’t see any openings. He blinks, squinting eyes before closing them. All the light starts to give him a headache.

“Now what?” Jimin asks himself, walking blindly into the room. It’s so bright that he can’t even open his eyes all the way. Why is it so bright anyways? The walls are white, but they aren’t the source. Jimin covers his eyes again with both hands, relieving some of the pressure. “Where is the light source coming from?”

Jimin takes a hand away and sticks it out, squinting through his fingers. He tries to make out shadows, but there’s no light source under him. It seems the light is everywhere, as he sees multiple shadows of his one hand. Jimin blink quickly, turning to look up. The light is too much, and he can’t open his eyes. What’s the point of this room?

Jimin groans, crouching to the ground and sighing in pain. His eyes hurt, and no amount of rubbing could sooth them. He presses his palms against his eye lids to block out more of the light, the darkness the only thing that stops the throbbing. Jimin sighs once again, bending his head between his knees. What is he supposed to do? The light hurts too much, and even as he stumbles around, nothing is activated.

Is the light the obstacle? Is being blinded the obstacle he needs to overcome? Jimin takes a deep breath in before releasing it slowly. His aching has stopped in both his eyes and head, but once he opens his eyes it’ll come right back. Jimin groans softly, trying to figure out the goal of this room.

A soft sound, of humming perhaps, makes Jimin pause. . His head shoots up, eyes opening in shock. He flinches against the brightness, his head and eye ache coming back. Jimin closes his eyes again, pressing his palms against them, letting the ache fade before focusing on his ears. The humming is back. It doesn’t sound like the gears of something ready to attack, just the hum of something running.

“The light source,” Jimin whispers to himself, lifting his head again and removing his hands. He doesn’t open his eyes, but lets his ears take over. Once Jimin starts listening, he notices multiple hums. The light sources are all different. Slowly, Jimin stands up from his crouched position and blindly walks toward one area emitting the humming noise. If he could take out the light source, he could see.

“I hate land, I hate land!” Hoseok screams in horror as he runs down the hall. Behind him, a large bolder is released in the narrow passage way, threatening to crush him. Hoseok doesn’t dare look back in fear of slowing down and getting crushed by the large object.

The bolder, rubbing against the wall, produces a terrifying vibration throughout the cavern, making Hoseok’s skin crawl. It’s the sound of death, and Hoseok wants to cry. Boulders can’t hurt you in the water. Well they can, but sea Fae can swim faster than them. Why couldn’t running be as fast as swimming? Hoseok closes his eyes, willing his legs to move faster.

“What’s up with all the running!?” Hoseok cries in frustration, hearing the bolder pick up speed behind him. The slope is getting steeper, and gravity is not on Hoseok’s side. Hoseok’s cheeks flush as sweat drenches his body. Why didn’t he pick a different course? One with no running and away from death would be nice. “Easy course my ass!” He screams.

Hoseok’s scream echoes in the small hall, along with the bolder scraping against the wall. Forcing his eyes open, Hoseok breathes harshly, but doesn’t stop moving. There must be something that can  stop the boulder, some crack in the wall he could hide in, something to make the bolder slower, something to break it? Anything? Hoseok’s lungs burn, and his ankles ache. He isn’t used to running like this. It’s painful, and Hoseok almost gives up, almost decides to let the bolder just take him.

The thought, however, flees the second Hoseok spots the end of the hall. A hole, just a few feet wide, is carved in the wall ahead. It’s a circle, and Hoseok discovers really quick that he’s going to have to jump perfectly though it. If he messes up his jump, he’ll miss the hole and get crushed against the wall. Hoseok curses again. Why is nothing ever simple?

The hole is getting closer, and Hoseok wills himself to go faster. The sound of the bolder increases, as does the slope of the ground. He only has once chance. Fire licks at his insides, but Hoseok doesn’t dare slow down. He’s going to make it or die trying. With a leap and prayer, Hoseok lunges forward. He folds into a diving position and angles himself at the hole. To his relief, he slips through the hole with only minor scrapes and hears the bolder slam against the wall.  Hoseok only has a moment’s relief before, to his horror, he realizes that there’s absolutely no ground on the other side of the hole, and he’s falling. 

The air snatches his screams away from him, his arms flailing in the air.  Hoseok’s eyes fall shut as he curses once more his decision to come on land. He should’ve stay in the sea, stay in the safety of the water. If only he stayed in water.

To his complete shock, Hoseok’s falling stops as he breaks the surface of water. His eyes open in surprise as the familiar weight of water presses against him, and his skin breaks out into gills. The sides of his neck open in two different areas, allowing the oxygen in the water to flow into his lungs, and webs of skin appear in-between his toes and fingers. Hoseok looks around in confusion, almost crying from happiness. 

“Finally,” Hoseok sighs in happiness, trying his best to hug the water around him, “I’ve miss you so much!” 

Jimin places his hands against the white walls. Against the pads of his fingers, he can feel bumps on a typical wall. Jimin furrows his brow, but keeps his eyes closed as his hands slide against the wall. The hum is close. He figures the light source is different to the touch. The wall is warm, thanks to the energy of the light. Jimin slowly moves against the wall, trying to discover any differences of texture on the wall.

