Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wood chimes echoed a hollow tune in the soft breeze. Somewhere deep in the woods, a river flowed through, quiet laughter flowed along with it. The forest gave off a magical aura to anyone who passed through it. It made everyone’s skin tingle. If you stepped onto the ancient land that stretched on for miles you could feel the magic buzz around you. But fear stopped anyone from crossing the entrance. Many lingered only a few steps into the forest. Once you take a few steps you start to feel the magic crawl up your spine, almost like it was suffocating you. Even if you try to pass further into it, hoping the feeling would fade as you go deeper. You’ve been mistaken. For it only gets worse until you drop dead to the ground. No one survives and the last thing you see is gold eyes staring at you through the forest.

Deep inside the forest, a witch sang softly pushing blonde curls out of their eyes. Nearby a fairy lingered around the garden, baby blue wings sparkling in the sunlight. “It happened” it whispered fluttering closer to the witch. The singing stopped and the witch stared up at the fairy. They snapped their fingers and a black dog emerged from the forest. It’s ear pointed and tail wagging. A spell was murmured and the dog disappeared into the forest.

“This is wrong” the fairy whispered to the witch landing down near the witch sitting on a rock, fearful of getting the silk clothes dirty. There was a sad aura around the fairy. The awful feeling could be felt throughout the forest. A fairy. Especially such a beautiful and loved one was feeling sad.

The witch sighed softly stopping their spells for the moment to look at the sullen and sad fairy beside him. They gently cupped the fairy’s cheek. Careful with their hands, afraid of one bad move and they’d break the fragile skin. “I wish I could change everything. I really do. But this is how the forest made itself. Wove itself on these ancient grounds for no one to touch besides the creatures inside. We have the same magic in our blood. I wish I could change that but these are the rules of nature. Nothing can change that.” The witch spoke softly wanting no more pain to reside in the fairy. For the fairy already trembled under their touch. They moved their hands away letting them drop into their lap. “I’m sorry” they whispered.

The fairy only nodded. Numbly getting up with its wings fluttering behind him “See you tonight” it whispered before fluttering off into the forest.

There were no certain pathways in the forest. Even a mythical creature’s life would perish if they come from the outside world. No one besides the creatures inside is allowed through alive. But even they are injured at times. It’s impossible to remover around and if the forest doesn’t like you, well then all hope is lost for you. That’s why every creature was careful with their every step. You never know when the forest could turn on you. Dying was never easy either. You were slowly tortured.Forced to watch your hard work crumble in front of you until the forest got bored of you and ended our life. Sometimes you were crushed by trees other times the ground would open up and swallow you up. There was a story among the elders of the forest how one minotaur whose head was taken off by a tree branch. Cut right off with a single swipe. It was a dangerous land but home to many.

The fairy fluttered away from the witch’s home off to his own. In the heart of the forest there was a waterfall then fell over a cave. It was the only place the river water was rushed and dangerous but it flowed into a pond where the waterfall fell. The delicate creature landed by the pond. A tired smile was given to a frog that popped onto a lily pad. The fairy’s home was just beyond the waterfall. It was a beautiful cave that was home to two fairies.

Somewhere in the forest not far from the fairy, a wolf lurked around a hurt bird. It came closer sniffing at the injured creature. It wasn’t magical. Only a mere animal who had been allowed shelter in the forest. One of many but rare at the same time. Nudging it with his nose he managed to push the bird atop his snout and cared it until he reached a cottage. One of the three cottages in the forest. This one belonged to the enchantress. The wolf walked towards the door and nudged it. Paws scratching at the wood finishing. The door open and the wolf whined. The enchantress at first stared at the wolf marks on their door but then their attention was caught by the bird on the wolf’s snout.

The enchantress had pure magic healing unlike the witch of the forest. It was much more dangerous and riskful. But animals were a safe option for a quick and easy heal. Murmuring a spell softly they placed a few fingers on the bird’s injury. A gash on its head. Closing their eyes they murmured another spell and in a few moments, the gash was gone replaced with the thin white scar. The bird lifted his head. It stayed on the wolf for a moment before fluttering his wings and flew off. The enchantress smiled softly red hair falling into their eyes as the wolf was pet “Good boy” they whispered before shutting the door.

The wolf whined softly scratching at the door but it knew it was never welcome for too long. Untrustworthy and someone with literal two sides. More than two sides even. Howling outside the cottage it ran into the forest once more, off to find shelter in the forest wherever it would offer it.

A bit closer to the waterfall a forest nymph lay on the ground admiring its reflection in the river water. It hummed softly. The tune to a very familiar song most knew in the woods. The nymph was the closest to the elders. Being the grandchild of one of them. Its mother had been a nymph-like them self but their father a human. A forbidden relationship. A reason the nymph had grown without a father. Till five its father was around but after that, the forest wouldn't allow him access. So he had become forbidden and the nymph was never allowed to venture out of the forest.

