Apocalypse | BTS ✓

3

Reine takes fumbling steps backwards until the backs of her knees hit the foot of her bed. She watches as the gathering white fog slowly pulls together, forming a human shape as it solidifies. Wind howls around the Queen, her hair being blown about as she squints her eyes against the gusts.

The fog falls away, dissipating into the air around the man now standing before Reine, and she stares unblinkingly at who now stands in the place of the fog.

White blonde hair is falling to his shoulders in waves and his dark eyes are staring at her in surprise. A black hoodless cape surrounds his muscular frame, his chest and shoulders protected by a black leather protective plate accented in bronze, reminding Reine of the box this man once resided in. A matching belt hangs on his waist, his legs covered by black leather pants. He stands before Reine unmoving, his black leather boots providing a stark contrast against Reine's polished wooden floor.

His arms are covered by black sleeves, forearms protected by bronze armor. The thing standing out most to Reine through his entire outfit is the fact he is wearing a bronze and black leather mask, covering his nose and mouth.

The two continue to stand and stare, the man not sure what is happening and Reine deciding if she should scream or demand he bow before her to establish her role as his Master and the Queen. Her confusion must register on the man's face as a muffled laugh escapes from the vicinity of the man and he pulls his mask down, letting it hang from his neck as he sends a boyish grin towards the Queen, tilting his chin forward in greeting.

"You freed me," he says, his melodic voice surprising Reine, considering such a rugged exterior.

"I did," she says, her voice low and unsure. "I am the Queen of this land and I have freed you because I have a job for you to do."

The man grins, his eyes crinkling in delight. "No need to be so formal. I've been stuck in that box for many lifetimes. Give me a second to enjoy it before we dive into the logistics of things."

Reine's mouth shuts, taken aback by someone speaking so informally to her.

The man sighs, pushing his arms out to the sides and stretching his exposed midriff as he leans his head upwards and closes his eyes, the smile still gracing his features. "I'm free."

Reine stands there, uncomfortable in the fact she is wearing nothing but her nightgown in front of a stranger, her arms hugging herself for security as she clears her throat. "This is no time to celebrate, Horseman."

The man laughs, the melody of his tone sounding like a song more than a laugh. "Call me Jimin."
The man lets his arms fall back to his sides. "I suppose I should thank you for setting me free. It's been so long since I've walked the Earth."

Jimin moves toward Reine with poise, almost like a dancer as he closes the distance between the two. Before the Queen can react, he places his cold hands on either side of her face and his lips press against her own.

Reine's eyes open wide and she gasps, her mouth parting against Jimin's as he continues to press his lips to her. Her reflexes kick in and Reine's hand moves and slaps Jimin across his face as she pulls herself out of his grip. The sound of the slap rings through the air as Jimin stares at her with a blank look on his face, Reine frowning at him as she wipes her mouth.

"I am a Queen and you will respect me," Reine says, tilting her chin upwards and straightening her shoulders. "I am aware of my compromising wardrobe and your overexcitement about your freedom, but I will not tolerate such barbaric, disrespectful behavior. You should be bowing to me, not placing your filthy body parts on me."

Jimin laughs, his head falling back as he takes a few steps back and holds his hands in surrender. "Point taken, Your Majesty. My apologies."

Jimin bows, his hair falling forward as his upper body dips low in respect for Reine. He stands, pushing his hair back out of his face before he sits on the stool at her vanity. "So, tell me why you've freed me. I'm sure you didn't want an ancient, powerful sidekick to accompany you for tea time."