Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the infinite universe, existed one hidden mysterious kingdom that had a special and important role for everyone. They kept the magic of the universe balanced in all worlds. In this secret kingdom, there was a grandiose palace and fifteen princes lived in it. They weren't blood brothers, they were individuals collected from many worlds.

In their original homes, they were lost, often pushed aside, and feared by their surroundings. It was for the sole reason that they had too much magic within them. They were a threat even for those worlds in which they understood and used magic. Another thing the brothers had in common was the loss of loved ones.

Little did people know that all that magic made them special, they were all candidates for the throne.

The princes lived in harmony and became fast friends. They were perhaps even closer than any blood brothers. Before they were brought to this kingdom they were either alone after the loss they experienced or were barely tolerated by those who took in the little kids. They became each other's family.

It was surprising that they got along so well considering they were competitors for the throne. They only experienced occasional silly arguments or misunderstandings.

One day they were summoned by their Magician to the crown hall with a huge throne. It was a day that each of the brothers dreaded. It meant that soon they would be thrown into the lion's den. They each needed to pass the trials for one of them to ascend the throne and rule. They knew it was coming yet neither one had any clue when and what the trials entailed. It was forbidden to search for the answers.

"Off, Pick, Khai, Maetee, Sean, Ten, Jane, Bright, Krathing, Thawin, Pat, Tankhun, Plu, Mote, and Pine, my dear princes, the day has come. Today, each of you will go on your own journey of destiny." Magician said.

All the brothers looked at each other. They were surprised that their trial included having to leave the palace or be separated. Neither also expected that it would all happen so suddenly and they would have no time to prepare. They stood shocked before the Magician and waited to hear what he would say next.

“You all have five simple trials.

First, Help an enemy.

Second, Help a friend.

Third, Save the smile.

Fourth, Show the bright future to the desperate.

And last but not least, Find your true love to help you rule over the magic of the universe.

All these tests will help you find and accept your destiny.” The Magician waited for the brothers to take in all the tasks before he continued.

“Each take one key and put your magic into it to activate it. The key will then lead you to a world where you will find what you need and where your trials await you. It is up to each of you how you will perceive the tasks, though it’s up to destiny and the key if it will be accepted. You will know that you have succeeded in the trials using the gems on the key. For each task, there is one gem that lights up for your eyes when the task is completed.

The key is your guide, it can unlock any door. When the key recognizes that nothing is waiting for you in the world you are currently in or you are needed elsewhere, it will heat. Then draw a door rune in the air and the door will appear that will lead you to the next stop on your journey. Except for the key and what you have on you right now, you can't take anything else." The Magician explained, leaving no time for the princes to ask questions. With a powerful wave, he drew magical runes and sent them to the princes. Doors appeared in front of them.

"I wish you good luck and a safe journey, my princes. Keep your eyes, heart, and soul open."

The princes nodded, each inserting a key into the lock to unlock the door. Immediately the brothers disappeared through the door. The Magician sighed loudly and went to see the sick king. He quietly entered the bedroom and sat on the bed.

"They left." The Magician said sadly in a melodious tone that only the king could hear.

"If you are so sad and worried why did you send them? They still have time." The King replied with a hoarse sick voice.

"You are not right, my king, time is running out for them. It might even be too late. They got too comfortable living as brothers. They are too content to have only us and each other. Many of them do not even realize the emptiness inside them. Then need to fill that space. They cannot sit on the throne until they are whole."

"If you say so... Don't worry, they will succeed and I know you will watch over their every step." The King reassured the Magician.

"I'll do my best."

Chapter Text

When Mote entered the world where he was supposed to face his trials and find his destiny it made him sick. It was all black and white, the lack of colors turned his stomach upside down. But when he thought about it, it was fitting. He was always the black sheep of any family he had ever been part of.

Mote didn't want to rule the universe of magic. He knew he wasn't built for it even though he and his brothers were destined for it. He loved his brothers who gave him love and a home. He would do anything for them so he was here, taking part in the selection process because all of them had to participate. It was a weird and questionable rule but no one could object or step down. No one even tried which might have been the most surprising since Mote felt his brothers hated being part of this throne competition, just like him. They didn’t like it yet accepted it without protest.

Mote sighed and looked around, not believing he would find what he was looking for in this gloomy world. Before he could even finish this thought, he was proven otherwise. Nearby he heard begging for mercy, which immediately turned into mocking. It didn't make sense and Mote moved closer to find out more.

A cute guy appeared before him, immediately making his frozen heart beat fast. Mote was in love and didn't even know why or how. The guy was about to kill someone who was kneeling on the ground. Mote recognized that the one kneeling was the one who begged for mercy but at the same time mocked his attacker. He could see into his soul and heart, both made Mote feel even worse. It was pitch black inside that man. His soul was rotting and poisoning those around him. He for sure deserved nothing but death for his sins.

But it shouldn’t happen like this. Mote had to stop it and save those tiny hands from staining and his destiny’s soul falling deeper. He used his magic to increase his speed and raised the tiny guy's hand holding the weapon up so it wouldn't aim at the kneeling monster. Mote could tell they were both sinners but the one on the ground was a disgusting monster.

"Don't stain your heart with killing. Don't let your pain and anger rule your actions. He doesn't deserve the easy way out. Let him suffer until the end of his days.” Mote said, the cute guy looked at him confused.

Then Mote made the gun disappear and approached the monster. He touched his forehead and said "Feel your sins," and the guy screamed, cried, and fainted.

"What did you do?"

"I gave him a conscience, from now till he dies from old age he will feel the pain he caused tripled. He can save himself from pain only if he atones for his sins, becomes a better person, and helps others.”

The guy stared at him surprised and fearful. Mote tried to search for his name in his heart but his destiny guy was hiding it. His heart was closed and unwilling to trust Mote. After a long time of silence, the guy came closer to Mote and asked softly: "Hold me please." And Mote did.

Mote never thought he was capable of giving someone gentle love but now he did. He appreciated every bit of this tortured body and covered it with tenderness and love. The guy cried the whole time.

"Thank you, my name is James."

"My name is Mote."

They exchanged names after their deed and Mote was glad James was slowly opening even if it was just tiny cracks. They didn’t talk more, Mote let James sleep on his chest while protecting him in his arms. He could tell James hadn't had too many peaceful nights where he could sleep carefree. He knew James was beaten and forced to sell his body countless times. He also knew that he got into this situation because he was rejected by his family for being different. James then took the hand of the wrong one who threw him on the path of suffering.

Before his eyelids closed, Mote remembered why he had come to this gloomy world. He didn't want to participate in the race for power to rule but fate had other plans. And just like that Mote helped a friend not to commit a murder and helped his enemy by saving his life and giving him a choice.

That should count and his key confirmed it, the three gems glowed. He even found a desperate person but saving his smile and giving him a bright future will be hard. James was too lost in sorrow and Mote knew he forgot how to smile a long time ago.

Chapter Text

Pat's senses were attacked the moment he entered his door and found himself in a world where his destiny and trials awaited him. His eyes were irradiated with a sharp light and his nose was filled with the scent of flowers. The smell of flowers was overwhelming and it made him dizzy. It was a mixture of all kinds of flowers.

As Pat's eyes and nose adjusted to the surroundings he looked around. Although it could not be recognized by the smell, one flower of many colors prevailed around him. Pat was surrounded by roses. Upon closer examination, he noticed a large castle overgrown with roses. He was in the castle garden.

It was a kingdom of some sort, a kingdom of roses if Pat guessed correctly. He took another deep breath of the air of this new world. Now that his senses had adjusted to the environment, he was able to concentrate better. Now he could hear the rustle of action not far away. Many people were running around the garden looking for someone. Pat used magic to heighten his senses to listen.

This kingdom of roses was full of shine but it was rotten deep inside. Pat could hear all the troubled hearts and souls, and the evil controlling hearts of the king, queen, and queen mother. The recent uproar was caused by the missing prince, who escaped the wrath of his family.

Pat felt sorry for the unfortunate prince, so even though he had no desire to sit on the throne and originally didn't plan to focus too much on his trials, he went to help. He and his brothers were destined for this, and fate gave Pat no choice but to face his trials.

Pat was attracted by a sweet scent emitting from a dark place in the garden planted with trees. It looked like a mini forest. Nevertheless, he went to the opposite side where he heard he was needed. The runaway prince of this kingdom was only a cover for his sister’s escape from this controlling family in search of happiness.

"Hello, you don't have to fear me. I'm here to help." Pat said to the couple hiding in the bushes.

"Who are you? You don't look like a part of this fake kingdom." Guy said, covering the princess with his body.

"You're right, I'm not from here. You have to hurry if you want your plan to succeed. The longer you stay, the more you put yourself in danger - unable to escape, and you will also put someone else in greater danger."

"You know, P'Non? Is he okay? What happened? Did they catch him? I knew it was a bad plan. It could never work. We are trapped forever in this suffering." The princess ran out of hiding and grabbed Pat. She was desperate and crying.

"What are your names?"

"Iris and Wech,” Iris said.

“Nice to meet you, Iris and Wech, think of me as your fairy godfather. I can see your suffering so let me grant you a wish, princess."

Wech squeezed Iris's hand. She looked at the ground troubled and said nothing.

"You can't choose? I never said the wish is limited. Don’t be afraid and tell me everything."

"I want to live with my love far away from here and without fear of my family finding us. After Granny Chor died, my brother and I were without protection. My sister Mintra, she has more freedom. She is the daughter of the late king and thanks to that she has a certain protection, but despite her efforts she could not help us, our mother is..." Iris couldn't finish her thoughts about her mother and her twisted treatment of her children. However, Pat could feel it, the Queen's control, mixed with entertainment and the need to vent anger on someone, turned into abuse.

“Continue, don’t be afraid.” Pat encouraged her.

“I wish my brother and I could smile again. I wanted Non to run away with us but he refused. He said he had to stay so we could live in peace."

"That's not all he said, is it?"

"He said his fate has another path," Iris answered and Pat's heart skipped a beat. Was it possible to love without knowing the person who was the object of his love? Pat even knew that the sweet smell of his favorite cake was coming from Non.

"So you want me to help you escape and protect you from your family?"

"Yes, but please, I beg you to watch over my brother."

Pat smiled and put his hands on their foreheads. He put a protective shield to hide them from the royal family. They could only be found if Iris and Wech wished.

"I promise to take care of Non and protect him for eternity."

Iris smiled sincerely at him in gratitude and touched her face as if she couldn't believe that she was smiling.

"Your princess has a beautiful smile, make sure to protect it," Pat said to Wech, and with these words, he bade farewell to the couple and sent them to the place of their intended destination, where they wanted to settle. It was far away in another kingdom of this world. It would take them weeks on horseback to reach the place.

Pat then set off to find the sweet scent. He carefully avoided all servants from the kingdom. He soon found himself among the trees and just in time to catch the falling Non under whom the dry branch broke. They both fell into the soft moss.

"Hello, Nonsee. Your sister sent me to aid you." Pat smiled at him to calm the frightened Non. Pat's heart danced with joy. Now there was no doubt that Pat loved Non with all his heart. Pat didn't care how it was possible, he was happy to have Non in his arms.

"Iris? Did you meet Iris? Is she safe? What about Wech?"

"Yes, I met them and helped them escape. They are safe now."

Non was visibly relieved and a smile spread across his face. Then he looked at Pat and his eyes widened.

"It's you. I know you. I met you in my dreams. You showed me magic and our happy future together. I thought I was delusional, that it was just the nonsense of my desperate soul. Was it true? Are you real?"

Non reached out his hand attempting to pinch Pat’s arm but halted his action in fear. Pat smiled and gently caressed his cheek. Pat was surprised Non knew all that stuff about him but not that much. Non was filled with magic and he could manifest it through dreams and glimpses of the future.

"Yes, Nonsee. I'm real and I'll give you the happy future you dreamed of."

Non smiled again and jumped around Pat's neck. Pat immediately wrapped his arms around Non and held him tightly - He was never letting go. Pat sneaked his hand into his pocket to check his key. He didn't believe it could be this easy, just like that four of his gems were shining. Now all that remained was to help the enemy.

Chapter Text

Pick was walking on the beach, the weather was beautiful, and the waves of the sea made a soothing noise. Pick was lost and had been wandering for a good half hour. He had no idea why he was sent here. He wasn’t a big fan of the beach, luckily Pick had the beach to himself, which was surprising in itself.

