Chapter Text
“Darling, what do you think about inviting Maleficent—err, well, her child, into our home?”
Namjoon thwacks his chest as he coughs out in surprise, his mother’s suggestion had caught him off guard. Prior, he’d been enjoying his midnight tea, responding eagerly to one of his boyfriend’s letters (In the underwater kingdom, Atlantis, Seokjin had been having troubles dealing with a rebellious shiver of sharks) when his mother blasted in his room, golden gown and all.
“Pardon?” Namjoon splutters, frantically wiping the stains of tea on his chin. He notices that there are a few liquid blotches on his dress shirt too, he sighs, knowing it’ll be quite a nuisance to get the soils out of the fabric.
The words villain and home suddenly sink in, and his eyes grow wide. He sits up straight and gapes at his mom. “Mother, don’t tell me you’re actually entertaining that idea?”
He wants to say it’s a terribly foolish idea. Not that he’s prejudiced against villains, Namjoon likes to think that he has an open mind, willing to listen to his people, even beyond the barrier that separates the good and the bad. He sneaks a glimpse outside his window, far past the enchanted forest, the end of Storybrooke, lay the forbidden land, known to be inhabited by villains.
Namjoon has heard many stories. The great library in their castle was enough to fill his mind, hungry for adventure and information. Many often said that his love of books came from his mother, the beauty to his father’s beast.
When he was a little kid, excitedly flipping through the pages of ancient tales, the document of Storybrooke’s history, Namjoon learned about an evil mistress that lived in an abandoned tower. The books named her Maleficent. A woman, who wasn’t really human at all. The pictures showed a creature draped in a dark robe, lathered in scales rather than skin. It was known that Maleficent could turn into a dragon at will.
But not even a magical fire-breathing dragon could break the barrier conjured up by all the wizards, sorcerers, and fairy godmothers of Storybrooke.
It wasn’t difficult to be afraid of all the villains in the stories. His bedtime stories were of the wicked stepmom, the evil queen, the dark sea witch, and more. As he grew up, many things changed, except for his fear of all the villains his parents warned him about.
So forgive him if he wasn’t too keen on having the child of a literal dragon roaming around the kingdom of Storybrooke.
His mother tentatively approaches him, a mangled expression on her face. She sighs as she takes a seat at the edge of his king-sized bed. “I’ve been talking to the other moms lately,” She begins, expression grave. “And we’ve been thinking, perhaps we should all move on. Let bygones be bygones. I believe it will be good for us, and for all of Storybrooke.”
Namjoon raises an eyebrow. The quill he had been using to write Seokjin back laid on the table, unused. “Mother, the last time you trusted a villain, father almost died.”
The queen waves him off with a pfffft. “That was years and years ago. It worked out well, didn’t it though? We broke the curse, had our happy ever after, and was given the greatest gift of all. You.”
“I can’t tell if you’re flattering me to earn my approval, or if you genuinely mean it,” He says, yet there’s a shy, shade of red that taints his sun-kissed cheeks.
“I mean it, you brat!” She mocks horror, palm splayed on her chest. Whimsical laughter follows her playful words. “I wouldn’t dare deceive my own family.”
Namjoon grins. “Does dad know about your plans to smuggle a villain across the borders?”
His mom scoffs. “Of course not. Can you imagine how furious he’ll be when he finds out about this? He thinks I’ve been visiting Swan Lake for a book club.”
Namjoon stares blankly at her contradicting statements. A few moments later, the words sink in as she chuckles awkwardly, eyes fluttering to and fro.
“I get what you’re saying.” His mother holds up her hands, pausing any rebuttals from the prince. “But as the royal family, we should lead by example. The new generation will be taking over soon. You’ll be crowned as the King of Storybrooke one day. I want you to reign over this land with kindness and love. That way, the people will follow in your footsteps.”
Aside from conniving grand viziers, Namjoon also fears the prospect of becoming the ruler of the kingdom. Though that day is far, far away, the anxiety still looms over him like a thundercloud. He loses his royal crown every other day, how do people expect him to keep the peace between all the different regions?