Beyond the waterfall near the edge of the forest where almost no one went an ancient elemental stood there. Watching the nearby waves of the ocean. The forest ended with a cliff. No one knew where it came from but it had rocky edges and a steep fall. The elemental stared down at the rough waves hitting the rocks and cliff. A storm was approaching. Dark clouds were coming closer from the west. Bringing with them a terrible gift for the creatures of the forest. He’d been holding them back for days now but it grew too strong too quickly. There was no stopping it now and the preparations had to begin.

Nearby the wolf was curled up on a rock watching the same storm approach their forest.

The witch looked up frowning as it heard loud booms from far beyond.

The two fairies looked at each in alarm when a group birds emerged from the forest and flew off.

The enchantress frowned shutting all the shutters and blinds in the cottage storing away ancient artifacts to hide safely.

The nymph shuddered feeling strong winds come through the forest. Quickly it darted into its hut between the trees to hide away.

"An evil is coming."

Chapter Text

Hoards of birds flew out of the trees. Flying in large groups trying to escape the terror as quickly as possible. None of them may be magical but living in the ancient forest for so long they could feel it now. Any animal who was allowed to leave would leave in a matter of hours if not minutes.

Pink wings shimmered and fluttered behind a tree. Jimin frowned attention being caught by the shimmering wings. “Um...Tae?” he questioned trying to figure why exactly the fairy was hiding behind a tree and failing. Did he forget his wings stuck out?

A head poked out from behind the tree, grey hair falling around the fairy’s face-framing it. “Uh...Hi?” he said a little unsurely. Jimin blinked staring at him “Hello” he echoed staring back at the flushed fairy “Did you get a blowjob or something?” the witch finally questioned before turning away and got back to collecting the rose petals he needed for a face serum. These sirens couldn’t last a fucking month without them. Good thing he couldn’t last without the pearls they brought from the bottom of the ocean.

Taehyung let out a dramatic gasp “Shut up!” he whined pouting at the unfazed witch. He fluttered closer peering over his shoulder “Are you making more face stuff?” he asked curiously batting his eyelashes a little dramatically. Jimin scoffed “You're not getting anything” he murmured pushing his sleeves back up so the thorns wouldn’t get caught.

“It's not for me! My face is already flawless!” he declared fluttering down in front of him this time “I need it….for..for Yoongi Hyung! Really. It’s true!He’s breaking out really bad and won’t even step out of the waterfall” he stated the pout returning quickly.

“First you're not naturally flawless. The spell worked on you and only you so credits to me” Jimin stated with a smirk “and second Yoongi Hyung needs to get his deal straight. He says he doesn’t care about anyone's opinion on him and then he refuses to leave the waterfall. Your Hyung really is something” he said with a little sigh. “Come pick it up tomorrow” he muttered giving in too easily for his own liking.

Taehyung’s sweet giggle rang in his ears “yay! Thank you Minnie” the happy fairy exclaimed placing a kiss on his cheek.

The witches cheeks flushed pink from the affection “okay okay” he whispered quickly, a ring on his finger glowing a bright pink to match his cheeks. Taehyung’s eyes widened seeing the ring “Ooooo pretty” he sang out excitedly “What’s the pink mean?” He knew the basics of all of Jimin’s jewelry. They showed his emotions and what he felt like at a certain time. Some even helped with spells.

He didn’t answer right away eyes glued to the ring before he shook his head “Nothing” he muttered pulling the sweater sleeves down again and it fell over the glowing ring “C’mon help me with these..please?” he asked sweetly.

The fairy looked down at the pile of rose petals and roses unsurely but then picked up as much as he could in his arms “Your home?” he asked softly. The witch nodded gathering the rest up in his bag and pulled it over his shoulders “thanks, Tae.”

He only nodded fluttering above Jimin almost looking giddy. He wasn’t sure if it was about him agreeing to give the serum or something else but something was making his best friend happy and Jimin was glad. Especially with it coming it was nice. Really nice.

Roses involved a lot of his spells. Usually, it was there for the scent. So even the worst medicines would smell sweet, so no one vomited smelling toads and troll hair in what they just drank. Sometimes they were important. Used to make ancient spells usually. The oldest ones in his book. Ones his great great great grandmother had made. Spells they found as they traveled the world until his grandparents settled in the town to help his mother stay stable. They didn’t want the same crazy life for her. But time catches up as everyone says. His mother settled here and since he’s been stuck here. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Only a bit inconvenient.

“Hey, bitch!”

A sleazy voice interrupted their peaceful walk and Jimin tensed hearing the voice. Just great. But he didn’t turn around just kept walking until he realized Taehyung’s fluttering wings weren’t above him anymore “Tae?” he called out alarmed.

He turned to see the pink winged fairy glaring at the troll who had interrupted them. Jimin sighed. Linengu. Perfect just perfect.