Pick saw several buildings of a luxury resort nearby and a couple of directional signs. The resort was called Royal Paradise. Pick smirked at the word Royal. Pick never got along with people only his brothers. He never aspired to become a ruler who would ensure the balance of magic. Pick only ever cared about animals and his brothers. Although all this was troublesome and Pick didn’t want to be here, this journey and trials were something he and his brothers were destined for. So he had no choice but to participate.

He hoped to get it over fast, the magic was supposed to take him where he needed to go and close. Pick couldn't tell if magic purposely sent him far or if it was because of the lack of magic in this world. He remembered the Magician's words. "If you ever feel lost trust your magic and it will guide you. The path may seem complicated and winding, but your balance magic has reasons for its actions." Therefore Pick was heading to the only place from which he could sense some magic. According to the directions the people from the resort had given on the signs, Pick was headed for the Royal Cave. The word royal started to piss him off.

As soon as he reached his destination he looked at the cliff. The entrance to the cave was up a hill, and a strong evil magic could be sensed from inside. Pick frowned, not that he couldn't handle it. However, this was more Thawin, Off, Pine, or Sean’s forte. They could deal with it much faster.

When he wanted to search for the source, his attention was distracted by the dog’s stressed whimpering and threatening barking. Pick was alerted right away and what his eyes found stopped his heart and made his words stuck in his throat for many reasons.

The little dog was stuck in the bushes near the entrance to the cave. The dog didn’t have a stable shelter, at any moment the poor animal could crash into the sea. Even if the dog survived the fall into the water, he certainly wouldn't survive the spiky rocks protruding from the sea below. That was not all that Pick saw, there was also a tiny beautiful guy who tried his best to help the dog, putting himself in grave danger.

Pick could tell the tiny guy climbed down the trail and he himself was stuck on a slippery rock. But he didn't care about his safety, he concentrated on the animal in distress. He stole Pick's heart and Pick, despite all his denial, knew that even if the guy hadn't tried to save the animal, he would still have fallen hopelessly in love. How was it possible? Pick never knew his heart was capable of beating so fast. He was filled with so much warmth that he almost missed when the dog, who didn't want to go closer to the cute guy out of fear, couldn't hold on to the thin branches of the bush any longer and fell. The guy who stole Pick's heart didn't hesitate and launched at the dog causing him to slip and fall to his death with the dog in his arms.

Pick used magic to stop the fall and levitate them both into his arms. The cute guy was even more gorgeous up close. He and the dog were both cold and fainted from the fright. Pick warmed them with his magic and couldn't stop looking at the guy's face.

"What happened?" Pick heard a deep voice behind him.

"Oh, did Rome fall? I told him to wait for me to get the rope. Did you catch them? How?" The man asked worried and confused.

Pick put down Rome, as the man called his love, and turned to the newcomer. He was an old man in shabby and dirty clothes. Pick saw deep into his soul and heart, he was a good man but in his eyes and face the fatigue, suffering, and despair could be seen.

Pick's hand slipped into his pocket to look at his key, the two gems were glowing. Pick helped a friend and found his love.

"Is Rome okay? Who are you or are you mute? Sorry, I didn’t know."

"I’m not mute, I apologize for not answering right away. Everything happened so quickly. I saw them about to fall I climbed from below and managed to somehow catch them before they hit the rocks. Rome and the dog are asleep probably from the shock but otherwise unharmed. My name is Pick.” Pick explained and was surprised the man didn’t question his dubious rescue mission.

"Hello, Pick... I...I no longer have a name, just like my dog. Thanks for saving my dog and Rome but we should hurry before the resort owner finds out. He hates me and Rome too for helping me stay. He wants to drive me away. I am a disgrace to his resort as he likes to say. Why am I telling you this? Anyhow, let’s leave." Man shook his head. Pick nodded and took Rome in his arms while the man took his dog.

With two tasks completed, all that remained was to help the desperate man with a smile and a future. And it seemed the resort owner would be the enemy.

When Pick carried Rome, the cutie clung to him as if he never wanted to let go. Pick didn't mind and just hoped it would be the same when Rome woke up.

"Are you the boyfriend Rome couldn't stop talking about yet he claimed he never met?" The man asked as they entered a small hut near the cave.

"I think I am." Pick smiled and the man looked at him even more confused.

Chapter Text

Thawin wasn’t at all surprised to find himself in a hellish realm that was inhabited only by lost beings - the lost souls, monsters, and people. One would assume that they were all sinners, and for the most part that would be true, but not all.

Thawin had the most magic of all his brothers, so when the door that was supposed to lead him to his destiny appeared, he knew it led here. He was probably the only one, even Off would be unable to sense his destination. Off, his dear reliable brother. He was the one who deserved the crown the most. He was bright and strong but just like him Off didn't want it. Actually, neither of his brothers did, but they were destined for it, so Thawin or Off had no choice but to sacrifice for their brothers and take responsibility for the balance of magic.

"You are a monster." Someone shouted in the distance and Thawin was awakened from his reverie. He wanted to slap himself to focus. This place was filled with evil magic, it was dangerous and he was glad none of his brothers were here.

Thawin focused on the screams of terror and transported his being to the source. His brothers often called him gloomy and no fun. It was rare for him to be surprised but now he was in shock. Thawin materialized on a field soaked in blood. In the middle of countless wounded, dying, dead, and rotting bodies stood with a wicked smile his destiny. Even though he was covered with his own blood and that of his opponents he was beautiful and Thawin was in love. Thawin tried to look inside of his soulmate to find out more, but it was difficult. Inside the gorgeous guy slumbered a terrifying monster that was guarding Thawin’s love’s name and soul. Thawin found the prison but the bars imprisoning his love were impenetrable to him. However, the lock was unlocked, which meant his soulmate allowed himself to be possessed willingly.

"You are all too greedy and don't deserve this crown. Tam said you would destroy the last remaining good in this hell." That was a monster speaking and the guy Thawin fell in love right away was named Tam.

"You don’t deserve the crown." One dying screamed.

Thawin looked around carefully, he was so distracted by Tam that he didn't notice that everyone around him was the worst of sinners and they were all drawn to the crown of thorns Tam held in his hand.

"This doomed crown belongs to no one and shouldn't exist," Tam spoke now, his voice was softer. He was in pain and desperate.

"Shall we destroy the crown then?" Thawin asked and slowly approached Tam.

Tam was startled and took a few steps back.

"We are not strong enough," Tam shook his head sadly. "I can't save them, even with him. I gave him everything but it was for nothing."

When he was near the crown, Thawin felt excruciating pain from it. Whoever would put it on would gain an incredible power that would disrupt the balance. He, his brothers, or even the Magician would have to intervene anyway, but with the distance, it would take too long and Tam most likely wouldn't survive, as well as the half of Hell.

The crown of thorns was draining the power from the desperate souls of purgatory, adding to their suffering. Tam wanted to help and free them, so he allowed himself to be possessed by a monster. At such a short distance, Thawin managed to pass all the monster’s guarding bars to see into Tam.

"Together we can do this," Thawin said with determination. Tam and the monster in him examined him. He knew they were trying to do what Thawin did and see what was inside his heart and soul.

"You both can trust me." Thawin reached out and after a moment Tam raised the hand in which he held the crown. Thawin noticed thorns of the crown were deeply buried in Tam's palm.

Thawin didn't hesitate and grabbed the crown, the thorns digging into his palm as well. Then together they focused their magic on destruction. The crown resisted for a long time, Thawin felt himself weakening, but Tam weakened even more. The crown began to steal power from Tam's soul. Thawin forcefully pulled Tam to his body with his free hand and ignited the crown with his mind to increase the effect. It was risky, he knew what would come next. Thawin needed to shield Tam with his body to survive the explosion.

In a moment Hell was lit up by a beam and a large crater appeared where Thawin and Tam stood. All the bodies of the sinners were whipped and there wasn't even a speck left of the crown. They were trying to catch their breath, kneeling on the ground. Thawin was still holding Tam. He was never so exhausted and that's why Tam/monster managed to break free from his grip and crawled away too weak to stand up.

"I won't leave him. He is mine. Tam told me you were coming but I'll never leave him." The demon spit at Thawin.

"But you want to let go. You want him to have a future. With you only death awaits Tam." Thawin stood up with great effort and wanted to help Tam to stand up too, but the demon slapped his hand.

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, I CAN'T LET GO, it's no longer possible."

Thawin finally understood - the monster had merged with Tam's soul and the only way out was death. Before Thawin could come up with a plan Tam/monster attacked him. They fought for a long time, with their fists and magic. Thawin tried his best not to kill Tam.

"Kill me, you coward." The demon screamed and charged with so much magic that Thawin had no choice but to fight back in equal measure. He conjured a fiery dagger and pierced Tam's heart. The fire penetrated Tam's body, it was poison and Thawin could only hope Tam would survive.

Tam collapsed into his arms. Thawin pressed his forehead against Tam's and placed his hand over his heart. He felt the monster in Tam was absorbing his poison. It seemed like an eternity to Thawin when his silent sobs were interrupted by the monster's voice.

"Thank you, take care of him."

"I will," Thawin answered and all the evil in Tam drained out of him. Thawin immediately inserted some of his magic into Tam to heal him. He wishes Pat, Ten, or Pick were here. They were the best healers.

Thawin was weak and could feel his strength draining from him. He was about to faint when he felt Tam's fingers on his face wiping his tears.

"You are real… did you finish your trials?" Thawin was again surprised but he shouldn't be. Tam had a lot of magic equal to some of his brothers, even without his demon.

With great effort, Thawin pulled a key from his pocket that had four gems shining on it.

"My name is Thawin and we should rest."

"I couldn't agree more." Tam smiled.

Chapter Text

Plu breathed air in the new world and had to rub his eyes. The palace in which he lived with his brothers was huge and magical. Its magical glow could be seen from a great distance. Now Plu was in some city in a rich district and in front of a magnificent mansion which, although smaller and looking completely different, weirdly resembled their palace.

The surrounding buildings were also full of shine and he could smell the richness, but the palace Plu stood out directly across was too much as if it was out of place. Whoever built it had an extravagant taste or wanted to show off. Plu didn't like that. He was born into a poor life and was always a bit conscious about it.

Plu sighed and looked around. Magic was barely felt in this world. He could sense no solid source anywhere nearby. The only place that smelled a bit of magic was inside the palace.

"Are you the new tutor?" Plu was interrupted by a maid who appeared at the gate. Plu didn't really want to go in but knew he had to.

"Tutor? Yeah sure why not." Plu seized the opportunity.

"You are late, young master Ashira and madam are waiting for you." The maid opened the gate and led him inside.

When they entered the palace, Plu was relieved that it was tastefully decorated, still too rich but not so much annoyingly. Plu didn't have time to focus on the mansion because he was thrown into the chaos.

"What happened?" The maid asked.

"Young master Ashira is missing again."

"Again? Seriously." The maid sighed, but in her voice, Plu recognized understanding for the young master's action.

"Wait here and try not to get in the way," The maid said and joined the chaotic search. She wasn't a bad person, Plu deduced she was just afraid of whoever ruled this chaos.

Plu didn't wait for anything and set off on his own search. It didn't take long to discover where his new student was hiding. It was strange that none of the servants had checked the attic. True, it was not the main part of the attic. Still, the small door was visible. The only hitch was that the door was locked, which was not a problem for Plu because he had a key that unlocked any door.

Plu reached to unlock the door. Small frightened eyes peered out at him from the darkness. It was too dark in the hidden attic for Plu to see well, the peeking eyes also couldn't see him much. He was afraid to take a good look, wanting to stay safe in his hiding place.

"I won't hurt you, I guess you are Ashira everyone is looking for," Plu said softly and eyes nodded.

Plu fell in love with those eyes. When he lost his family and loved ones in his childhood, he swore that he would never love anyone again. Only after a long effort did the King who brought him to his palace, his brothers, and the Magician creep into his heart. He closed his heart. If he could, he would not have participated in this unwanted fight for the throne, but he and his brothers were destined for it. Plu didn't want to think about it, the only thing that interested him was the eyes, watching him.

"Can I join you?"

"Okay, but Phi must hurry up."

When he climbed the small ladder Ashira had dropped down and closed the door behind him, they found themselves in even more darkness. Plu didn't say anything for a while and just watched the outline of the tiny body crouching in the other corner.

"Hello, Ashira my name is Plu. Nice to meet you." Plu broke the silence.

