Dear One

The ship was getting closer and closer to its destination, the captain carefully manoeuvring it to safely circle through the maze of other flying ships and pods, looking like the ideal time to be stuck in traffic jam through the air-roads. Already spotting a monitoring ship, the captain breathed in relief, knowing the agents will try to solve this huge traffic jam and thus will actually help him get closer to his landing site without delaying it. He was already fed up with piloting in such a bad timing, and having lived on this ship for nearly two months now made him all the more eager to finally land on some solid ground. Don’t get him wrong, he loved piloting! But one got to admit that piloting the same ship through multiple planets would be tiring even to the most enthusiasts of pilots.

Even if he was on of the best of Union pilots.

“Union T1-X, you’re clear to land on site Aeguis. Proceed with the usual checking system once your vehicle is stationed.

-Roger that.”

The pilot sighed before grinning tiredly. Yes, finally he got the authorization to land and he could finally enjoy some rest…

...or not, his mission was very important after all. Most likely, he would have to depart immediately.

Sighing once again, he’s been doing that a lot these times, he landed the beautiful silver and blue Union ship he proudly calls his own. A T1-X module, spacious without being extravagant, fit for long-term mission with the capacity of storing life support systems lasting for two years straight for an entire crew of 20 people! Union gave these types of ships only to the most trustworthy and talented pilots, with the possibility of actually personalizing the interiors or even renaming the ship to the pilot’s desire. But Hoseok kept its original distinction “Union T1-X” because he didn’t want to go through the process of renaming a ship if this one gets destroyed or damaged. Call him too sensitive, but Hoseok believed a pilot and his ship were linked emotionally as well. Must be his constitution as a human that made him attached to his ship like this.

As expected, a small committee were waiting for him in the landing site. Hoseok put on his eye-visor, a rectangular shaped grey glass fit over his right eye to enhance his sight. He saw the members of the group waiting for him : two tall males wearing long grey robes, a shorter male wearing a luscious embroidered robe underneath a velvet red cape and a silver tiara and a woman, wearing official Union uniform reserved for the higher ups with her red hair tied in a high ponytail while her tresses reached till her mid back.

The visor displayed informations about everyone: two members of Aeguis Scholars, the Prince of Silla and High Commander Sorami of Union Allied Government. The pilot grinned: such a welcome was royal! and he loved it!

Getting out of his ship, he fastned the dark blue cape-like mantle over his silver and grey uniform, knowing Silla atmosphere was colder compared to the usual weather he was accustomed to. He met the group halfways and bowed as High Commander Sorami spoke in her gentle but strict tone.

“Welcome, Captain Hoseok. We have been awaiting your arrival with utmost impatience.

-Please excuse my tardiness. I encountered some technical problems in the orbit of Silla. My ship had had a small accident prior to my journey here.

-We are glad you were able to make it. The loss of our Ace Pilot would be a huge inconvenience. May I present Prince Jae-Hyo, Heir to Silla Throne.”

Hoseok remembered the etiquette lessons he received at Union Academy and sank to one knee in front of the Sillan Prince, one hand placed over his heart as he bowed his head to expose his nape in a sign of respect. It seems his excellent memory only served to help him gain the Prince’s grace as he heard him speak in a rich velvety tone, feeling the tip of his fingers at his head.

“Rise, brave pilot. Your respects and manners honors us.

-Your Highness.”

Hoseok stood up, keeping his head bowed in respect as the prince bid him welcome. The human pilot stole glances at the prince, curious to meet this particular race in the galaxy under Union’s jurisdiction.

The sillan man wasn’t very tall, being a little shorter than Hoseok himself, his frame seemed lithe and agile under the sapphire suit he wore. His hair was long, a dark blue mane of luscious locks cascading over his back and his shoulders to cradle an oval face. His skin looked bluish, with wide amber eyes and vertical irises while small circles dotted the skin around his eyes like small gems. His lips were thin and stretched over a welcoming smile exposing sharp pearly teeth.

He was beautiful, the kind of untamed beauty sang by Homer the legendary human greek poet. A beauty like the Sirens, creatures of the sea that enchanted Ulysses’s crew with their beautiful chants and alluring voices. Mermaids or ferocious sea creatures? No one knew. All that matters is that Sillan claim to descend from sea deities, having roots from Mermaids, Sirens and even Naiads.

The people of the Sea, that’s what their race was called. Beautiful, ethereal like the flowing water.

And untamable as the ocean’s wrath.

Hoseok knew he must tread carefully with the Sillan prince, reassured that they were part of Union’s Allied Systems, and yet still cunning as their ancestors, the Sirens. Well, his mission wasn’t exactly to interact with the Prince or his officials, his own High Commander was here to take care of that. No his mission was crucial and yet not so complicated if the Prince wouldn’t stick his nose too much.

His mission is to pick up one individual.

As they walked back to the castle, the Prince talking animatedly with Sorami, Hoseok discreetly tapped on the pad in the inside of his wrist, the screen coming to life displaying the details of his mission.

Picking and escorting a special individual for the sake of a Union mission, apparently of the utmost urgency and importance. High Commander Sorami will hand the “person” over after making sure it was the one.

The human pilot grinned as he tried to hold his laughter. What was so special about this person that a High Commander of Union would personally be involved? Why didn’t they leave this inspection matter to the Union officer stationed on planet Silla? It was funny actually, seeing the high chain of command so stressed over this simple pick-up and escort mission.

Maybe it concerned a Royal from Silla? Oh well, Hoseok was going to enjoy walking on solid ground for as long as he could since it looked like he wouldn’t even stay the night. Bummer really, Silla had such a beautiful architecture, spreading from the ocean covering the entire planet and extending in a labyrinth of towers, pods and arial conducts for ships and aircraft, while having buzzing cities on floating islands and even underneath the water for the natives. It was such a beautiful metropole where water reigned, different species coming to seek the soothing atmosphere of the aquatic planet.

They walked until reaching a sort of a training centre where many young warriors were sparring. The Commander gestured to the space and explained to Hoseok.

“This is the military academy of Silla. Every youth willing to integrate the army are tested here, and Union picks the best to become our agents.

-Silla soldiers are the fast and they adapt quickly, added the prince with a big smile, the rumors about us only operating only in water is of course false, as you can see.”

Hoseok was astonished at the sheer magnificence of the building, the young Sillan exercising differently or in groups. He nodded and exclaimed.

“Impressive, your Highness! No wonder our sillan agents are some of the best!

-Why, thank you! I do however think that we have yet to present our ace.”

The prince gestured to a pool, the surface still as the sapphire water seemed too profound for the pilot’s eyes to try and discern the occupant. The pool was a bit isolated from the other equipments, the small group walked toward it. Hoseok saw two guards standing nearby, their triton lances shining as they stood in respect for their prince. Sorami nodded to one of the guards who advanced and hit the side of the pool with his triton, the sound creating ripples over the smooth surface.

Suddenly the surface was broken as a youth emerged from the water, breathing deep before reaching to slick their hair back. Hoseok felt his jaw drop as he examined this person.

It looked to be a young male, his body lithe and thin without being unhealthy, skin looking darker than other sillans with a sheer veil of beautiful emerald and sapphire scales glistening from water. He opened his beautiful almond eyes, shocking Hoseok with their light blue color and vertical irises unlike the usual amber of the sillan populace. a vertical marking started from his temple across his right eye and faded until his jaw, signaling his ancestry. If the markings on a sillan’s face were circular, it meant they descend from mermaids. But if their markings were vertical it signaled naiad blood in their line.

This one looked more like an enchanting siren however, with beauty unrivalled in the entire galaxy. And Hoseok had seen a lot of species! None rivaled this one’s beauty though.

The sillan smiled, revealing pearly teeth like humans and not the usual sharp ones. He tucked his shoulder length hair behind his ear before he swam to the side of the pool right beside his prince. He tilted his head to the side and asked in merry giggles.

“Time to go already?”

Hoseok swore he was singing and not talking.

