𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕 》 Forever and Always
summary 》 Aera turned into petals, as it blew through the wind, showing that she passed away as days after her passing, Jaebeom’s pack were being given scrolls that was written by Aera.
characters 》 Gae Aera, Grandma Kim, The White Queen (Aerina), Lim Jaebeom, Mark Tuan, Jackson Wang, Park Jinyoung, Choi Youngjae, Bambam, Kim Yugyeom
warnings/author’s note 》 a long post!, angst all the way :(, i’m afraid this is the end…. maybe….
genre 》 fantasy, got7!as!werewolves, got7!as!prince
“I wish we had more time together. But what I believe is that, in the gardens of memory, in a palace of dreams, that's where you and I will meet. You will forever and always be my number one, Aera.”
2 days.
It took 2 days for Aera’s body to be completely paralyzed.
Unfortunately, the moment when she was writing the last scroll, her fingers slowly went numb, as she realized what was happening - she had little energy left hence she used it to enchant a spell on her everyday fountain pen, as it writes by itself according to Aera’s words of thoughts.
Time passed by and the news of the princess' health was known to all of the royal castle workers, and unfortunately, words had spread to other neighboring kingdoms.
Every royal servant and workers who visited the princess tended to shed tears, seeing her unusual pale face, laying on the bed as her eyes were mostly closed.
The White Queen and Grandma Kim had always stood by the princess’s side, accompanying other kingdom’s royal family to visit her.
The Queen could tell that her daughter was loved by everyone due to her kindness and companion that even the NCT clan and X clan came - unknown to the princess, both clans cried as soon as they saw the state of the princess of Aerina and Morian’s Kingdom.
Jaebeom’s pack were busy than usual, going to different parts of the island to get help - finding any way to cure their princess.
They didn’t get to have a rest as they ran across kingdoms to kingdoms.
But one day, one by one of Jaebeom’s pack, they started to feel a throbbing pain on their chest during one of the full moon - as the pack made their way back to Aerina’s Kingdom, to find the sight of the princess’s hair color that had been darkest, shiniest brown has slowly faded to white.
A way to tell that she is slowly dying.
“Oh no.” Jaebeom muttered to himself, his mind slowly breaking into pieces.
“Why.. does it look like my room is full of people?” Aera muttered under her breath, in which she could hear more quiet sobs and sniffs - definitely knowing that there are people in the room.
It was scary for her.
Her senses are weakening, as well as her body movements.
Aera knew that she wouldn’t make it tomorrow, not even today.
“..That’s because everyone’s here, Aera. We all are here for you, my love.” The White Queen softly replied. Aera could only turn her head slightly, towards where the voice came from.
Yugyeom, who was the nearest to Aera, held onto Aera’s fragile hands. “Aera.. It’s me… Please stay a little longer, please,” Yugyeom pleaded, his voice shaking.
He couldn’t hold onto his feelings anymore as he decided to let it out, making the others feel vulnerable too since their youngest is crying.
All of them knew Yugyeom was the type to try his best to hold onto his tears, no matter what situation he faces - but this, this situation was something Yugyeom had to let go of his feelings.
Bambam who was at the opposite of Yugyeom, couldn’t help but sob quietly as his head went downwards, his hands gripping onto Aera’s dress slightly - a sign to show her that he was there.
He has been quietly watching Aera every night.
He wouldn’t miss a day to check onto Aera - who would just lay on the bed and as night arrives, Bambam would let his tears out silently, alone. He knew she wouldn’t make it one day.
Thinking of Aera leaving him, Bambam let out his tears, making some of the older ones go towards his side - which was Mark and Jackson.
Aside from Bambam, Mark and Jackson were also the ones who would regularly visit Aera, in secret - because Jackson didn’t want Jaebeom to know that he would skip some days to go hunting, to see the princess.
So Jackson would invite Mark along, knowing the older one wants to come alone although he was being silent about it.
Whenever there is Jackson, the day would always end up with laughter - and for the first time, Aera would laugh softly and weakly to hear Jackson rambling about his day and Mark would always have to ask Jackson to slow down.
“Rest well, Aera. I’m happy that you came back to us - even if you and I didn’t get to spend more time together,” whispered Jinyoung, while caressing her side hair, making Aera hum while smiling.
As much as Jinyoung wants Aera to live longer, seeing her like this, in a condition where she couldn’t even more freely and seeing her weakening, it hurts him so bad that he just wanted her back to her usual self.