"Hi, nice to meet you too, call me Arty. Who are you?"

“Your new tutor it seems.”

"You're different from my usual tutors. What are you going to teach me?" Arty was interested.

"Hmm, that's a good question. How about anything you want? Btw, I'm also a good listener."

"Really? That's amazing I’m in dire need of one. I have so much to say." Arty put a small lamp between them to get light. Plu's heart nearly stopped when blue constellations lighted up the darkness and he saw Arty more clearly. He was beautiful.

"Is something wrong?" Plu asked when he saw Arty's surprised expression and no further words came.

"Why do I feel I know you, P’Plu?"

"I'm not sure but I have that feeling too. Wasn’t there something you wanted to tell me?"

Arty nodded and began to tell Plu his life story. His mother had long since forgotten to smile and her heart was sealed inside an impermeable chest for protection. Arty had two older brothers. Their family was dysfunctional. Plu could tell in Arty's words that they all loved each other but couldn't get along. His brothers moved away and rarely visited. This was a big blow to Arty's mother, who decided to lock Arty in this mansion and not let him out, not even in the garden, unsupervised. She was terrified to lose him.

Plu was surprised to feel no resentment from Arty, only sadness over his family's problems. Arty wasn't even hurt by the pain his family caused him. He was admirable.

"I'd love to help my mother find her smile and open her heart and my brothers to find a way to communicate but all my attempts were unsuccessful. It's like they listen but can't hear."

"Maybe I could help." Plu offered.

"That would be awesome but P'Plu we have so much to do. We have to create a bulletproof plan. My mother is a tough opponent."

“I have a secret weapon in my pocket.” Plu winked.

"Wow, does P'Plu know magic?"

"What if I said yes, would you take my hand?" Plu held out his hand.

"Then I would say I have been waiting for you, take your hand, and never let go."

“That sounds like the perfect start to our plan, Arty.”

They linked their hands and a warm bolt of love ran through their bodies.

Chapter Text

Pine cursed as he trudged through the dense forest. He couldn't understand why his door had sent him here. Pine, Khai, Bright, and sometimes Krathing but rarely, were the greatest adventurers. They often sneaked out from their realm to have some fun in other worlds. They excused it by saying it was for the good and balance of magic.

In a way, it was true because they always chose a world with some magic problem, which they took care of and enjoyed the fun and freedom while doing so. It must be said that all the balance problems were not pressing and could be solved from their home. King, Magician, Off, and Thawin were forgiving of their escapades, as they were always careful and did not interfere too much with the worlds they visited.

Pine breathed in the fresh forest air, he didn't know this world. As an experienced traveler, he knew each world had a slightly different scent. Magic was and wasn't strong in this world, Pine strangely couldn't identify it correctly. This place was special and beaming with mysterious magic but Pine couldn’t sense far. This forest was intertwined with natural magic and where it ended was an intense source of magic. That's where he was headed. Usually, he would teleport to that location, but he didn't want to risk anything with the little information he had.

"Are you lost?" A voice came out of nowhere and scared Pine so much that he was afraid his heart would jump out of his chest.

Pine questioned as he didn't feel anyone's presence. He belonged to that group of brothers who excelled in the fight against evil. However, when he saw who the voice belonged to he understood everything and his heart wanted to escape from his chest again, now for a different reason.

The gorgeous guy was kneeling by a big tree on a gentle hill. He was exhausted, pale, and sweating. He must have been kneeling here for many hours. Pine didn't feel his presence because he was focused on evil but this guy was full of good, even though his magic was powerful and dangerous.

"Are you just going to keep studying my insides or are you going to say who you are and what you're looking for? You're not from here." The beauty said while watching him keenly. Pine had to smirk.

"My name is Pine and you're right I'm from far away. I don't belong in this world nor did I want to come here but that changed with one look at you, Run."

"How do you know my name?" Run said surprised.

"Like you said I looked inside you... just like you study my mind. What do you see inside of me, Run?"

"Many answers yet even more questions."

Pine smiled and teleported next to Run. He forced him to sit down, lean against a tree, and rest.

"My punishment is not over. I still have an hour left."

"You're too nice. You are a prisoner of your oath of allegiance to your Master. What allegiance punishes the truth?"

"Isn't that naive? Punishment for the truth is common and frequent by those who want to repress it. I'm sure it's the same in other worlds you've visited."

"You're strong if you can tell that."

"You entered my core, Pine. I can't do that, instead, I entered your mind. I can't read much just bits and pieces, the mind is a complicated organ."

"You can’t read clearly my thoughts yet you could easily take control of my mind. Should I be afraid?"

“Even if you probably let me do it, I can't control you. You’re too powerful.”

“But you can handle those who tarnish this world of knowledge.”

Run paused and looked at him. They read each other as if their lives were books. Pine already knew where the magical door sent him to do his trials. The trials he hated from the first moment he learned about them in the past. But he and his brothers were destined for it, and that was hard to fight.

It was a world where knowledge was stored, full of schools and libraries. Lately, it has been on their radar, but so far, it has not reached such a critical point of imbalance that they would have to intervene. He and Krathing wanted to sneak in to look around for some time but didn’t find an opportunity to do so.

"I don't want to do it like that. I don’t want to take over someone’s mind and force them to do my bidding. I don't want to lose my soul."

"That's a wonderful mindset. You deserve your magic even if you think you don't. The power and knowledge is in the right hands. But how long will you ignore and excuse Master Amin? Unlike you, he is using others. Once upon a time, he took his own pledge of allegiance to his beliefs."

"He gave up on truth and freedom. I'm his forever student until he molds me into a perfect example of a programmed mind and a robot without feelings. He wants human brains to be incapable of betrayal and only store knowledge." Run said sadly, a tear falling down his face.

"He is the one who betrayed himself and his own truth to twist everything to control others. You have to fight, Run." Pine cupped his face and urged.

Run pressed his forehead against Pine's.

"I knew you would come one day. I was waiting for you but you're too late, Pine. Master Amin took someone from me and stole my sister's smile. I don't know how to find both. I tried everything." Run now burst into tears and took down all his protection walls. Pine knew a lot about walls. It took many years for his brothers to crack all of his protection walls. Still, none of them managed to destroy the last one in his heart. Only Run has managed to do it now. Pine loved him so much and he only knew him for a few minutes. Nothing made sense.

"I'm here now and I'll help you... How did you know about me?"

"I dreamed about you. I know you came for me. I know we are soulmates. I also know you have to do something here, I’m unsure of what though."

"Do you know what will happen if I succeed?" Pine asked cautiously. Run loved his world even though it was poisoned. Pine was afraid Run wouldn't want to leave with him.

"Even if it hurts, I'm ready to take your hand. I can't explain it. Now that I know you, I can't live without you. We would never be complete without each other."

"You're right, Run, we are one." Pine was relieved and couldn't hold back any longer. He kissed Run deeply.

"Let's find your friend, save your sister's smile and Master Amin's heart but before that rest. You need strength." Pine said softly into the kiss, guiding Run's head to rest on his shoulder.

Chapter Text

Off could sense a few of his brothers in the same world as soon as his feet touched the ground. They were in the same world but nowhere close. It wasn't surprising. Off found himself in one of the largest and most populous worlds. It was modern and the most familiar to him and his brothers.

Many times, they watched movies, theater performances, shows, and concerts from their realm. It was a world full of culture but also greed, which almost destroyed it a couple of times. Sadly, this greed and hatred continued to pollute the peace and balance of this world.

Khai, Pine, and Bright often sneaked here for visits. Their visits did not disturb the balance of magic in any way. Only a few people in this world were sensitive to magic. They used it differently than active spellcasting with runes, enhancing senses, or using elements, more like an extension of their talents.

Off was convinced that many of his brothers had come from here, maybe even him, but they didn't remember that. They knew most of their painful and sad past. However, which world was their original they forgot once they crossed the border of their new home.

Off tried to stay away from people until he got used to his surroundings and focused on where his inner magic would lead him. He didn't try to identify which of his brothers was here. If he did they could sense him and Off didn't want that. They tended to rely on him too much. Even Thawin would come running to Off. However, in his case, Thawin would help him and forget about his trials. Although he was sure Thawin wasn't here.

Off didn't want to test his resolve either. He could not scold his brothers for their dependence on him. It was his fault. Off was overprotective of his brothers and tried to help them too much. It was not possible now, everyone needed to manage their trials on their own. They were destined for it and had to face the trials and everything related to it, as well as what would come after it.

All brothers dreaded the coronation, they loved their happy life in their little kingdom. They could watch in special mirrors all the other worlds and together they controlled the balance of the magic. They were sending their magic through the mirror to fix the cracks or heal the wounds.

All his brothers thought he would be the one to ascend the throne. They joked many times that they would attend his coronation with a content heart and support him. Off didn't want that. He wanted his brothers by his side not any lower.

It had always been between him and Thawin, they had the most magic within them and could control it almost perfectly. Thawin had much more magic than Off. But Thawin had this gloom over him and a pessimistic view. They talked about this in the past and decided one of them would sacrifice for their brother to become a king and the other would be the adviser, the new Magician.

His brothers thought they had everything. Off was perhaps the only one of his brothers who realized they were missing something. He and his brothers had a hole in their hearts. The hole they were supposed to fill through these trials. Off had no idea how all of this was related to the choice of who would be the main hero of the coronation because he did not doubt in his heart all of them would succeed.

"Phi, please help me." Some guy with a familiar voice ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and dragged him into a side alley. Off didn't have time to say anything or look at who pulled him before he felt the guy's lips on his. Off felt an unfamiliar feeling of happiness. He didn't understand it. All he knew was that he didn't want his lips to ever be alone. He wanted this body in his arms to stay there for the rest of his life.

Off didn't know what came over him. He pulled the unknown body closer and deepened the kiss. The guy didn't fight back, instead, he returned the favor and their tongues danced a passionate tango. Off couldn't get enough. It was perfect. He was in love and didn't even know the face or name of the person in his arms.

"Thank you." The guy breathed into Off's mouth as he broke the kiss to let them breathe. "Wow, that was one hell of a kiss. We both enjoyed it but I have to ask you not to tell anyone." The guy pulled back a bit and Off could finally look at him and be surprised.

"Gun?" Off couldn't believe it. The most amazing and the most beautiful being was in his arms. Off was what this world called a fan. Gun was an outstanding actor in this world. Off has seen everything he's ever filmed. Gun was one of those who had magic in him and used it to spread joy. But now he could see in Gun's eyes that something was wrong.

"Oh, so you know me. Can I count on your discretion? Your name?"

"Off, my name is Off, and of course. Sorry, I can't think properly somehow."

"Haha, I must have startled you, I'm sorry for the assault. I was separated from my manager and bodyguard. We were leaving the event venue and were surrounded by many fans. I don't even have my phone with me." Gun smiled at him and Off's heart ached. Now he understood everything.

Gun was his soulmate and one of Off's trials. He lost his true smile from his heart. The smiles he gave were to reassure and satisfy others. His heart felt no joy. Gun was consumed by the constant hatred and judgment. Off was filled with sadness and anger. He wished he could kidnap Gun and hide him from all those eyes that haunted him day and night.

"Is something wrong, P’Off?" Gun sounded worried. Off cursed himself he caused Gun to feel like that.

Nearby, they heard the voices of fans calling for Gun. His soulmate was startled and clung to Off.

“Do you trust me, Gun? No matter what I do now and how unbelievable it will seem to you. Do you trust me?"

"I do. It's weird, isn't it? I was so scared. I love my fans but there were so many of them and they kept following me. I had to run away and hide. I didn't know where I was running but it drew me to you. I knew you'd help and protect me. So even though I can't explain it, I trust you, P’Off."

"Then take my hand."

It sounded ridiculous because Gun was still in Off's arms. Instead of taking his hand, Gun hung onto his neck. Off squeezed Gun tightly and teleported with him to the safety of a nearby park where Off sensed barely any people.

Chapter Text

Khai was in his favorite world. He always had a lot of fun here, hitting the bars with Bright. Pine was mostly with them, but he soon got bored and often disappeared somewhere, observing the surroundings or secretly helping around. He was a threatening lion on the outside but a big softie inside. Khai suspected that he, Bright, and Krathing, who sometimes joined them, got away with their escapades only thanks to Pine and his good deeds. Khai never really cared what he was doing. Bright once asked him and Pine just replied, I sowed the seeds so this world would not forget magic. He usually talked about it with Jane and Plu so it might have had something to do with spreading the knowledge.