The prince smiled wider before saying in mischief.

“Come on up and get ready instead of swimming.

-Ow but I love swimming! And I don’t get to do it often since I don’t live here permanently!

-I did offer to have you live here after all but you refused!

-You know why I refused! I wanted to go to Union Headquarters and see the Universe!”

The young man giggled before he threw his hands in the air and swam around. The High Commander herself smiled and added.

“I will make sure to inform the Higher ups of your desire to swim often.

-Awesome! Thank you Commander Sorami!

-Now come on up! Time is ticking!

-Alright alright.”

The young Sillan placed his hands over the smooth marble and hoisted himself out of the water, revealing the second half of his lithe body, a beautiful mermaid tail emerald with sapphire hues. Once out of the water, the tail split into two longs legs, the scales disappearing to reveal tanned skin over a lithe body, a thin waist and curvy hips. Hoseok kept his cool as he saw the naked young sillan, his body looking more like a female than a male. Perhaps he was wrong?

A guard gave the giggling sillan a silk silver robe that he draped on himself, running his hand through his now blond hair. The tips of his fingers looked bluish with long blue nails. He grinned at the pilot and said cheerfully.

“Hi! I’m Taehyung! You must be my pilot?”

Hoseok grinned back and nodded.

“Nice meeting you Taehyung, I’m Hoseok and I shall be your pilot for this mission.”

***

Two hours later, Taehyung and Hoseok were in the ship and leaving Silla’s atmosphere.

The young sillan, who was a male as Hoseok verified with his visor, was sitting in the co-pilot seat, helping the human pilot and proving to be an excellent company with his giggles and good humor. Hoseok wasn’t going to lie, he liked chatting with the sillan and appreciated some company after months of doing solo missions across the galaxy.

“Course set to Union HQ aaaand we’re only waiting for the captain’s approval to jump into hyperspace!”

Hoseok laughed at the joyful sillan who acted as if he was a real co-pilot instead of sitting still and enjoying the ride as he was supposed to. But Taehyung wanted to help so the human was more than happy to let him do as pleased.

“Alright, let’s punch it!

-Aye aye sir!”

Taehyung pushed the lever for hyperspace jump and cheered as they entered the vortex, turning around in his chair and giggling.

“Told you I could help!

-Yes indeed. How about we have a small snack? I restored my stock while waiting for you to dress.

-Sure thing! What do we have?”

Hoseok stood up, letting the automatic pilot set in before gesturing for the sillan to go with him toward the kitchen. The younger sat on a rolling chair as he waited for the pilot to prepare a “hot chocolate”, a human beverage rumored to be so delicious. Once the pilot set facing him, the sillan drank a bit and expressed his appreciation loudly, making his partner laugh. They drank in comfortable silence before Hoseok gave in to his curiosity and asked.

“So...Union agent huh?

-Yep! I graduated the Academy last year and integrated the Guardians ever since. This is my first long term mission though.

-I never had a sillan for a mission, your kind operates in short term mission I heard.

-I’m not entirely sillan though so I’m an exception!”

Taehyung grinned, pointing to his gills on each side of his neck after loosening the silver and grey uniform collar.

“You thought I was a sillan judged by these?

-Kinda, admitted Hoseok scratching his nape in embarrassment. I heard a sillan has gills on each side of their necks on top of the marking under their eyes.

-True, true. But I’m only half sillan, that’s why my marking is over one eye only and my hair, skin and eye color is different too.

-I figured. I was wondering why you didn’t look very much like the others.

-You must’ve wondered if I’m really a male too didn’t ya? Since I don’t have a cock.”

Hoseok coughed as he choked on the hot chocolate while Taehyung laughed in merry amusement. The pilot never thought the young guy would be so shameless! But then again, they weren’t the same so maybe his culture was drastically different from the human culture? Taehyung patted the pilot’s back and explained with a mischievous grin.

“Don’t be so shocked, sillan aren’t so prude about the subject like you humans.

-Well excuse you, but we humans have dignity!

-Alright, sorry hehe! But on a serious note, sillan males have this ability: 40% of the male populace are called “carriers” since they can carry children like females.

-Wait so that means…

-I’m a carrier, so I don’t need a cock...well except to get knocked up yes.”

Taehyung snickered mischievously and added.

“And since my other lineage is also adequate for that well...Usually carriers are born with a cock but my other lineage made it so that I won’t have that. Better actually, doesn’t make me confused or something.

-Geez, how can you be so casual about it?

-Sooorryyy! I just don’t see the need to be embarrassed about it. I was born this way so why bother?”

The sillan smiled in a boxy shape, looking adorable despite the shameful things he was talking about. Hoseok chuckled before asking again.

“So what’s your other lineage? The prince called you “our ace” so I don’t really understand.

-Oh ignore him, he insists on me being a subject of Silla and makes it as if I’m not a half breed. My mother was dagian, my father was sillan so that makes me a subject of Dagan as well.”

Hoseok whistled, impressed by the younger’s lineage. Dagan was on the opposite difference from Silla: a planet of desertic atmosphere where their race assembled in a tribe-like system, travelling all over the land to survive. It was a system of female dominance, where the females lead their tribes like the amazones of human legends. Males weren’t less strong but they had deep respect for their females and obeyed them since they considered them the bearers of life and thus the highest in command. While a dagian female bears the children, their males are the ones to take care of them and to nurture them. Their decreasing populace made their females choose up to three partners at once to ensure the survival of their race.

So for Taehyung to be half sillan, with an ability to bear children, and half dagian, capable of nurturing them and caring for them, it made him such a strong mix and an ideal partner for any man.

Hoseok wondered what Union would reserve for this boy.

Well, they wouldn’t have to wait longer as the ship exited hyperspace and appeared in front of Union HQ: a big circular amalgamation of space stations arranged in a ring like formation, various enormous spherical ships signaled the different factions in the Ring while smaller ships and battle cruisers floated around. The Union Fleet looked as busy as their reputation entitled, their agents, also called Guardians, travelling all over the galaxy for missions to maintain order and peace amongst the Allied Systems under Union Governments. All over the Ring, as their agents called HQ, ships were jumping or exiting hyperspace, going to maintenance centers or joining their faction fleet for orders. Union was made of a big maelstrom of species and races, acting as independent agents from their original planets in order to try and solve the galaxy’s problems and issues. The higher chain of command was divided equally between representatives of each species in Union, called the Council.

And toward that big red Sphere Ship, known as the Council Chamber, Hoseok landed.

He turned to Taehyung, seeing the boy had fixed his silver and grey uniform, the basic uniform for Guardians, and smiled in reassurance.

“First time meeting the Council?

-Yeah..Kinda nervous too.

-Don’t be. They won’t eat you alive.

-Easy for you to say! Bet you’ve met them a lot!

-Well, I’m not their Ace pilot for nothing.”

Hoseok chuckled while Taehyung pouted. The pilot adjusted his dark blue mantle over his shoulders and eyed the younger agent, seeing he doesn’t have anything over his uniform.

“Won’t you get cold like this? Wanna borrow one of my capes?

-Silla is colder so I’m used to it. If I get cold I’ll use one of my clothing capsules to get a mantle.”

Hoseok nodded and they exited the ship, seeing four guards waiting for them. They escorted them toward the Council Senate where they were expected.

Hoseok bowed, appearing on the platform in the middle of the senate as they surrounded him. He proceeded to give his report about his mission before gesturing toward Taehyung, describing the details of his pick-up mission. Taehyung bowed as well looking around with a smile. The Council were whispering amongst themselves before High Admiral Namjoon, the spokesperson of the Council, tapped on the table lightly and took the lead.

“Well done Captain Hoseok. The Council wasn’t wrong in picking you for this mission. We will now proceed to inform you and Agent Taehyung of the details concerning the second half of this mission.”

A hologram appeared in the middle of the room, depicting a planet. The Admiral added.

