𝓤𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱
Universe AU
What would it feel like to see what exists under these shrouds of stars?
What would it look like?
Is there even existence of something or it's just an unending flight of the universe? A whole endless galaxy.
These were almost the same questions he lingers every day. He was enclosed by his own curiosity. Sometimes, it even kept him awake in those sleepless nights, staring through the window, only seeing millions of star lights from afar.
He does not completely believe what his people say that they are the only ones that exist in the universe. In this world. In this kingdom. Even how much he insists; he wasn't drawn to it. No. It isn't true, he said to himself. There might be a place that exists somewhere else. There might be someone else who breathes the same air as he does, see the same sky every night. No. Not here. But somewhere else.
He could see it in his dreams. Only in his dream. It is greener. Livelier. It is humanly.
It is far from what his home looks like.
Jimin knew there is something else. He fairly knew that from the sight of stars that surrounds him, something remarkable lies underneath.
..•.•.♦♥♦.•.•..
The kingdom rejoiced. A splendid occasion had been prepared that only happens once a year in every 13th full moon. It was a mark of a new beginning of the kingdom's tranquility and longevity of the lives it holds.
It is grandiose and the ambiance of the place blossoms in peace and unity. The kingdom was covered in gigantic walls that protect them from intruders if there are. The waves of the ocean thrive against the walls, harshly and strongly. The palaces were painted in gold, even the walls, the floors, the throne room where the Prince was coronated and became the ruler. It shone and glimmers. Houses were made up of rich metals only found in the kingdom. It was beautiful.
It was of royalty. It was the only place in the universe that holds the life of immortality. Where people live for hundreds of years, even thousands.
Bells rang. The sound of instruments lingered in the air as the wind softly swept the kingdom in its feet. It finally began. At the heart of the place, everyone gathered. As the music plays, the kingdom dance in joy and victory. The fabric of women's dresses swayed in motion, their hairs were clipped in gold and pieces of jewelry clanged in the air. Men's armors glistened in the light and sword were staffed at the side. It was a wonderful sight to look at.
The music ceased low and everybody seems to move their head in one direction.
Surrounded by the palace guards, a young man was welcomed by the crowd. His face was noble. He has a thin nose. Sharp jaw and a fit physique. He was wearing a high collared dark coat with gold accents and embroidered with royal designs, ruffled white shirt, and dark pants. No sword. No crown.
Jimin plastered a soft and an earnest smile.
He has been used standing in front of many people, reading their expressions and reading what is in their minds. They look up to him as much as he gathers the courage to stand as their ruler. There had been sometimes they experienced crisis and he would bear all the weights in his shoulder. He knew he has to be smart, brave and fearless to defend his kingdom at all means but somethings always pluck a string in his heart. Even how much they treat him as a Prince, a royalty, he can't deny there's always a missing piece.
"Greetings." He started, all eyes on him.
"The celebration has started and everyone had anticipated it. I wish you would take the time to enjoy the night."
Jimin announced, yet with a calm expression. He bored his stare around and he could see how lively the place is. He nodded and gestured for his vast departure, his hands at his back, he turned around to leave.
"My Prince," someone called in the crowd.
Jimin paused midway and slowly faced them again.
"It would be an honor to spend the celebration with you." One of his people called, expecting an answer. "If you may."
The Prince only gave him a stoic reaction.
"Pardon me but I have to attend errands in the palace." He said, his voice low. "Please, enjoy the night."
Again, Jimin turned his back and finally left the crowd without hearing their retorts. The palace guards followed as they exited the crowd, heading to the palace where he was destined.
A sudden sulking feeling spread through his system. Full of flashbacks played in his mind as he left his people behind. In such a young age, his mother died because of an illness none of the healers in the kingdom can cure. They gathered all of the greatest healers hoping for a miracle but none of them succeeded, knowing it was unknown sorcery that plagued his mother's life.
Years after her death, his father, the once King of their kingdom, died of aging. Before his father's death, he was coronated as the Prince. At the right age and at the 13th full moon in the next seven years, he will be crowned as King.