Although Khai was an adventurer and traveled the worlds, he loved his brothers above all. He didn't want to take part in these stupid trials and he didn't want to be a king chained to the throne. He wanted freedom, but he and his brothers were destined for it, which bound him.

Khai sighed loudly. He already missed his brothers and didn't want to face his trials alone. He was always a group kind of guy. He decided to enjoy his time in his favorite world and forget trials for a minute.

Since he was in the middle of a film festival, he thought he might as well look at some short indie movies. He scanned the titles, and only one interested him. Along the way, he had a strange feeling in his stomach and heart, and the closer he got to his destination, the more he felt that he was going in the right direction.

Khai settled in and, judging by the enthusiastic audience, expected to see a masterpiece. Sadly, that wasn't the case. Khai watched not so good movie. The problem was he couldn't identify why. The story was amazing, it was well-written. The cinematography, camera work, and editing were on point but the actors and actresses were awkward. The background music didn't go well with the story either. Overall it missed a spark. It was a modern-day fairytale and that muscular Prince didn't suit the role. Khai would do a much better job as a prince. He was a prince after all.

Although it was only slightly above average, the projection hall was bursting at the seams. According to the voices around him, it was due to the popularity of the creators, but Khai deduced that it was mostly related to the main character, who had a lot of fans. Khai didn't get it, the actor wasn’t particularly attractive and for some reason rubbed Khai the wrong way.

Khai had a good look at him in the front row. He had an annoying smug smile like he was proud of his bad acting. He was accompanied by a gloomy guy and a nervous guy. One seat was empty and Khai was curious about it for some mysterious reason.

Khai was about to leave and not wait for the final talk of the crew, but something kept him seated. The last to enter the podium was a tiny gorgeous guy who stole his heart. His name was Third and he was a screenwriter. Khai was always a little arrogant and enjoyed his prince status. However, seeing this tiny beautiful creature he realized he was no prince but a knight who needed to protect his prince.

Khai couldn't wait for everything to be over and he could go find his love. He avoided the crowd trying to get to the irritating main actor and went straight to Third.

"Hello, Third. Honestly, your movie had some issues, mainly the wrong actors, but the story you wrote was wonderful and full of depth. My name is Khai," Khai spoke to the surprised Third, who just stared at him. He decided to risk it and be completely honest. Khai handed him the flowers he had conjured.

"Wow, those flowers are beautiful, I've never seen this kind. What's their name?" Third asked, still a bit shocked.

“That's a secret for now, I brought them especially for you from far away.” It was true, Khai had conjured flowers that only grew in their palace garden.

Third sniffed them and looked at the flowers for a while. Then he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and giggled. Khai couldn't read minds. Like his brothers, he could only look inside people’s souls and hearts. Whatever the people had inside, their past, present, and sometimes future were revealed to the brothers. It was part of the balance magic. But the thoughts were hidden, only a few people could see into people's minds. However, Khai sensed that Third was having a conversation with himself in his head and decided on something. He also seemed more relaxed.

"So you finally see me?" Third asked.

"We met before? I must have been blind." Khai was confused but approached Third.

"We never met directly. I don't know how to say it. We met here and there. I knew you belonged to me and I to you but for some reason, I couldn’t approach you. I saw you but our eyes never met and you always seemed like in a fog. The most clearly I saw you was..." Third hesitated.

"Where? You can tell me anything."

"In my dreams." Third looked into his eyes and Khai wrapped an arm around his slim waist and pulled him close. He put his hand on his face and caressed his lips. The sexual tension was fiery.

"I understand now. Fate is a big meanie. It seems I wasn't allowed to meet you until now."

Third blushed but pressed even closer. Khai was in love and couldn't hold back. He kissed Third. The kiss turned heated soon and Khai wanted to tear off their clothes and devoured Third’s body that belonged to him. If Third's friend hadn't interrupted them, Third would have been eaten.

"Third, did you figure out what we are going to do tomorrow? The teacher from the orphanage called. She was concerned we don't have a plan. Oh, wow, who is this?"

“Third's boyfriend, you must be…” Khai said. "Two, he is my best friend." Third added.

"Seriously? So you didn't lie? You really have a boyfriend. We thought you were just saying that to turn down the confessions." Two was shocked.

"No, I'm real, I just couldn't be by Third's side for some reason. Thank you for taking care of him I know it was hard for him to be without me. But from now on I won't leave his side," Khai said intertwining their fingers and Third blushed even more.

"What did you say about the orphanage?" Khai asked.

"It's an event at the orphanage where I grew up. The director recently died and the children are very sad about it. We wanted to cheer them up somehow, but then we had problems with our movie and I didn't have time to prepare anything." Third explained.

"What about a puppet show? We can do something light and funny. I'm sure kids will love that." Khai suggested.

"We?" Third asked.

"Yes, I said I won't leave you, ever. Let me help." Khai said and Third nodded.

Khai suspected that it was one of his trials. It was so obvious that it gave him goosebumps. He also identified his enemy, whom he must help, as well as a desperate soul who he was supposed to show a bright future. Un, the annoying actor was in love with Two but behaved like the biggest idiot. Then there was Bone who was depressed because of lost love.

Chapter Text

Jane was in the world where Pine and three little troublemaker brothers often disappeared to. This world had and didn't have magic. Magic was here, but it was rare and also slowly dying because people didn't believe in magic here. Pine tried to change this a bit, talking about magic to the right people and keeping awareness of magic. They had talked about it many times but still had no concrete plan to restore magic in this world. The problem was that they couldn't interfere too much, they couldn’t disturb the balance.

"Phi catch meeeee." Someone shouted, snapping Jane out of his thoughts.

Jane didn't have time to take a good look around where exactly he was in this world when he was forced to turn to follow the voice. The scene before him startled him. He saw the cute tiny guy slip, the papers dramatically flew out of his hand, and his body fell irreversibly towards the stairs.

Jane ran to catch him. When he held that fragile body in his hands, he knew he never wanted to let go. He was in love. It was strange though. Jane was always timid about his feelings and had a hard time talking about them. He always considered too many options and was cautious. Now he knew that he would do anything for this cute person.

"Thank you, Phi. Who are you and what are you doing here? My name is Ryan." The happy pill introduced himself with a big smile.

"My name is Jane and I'm only helping out a bit. I just arrived." Ryan looked at him thoughtfully for a while and tilted his head.

"Nice to meet you, P'Jane. I'm only helping out too. I don't really belong here or anywhere. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life. I’m a forever intern," Ryan explained.

"Hmm, take your time, life decisions shouldn’t be taken lightly and who knows maybe it will unexpectedly hit you in the nose." Jane smiled at him.

“Or I'll fall into my destiny’s arms,” Ryan whispered mysteriously. Jane heard him but pretended not to. It was confusing, plus, he didn’t know how to respond.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing... have they told you what to do yet? If not, join the search for the scepter for filming. Someone put the prop somewhere and we can't find it."

"I'm on it," Jane said and finally looked around carefully.

He was in some filming studio. Jane scanned the action around him and soon understood they were filming some advertisement set in the castle. Jane noticed the magnificent throne and his heart ached. It reminded him why he was here. He didn't want to rule but they were destined for it so he had no choice but to accept it. Thoughts also turned to his beloved brothers. Jane hoped that his brothers would be as lucky as him and that the loves of their lives would fall into their arms. Jane took one last look at Ryan's back, his love was busy running around, before heading off to find the scepter.

It wasn't exactly a search, Jane used his magic to quickly determine where the lost scepter was. He also immediately knew why no one could find the scepter. It was a cursed object. It wasn't a dangerous or malicious curse, but since people in this world weren't used to magic, it was troublesome for them. The scepter was hiding from them.

Jane picked up the scepter and removed the curse easily. He questioned what the scepter was made of, it was heavy. If Jane didn't help himself with magic it would be difficult to lift it.

"Wow, P'Jane is amazing. You found our troublesome prop." Ryan exaggerated and touched Jane's biceps.

"Where do I take it?" Jane smiled fondly at Ryan and he blushed. They looked into each other's eyes, and if the eccentric director hadn't interrupted them, they probably would have stared into each other's eyes for a long time.

As instructed, Jane brought the scepter to the throne and stood aside. Jane wanted the shooting to be over soon so he could focus on Ryan. His trials didn't really interest him now, not that it would be any different at other times.

However, another filming snag soon arose. Their main actor got sick and had to be rushed to the hospital. Jane considered whether to heal him, but healing magic was tricky and should be done only by those who had the aptitude for it.

Jane was waiting to see what would happen. The whole crew was falling into despair when Ryan exclaimed.

"P'Jane!"

"What are you saying, Ryan?" Baimon, the director asked.

"P'Jane can do it. He will be perfect for it. He will be the handsome king," Ryan exclaimed and everyone looked at each other confused. No one knew who Jane was. Ryan ran over to him and grabbed his hands pleadingly.

"Please, P'Jane. Can you help us even more? You were the only one who could lift that scepter easily. Please, please, please," Ryan pleaded.

"Okay," Jane agreed, he was unable to refuse Ryan anything.

Once Jane was dressed in royal clothes everything went smoothly and soon they were done with the shooting. However, Jane was immersed in heavy thoughts. All the time he sat on the throne, he was increasingly plagued by responsibility and guilt. He needed to focus on his trials but didn't know how.

"Thank you so much Phi, I don't know what we would do without you." Ryan broke him out of his thoughts and offered him a drink.

"You're welcome, I was happy to help," Jane said a little sad.

"In return, tell me what I can help you with," Ryan asked eagerly.

"What makes you think I need help?"

"I don't know, just a feeling I guess. Tell me P'Jane I'm sure we can figure it out."

Jane stared at Ryan's beautiful face. He doubted it even though thanks to Ryan he had completed one task maybe two but Jane was a little lost.

"I don't know if it's possible to help me. I'm a little lost in the meaning of what I need to do. For example, I have to save someone's smile." Jane sighed.

"But Phi, you already done that?"

"What?"

"Look around, thanks to you the whole crew can go home early. Don't you see the smiles?" Ryan pointed at the people around.

He was right, all the people were smiling and looking at him with gratitude in their eyes. Jane looked at his key the three gems glowed.

"What else is there? What can Ryan help you with.”

"I need to help an enemy."

"Hmmm, that's interesting... Okay, let's find you some enemy." Ryan decided and took Jane's hand.

Jane should question why Ryan didn't ask about the weirdness of his tasks. Instead, he let Ryan hold his hand and lead him out into the world.

Chapter Text

Ten was so hungry it made him sick. He and Maetee were the unlucky ones who finished the patrol with mirrors and were just about to eat lunch when the Magician summoned them. They usually didn’t have to guard the mirrors. They regularly checked what was happening in other worlds several times a day and if there was an emergency the mirrors let them know. However, recently a couple of worlds were on the verge of breaking stability and had to be under constant surveillance. Especially hell realm was giving Off and Thawin worries.

If it hadn't been for his and Pat's intervention, the two reliable brothers would have been constantly in front of the mirrors. Off and Thawin were the best candidates for the throne. Ten never saw himself as a ruler. He was a healer but he and his brothers were destined for this path and it was unheard of to deviate from it.

He cursed himself that it was his idea to make shifts, and even more so that he was the one who planned the last shift. What added to his suffering was that Ten even skipped breakfast because he overslept. He studied a new magic rune for healing and forgot about time and exhaustion.

Now he paid dearly for it. He felt dizzy and couldn't focus on the world he was sent to or his trials. He felt weak magic all around him but it was weirdly mixed. It seemed magic users didn't know how to properly use their magic.

"Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?" A sweet voice spoke but Ten couldn’t answer. He reached his breaking point and was about to faint.

"What should I do? I have to call an ambulance." The sweet voice panicked.

Ten didn't know who it was but they smelled delicious and it made Ten's stomach growl embarrassingly loud. Then all he could see was black.

Ten recovered with the help of an intense delicious smell. He jerked up and his eyes lit up when he saw the bowl of soup. He didn't hesitate and devoured the meal. He felt the magic in the food. It was filling his veins with warmth and strength. When he finished his meal, he picked up the bowl and looked around for the first time. He was in a small cozy restaurant.

"Can I have a second serving?"

"Of course, it's a joy seeing you eat my food," The sweet voice said and Ten almost dropped the bowl. He wasn't struck by lightning but it sure felt like it. He was struck by love. Before him stood the most beautiful creature.