“This is planet Bragga, on the northern rims of the Galaxy, under the rule of the Bragan Line ever since the establishment of their civilisation. As you know, Bragga is one of the biggest systems in Union, reigning over technology and science development, responsible for supplying the Union Fleet with their latest inventions concerning aircraft and technological devices.”

As he spoke, images of various ships and devices showed, courtesy of the Braggan scientists and craftsmen. Taehyung had his blue eyes focused on them while Hoseok wondered the reason behind such introduction. Every Union Guardian and executive know Bragga and their role in the Fleet.

“However, the real power of Bragga resides in their orbital moons and asteroid belt, first line of defense against invaders, and considered as the galaxy’s largest mines for minerals and precious metals. And the Council can tell you two, Captain Hoseok and Agent Taehyung, the real reason behind the existence of said belt.”

The Admiral tapped on the screen in front of him, changing the hologram to display an image of a man, with short raven hair and strong black eyes, set in a piercing look.

“The Bragan Line consists of a clan possessing an ability like no other. Over the course of years, the King of Bragga would be the one to use such an ability to its best and would leave his throne for an Heir capable of rivaling his strength. This ability is called the Shaper, basically an ability to shape any material to the user’s desire...Such as the creation of an asteroid belt capable of trapping any enemy fleet wishing to invade Bragga.

In the past it was used to hide their kingdom under the earth to protect them from invaders until their king created the asteroid belt. Today, it is used to reshape their landscape to the best usage of their riches without disturbing their environment. The user of such an ability is considered by some races, the strongest being in the Universe. Union conserves friendship with Bragga in order to install some control over the Shaper and to prevent them from seeking hostilities with lesser systems. Up to this day, no bragan King sought to leave Union or to attack another system since the Shaper ability provides the prosperity of their planet.

Until recently when Bragga’s king was attacked.”

Hoseok gasped, not believing his ears. He personally knew the king of Bragga, who would always provide a warm welcome for him everytime his mission brought him close to Bragga System. To know he was attacked despite his strength and his uncanny ability was a shocking thing…

..and a menace to Union…

The council members looked strained, all of them displaying their stress over this threat. If the user of the Shaper was attacked then no one was safe from this mysterious attacker. Hoseok asked carefully.

“Do we know the identity of the attacker?

-A witch from the Cratis system.”

“Fuck” thought Hoseok. Cratis System was in the outer rims of the galaxy and wasn’t under Union alliance. In fact, no one knew anything from the Cratis race a part from two things.

They weren’t friendly and they used dark magic.

Hoseok remembers his close friend and comrade, Yoongi, an amazing battle stratege and pilot who encountered a Cratis witch once. Let’s just say that the deep scar splitting his left eye and reaching till his hip was a testament of how “unfriendly” the Cratis people were. Taehyung spoke then for the first time, asking in his velvety voice.

“What happened to the king?”

The council didn’t answer at first, looking at each other before the Admiral sighed and answered reluctantly.

“He was cursed and injured to the point of nearly killing him.”

Taehyung frowned before his attention went back to the hologram where the image of the raven haired man was showing, a crown of silver and gold was on his head, complimenting his porcelain skin and his raven short hair.

“According to reports of our scientists on Bragga, the King was cursed to have a veil of acid over his body, burning his skin eternally until he dies, damaging his internal organs too. And yet, the witch said she cast her spell in a way that won’t kill the king but cause him immense pain.”

Taehyung thinned his lips, eyes narrowing in anger before he bowed and muttered a request.

“Let me go to Cratis. I’ll make sure to find this witch and kill her.

-No one can make it to Cratis, agent Taehyung.

-I’m not like anyone, your Grace. I can make it and I can help the King.

-Indeed. You will help the King but not like that.”

Surprise colored Taehyung’s expression and he glanced at Hoseok in question. The pilot frowned in confusion before asking carefully.

“How can Taehyung help then Your Grace? I thought, like he did, that you called him to send him to Cratis?

-Taehyung is different as he stated. With Sillan and Dagian blood running in his veins, making him ideal for the project we envisioned with bragan government.”

Taehyung waited, trying to anticipate the Council’s decision and failing to see how his bloodline could help the King of Bragga, the poor man suffering the worst kind of pain as they were speaking. A member of the Council, a Dagian Amazone, spoke then.

“The Bragan Line has only one member still alive as the others perished from the witch’s attack. The King proved to be a very strong individual and the strongest Shaper to ever exist. We do not wish for this bloodline to disappear for the bragan are our allies and friends. Your mission, Taehyung, is to ensure the survival of the Bragan Bloodline yourself.”

Silence covered the Council Room as Taehyung pondered over his mission. It did make some sense, considering his body and his ancestry from two bloodlines that distinguished themselves in nurturing and caring for their children. But Hoseok was the one to speak as he asked in surprise.

“You want him to...to sleep with a man that was cursed to be burned in acid until he dies?? But...that will kill him!

-Dagians are very strong physically, their health is top notch and Sillans can auto heal their bodies at a very fast pace. Taehyung wouldn’t be hurt by the acid since his body will adjust and heal very fast.

-Your Grace, we know nothing of the extent of this curse. What if it applies to Taehyung’s ability to heal and blocked it? He won’t survive and we will lose a very valuable agent!

-We are sure Taehyung will survive and accomplish his mission as tasked. If not...well…

-If not then I would’ve at least tried. And it’s enough for me.”

Taehyung smiled, his eyes determined as he bowed.

“I accept my mission to save the Bragan Bloodline and help the survival of Bragga.”

***

“Calculating your trajectory to Bragga and estimating all possible eventual stops or unplanned problems that could delay you, I’d say your arrival in Bragga will be around the start of your fertility cycle as we calculated. This would be optimal for your mission then.”

Taehyung nodded as he listened to the doctor on the Council Chamber’s ship, sitting on a bench as he had finished his medical assessment in prevision for his long term mission. Hoseok was standing in the entryway, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms. He had finished the minor repairs on his ship and left the repair crew to take care of it and provide extra fuel and provisions. After debating, it was decided that Hoseok would remain with Taehyung until at least the “success” of the mission, being the conceiving of the bragan Heir. Since Hoseok was their Ace pilot, he would protect Taehyung but couldn’t remain for long, Union needed him constantly.

The doctor was a human, a friend of Hoseok back from their Academy days, named Seokjin. He made sure to examine the young agent, and to provide him with advice and help. Currently, he was packing some medicine in small capsules since he couldn’t monitor the young boy’s health on Bragga. Taehyung was listening carefully, nodding and answering questions.

“So once on Bragga and formalities are done, you proceed with their scientists’ exam as part of their protocol. Bragan scientists are very paranoid about health and diseases and I’m sure they only grew more paranoid ever since their King got cursed so please don’t be disturbed if they do a more throughout exam than the one I already did.

-I won’t, promise!

-Good. Bragan Scientists are very competent so don’t hesitate to ask for help if there’s anything wrong. They’re friendly too so don’t be intimidated.

-I’m rarely intimidated, I’m like the definition of shameless!

-Don’t go around parading naked or something then.

-Can’t promise…

-Oh boy… ok, moving on! See those? They are vitamins adjusted to your species so they won’t hurt. It will take around three weeks after your intercourse with the king to verify if the conception was successful or not, in which case you’ll restart until success.

-Joy! Sex with a hot stranger for me!

-I don’t even want to know! Now focus! See this? it will…”

And it went like that until Taehyung was allowed to take the medicine and wear his uniform instead of the stupid hospital gown he was forced to wear. And off they went flying to Bragga!

A week later, Hoseok informed a restless Taehyung about their arrival and jumped out of hyperspace. The sight was breathtaking, Bragga being one of the biggest planets in the Union Alliance, countless moons orbiting around it while three interlocked belts of asteroid fields made the planet’s primary protection. Hoseok had stopped out of the reach of said asteroid and proceeded to inform the bragan stationary observers of their arrival. While waiting for confirmation and for a path coordinates, Hoseok turned to reassure Taehyung who was gnawing at his lip, thoughtful.

“Having second thoughts?”