It seems that his worries drip from his eyes, for his mother cups the sides of his face ever so gently as if he were made of the most fragile porcelain. Perhaps, it was motherly instinct.
“I know it’s scary. The future holds many uncertainties and that is frightening. But, my darling, I am sure you will be the greatest king this realm has ever known.” She offers him a kind, warm smile before engulfing him in a tight hug.
His mother presses a soft, fleeting kiss on his forehead. “Your gentleness is something I yearn for the whole world to see. You just may be the bridge that connects us to the land beyond. If anyone can restore order and peace to the forbidden forest, it’s you.”
“Your father and I,” She continues, “We didn’t get our happy ending by cowering in fear. The forest is filled with monsters that I cannot even begin to describe. But I know that somewhere within that rotten land, lives a child who has never known what true love feels like.”
Her eyes shimmer with excitement, hands fiercely holding onto his. “Just imagine what a simple act of kindness could do. Conflict is unavoidable, however I pray you may never have to go to war. When we step down from the throne, I do not want you to inherit this antagonizing fight between villains. It’s been at least a decade, you children shouldn’t follow this path of discordance.”
She grimaces. “Your father will never admit this, but the stress of planning battles has taken a toll on him. I only wish that doesn’t happen to you in the future.”
Namjoon lowers his head, lower lip tucked in between his teeth. He mulls over his mother’s words. Each sentence echoes in his head repeatedly until there’s a hurricane of thoughts taking over. Every outcome weighs on him heavily should he accept the queen’s request to welcome a villain’s descendant into the palace. He knows he wouldn’t be able to handle the looks of disappointment on his parents if he failed.
Slowly, he looks up at his mother. He takes a deep breath. “What if it goes wrong? And this kid prefers the road of villainy? We just exposed all of our vulnerabilities to the enemy.”
“If it’s security you’re worried about, I’ll have the palace tripled with guards.” She takes a step backwards, gloved hands neatly folded at her front. “That child shouldn’t be tainted with his mother’s sins. Don’t you think a little hope and faith in someone goes a long way? Just one chance to understand the misunderstood, and maybe we can find something beautiful.”
His mom is nearly out the door when she halts in her steps, neck craning to look back at him. “Son, do you know what all these tales have in common?”
Namjoon shakes his head.
“Risks,” She answers. “None of these stories would exist if we had not taken any risks. This is the start of your adventure, darling. Write your own tale. One that you won’t regret.”
—
Jungkook’s story begins on a rainy day.
He’s not quite fond of the rain, for it chains him inside the desolate castle, where his only companions are the cobwebs and the crumbling stone walls. While doing his chores, he would sometimes come across his mother’s henchmen. However, they don’t really say much, they’re large, smelly trolls who grumble in irritation. Jungkook supposes it’s from the lack of action, now that they have been permanently banished from the kingdom. Any villain who would dare cross the border would be met with excruciating pain, that most likely led to death. Quite brutal for something that has come from the magic of goodness.
Today, none of the slimy henchmen growl at him like they want to tear his head right off. In fact, they’re all rushing to the castle entrance. Jungkook strains his ears, curious to see what has gotten the place so lively again. In all of his years living here, he’s never seen any of the trolls move so quickly before. Everyday they would just move around sluggishly, like they had no more purpose in life. Yet for the first time ever, he sees them hurriedly stomping their huge feet.
Coming from the bloodline of a mystical dragon, Jungkook has always had heightened senses. His ears, a little pointed, pick up on heavy neighs of multiple horses, there are carriage wheels dragging through the muddy ground, as well as the clanking of fine silver weapons against chain armor.
Jungkook frowns.Visitors?
Naturally, he sprints to where all the commotion is. Down the creaky stairs, and past the torture dungeons that haven’t been used in ages. There’s a series of bird talons that clack against the floor, it trails after Jungkook as he speeds across the castle.