"Hello my name is Ten and thanks for saving me," Ten thanked and had no idea how he was able to speak.

"Nice to meet you, Ten. I'm Prem and you’re welcome."

Prem filled his bowl and left because an old woman peeked into the empty restaurant. She was Prem's grandmother. Fed Ten was now more sane and realized that the grandmother was seriously ill and Prem, although he was smiling slightly, his smile was full of sadness.

Even if Ten didn't want to, he couldn’t prevent his ears from hearing part of the heated conversation. He deduced that the family was in some trouble and they were hiding from someone. Prem was named as the rightful heir by his grandmother several times.

"You can't hide forever and avoid being heir, Prem. You'll have to face it soon. I won't be here forever."

"I can and I will and stop talking like you're dead, Granny. It hurts." Prem stormed away and Ten followed.

"Sorry, you heard us."

"I should apologize for eavesdropping. Can I help you? You saved me so I owe you.”

"No, don't exaggerate. I just fed you.”

"It was more important than you think. Let me help, Besides I would help regardless. It might sound weird, fast, and unbelievable but I love you.” Ten said and blushed. Prem looked at him and wasn't spooked or weirded out.

"I know. I love you too. I do not understand it. It's not possible after all. I met you just a few hours ago but it’s like…” Prem paused.

"It's like we've known each other our whole lives." Ten walked up to him and grabbed his hand.

"Is this what people call soulmate?" Prem asked.

"Maybe but it's more than that, our bond is much stronger. I'm not from here, I mean from this world. Me and you we are not normal people.”

"You mean magic? People tell stories and legends about magic and other worlds. This world was full of magic but people forgot or misused it. I don’t know if I have any magic but when I cook it’s like something from me enters the food as a special ingredient.”

"You're right, people in this world have magic but they don't know how to use it to its full potential. Magic is part of the inner self and most people only use it to enhance the abilities they already have. Sadly, most don't know how and that's why the magic is fading."

"So we are doomed?"

“No, there is another world where magic has almost died out. Here are still the majority of people who are aware of the magic even if they don’t use it. So let me help you, Prem, it will help me too."

“You mean your trials?”

"How do you know?"

"I don't know, something shouted that word inside of me just now. Your presence unlocked something and talking to you is making everything clearer. I knew you were coming, I dreamed about you, but I'm also a little overwhelmed."

“Take your time, Prem.” Ten tightly hugged Prem, who clung to him.

Later that day, when they were watching the river on a bench behind the restaurant, Prem talked.

"My family has always been involved in cooking. My father founded a chain of restaurants. My Mom worked for him and they fell in love. Dad always said that food needs to put a smile on people's faces and fill them with joy and strength. But he and Mom died in an accident. I'm heir to all their legacy but I was too little to take over when they died. My uncle Changma took over instead. He can cook but it's not the same and he focuses only on profit. Thanks to his management, my parent's legacy is falling. He wants me to cook for him. He knows I have the same talent as my father, but he doesn't want to give up his focus only on profit. I’m too afraid to take over and…”

"You don't want to be an heir. You want to travel around the world and feed people." Ten finished for him.

"Is it bad of me to let my parents' dream be destroyed like this? Am I selfish?"

"No, everyone has the right to have their own dream."

"I'm so confused about everything. I don't even how Uncle can't find us."

"It’s because of your Granny. Her prayers turned into a shield through her magic. Your Uncle won't find you and your sister unless you want him to. He wouldn’t recognize you even if you stood right in front of him."

"I don't know what to do. I can't see any bright future." Prem sighed.

"I can, let me show you, but we need a plan.”

Chapter Text

Sean and Tankhun stared at each other in shock. It wasn’t so surprising they were in the same world, but the fact that the door transported them to the same exact place was. However, they were delighted. They both loved all their brothers. Sean was glad he had someone close who could help tame his temper. He will need it in this world.

This world worried all the brothers, mainly because they were powerless to help this world. This troubled world had a lot of magic, and almost all people had a bit of magic in them. However, with a few exceptions, they didn't use magic as actively as Sean and his brothers did. They did not draw runes to cast spells or use nature.

Magic allowed the people of this world to be resilient and healthy. There were almost no diseases. They also had sharp senses, and some had powers like telekinesis, premonitions, and super strength. But no ability was too strong and no one used it too much. They had strict laws and knew that magic misuse or overuse would have consequences.

They didn't know exactly what it was and what it meant, unlike Sean and Tankhun who knew. They were the consequences for this world. The Magician once explained that the king had to intervene many ages ago and the people here were so scared that they etched it into people's memories and the foundations of this world. They hated it when someone interfered with their things.

For a long time there was no problem until the moment when, decades ago, one person came who poisoned people's minds and with the help of the power of words and politics was able to divide this once harmonious world. They couldn't intervene because the one who caused everything was careful and made sure the magic wasn’t disturbed.

Thanks to his words, this world was divided into classes – the richest to the poorest and each had its own Regent as ruler.

"Where does your heart and soul draw you?" Tankhun asked Sean.

Sean looked around and thought for a moment before answering. He didn't have to, right from the start it only pulled him in one direction. But Sean vowed to approach his trials responsibly and silence his inner chaos. He hated these trials and what awaited them at the end. He didn’t want to rule over anyone and feared this journey would separate the brothers. Sadly, he couldn't protest, they were destined for it and Sean just had to suck it up.

"There," Sean pointed. "What about you?"

"Exactly in the opposite direction," Tankhun smiled sadly.

Sean could see in his brother's eyes that he too hoped for a moment they could face their trials together.

"Good luck, Sean. If anything just call." Tankhun said and hugged his brother.

"Same and good luck to you too, Tankhun. And Phi... don't hold back." Sean advised his brother. That was one thing his perfect brother lacked. He gave in to his brothers too much.

When they parted and both went to meet their destiny Sean realized one more surprising thing. They knew this world so they knew which class they were both headed for. If someone had told them that this world was their destination, they would have guessed that their places would switch and it would be Tankhun who would go to the highest class and Sean to the lowest one, which was packed with resistance ready to fight.

Sean walked for a long time, sometimes jumping in the space to get closer to his destination. Finally, he reached a big rich house. He was about to explore the house when an unknown voice called out to him.

"Hey, you, it's this way. Where the hell are you going."

Sean turned to see a group of men heading inside. He decided to go with the flow and follow them. Sean confirmed he was in the right place the moment they entered and heard the argument coming from a nearby room.

"Dad, I don't need a bodyguard." Said a velvety voice that filled Sean's heart with love and peace.

"You do, resistance from that vile and filthy class is becoming more and more troublesome. Haven't you heard how much problems they've caused?"

"Problems? Do you mean how they robbed supply storage that was unjustly withheld and distributed food, clothing, everything necessary to those in need, for whom it was also intended?"

"Don't be ridiculous, nobody was withholding anything. It just had to be thoroughly investigated that those...those people from the lower classes really need our help."

"You are ridiculous. Should they starve to death so you would recognize their need?"

"It's their problem that they live in the lower classes."

"No, It’s not and you know it well. Stop pretending. Plus, Black, your son lives there."

"He made his choice and is no longer my son." Sean noticed a lie in those words, sadly for White, it was a very convincing lie, as if the father wanted to convince even himself about it.

"Stop."

"No, you stop. You should be grateful for the privilege you have and for everything I give you. I even let you choose your personal bodyguard. They all passed my evaluation."

"That's what I'm afraid of." His son's voice whispered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing."

"Sir, can we interrupt?" The man who had brought Sean and a group of potential bodyguards in spoke.

Sean's heart almost jumped out of his chest when he finally saw the love of his life. White was his destiny. Sean knew it and White knew it too because the moment Sean entered the room, White, who didn't even want to look at the group of people, backed a few steps and had to hold the nearby table. His surprised eyes immediately found Sean.

He expected it. White had a lot of magic and Sean knew he could use some powers. He couldn't tell which one though. Sean smiled at him to reassure him and White was visibly relieved and regained his composure.

"If I have no choice but to accept a bodyguard, I want someone close to me in age," White said pointing at Sean.

"Alright then. You are?" White's father asked. Sean nimbly approached to shake his hand and charmed his mind so he would think he was one of those he revalued.

"My name is Sean, Mr. Secretary."

"Good, take care of my son. If anything happens to him you will die."

Sean nodded and White's father turned back to his son.

"Don't forget that tomorrow is important, we will have dinner with the Regent. I warn you, White, be careful what you say."

White didn't answer, just stared back at his father, who gave up after a while and left. Sean and White were left alone.

"Um... Let's go to my room so we can talk freely."

White took his hand and led him up the stairs. Sean blushed at the physical contact and couldn't stop staring at their joined hands.

"You are real. I can't believe it. My mind is flooded with thoughts and realizations. It's like something in me is unlocked. What does that mean?" White cried out.

"Don't panic, everything will be fine. I don't really understand it either. I'm not from this world but I'm glad to be here. It always hurt me when I watched your world and couldn't help in any way." Sean approached White and cupped his face.

"What are we?"

"If it can be compared to something, then soulmate. You can feel the love inside us, right? But if you don't want to accept it, that's alright too."

"No, I want it... it just..."

"We have too much to do." Sean finished and hugged White to reassure him again.

"Tell me everything," Sean asked.

"Tomorrow's dinner is important I need to learn some information I have to pass to my brother but... we have a problem. Our messenger, Yok, is missing. He got betrayed by his lover who spied for our class Regent."

"So you are part of the resistance and want to take down your Regent?"

"Not just ours. We have to take down all the regents and people around them. They are the ones that keep the classes divided. The regents of each class are not in opposition as they let people believe. They have a deal and abuse their position. Without them, people could try to find harmony."

"Okay, about connection to your brother. I have a way. I have a brother too." Sean smirked, he had a suspicion about who was Tankhun's destiny. "We should find Yok and make sure he is safe but first." Without saying a word, Sean pulled White close by his waist. They were close and stared into each other's eyes. Sean's eyes kept glancing at White's lips. White nodded and Sean kissed him.

Chapter Text

Tankhun was sad to let his brother go his own way. Sean surely thought Tankhun would be the one to help and support him. But Sean was smart and could take care of himself even if he was sometimes a bit impulsive and insecure. It was Tankhun who needed help on the front line. He was mostly willingly on the sidelines so he could watch over his brothers. Sean was right he held back a lot. But he didn't mind. He loved his brothers dearly.

Tankhun was brought to the palace at an older age than others. He remembered his past the most clearly and to this day he vividly felt the pain of losing his entire family and all his loved ones. When he got a new family he was willing to sacrifice anything for his brothers. He was ready to help whoever sat on the throne. He knew it wouldn't be him. Nevertheless, he had to participate in the trials. He and his brothers were destined for it.

At first, Tankhun was surprised to be here and with Sean. But gradually it made more sense. Only Tankhun thought he would be sent to a different class, not a class full of resistance. One would say this faction would be freer. Sadly, it was the other way around. The poorest class was plagued by far harsher rules and a sovereign regime. For those in power, it was the only way to secure their power.

This divided world suited Tankhun mainly because he was used to playing mediator for his brothers. They were tightly connected by mutual love and respect, but in a way, they were divided by how they used their magic.

Pick, Ten, and Pat were healers. Off, Thawin, Pine, and Sean kept evil in check. Khai, Bright, and Krathing were adventures. They covered it up with fun but everyone knew that despite their enjoyment of life they studied the words they visited. They were experts and could easily determine where the cracks were caused by magic. Also, they were jokesters keeping the mood high. Jane and Plu were teachers, trying to preserve and pass on the knowledge. They were actually heavily aided by Krathing and Pine. Mote and Maetee were the youngest and little helpers wherever needed. They had a special power to see things in between. For Mote it was lost souls and for Maetee ghosts.

Tankhun was a listener and mediator between all of them.

He was interrupted from his thoughts about his brothers by the desperate meowing of a cat. If there was anything he loved like his brothers it was animals. He had that in common with Pick. Tankhun looked around and saw a cat caught in a trap. Tankhun frowned, how could humans be so cruel and hunt like this? He understood the starvation but it was still wrong in his eyes.

"Hello, little kitty, stay calm, I’ll release you." Tankhun comforted the kitten and freed her from the trap. Luckily her paw wasn't too badly hurt. If it were Tankhun was ready to call Pick for help. He managed to heal this injury himself, the perks of being the mediator. He knew a little bit more of everything.