Taehyung smiled and shook his head.

“No, of course not. But I wonder how would he look like after the curse? I mean, the hologram showed him as he was before and he looked nice but I just had this thought and now I’m curious.

-Does it matter? You’re gonna sleep with him anyway...even if I wonder how considering the guy’s got acid all over his body...must hurt like a bitch too.

-Excuse me it does matter! We sillans brag about mating with the strongest, the bravest and the most attractive ones! Even Dagians like to have attractive females too you know?? How am I supposed to look at my peers in the eyes if I had mated with a half assed man??”

Taehyung muttered some curse words in his own tongue, frowning and complaining at the possibility of the king “not being to his taste”.

Safe to say Hoseok was relieved when he heard the com linking back.

“You may proceed, a path is being opened as we speak, please refrain from doing detours for risk of your own lives.”

Hoseok frowned in confusion and was going to ask about this path when Taehyung shook his shoulder, pointing and excitedly exclaiming.

“Look! This must be the path!”

Before their widened eyes, the asteroids were slowly moving to the sides, breaking the belt in a straight path toward the planet’s atmosphere. Hoseok shook himself out of his stupor and moved the ship in a straight line, watching with stupefaction as the asteroids moved to their original place as he moved forward. It was magical to say the least, despite the pilot seeing many weird things as he moved across the galaxy. He realised then the extent of the Shaper ability and wondered about the strength of this King who could still use his ability despite his curse and the pain.

He suddenly understood why Union never wanted Bragga as their enemies.

As he was landing Hoseok took a glance at Bragga, seeing flourished cities and high towers using metal and pipes in a steampunk style. The cities looked to be an agglomeration of circles, connected by railways and chrome pipes, as if each circle looked to be an independent city while remaining connected with the rest. Travel must be very easy like this, and despite the industrial atmosphere, not a single dark cloud or garbage existed. The environment looked clean and well flourished, green forest surrounding the cities in such an incongru ensemble and yet looking harmonious in a strange way.

He was guided toward a big landing platform on the central “circle” that must be the capital, looking vast and more flourished than the others (which was saying something as the other circles looked very rich and prosper as well). He set the ship, seeing a group of guards and some official behind a man wearing a black cape. Must be the acting governor in the absence of the king or something.

Hoseok wore his mantle and stepped in front of the opening, seeing Taehyung joining him. He blinked as he took in the attire of the young agent, seeing he wore his silver and grey uniform but adding a lilac tunic over it, open on the sides and hugging his hips like a short skirt. It looked like an open kimono with wide sleeves reaching his elbows, silver markings all over it. He added a dark purple turban on his head, a dagian cloth that hugged his head so well, with a piece that could be wrapped around the nose and mouth to protect him from the harsh desert storms. Hoseok grinned, loving the way the young agent displayed his mixed heritage through his clothes, receiving a boxy smile in return before they stepped out of the ship together.

Once outside, Taehyung coughed violently, quickly reaching to wrap his turban around his face to protect his lungs. It looked like Bragga’s atmosphere had a higher concentration of sulfur in the air prompting Hoseok to use an oxygen mask over the lower half of his face as well. They advanced toward the awaiting group.

The man at the head of the group grinned, revealing a row of pearly teeth. He had golden marking in the shape of his jaws and cheeks on each side of his face, extending to disappear in his neck. He wore a royal suit, the cape flowing behind him while a silver bandana like tiara sat over his forehead, framed by his short red locks. His eyes were curious as a silver rim surrounded his dark maroon irises, flickering with the light. Hoseok and Taehyung bowed while the short man quickly grasped their shoulders and welcomed them with a big smile.

“Welcome to Bragga, Union Guardians. I can’t describe how happy I am that you are finally here! I am Jimin, the current governor in my king’s stead.

-Thank you, your highness. We are happy to be in Bragga as well.”

Hoseok had taken it upon himself to answer and to conduct the necessary civilities while Taehyung followed behind. But Jimin seemed clever, his eyes flickering toward the sillan before he grasped his shoulder and grinned.

“And you must be Taehyung. I am so happy to meet you in person, I received good words about you.

-Thank you sir, I hope my presence will be helpful to Bragga.

-We are sure you are more than enough. Please come inside the castle, Bragga’s air can be a bit harsh to those not accustomed.”

Jimin proved to be an excellent host, leading the agents inside the vast castle and toward the throne room where he proceeded to seat them and to insist they have a small snack and some drinks. Hoseok knew that bragan food wasn’t poisonous to humans so he gladly accepted, loving the taste of real food after a week spent eating rations. Taehyung requested water for most as he felt thirsty from the planet’s atmosphere.

Jimin had insisted he gets to know them both, listening to each of them with genuine interest and informing them of some of Bragga’s customs. They learnt a little more about the planet’s governing system, Jimin being the cousin of the king had taken the position in recent events but always referred to the king for the more urgent matters. Scientists were the ones with the most power in bragan society as they were the ones to explore the best ways to use the planet’s riches. Technology was present in every aspect of everyday’s life, from healing pods to teleportation modules to aircraft and information processing devices. Bragan used technology to alter their bodies in case of necessity, many of them being cyborgs especially if it involved manual work or military drills. Jimin himself had metal arms as he lost his limbs in an explosion when he was younger.

They spent a pleasant afternoon with the governor and both Taehyung and Hoseok liked him for his genuine manners and interest. He laughed with them and tried to make them more comfortable in this foreign environment.

As they were having a late lunch after their conversation in the throne room, Jimin announced with a smile.

“I have arranged for your quarters to be ready and I hope you will like them.

-Really Your Highness, you shouldn’t have bothered! We can remain in my ship.

-You insult me Captain Hoseok. You are esteemed guests and Taehyung is very important to us.”

Jimin smiled at the young sillan who smiled back, suddenly feeling very shy.

“I hope you don’t mind but I arranged for you to remain in the King’s quarters Taehyung while Captain Hoseok’s quarters will be in those neighboring them.

-Your Highness that is too much! For someone like me to stay in the King’s quarters…

-You will be the King’s partner, so it is only natural. Please accept, it means a lot to us all.”

Taehyung hesitated, realising the extent of Jimin’s hidden plea. The bragan government was all anxious and desperate ever since their king got cursed and his family decimated. The arrival of someone who could highly help the king restore his bloodline was a relief to all of them, the Shaper ability won’t be lost and their civilisation could prosper. Jimin was smiling and yet Taehyung could see the underlined worry and despair reflected in his tired face and eyes. So the young sillan realised suddenly his importance and the deeper meaning of his presence.

He smiled and nodded, saying sweetly.

“I am honored and I will be very happy to remain in the King’s personal quarters.

-You must be an angel sent from Heavens then. Thank you.”

Taehyung smiled and resumed his lunch, while Hoseok and Jimin discussed the details of their stay and of the mission. It went like this until they finished their late lunch, Jimin putting down his napkin and addressed Taehyung.

“I didn’t want to rush you or to make you uncomfortable but I have to be a little disagreeable now.

-Please your Highness, don’t think about it. Do you need me to go to the King right away or…?

-Actually, our science division wish to make a medical assessment first if you don’t mind? After all, we have to make sure you’ll be adequate for our race and have no complication or anything.

-Of course. I am ready for your team anytime.

-Excellent, then please do follow my butler.”

Taehyung stood up, smiling at the old butler who gestured for him to come along.

***

This is the second day he’s been at Bragga and he thinks he likes the place.

Taehyung had passed all the medical exams and assessments, topping them all with good results and excellents predictions. Yes, it was tiring to have a team of doctors examine all his body, calculate his fertility cycle and ask countless questions, (don’t even get him started on that moment when he had to endure physical exam and feeling the gloved fingers of that doctor probe his vagina!!), BUT he was finally let off the hook and surprise! He found the Royal quarters had an indoor pool waiting for his royal ass to grace it!

