To The Edge Of The Sky| VMinKook

Chapter 1

The lightning crackled and slashed through the thick, billowing clouds, cascading down like ethereal fingers into the welcoming embrace of the tumultuous waves below. A thunderous roar echoed through the air, accompanied by the relentless patter of rain, splattering against the glass. The voice calling out, "Young master," seemed to meld with the storm, going unnoticed by the young man who was leaning against the bar. He stared out through the large windows, transfixed by the tumultuous night sky, where flashes of light danced like wild spirits across the dark canvas.

"Master Jimin!" The voice grew louder, breaking through the storm's chaos, and finally pierced Jimin's reverie. He turned slowly to face a woman standing nearby. Her striking presence contrasted with the tempest outside, and he met her gaze with his silver eyes, which shimmered with an intensity that mirrored the lightning's brilliance.

"Have I not told you to refer to me as that?" he said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips despite the annoyance lacing his tone.

"Forgive me, but the command comes directly from the queen herself. Besides, the name suits you, young master," she replied, her tone respectful yet teasing. Jimin rolled his eyes, irritation bubbling beneath the surface as he let out a low growl.

"The queen has summoned you for your presence," she said firmly. Jimin raised an eyebrow, fully aware of the implications.

"Would it be inappropriate for me to decline?" he asked, although he already knew the answer would be a firm "no."

The woman's smile faded, replaced by a look of solemnity. "Forgive me, but it is the queen." She moved closer and handed him his intricately crafted armor, its metallic surface glinting even in the dim light.

"What is it this time?" Jimin inquired, glancing out the window, the weight of unease settling upon him.

"I have not been able to decipher it myself," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "but there's something out there... a feeling drawing me closer. It's like a scream from the depths... it simply doesn't make sense." He pointed towards the tumultuous horizon, where the sea met the sky in a chaotic embrace.

"Do you see that? The place where the sky kisses the water... It feels as if something from there is beckoning me." Just as he spoke, the rain ceased its relentless downpour, and the chaotic flashes of lightning faded into stillness. The churning waters calmed, and the night sky cleared, revealing a blanket of stars.

Both of them stared in awe at the sudden tranquility, their eyes widening at the unexpected sight. "H-how?" Jimin stuttered, shock coursing through him as he stood frozen, grappling with the strangeness of it all.

At that precise moment, the door creaked open, revealing yet another woman. "Is there a problem? The queen desires your presence immediately," she exclaimed, pausing mid-sentence as she caught sight of Jimin's transformed appearance.

The glow in Jimin's eyes had shifted from silver to a piercing red, and his once golden blonde hair now flowed long and dark, tied back in an elegant bun. A small tattoo of a crescent moon adorned his forehead, a mark of something otherworldly.

"It has happened again," Jimin whispered, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. The women surrounding him exchanged glances filled with concern, their expressions unreadable.

**Jimin's POV**

With a heavy heart, I stepped through the grand door to the throne room, the silence amplifying the sound of my footsteps as they echoed against the polished marble floor. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I advanced, finding myself face-to-face with the queen, my grandmother.

"Your Highness," I said, bowing deeply in respect.

"Come forth, my young prince," she beckoned gently, extending her hands towards me. Slowly, I made my way up the first flight of steps, but just as I reached the top, a violent bolt of lightning struck nearby, arcing from the Guardians surrounding her. I knelt, unable to meet her gaze, fully aware of the disappointment that lingered in her eyes.

"Forgive me, Your Highness," I murmured, dropping to my knees, shame flooding my senses.

"It is not your fault," she replied softly, her voice a mixture of frustration and compassion. "The time is not yet ripe for you to claim your rightful place. You have yet to prove yourself worthy of the throne."

Her once bright blue eyes had darkened to a menacing crimson, mirroring the storm outside.

"I have done everything you've asked of me," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. "I have fulfilled my role, vanquishing those who stood against me, conquering kingdoms in my path. What more must I do to be deemed worthy?"

As my frustration mounted, my eyes began to change color, igniting with the same fiery red as the queen's. I was ready for the challenge, eager for her to reveal the next step.

"Perhaps this will answer your question," she said, just as the white guardian appeared at the foot of the staircase, her radiant spear dragging across the golden floor, leaving a trail of light in its wake.

A deafening blast ruptured the silence, tearing through the cloud-strewn sky. A whirlwind of wind rose up, spiraling into a tornado that cloaked the room in shadows. The queen rose gracefully, stepping closer until we stood inches apart.

"Listen closely, Jimin. The hour has come; we can no longer wait for destiny to unfold on its own. We need you on that throne — not just because of your birthright, but for our people, for the kingdom of Awakhic. To weather the storm that approaches, we need you to rise to the occasion. Though I may be gone for now, I will return if you seek me out."

Confusion clouded my mind as I stared at her, grappling with the weight of her words.

"The guardians will accompany you in your journey, but when the time comes, the battle will be yours alone, Jimin. Always remember, this is for your people, your kind, and those who have sacrificed everything. Park Jimin, the crown prince of Awakhic — I entrust our fate to you. Prove your worth, for I believe in you. You must believe in yourself as well."

Before I could absorb her wisdom, a cloud of smoke enveloped the room, engulfing the queen and whisking her away into silence.

"Here," the guardian said, stepping toward me and presenting a small metal box with intricate engravings. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened it, revealing a delicate necklace that caught the dim light.

"Keep this close; you will need it. Use it wisely," she instructed before vanishing along with the rest of the guardians.

I examined the necklace closely, its subtle design concealing a hidden map of the stars within. What could it signify? The mystery cloaked in the pendant seemed to resonate with the uncharted path ahead of me.