Following the hum, Jimin is surprised when it gets louder as he moves to the left. His hands keep moving, but he almost yanks them away when the dry-wall surface suddenly becomes hotter. Jimin smiles. He’s almost there.  His hands move wildly over the wall, knowing the lights could be up high or down low, so he was searching for any difference.

“Shit!” Jimin curses, pulling his hand from the wall. The heat under his palm burns the moment he comes into contact with what feels like glass. Scrunching up his nose, Jimin blows on his stinging hand. He congratulates himself for not opening his eyes, or he might have been blinded. Jimin shakes his hand out and reaches out for the wall again, but this time going lower. What exactly, could be that hot, produce that much light, and feel like glass?

“Glowstone,” Jimin whispers. During his many nights of insomnia, Jimin once read a book on natural resources. Glowstone produces natural light, while also being a natural heat source. Most Fae don’t use Glowstone since Fae eyes tend to be sensitive to light. However, it can be used if smaller in size. Jimin remembers having a small Glowstone shaped like a star that was placed in his younger brother’s room when he was a baby to help him nap, since Fae sleep in the light. They were also a pretty common heat source in many Fae homes.

The Glowstone here must be in its natural state; really bright and really hot. Jimin’s frown twists into a smirk, his hand twitching and breaking into its stronger state. The thing about Glowstone, though, is that it’s very fragile, and if broken it loses all energy. Most Fae can’t even touch the outer glass shell because it’s too hot. However, Jimin only needs one good jab to turn it off. 

Jimin wastes no time, holding his fingers together in the straight line and swinging. The glass shatters under his fingers, and the light instantly flickers out. The wall cools as Jimin feels the heat slipping away. He smiles and opens his eyes. It’s no longer as bright as before, but the other stones are still active, and still making his eyes hurt. Closing his eyes again, Jimin makes his way towards the other hums.

Taehyung frowns, looking up the wall. It

s about 20 feet high, with an opening at the top. Obviously, it’s the only way out, and Taehyung knows he has to get up there. He groans, his dry muddy hands cupping his cheeks. There are so many rocks and gasps in the wall, it’s difficult to figure out which way is the right way up. Also, Taehyung just knows that the wall will have some boobytrap or lose rocks just because The Core are assholes that like killing off their own people. Taking a step back, Taehyung fully takes in the wall’s lay out. The bottom half is fairly simple, with different options and every stepping stone close together. As his eyes hike up, the distance and openings become larger and fewer. 

“Shit,” Taehyung mumbles, crossing his arms, the dry mud rubbing roughly against his skin in the movement. “Which path should I take?” Taehyung’s eyes keep moving up the wall, mentally climbing the paths. So many things could go wrong, he sees. A lose rock, a smaller hole, an impossible distance. Taehyung whimpers to himself, trudging up to the wall with slumped shoulders. He’s going to have to climb it no matter the circumstances.

“Jimin better let me squeeze his butt for an hour after this,” Taehyung mutters, stretching his arms and legs, “Or Yoongi hyung lets me suck his dick, one of the two.” The Siren reaches for the wall, hands clasping on the rocks farthest from him as he places his foot on a rock. Taehyung hoists himself up, his other foot finding an opening as he reaches up for something else to hang on too. 

He starts to whistle, trying to calm himself as he scales the wall. His song gets cut short as the rock he grabs onto breaks under him after five feet of climbing. Taehyung swings in panic before finding something lower to grab onto. After the shock, Taehyung looks up the wall, trying to locate another object to grab onto.

“Should’ve known better then to assume I could go straight up,” Taehyung sighs, shifting to move sideways so he can climb higher. With caution, Taehyung starts to whistle a Siren nursery rhyme as he scales the wall.

Jimin breaks the last Glowstone and the room drowns in darkness. He opens his eyes, and thanks God that he can see without getting a headache. Looking around the room, Jimin fails to see an opening to get out. It’s not the walls, he knows, so he’s surprised to find that there isn’t an opening above or below him. Curiously, Jimin starts wondering around the room again.

He puts pressure on the floor below, seeing if he can find a weakness anywhere, while his eyes trail the ceiling, but he comes up with nothing.  Jimin frowns, hands coming up to rest on his hips. An inescapable room isn’t something The Core would put him in. This is a course, he needs to move forward.

 He can easily break though the walls, but he doesn’t want to go the wrong way or stray off course. Jimin makes his way around the perimeter once again. He rediscovers the door he came through and stands in front of it. Jimin whirls around to look forward.

“Well, when in doubt, go forward,” Jimin reasons, walking toward the other side of the room. Popping sounds interrupt the silence and Jimin cracks his knuckles. He stands in front of the wall and, taking a deep breath, shoves his fingers in it. He gouges a large hole in the wall, big enough for him to walk through. The wall gives easily as Jimin rips way the wood, opening a way out.

“Son of a bitch!” Jimin jumps in shock. He doesn’t know what to expect, but Namjoon standing on the other side isn’t one of the scenarios he had in mind. His team leader stands calmly in the way of the hole in the wall, a stoic look on his face. Standing beside him is a shorter woman. Her eyes are a clear grey, signaling that she’s blind. Jimin’s eyes bounce between his team leader and the woman, hand over his heart as he calms himself. “Leader Namjoon!? What the hell?”

“You’re going the wrong way,” Namjoon says, eyes locked on Jimin. Jimin furrows his brows in confusion and tilts his head.