And so he spent the rest of the day swimming, his tail hitting the water and creating waves in a small improvised game, his giggles reverberating all over the immense indoor pool. He sang, he played, he laughed and he enjoyed his freedom while it would last, knowing he would be restricted from swimming so freely once he gets pregnant.

But this day was a bit special as he was requested in the King’s room, not for carrying his mission but just to converse and meet the king. So Taehyung decided to look his best, confident in his looks and knowing he was able to easily appeal to the King without doing much effort. He took a bath, brushed his shoulder length blond hair and braided some of it on the sides in dagian fashion, took the time to trim his nails and made them look neat and pretty before wearing a dagian long tunic reaching to his knees and having wide sleeves, lilac in color with some tribal embroideries his mother’s tribe had done for him. He completed the attire with a fitted long sleeved shirt in black and tight leggins, black too, tying his knee high silver colored boots before checking himself in the mirror. The slits in the tunic revealed his curvy form and accentuated his slender legs, the boots making him look taller. He grinned, satisfied before he left to go to a room in the far corner of the Royal Quarters.

It was the King’s current room where he stayed in a healing pod, always immersed in an amniotic liquid to help ease his pain and minimize the burns. Scientists were always monitoring his health and keeping an eye on their king, careful for any detail that would help them solve this mystery. As he approached, Taehyung felt sudden nervousness and excitement, curious to see this king while conscious of his important role and knowing he didn’t get to screw up.

He knocked on the door and waited, before it hissed open, sliding to the side. He entered slowly, seeing the room was in a half darkened state, the sound of a heart and breath monitor being the only thing he heard. He walked slowly inside the room, seeing the healing pod looking like a big bathtub, dark in color as long cables connected it to screens on the side, showing the king’s vitals and monitoring him in real time. There was a round table with four chairs in a corner, a heavy curtain over the big glassed wall while a rug was on the floor. If it wasn’t for the medical equipment and the pod it would’ve looked like a small dining room or a study.

Taehyung cleared his throat and shyly asked.

“Hello? Anyone here?

-Yes...come closer…”

Taehyung shuddered at the deep voice, feeling intimidated by this voice while he couldn’t attach it to a face. He heard the tired edge of the voice and knew he wasn’t in danger...not now at least.

He took some steps closer, coming to stand beside the pod and peeking inside. It had a glassed curved door and he took his first glance at Bragga’s King.

He was surprised to see the King having such a handsome and youthful face. He had a breathing mask over his mouth and nose and his eyes were open, observing the sillan. Taehyung shivered as he felt those dark eyes settle on him, the rims of the irises amber in color, making him look more intimidating. He was naked except for tight black shorts, his body muscular and impressive, chest having two parallels silver markings extending from his collarbone, disappearing along his hips beside his v lines, and continuing on the sides of his thick thighs and strong legs, ending at the base of his toes.

Taehyung was drawn to the metal implants on the man’s elbows, wrists, tips of his fingers and ankles, the sillan not realising he had placed his hand over the glass surface in an attempt to get closer so he could observe the king better. He loved the dark ebony locks of the king, short and wavy and find himself wishing to touch them.

“My apologies for having to look like this for our first meeting.”

Taehyung snapped out of his reverie and shook his head no, protesting.

“No, don’t apologize! I-I was just...mesmerized…

-It’s very kind of you to say that, considering the sight of my ruined body.”

Taehyung looked closer and saw the countless burns over the man’s body, a result from the acid burning him endlessly. He shook his head once more and smiled.

“You look very handsome Your Majesty and I’m being very honest.”

The man smiled sadly before lifting his hand, placing it on the glass right over the sillan’s hand. Taehyung saw the metal implants on the back of the king’s fingers extending to his knuckles. He had the sudden wish to run his fingers over them.

“You are very kind. But I pale in comparison to your beauty.”

Taehyung felt the heat on his cheeks and looked away bashfully. He heard the man chuckle before he said.

“Have a seat, I will adjust my pod to face you.”

Taehyung turned to fetch a chair but gasped when he saw the cable wrapping around one of the chairs, bringing it to him. He sat down in awe, facing the king who commanded the cable to arrange around the back of he pod, lifting it so he could face his guest. Taehyung couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Your ability is so cool! It’s impressive.

-Thank you. It’s the only thing that I still have control of in my body.

-Were you the one who opened the asteroid belt for us two days ago?

-Indeed. No one else can use the Shaper now that my family is gone.

-And you did it while still being in the pod?? You’re so cool!”

Taehyung was surprised when he heard the man chuckle, seeing his face relax a bit more. He shook his head and added in amusement.

“You realise that you sound like a child?

-So what? I like profiting from life and living my life to the fullest. I don’t worry about much, I choose not to bother with headaches and to have fun.

-Must be so nice to live like this. Sadly...I can’t relate…”

Taehyung bit his lip, seeing the man look away and realising he was so clumsy, talking about being free and having fun while this man here suffered acid burns and was tied to spend his life in a healing pod. He stood up and placed his hand on the glass, smiling apologetically before muttering.

“Please forgive me. I’m too childish and I don’t even filter my words. I never meant to hurt you Your Majesty.

-Please don’t call me like that. My name is Jungkook.”

Taehyung smiled wider and said sweetly.

“Sounds like a beautiful name. It’s very nice to meet you Jungkook, I’m Taehyung.

-The honor is all mine. I don’t get to meet such a breathtaking person everyday.”

Taehyung blushed, feeling bashful. He saw the king placing his hand on the glass as if they were touching. The sight of the horrible burns fueled the sillan’s desire to touch this man and to soothe his pain. Jungkook smiled sadly, his eyes going to their hands and said.

“I’m sorry...I’m imposing too much on you and I can’t even show you my real gratitude.

-No, you’re being perfect. Please don’t worry.

-Don’t freak out ok?”

Jungkook looked to the side concentrating on something. Taehyung felt movement beside him and turned his head, seeing a cable rising slowly toward his face. And then gently, the cable tucked some stray tresses behind the sillan’s ear, the gesture sending tingles in his stomach. He was aware of the blush on his cheeks and neck, looking back at the King with wide eyes. Jungkook smiled before explaining.

“At least I can touch you like this...if you don’t mind.

-N-No I-I don’t mind. Thank you.”

The king smiled, looking more genuine now before he directed the cable to coil around the smaller male’s waist, tugging gently to make him sit. Taehyung smiled shyly, sitting while the cable remained around his waist, like an arm tugging him close to the warmth of a lover. The king smiled in turn and proceeded to ask him about himself, wanting to get to know him a bit. Taehyung found himself rumbling to the man, chatting easily and laughing easily at his witty remarks and replies. Jungkook wasn’t just a cursed man, he was funny, witty and had such a dark humor and mischievous side. During their conversation, the cable would move sometimes from Taehyung’s waist to over his hands and caressing his back, coiling around his arm or shoulders. The touch was light, fluttering like a butterfly’s wings while Taehyung found himself blushing and stuttering every time he felt the cable move a bit. He felt so small under the king’s powerful gaze and amber rimmed eyes, feeling so bashful everytime the king’s eyes would follow the cable to caress his back or hand.

It felt so natural.

The conversation was drifting around Taehyung’s mission and the King apologized once more.

“I am sorry I have to burden you like this. You should choose your partner yourself and not give everything over to me.

-I agreed because I wish to help you Jungkook. I wasn’t forced or ordered to, I could’ve refused.

-Maybe it would’ve been the best had you refused.

-And yet, here I am and I’m not regretting it. Please Jungkook, I don’t want you to apologize and to think you’re being a burden on me.

-Am I not? I’m cursed and I can’t leave this pod if I don’t want to blackout from pain. You don’t even know if I could be a good partner to you. You don’t even know me!

-Then it looks like we’ll get to know each other, don’t we?”

Jungkook blinked in shock, looking at the smiling beautiful male. The heart monitor indicated an accelerated heartbeat, making Taehyung feel all tingly knowing he was the reason behind such a reaction. He stood up and placed both his hands on the glass, whispering gently.