Even if she has to die. Thinking of the word ‘die’ makes Jinyoung tear up automatically, not knowing that tears already flow down his cheeks.
“Grandma Kim, how long—
“Not for long. She is trying her best to hold on now,” answered Grandma Kim to Youngjae - as she gazed towards Aera, who was silently looking at Jinyoung.
Youngjae could only gulp down the lump on her throat, knowing that flowers or plants couldn’t save her. He has tried all sorts of medicines, but none could make Aera come back to life - according to Grandma Kim.
There was so much he wanted to say to her, but he couldn’t let out any words - even if he wanted to say a word, instead he let out a sob, causing Jaebeom to hold onto Youngjae’s hands tightly.
If Jaebeom could go crazy, he would any moment now - but for the sake of his friends and the princess who is dying at her bed, he decided to get himself together, even if it is slowly killing him inside.
Seeing Aera becoming weaker, he would always blame himself - if he knew about her condition, he wouldn't have said those mean words to her.
All this while she had been keeping this to herself, why didn’t she say anything about this?
A part of him was mad at her but at the same time, maybe she didn’t want to look weak for her people and he gets her - the both of them have similar personalities.
‘Aera.. why didn’t you tell me?’ Jaebeom questioned in his voice of thoughts, staring towards Aera with a slight frown - to see Aera smiling slightly, as she slowly turned towards Jaebeom with her droopy eyes.
‘....No matter how much I wanted to change the future, destiny already wrote down my fate, Jaebeom. It’s the only way,’ answered Aera and that’s when everyone’s eyes fell towards Jaebeom - hearing her voice, Youngjae and Yugyeom automatically broke down.
Her response made Grandma Kim go towards Aera, putting her wrinkly hand onto Aera’s forehead - a deep frown and a soft sigh came from the elderly as she turned towards the White Queen who was in the corner shedding her own tears.
“Aerina, it’s time.”
Feeling all eyes turned towards Grandma Kim, the elderly looked towards the boys.
“I’m afraid you have to say your last words to her. Aerina and I will be outside,” stated Grandma Kim before guiding the weeping White Queen as they exited the room, leaving only Aera the 7 guys alone.
“I’m running out of time, am I?” questioned Aera softly, which she could feel a throbbing pain in her chest, causing her to let out an expression that caused the 7 guys to go closer to her.
Everyone in the room is running out of time.
Staring at Aera with tears flowing down their cheeks, Mark decided to speak first. “Thank you for everything, Aera. You have done so much to restore our home. Rest well,”
Though Mark’s words were simple, the way he said his words - everyone could tell he really meant it, hearing how hard he is trying not to let out a shaky voice.
She meant so much to him - although they did not interact that much, but the way they look at each other, the way she offers to comb his fur when he would always reject her, the times when Aera would approach him when he had trouble with situation regarding Morian, Mark knows Aera does care for him.
“Mark, you have to kiss her, on the cheeks of course,” Jackson urged, a tradition for the wolves that if one of their pack is dying, they have to give them a goodbye kiss on their face.
Although Aera wasn’t fully in their pack still, everyone somehow considered as one of Jaebeom’s.
“I don’t know..” Mark muttered, his eyes turning towards Jaebeom who was avoiding his gaze - at the same time giving Mark the green light. The oldest knew the alpha, who was rejected, still had romantic feelings for her, although his feelings for her are starting to fade.
Mark went nearer towards her face, remembering each feature of her face before giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
He then glanced towards Jackson and Yugyeom who were just near him, urging them to talk it out - afraid that it might be too late if they delay their time.
Yugyeom let out a shaky voice, his hand reaching out for Aera’s hands.
“I’m going to miss you….. Just so you know that family isn't blood. You're my family, Aera.” Yugyeom sniffled as he slightly gripped onto her soft hands, while giving a quick peck on the opposite side of where Mark had given his kiss.
There was so much love as the youngest stared into Aera’s pale face, the colors of her face were fading as well as life, making Yugyeom to start weeping out.
He couldn’t bear to see the princess suffer and eventually die.
Yugyeom thought she would stay forever this time, but of course, ‘forever’ doesn’t exist in this world.
There was so much Yugyeom wanted to do with her - going to the Dragon’s Village together with Grandma Kim, pranking Jaebeom and Jackson till they went insane, and disturbing naughty wolf cubs.
