Martyr | Yoonmin [1] (unedited)

chapter 24

He watched the clouds and blue sky in the reflection of the skyscrapers. It was a beautiful morning, and Jimin wished he could spend it with Yoongi and the others. The day reminded him of when he and Yoongi went shopping for clothes and the thousands of blossoms. He frowned, for some reason suddenly afraid he would never be able to go back to the park with Yoongi again.

It took over an hour to reach the facility from their small apartment, and they were finally here. The vehicle stopped by the sidewalk. Jimin's heart was racing. The last time Namjoon had brought him to the facility, he had almost no recollection of what happened. Finally, Namjoon, who looked like he never had a good night's sleep in his life, looked back at him. Asking him silently if he is ready.

A man in a black suit appeared from the front entrance. Namjoon stepped out first, and Jimin slid over and exited the car. Namjoon held out his hand, and Jimin hooked his forefinger around the older boy. Jimin, who looked like a child beside his friend, had his other hand on the fabric of Namjoon's sleeve as they walked in, and he was scared. The man in the black suit escorted them inside. Once inside, the first thing he saw was the strange bird statue again. He nudged Namjoon, "What is that?" he asked.

The lobby was busy today as they made their way to the escalator. Jimin stayed close to Namjoon, trying to keep up with his long-legged friend. "That," Namjoon began. "is a Phoenix. It's a mythical bird, but I'll tell you about it later."

Namjoon winked, and Jimin smiled back. He wasn't sure why he felt like he was leaving everyone behind. He would only be here for a couple of days. Namjoon promised. When he returned, he'd ask Yoongi if they could go back to the park and maybe have a picnic. Jin and Namjoon would be included, of course. Jimin smiled to himself, lowering his head so that the man in the black suit wouldn't find out his plans.

They entered the escalator and went to the highest floor (the man in the black suit didn't enter the escalator), and the doors opened to Felix's floor. The older gentleman was busy at his desk, looking down at what looked like a folder filled with papers. They walked over and waited, standing patiently in front of his desk. Jimin looked around the large office, and he noticed more and more stuff taking up space. More pictures hung on the walls, pictures of birds. All different kinds of birds. But there was one picture that was simply stamped on the wall by a thumbtack. Ripped from a book was a picture of a Phoenix. The same bird from the lobby.

"Good morning, boys," Felix said without looking up. He grabbed a pen from its place holder and wrote something before setting down the papers. His eyes immediately found Jimin's. Jimin noticed something he hadn't before, that Felix's eyes always seemed to change eye colour. Or maybe it was just in his head. His eyes were much lighter than the last Jimin saw him.

"Good morning," Namjoon answered, nudging the younger boy beside him. Jimin mumbled a good morning before lowering his eyes to the floor. "With your permission, I would like to stay with Jimin for the rest of the day. To offer my support."

Felix considered the request and then finally nodded. "Alright, only for the day."

"Thank you, sir," Namjoon bowed.

"First, I want you to head downstairs first, and Jimin and I will stay behind for a few minutes to talk." Felix stood from his desk and walked to the front of it. "It'll only be a few minutes; I want to explain what's going to happen the next couple of days."

"I'm sure I can do that myself if that is alright with you, sir," Felix shook his head, but Namjoon pushed on further. "I believe it'll be best for him, sir."

"I'm sure you know what's best for him," Felix smiled, but Jimin could tell that it was fake. A forced smile. "But remember, I raised all of you. I know you like the back of my hand. Like I do for the others as well."

Jimin looked up at Namjoon, who swallowed hard. Namjoon tried to smile, and Jimin could tell again that this was a forced smile. But Namjoon was trying to comfort him. "I'll be here," Namjoon whispered. "I'll just be downstairs, ok?"

Jimin nodded, biting down on his lower lip until it stung. He watched as Namjoon pressed the button and entered the elevator. He waved when the doors closed. He turned to face Felix, his heart racing in his chest. Felix was staring back at him, now leaning against his desk.

"Since waking, Jimin, have you used your powers?" Felix wondered.

Jimin thought about when he caused the plate to shatter, and the shards ended up cutting Yoongi's arms. But other than that, nothing significant. He shook his head.

Felix sighed. "Has Namjoon been teaching you how to control them?" Again, Jimin shook his head. There was no use in lying. He couldn't control them, and what if he asked him to show him. He'd look dumb. "Have you experienced any headaches or nosebleeds?"

"Nosebleeds?" Jimin questioned but shook his head right away.

"Good," Felix nodded. "Today, you will have your injection. Then, tomorrow, you will start your training."

Jimin shivered, vaguely remembering his first visit. Namjoon had to hold him up in his chair so that he'd receive a needle injection. "Why do I need an injection?"

"Has Namjoon told you anything?" Felix asked curiously. Jimin shook his head. "Why not?"

Jimin contemplated the question. For weeks he tried to deny the truth. He never wanted this life. "I didn't want to know anything," Jimin blinked.

Felix shrugged. "I'll tell you a little secret, Jimin."

Jimin swallowed.

"This is going to be a little uncomfortable," Felix crossed his arms. "But I promise you'll at the end of this, you will be stronger and powerful."

"Is that what the injections are for?" Jimin asked.

"The injections are meant to increase your powers," Felix explained. "We're trying to move into phase two. So to move forward, and I won't lie to you, Jimin, I only need two of you."

Jimin winced. The elevator ringed, and the elevator doors opened. He looked back, and the doors revealed the previously grey-haired boy. Jimin clenched his jaw. The boy walked over and stood beside Jimin, smirking down at him. "Good to see you again, Jimin-ssi."

Felix clapped his hands together. "From now on, Taehyung will be your guide. Namjoon has shown that his emotions are too much of a distraction."

"How long do I have to stay?" Jimin tried to steady his voice.

"Until I deem you ready," Felix smiled. "We've much to learn."

--

Namjoon paced the long hall, and his cellphone clutched in his hand. It's only been ten minutes, and he reminded himself – not even a full ten minutes – and yet he continued pacing the hallway anxiously. Each minute could mean something could happen to Jimin. He hated that he needed to bring him here, but Jimin needed his injections. They all did, especially Yoongi right now.

His phone beeped; a message appeared from Jin.

How is he? It read.

The night before, after Jin felt better, they agreed for the best that Jimin wouldn't know about the plan. Yoongi insisted that it would safer for Jimin. They would let Hoseok take over and plan the entire thing, even if they have to accept being left behind. They loved Jimin, but they knew the only reason Felix continued to keep them was that Jimin only trusted them. Jimin trusted Namjoon to bring him here and had told him that he would be okay. Namjoon hoped he was right.

The elevator doors opened, and Namjoon sighed in relief when he saw Jimin. However, his relief was cut short when he saw who was walking with Jimin. "What are you doing here, Taehyung?" Namjoon glared.

"I'll be your tour guide for today," Taehyung smiled a toothy smile. "Since our guest here is a little more aware now than he was his first visit."