"Aren't you cute?" Tankhun smiled at the cat and gently stroked it in his arms. Little kitty snuggled up to him and purred contentedly.

"Mimi, Mimi, where are you? Where did you go?" A desperate voice rang out and Tankhun's heart skipped a beat. That voice awakened something in him, filling the emptiness he didn’t know he had. He also suspected that he was holding Mimi.

"If you're looking for your cat, she's here. I found her." Tankhun called into the void. Soon a handsome short guy with stern and dark eyes appeared. The moment he looked into his eyes he understood everything. It was Black, an owner of his heart, who kept his eyes on Mimi ignoring him. Tankhun had a little trouble understanding why it was happening so quickly and why he was sure that his destiny was coming towards him. What he knew for sure was that he would be able to betray his brothers for Black, even though he knew that he wouldn't have to. The zeal for justice and equality shone from within Black. He was a fighter capable of doing what it took for his beliefs, yet he was a good and admirable guy.

"Thank you, I would be in trouble if something happened to Mimi. My brother gave her to me to keep me sane. He feared I would lose my shit. Why the hell I'm telling you this?” Black looked at Tankhun for the first time. He quickly took Mimi and took a few steps back.

"Oh fuck, but no it's impossible." Black was shocked to see Tankhun.

"What is impossible?"

Black didn't answer and tripped over the trap in which Mimi was trapped.

"Was she in there? Mimi, are you hurt?"

“She was, it was nothing serious, I healed her.”

"What? Are you crazy to use magic? We'll get caught."

"Don't worry. I'm not from your world, my magic won't be noticed. Plus, those control seals your leaders installed all over your world aren't working properly. It would have to be a big impulse, for example, if you punched the building with all your strength and it collapsed, which I know you are capable of.”

"So White was right, it's just another twisted thing designed for mind control. But wait, how do you know... That means you are... but no it's impossible."

"I ask again, what is impossible?" Tankhun had to hide his smile, confused Black was kind of cute.

"You can't be real, my dreams were just my imagination. Soulmates and whatever shit are just nonsense."

"Is your mind and heart so sunk in hopelessness that you have stopped believing? You are one of the leaders of the resistance. Hope is the biggest weapon you have."

"Hope, that utopian word. I've always been afraid to use it or believe it. White believes for both of us."

"I'll help you believe again."

"Believe in what?"

"In a better future and everything your heart whispers to you."

“What if my heart speaks nonsense and this is just a dream and you are just a figment of my imagination?”

"I know your heart is in turmoil but it tells you the truth."

"Are you reading my heart?"

"Yes, why don't you look at what's inside mine? Because you will find yourself in there."

Black looked at him and a few tears fell from his eyes. Tankhun hugged him tightly, trying not to crush Mimi between them.

"I can't leave with you yet or never."

"I know, you don't have to. Your dreams and goals are mine too. You are my destiny Black and even if it's hard to understand I love you. I'll help you with everything."

"But I still can't leave my brother."

"I think fate covered that part too. I also have a brother, who will love yours as much as I love you."

Black frowned.

"Are you jealous?"

"Maybe... let's go. Help me overthrow this sovereign power." And Black smiled from his heart for the first time.

First, they took care of the enemy – Black’s childhood friend and his ex-lover. He was the advisor of their Regent. Tankhun showed him every possible outcome of his actions. Thanks to that Todd saw the errors in his thinking. He did try to help his class but believed it was possible only by stricter control, oppression, and power at the top, not as Black saw it – using the power of people who formed the roots of society.

Everything was going too well and Tankhun was worried. His instinct was confirmed when Black collapsed into his arms while waiting for a message from White.

"White is in danger. He is not hurt, but something is wrong. I can't breathe and my heart is tight. I have to go to my brother." Black was desperate and scared.

"Calm down, I will take you. Your stress won't help your brother's condition. And remember my brother? I'm sure he is there for him and he is far more dangerous than me.”

"Really?" Black felt relieved, Tankhun nodded and gave him a reassuring smile. Then he pecked him on the forehead and teleported them to Sean's location. He was sure White was with him.

Chapter Text

Maetee hated everything. He hated having to go through these trials, being alone, and leaving his brothers. He didn’t want to participate in anything related to trials and coronation. He was content as a little cute reliable helper, as Tankhun often called him.

His brothers were the only thing keeping him afloat, so he mustered the courage to enter the door even though he was scared to death. He was doing it for them.

As far back as his memory went, Maetee had always seen ghosts. At first, he thought they were monsters that came to take him to the underworld. Then he understood that he was seeing the deceased. It took him a long time to come to terms with it, and maybe it wouldn't have happened if the king hadn't come for him one day and saved him. Maetee was a little boy but was ready to give up on his life.

It took a long time for Maetee to open up to his brothers and let them into his heart. They didn’t give up on him and were patient. They never left him alone, they even kept a guard by his bedside so he could sleep peacefully. Jane and Plu taught him how to work with magic and keep spirits in check.

He was always on guard, and that would most likely never change, but thanks to his brothers it was manageable. Just like this journey, which was troublesome and unnecessary. There was no way Maetee would become king. However, he and his brothers were destined for it. For his brothers, Maetee had to do it. He took a deep breath and entered the building.

It was some kind of hospital, and Maetee tried not to shake with fear. He knew that he would meet many deceased people here. He would have preferred to go in the opposite direction, but his heart was pulling him inside. At least this world didn't have much magic. If magic was added, Maetee would have his hands full with ghosts.

Ghosts of magic users caused much more chaos and tended to become poltergeists or worse monsters. Without magic the ghosts were weaker, they just stayed in the world of the living and haunted. The only real danger was when a ghost with great spiritual power possessed someone. Maetee hoped he wouldn't meet anyone like that at the hospital.

People with magic were protected against it, but in this world with barely any magic the danger was high. Pine often had to exorcise when he visited. Maetee secretly helped him from their palace using mirrors. It wasn't something they were obligated to help with. It was something extra. Although based on a few remarks from Magician, Off, and Thawin, everyone knew about it. They just deliberately ignored it.

Theoretically, it was the easiest for Maetee to exorcise a possessed person, but in reality, he had never done it by himself and hoped he wouldn't have to.

"Are you the new nurse?" Asked the breathless security guard.

"What?" Maetee was startled. Except for the guard, everyone was in white. He saw people mixed with ghosts. He looked at himself and he was indeed in nurse's clothes. Why didn't he notice sooner? It was like this with Maetee's magic sometimes, it acted on its own instinctively.

"We lost a patient, help us search." The guard said and gave him a quick description of the man before he ran off.

Maetee took a deep breath to recover. He couldn't shame his beloved brothers. He needed to do well and make his brothers proud. Now composed he looked around and noticed he was at a psychiatric hospital. A few ghosts got his attention, they kept pointing in one direction. So Maetee went there. He wasn't surprised to find the patient crouching in the corner of a small room full of cleaning supplies.

Maetee slowly bent down. The man looked at him in fear.

"They are haunting me, I can't escape them," Shouted the man.

Maetee looked around and the ghosts vehemently shook their heads and pointed to the heart. Maetee understood it meant that it wasn’t the ghost the patient was talking about. He was burdened by the demons of the past in his heart.

"Are you here to lock me up?"

"No, I'm here to help. Please look at me and believe my eyes - nothing is your fault." Maetee tried to smile. He knew that his smile was awkward but it didn't matter, the main thing was the touch. Maetee put his hand on his shoulder and inserted a tiny bit of magic into the man. This should calm him and doctors could heal his broken heart. It was working. The guy seemed more relaxed.

“You found him. Great job, I'll handle this. He has these episodes, I give him an injection and he calms down right away.”

"That won't be necessary, he is calm."

"What?" The young tiny doctor ran closer and knelt down next to him.

At that moment Maetee's heart stopped. He didn't know why or how but he loved him. He was so tiny and cute but his heart was enormous and filled with nothing but good. Plus, he had some magic. He was probably using it to help his patients. Though he might not know about it.

"What did you do?" The doctor turned to him and his eyes widened. Maetee again didn't know how but the doctor also recognized him.

"You're new here, but you're not from here. Why do I know that? It's the first time we met but why do I feel I know you?"

"We can talk later. The patient is sleepy." Maetee said.

"Oh, right."

"How are you feeling?" T-Rex tended to the patient.

"Better, we talked... he said it's not my fault, just like you doc."

"I'm glad you finally believed it." T-Rex smiled.

Maetee then helped lead the patient to his room.

"Welcome to our clinic. My name is T-Rex but I think you know that. We know each other, aren’t we?"

"My name is Maetee and no, we don't know each other, it’s complicated yet simple. Do you believe in soulmates?"

"Not until today," T-Rex smiled.

Then they walked into a room full of patients and Maetee's heart ached. Everyone was missing a smile, it was locked deep inside.

"So Maetee, I think you are here to help me return joy and smile into their lives," T-Rex said, sneaking his hand into his palm. Maetee was overwhelmed and was grateful for this gesture. He squeezed him tightly in return.

"I'm not sure how I should help."

"Hmm, how about you start with what you do best," T-Rex said and Maetee flashed through his mind how many times his brothers had complimented his stories.

"I could tell them ghost stories," Maetee said timidly.

"That's wonderful. Listen, everyone, we will do something new today. Instead of group therapy, Maetee will tell us interesting stories. Let's gather around." T-Rex shouted into the room. Maetee didn't expect it to be so easy, but T-Rex was apparently an unusual doctor and such unexpected actions were not rare.

While everything was being prepared, Maetee calmed down and kept watching T-Rex. He didn't know he could love someone so much and so fast. It gave him strength. This was also reflected in his stories. With T-Rex by his side, he could narrate fluently without stuttering, putting magic into every word that helped unlock the smiles and minds of patients. After almost two hours of storytelling, they had to stop for dinner. All the patients were content and smiling.

T-Rex dragged him into his study after dinner and jumped around his neck.

"Thank you, Maetee. You are amazing."

"I'm happy when I can help. My brothers call me a little helper." Maetee blushed.

"Now, we should talk. Can you explain everything?"

Maetee told T-Rex everything. He didn't miss anything. He told him all about the brothers, the balance of magic, the trials, and T-Rex's role in all that. T-Rex listened carefully without interruption. They talked late into the night and Maetee couldn't remember when they fell asleep. He was content with T-Rex in his arms.

"What the hell is going on." They were awakened by angry yelling. T-Rex was a little dazed and rubbed his eyes. Maetee looked at the man in the doorway who was murdering him with his eyes.

"Stay away from T-Rex. He is...my brother. Just don't touch him."

It seemed Maetee found his enemy, who was at odds with his heart. He could not convey what his heart was screaming to the world in reality.

"T-Rex, if you want to live with me, you have to follow the rules,” T-Rex's brother turned to his brother but his heart said: I was worried about you, why didn't you call that you had to stay in the hospital.

"Calm down, P’Watee. Why do you care anyway? I had my shift. If you checked the schedule I put on the fridge you would know.”

"Why are you so arrogant?” Why can't you understand?

"You don't have to be afraid to say what your heart tells you. T-Rex loves you and he'll accept everything." Maetee got up and walked over to Watee.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Let me help you," Maetee said and touched his arm. Maetee showed Watee a future without T-Rex, the loneliness and sadness he would experience if he didn’t find the courage to speak from his heart.

Watee cried and T-Rex ran over to hug him. Maetee left so the brothers could talk in peace.

"Maetee, I'm sorry. When we talked yesterday I was ready to run away with you. But now, I don't think I can leave my brother. I thought he hated me but..." T-Rex found him on the bench and sat on his lap. Maetee wrapped his arms around his waist.

"No, he doesn't hate you. I understand if you don't come with me. I'll stay with you if I have to choose." Maetee said a little sadly.

"Why don't I go for a visit, at first? I'm sure we can figure something out." T-Rex cupped his face.

Maetee almost despaired, the thought of having to choose between T-Rex and his brothers was painful, as if someone were ripping his heart out of his chest. He was sure his brothers would do something, maybe...

"I love you, T-Rex," Maetee said and kissed T-Rex.

Chapter Text

Bright looked around the world he had been sent to. It wasn't the world he, Khai, and Pine visited often. Bright vaguely remembered being here two or three times with Krathing because his brother was curious about it and Bright couldn’t say no. This world resembled fairy tales. It was full of different kingdoms, but they were not in close proximity. Not many wars for territory took place in this world. Everyone was focused on what was happening in their own kingdom and the others didn't interest them. Some were more prosperous others less so. What all the kingdoms had in common was magic, there wasn't much of it but it was here. People believed in magic but many had a problem accessing it.