Knowing that she will pass on, Yugyeom has no one to turn to - causing him to sob out his feelings.
Mark had to advise him to come out of the room - with Mark accompanying him. Knowing it would be the last time he would see Aera, Mark turned towards Aera with a small smile that showed sadness, as he left the room with the weeping Yugyeom.
“Princess, I hope you can hear me. I don’t know… I thought you would stay a little longer. I wanted to show you what the others and I had planned for Morian. But it seems you had to go, and I understand. Just like what Mark said, you have done so much for both of your kingdoms and.. I’m proud to have someone - a friend, a tutor, a princess to my kingdom, our kingdom, by our side. We love you, Princess Aera.” confessed Bambam, his voice began to quave in sorrow.
He couldn’t help but to let out the tears that he had tried to hold onto, he finally let it out as the room filled with his weeps.
Bambam really loves Aera - he treats her as his own sister, they would always help each other out even if at the end of the day they had to be reprimanded by others.
Bambam couldn’t believe this at all.
‘Surely this is just a sick nightmare, right? If the princess is dead, who is going to look over Morian Kingdom?’
“Bambam,” A voice called, making Bambam look towards who called him, to see Jinyoung gesturing towards Aera who had her eyes closed, realizing he was openly day-dreaming as he finally stood up while leaning against Aera’s face.
“Rest well, our princess,” muttered Bambam before giving a peck on the outer corner of her eyes, as he immediately walked away, not even once looking back.
The older ones turned towards Youngjae, seeing that he had his eyes downcast - not knowing what to say, as he too couldn’t believe that their princess is on the point of death.
He knew. He was there in the mirror dimension with Jinyoung and Aera herself.
He didn’t know the day would come too soon.
With a shaky sigh, Youngjae crouches down while holding onto Aera’s weak yet soft hands. “Aera… Princess Aera..” Youngjae softly called out, waiting for her response but instead, silence and the quiet sobs from the older ones were the only response he got.
Youngjae’s bottom lip quivered, as tears rolled down on his cheeks, as he started to accept the reality that Aera is slowly dying. Staring at her pale yet beautiful face, Youngjae let out a slight choke then a scoff.
“Even if you are slowly passing on, you still look lovely…. Thank you for everything, Aera.” Youngjae whispered before pecking a kiss on the corner of her forehead. As he was leaving, Youngjae stole a few glances towards her as he finally let out a few sobs, before exiting the room.
Which now left with Jaebeom, Jinyoung and Jackson.
The 3 of them were running out of time, the colors on Aera’s hair were almost draining, an obvious sign that she is slowly passing on in Aerina’s kingdom.
Jinyoung’s eyes began to water seeing the drastic change.
“I hope this is all just a bad dream. Gosh, princess. We’re going to miss you and your rebellious times, and most importantly, you have stuck to the word of a ‘princess’. I am proud that you are my best friend, a star, also a princess to a kingdom where I was born. Till then, become a star and do visit us in our dreams. We love you, Princess Aera.” Jinyoung managed to say his words, though he was trying so hard not to break down - afraid that he wouldn't be able to speak.
Jinyoung didn’t hesitate to give her a kiss on the opposite eye where Bambam had kissed her. His thumb lightly caressed his cheek as he studied her features very carefully, not knowing that his tears were already rolling down his own cheeks.
Jinyoung looked towards Jaebeom and Jackson as their heads were downwards, not wanting to meet his own eyes - knowing they would break down. Wordlessly, Jinyoung took a last look towards Aera, before turning his back towards her.
Jaebeom and Jackson knew he exited the door, hearing slight sobs from outside.
The room was filled with complete silence.
“Do you want to talk to her first?” Jaebeom offered, his eyes slightly gazing towards Jackson, seeing his eyes red and puffy, knowing the man was crying.
Jackson nodded slightly, crouching down beside the princess, holding onto her hand firmly - as he started sobbing as it slowly turned to blubbers where he was letting out words that weren’t clear.
This made Jaebeom to crouch down beside him, his hands wrapping onto Jackson’s side, hugging the very heartbroken man.
“Jackson, you have to speak. Aera doesn’t understand what you are saying.” Jaebeom softly told him, as he was quietly sobbing - his hand didn’t even let go of Aera’s.
