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Chapter Text

Cold. That's the first word to describe Halazia, it's ice and cold but peaceful. Seonghwa, the ruler of Halazia, his hair stark white, his eyes icy blue, known to be one of the most peaceful leaders in history of the kingdoms. Mingi, his younger brother, couldn't really care about ruling Halazia. Their parents died at a young age, due to the hand of the kingdom Guerrilla, they've had a grudge against each other for seven centuries, leading in death filled wars and ultimately the death of the princes’ parents, Seonghwa becoming the ruler at only 17, now 24. Even when their parents were around, Mingi was never one to listen, Mingi taking after his mother in attitude and his father in features. His sharp jawline and straight nose contrasting his brother's soft features which he takes after their mother. 

Mingi wanders past the line of trees, the trees frozen as most things are in Halazia. Mingi white- but blue tinted hair standing out amongst the snow, his white eyebrows casting over his pale frozen skin. He always wondered what it would be like without all the ice. Seeing a patch of grass and laying in it without the worry that he would get too warm and his heart would unfreeze causing only death upon him. He often finds himself at the border between Halazia and guerrilla, feeling the warmth on his face as he doesn't dare cross over the line but the stark difference between ice and fire present. 

He reaches just far enough in front of him to grab a leaf, its yellow with orange tint at the tips, he only gets a good look for a couple seconds before frost overtakes the leaf inside of his hand, sighing as he lets it fall back to the ground, turning around walking across the line of fire and ice. He kneels down to look at a flower, half of it covered in frost before his eyes narrow in on a boot, its scuffed, black, the tip of it growing ice as it's just barely crossed over the line. Mingi freezes slowly, raising his gaze seeing the boy, who couldn't be younger than him, standing with his bow and arrow pointed directly at Mingi’s face, the tip of it grazing Mingi’s nose. 

“You've crossed the line” The boy says, though his voice doesn't sound half as confident as his stance.  Mingi tries to suppress his smile as he slowly stands up, being maybe an inch smaller than the boy. “You've crossed the line too,” Mingi points out, pointing to the tip of the boy's boot as he moves it back quickly. Mingi reaches forward slowly pushing down the arrow till it points at the gravel filled ground. “You surely can't be one of the guards at your age, shooting me would only start another war” Mingi says with a small smirk on his face. The boy visibly hesitates pulling the arrow out and putting it back in the satchel behind his back. “You would easily kill me with just the palm of your hand anyways,” Mingi points out, taking a step to the side to pick the flower up. 

“You're a threat!” The boy says, his hands standing nervously by his side. “But I haven't done anything wrong,” Mingi responds, taking in the boy's clothes. Roughed up jeans, leather belts holding weapons against his thighs and a button up loose red shirt that you would only typically find in the castle..

“A prince?” Mingi raises his eyebrows tilting his head. “What are you doing all the way out here? Don't you have.. Royal stuff?” The boy huffs glancing to the side. “Well I could ask you the same thing.” The boy slaps back following Mingi’s steps on the other side of the line. “You could, what's your name then or should i just call you your majesty” Mingi smiles taking in the boy's features, soft but he's lanky, tall unlike Mingi is more broad. 

“I- don't, it's just-.. Yunho” Yunho mutters his eyes falling onto the flower Mingi has picked up. “What's yours?” He asks, his voice more calm. “Mingi, fascinating isn't it, the way it freezes then melts if i just slightly move it closer or farther” Mingi demonstrates until the flower droops and Mingi drops it to the ground. “Have you ever been to this side?” Mngi asks curiously, starting to walk more, the other prince following him. 

“No.. but i've wondered how.. You know it would feel” Yunho admits reaching his fingers past the line slightly before pulling them back at the harsh cold. “I've never seen- or well, touched snow” Yunho adds on. Mingi tilts his head curiously at that before leaning down and picking up some snow, making it round in his hands before slowly reaching over to place it in Yunho's hands.  Yunho watches as it almost instantly melts and turns practically boiling in his hands, only feeling the cold for a split second. “You practically boiled it clean.” Mingi says with a smile, his eyes locking with Yunho's dark brown-reddish eyes, Yunho letting out a small laugh as he nods. 

“Maybe-” Mingi gets cut off by a yell for his name. Mingi turns around quickly to run back before his brother finds him all the way out here. “I'll see you later!” He calls behind him before emerging out of the forest. 

“God Mingi, can you stay in sight for one day, you keep going that far you're gonna get yourself killed” Seonghwa huffs out, grabbing Mingi’s shoulder to direct him back into the castle. “I told you about the meetings you have to attend only to find out, you weren't even in the vicinity of the building” 

“It's not a big deal, I did everything I had to for the meetings so I don't really have to show up, but I also met a boy back there we were just hanging around.” Mingi mentions following his brother into the main hall.  “You- what? What boy?” Seonghwa stops walking, turning around to face his brother. “At the Line” Mingi responds slowly, seeing the heat enter his brother's cold face. “Are you crazy!? Trying to get us back into another war are you serious? I swear to the gods-” 

“Seonghwa! It's okay! He just talked, I showed him the snow, he's a prince too!” 

“Even worse! You're getting involved in direct royalty, they hate us enough already. I don't need my little brother getting involved and becoming a target” Seonghwa argues, rubbing his temples with a sigh. “What am i going to do with you Mingi” 

“Maybe this could be a chance for peace, he was pretty cute” Mingi raises his eyebrows at his brother. Seonghwa scoffs in response, grabbing his brother's arm and dragging him to the meeting without another word. 

–

It wasn't long before Mingi went back to the line, maybe or maybe not hoping the other prince would be there too. Sitting against a tree sharpening the arrow he sat there. “Well hello again” Mingi greets sitting on the other side of the tree, in his safe ‘I won't burn to death’ area. 

“I thought you've told on me by now” Yunho says in a playful voice, lifting his head up to look at the prince sitting on the icy snow compared to his grass and rocks. “Not yet, so watch your words carefully” Mingi teases back, narrowing his icy eyes with a soft smile. “It doesn't feel like you're wanting to set my kingdom on fire yet so i'll have hope” Mingi comments softly looking at the arrow in yunho's hands. 

Yunho notices Mingi’s gaze, holding the arrow out for Mingi to take and look at. Mingi tilts his head at Yunho, both of them communicating silently as Mingi takes the arrow, hissing slightly at the warmth before fragile frost begins growing over the wood as Mingi examines it in his hands. “You make this?” Mingi asks softly, his fingers ghosting the tip of the arrow gently. “Yeah, I don't like to though, knowing the purpose they might serve one day” Yunho's voice lowers to a soft whisper, his head leaning back against the tree. 

Mingi holds the arrow for a few more seconds before handing it back to Yunho, seeing the frost drip onto the ground once its back inside the warmth. “Why make it then? Why make something that hurts?” Mingi whispers. “Well, I don't have a choice… our kingdoms don't exactly get along well” Yunho laughs out softly, shifting his eyes towards Mingi. “Plus, the fire inside of us, starts to evolve, becomes too strong and you could burn yourself from the inside out, I don't want that to happen, especially not to me” 

“It’s like becoming the one thing you fear” Mingi moves closer to the border now feeling the heat rest right next to him. “No one wants to burn, but it's like we're constantly preparing for it.. For the end” Mingi whispers, turning his head towards Yunho’s, their noses only about three inches apart. 