Bright didn't know which kingdom he was in. On one of their visits, they were in the Kingdom of the Roses, there were some nasty rumors about the royal family. This kingdom was different and had more magic compared to the others.

Bright sighed lightly, he didn't want to participate in any troublesome trials and chase the throne. He wanted to chase adventure. But they were destined to become the king of balance magic, and everyone had to participate. Bright would do anything for his beloved brothers, so he overcame his reluctance and focused on his troublesome quest.

He was pleased to be sent to a bar or rather a tavern. Bright liked mixing drinks for his brothers and enjoyed some good alcohol from time to time. Maybe if he didn't do what he was doing he would settle down somewhere and become a bartender.

Now, however, he was drawn to the locked tavern. Locked doors were not a problem thanks to the trials’ key. He could sense some people inside. But when he entered the pub was empty. Voices were coming from the basement. The closer he got, the clearer he heard the voices, but he only recognized the words from the young, ringing voice that was doing something to his heart.

"I said I don't have any drink. It's forbidden remember…. that's rude why would I give you parts of my body? I'm not for food… you should entertain each other. I know some magic tricks but those are only for my friends... such a heinous language. Did your Moms not teach you how to talk properly? Did you forget what I said when you broke in? I’m not alone.”

Bright heard a thump and the squeal of a cute voice making him speed up. In a small wine cellar, where strangely wasn’t any wine, he discovered a group of men surrounding the little mouse that owned Bright's heart.

The little beautiful and cute mouse was the first to notice Bright's arrival. His heart whispered to him the name of his destiny - Liftoil.

"Phi, what took you so long." Liftoil jumped on him and wrapped himself around Bright like a panda.

"See? I told you I have a lover. I belong only to him and I don't have a single drop of alcohol here. Don’t you know the punishment for that? I don't want to lose my life." Liftoil stuck his tongue out at them and snuggled up to Bright.

Bright smirked and thanked the universe for this entertainment. He used how Liftoil proclaimed him as his lover and kissed him. He forced his tongue deep.

"Honey, you forgot to mention you have a very jealous lover." Bright looked at shy Liftoil but immediately paid attention to those morons. "If you don't want to die, fuck off."

"What?" one man said. They probably didn’t understand this expression.

“Disappear.” Bright conjured a fire to increase the threat.

After they left Bright was lightly punched in the chest

"Why did you kiss me? Such a huge theft of my lips." But Liftoil wasn't mad, he had a big smile on his face and kept clinging to him.

"Well, you did proclaim me your lover. So I have the right for those plump lips and much more." Bright squeezed Liftoil's ass which made him squeal, giggled, and hide in the crook of Bright's neck.

"I want to also proclaim your body for everyone to know you are mine but we should talk first," Bright said and carried Liftoil to sit him on a table.

"I agree, who are you, Phi? And why does Liftoil think he knows you?"

Bright settled into the chair. He considered asking for a drink but changed his mind.

"My name is Bright, and you feel like you know me because you may have seen me in your dreams. I have that feeling too, even though I don't remember you from my dreams. Our threads of fate are intertwined, and in one moment that just happened, they were firmly intertwined into one tightrope."

"Wow, you're so poetic, P'Bright. Does this mean we'll be together forever?"

"If you want to."

"I do, I do, I do." Liftoil hopped down and settled on Bright's lap. "So are we going on some journey? That's what my heart tells me." Liftoil asked.

"Yes and you will meet many great friends, but first tell me about this pub and what those guys wanted from you."

“It’s said story though… Liftoil doesn’t own this tavern, I just take care of it here. This pub has been in my best friend's family for decades and many generations. When her parents died, Padlom took over with her best friend.”

"Wait, I thought you were her best friend."

"I am boy best friend and Spoil is girl best friend, keep up Phi, and why can't Padlom have more best friends," Liftoil pouted slightly offended.

"Okay, okay, sorry, continue."

"Everything was going well, Liftoil was helping them, but then tragedy struck. They both fell ill, completely suddenly, on the same day. Can you imagine? Liftoil paid for many doctors and tried to get to the bottom of the mystery, but everything was in vain. No one knows what's wrong with them."

"But you do, don't you?"

"Everyone says Liftoil is crazy, but I think someone stole Spoil's smile and Padlom's hope. It's weird."

"It's not, but to confirm your theory I need to see them."

“Phi can help?”

"Maybe..."

"I have one more question, what did I hear about not having alcohol here?"

"If Liftoil is completely honest, there are some hidden drinks here, it's just forbidden. This also worries Liftoil. Our king declared prohibition and royal mourning. People are saying our queen got poisoned because of the alcohol so the king got mad and banned all drinking and merriment. King is our enemy, Phi. The gold and alcohol are running out. We only survive because I secretly sell alcohol to trustworthy customers. Soon we will have nothing to live on. Thanks to Prohibition, nobody goes to pubs, and if they do, it's only these questionable people who can't live without alcohol and then have strange speech. Imagine they wanted to eat Liftoil."

"I'm mad at them but can't really blame them, because I want to do the same?"

"What? But Liftoil won't taste good. I can cook you something better.”

"No, Liftoil will taste very good, let me have a taste." Bright kissed Liftoil. “They meant it like this, but you are mine, no one can touch you, only me.”

“Oh…oh, OOOHHH…” Liftoil gradually realized what they meant, and his shocked expression was complemented by red cheeks.

"Before we get down to the pleasure I'd like to see your friends."

Liftoil led him to a room where they both slept surrounded by herbs. That was why Bright hadn't felt the powerful curse before.

"Did you hang those herbs?"

"Yes, I collected, dried, and hung it."

"Good job, they'd be dead without it. Someone seriously messed up a curse spell. When did they fall asleep?"

"Two days ago and since then they haven't woken up. They've been sick for a few weeks but before that, they were at least somewhat sane and talking to me." Liftoil became sad.

"I can save them, don't worry."

"Really, thank you, Phi." Liftoil jumped at Bright and kissed him.

Chapter Text

Krathing looked around. He was in an empty city. It was a bit of a gloomy world. He soon realized where he was. He always wanted to visit this world of knowledge but Khai and Bright weren't on board with visiting this world. It was no fun for them. He talked to Pine about it, but his brother wasn't sure if they could make the trip safely without Khai and Bright.

The traveling from their realm that kept guard over the balance of magic was not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Overall traveling between worlds was dangerous. Khai and Bright were actually talented at that. The Magician once mysteriously told them those two are what one world called a GPS. They could navigate between worlds.

Krathing held his key and realized that the key was powering his magic and acting as navigation. He looked around again and was surrounded by massive buildings. Krathing recognized schools and libraries. He didn't feel any disturbance that put this world on the list of worlds that should be watched.

It was a mystery, they couldn't determine what was causing the possible formation of cracks. That's why he and Pine considered going to Off and Thawin and together they would ask for the King's official permission to visit the world.

He won't solve this mystery now, but at least he could satisfy his second desire, for which he wanted to visit this world. He wanted to see those libraries full of knowledge. Plus, he was drawn to one that was shrouded in dark shadow.

The doors to the library were locked and even protected by weak magic. Locked doors were not a problem for him. Krathing took out the key and smiled.

He entered the big space and was in awe of the number of books. But he couldn't admire books for a long time. Something tugged at his heart and he winced. He also suddenly felt a strong wave of magic. It was weird. He couldn't sense any magic outside while there was a strong source inside. The building had no barrier.

"You have no business here, get out!" A mysterious voice spoke causing Krathing's heart to race. He didn't even know what the person looked like to whom the voice belonged, but he already knew that he would love him. Krathing had no idea that the door would lead him so close to his trials and destiny. He wondered if it was the same for his brothers.

Krathing took off towards the voice, his thoughts returning to why he was in this world in the first place. He wasn't trying to become a king, he wasn't built to rule. If he had to be honest neither he nor any of his brothers had King written on their faces. Off and Thawin were the leaders but Krathing didn't want his beloved brothers to have to do something they didn't want to do just to protect the rest of the family. But they were destined to walk this path. It was impossible not to participate. Krathing was really curious about how it would all end.

"Are you here to steal knowledge?" The voice of his destiny spoke behind his back.

"Not really… knowledge is important and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in exploring every line in here. But knowledge isn't what I want to steal." Krathing turned and smiled.

He saw a short gorgeous guy with sad troubled eyes. In his heart, Krathing felt pain, chaos, and also a powerful dangerous magic. Krathing’s heart ached his destiny was hurting like this. He suspected all his trials were standing right before him in one person.

"You don't belong here."

"You're right, Punn."

"How do you know my name?" Punn was shocked and Krathing knew it was a wrong move.

"Just like you know my name. What is my name, Punn." There was no going back, Punn was too unstable. Krathing wished he could use the slow soft way and not crash forcefully into Punn’s heart but he had to push it.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"What is my name, Punn." Krathing was adamant.

Punn grabbed his head.

"Stop acting smart and playing with us."

"I’m not playing anything. I don't want to brag about it but I'm pretty smart."

"You are already bragging."

"Guilty as charged,"  Krathing said.

"Please don't hurt us."

"I won't, don't worry. I'm not your enemy."

"LIAR!!!"

Krathing smirked because now he pulled out all of them.

"Nice to meet you all. What is my name, Punn?" Krathing said sternly.

"Krathing, Krathing is your name. Why did you do that?" Punn screamed after a moment of silence.

"It's necessary. I want to help you. Things you know about me, they are not lies."

“No, don't trust him.”

"We will not leave."

"Stay away or we will destroy you."

"Punn, I would never hurt you, any of you."

"Liar, you will never accept us, no one will." The real Punn yelled.

"He will murder us, I know it. We need to kill him first."

"No, no, no, no. I love him."

"That's right, Punn. I love you too. Fight." Krathing tried to walk slowly forward.

Punn backed away and dropped to his knees. Krathing knew all his personalities were screaming at him in his head.

"Punn, you are the true leader. It's your empire, you can destroy and rebuild it as you wish."

“No, you'll kill us.”

Punn's magic was about to explode and the entire library began to shake. The high shelves rumbled more and more and shifted the books until they finally fell. Krathing used his magic to stop them and return the books to their places. At that moment the shaking stopped and Krathing took the opportunity to close in on Punn and hug him tightly.

"Build your own empire in your mind and be the ruler or equals, whatever you want. I can help. I won't kill any of you, you are part of Punn. I love you all, just a little differently."

"Liar." The black eyes of Punn's demon looked at him.

"Test me." Krathing returned the stare.

Then Punn relaxed a little in his arms. Krathing still held him tight and rocked Punn slightly in his arms.

"What will you be in my empire? Advisor or jester?" Punn asked.

"Why not both." Krathing chuckled. "I accept all of you, Punn, you need to accept all of them too."

"And what? Be friends?"

"If you want."

Punn finally calmed down and now, without any personality influencing him, examined Krathing. Krathing expected they would talk but instead, Punn dragged him into a darker place, pinned him to the shelves, and kissed him. He forced him to sit down and strangled him with his thighs.

"Fuck me," Punn demanded.

"What? Punn, I know it's too much and fast but this is too fast."

"No, You said I need to build my empire. I need to feel connected to something I trust even if I know you only for a few minutes. I need you to fuck the freaking foundation into me or I won't know it's real." Punn was desperate.

Then Punn kissed him passionately and Krathing couldn't resist, freed them from their pants, and gave Punn what he asked for. With each thrust, he felt Punn melt and build hope. It was strange and Krathing felt stupid. Punn was much smarter and knew exactly what he needed.

"No, I didn't know. Before you came and your words showed me a bright path, I thought I was doomed.”

"You read minds?"

"More like feel what you think. I can't hear the words."

When they finished Punn hugged Krathing tightly and rested his head on his shoulder. Krathing felt how Punn negotiated with his personalities about the mind empire. He was far more composed but something was still binding him.

"You're right... I did something bad, Krathing. I betrayed my friend and hurt his family. But I didn't have a choice. I was a little kid and confused, I didn't understand my magic."

“And someone took advantage of it.”

"Yes."

"Okay then let's go find your friend."

"He will hate me."

"We will see. Don't forget how powerful an apology is. I'm sure together we can help your friend and his family."