“He has a name! And it’s witch not bitch you incomprehensible wrench” the fairy scolded unhappily. Jimin watched him a little amused. It was cute how the very not intimidating fairy who was his best friend scolded an ugly looking troll. Taehyung who was all smooth skin and silk clothes. Loved flowers and children more than anything but also found the good in all people.

“Tae, lay off” He interrupted joining the bickering pair and locked eyes with Linengu “What is it now? More wolf skins? Or are you here to donate your beautiful eyes to a helpless old witch?” he questioned raising an eyebrow.

Linengu glared “First tell princess to go away. He’s always so mean to me” he muttered giving the two the ugliest pout, Taehyung swore he almost puked “and second no I’m not donating nor wanting. Simply here to spread a message.” His mouth opened with a big grin showing off black and yellow teeth the troll seemed to happy about.

The two wrinkled their noses, Jimin bringing a hand up to cover his mouth and nose to avoid the bad breath. It could’ve knocked someone out in a second. “A message? What sort of?”

The troll’s eyes twinkled at the question “Oh! The elemental has spoken!” he stated eagerly “The time is here. No one will be able to escape not even the wicked.”

They both tensed Jimin’s eyes meeting Taehyung’s who was equally as shocked “The elemental…?  You mean Kim-ssi?! He’s come out of hiding?” the fairy questioned eyes wide with curiosity “But he sure did come back with awful news.” This time it was Taehyung’s turn to pout which much more of a pretty sight then the trolls.

“Well, his grace never disappeared and told us he shall come with good news” the troll murmured shaking his head “well that is all. Must spread the message to the others! Have a nice walk witch and fairy!” he waved smile big and ugly and ventured out into the forest.

“He called you bitch again. I swear next I’m going to teach that hideous troll a listen!” Taehyung glared silver dust falling from his wings as he glaring at the direction the troll had ventured off into. Jimin sighed “You couldn’t hurt anyone Tae. And please don’t.” The last words were weak and quiet but had the most truth attached to them. Taehyung was beautiful and innocent. Someone their home needed more of. Most people here had gone cruel. Even Jimin had to do cruel deeds once in a while. He never wanted Taehyung to fall into the dark hole and lose who he was. That’s why Jimin kept Taehyung in the dark for most things. Some thing’s he couldn’t but he tried. It wasn’t right to see Taehyung frown instead of a smile.

They remained silently for a moment. Both seemingly lost in thought. Until Taehyung broke it. He smiled gently at Jimin “I know” he whispered, “C’mon let’s get these roses to your house.” His wings started fluttering as he gathered up the roses and flew a little above the ground wanting to stay near Jimin as they flew.

The witch wordlessly nodded gathering his own roses up and followed the cheery fair. Trying to make sense of this test he was being put through and what exactly was coming for them.

A cat meowed quietly attracting the attention of the witch. “Hey Tae...wait” he murmured stopping the fairy and turned to the cat creeping up on them. Jimin furrowed his eyebrows. Slight cautious. He never knows when a cursed animal approaches you until it’s too late.

“Oh! It’s so cute!” Taehyung spoke appearing by Jeongguk’s side.

He hummed in agreement “Yah…” But the cat was also intriguing in a way. It looked up at him in what looked like genuine curiosity. Eyes filled with wonder. He’d never seen it either. He knew most animals. Either him or Hoseok. Maybe it was Hoseok’s pet? No...he wouldn’t just...Would he?

He decided to crouch down scanning the cat to find any sort of paper attached to it or a sign of it being sent to him. But there was nothing. Their eyes pet and Jimin flinched stumbling up to his feet.

Taehyung gasped “Did he scratch you?” he asked voice filled with concern and worry.

Jimin shook his head “No...it’s fine...Let’s just go. Okay?” he asked glancing at the cat who still stared at him like he’d killed his mother. One second thought maybe he had. He couldn’t remember the last time he needed cat claws. No, it wasn’t about this cat’s family. Something about his eyes...familiar almost.

“Minnie…? If the cats a problem then let’s hurry. It’s a black cat! Bad luck remember?!” The fairy spoke up again wanting to get away fast. He saw a bad aura around the cat. It wouldn’t be safe for long.

The witch snorted laughing “Yah...Tae I’m a witch. Black cats are my best friend” he joked following the fairy who had started moving the moment Jimin had turned.

Taehyung whined a little “You're not bad luck though! You're the bestest luck!”

The talkative pair's voices faded into the forest until it disappeared. The cat remained there for a while. Scratching at leaves and twigs until he knew it was safe. Once it was the cat disappeared behind the bush, in its place a bird popped out. Taking flight in an instant as he hid in the tree.

He watched from atop as an army of trolls passed. All whispering and grumbling about the elemental returning. The bird started to chirp a song. A familiar song to many. Somewhere in the forest, the enchantress frowned as the tune reached their cottage. Not a good sign. The shutters were shut again, doors locked.