Then a branch breaks. Mingi snaps his head towards the direction of the sound. “Fuck..” he mutters standing up quickly motioning for Yunho to hide. “Mingi I swear i'm going to lock you up in the dungeon if i keep-” 

“-Seonghwa, please, it's fine” Mingi sighs seeing his brother emerge from the trees, watching his eyes widen at seeing the whole other world past the line, a sight he has never seen before, deeming too dangerous to even approach within five feet of it. “I was just sitting at the tree-” 

“-don't lie to me I heard you” Seonghwa’s eyebrows furrow searching for the other voice. “There's no one, you're just hearing things.” Mingi starts walking back towards the castle, seeing his brother follow behind after a few seconds. Mingi glances back over his shoulder, seeing Yunho’s face peek out behind the tree before walking away in the distance, stopping when he crashes into his brother who steps in front of him. 

“Was it the same boy?” He immediately questions crossing his arms. “Oh my god would you forget it already” Mingi groans out, moving to walk past his brother. “No, why are you so determined to get us into a war, Mingi? Why? It's dangerous, they're dangerous, He’s dangerous.” 

“He's not dangerous, he's just like me, he doesn't care about the war and all that.” Mingi rolls his eyes looking to the side. “He has to be Mingi, you've known him for two days, that's two too many. I'm going to have to start getting guards around here to follow you everywhere-” 

“-i'm not a child!” Mingi cuts Seonghwa off. “Then stop acting like one and stop instigating things and leave them alone. You're so determined to test every boundary you're going to get yourself hurt.” Seonghwa’s voice is sincere, filled with care but firm. 

“I'm not instigating, I'm just trying to understand.” Mingi clenches his jaw, looking at his brother, seeing his mom. Seonghwa’s eyes narrow, he shakes his head as sighs. “You need to understand, your work, your place, everything you do is for your kingdom not theirs. We do NOT need another war you hear me? You think you understand but you don't, grow up and just listen.” Seonghwa turns around walking back to the castle, anger in his steps, Mingi’s eyes casting to the ground. 

Mingi takes a breath, feeling his eyes water, turning to slush in the corners. He shakes his head finishing his walk back to the castle, straight to his room, shutting the door behind him, taking off all his royal coats and clothes designed specifically for him. He feels isolated, cold, even though he needs the cold to live. He knows his brother cares, but Seonghwa won't take the time to understand what he's thinking. He's too busy worrying about keeping the kingdom safe, keeping his little brother safe, per his parents' requests. But Seonghwa hovers, he suffocates him, just assumes he knows what he wants. His brother had to become a ruler, a parent. 

–

Mingi sighs sitting at his desk, his room draped in white and blue curtains matching the stark white wallpaper that fills his room, minus all the posters he had put up also trying to be a normal teenager. Which to his parents and brothers belief, was very ‘unroyal’ of him, but he couldn't give a shit anyways. A knock pulls him out of his thoughts as he turns towards the door, seeing Seonghwa immediately turning back to his desk. “If you're coming in here to scold me about the meetings I'm working on now” mingi preferences right away. 

“I came here to apologize to you punk” Seonghwa sighs out, sitting on Mingi’s bed, his hands resting in his lap. “Look I didn't mean to be as harsh i was i'm just trying to prote-” 

“-It's fine” mingi cuts him off, signing another document setting it to the side. “Mingi..” Seonghwa sighs out. “Really, it's fine, I get it.” Mingi shrugs, turning to look at his brother. Seonghwas face is tired, concerned, seeing the inner turmoil happening inside of his eyes. Seonghwa has been  a strong leader, never showing weakness, but working himself down to the core. 

“I don't want to fight Mingi, really I don't. I'm protecting you, protecting our home. None of us asked for this, I didn't ask for this, we don't get a choice, they'll burn us down.” Seonghwa explains calmly.  “There's always a choice” Mingi whispers, not wanting to instigate, but showing that he doesn't agree. “That choice is not available to me, Mingi, it's not.” Seonghwa responds softly, standing and ruffling Mingi’s hair. “Make sure you get some sleep before the conference tomorrow, please?” Seonghwa asks. Mingi nods in response watching his brother leave the room before shutting off his lamp. 

Chapter Text

“Sit up straight and stop slouching, you're a part of the royal family for god’s sake” Hongjoong mutters to Yunho, Yunho sliding up in his chair to sit up straighter from the hunched over position he had been in. “I'm bored, we've been here for hours” Yunho huffs under his breath. “Suck it up, you don't have a choice” Hongjoong replies before quickly getting back into conversation with the dean, Hongjoong the king. “Yeah I know,” Yunho mutters under his breath, not loud enough for his brother to hear as he picks at the fancy woven table shall, draped across the long table filled with important people from other kingdoms. 

Yunho's mind wanders back to the line, where the frost bites at his hands, where he wanted to cross over. Meet Mingi, Mingi…he was interested in Mingi.  He never really knew what Halazia was like other than the wars they learned about in grade school. Or his brother and how his parents used to drill it into his head that ‘Compassion is weakness, and the day we fall is the day we take over Halazia in victory” Or whatever bullshit they used to recite every morning. He wants to explore, maybe if he wrapped up just warm enough the cold wouldn't slow his heart in record speed and he could sit in the snow, actually experience it, along with Mingi. 

Yunho had never thought he'd meet someone like him, even though they happen to be polar opposites. Mingis features were breathtaking to Yunho, Mingi’s ice blue eyes, you could see them from a mile away, the white hair, whiter than any snow he could see over the line, the frost that graces Mingi’s fingertips making them look slightly blue, or his steep nose and plush lips that compliment his face perfectly; his lips the perfect shade of pink to contrast his pale complexion. He's taken out of his thoughts looking up at his brother, he reminds him of their dad, the harsh attitude and the strict ways, sticking to the history. Losing their parents only about ten years ago, Yunho has grown accustomed to it, but it seems sometimes his brother still takes it hard, most likely due to the fact that he now has a whole kingdom in his hands. 

His brother used to be easy going, adventuring all the time, never knowing where he was, no matter how much he begged Hongjoong would never take Yunho along because he claimed he was too young to go with him. Even if their mother would make Hongjoong take Yunho along, he’d end up leaving Yunho to hang out with Jongho anyways, which is how they got close. Their father wasn't around much as he was busy most of the time, it's like Hongjoong has completely formed into their father, their close bond now somewhat of a friendly acquaintance type feel, less brotherly more, do it because I said to type thing. 

–

It's not long before the sun starts to set and Yunho closes his door behind him quietly, this time a pair of warm gloved in his back pocket, a blood red cape draped over his shoulders turning to head down the stairs inhaling sharply at the sight of Jongho, his personal guard, having gone to grade school with him when he was younger. “God!- you can't just stand there like that, you'll give someone a heart attack” Yunho mutters walking past, sighing when a hand lands on his shoulder. “I was told to keep an eye on you” Jongho sighs out, looking just as unamused as Yunho does. “Then pretend I'm sleeping if he asks,” Yunho says quickly, trying to move past Jongho and down the stairs.

 “Where are you going? It's late, I'm sure whatever girl it is can wait” Yunho's face lights up with heat as he shakes his head quickly. “Hush! Before you wake the whole damn castle up, and it's not a girl okay? I'm just going for a walk and nothing more” Yunho says firmly trying to get rid of the heat creeping up on his cheeks. “What are the gloves for hm?” Jongho interrogates, grabbing them out of Yunho's pocket. “Would you quit it!” Yunho says his voice hushed as he tries to grab them back, ultimately snatching them out of jonghos hands. Jonghos face unimpressed with a cocky eyebrow raised. “Fine go. But I'm not covering for you so you better hope Joong doesn't come around” Jongho motions to the stairs with his head. Yunho nods, tucking his gloves back into his back pocket muttering a ‘thank you’ before taking off down the stairs. 