“Jungkook, if you think this won’t be possible because you’re guilty then fine, let me guilt you back. You don’t know me either and I might be too much of a brat or too childish or shameless for you and your status. In this case, am I not being evil if I’m forcing you to take me as a partner while you don’t even know a thing about me?

-No, you’re being too generous-...

-And this generosity is what’s making me stay. I decided. I made the choice and I accepted it. If you wish to maintain this conversation, then the only solution for me to go on with my decision and for you to be less self conscious is to get to know each other as we progress. Think of it the same as any other person you met and you wish to court.”

The king lifted his hands, placing them over the smaller ones and nodded, his eyes never leaving the blue eyes of the lovely male on the other side of the glass. Taehyung smiled and pecked the glass shyly, earning a laugh from the king. Jungkook smiled and whispered.

“Your words are so sweet...it makes me want you more…”

Taehyung giggled shyly and answered back in a flirty tone.

“My cycle starts tomorrow...you don’t have to wait much my King…”

Jungkook smirked and moved the cable to coil around Taehyung’s waist, moving a bit lower over the curve of his ass, making the sillan gasp in surprise. They remained like that for some minutes before Jungkook breathed sharply, closing his eyes in pain. Taehyung frowned in worry.

“Jungkook? Do you want me to call the doctors?

-Not necessary...I’m afraid I’m too tired to chat a little more.”

Taehyung moved his hand over the glass as if he was caressing Jungkook’s face, making the latter smile tiredly. The sillan moved back and said sweetly.

“you should rest my King. I’ll see you tomorrow so...you better be ready…”

Jungkook laughed before he added with a wink.

“Shouldn’t you be the one ready for me? I hope for your sake that you are flexible, doll.”

Taehyung flushed red before he childishly stuck his tongue out, giggling and sending a flying kiss to the king.

“Rest well Jungkook.”

The black haired man smiled before closing his eyes and exhaling, the heart monitor beeping in regular patterns.

***

The next day was spent in one thing: preparing Taehyung for the King.

Hoseok was sitting in the science division main room where scientists were rushing around, preparing stats, writing on holographic screens, observing the seemingly comfortable Taehyung who was lying on an elevated table connected to lots of monitors and screens. The young sillan was whistling as he crossed his arms underneath his head, looking at the ceiling in a bored manner while doctors and scientists were mumbling around, taking notes and arguing in hushed tones. The pilot scoffed as he recorded the whole thing with his eye visor, willing to observe the details later in case it would help him for future missions. He had to admit though, Bragga’s scientists were simply brilliant as the planet seemed to be generations advanced compared to the rest of the galaxy and even Union HQ.

All this organised chaos took end when Governor Jimin entered the room, his guards trailing behind him. He had ditched the long cape today, appearing in a grey and gold suit, leather boots laced across his knees and a golden belt around his waist. He wasn’t wearing gloves, displaying the shining metal of his hands and the click of the wires and lights around his knuckles. His markings were shining golden as usual and Hoseok had learned that they were actually metal implants to replace the structure of his jaws and the inside of his cheeks after an incident. The pilot stood and bowed as Jimin smiled at him and went to the still laying Taehyung, grinning at him and receiving a mischievous grin back from the agent.

“I would stand to properly bow to you your Highness but I’m afraid your furies will be all on my back with yells as the countless wires and stupid analysis would be interrupted if I as much move my pinky!

-I’m sorry you have to endure all this on top of the medical assessments yesterday. But us bragans are very paranoid when it comes to health.

-Figured. I just want to get all this done so I can proceed.

-Eager to go to the King aren’t you?”

Jimin had winked before chuckling as Taehyung giggled, a light blush on his cheeks.

“Stop it! I’m already embarrassed enough to have your scientists look at my ass and snoop around every nook and cranny on my body!

-Apologies dear esteemed guest. I’ll have them stop pestering you now.”

Jimin, still chuckling gestured to the nearest scientist and ordered with a smile.

“Enough with all the assessments, proceed as agreed with Union.

-But, your Highness we haven’t finished yet and-...

-The tests you made are more than enough. Inform the King’s doctors to start while the second team will handle Taehyung.”

The scientist bowed, having no other choice but to execute orders. Hoseok was grinning as he witnessed the authority of the seemingly harmless and too sweet governor. According to Union reports that he read yesterday, Governor Jimin was no other than the cousin of the current King, Jungkook and was the High General of Bragga’s Armies and Military fleet. Rumored for his military genius, Jimin always smiled sweetly while hiding a calculating mind and intense eyes that took in every detail possible to help in the future. So better not be fooled by his gentle smile and always remain alert.

Hoseok and Jimin had to leave as a small group of four doctors took Taehyung to the master bedroom in the King’s quarters. There, they proceeded by giving him a small vial of an amber liquid, one of the doctors explained to the curious boy.

“This is what other people would call an aphrodisiac while we use it here to stimulate senses and increase stamina. It will help your body getting ready for the King as well as increase the chances of ovulation.

-So basically an aphrodisiac, ok.”

Taehyung was grinning while the doctors looked disapprovingly at his too careless attitude. The doctor insisted.

“You have to understand how vital it is for the bragan people that you successfully conceive! We cannot risk failure so please take this seriously!

-Me? I can never take this non seriously! Cross my heart and hope to die! Promise!”

Taehyung took the vial and asked with a false innocent smile.

“So how do I take this? Just drink it or a needle shot or what?

-You drink it. It is best to dilute it in some water though, your throat might be sensitive.

-Trust me hun, my kind have such a flexible throat. Not for drinking medicine though if you get what I mean.”

Taehyung giggled at his own joke, ignoring the scandalized expressions on these prudes’ faces. He opened the vial and tipped it back, drinking the contents in one shot, feeling the liquid burning his throat slightly before he licked his lips, liking the taste.

“Not bad! Tastes like ginger honey beer back home in Dagan! Can I have more?

-No kind sir, it is medicine not tea! Now please proceed by wearing your robe, the effects of the beverage would kick in twenty minutes.

-Bummer! I wanted more!”

Taehyung stood up, walking toward the attached bathroom where he shed his clothes. He looked at himself in the mirror, trying to see if he would look pleasant to the attractive king waiting for him. He did take a bath this morning and basically had a throughout inspection of his body, plucking unwanted hair and trimming his nails and his hair a little bit before scrubbing his body and face with cleansers and moisturizers. True, these prudes didn’t care if he looked appealing or not but Taehyung wanted to appeal to the King and to show him that he cared about this “coupling” at least enough to look presentable. Dagian women were strong yet they never neglected their bodies and took regular care of their skin. Sillan females and males alike appreciated beauty and the aesthetic aspects of a healthy skin and scales, they were rumored to have bodies made for sex bt that didn’t guarantee a flawless body and neglecting hygiene!

Once satisfied with his appearance, Taehyung took the gold and black silky robe, tying it around himself, leaving the front a bit open to tease, his collarbone and the middle of his chest visible. he had left his hair untouched apart from two tresses on the right side of his head, a dagian fashion and sign of an unmated maiden, winked to himself in the mirror and left the bathroom. The doctors had instructed him to wait until he would feel his body temperature increase, signaling the effects of the aphrodisiac before he had to go to the King’s room. So the petite male made himself comfortable by drinking a little bit of water and relaxing his nerves, feeling excited and nervous at the same time. Gone was the false insouciance and insolence, as he gnawed at his lip and thought about the King’s muscular body, wondering if it would hurt a lot for his flexible body to take him with that veil of acid.

He hoped it wouldn’t. He liked Jungkook already and wanted to enjoy being with him.

Sillans were very casual about sex, just taking precaution against unwanted pregnancies and enjoying coupling with multiple partners before choosing one for a definite amount of time in what could pass as “marriage” for humans and other races. Since their populace was on the brink of extinction, they favored having multiple partners over periods of time or even many at once in order to increase the chances of having many children. Dagians weren’t as casual about it though, a female was allowed to have up to three partners at once but adultery was frowned upon and punishable by death. Being a mix of these two races, Taehyung had a body made for sex like sillans but was raised to respect the morale codes of dagians. If he was casual talking about sex and coupling, he wasn’t as casual in doing it so carelessly like sillans. He liked the dagian way better, wanting to choose his partner himself in hopes of living with him.