“I don’t know what to say, Jaebeom. It hurts very bad and I really don’t know how and what to say at all. All I really know is that I like her more than I should! I didn’t even have the chance to say it to her!” Jackson whimpered, his confession caused Jaebeom to rub his back, his way of showing that he understands him.
“....Me too….” Jaebeom whispered, eyes still towards Aera.
Soon, Jackson’s sobs slowly softens, letting go from Jaebeom’s side.
He went nearer towards Aera’s face.
“I wish we had more time together. But what I believe is that, in the gardens of memory, in a palace of dreams, that's where you and I will meet. You will forever and always be my number one, Aera.” said Jackson, trying his best not to let out any sobs, as he gazed into Aera’s face in adoration.
‘I love you, Aera. I will always love you, forever and always.’
Jackson thought to himself, before standing up, giving her a peck on top of her head. His hand caressing her hair, as his finger slowly left at the tip of her hair.
“I’ll join the others outside. You deserve a moment with her.” Jackson told Jaebeom, as the alpha quietly nodded.
“Thanks.” Jaebeom muttered towards Jackson, as he smiled sadly, his eyes moving towards the princess for a moment before turning his back towards her.
After Jackson left, Jaebeom turned towards Aera.
“First of all, I would like to apologize for what I said. I know you are sad, it’s obvious and I regretted not talking to you after that day. I’m starting to regret it now and I’m afraid it will stick to me. I’m going to miss you, Aera - and yes, I do still love you although your heart belongs to Jackson.” Jaebeom said softly, his hands holding onto Aera’s, already feeling that her hands were starting to get cold.
“..You know, I will never regret loving you. That’s a promise and… thank you for loving me, even when I don't feel lovable.” continued Jaebeom, as his fingers landed to Aera’s cheeks, as he slowly caressed it.
Jaebeom leans against Aera’s face, unknowing that he was quietly sobbing, not wanting others to hear - as he went nearer towards her forehead, giving her a peck on the forehead as he closed his eyes, letting his tears flow.
Just then, Jaebeom felt his hand that was holding onto Aera’s, as it felt light weight.
Jaebeom immediately opened his eyes, and he immediately backed away - in front of him was Aera, her body slowly turning into flower petals, flowing through the air.
He didn’t even realized that a ring had fallen from Aera’s body.
His shock might have caused the others to feel him, as the rest who were standing outside quickly went into the room - as they see the same thing as what Jaebeom is seeing.
Aera’s body, from her toes to her head, turns into flower petals, and once the top of her head had been transformed, the wind blew the petals as they blew out of the open window of the room.
“She’s gone.” said Grandma Kim, as the silence filled with sorrow.
It’s been 3 days after the princess’s death, and news has spread drastically that the crown princess of Aerina and Morian Kingdom has passed away - and the citizens have been mourning still, with pictures and flowers being placed at the front of the castle entrance of Aerina’s Kingdom mostly.
The castle has been quiet, as the royal workers were mourning too.
But not exactly for Grandma Kim and the White Queen, as they were holding onto scrolls that were on both of their arms. They entered the meeting room, to see Jaebeom’s pack.
As soon as they saw the elderly and the Queen, all of them immediately stood up and bowed to both of them.
“Your majesty, what is with the scrolls?” Jaebeom questioned curiously, seeing more than 10 scrolls were on each of their hands. He was surprised that they could carry all of that.
“These.. are from Aera, written personally from her.” The Queen stated, and immediately as Aera’s name was being heard, their eyes widened slightly.
“All of it?” asked Jinyoung and the Queen nodded with a small smile.
Both Grandma Kim and the Queen began to distribute the scrolls according to the names.
Some of them could see that the scrolls had the names of neighboring kingdom names and the names that they knew too, which were NCT and X Clan.
They were even more surprised that Zen’s name was there too, though he is still a child.
Each one of them got a hold of one scroll but Jaebeom receives 2 scrolls, each given by the older ones, but Grandma Kim holds onto one of the ends.
“Aera said that this was for all of you. Since you’re the alpha, you have to read it aloud.” told Grandma Kim, as she looked at Jaebeom with a face that had never been serious as ever.
Jaebeom can’t help but feel anxious, knowing this must be related to her death.
Looking at his friends, Jaebeom untied the string as the paper unrolled itself - to reveal the most neatest, yet elegant handwriting as he reads the letter out loud.