The sun is set by the time Yunho makes it to the line, feeling slight wisps of cool air as he puts his gloves on searching for mingi among the trees, looking for the familiar white hair against the frozen tree bark. Yunho turns his head before a cold pile of snow soon turns water hits his face followed by a giggle and rustling of leaves. Yunho is stunned before smiling and looking towards the rustling seeing the frosted fingertips holding onto the tree bark. 

“If anything that felt refreshing, your Majesty” Yunho says, putting on his proper voice for the royal title as he smiles walking up to the tree to see Mingi peak out behind it. “What took you so long? I've been waiting for an eternity” Mingi says, his lips in a soft pout, which Yunho finds endearing. “My brother sent a guard to watch me i had to get passed” Yunho explains mingi nodding in response before nodding his head towards the right, a guard with white and black hair, something Yunho had never seen not knowing other in Halazia could have variations other than just the stark white. “My brother sent Sannie over there to watch me but thankfully he wont tell, and he cant hear us just as long as he can see me” Mingi rolls his eyes looking back towards Yunho. 

“Everytime you talk about your brother you remind me of mine, I fear they would get along well if they forgot about all the past” Yunho sighs out, his gloved hands reaching slightly over the line as they rest against the tree. Mingis eyes light up at the notice of Yunho's warmer clothing. “Oh? Is someone trying to cross?” Mingi raises his eyebrows with a smirk. Yunho rolls his eyes playfully but shrugs. “Only if it would work.” Mingi takes Yunho's hand that's now over the line, watching the glove stiffen from the cold, Mingi carefully examining the glove, happy that Yunho's hot hands wont hurt him. “Does it feel cold?” Mingi asks half of Yunho's arm across the line by now. Yunho shakes his head, his eyes wide with wonder, taking a step over. 

Mingi smiles brightly looking up at Yunho as Yunho is halfway over the line, laughing softly as he immediately shivers. “I fear you're going to have to dress warmer than that in order to fully cross.”, Yunho nodded in response as he took a step back, his hand still inside Mingi’s. They stay silent for a minute before Mingi lets go, the sun having set completely, it being nearly black outside as San clears his throat. “We should go my Prince” San speaks softly, nodding to Yunho as Mingi waves softly. “I'll come back tomorrow okay?” Mingi smiles. “See you then” Yunho nods, watching Mingi and San walk off before he too makes his way back to his castle. Coming back to a not so happy older brother.

–

 “Are you insane!? I have to find out through Jongho!? Don't even get me started on his ability to even try and get you to stay in your room, but the line? Are you wanting a death wish? What is it thrilling for you to risk your life?” Hongjoong paces Yunho's room, having been scolding him for the past fifteen minutes, Yunho zoning out his brother's words, zoning in on how he could still feel the cold from Mingi’s hands even through the gloves, and how his gloves are slightly damp from the melted frost. “You're not even listening to me” Hongjoong scoffs, Yunho looks up as he blinks before laying back on his bed. “I am listening I just- you wouldnt get it, and i'm not gonna try to explain because you wont listen either” Yunho mumbles out putting his arms over his face. “You're making stupid, reckless decisions. I will not be put to blame for that, so fix it now, before I do” Hongjoong says firmly, leaving Yunho room Jongho following behind hongjoong as Yunho sighs rolling onto his side. 

Hongjoong sighs sitting at his fathers old desk rubbing his hands over his face. “That kid, I swear one of these days I'm gonna kill him.” Hongjoong mutters to himself, Jongho sitting in one of the chairs in the office. “Let him explore Joong, don't act like you never went to the line before” Jongho looks at Hongjoong knowingly. “We're not discussing this right now, I was a child and it was a mistake and I'm not going to let him make the same ones I did and cause another war with resources we don't have!” Jongho raises his hands in defense. “Alright, alright, didn't mean to press any buttons, all I'm saying is give him a break, he's a kid, a kid trapped in a castle at that” Hongjoong looks at Jongho unimpressed. “You're a year younger than him.” Jongho rolls his eyes getting up out of his chair. “I don't even know why I try, I'll see you tomorrow” Jongho leaves the room, Hongjoong watching as the door closes. 

Hongjoong, clicks his lamp on sorting through the lists of things he has to do and approve and the meetings and the offering from the village and all the other bullshit on his desk his dear father graced him with when he passed. He sighs rubbing his temples, closing his eyes for a minute before folding his hands together onto the desk looking down at them, seeing the patch of skin on his arm significantly paler than the rest; the size of a small hand, a scar from when he was a child, quickly pulling his sleeve down to cover it. He needs to stop Yunho from going back. 

–

Yunho rushes down the stairs quickly, holding different types of clothing to layer on, some of which he stole from Wooyoung, his tailor, per request he doesn't tell his brother. He rushes past the trees, his boots digging into the gravel as he runs, stopping in his tracks when his usual path is blocked off. Curse his brother. He turns the other way quietly making his way around them before smiling when he reaches the line after a few moments, waiting for mingi to show up eagerly. 

Yunho looks up when he hears boots crunching against the snow, seeing mingi in all his glory, this time without his royal white robes, just some jeans with a leather jacket. “Like it? It’s from when our families went to war. It's supposed to be heat resistant” Mingi spins around to show it off. Mingi then grabs gloves out of his pockets putting them on as well. “They're supposed to retain the cold.. So I can cross” Mingi says hopefully. Yunho's eyes shine with fascination as he nods. “Do you want to try? I also brought clothes but they retain heat” He chuckles softly. 

“I want to try, I want to see what you see,” Mingi says, making sure the gloves are tight before grabbing Yunho's hands, taking a step inside, feeling the immediate heat against his face letting out a breath, fully stepping in. “Are you okay? Are you still cold?” Yunho asks, concerned, his hands holding onto Mingi’s leather jacket. Mingi takes a deep breath and nods with a soft smile. “I still feel cold, so I think yes” Mingi giggles out excitedly, looking around the dark green trees, the patches of grass on the ground mixed with the rock and gravel. 

Mingi grabs onto Yunho's arm, both of them sharing a smile before Yunho takes a couple steps with mingi,wanting to stay close to the line. “We're pretty far away from anything spectacular but there is a small trail along the line” Yunho notes, as he and mingi start walking down it. “Everything here is so… dark?” Mingi notes tilting his head as he walks with Yunho, his gloved fingers grazing the flowers that grow along the root of the trees smiling as he is able to pick one without it freezing or frosting. “They're so much prettier over here than in the snow” Mingi says, handing it to Yunho. Yunho smiles and shrugs softly. “I think the frosting of snow makes them look like they're made out of glass” Yunho speaks softly, his and Mingi’s eyes catching each others before they continue walking. 

“You said that jacket was from the wars right?” Yunho turns his head to look at Mingi curiously. Mingi nods, holding his arms out for Yunho to see. “My friend Yeosang collects all that kind of stuff so I asked to borrow it, but.. It means that a long time ago they used to cross too, even if it was for war.” Mingi looks up at Yunho. “It always makes me wonder if there was a real reason as to why we hate each other, not whatever the excuse everyone uses and just brushing it off” Yunho thinks out loud before hearing a branch break. 