“What?”

“You’re going the wrong way. This way isn’t part of the course,” Namjoon says, crossing his arms. Jimin blinks before letting out a sigh.

“Well, what is the right way?” Jimin asks, still holding onto the chunk of wall in his hands. Namjoon just stares at him, making the Vampire uncomfortable.

“Not this way. Now, put the wall back and go the right way.” Namjoon eyes the chunk of wall in Jimin’s hands. The Vampire huffs, forcing the piece back up into the wall. Jimin guesses the woman is an earth elemental by how the wall mends quickly back together. Great, just perfect. There really is no easy way out, Jimin guesses. He stands there for a moment before clicking his tongue.

“Well then…how about down?” Jimin asks out loud, only to be met with silence. Frowning, Jimin crosses his arms. “Fine, guess I’ll just keep cutting holes till I find the path,” Jimin mutters, moving toward the wall where he first broke the Glowstone. The wood if rough, scratches and nicks and dings everywhere, Jimin notices as he runs his hand down the wall. Tingles race across his skin as a cold breeze hits him, and Jimin freezes in his place.

Curious, Jimin walks to where the Glowstone once was and peeks through the opening he made. Another wide corridor expands before him, the scent of salt permeating the air. Jimin’s eyebrows raise as a smile appears on his lips.

“Wonder what’s hiding behind wall number two?” Jimin asks, kicking as the glass. It easily shatters under his foot, making a big enough hole for Jimin to slip though sideways. Although he does get cut by a couple shards of glass, he comes out on the other side, already healing.

The cold, damp, cave-like air hits Jimin in a wave, his skin breaking out into goosebumps. Jimin is surprised. He thought the course was all manmade, but a cave…that’s natural. Walking further in, Jimin glances around. He spots a four-way sign with the number two on it, but what really grabs his attention is the small brown paper bag under it. Cautiously, Jimin crouches closer, and almost cries when he recognizes the substance.

Blood, a bag of blood! Jimin snatches up the paper bag and yanks out the plastic container. Smiling, Jimin holds the clear bag out, the weight of the blood comforting him. He lets out a shaky breath and closes his eyes, bringing the bag up to his nose. Yes, pure blood. Nothing smells off. Without a second thought, Jimin sinks his fangs into the bag, sucking gratefully. He doesn’t realize how hungry he is until the blood hit his tongue.

“Oh man, thank you,” Jimin pants, pulling the bag away, sighing in content. With the blood rushing through his veins, Jimin can already feel his wounds healing, his strength returning. He sits down and looks up at the sign, the number two taunting him with knowledge he doesn’t have. “Guessing that means I have to wait for my partner to show?” Jimin whispers, pulling the blood bag up to his mouth. He’s curious about his partner, wonders who it’ll be. Besides the small piece of land he’s sitting on, the rest of the cave is covered with water on both sides. Jimin furrows his brows, but continues to drink, hoping he doesn’t get Jungkook.

Jungkook pulls on another rope, it gives under his strength and he watches as the rope falls to the ground. The room is covered with ropes, and the only way out is up, so one of these ropes must be strong enough to hold him. The last five he’s pulled on have fallen like this one. Shifting his backpack on his shoulders, he tries another rope. The bag is empty, but once held the dry clothes Jungkook is wearing now, for which the Werewolf is thankful.

“One of these ropes must be the way out,” Jungkook whispers, watching as another rope gives under the smallest amount of pressure. Sighing, Jungkook glares at the different ropes on the ground with a scowl. He doesn’t like these games and feels like he’s wasting time. Any of these ropes could be a trap, much like room he was in before. Sweat rolls down the back of Jungkook’s neck, heart beat racing faster, and his hands clench together in protest. He doesn’t like feeling that nervous. 

Jungkook yanks on another rope and groans as it gives too, sighing in defeat as it hits the ground.  Pausing, Jungkook studies the rope in his hand. The ropes themselves look rather sturdy, they just aren’t bound to the ceiling well.

“I’ll take it just in case,” Jungkook says, rolling the rope up in his hand, tying it up, and throwing it in his bag. Once the bag is back on his shoulders, Jungkook looks up, realizing how many more ropes he’s going to have to test. There must be a way to narrow down his selection. A growl threatens to erupts from Jungkook’s lips. The ropes brush Jungkook with every step he takes. Jungkook makes it to the other side of the room and looks up. It’s high up, but Jungkook sees a ledge he assumes is where he needs to get to.

Jungkook turns around, grabbing the first rope he sees, and growls when it falls to the ground. With a deep breath, he grabs hold of another one. To his surprise, the rope doesn’t collapse under his grip. Jungkook lets out a happy groan, tugging harder on it. When it seems like it’ll hold him, Jungkook starts climbing up the rope. Arms straining, he hoists himself up.

Thankfully, nothing weird happens, and he makes it up to the top and looks from where he is. The only way out is the ledge he saw before. Jungkook gently rocks back and forth to swing closer to the edge. There’s only a second before Jungkook hears a snap, and the rope gives out mid swing. Yelping, Jungkook flies from the rope, lunging for the platform. If he doesn’t grab the ledge he’ll fall to his death. Luckily, his fingertips just manage to connect, and Jungkook hangs on for dear life. Claws spring from his nails, sinking into the ledge and he hangs there, slowly catching his breath. . The rope he was hanging onto only moments ago hits the ground in a horrifying snap. 