“Dear my 7 beloved friends,
I know that if you are reading this, I must have passed on and I’ve known because it’s been stated in the book of prophecies. I had destroyed it, and I would like to apologize to Jinyoung for enchanting a spell on him from the day we had a talk in the mirror dimension.
I had to, so that everything would come out with me, having the blood of the gods, as I am demi-god and me having the ability to enchant spells. Now, they say demi-gods are supposed to live longer, but in my case, my body is trapped somewhere hence it couldn’t last long, and this is the consequence.
As you read this out loud, all spells that I casted will vanish and you don’t have to worry, Youngjae. Your favorite flowers are still blooming, I knew you would be sad if it died one day.
Jinyoung, I’ve thinked about the words you said to me and I guessed I realized that I had been selfish… but not heartless. I have always cared for my people since day 1. So, I had written to each one of you as you will be given each a scroll that my will would be split into 7. You will receive on behalf of my inheritance. I had asked Mother and Grandma Kim for their permission and they are lovely to support me.
You will get everything you will need, a room, gold, swords, anything.
Oh, and not forgetting our little Zen. He too will be given a share of my inheritance. He would need it as soon as he turns 20.
Since I am not there, Morian is in need of rulers. The White Queen has to stay in Aerina, since that is her hometown and her own castle while Grandma Kim had vowed to be by the Queen's side.
So in exchange, I need the 7 of you to rule the Morian Kingdom.
I need a helping hand.
Attached to this letter is a letter from King Morian. There is proof, as he, King Morian, stated that his throne would be passed to the 7 of you and you do not need to worry on how or if it is possible if a pack of young wolves could rule a kingdom.
It is possible.
The White Queen, along with Grandma Kim would guide you along, but all the matter will pass in your hands. In the end you will decide what to do with the Kingdom - whether you would like it to be a harmonious kingdom or a kingdom that is only for wolves.
It is all up to the 7 of you. I believe you can do it. Each one of you has your own abilities, your own strengths, so use it.
I just want the 7 of you to live comfortably, happily in your own castle and hometown. I hope one day it will come true, not now as I know everyone would be saddened with my passing.
But as for me, I can’t wait on how both of the kingdoms would progress as years passed.
The night sky will always be dark blue,
Just like how the stars would always be there,
Think of me as a star, I will always watch all of you.
With lots of love and your forever princess,
Riana Aera.”
As Jaebeom was reading the scroll, the 7 of them quickly untied their own individual scroll, to reveal handwritten will and signatures from the Queen, the generals and Aera herself.
“Oh, Aera.” Jinyoung muttered to himself, as in his eyes, the day where he was trapped in the mirror dimension, the scene was running through his eyes, causing him to have teary eyes.
What Aera said was true, she did uncast the spell.
He felt guilty, he felt like he had caused Aera to feel like she was selfish and heartless, when in the first place, she was thinking of everyone she loves.
“..It isn’t your fault, Jinyoung. The princess might have seen this coming.” Jackson, who was beside him, patted his back as he gave his friend a side hug.
“..I would sincerely like to help the princess.” Bambam commented, causing the Queen to turn towards the younger one with a smile.
“Me too! She needs our help!” Yugyeom added.
“..If this is what she wants, we have to.” Youngjae muttered, eyes still locked onto his own scroll.
He couldn’t believe that Aera was a demi-god, which explains her superhuman strengths and abilities that he,himself and the others didn’t have.
Mark on the other hand was trying to recall his moments with Aera, when all of a sudden he remembered her words.
“Are you ready for the day where I would be gone and leave it to your hands to take care of the others and the kingdom of Morian?” Mark whispered to himself, causing the others to turn towards him.
“What?” Jaebeom repeated and Mark’s eyes went downcast.
“..She had hinted to us before. All of us, but it seems we were too positive to think she would never leave.” Mark explained, earning a slow nod from Jinyoung.
“..She gave me a book titled ‘Ways of A Wolf Pack to Rule A Kingdom’. I thought she gave me for more information purposes but she had another intention that I couldn’t figure out.” Jinyoung muttered, as everyone went silent.
They were blind, or it seems Aera had her own ways.
“..I think we shouldn’t think that way. Aera wants us to be happy, so… I think we should try to be happy for her sake.” Jackson commented, sounding a little positive.
Jaebeom’s eyes gazed towards the scroll, his hands slightly gripped onto his own scroll.
‘...What exactly are you, Aera?’
𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 ⇿ 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆
𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕
