THE RAVEN KING, yoonkook

chapter xii: fighting friends

The dull thwack of practise sword hitting practise sword fills the air. Yoongi watches as Jungkook lunges at Taehyung, only to be met with the older male's block. The cause of this decision to fight one another one unknown, although it has garnered a group of spectators. A small murmur of commentary travels under the noise of the fighting male's, with individuals feeling the need to supply their own 'expert' opinion on the fighting techniques being used.

A small hiss of pain leaves the king's lips as Taehyung's sword accidentally hits his fingers. The wingless male apologises, but the intensity of their battle doesn't lessen. While it is clear both are fighting to win, Yoongi notices that neither are fighting to their full potential: the opportunity missed, the purposeful lighter hits, they all tell the experienced male that the two fighters are holding back. This impresses him, as he assumes this would take greater skill than simple fighting alone would.

Then, Jungkook slips up, allowing the older male to gain the upper hand. Within a few seconds, the raven is on the ground without his sword. Taehyung's own sword is pressed against the boy's neck. A small, surprised murmur goes up amongst the crowd; clearly, everyone thought Taehyung would let the king win.

"I yield." The raven says as he drops his gaze, doing a good job at appearing ashamed. The wingless male smiles and drops his own sword, helping the younger up. When Jungkook stands, he's smiling again. "Thank you for this chance to test myself, Tae."

"Thank you as well."

While the pair seem to be happy and entertained, some members of the audience are not impressed. One of them even mutters to their friend, "This is what the strongest bloodline has come to? I remember when it was the ravens who were feared across the land, when their powers put all others to shame. Now it's the hawks? This is the king we're putting our faith in? Pathetic!"

Yoongi feels himself smiling, as he remembers experiencing firsthand the true power of the raven king. Others may be unimpressed, but Yoongi's admiration for the boy only grows. In fact, for some odd reason he can't place, the fact that Jungkook has successfully tricked all these people causes a bubble of pride to swell in his chest.

The king and Taehyung depart, as do the rest of the crowd now that the entertainment has gone. Yoongi returns slowly back to his room, wondering. A small part of him is still reluctant to give up the job, though the threat of the previous night still looms in the forefront of his mind. He seems to have underestimated his pride, which stings from the thought of giving up. Especially when completing such a task would boost his reputation incredibly, while giving up would place him back in with the majority. So, though the indecisiveness fills the generally decisive male with frustration, for what he feels like is the nth time, he changes his mind: he'll just take a more casual approach to this task. If an opportunity presents itself clearly, he'll take it; if not, ah well.

* * *

The party has come to an end. All guests are gathered in the room they began in, now mingling as they chatter curiously. It appears to be generally assumed that Jungkook has got them to come together one last time so he can announce his decision and thank everyone for coming. The assassin can hear people gossiping and sharing their news, while others listen in disappointment. Their disappointment makes Yoongi feel smug.

Seokjin and Yoongi wait together, with Jimin tailing behind. Despite the time they have spent together, the magpie feels no closer to the prince and his guard; the constant twittering that leaves Seokjin's lips is still as irritating as ever.

Then, Jungkook enters, bringing the silence Yoongi has been craving. All eyes turn to him expectantly, waiting for the smiling king to speak. Close to the front, the assassin can see the nervousness in the dark haired boy's face more clearly: he chews on his bottom lip, swings on his feet, and can't seem to keep his hands in the one spot for more than a couple of seconds. However, these must be subtle enough that others don't pick up on them.

Only, he doesn't. Instead, his uncle steps forward to address the audience, "As I'm sure you all realise, the king's suitor party has come to end. Though his eighteenth approaches, he is not quite ready to settle down and choose. So, for a select few―you will have received a letter, you are invited to stay a little longer and allow his Highness more time to get to know you. To those who didn't, it's a shame and we wish you all the best." A quick glance around the room can all but reveal who did or did not receive a letter, as a mixture of disappointed and excited expressions fill the room. There are more negative than positive faces.

While scanning the crowd, Yoongi's attention is caught by one particular female―a hawk. She is reaching for the folds of her dress and, as the folds shift, for a brief moment, something shiny catches the light. Perhaps spurned by her rejection, she steps forward. This goes unnoticed, as she is still within the group. In a matter of a few split seconds, she is propelling herself forward towards the king. The shining object is revealed to be a dagger.

Yoongi doesn't even think, he just acts. Using his own magic, the magpie boosts himself up the stairs to the king. As he does, he draws one of his own daggers, that rests beneath his clothes. Being of air, he is faster than the hawk and reaches Jungkook before her, though she is only milliseconds behind. He deflects her attack with his own weapon, the sudden opposition taking her off guard. She is knocked back and Yoongi pushes forward, lunging with his dagger. This time, she blocks and retaliates, narrowly missing the magpie's body. A few strands of hair, however, are cut and fall gently to the floor.

There is a low rumble as the hawk uses her own magic, earth pushing up through the cracks of the floor. As her earth trap comes up, Yoongi elevates himself with an artifical wind and propels himself towards the girl. The guards and guests are alarmed and alert now, causing quite the ruckus in the background. However, the guards prove to be of little use as the assassin knocks the hawk down, landing on top of her. His dagger pressed against her neck, he glares down at her. She smirks, recognising one of her own, and drops her weapon: Yoongi has won this target, though the dark haired male isn't sure that's why he was fighting. Now, as the instincts wear off, he tells himself that was why he protected the king―if someone else killed him, Yoongi wouldn't be able to get the money.

In the background, as the guards take the hawk assassin away, the uncle watches Yoongi with interest.