Jungkook shakes his head before hoisting himself up and rolling on top of the ledge. His arms ache from the constant use and he sighs softly, shaking his arms from the tension. As he stands he looks around the area. There’s a sign with the number two on it and two bottles of water, along with a bag of seeds. Jungkook raises his eyebrow before letting out a breath.

“Team course, right.” Jungkook is happy to see items that’ll help keep his energy up. Grabbing a bottle, he unscrews it open before taking two large gulps. He doesn’t know if he’ll find any other items and figures he should save what he has. Sitting underneath the sign, Jungkook pops open the bag of seeds and chows down. They can’t satisfy the hunger of a wolf, but they’ll give him nutrients as a Fae.

“Shit!” Jungkook pauses as curse echoes around the cave. He surely didn’t make the noise. Furrowing his braw, Jungkook whips his head around, looking right and left, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. “Damn it!” The bag rustles quietly as Jungkook slowly stands, moving to another part of the room. Jungkook spots the second entrance and hesitantly steps forward. He doesn’t know if he’s allowed to go this way, but he recognizes the voice of one of his teammates.  He can’t move on until he has a partner, right? “Son of a bitch!”

Jungkook finds himself in another open room, standing on a ledge. On the other side stands Taehyung on some rocks, trying to scale the side of a cliff. The cliff had broken, and Taehyung, barely hanging on by his fingertips, could only watch as the rocks fell to the ground below him. Taehyung, to Jungkook’s surprise, is caked in dry mud.  He watches as Taehyung cautiously plants his foot in a hold on the cliff.

“Taehyung!” Jungkook calls out, his voice echoing in the open space. Taehyung flinches, looking up toward where Jungkook stands. There’s a moment when he loses his balance, and almost slips, but he catches himself, and smiles up at Jungkook.

“Jungkook! How are you?” Taehyung asks, tilting his head to the side in curiosity. but it’s obvious he’s happy to see the wolf. Jungkook is happy to see him too. As much as he likes to be alone, it’s nice to see a familiar face. Also, he got paired with the Siren and not the Vampire, so that’s always a plus. 

“Alive so…happy to see you, actually,” Jungkook says, looking at the wall. It must’ve been hard to scale; Jungkook’s not envious at all. “You need some help? I have some rope in my back pack. I can pull you up.”

“My hero!” Taehyung whines in happiness, and Jungkook snorts and shakes his head, he he can’t hide the small smile on his face.  Shrugging his backpack off his shoulders, Jungkook unzips it and grabs the rope. He drops one end down, and it smacks the wall right next to Taehyung. The Siren grabs the rope with one hand and looks up at Jungkook. “I got it!”

“Okay, hang on!” Jungkook replies before backing up, his arms straining with the weight of the Siren. Taehyung hangs onto the rope, but uses his feet to scale the wall. The skin on Jungkook’s neck turns red from strain, and his teeth dig into his bottom lip. The Siren is heavier then he thought. Taehyung makes it to the top and collapses as soon as he hits the ground. Letting go of the rope, Jungkook drops too, panting as harshly as Taehyung.

“Thanks, Jungkook.” Taehyung smiles, appreciation in his voice.  Jungkook nods. 

“No problem.”  Stretching out on the ground, Taehyung looks at Jungkook with a curious glance.

“Why are you here? Not that I don’t like the thought of you being here, but...” Taehyung asks, sitting up. Jungkook shakes his head.

“The partner course is ahead, and my course is on the other side. I heard you so I came over,” Jungkook says. Taehyung nods in understanding, his eyes falling on the water bottle next to Jungkook.

“Holy shit! You have water!” The Siren yells, and Jungkook looks at the bottle next to him before looking at Taehyung.

“There’s another one by the sign. There’s food too, have some.” Jungkook says, tossing the bag of seeds to Taehyung. Jumping up in excitement, Taehyung catches the bag, opens it, and shoves a hand-full of seeds into his mouth. Jungkook cringes at the sight of Taehyung’s muddy hands dirtying their food. “Why are you covered in mud?”

“It’s part of the course, at the very start too, and I don’t have any more clothes so...” Taehyung says after swallowing, “I have mud cake on my balls dude. I can’t wait for this to be over so I can take a shower.” Jungkook nods in understanding.

“The faster we are, the sooner we get out and the sooner you hit the showers.” Jungkook stands up, and Taehyung follows right behind. 

“And the sooner I get to grope Jimin’s ass,” He says dreamily. Jungkook twists his mouth into a disgusted scowl as he tosses his water bottle into his bag. Taehyung rolls his eyes and gently nudges Jungkook. “Oh c’mon, you’re going to let the fact that Jimin’s a Vampire take away the fact he has the nicest ass you’ve ever seen?”

“I don’t look at people’s butts Taehyung,” Jungkook mutters, slinging his back pack on, “There is nothing attractive about Vampires anyway.”  Taehyung rolls his eyes again, , jogging to catch up to Jungkook, who was already at the entrance.

“Except, after Succubi, Vampires are the most attractive and sensual Fae,” Taehyung says notably, grabbing another handful of seeds, “And they’re great in bed, or so I’ve heard. There are a lot of things attractive about Vampires.”