“It's because kids like you keep making the same stupid mistake everyone else makes! Why the hell is he over the line” Hongjoong approaches Yunho, grabbing him by the arm yanking him away from Mingi. “What the hell did I tell you? Huh?! I told you to stop coming back. Why can't you just listen to me for once in your goddamn life?” Hongjoong yells out gripping onto the front of Yunho's jacket tightly. Yunho's eyes widened looking over at Mingi quickly then back to his brother. “It's just- I-” Yunho didn't have an explanation. 

“It was my idea! I'm sorry! I'll cross back over I swear” Mingi suddenly speaks out, watching Yunho nervously, turning around to cross back over only noticing their distance away from the line, it is no longer in sight. Mingi feels his heart race as he swallows harshly, heat rising to his face. “I'll get him back over okay? Just- Let go!” Yunho shoves his brother off grabbing Mingi’s arm, noticing Mingi’s face gain some color, not a good sign. “It shouldn't be too far” Yunho whispers, taking Mingi’s gloved hands leading him back to the line. Hongjoong follows right behind them, urging them along the line coming into sight. Mingi clutches onto Yunho's hand as he breathes harshly the frost that usually sits on his eyelashes melting off and dripping down his face. “Shit.” Yunho mutters, pulling Mingi along faster, determined to get him to the line. 

“God I can't believe how reckless you are!” Hongjoong huffs out once they reach the line, Yunho helping Mingi cross, mingi falling into the snow quickly taking his gloves off to get his hands cold again. “Are you okay?” Yunho asks worryingly, grabbing snow and holding it against Mingi’s cheek, not caring about his own life at the moment. Hongjoong grabs the back of Yunho's shirt pulling Yunho back across the line and out of the snow. “We're leaving, now!” Hongjoong pushes Yunho forward, before turning back at the sound of running. 

“Mingi!” Seonghwa kneels down quickly, Mingis pale complexion starting to return, Seonghwa quickly looking at the two across the line angrily. “Who allowed this!?” Seonghwa yells, helping Mingi up, dusting the snow off of him, pushing Mingi towards San. “For the love of the gods, take him home!” Seonghwa huffs out in frustration, San quickly grabbing Mingi’s arm leading him away, Mingi looking back at Yunho helplessly. Yunho mouths the words 'i'm sorry’ as Mingi gets pulled out of view, Hongjoong letting go of Yunho. “Maybe keep track of your own before you question mine” Hongjoong spits out angrily approaching the line. “Keep your brother away from mine, he's obviously reckless” Seonghwa fights back, Yunho watching the two fight. “It was your brother's idea! So don't you dare blame mine.” Both of them are toe to toe against the line, Seonghwa’s icy eyes glaring into Hongjoong’s fiery ones. “Joong, let's just go please” , Yunho begs, grabbing his brother's jacket. 

Hongjoong yanks his arm away before turning around grabbing Yunho's arm leading him back to the castle. “Don't think I'm done with you.” He says angrily, Seonghwa quickly turns around running back to catch up with San and Mingi, pulling his sleeve down to cover the scar on his wrist, the heat from the line making it ache and burn.

Chapter Text

Yunho’s arm aches from Hongjoong’s grip, getting practically dragged back to the castle, his mind swarming with thoughts over Mingi. How quickly the heat had taken over, how Mingi’s pale skin turned warm and he could see the soft pink on his nose. How Yunho barely managed to get him back over, and how his fingers are still black from touching the snow trying to get Mingi’s temperature back down. 

Yunho breaks out of his thoughts when he's shoved inside of Hongjoong’s office, the door slamming shut. “I can't- you!, why can't you just listen to me once? Huh?!” Honjoongs voice cuts through the silence, it's sharp and harsh. Yunho stays silent, his gaze to the ground, studying his fingers that are cold to the touch, wondering if they'll ever go back to normal. 

“Are you even hearing what I'm saying right now?” Hongjoong huffs out, running his hands through his hair with a deep sigh. Yunho blinks and nods, barely able to move his head, pulling himself out of his thoughts. “I heard you,” Yunho's voice is quiet, timid. “God it's like talking to a wall Yunho, get out of your head and listen, this isn't a game. Okay? Whatever you're doing with that boy, it stops now. Whether I have to keep you locked up in here or not, it's done.” Hongjoong is only a few inches away from Yunho, making his point clear, turning around to walk away. 

“Joong please..” Yunho whispers, his voice wavering, wishing his brother would understand. Hongjoong stops and turns to look at Yunho, grabbing Yunho's collar. “This is going to ruin you. And our kingdom. If you want to go, fine. But when a war starts don't come running to me when your friend gets murdered.” Hongjoongs words cut sharp and deep, letting go of Yunho's collar and walking out of the office, the door closing loudly behind him. 

–

Yunho was trapped, literally, in the confinements of his room, Jongho propped outside of his door at all times. Yunho sat in his windowsill trapped in his mind, of that day. How close he and Mingi had gotten to each other, Yunho could see the details on his face, the soft frost on his lashes, the strawberry smell that carried on him naturally. Even with the gloves, there's hand marks on his shirt from where mingi had touched and frozen the material. 

Even as the days passed, Yunho wished he knew if Mingi was okay, wondering if he had gotten sick, or if he was also banned inside his room for further notice. He watches the sun set and wonders if mingi could see it too, if he was watching it too. Yunho was able to see Halazia in the frozen distance. 

Yunho stands quickly as Jongho opens his door to hand him some tea, Yunho setting it aside. “Let me see him again, please, or- deliver something to him please, I beg you” Yunho asks desperately, having drafted a letter to mingi, holding it tightly in his hands. Jongho looks at Yunho, his expression unreadable as he sighs, snatching the letter out of Yunho's hands. “You're gonna make me lose my job one day” Jongho mutters out, closing the door as Yunho smiles. 

Jongho sighs once the door closes, holding the letter tightly in his hands before rolling his eyes and going down the stairs to the workers chambers opening the door, knocking on the door to his immediate left. “One second!” A voice calls out, Wooyoung, Yunho's tailor. Rustling could be heard as well as grunts before the door cracks open just slightly. “What do you want Jongho? I'm busy” Wooyoung exhales. Jongho raises his eyebrows looking wooyoung up and down before pushing the door open, his strength doubling compared to Wooyoung's. 

Wooyoung tries to stop the door from opening before sighing, hiding his face in his hands. “Youve got to be fucking with me” Jongho mutters, a familiar guard Jongho had seen before, only when he followed Yunho to the line. Because the guard was across the line . San stops in his tracks, covered head to toe in protective gear, assuming so the heat wouldn't kill him, but how he even got this far Jongho has no idea, much less the detail of him putting his belt back on right in front of Jonghos eyes. “Jjongie, you cant tell anybody” Wooyoung whispers, firmly grabbing the door and cracking it so only Jongho could see him again. “No one.” 

Jongho then smirks and laughs, shaking his head. “Oh my god we're all fucked. Look give this to your guard over there, it's for the prince” Jongho hands wooyoung the letter. Wooyoung tilts his head inspecting it looking at Jongho curiously. “I thought Yunho couldn't go anymore” Wooyoung questions. “He can't but I just need you to get it to the other side and give it to the prince, got it?” Wooyoung nods, closing the door, Jongho hearing Wooyoung hand the letter to San and explaining who it's for. “Everyone is so blind” Jongho mutters making his way back up to Yunho’s room. 

–

Hongjoong sits in his office with his head in his hands, hearing some- he couldn't even remember from another kingdom complaining about their trades, which he really couldn't care about at the moment. “I will deal with it soon, just give me the week and it'll be fixed.” Hongjoong states before having one of the guards lead the man out. 