He’s quite iffed that these people show up unannounced. Had they written a letter to warn him about their arrival, Jungkook would have worked himself to the bone to make the castle clean. He hopes their visitors don’t mind all the dust and the stench of bitterness and anguish.
The door to the throne room is agape, Jungkook peeks between the small opening. He sees his mother seated proudly on the large stone throne. The staff glows brightly in her firm grasp. Instead of a crown, horns adorn the top of her head. Her eyes are glazed boredly as she watches the entourage of royals that pour inside.
Jungkook’s breath hitches.
First, a battalion of soldiers enter the castle. Their heavy, rhythmic footsteps fill the eerie room. Jungkook’s skin itches at the sight of their spears and swords, no doubt their weapons are all infused with iron. He spots a few wizards and fairies in the crowd, wands at the ready should the dragon before them attack.
A man and a woman are the last ones to set foot in the room. Their magical aura engulfs the entire place, it overwhelms all of Jungkook’s senses. The woman is dressed in a lustrous gown, the fabric of gold shimmers like a blanket of stars. Beside her, is a man that is beastly tall. He wears a magnificent suit of blue and yellow. They are the only pop of color amidst the lonely hues of gray and black. Jungkook stares at his pathetic rags. Truly, they were a world apart from those beyond the border.
Jungkook notices the crowns on their heads, it’s not difficult, when their headpieces are glistening with jewels and extravagant metal. They must be from the royal palace. He’s seen glimpses of the grandeur castle from his tower. Jungkook wonders what the regal family is doing so far away from their blooming kingdom.
“It’s nice to see you, Maleficent,” The queen greets. Though, Jungkook catches the tremble in her lips and the darting glances. He doesn’t fault her for that. In the presence of an infamous villain, anyone would tremble.
His mother responds with a weary yawn.
The queen’s eyes widen, clearly not expecting such a disinterested reply. She clears her throat. “The birds, they talk of a boy that lives within these walls.”
Jungkook’s jaw gapes as he blinks rapidly. Were they talking about him? His grip on the doorknob tenses. He ponders, what were to happen if he rushed out of hiding. All his life, he’s never come across another person, it’s always been him, his mother, the crows and the trolls. Occasionally, other villains would pass by, but they never acknowledged his existence.
Maleficent narrows her gaze, upper lip curling in disdain. “And what business do you have with this boy, Queen of Storybrooke?”
“I want to meet him,” Is the queen’s hearty reply. This time, there is no tremor in her words. She looks Maleficent straight in the eyes as she clenches her fists, two feet planted sturdily on the floor. It confuses Jungkook greatly, why ever would someone of such a high status be so determined to meet him?
“No,” Maleficent answers promptly.
Now it is the king who reacts. His voice is thunderous, it commands the attention of everyone in the vicinity. “Maleficent, we only want to give this child a taste of a better life.”
The dark mistress scoffs. “You think my son does not have a prodigious life here?”
“Maleficent, please!” The queen steps forward, crying out. “It is not permanent. Let your child sleep on a soft bed, eat warm meals, and wear comfortable clothing. We only want to help.”
“Ah, yes. Because you are good people and have only the purest of intentions.” Maleficent stands from her seat, gaze cruel and vicious, her voice grows in volume with every word.
The queen purses her lips. “You waste away in this forsaken castle. It is unfair you condemn your child to the same fate.”
“Fate,” Maleficent repeats with a sardonic laugh. Her eyes glow an electric green. Her heels click against the floor as she walks towards the royal majesties. Soldiers stand in her way, weapons unsheathed. She smirks at the sight, staff raised. “What a funny thing.”
“Our battle was long ago,” The king interjects. “Your child has not committed any act of treason against Storybrooke. His hands are not stained with blood.”
Maleficent hisses. “You seem so sure of this.”
The queen shakes her head. “The animals would never lie.”
“Our children should not live in constant fear. Are you not tired, Maleficent? Your people will die in this wasteland.”
