Underwater: Brave - Taekook

21 - Crowned Clown

Nightwish ~ Nemo & Sleeping Sun

*

The king thought that the gloomy weather was rather fitting. The skies were grey, colourless, and reflected his own blank expression.

Yoongi watched the blades of silver clash and remembered the times when he used to practice swordplay with Jimin. The latter had always been better than him, yet at some point he started losing on purpose. The young prince didn't understand back then that it was because it wouldn't be appropriate if the prince lost to a mere servant. Jimin was protecting his honor and instead of appreciating that, Yoongi got mad and stopped practicing with the other.

 "What are you thinking?"

It was Namjoon, standing by his side like he always did. Yoongi had a strong sense of nostalgia and even though he wouldn't admit it, he didn't exactly hate the feeling.

"About why are we fighting. About what we'll gain by fighting."

That was more than he'd revealed of himself to Namjoon in a long time. He always just assumed the other knew even if he didn't tell him.

"What are you thinking?" Yoongi threw the question back at him.

"That we'll lose if our captain keeps hesitating", Namjoon said, looking in the direction of Jimin's troops.

Yoongi hummed, wondering why Jimin had become so hesitant about all of this. He hadn't had second thoughts about the war before, not before he met and befriended Taehyung.

If we lose this battle, it's on you, Taehyung.

"Say, Namjoon. Have you ever wanted to become the king yourself?"

The sudden question caught his right hand man off-guard. But Yoongi already knew, Namjoon was a great tactician yet a terrible liar.

"Why are you asking me something so outrageous?"

"Because it's a relevant question. I've been thinking, Namjoon. If I die in this war, I want you to lead our kingdom. It has to be you."

* *** *

Jackson was leading the pack with a strong resolve. Jungkook was just trying to survive until he'd get to where he needed. There was only one person who needed to die for this bloodshed to come to an end.

Jungkook ran through the shouts, the fire and the shining metal of the swords made of silver. Iron wasn't deadly like silver was, this battle wasn't fought between humans. This battle was something he'd see in movies while sitting comfortably on the expensive couch in his living room. The sounds coming from the speakers would drown out the silence in the empty house and he'd be warm under the blanket. Far from danger.

But it wasn't a movie and he wasn't just watching it, he was living the story. Jungkook didn't know how many pages were left for him, but he didn't want to die in vain. He refused to fall before reaching his goal. He could already see it.

The crown was glittering, reflecting the light peeking through the clouds. It was a crown of deadly silver, only worn by the king as a symbol of being above even death. 

As if.

***

Jimin saw it. A big black wolf ran out ahead of its ranks, reckless and bound to get killed. The way the captain saw it, it was just a suicide. Yet he couldn't help keeping his eyes trained on the wolf, seeing it successfully dodge the burning arrows flying towards it as it made way forward.