He couldn't focus, not with his mind rerunning the encounter with Seonghwa three days prior, the way Seonghwa barely spared him a second glance, his ice cold eyes sharp, full of hate. Their worlds colliding again only for a few seconds, before returning to their kingdoms. The way he saw the scar peeking out from under Seonghwa’s sleeve, the one he had put there years ago by accident. Nobody else knew that he had crossed the line once, how Yunho tells him that he doesn't understand but he understands most out of anyone else. But seeing Seonghwa again, it churned something deep inside him, it made his heart burn, made the scar sting, seeing the knowingness in Seonghwa’s eyes, memories they both held onto. 

He remembered every detail of when they first met 7 years ago. When his parents were still alive, the weight of the kingdom wasn't on his shoulders;

 He had dropped Yunho off with Jongho, adventuring to the line, only being 17 at the time. His curious self had been trying to learn how to cross over without being harmed, having never seen someone in Halazia only hearing the stories of the frozen kingdom. It wasn't until someone knocked into him that he fell to the ground with a thud, his head spinning as he opened his eyes to see who he had run into. Seeing snow white hair and pale skin quickly sit up and look down at him, frightened.  

“You're-” Hongjoong chokes out, feeling his wrist sting from where the boy, no younger than him, had grabbed when they fell to the ground. The white haired boy scrambles back clutching onto his own wrist, of where Hongjoong had taken a hold of. “Are you okay?” Hongjoong asks slowly standing up, his eyes darting to the line and back to the white haired boy. “You should get back into the snow, you could get hurt.” Hongjoong holds his hand out then pulls it back remembering it's not safe for him to touch, or else he could burn. The white haired boy quickly stood and crossed back over the line, Hongjoong seeing him visibly relax frost growing over his face by the sides of his ears once he returns to the snowy land. 

“I didn't see you I apologize” The white haired boy bows to Hongjoong. Hongjoong smiles softly and shakes his head. “It's okay, I was just worried about you being over the line, what's your name?” Hongjoongs words are soft as he takes a step closer to the line. He could see the other hesitate and look around before also taking a step closer. “Im Seonghwa, you?” He says with a soft smile. “Hongjoong.” The prince replies. 

“What are you doing all the way out here?” Hongjoong asks curiously, taking in Seonghwa’s royal robes. “I was running around with some friends, but it seems they have left, what are you doing out here?” Seonghwa replies, a soft smile on his frozen features. His speech was much more adequate than Hongjoong’s, looking much more put together than him as well. “I was adventuring, I-..  I want to find out how to cross the line.” 

“Well you're not very smart are you?” Seonghwa muses with a soft smile, his features soft and delicate, stark contrast to Hongjoong’s sharp jaw and pointy nose. Hongjoong’s face contorts to offense tilting his head. “Well how does that make me stupid?” Defensiveness in Hongjoong’s voice. “Well it doesn't make you clever.” Seonghwa replies, having the small hint of a royal accent. “It makes me curious,” Hongjoong responds, his lips lifting into a smile. “Curiously stupid.” The white haired boy says firmly, leaving no room for a comment. 

Their story became a lot like Yunho’s and Mingi’s, sneaking out every night to visit each other, growing close and giving soft touches across the line. Hongjoong crossing the line, he had nearly froze to death before Seonghwa's mother had found Seonghwa struggling to get Hongjoong back over the line in order to save his life. The pattern of growing frost forever etched into Hongjoong’s back. They hadn't seen each other for a while after that, before one night they both managed, sharing a night together hidden in the darkness, between the line where their hands met in perfect temperature, interlocking lips that could only create a perfect balance between hot and cold– a night kept a secret. The war started not long after- stripping them of the love they had, turning it to hate. 

Hongjoong’s eyes look up as Jongho steps inside. “Yunho’s asleep,” Jongho clarifies before Hongjoong asks him, sitting across Hongjoong’s desk. Hongjoong just nods looking back down at the papers scattered across his desk. “Are you ever going to tell him the truth?” Jongho asks, his voice breaking the silence surrounding them. “There’s nothing to say Jongho” Hongjoong mutters, his jaw clenched tightly. Jongho sighs, giving Hongjoong a knowing look. “You can't keep lying to him, there's a reason he can't go, beyond just the wars and us being enemies… Perhaps a name starting with S?” Hongjoong looks up at Jongho, his gaze sharp. “Me and Seonghwa crossed paths a long time ago, it was a mistake and I will not let Yunho make the same one.” Jongho tilts his head, raising his eyebrows. “But was it really a mistake?” 

Hongjoong stays quiet. 

– 

In Halazia, Mingi sighs as Seonghwa once again checks his temperature, having been fretting over his health for nearly two days. “Seonghwa i'm fine, i feel fine i look fine im okay.” Mingi mumbles out. “Well pardon me for worrying, maybe if you don't make reckless decisions i wouldn't have to be doing this now would i.” Seonghwa raises his eyebrows as Mingi rolls his eyes. “It's not that big of a deal..” Mingi whispers. Seonghwa pauses. “Really? It's not a big deal? You could've died Mingi! Burned, alive! And it's not a big deal!?” Seonghwa’s words echo in Mingi’s ears as he lays back down on his bed covering his face and ear with his pillow, ignoring his brother's constant nagging. 

Mingi closes his eyes, remembering the way Yunho smelt, the warmth of his body and his smile. Seeing the fiery red in his eyes up close and how it fades into the dark brown, or how his hair is actually black with stripes of blood red. Yunho's world was different, it felt more alive than Halazia, but it also felt more dangerous though it could be the underlying fear that he could die. 

It was days before Mingi was even allowed to step foot outside of his room, being bound to just his and Seonghwa's chambers, so he couldn't sneak off again. Much less with San on the back of his shoes 24/7.  It wasn't until Mingi sat at his desk, looking at the frozen flower in the vase he had gotten a few weeks ago from the line, did San walk in holding something in his hands. “Don't say anything, just take it” San instructs handing Mingi the piece of paper. Mingi nods, confused but takes it anyways watching as San leaves to once again guard outside of Mingi’s door. 

Mingi looks at the letter curiously, seeing the neat font of his name written on the front in royal red. Mingi opens the letter, his thumb sliding between the corners, tearing the envelope as he pulls the paper out inside of it. His hands caress the delicate paper in his hands, looking at the neat handwriting that graces the paper. 

“Mingi, 

Please know I'm truly sorry about what happened, and I never ever 

want you to get hurt. I miss out meetings every day, as I hope you do too. 

I will find a way to get out, soon there will be the winter solstice, 

my brother will be out of the castle and I'm assuming yours will be too,

Then we can meet up again. 

I hope to see you there, 

Dearest, 

Yunho~"

Chapter Text

(inception) 

As the sun starts to set Mingi stands in front of his mirror, watching as Yeosang drapes a royal, lavender purple cape over his shoulders. “If you're going to make an appearance, I want you to look good for it.” Yeosang mutters as he adds another diamond onto the shoulder of the cape. “I will Yeosangie, but really, this is too much” Mingi sighs out as he watches in the mirror, shifting on his feet as Yeosang once again adds another bobby pin to keep his hair in place. 

“I told you once I'm telling you again this is one of the most important things you'll attend Mingi-ah, you have to look like royalty because you are.” Seonghwa chimes in as he steps into Mingi’s room, walking over to examine his brother's dressings. “Their beautiful Yeosang.” Seonghwa says with a soft smile as Yeosang nods in response. Mingi turns towards his brother, Seonghwa draped in a similar cape, with his white suit underneath and blue diamonds that shine in the light to look like ice going up the sleeve of his blazer. “I really couldn't care about this” Mingi mumbles out as his fingers graze the cuffs of his sleeves, running over the small sapphires that were intricately sewn into his coat. “Well suck it up you're not getting out of it.” Seonghwa sighs out looking at his brother. 