“You banished us here!” The dragoness roars. The deafening volume creates a shock that moves some people backwards. Wind begins to blow harshly outside the castle, lightning crackling in the distance. “If we die, it is by your hands.”
The queen shakes her head, eyes tearing up with sincerity. “If one is able to adapt to a life of peace and harmony, then we may be able to open the borders. We can teach the people to be kind and loving. Imagine how much stronger our nation will be. Your child—”
“Find someone else.” Maleficent snarls. “Someone naive enough to fall for your lies.”
Maleficent parts her way through the sea of soldiers. They slam into the wall with just a flick of her hand. A few wizards cast a spell, one that aims to stun, but it fires right back at them. The corners of her lip twist into a sadistic smile.
“I ought to kill you,” She threatens, voice low. Her eyes are fully trained on the royal couple. “You come into my home, lather me in empty promises and threats against my people. Why, I should burn you pathetic lowlives to ashes!”
“Leave.” Maleficent looks down at them with ember eyes. “Before I put a curse on your whole kingdom. And this time, nobody will be waking up.”
It is silent for a moment. The queen’s chest heaves up and down as she breathes heavily, fists clenched at her side. Her posture does not falter in the presence of such a fearsome villain. “Should you change your mind, a carriage will wait by the border when the sun is at its peak tomorrow. It will wait there until the moon rises.”
“Get out!”
Maleficent’s anger creates a brief earthquake, it shakes the ground violently. Some soldiers drop to the floor. Fairies cry about, zipping from one point to another in the midst of panic. Once majestic glass-stained windows, now simple shards that fall down like rain. After that show of power, nobody is keen to stay another second.
Jungkook watches silently as the flood of soldiers washes out, the king and queen follow in their clamorous footsteps. They bring every shade of color along with them, leaving nothing but gloomy walls.
Once every single one of them has left, two henchmen quickly bolts the large doors locked, cutting them off from the world beyond once more. Jungkook wonders when they’ll receive their next set of visitors. When Jungkook is old and gray? When his palms are wrinkled and his back is hunched?
Maleficent returns back to her throne, face void of any emotion. A raven gracefully lands on her shoulder, she hums, scratching at its beak. She’s attacked by a fit of coughing, Jungkook’s heart breaks at the sight, but she recovers after a few seconds. There’s now a few spots of blood on the floor.
Jungkook figures it’s the appropriate time to reveal his presence. He straightens his back before pushing the doors open.
His mother does not react, not an ounce of emotion in her eyes. She simply stares at the massive entrance.
In long strides, Jungkook makes his way to the front of the throne, bowing in respect. He opens his mouth, however his words are stolen in a split second.
“Are you done with your chores, boy?” Maleficent mutters, still not sparing him a single glance.
Jungkook blinks. He’s taken by surprise by the odd and sudden question, but he regains his composure in a moment. “Yes, mother. I finished hours ago.”
Chores. It’s all he knows how to do. He wakes up each morning and dusts the cupboards, feeds the hundreds of henchmen, cooking until his fingers feel like they’re about to fall off, and sweeps the stark hallways. It’s all for naught, the darkness and the dirt return to their home within the next day. An endless cycle.
Maleficent hums. “Have dinner ready. The trolls must be famished.”
Jungkook’s hands burn at the thought of touching anything in the kitchen. The henchmen never finish their meals anyway, Jungkook has to feed the leftovers to the stray animals that are courageous enough to approach the castle. He may have spent his whole life with those nefarious creatures, but he would like a break from their putrid smell.
On a normal day, he would obey his mother’s wishes and scurry over to the stoves. Today was different. He ignores her request.
“Had quite an audience today, didn’t you?” Jungkook accuses. His tone is one that will surely have him sleeping the night in the dungeons, but he does not care at the moment. “What did they want?”
“Nothing that concerns you,” She answers, eyes rolling, as though Jungkook was nothing but a mere inconvenience.
Jungkook frowns. Indulging in his sudden surge of bravery, he presses the matter further, “Why are you lying to me?”