They used to celebrate this occasion together, visiting the heart of the kingdom to rejoice with the people. It was perfect. Back in the days, his father and mother would hold his hands and the people would be happy to see the future ruler, give him flower necklaces and would dance with them. But as time passes, it drastically changed. After their deaths, celebrating this occasion had been too depressing for him. Jimin locked himself out and would focus on the plans for the stability of his kingdom.
"Dismissed." He said, not looking back.
The clangs of metals and footsteps cascaded away as they've reached the entrance of the palace. Jimin headed furtherly inside, passing through the throne room.
This used to be filled with numerous maids, healers, chefs and other important personnel of the palace but ever since the death of the King and Queen, Jimin decided to reduce the numbers. Feasts weren't frequent anymore. Only guards, counselors and his trusted messenger roams the place for surveillance or for important gatherings with him.
It's emotionally exhausting how the once filled palace would turn out like this. Jimin feels it every time he walks through the hallways, the empty throne room he solemnly visits, the dining room and pretty much every corner in the palace. He would only watch the night sky from the large windows of his bedroom.
But there's only one place he feels safe and satisfied. His safe haven.
Jimin scurried away and took flights of stairs before finally venturing through the large golden doors of the vicinity. Located at the very top of the palace, he could surely see everything that surrounds the kingdom. Even the stars, he can almost touch them.
The inside consists of a small library where he studies astronomy. A telescope his father gave him on his eighteenth birthday. A bed that he uses when he was too drenched in his workplace. It was covered with walls with two large windows. At a certain part, there was an open space where he would stare at the night sky filled with millions of star lights and feel the wind on his face.
Jimin sat on a chair and was welcomed by an open book on the table he had read the other night. He had finished the book several times now, he was just going back to retrieve information and try experiments of his own. Not experiments as 'experiments', but experiments as magic.
Yes. Magic.
Back before, through the presence of healers, he was educated about the presence of sorcery which leads him to cruise the concept of magic. Prohibited by his parents, Jimin strode through the library to look for books about magic and he even meets his apprentice at midnights to teach him about wizardry. He was just curious about it. That is why he learned a few tricks; he can read minds and move objects with the use of his mind or telekinetic that he secretly uses. These are the few things his people don't know about him.
Jimin shuffled the pages of the olden book, hoping.
Familiar words were drawn to almost every page, to communicate with the mind.
Magic.
Telepathy.
Jimin finally closed the book and directly stared through the wilderness. He had been executing this act for years now but continuously failed. He maneuvered through the book to find out where the flaws are but to any extent, he was doing it properly what the book states. He can't pinpoint where it is.
He remembers what his father always tells him, that whoever we communicate with the use of our minds had a special connection with it. Be it from somewhere else, are connected with one mind and one thought. That explains why he is so consistent about it. Jimin wanted to know if it is true. He wanted to discover and experience what that special connection is. Believing, there are other worlds that exist aside from his kingdom.
He cleared all of his thoughts and closed his eyes. Breathed in and out. It became silent and all he could hear is his own breathing. He could only see darkness at this point. He focused and started
"Hello."
He waited, still with eyes closed.
"Can anyone hear me?"
The muscles in his jaw contracted, he had been growing impatiently. Sure, no one will answer back. It's the same phenomenon that happens every time. He should give up. He should—
"Hello." He said once again.
Jimin waited for an eternity. But silence is all he could hear. No answer. No.
Nothing.
He finally opened his eyes and disappointedly moved his way at the patio, where the stars bursts in numbers. Jimin placed his arms on the rails and calmly enjoyed the view. What's the use? I can't even put my mind at ease. I've failed numerous times and I should give up. I'm tired. These were the thoughts that flocked his mind at the moment. He bored down and breathed deeply.
Is anybody there?
Suddenly, Jimin broke from silence. His eyes widen as he fixed his posture. The stars shrouded over.
H-hello.
The voice answered again, for the second time.
The voice sounded feminine. It was a she. A she.
Jimin blinked a couple of times, his heart pounding so fast.
Hello. He answered back, unbelievingly hearing replies.
There was a long pause. Jimin patiently waited. Finally hearing a voice answering his calls washed a relief over him.