“Mingi look, I'm sorry okay? Can you please just try to enjoy yourself tonight? We can talk about everything after okay?” Seonghwa speaks softly, his hand resting on his brother's shoulder. Mingi adverts his eyes to the ground and nods but stays silent, Yeosang declaring that he's finished as Mingi steps off the pedestal he was on. “Lets go, they're waiting on us” Seonghwa leads Mingi out of his room, San following behind Mingi, also dressed nicely for the yearly event. 

The winter solstice a long time ago used to be when Guerrilla and Halazia would come together, Halazia ultimately protecting Guerrilla from the heavy snows that usually end up blowing past the line. But since the wars started, Halazian’s almost wished the snowy storms would cross the line and freeze the kingdom of fire. 

Mingi had a plan though, running it over and over in his head as he walked behind his brother down to the royal court. He’d stay for about an hour, then once his brother walked away to start talking to the other kings and queens of the kingdoms he’d sneak off to the line and find Yunho. Mingi missed him, more than he thought he would, but after spending the first few weeks relying on seeing him, it all being suddenly taken away he needed to see him. Mingi was starting to think maybe he liked Yunho a little bit more than a friend. 

As Mingi thought, he quickly lost Seonghwa in the crowd of people, many coming up to talk to him and greet him. Half the people knew his name and he had never even seen them before, or the horrid people who had to say he looked like his father, always bringing up the loss of their parents. He couldn't go one year without being reminded of it. Mingi’s eyes quickly keep diverting to the open tree line, knowing he'd be going through there in just a few minutes if he managed to sneak away from all the people who claimed they remembered when he was a baby, which he couldn't really care about. 

Mingi quickly took a step away as a dean from another kingdom started to make a speech, Mingi sneaking off quickly into the side lines and through the trees he knew oh so well. He unbuttoned his uncomfortable waist coat, hating how tight it was and how restricted it made his movements. He only stopped when he heard footsteps stepping off beat from him. He looks around nervously, praying to the gods his brother didn't follow him. 

“Seonghwa’s gonna murder you” San speaks up, coming out from the tree line, one hand on his sword strapped to his belt the other by his side as he gives Mingi a knowing look. “San please, look he gave you the letter I just-” 

“-go, I’ll cover” San interrupts, nodding his head in the direction of the line. Mingi’s face breaks out into a bright smile as he nods quickly continuing his journey to the line to see Yunho, feeling the cold gusty winds that are starting up for that time of season, making it look like a blizzard. Mingi smiles as he sees the familiar lantern in the distance, his speed walking turning into running, his heart feeling lighter at the fact that he once again sees Yunho. 

–

“Yunho you're gonna freeze!” Mingi crashes into Yunho’s arms, hugging him tightly before they both pull away over the respectful line. “The snow is blowing over the line,” Mingi says, Yunho just smiles at him softly. “I missed you, freezing is worth it if I get to see you” Yunho's voice is soft spoken, with a hint of shiver in it. 

“One day, I hope this line does not matter,” Mingi says softly, leaning against the tree, Yunho bringing his hand up to gently brush Mingi’s frozen hair out of his face. They could feel the tension, of what they knew was a line no longer friendship but something closer, something deeper. Both were afraid to speak up on it knowing they could almost never pursue it. 

“I wasn't sure if you would show, maybe.. Ya know you believed them” Yunho whispers, his voice soft, uncertain. “I'd always come back to you, even if it's unsafe.” Both of them stare in silence, unknowingly moving closer to each other the snow frosting Yunho's face, the heat making Mingi’s eyelashes more of a brown then a white color. Yunho's hand cups mingi’s cheek, mingi feeling the warmth course through him but he couldn't care, he rests his hand against yunho's chest gently looking up into his eyes. “It's strange,” Mingi whispers, Yunho tilting his head. “The heat doesn't hurt this time” Mingi’s voice barely audible as Yunho leans in, his lips pressing against the icy cold of Mingi’s, fire and ice joining together just for a second. 

“You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that” Yunho laughs out nervously, a smile breaking out onto his face Mingi following soon after. There were unspoken feelings lingering between them, a longing for each other. A longing for a kingdom that doesn't hate one another, that doesnt fight in war and blood. It's terrifying how much Mingi wants to cross that line into Yunho’s world even if it'll melt him from the inside out. “We will always meet in between” Mingi whispers softly, resting his forehead against Yunho’s chest with a soft sigh. They sit down with a soft sigh, right where the lines meet, a perfect middle. 

Yunho gently lifts Mingi’s chin up, locking his lips against his own once more, the kiss heated and cold at the same time. Mingi’s fingers tangled in Yunho's hair, freezing some of the strands with his touch. The kiss doesn't end, becoming desperate, causing royal clothes to wrinkle and hair to become messy, with soft gasps and heavy breaths. “I don't want this to stop” Yunho mummers into the kiss, Mingi shaking his head in response pulling even closer to Yunho. This was a joining of kingdoms, of elements, of love. 

A tree snaps, crushing the moment as Mingi jumps slightly, pulling away with red lips and messy hair,  quickly trying to fix his appearance. “I should go,” he whispers quickly, Yunho nodding, helping them stand back up. But another branch breaks making them freeze in place, Yunho’s heart pounding as they look into the snowy distance, the steps coming from Mingi’s side. 

“Step away from the prince!” A guard calls out suddenly, Mingi moving to stand in front of Yunho. “He's not a threat!” Mingi calls out searching for the guard in the distance, not recognizing the voice of the guard it comes from. “Yunho go home” Mingi turns around to say, before a guard comes up behind Yunho. “Step away from Yunho.” the guard orders, Mingi taking a step back, looking at Yunho fearfully, feeling like they're getting ambushed. “Please it's okay we’ll leave-” Yunho tries to reason. 

“-he is trespassing!” The Guerrilla guard cuts him off. Mingi now sees the guard from Halazia step closer, both of the guards glaring at each other from across the line. Mingi catches Yunho's eyes, communicating with him silently. Both of them take off running, it happens in a flash, chaos and yelling from the guards before one guard is fatally stabbed with a sword as he falls to the ground. Mingi watches in horror, before turning around and running back to the solstice, seeing Yunho leave in the distance, both of them knowing what this is going to bring to the two kingdoms. 

– 

On the far side of the Kingdom two others meet at the line, in heavy tension and anger. “All I'm asking is you keep your brother away from mine.” Seonghwa says firmly, about two feet away from the line, his eyes blazing with anger. Hongjoong on the other side. “You dont think I'm trying?” Hongjoong asks angrily, “everything I do he finds a way around I can't babysit him all day Hwa-” 

“-Don't call me that.” Seonghwa interrupts his voice in an icy cold. The nickname that once held warmth felt like an insult.  “You're lucky I dont have the entire line boarded up for good, keep your people away from mine how many times do I have to ask you.” Seonghwas voice grows in volume as he paces. Hongjoong lets out an angry laugh shaking his head, throwing his hands up as he speaks. “Oh, for the love of god! Seonghwa, I couldn’t care less about the fucking line! Board it up, blockade it, build a goddamn wall if it’ll make you happy! Maybe then I wouldn’t have to deal with your constant whining about it!”

“You're just a dick aren't you!” Seonghwa freezes, his eyes narrowing towards Hongjoong, stepping up to the very edge of the line. “I cant fucking believe you! This isn't something to take lightly, this is me trying to protect MY kingdom from your mess Hongjoong! You're nothing but a selfish man who only cares about himself and nothing else!”

“Selfish!?” Hongjoong laughs, shaking his head coming up closer to the line, closing the distance between them. “That's funny coming from you considering you sit up there on your high horse pretending you're such a martyr for everything you do, truth is you can't take any responsibility for anything you do! Blaming me for it!” Seonghwa scowls, his voice dropping. “You just sit back and let everyone else clean up your messes, you're a shit leader no wonder your kingdom is collapsing.” 

“Here we go again” Hongjoong snaps, his voice loud and hateful. “Seonghwa the perfect leader, the orphaned child “oh I can do nothing wrong”. Your no better then me so stop fucking pretending you are.” Seonghwa scoffs shoving hongjoong back ignoring the slight sting in his hands cross the line. “You just don't get it, you never listen. This isn't about being better than you, this is about you doing nothing to keep the peace! You don't even know what's at stake here cause you're too damn busy being upset about yourself!” 

“You think I don't care?! You think I don't find Yunho missing in his room wondering if he's going to get caught by one of YOUR guards and killed before I can get to him!? You think I don't care?” Hongjoong’s voice comes to match Seonghwas, fire burning in his eyes. 

“Yet here we are because you can't control him and you won't even do anything about it! You let everything spiral into chaos then expect everyone else to clean it up after you” Seonghwa turns around to walk away before he's interrupted. “All you do is fucking complain Seonghwa, I have moved mountains for you and all you want to do is build a barrier, im doing the best I can but you-” he points his finger at Seonghwa angrily. “-you would rather tear this all down.” 

The words hung in the air, feeling suffocating as Seonghwa glared at Hongjoong once more. “Your Impossible.” He mutters starting to walk away. 

“And you're exhausting” Hongjoong shoots back, the bitterness in his tone lingering as they both leave their separate ways. 

– 

(halazia) 

The second both of the Kings return to their kingdom the word spreads of the death that occurred, chaos ensues. Hundreds of guards preparing for war, Seonghwa not being able to hold off the word of the people knowing they're going to attack with or without his word. 

“Seonghwa please we can't do this-” Mingi begs his brother following him through the halls of the castle as Seonghwa walks quickly. “What's done is done Mingi, Guerilla attacked us and it is a personal threat, this is the consequences of your actions, the kingdom fell into your hands now we have to deal with it.” Seonghwa says firmly, his eyes sharp. Mingi stands still as he watches his brother walk away, tears freezing into his eyes. 

In Guerilla the people are furious, the Kingdom on fire more than it's ever been as they prepare for the biggest war of the century, Hongjoong trying to clear his mind in place to keep things in order. He moves down to his troops, preparing their fire wielding swords that are designed specifically for Halazians. Hongjoong stands in front of them, his voice stern and echoing through the halls. “You DO NOT touch the King, do you hear me? That- that is for me to do, you lay a hand on him and you too will seek the end.” Hongjoong says firmly, though he hated Seonghwa, he couldn't bear to kill him. 

“Hongjoong-” Yunho starts reaching out for his brother. “I don't want to hear another word from you Yunho. Not one” Hongjoong says, his voice sharp and mean, leaving without giving Yunho any chance to speak up. 

– 

The battle started only a few days after the initial meeting. Guerrilla troops storm across Halazia’s line, breaking out old fighting armor in order to not die from the cold, the frost and snow traveling beyond the line into the fire. Mingi watches in Horror, seeing the distant fire, the yelling of the people and the troops, all of this because he was in love. It made him sick. 

The storms had started off small, only a few guards turning into a hundred, preparing for a war that would last a month. Mingi rushes into Seonghwa’s headquarters trying to convince his brother to call the war off, that it's not worth all of the fire, pain and blood. But instead he sees his brother suiting up. 

“What- what are you doing?” Mingi asks, fear evident in his voice. “The troops need help.” Seonghwa replies coldly, grabbing the sword that rests on his wall. “But- Seonghwa you're gonna get killed. You cant- you cant help them,” Mingi’s voice trembles as he grabs the sword trying to take it out of Seonghwa’s grip, Seonghwa pulling it harshly out of Mingi’s hands. “You’ve done enough Mingi-ah, stay in the castle or I'll kill you.” Seonghwa says, putting the sword into his belt before promptly leaving the room. 

The war raged on, a fight of fire and ice creating nothing but destruction in its path, the two Kings themselves fighting inside of the war, but not yet crossing paths. Mingi hurriedly runs down the stairs of the castle, determined to find Yunho in the chaos of their land. He pushes out the doors, his eyes widening seeing the death and destruction of his kingdom and people. Mingi runs past the people fighting, dodging things flying in his direction, spotting the horde of Guerrilla guards. Quickly running the other way bumping into someone who grabs him tightly.

“Mingi! What are you doing out?” Yunho questions him quickly. “I could ask you the same thing! How- how are you so far over-” Mingi looks at Yunho quickly making sure he's not freezing to death. “I stole one of the guards' armor to come find you, I can't let you get hurt in this” Yunho says desperately, his nose pink from the cold. “Yun- we- I can't let this war happen, we need to stop this I dont- I dont know how but its destroying everything” Mingi’s voice is desperate, yelling over the chaos in the back as he turns around spotting his brother. 

Anxiety and fear erupts inside of him as he sees his brother fight with someone from Guerrilla, Mingi watching with bated breath, quickly trying to make his way over. His eyes widened at a guard approaching Seonghwa from the back, the sword a dark fiery red, the blade blazing hot. “Seonghwa!” Mingi starts to run, feeling his heart pounding pushing past people, seeming too close but too far away when he sees his brother get pierced through the middle. The sword gets ripped out as his brother drops to the ground leaving indents in the snow. 

Mingi’s heart stops as he freezes in place, horror in his eyes before he sprints over crumbling to his knees next to his brother, quickly ripping the chest plate of the armor off. “Nonono-” Mingi mumbles quickly. He quickly presses his hands against the wound, the hot sword having melted Seonghwa, unfreezing the blood causing it to stain the red snow and Mingi’s frosted hands, Mingi attempting to freeze the wound over. “N-no you can't do this to me!” Mingi screams out, his hands shaking his eyes wide with urgency. 

Seonghwa grabs Mingi’s wrist, wincing as his brother presses against the wound. “I said I'd kill you if you left,” Seonghwa chokes out. “You can kill me okay? Just stay alive please” Mingi sobs out, his voice breaking. “You're going to be fine, just hold on- please hold on- Help!” Mingi calls out for anyone, Yunho, San, anyone to help him, his voice shaking icicle tears building up on his cheeks. 

“Mingi-ah stop- it's okay” Seonghwa chokes out, looking at his younger brother. Seonghwas skin starting to lose its paleness, the roots of his hair turning brown, defrosting. “No it's not okay! I-Its not -..” Mingi cries out, grabbing his brother's hand tightly. 

Soon someone else appears on the other side of Seonghwa, Mingi seeing dark tufts of red hair. Hongjoong. Hongjoong quickly pulls his sleeves up, moving Mingi’s hand out of the way trying to singe the wound together. “Cmon Seonghwa- you can't do this” Hongjoong mutters desperately. Hongjoong’s eyes are filled with fear, as he desperately tries to save Seonghwa. Seonghwa cries out in pain at Hongjoong’s attempt to close the wound, his body rebelling against the elements. 