Maleficent arches an eyebrow. “So you were the little mouse that was spying. Then it is useless of you to ask what those wretched people came for.”
“I—”
“No.”
“You didn’t even know what I was going to say!” Jungkook exclaims. He’s beginning to feel frustrated with his mother, which is odd because they’ve never had an argument like this before. Jungkook was always pliant, willing to his mom’s every command.
“Save your breath.” Maleficent sneers at him. Her cold gaze pierces his heart. She’s never looked at him so viciously. “You want to cross the border.”
Jungkook gulps, unsure of what to say next. It’s his own home and yet it feels like foreign land, populated by strangers.
Maleficent chuckles, gleaming at the way he curls into himself under her vindicating glare. “Too bad you won’t ever leave this tower.”
His eyebrows furrow, breathing hastening by the second. “But–But didn’t you hear? If I could learn to live there, they would–they would open the borders!”
Maleficent rises to her feet. Blazes of ember spark in her eyes. The raven flies away from her shoulder and out the window. She descends from the stairs slowly, each step instilling fear in Jungkook’s veins.
Her jaw tenses. “Those people are full of lies.”
Jungkook steps forward, pleading, “But, mother, I—”
“You leave this castle and I will no longer call you my son!” Maleficent snares.
Tears prickle his eyes. Jungkook bites his lip to stifle a whimper. Quickly, he wipes away the tears before they fall. All these new emotions, it overwhelms him. And with the magic of a dragon flowing through his blood, he feels everything tenfold.
“Mother, you’re dying!”
A lonesome tear manages to roll down his cheek, despite all his efforts to suppress the pain. He stares at his mother, at the litter of scars that blemish her skin. All from the war that happened years before he was born. The damages were more than physical. One lucky sorcerer was able to entangle her heart in sickness. One moment of vulnerability caused a curse that lasted a lifetime.
She was never the perfect nor ideal parent, but Jungkook did not want to lose the only family he had.
Jungkook rushes to her, soft hands grasping Maleficent’s own callous hands. “Maybe we can find a cure on the other side, maybe they’ll help us!”
Maleficent says nothing. But as if though Jungkook’s hands were made of cruel iron, Maleficent moves away from him. Like he was not her own flesh and blood. She looked at him like he was nothing but a stranger, a worthless bug at her feet.
“Get out of my sight,” She says coldly.
He shakes his head. “Why are you so afraid? The cure to all of your suffering might just be on the other side of the borders! I can do it, mother, I can find—”
Maleficent scoffs. “Don’t be stupid. I, of all people, do not need your help. If you dare cross that border, do you think those people will accept you? Look at yourself! You’re covered in dirt and grime. They will make a mockery out of you!”
“Wh–What?” Jungkook stammers. Bits of his self-esteem fades away at her words. He’s never thought highly of himself, but having his own mother chip at his lowly appearance—it hurts . Instinctively, he wipes the smear of oil on his cheek. “You’re lying. They’re good people, I can feel it. They want to help us.”
Shrilling laughter captures the room. “This is our fate , son. And there is nothing we can do about it. Us villains rot in a godforsaken land, and the people on the other side get their happy ending. You do not have any say in how this story pans out. You were born in vain and you will die in vain.”
For the first time ever, Jungkook feels something other than boredom and emptiness. Anger . It pools at his gut, bubbling like a volcano preparing to erupt. Akin to a dragon hoarding treasure, his mother has kept him locked up in this wreckage of a castle, all by his lonesome, ever since he was born.
He knows there’s a world out there that is ready for him to explore. There’s something that calls to him. And he knows he has every right to find out what it is, to take a risk and a gamble on it. Even if there may be obstacles that obscure his path.
He may be the child of a villain but he is certain his adventure is not limited to the towers and the dungeons.
The anger soon turns into dedication, desire to prove his mother wrong. “You’ll see,” He promises. “I’ll cross the border, find a cure to your illness and prove you wrong.”
Maleficent smirks as she takes her place back on the throne. “You will fail.”
“I won’t.”