WINGS || Taehyung

#50 - And They Lived

Taehyung had just two people to bid goodbyes to: Your mother, who had so tactfully taught him the things she'd learned, to survive and live, who had been an absolute sweetheart, and of course, just like a mother to him.

She wrapped Taehyung in a motherly embrace, her arms strong yet delicate around him as he clasped onto her. With a soft and inaudible prayer, she left him, her eyes twinkling with fondness and love, her fingers wrapping around Taehyung's own while she looked at him. 'Take care of my daughter, Taehyung. And maybe, if you think she can take it, let her know that I sent a lot of love.' Her eyes crinkled at the corners, brimming with tears that he'd never seen the woman shed. Only then did he notice the shadow of longing in her eyes - perhaps she could come too.

'No, my son. I can't possibly leave this place. You've got a chance out of hundreds of thousands, don't let that slip away.' She replied to his thought. He nodded his head hesitantly, barely trusting his voice as he took in her youthful face. Although she hadn't aged physically, Taehyung was wise enough to know that she was as old as his grandmother. He could see the deteriorating youth in her eyes, if not read it on her facial features. He hugged her again, one last time, voicing a promise to always take care of her daughter.

Next, the last person he had to say goodbye to was none other than the reason he was leaving in the first place. He'd be the one to turn him into a mortal, and sending him to the real world - to you. Taehyung walked through the massive doors that lead to the court room and immediately, his eyes fell upon his dear friend who with such grace, occupied the throne.

Dressed in robes of black, red and gold - maybe he'd never find out why his friend had an obsession with gold - Min Yoongi got to his feet, the courtier who was reading a very much boring Royal Decree, stopping his speech once he noticed the king was not even for a second paying attention to his words. With two arms spread, the kind proceeded towards his one and only close friend, his arms finding themselves wrapped around Taehyung in a hug. The last thing Taehyung would have ever expected.

The gasps and yelps that echoed in the room were proudly ignored by the two friends, who said their goodbyes in long silence. Taehyung was the first to pull away.

'I don't think I could ever thank you enough, Yoongi.' A trembling smile was set on the male's lips. The same was returned.

'You don't ever have to,' Yoongi said, his long, raven hair hiding much of his eyes. 'Ready to meet her after five long months?' Yoongi asked with mirth in his voice, as though he himself were leaving. He couldn't help it - he just felt this certain happiness to finally being able to set his friend free. And he was sure, others would follow. It could take years, and maybe millennium, but he'd never stop trying.

Taehyung nodded his head subtly, still wishing he could stay with him. The king flicked the Sinner's forehead, 'Stop it. Now, keep your thoughts quiet, I need to concentrate.'

Taehyung bit his lip as he watched the king take a few steps back, leaving a good space of two feet between them. With a deep exhale, Yoongi shut his eyes and his lips began moving in an inaudible chanting of a prayer. Or that's what it looked like to Taehyung. And then slowly, Taehyung felt his feet lift from the ground, like he was being pulled. He felt the area where his wings were attached to his skin burn, the stinging turning to a smouldering heat. It felt like his skin was melting. But he knew what was happening: He was being stripped off his wings; the same wings that were his pride, once upon a time. The same wings that Yoongi had deemed useless to reattach.

Then it struck him - this was planned way before Taehyung had understood the young man who still had his eyes closed - his lips still moving in silence. A perfect score for Min Yoongi, the King of the Underworld.