“ They’re blood whores, they don’t even eat like the rest of Fae. They only consume blood. That’s disgusting, I can’t imagine what type of diseases they carry around.”

“Is that the Werewolf’s problem? They don’t eat meat?” Taehyung laughs softly, shaking his head. “Well, Werewolves don’t like the taste of blood, right? Think how great werewolves and Vampires would work together! Vampires would suck all the blood and you’ll have blood free meat!” Jungkook turns around to glare at Taehyung.

“Maybe I should’ve left you back there,” Jungkook growls, walking ahead of Taehyung, who pouts at Jungkook’s aggressiveness. 

“You’re no fun.” 

Taehyung’s eyes light up the moment they land on the water bottle. “Water!” Jungkook watches as the Siren high-tails it towards the bottle and almost downs the whole thing at once. The entrance leads to a tunnel, and Jungkook eyes it warily.  What could be awaiting them in there?

Hoseok swims forward in bliss. There is nothing more comforting then water at this moment. He wishes that that the rest of the course could be like this, him swimming in the water he loves so much. His dreams shatter quickly though, when he notices the water getting shallower and shallower as he continues on. Hoseok frowns but keeps swimming, watching the floor get closer and closer. Maybe he could turn back and just keep swimming. Eventually, he knows, he’ll get hungry, and there’s no food, and that means finishing the course weaker than he is now.

Hoseok groans when his feet touch the floor and he has to start walking on the ground. Head popping above water, Hoseok shakes his hair from his eyes, his gills vanishing once he hits the oxygen and his neck closes to keep it in his body. Hoseok looks around at the dark cave, and is surprised when he spots someone staring at him.

“Hoseok!” Jimin smiles from land, standing up from his sitting position, a half empty bag of blood in his hand. Hoseok looks at Jimin, shocked. 

“Jimin? Why are you…” Hoseok trails off as he walks up the bank. To his amazement, another body of water greets him on the other side. He almost tears up. Jimin, sensing Hoseok’s happiness, smiles.

“My course led me here.” Jimin closes his eyes as he grabs his shirt. “Oh thank God I got you, looks like the rest of the course is going to be water.” Hoseok makes it up to Jimin and stares at the water on the other side. While the water he was swimming in a moment ago was calm, this lake has a small current going. Hoseok just assumes it’ll get faster as they swim on.

Yeah, Jimin is pretty lucky to have him. Hoseok is used to swimming in harsh currents. He can also help Jimin breath underwater. Hoseok should consider himself lucky too, Jimin is the shortest of the group, meaning he doesn’t need to use as much strength to pull Jimin along, like he would if Taehyung or Jungkook had been his partner.

“Are you hungry?” Jimin asks, looking at Hoseok. Hoseok eyes the bag of blood in Jimin’s hand and cringes.

“Uh thanks, but I’m more of a plant eater, not a blood eater,” Hoseok says, looking back at Jimin. Jimin blinks, before laughing softly.

“Oh no, no not blood. Here.” Jimin turns around, picking up the brown bag his own food laid in and held it out to Hoseok. Hoseok’s eyes dilate in hunger as his stomach twists and growls. “I thought it was just a normal bag, but when I looked closer at it, I found that it’s made from some plant I don’t know of. I figure it’s either you or Tae since Werewolves need meat.”

“Red Algae, oh God it’s Red Algae!” Hoseok cries, snatching the bag and holding it up to his nose. Jimin pauses for a moment, furrowing his brow.

“Red Algae? Shouldn’t it be…red?” Jimin asks. Hoseok takes a bite from the bag and hums in happiness.

“I usually hate it when you Land Fae dry and fry Red Algae, but oh, it’s so good.” Hoseok makes a noise, sounding sort of like a dolphin, in happiness Jimin presumes, before taking another bite. Jimin smiles again, bringing his own meal back to his lips. 

“That’s why blood is so great. You can’t fry it, but I guess it can go bad pretty quickly if you don’t keep it cool,” Jimin says, swallowing gulps of blood into his mouth. Hoseok eats half the bag before stopping.

“I really needed that.” Staring at the water again, Hoseok sighs. “I guess we better keep going, right?”

“Yeah,” Jimin says, crumpling the bag in his hand before dropping it. Hoseok looks offended, making Jimin scratch his cheek sheepishly.

‘There is no trash can, and I would hate to have it fall into the water. Besides, I’m sure someone comes around to clean around here. They are watching us after all.” Hoseok keeps his eyes on Jimin for a couple minutes before sighing.

“Okay, as long as it’s not in the water.” He folds his Red Algae and shoves it into his soaking wet pocket, looking at Jimin. “Shall we move on?”

“Yeah we should. But first…” Jimin trails off, walking toward Hoseok, his pupils turning red, making Hoseok shiver. He unconsciously moves back a step.

“Ji-Jimin?”

“Where do you want it?”

“What?” Hoseok squeaks, making Jimin smile softly. Sea Fae aren’t used to the Vampirical customs of the world. Jimin holds out his hand.

“My bite. By taking some of your blood, I can store it in my body and heal you if you get injured. I can recreate your DNA, and help your body produce more blood. It also increases your blood cell count and productivity, to help close the wound faster,” Jimin chuckles. Vampires can do a lot with blood in their bodies, which is why a lot of Vampires work in the medical field. His Umma  is a lead blood nurse at an all Fae hospital.