And the idea of having one partner for life appealed to him ever since he met the Lycans, a people of shifters who believed in having a destined mate for the entire life. And ever since, he couldn’t help but envy them for their ability to feel the pull toward their mates, wanting to feel this kind of an intimate connexion with someone.

He wasn’t disillusioned though, he knew Jungkook was a “mission” and even if he liked to get to know the man and liked his body and his personality, he knew it wasn’t “fate” that brought them to this moment, seconds away from coupling with each other. Union made its calculations, found Taehyung to be the one most suitable and sent him to preserve the Bragan Bloodline in order to have the Shaper ability on their side. Easy as it is!

At first, he had some apprehensions when he was on board Hoseok’s ship, thinking about how he had saved himself for that one special person unlike many sillans. When he came to live in Silla back when he had hit puberty, his peers had encouraged him to try coupling with other males and females, saying the practice was current. He had dismissed it though, preferring to stick with the dagian line of thinking, waiting to meet someone who would, as the High Priest of Dagan would say, “make his heart throb”. So he did, refraining from opening his legs for the first hot male he would meet.

Until now, but hey, he couldn’t just wait forever right? He isn’t Lycan, he’s just a hybrid dagian-sillan and he had a duty to Union as one of their Guardians.

He reached the king’s room, feeling warmth spread all over his body slowly, dissipating his nervousness. Now his body just reclaimed pleasure and the touch of a strong male. Good. He needed that mindset. He knocked, waiting until the doors hissed open before stepping inside the familiar half darkened room, seeing Jungkook’s pod slightly elevated to face him. He gulped at the sight of the now naked man, his blue eyes going directly to take in the king’s member, feeling a throb between his legs when he eyed the delicious impressive cock.

They did say no man was well endowed than a bragan, well they weren’t wrong for once!

He wetted his lips, the action not unnoticed by the king who chuckled.

“Nervous?” He said with a soft tone.

Taehyung stepped forward until he could place his hands on the glass and smiled shyly.

“A little...but I’m more excited than nervous now.

-I told them to try and let you relax instead of pressuring you with tests and indiscreet questions. I’m sorry they’re too paranoid.

-It’s ok I understand, they only want to serve you the best.”

Taehyung took in his surroundings, seeing a bed in the corner while the cables from yesterday were cleared. Curiously he saw two big barrels next to the pod and looked closer, realising it was just some mud. He looked curiously back at Jungkook.

“Didn’t know you had some type of mud kink or something?”

Jungkook laughed, shaking his head before he smirked.

“No, silly idiot. These are for my Shaper.

-Ah...so what do they do?

-See for yourself.”

Jungkook looked at the barrels before they started trembling, the dirt flying around the pod while Taehyung gasped in surprise and wonder. Jungkook explained as the dirt was starting to shape.

“The Shaper is the ability to change the shape of anything as long as it contains the four elements of the Universe. It is possible because it doesn’t just act on the outer shape, but reach into the heart of things, the essence of the elements that make up said things.”

The earthy smell started to fade as the color of what looked to be long cables made from earth and dirt started to change, Taehyung looking in awe.

“Basically, I can change the atomic composition of things to morph them and reshape them. I don’t just move them or crush them, I modify them.

-Amazing...so cool!

-So tell me Taehyung, what makes our bodies? What are we made of the most?

-Carbon. As in...Oh! I understand now!

-Precisely. Carbon. In short, earth.”

The shape of the cable was becoming a bit thinner as the color changed into lighter tones, looking more lilac now. Jungkook smiled as he brought one of these cables close to Taehyung who held up his hand to touch it. He gasped and exclaimed in amazement.

“Feels like flesh!

-When I was young, I would create these pods around me to steal cookies from the jar and to get away with it. I used to call them my tentacles, as they felt like an extension of my hands and legs. So I thought...since I can’t touch you...that I would use them instead.

-Wow! Didn’t know you were a fan of tentacle porn my dear King.”

Jungkook laughed while Taehyung giggled and wrapped his hands around one of these “tentacles”, feeling another one coil around his waist gently. He smiled and winked at the king, adding in seductive tone.

“It’s kinda hot too...never thought I would one day try tentacle sex.

-Well, isn’t this your lucky day then?”

Another tentacle came to coil around Taehyung’s knees, gently forcing him to crouch a bit, sitting on a thicker tentacle and feeling it moving. He was facing the king now who had his intense eyes looking at him. Taehyung was breathing heavily, feeling the tentacle around his waist unfolding gently before tugging at the belt of the silky robe and striping it away, revealing the golden skin, the silver marking on his ribs visible to the King’s eyes. Two tentacles coiled around the sillan’s ankles, slowly moving to open those long legs for the king who breathed heavily, the heart monitor beeping faster. Taehyung bit his lip seductively as he saw the man’s cock hardening, his hungry black eyes shining as the golden rings around his irises looked brighter. The sillan moaned when his legs were wide open, displaying the swollen folds to the hungry dark eyes of the bragan king. Jungkook growled, placing his hands on the glass, whispering.

“You look so beautiful.”

Taehyung threw his head back, muffling a moan when he felt a thin tentacle coil around his torso, grazing his nipples before starting to roll them. The tick tentacle underneath him moved a bit to place itself right in between his legs as if he straddled it. His eyes widened when he felt the tentacle growing wetter, a thin veil of slime covering it now. Before he could speak, he felt the one coiled around his waist go down, the tip grazing his clit shyly. He moaned loudly, trying to breathe through this increasing pleasure as the tentacle started rolling his clit and flickering it.

All this under the hungry eyes of Jungkook.

Said man chuckled darkly before he moved his left hand, moving another tentacle with it and ordering two other to hold the beautiful male’s wrists above his head. He slid his tongue over his lips and said teasingly.

“How about seeing if you can really take me, hum beautiful? How about I tend to that desperate entrance of yours?

-Ahhh y-yes oh fuck y-yes please!

-I’ll take good care of you my little siren.”

Taehyung gasped in surprise when he felt the thick tentacle shift, leaving him hung by the hands in the air. He was brought closer to the king, legs spreading wider as the thickest tentacle slid underneath him to let him lay down on it, back against it while pelvis was up in the air in front of the king who groaned in appreciation. It was humiliating to be spread open for hungry eyes, intimacy displayed in front of the King whose lust was only fuelling Taehyung’s even higher. The thin tentacles didn’t stop teasing his nipples and his clit all this time but he bit down a loud moan when he felt another one creep in between his ass cheeks, teasing his rim as slime coated all over his body. He let out a high pitched moan when he felt said thing slid inside his puckered hole and starting to stretch him.

“Ahhhh n-no not t-t-th-there!!! Ahh n-no fuck! ugghh H-heavens!

-What a lewd body...taking my tentacle so easily up the ass huh? And oh, it looks like you like this, don’t you? Look.”

He brought two thin tentacles to tug his folds open, displaying the dripping entrance, all pink and swollen from pleasure. The raven haired man chuckled before he gestured for a medium size tentacle to collect the dripping juice from the sillan’s folds, bringing it up to the petite male’s lips and ordering.

“Open up for me and taste yourself little dirty siren.”

Taehyung opened his mouth, letting the tentacle shove inside his hot cavern in a semblant of a messy kiss, tasting himself over the slimy thing and choking on it. He yelled out a muffled moan when he felt a thick tentacle easing inside him, past his swollen folds. He almost blacked out from the over stimulation, choking on a slimy tentacle while having his nipple and clit teased, two thick tentacles stretching both his holes in a slow rhythm. He was almost sobbing from all this erotic stimulation, feeling pain at the forced penetration but couldn’t deny the immense pleasure coursing through his body.