I've been hearing voices lately. Am—am I dreaming? Definitely, I am. Right?
It is too much for him to handle. It is clear as crystal. The response... it purposefully worked. Finally. It worked. Jimin listened silently with a calm and steady expression.
No. He breathed. This is real.
He waited again.
Real? This is real? I'm not dreaming now, aren't I?
He tried to conjure his thoughts. He doesn't want to let the conversation disappear. Whoever she was, Jimin had no intention to scare her away.
No, you're not. This is real. All of this is real.
Jimin replied.
There was again a stretch of silence but he waited.
Oh gosh. You can still hear me, right? Why—why is your voice stuck in my head? Who are you?
The Prince almost smiled. The tone of her voice was filled with curiosity rather than fear. It was a lot to explain but she'll understand what it is. Jimin doesn't want to reveal his identity. She'll never know. She'll never want to know.
Yes. I can hear you clearly.
Who are you?
She insisted.
Jimin. I'm Jimin. He finally said and threw his decision away. And you, what is your name?
What? Why do I have to tell you who I am?
Jimin snickered. A small smile form on his lips.
I told you mine. My voice is in your mind, not in your ear. Neither of us will see—or meet each other. It's only the voice we can hear.
It took her a while before she answers.
Jeongyeon. My name is Jeongyeon.
Jimin didn't reply.
So... what is this, some sort mind-reading sorcery? She continued; the tone of her voice tells that she is indeed curious.
Sort of. Magic is the right word.
Magic? Jeongyeon repeated.
Yes.
I never believed in magic.
It struck Jimin in the core. She never believes in magic. In his world, magic surrounds everything. It moved because of the power of magic. His people believe in magic but some only use it and wields its power. Maybe, because it can cause chaos if not handed and practiced well. His people are afraid of it and at the same time, took advantage of it. Ironic.
You will now. Jimin said softly.
Maybe. Not now, but someday I will.
That brought a smile on his lips.
Where are you from? She asked.
Jimin was suddenly left in silence.
From afar. You do not want to know.
I'm sorry. Her voice lowers down. I don't know how it happened. Of all people, why me? Magic, that's what you said. Perhaps, you know the reason.
Special connection, Jimin thought. Whoever you are, we had a special connection. We are connected with our minds.
I am not well acquainted by it. But at the right time, we'll know the reason why. Still unclear, Jimin answered her question honestly.
I hope so.
Jimin breathed deeply, deciding to end the conversation now. He closed his eyes and concentrated.
Goodbye Jeongyeon. I'll be back.
There was a pause.
Goodbye. Is only what she said.
And silence. There were no words uttered after the conversation. Jimin opened his eyes and was welcomed by the sight of stars. He stood there, reminiscing the words she said. She isn't from here. She's from somewhere else, from another world where magic doesn't exist. Where magic is nowhere to be found. In the world of mortals, that is where she is.
Jimin gazed unto the stars.
He knew there is something that lies underneath these shrouds of stars. He'll find it soon, not now, but soon enough. Whatever it takes, he will know what it is. It might be where Jeongyeon is.
They have a special connection.
Whoever she is, he'll find her.
..•.•.♦♥♦.•.•..
There was no voice. It was silent. He didn't reply anything more but a goodbye. Jeongyeon gripped the mug of coffee she'd been holding the time she climbed up from the rooftop to get a glimpse of the night sky filled with stars. She can hear the sound of vehicles from below but she was too preoccupied to be distracted by it.
It was the voice of a man. She heard it clearly. And it wasn't a dream. It is real. Real.
Her heart thumped heavily in her chest. Jeongyeon closed her eyes and let the wind caress her face. It felt magical and at the same time, indifferent. But she felt secured. And what's absurd is she doesn't know why. She isn't scared. She isn't terrified. She doesn't know how to feel.
Jeongyeon opened her eyes.
The stars blinked endlessly above her.
How beautiful.
He will be back. He will be back.
She only has to wait.
..•.•.♦♥♦.•.•..
│My voice is not in your ears,│
│It's in your mind and your heart.│
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Take care! <3
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