“Oh.” The tension fades slightly as Hoseok looks at Jimin with only a slightly questionable look. The Sea Fae becomes awkward, and his cheeks turn a light pink. That makes since, Hoseok guess. He’s so used to how Sea Fae heal, he forgets the rule of Land Fae. He laughs nervously. “So, uh, where is…the best area…I guess?”

“The neck is closer to your heart so it’s the preferred area, but it can be from anywhere.” Jimin shrugs. 

“Oh, okay. Neck is fine…” Hoseok says, pulling on his shirt collar to expose his neck to Jimin. The irises in Jimin’s eyes widen and darken as his fangs grow in his mouth. Hoseok’s cheeks redden further as a small spark of arousal hits him. Vampires are one of the most sensual kind of Fae to Fae ind, and something about how Jimin’s red pupils darken makes Hoseok shiver.

“Relax, I don’t need much,” Jimin murmurs, moving closer to Hoseok’s neck. Closing his eyes, Hoseok remembers that in school his friends said that Vampire porn was the best out of all the Fae, and that they wanted to try getting bit by a Vampire. Apparently, his friend said, the bite can make you feel good.

Griping Hoseok by his forearm, Jimin sinks his fangs into his neck, puncturing his carotid artery. Hoseok lets out a small gasp, eyes widening, but not in pain. His body starts to feel warm as he breaks into goosebumps. He can feel Jimin’s lips on his neck, his fangs underneath his skin, as blood flows from his body into Jimin’s mouth. It feels…so nice Hoseok doesn’t know how describe it. The feeling of being full after being really hungry? The feeling after going to the bathroom when you’ve needed to go for so long? The feeling of when you’re in a lot of pain but it stops suddenly? Hoseok’s eyelids grow heavy as a smile was tugs at his lips. 

As fast as the feeling comes, it’s gone. Jimin’s fangs shrink as he pulls away from Hoseok’s skin. As soon as he pulls away, it’s as if he had been slapped in the face. Jolting out of his blissed out state, Hoseok blinks the haze away from his eyes. Jimin wipe the corners of his mouth, making sure he hadn’t made a mess of himself. It had been a while since he’d bitten unto another Fae. The marks on his neck still feel hot, and Hoseok reaches up to run a finger across them. Jimin’s pupils return to their normal size and normal color when he looks up at Hoseok.

“I didn’t make a mess, though the bite mark will last a couple days. But the bruise will fade in a couple hours.” Hoseok pulls his hand from his neck to look at his palm. There’s no blood.  Jimin nods in the direction of the water. “Let’s go?”

“Yeah,” Hoseok smiles, an embarrassed chuckle escaping his lips, “Yeah, okay. Wow.” Jimin giggles as Hoseok walks toward the water, shaking his head softly. Vampire bites have a strong effect on Fae, usually very pleasurable and possibly very addictive if it happens too often. Jimin remembers a Harpy walking around at the boarder of Vampire territory, begging for bites. Bleeders, Jimin remembers, the derogatory name for Fae that become addicted to Vampire bites. Jimin would be a liar if he said he didn’t take advantage of the Harpy once or twice when he was in high school.

Hoseok walks into the water, letting it go up to his waist before turning to Jimin. He holds out his hand. “Come on.” Jimin follows, stepping into the cold water and shivering at the contact. Why is it so cold? Jimin’s teeth chatter, and he rubs his forearms.

“Shit it’s cold. This is why Vampires don’t go swimming,” Jimin mutters, making Hoseok laugh.

“It’s better when you’re under the water, promise.” Gripping Jimin by his elbow, Hoseok pulls him closer. Jimin locks eyes with him. “You’re going to have to swallow one of my gills okay? But only when you’re in the water. I can only give you five minutes at a time, but you need to breathe for thirty seconds before you can swallow okay? Also, you can’t talk once under water or it won’t work.”

“No talking, got it.” Hoseok cups Jimin by his cheek and leans in slowly.

“I need to give you air so you can breathe,” Hoseok says, closing the distance. Jimin gently squeezes Hoseok’s shoulder in understanding, letting the Merman do his job. Pressing his lips against Jimin’s, Hoseok pulls them backward, further into the water. Jimin walks with him, trying to get used to the feeling of Hoseok’s breath puffing into his mouth. It’s disappointing, Jimin thinks. Hoseok’s lips are soft, and Jimin really would enjoy kissing him, but it’s really more breathing into each other’s mouths than kissing. Then again, it is to enable him to breathe underwater, not really for fun.

Hoseok brings Jimin closer as they slip underwater. Land Fae tend to freak out and hold their breath, which Hoseok doesn’t want Jimin to do. Gripping Hoseok tighter, Jimin submerges completely underwater. Fighting the instinct to hold his breath is hard, but he lets Hoseok keep breathing air into him. A finger taps Jimin’s temple, Hoseok’s way of telling him they’re about to stop, and he slowly pulls away. Jimin keeps breathing, opening his eyes and staring at Hoseok for instructions.

“Keep breathing, keep breathing,” Hoseok chants. Jimin breathes, and Hoseok smiles encouragingly as he scratches a scale from his throat. “You’re doing a good job Jimin, keep breathing.” Jimin nods, frightened but determined not to show it. He can feel the water in his mouth and nose, but it doesn’t feel like drowning. The water doesn’t enter his lungs. Hoseok takes a piece of his gill and holds it out to Jimin. “Swallow it whole.”

Jimin takes the scale and look at it with curiosity. It’s light in color and thin, so thin he can see the color of his finger through it. It should be easy to swallow, not too big or jagged. Sticking the scale in his mouth, Jimin closes his mouth and forces himself to swallow. He isn’t used to swallowing solid objects, and cringes feeling the item scrape his throat on the way down. Hoseok stares at Jimin, worried. He’s ready, any sign of struggling and he’ll bring his teammate back up to the surface. 

“Did you swallow?” Hoseok asks. His question answered seconds later, Jimin’s skin splitting into gills at the sides of his throat. Jimin’s eyes pop open and he looks at his hands. Small webs form between his fingers, and scales grow out of his skin. He can’t see his feet thanks to his shoes, but he can feel the extra skin form down there as well. Hoseok smiles. “Now remember, you can’t talk, but you can open your mouth.” Jimin nods in response. Grabbing Jimin by the elbow, Hoseok swims along against the gentle current.

Jimin tries to swim but just moves his arms in weird movements, kicking his legs awkwardly. Hoseok laughs lightly, still pulling Jimin along.

Jungkook and Taehung stare at the large room. There’s a huge gap on the floor that’s impossible to jump. The Fae look at one another before looking at the gap.

“What the hell are we supposed to do here?” Taehyung asks. Jungkook looks around their surroundings, noticing ropes against the wall behind him. He purses his lips in confusion.

“Maybe it has to do with that?” Jungkook points at the ropes. Taehyung looks at Jungkook before turning to look where the Werewolf is pointing. He gasps.

“What are they for I wonder?” Taehyung says, moving toward the ropes. Jungkook follows closely behind. Looking at the four ropes, Taehyung studies them cautiously before turning to his partner. “Should we touch it?” Jungkook looks around the room again before looking back at Taehyung.

“This is the only thing here that looks like can help us along,” Jungkook reasons, unwrapping the rope from the wall. The rope slips slightly from Jungkook’s grasp, and they hear a crinkling sound echo around them. Both Fae look up. Four platforms hang above them.

“Oh, that’s what the ropes are for!” Taehyung says, nodding his head. Out of curiosity, Jungkook starts playing with the rope, watching as the platform moves up and down. Taehyung hums as he walks closer to the edge, looking at the platform. “I guess we have to lower them then, to jump across.”

“That’s what it looks like. So, I’ll lower them down then-” Jungkook freezes, moving to tie the rope back against the wall, only to discover that area of the wall closed up. “You can’t tie it back!”

“What? Really?” Taehyung asks, jogging back over to look for himself. Both Fae stare at the wall with a scowl. “Now what are we supposed to do?” Taehyung whines. Jungkook has no idea, not that he’s going to tell Taehyung that. The last thing he needs is for the Siren to fall apart on him. 

“This is a team course remember? I’m sure there’s something on the other side to help. But one of us has to get over there to find it,” Jungkook says, looking at the Siren. Taehyung frowns. He understands, but he doesn’t like it. There’s too many unknowns.

“Ok, so one of us lowers the platforms while the other heads over to the other side.” Taehyung repeats, “So, who should go over?”

“I’m stronger than you are, so I can hold your weight for longer.” Jungkook ignores the offended look on Taehyung’s face. “I’ll hold the platforms while you jump across and find how to get me to the other side.”

“Okay.” Taehyung pats Jungkook’s back before heading to the edge of the cliff. The first platform creeks as Jungkook starts lowering it, and he stops where he assumes Taehyung is level with it. Taehyung’s face twists in concern as he turns to face Jungkook. “Uh, Jungkook, you’re going to have to lower it a bit more.” Jungkook raises an eyebrow.

“Why?”

“There’s still a good eight-foot gap between me and the platform!” Taehyung yells, looking at the space between himself and the wooden platform. “It’ll be easier to jump down.”

“Ok, just tell me when then!” Jungkook calls back, lowering the platform once more. Taehyung groans as he watches the platform sink lower. He holds a hand up to Jungkook when it’s low enough.

“Good, it’s good!” Taehyung calls out, “Uh, I’ll jump now, so hang tight okay? I’m too cute to die so soon.”

“Just jump Taehyung!” Jungkook groans, looking back at his teammate. Taehyung nods, looking down at his drop.

“Yoongi, and Jiminnie’s butt, give me strength,” Taehyung whispers, rubbing his hands together. Jungkook rolls his eyes but holds the rope steady. Taking deep breath, Taehyung leaps off the edge. Jungkook steadies himself, waiting for Taehyung to make impact. Screams echo from the walls as Taehyung falls, but he lands on the wooden planks with huffing at the impact.

“Taehyung?” Jungkook grunts, the sound of his body and the yank of the rope alerting Jungkook that he made a landing. Taehyung lets out a breath before looking up at the edge.

“I’m alive! Let’s keep going!” Taehyung calls back. Jungkook nods, even though Taehyung can’t see him, and starts yanking the rope up, holding it with one hand as he unwraps the other rope so he can get his teammate over to the other side.

“You know, you’re kinda charming when you don’t talk,” Hoseok teases, swimming along with Jimin in tow. Jimin smiles sarcastically back before looking around his surroundings. He’s in awe, being able to causally swim and take in his surroundings without worrying about holding his breath.

The underwater scene is beautiful, though there isn’t much to look at since it’s a course, but still, it’s beautiful. Why Hoseok would ever leave this to come onto land escapes him! Just being able to swim like this is relaxing and enjoyable.

“It’s cool huh?” Hoseok asks Jimin, smiling as the Vampire nods and looks back his way.  “This is nothing like my hometown. It has much more to admire, especially Fae.” Jimin smiles, squeezing Hoseok’s hand. Jimin’s seen pictures of mermaids before, and he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t gotten off to a couple of females in the pictures before.

They continue to swim in silence, looking around in wonder, wondering where the challenge is. Jimin wants to ask, but remembers that he can’t speak unless he wants to drown. Looking over at Hoseok, Jimin squeezes his hand again, making the male look over at him. He furrows his brows, shrugging his shoulders and moving his hand back in forth to communicate ‘where is the challenge?’ Luckily, Hoseok seems to read movement and understand, although he too is confused.

“I don’t really know. I know the current has picked up by the pull of the water, but we’re so far down low it’s not affecting us,” Hoseok says, looking up. Jimin looks up too, is surprised at how fast the water is going above them. He doesn’t even want to think about how difficult it would have been to swim and stay above water with that current. Just as he shakes his head at the thought, bubbles start to form in his throat, and his eyes widen as he suddenly starts to cough. Hoseok looks at Jimin in horror, seeing how the gills in Jimin’s neck start to twitch and fade. “Oh no you’re changing back!”

Jungkook pulls, his brow starting to sweat as he tries to balance Taehyung’s platform and the next one. It feels like every platform is getting heavier even without Taehyung’s added weight. Jungkook, shocked by the heavier platform, almost lets Taehyung fall. Just in time, Taehyung jumps to the third platform and Jungkook releases the second one, letting it fall and crash below. 

“Just one more right?” Taehyung calls out to Jungkook.

“One more!” Jungkook replies, breathless. His arms have been burning for a while now, from their constant use. Taehyung watches as Jungkook lowers the last platform. 

“Easy, easy,” Taehyung whispers to himself, as the platform lowers under him. When it’s low enough, he glances at Jungkook. “Okay! Stop!” Jungkook grunts, stopping his movements as he waits for Taehyung to jump. Taehyung turns to look over his shoulder at Jungkook. “Okay, I’m jumping!” He warns. Jungkook nods, keeping his breathing even so he doesn’t lose strength. Turning around, Taehyung jumps down.

His feet land on the side of the platform. It’s a perfect landing, but the wood under him snaps from his weight. Jungkook’s eyes widen as he hears Taehyung’s yelp, along with the sound of wood splintering apart. Blood pumps through his veins, adrenaline kicking in. 

“Taehyung!” Jungkook yells, letting go of the third platform but continues to holdup the one Taehyung is supposed to be on. “Taehyung! Shit!” Jungkook curses, pulling on the rope as he inches closer to the edge. His breath stutters as his heart pounds in his chest. Oh God, don’t be dead. “Yah Kim Taehyung!”

“Jungkook!” Jungkook lets out a shaky breath of relief, “Jungkook help! The platform broke and I don’t know how long this rope will hold me!” Jungkook curses.

“I’ll pull you up! Hang on!” Jungkook calls back, yanking the rope up as hard as he can so Taehyung can hover above the edge. Taehyung’s whimpers urge Jungkook on faster. He’s hanging onto the rope that was connected to the other half of the platform, but can feel the rope giving on him. Taehyung takes another deep breath, trying to calm himself. 

“Yoongi, Jimin, Yoongi, Jimin,” Taehyung chants to himself, like a prayer, as he closes his eyes. Yoongi’s love and the beauty of Jimin’s butt must have the power to protect Taehyung from danger, right? Well that’s what he keeps telling himself. Jungkook yanks until Taehyung is above the edge, and Jungkook can’t believe how lucky Taehyung is. The rope is barely hanging onto the platform could give at any moment.

“Jump Taehyung!” Jungkook yells. Taehyung opens his eyes again, looking at the edge and where he is. He’s too close.

“Pull me up higher! It’s too far of a jump!”

“That rope is about to snap any moment now! You have to jump!” Jungkook calls back, straining to hold on to his rope. A small snapping sound alerts Jungkook and he looks up. His rope is starting to snap. “Jump!”

Taehyung jumps, letting out a scream as he gets closer to the edge. At the same moment, the platform gives and starts falling too. Jungkook watches in horror. Taehyung is either going to make it, or crash with the platform. Just barely, Taehyung lands against the edge. Once he lands, he rolls forward safely on the other side. 

Both Jungkook and Taehyung take a moment to stare at one another while panting heavily. After a few moments, they both collapse on the floor as relief washes over them .

“Son of a bitch Taehyung,” Jungkook mumbles, shaking his head. 

“Thank you Yoongi, thank you Jimin, you both protect me so well,” Taehyung groans. Jungkook rolls his eyes but smiles. Taehyung’s alive, and that’s all that matters.

“Hey! Siren!” Jungkook calls out. Taehyung sits up to look at Jungkook. “How the hell do I get over there now?” Taehyung staggers as he stands, looking around.