It was messy, it was dirty and it was so erotic to be at the mercy of the King’s tentacles, held in the air while he was fucked all over by countless slimy things under the king’s powerful eyes.

The room was filled with the squelching sounds and the muffled moans of the sillan, body trembling under all this stimulation, skin glistening with sweat and slime. It was overwhelming, it was too much for the sensitive male who felt his prostate being hit spot on while the other tentacle was brushing against that sweet spot inside him. His mouth was finally free as the medium tentacle left it and he yelled loudly as he came, his orgasm hitting him so strongly as slick flooded both his holes, his beautiful body arched so erotically.

Jungkook moved the sillan closer to his pod, whispering praise for the spent male, moving a tentacle in a caress over the beautiful hybrid’s cheek. Slowly Taehyung opened his eyes, smiling at the King and whispered.

“That...was amazing...thank you for taking care of me…

-It was my pleasure, little siren.”

Jungkook moved a tentacle against the curved glass, pressing on some buttons to lower the pod in a horizontal position before having the cover open upward. Taehyung was more alert now, knowing what was to come as the tentacles moved him closer, hovering over the man’s body still immersed in liquid. Jungkook looked hesitant before he muttered.

“You think you are ready?”

Taehyung nodded vigorously and said softly.

“Don’t worry about me, I heal very fast. it’s just…

-Yes? You can tell me anything Taehyung, please don’t feel pressured, we can stop here.”

Taehyung smiled tenderly, wishing he could reach out and touch the man. He felt warmth spread over his chest, stomach twisting with unknown tingles.

Jungkook caring for his safety...for his well being and comfort despite his own state...felt so good and sent his heart racing.

So he took his courage and whispered shyly, looking away.

“It...it’s my first time…”

He felt the biggest tentacle coiling around his waist, the tip caressing his hair back and tucking it behind his ear gently. then it slid under his chin to move his head so he could face Jungkook who was smiling gently before he said tenderly.

“I’ll take care of you. I won’t hurt you, dear one.”

Taehyung smiled back, feeling so small under Jungkook’s powerful eyes and gentle words. His heart was racing, pounding against his chest, warmth flooding his entire body at the endearing nickname.

He was afraid of his own treacherous heart falling quickly for this gorgeous man.

He dismissed his confusing feelings when he was moved to hover over the king’s body, eyeing his thick cock standing proudly. He gulped as he paused a bit, looking at the man’s eyes shyly. Jungkook nodded reassuringly, before he gestured for the tentacles to start lowering the petite male in the amniotic liquid and over his hard cock. Taehyung gasped loudly, eyes clenched shut when he felt the thick member stretch him further than what the tentacles did earlier. But the worst was the burn of the acid.

It was nearly unbearable.

The hybrid sobbed, tears trailing on his cheeks as he felt the burn, the acid making it impossible for him to stay still as he shivered from the pain. He felt the tentacles massaging his back and shoulders, cradling his head and running over his cheeks while he heard the king whisper encouragements and apologies to him. The amniotic liquid helped ease the pain after some seconds and he opened his eyes, seeing Jungkook looking at him with worry. The king did something then, surprising Taehyung: he sat up, his torso exiting the amniotic liquid and hissed as the air hit him and the acid restarted burning him. He bit his lips from the pain before speaking albeit strained.

“If- hah -if you feel the pain then I’ll-I’ll feel it- hah hah -with you.”

Taehyung was breathing heavily, tearing up at this gentle soul. He smiled before extending his hands to the man’s shoulders and touched him lightly. He winced as the acid burned his palms and fingers but he withstood it, pushing the man to lay back and keeping his hands on the strong shoulders.

“You feel the pain every second my King. Let me help you feel a little better.

-But- mmmngh!!”

Taehyung rolled his hips forward, shutting the king up from the amount of pleasure he was feeling. Jungkook could only groan as the petite male started a moderate rhythm, taking some time to adjust as he increased the pace with the more pleasure he was feeling. He moaned loudly, bouncing on the thick cock and forgetting about the burn of the acid, chasing the feeling of reaching that high. He arched his back, letting out an embarrassing high pitched yell when he felt the thin tentacles flickering over his nipples and clit, feeling Jungkook thrusting up to meet his bouncing. It was too much, he gripped the king’s shoulders tighter, not caring for the spilled liquid that was dripping on the floor from how much he was bouncing on the man’s thick member. At one point, he felt Jungkook gripping his hips, ignoring the burn of acid as he thrusted violently, pounding into the tight heat and grunting.

It was unusual and Taehyung never thought his first time would be this intense. From the tentacles pleasuring him, to the unusual coupling with the cursed bragan and now this delicious pounding and the strong grip of the muscular man.

He loved it, he craved more, he knew he could have nothing else and no one else after being stretched on this thick cock.

And he didn’t even feel embarrassed by the high pitched scream he released once he reached his high, feeling the erect member pulse inside him before being filled to the brim as Jungkook grunted and climaxed right after him. He was feeling boneless and oversensitive as the king thrusted inside his swollen folds, riding out his orgasm. The sillan was only held by the tentacles coiling around his body, whimpering and heaving as he was hit by waves of pleasure all over his body. He registered the King letting him go, the burned imprints of his hands healing immediately, the tentacles coiling around his torso and waist and lifting him from the pod. He couldn’t even open his eyes, still high from his incredible climax, just feeling that he was being laid over a fluffy surface, his hair being stroke gently. The only precaution to take was closing his folds so he won’t let the King’s seed spill out, craving the feeling of being filled to the brim. He heard some noise and opened his eyes lazily, seeing that the bed was right next to the healing pod that was now sideways so Jungkook could face him, his hand flat against the glass and a glint in his eyes. Taehyung smiled and reached his hand to place it over the glass right against Jungkook’s, giggling at how small and slender his hand looked compared to the big calloused one of the king. Jungkook grinned and whispered.

“Thank you...thank you so much…

-For what my King?

-For carrying this mission. For being yourself with me and not pitying me.”

Taehyung smiled, a blush covering his cheeks before he winked and said.

“I don’t want to pity you because I know how strong you are. I witnessed first hand how you moved an entire asteroid belt while suffering horrible pains constantly. I know you hide it while talking to me but I realise how much you’re hurt every single second because of that acid.”

Taehyung moved his other hand over his stomach, grimacing as he added.

“I felt it after all. If only you had the same healing speed that I have though.

-I appreciate your honesty. It only adds to the list of qualities I like about you.”

Taehyung giggled before he shifted closer, being separated from the man by just the thin curved glass as he asked with amusement.

“You only knew me for a day and yet you dare flirt with me?

-That’s the pot calling the kettle black after I just fucked you senseless don’t you think?

-A king shouldn’t speak this shamelessly though.

-Just like how a dagian shouldn’t shamelessly open his legs for someone he saw for the first time right?

-How dare you?? For your information, you’re the guy who deflowered me! Take responsibility!

-Am I not taking enough responsibility? You have my entire castle under your disposal for your every whim and whining.

-Don’t you think I need moral support after this brutal deflowering?? That’s what I call taking responsibility!

-Apologies, dear one. If I could hold you I would’ve. You have no idea how much I want to.”

Taehyung smiled gently, ceasing this childish behavior, moving his thumb over the glass as if he was stroking the man’s palm. He muttered softly.

“You are already holding me. I feel so protected now.”

Jungkook smiled sadly, moving his second hand as he came closer, the rims of his irises shining brighter as he took in the appearance of the beautiful male laying over the bed.

“I really wanted to kiss you.”

Taehyung came closer too, seeing every detail on each lash in the man’s eyebrows and eyes. He smiled before closing his eyes and placing a tender kiss over the glass, exactly over the man’s lips. He stayed like this for some seconds before pulling back and whispering.

“One day, you have to return that kiss to me Your Majesty. It’s a promise.”

Jungkook heaved, his eyes wavering as he gripped the glass with both hands. Right here, he looked so vulnerable, so scared, exactly like the cursed man he is and not the strong facade he had to uphold for his household and subjects. Taehyung wished he could hug him.

***