“Stay still okay? We’ll get you out of here I promise” Hongjoong says quickly,putting his arms under Seonghwa to lift him up. “I'll fix it, I have to fix it” Hongjoong whimpers out. “Joong..” Seonghwa whispers his eyes searching Hongjoongs face, “It's-.. too late okay?..” Seonghwas voice is weak and tired. “No! It's not! Dont you fucking dare say that” Hongjoong snaps angrily, tears rolling down his face, trying to focus on what to do to save Seonghwa. “Y-you can't die like this, not here, not now” Hongjoong whispers out brokenly, brushing Seonghwa’s now mostly brown hair out of his face. 

Hongjoong lets out a sob as Seonghwa gives him a soft smile. “You've always been s-so… st-ubborn..” Seonghwa chokes out, obviously losing breath. “You've always been an idiot… why.. Why didn't you call for me.. Why didn't you wait for me” Hongjoong sobs, putting his forehead against Seonghwa’s, clutching onto him tightly. Seongha brings his hand up to Hongjoongs face, his hand trembling with his remaining strength as he whispers quietly. “I-Im sorry… please- take care of him for me.. I-.. love..” Seonghwa breathes out, but does not inhale it back in. Hongjoong’s heart shatters as he holds Seonghwa close to him muttering ‘I’m sorry’ over and over till he cant breath. 

Mingi’s cries tore through the battlefield at the sight of his dead brother, even more the fact that their number one enemy was holding his dear brother in his arms. Yunho quickly hurries over, hugging Mingi tightly in his arms despite Mingi’s struggles. “Let me go!” Mingi yells out pushing at Yunho’s arms, his hands covered in his brother's blood. “He needs me- I have to- no- I hate you!” Mingi heaves out, gasping for breath through his cries. 

“Mingi- I know I know I'm sorry” Yunho rambles out, feeling his own tears well inside his eyes as he holds onto Mingi tightly, also appalled at the sight before him. Mingi fights against Yunho until he gets free, quickly shoving Hongjoong away from his brother's body, “this is your fault!” Mingi screams at him, his voice breaking. “Y-you how could you! You two w-were… how could you do this to us when you were doing the same thing!” Mingi's voice booms with anger, his chest heaving. “Mingi please-” Hongjoong chokes out standing up with his hands out towards Mingi. “No! You kept saying it was too dangerous but now look at what it did!” 

“I never wanted this,” Hongjoong whispers out, dropping his hands to his side. His jaw tightening, guilt evident in his eyes. “I never wanted any of this.” 

“Then why?” Mingi demands, “Why was it okay for you but not for me.” Mingi asks, his voice wavering as he cries. “Why d-does Seonghwa die for this? For war. “ Yunho steps forward taking Mingi’s hand gently. “Mingi.. Please..” Mingi pulls his hand away from Yunho's. “You don't get to defend him, you don't.” Mingi chokes out. “I'm not defending him, I'm trying to hold us together.” Yunho whispers, taking Mingi’s hand once more. 

–

In the Guerrilla castle, Halazia troops storm in, sweeping the building for any weapons they can take, taking hostages in hopes of ending the war with Guerrilla. San wields his sword as he storms through the castle, following the guards in front of him as they move quickly to clear out the building,having yet to hear about their king's death. His mission was clear, eliminate any enemies and retrieve weapons for the war, let nothing get in his way. 

As he turns the corner, he sees the hostage the other guards had taken, a bag over his head as they roughly sit him into the chair, San being the lead guard to kill, raising his sword into the air.  The hostage was struggling against the hold, gasping as they roughly pulled the bag off his head. San freezes, his grip on his sword tightening as he sees the familiar face. 

“Wooyoung” San whispers, his voice trembling, his grip shaking on the sword. Wooyoung looks at San desperately, his breath caught in his throat as he begs San with his eyes. “San.” Wooyoung whispers desperately, his voice hoarse from struggling, his eyes locked in with San’s. The guard grabs Wooyoung’s neck from behind, shoving him to the floor onto his knees. “Cmon San get it over quick.” the guard says roughly. 

San’s hands tremble, conflict on his face, the weight of it suddenly doubled as his heart stops seeing the fear on Wooyoung’s face. “You gonna kill me Sannie?” Wooyoung asks quietly, his voice trembling as he looks up at him. San’s jaw tightens as he nods. “Its orders.” He speaks firmly. 

“To end the war? Baby the King is dead, the wars have already ended..” Wooyoung says softly, his voice breaking. San’s harsh expression breaks at the mention of his King dying. “Please don't make this harder than it has to be” San asks, his tone begging Wooyoung. “I'm not making it hard, you are” Wooyoung's voice is soft, different from the fear in his eyes. Sam’s sword hovers in the air, memories flashing before his eyes as he raises it higher, Wooyoung closing his eyes tightly ready to feel it. “San we don't have time for this!” the guard yells holding wooyoung tightly in place. “I don't have a choice!” San yells out. “Yes you do!” Wooyoung's face breaks as tears roll down his cheeks. 

San’s vision blurs with tears as he makes the decision inside his head, the guards waiting for San to make the killing blow to the hostage. San swings the sword down as it sways, stopping inches from Wooyoung’s neck, San breathing heavily and he sees the fear in Wooyoung’s eyes but also trust. San shakes his head dropping his sword to the ground as the metal rings out through the room. “I can't…” San whispers. 

A guard steps forward but San stops him. “He's coming with me,” San says, helping lift Wooyoung off the ground, untying his hands gently. The other guards watch in confusion before leaving to sweep the rest of the castle, Wooyoung hugging San tightly, before taking off outside of the castle. 

– 

Mingi stands outside his castle, holding the crown from Seonghwa tightly in his hands, his heart Numb, his tears frozen on his face, staring ahead in the distance as the troops retreat due to Hongjoong’s orders, the war ending. Mingi turns his head seeing Yunho approach him, their eyes meeting. It takes a minute before anyone speaks, Mingi’s heart pounding and hurting with grief his pulse sounding like water in his ears. He's Alone, now having to run a Kingdom, with no way of knowing how. Upon seeing Yunho he didn't know if it brought anger or comfort. 

“You don't have to be here," Mingi whispers softly, his voice hoarse with emotion. “I know” Yunho replies, his tone quiet but steady, his eyes soft as they trace over Mingi’s face. Mingi folds his arms across his chest, hugging himself tightly, a way to shield himself. “What if someone sees us-”

“-then let them” Yunho interrupts, stepping closer, his voice firm but not mean. “I don't think staying away is good Mingi, we fought for this, we can't let it all go to nothing, not after…” 

“Please don't” Mingi chokes out, taking a shaky inhale, his gaze shifting down as he shakes his head, feeling every emotion at once. Mingi’s chest heaves, battling for control of his emotions, wanting to scream and cry and yell at Yunho, even though he knew Yunho deserved none of it. “Let them find out, let us bring them peace,” Yunho whispers, his voice fanning against Mingi’s temple as he places a soft kiss against it, Mingi closing his eyes as icicles form on his cheeks. “I love you” Yunho’s voice is like a feather, and it's the weight of it that makes Mingi break. 

It’s the weight that makes Mingi let himself crumble and feel everything inside of him, all the responsibilities he now has, but he knows he doesn't have to do it alone, because Yunho will be right by his side. And that gives him enough hope to keep going, not only for himself, but for Yunho, his parents, and most importantly, Seonghwa.