"Hmmm."

Krathing stroked Punn's hair and forced him to look at him.

"We can do it," Krathing said and for the first time, Punn smiled brightly while he nodded.

Chapter Text

White was increasingly stressed with each new minute they searched for Yok. He blamed himself for not seeing it. White's ability was to feel the intentions of others. He didn't understand how Dan's betrayal could escape him. The fact that Yok fell deeply in love made everything worse.

Sadly, Sean couldn't fasten the search. Even though he knew what Yok looked like from some photos and White had a thing that belonged to him, Sean had to know him physically to be able to find him.

However, the search was not hopeless, and with a personal bodyguard, White had a little more freedom of movement. Sean was amazed at how skilled talker White was, with a discreet conversation, they were slowly getting close to Dan's lair. They both agreed it could be the only place where the missing Yok was located.

They searched for Yok late into the night when they came upon a hot trail, but they would get the confirmation of the exact location of the secret art studio in the morning. White had to go home and play the good son who won't cause problems.

The very next morning they went to where White's source had sent them. White felt relief when they found Yok lying on the bed but the joy didn't last long. Yok's condition was serious. Sean was trying to figure out what the problem was when a visibly shaken Dan walked in.

"What the hell did you do to my friend?" White jumped at Dan and gave him a satisfying punch.

"I don't know, I tried to explain to him that I had no choice but Yok kept crying and then suddenly fainted. That was three days ago, since then he has been unresponsive."

"And you didn't think to get help?" Sean was pissed.

"I love him."

"That's a stupid answer as if it should be a universal excuse," Sean reprimanded him.

"Can you help him, Sean?"

"I'll try."

"You know what's wrong with him? And who are you?" Dan asked.

"None of your business." White barked.

"Only a handful of people in your world don’t have any magic. Most of you have magic in your heart, you just don't use it. Many of you believe no abilities mean no magic. It's not like that. Yok felt great pain and desperation. His heart tried to protect him and locked his feelings deep in his soul. But it completely shut down his entire nervous system." Sean explained, placing his hand on Yok's forehead to find him in his consciousness. He had to talk him into opening his heart again.

"White, dear, please hold your friend's hand so he can feel you," Sean said and glared at Dan to stop him as he was about to do the same.

Sean found himself in some art gallery where paintings were flying around. It was clear that all the works were created by Yok.

"Hello, Yok, don't be startled. I mean no harm. I'm White's friend."

"You're lying, I would know you."

"I'm not so much a friend but a lover, his destiny and I'm new in this world. White is with me and praying for your recovery. You can feel him, don't you?"

"I'm sorry, I messed up so much. I told him too much about our plans… White... He must hate me."

"He thinks the same. He blames himself for not protecting you, but neither of you is right. I sense you are in pain but you cannot stay here. People care about you and those who don't, well, screw them. Don't let others define you. These amazing paintings and the pain you feel, shout it out to the world. Don't keep it locked up here. You aren’t alone, your friends will show you the light."

Sean waited in silence for a long time.

"Black is going to kill you for seducing his precious brother." Yok appeared before him and chuckled lightly.

"He will be busy with his own partner." Sean smiled and Yok smiled back. All depression and anxiety vanished.

"Let's go." Sean offered him his hand and Yok accepted.

When Yok opened his eyes White jumped at him and they both quietly sobbed in a hug. Sean looked at Dan, something was off about him. Dan paced nervously in place, not knowing if he had the right to stay or to speak.

"I should go," Dan said quietly.

“No, wait,” Sean said walking up to him. At such close range, Sean sensed it and tore the pendant from Dan's neck.

"Where did you get it?"

"What?"

"Sean, what's wrong?" White asked.

“There's a reason you couldn’t identify Dan as a cowardly spy.”

"They threatened my family. I couldn’t stand up to the Regent's authority." Dan fought back.

"If you're not ready to protect your family, accept the risk, and commit fully to the cause don't join the resistance," White said harshly.

"Who gave it to you?" Sean asked again about the pendant.

"Regent, supposedly for protection."

"I see," Sean then broke the pendant, and a black shard of some kind of stone fell out. "It dampens senses and the magic of others."

Before Sean could explain his assumption, White screamed. He had one more magical ability. He had short flashes of the future, not far, the furthest he ever saw was about half an hour, mostly just minutes.

"The regent is coming sooner, in just a few minutes, why? Dinner is in a few hours." White was stressed.

"He is on to you. He knows you want to get the details of their misdeeds out of him. He wants to use this to catch you and eliminate you and with it your father, who is becoming too popular." Dan said.

"How?" White was shocked.

"He knows stuff," Dan said.

"Is he wearing something similar to the one he gave you?" Sean asked and Dan thought.

"I think he's hiding something in his pocket watch," Dan answered.

"Probably a larger piece of artifact. We have to take it from him."

"You will never get close enough unless you go full combat," White said.

White had already told him that the regent is never alone and always has two strong guards with him.

"I guess we don't have another chance," Sean smirked.

“Sean, No.” White pleaded but it was no use. Sean grabbed him and Yok and teleported them back to the mansion.

Yok hid in White's room and White and Sean waited for the Regent and White's father. Then everything happened quickly. When explaining his plan Sean could only say they didn’t have time. The artifact in the hands of the Regent was dangerous.

As agreed, Sean attacked and allowed himself to be captured to get close enough and exchange the pocket watch for a fake one. Then he just waited for an opportunity to show White's father the truth. White was supposed to start the scene, but Sean noticed that his lover got carried away and really panicked.

He was glad Yok was hiding in White's room, where White was roughly dragged, to calm him down.

Tankhun and Black teleported to White. Tankhun looked around for Sean but he was nowhere to be seen. He wanted to teleport them directly to him. However, when he saw the twins close he understood their connection was strong and even stronger because of the magic. They wanted to be together and magic boosted by Tankhun’s teleportation made it happen.

"What happened?" Black ran over to White and held him in his arms.

"Nothing, White just forgot we had a plan and when he saw Regent beating his boyfriend, he lost it. Good to see you, Black." Yok explained.

"Glad you are safe, Yok. We were worried when you went off the grid.” Black nodded and looked at Tankhun. "Didn't you say your brother was more dangerous?"

"He is, it was planned as Yok said. Can you tell us more? I'm Tankhun btw, Sean is my brother and I'm for Black what he is for you."

"I know." White smiled.

White and Yok took turns explaining Sean's plan, showing Tankhun a picture Yok drew based on what Sean told him and a piece of the artifact they took from Dan.

"You, wimp," Black told his brother when he learned what caused White's panic he felt.

"I was scared, they were so hard on Sean."

"I see, that's very bad. I hope Sean managed to steal the artifact." Tankhun said.

"Sean kept talking about the artifact too, what does that mean?"

"What came into the Regent's hands is not from this world. It is a magical artifact from the world of books and knowledge. I don't know how much you know about why magic is so guarded in your world. If I'm guessing correctly, many centuries ago someone managed to intervene in another world and steal some things. It's a serious crime, I mean the death penalty level. But our King cannot give this punishment. I don't know what he did, but it must have been so catastrophic that it forced your world to be very careful not to repeat anything like that. I assume that one artifact managed to be hidden and because it was broken into small pieces, we were unable to capture the misuse. Now it makes sense why the wealthiest class Regent gets away with everything.” Tankhun looked at Black.

"What is it about?" White asked.

"We got Todd back and with his help, we found out all the bad things that the regents, and especially your regent, are doing. Gumpa, Gram with Todd's support are now sending out everything we have collected all over the world to all the factions. We did it, White. The foundations of their twisted authority are shaking. People are rioting, not just activists."

White, Black, and Yok fell into each other's arms. Tankhun was happy for them and didn’t want to interrupt but...

"Okay, should we save my brother?"

They all made their way downstairs silently, where a bound Sean was surrounded by guards in the dining room, and the Regent sat contentedly across from him. Adul, the father of the twins, demanded an explanation.

"I want an explanation, Regent. What do you mean White will die?" Adul shouted at the Regent.

"You're just in time. I was about to show how the Regent uses pieces of a broken magical artifact from another world as a protective charm to maintain his authority and influence the thoughts of others."

Sean quickly freed himself from the handcuffs and grabbed Adul's hand to show him the truth and all the lies he was fed. After a while, Adul fell to his knees in tears.

Almost at the same time, Todd, Gumpa, Gram, and several guards burst into the house, informing them that the Regent had been removed from office and was under arrest. Adul was to take temporary charge. Everyone already knew about the Regent's plan to gradually subjugate not only their class but everything.

What followed was a long conversation between the twins and their father and his endless apologies.

"I'm sorry I was so stupid and blind. And now that my head is clear I'm going to lose you. I know you have to leave for new adventures." Adul said looking at Sean and Tankhun.

"We will visit all of you whenever we can," Black said and looked at his father and his friends, they all had tears in their eyes.

Tankhun looked at Sean with a surprised expression, who was equally taken aback. Was it possible? Visiting their partners' homes? They didn’t have anything to come back to but for their partners, it was another matter. They needed to talk to their brothers.

At that moment they heard a loud ringing in their ears. Someone was calling them, even the twins could hear it. Their keys suddenly got hot in their pockets.

“Looks like you have to go,” Adul said sadly. "I love you, my boys. With your friends, I'll change this world so you can be proud of me.”

Then they hugged one last time and Sean and Tankhun drew the runes for the door. To the amazement of everyone present, one large door with two locks formed. After unlocking, the four of them disappeared into the unknown.

Chapter Text

Pat and Non remained in a blissful embrace for a little longer. Non insisted on waiting until the search chaos in the castle calmed down. Perhaps he wanted to give his sister as much time as possible, despite Pat's assurances that she and Wech were safe in their new home long ago.

When Non was calm enough, they went to the castle to face Non's royal family. Non was reluctant to go and clung to Pat, scared yet cutely. Unlike his cute angel, Pat couldn't wait to face the monarchs. For him, it meant that the sooner he dealt with this, the sooner he would have Non all to himself.

When Pat faced the wicked monarchs he could tell their minds were even more twisted than he initially thought. He instinctively wrapped his arm around Non's waist. Non was a true hero and survivor. Tawan, Non’s Mother was furious. She figured out the real plan and that Non's escape was only a cover. She lunged at Non, who staggered backward and fell to the ground. Tawan was backed up by hateful screams of her husband and mother. She was about to hit Non but at that moment Pat stepped in and snapped his fingers.

"Is this how true monarch behaves? I only see a group of fakes, lower than any lowly subject.” Pat said cruelly.

Pat locked them in the illusion and switched their position. Now it was them who were on the ground and Non stood over each of them with a terrifying, cruel, and threatening expression. Pat helped the real Non stand up while he made Non’s family relive the horrors Non survived from his perspective. They were Non.

Grandma and Father were soon wholeheartedly reflecting on themselves, crying, and apologizing. They crawled to the real Non to express how sorry they were. They begged him not to forgive them that they didn't deserve it. But Non was too good a soul and he sensed their sincerity with his magic. He put his hand on their shoulder, helped them up, and forgave them. This freed them from Pat's illusion.

Only Tawan remained, who fiercely insisted that her way was the right one. Pat approached her.

"Do you want to see where your journey will take you?"

"How do I know you won't lie to me."

"You have some magic buried in your cold heart, reach out to the piece of remaining warmth and you will know that I am showing the truth." Placing a hand on her forehead, Pat showed her only the desolate solitude and ruins of her kingdom of roses.

That was finally the thing that broke her. She cried hysterically and apologized. It took her a long time to calm down.

A somewhat awkward and nervous family conversation followed. Non recounted all their wickedness. He was crying, stuttering, and sometimes he had trouble breathing. But he did it, Pat was proud of Non when he was able to get all the sadness out of his heart and tell his parents and grandmother everything that had been weighing him down all his life. Pat soothed him with his protective hand on the small of his back.

"I will be leaving now with P'Pat. I always knew it would happen, don't try to protest or stop me. I was never an heir, only someone you needed to control my sisters. When Mintra returns from her trip around the kingdom you need to be a better example for her to be the rightful future queen. Iris will appear if you keep the promises of change you made to me." Non ended his speech with a heavy breath.

Soon after this mostly one-sided conversation, Pat felt his key heat.

"We have to go," Pat said.

"I will come back but as Iris only if you keep your promise," Non added. He hugged his parents and grandmother and walked out with Pat.

"Did Non lie? Can I return someday? For a visit?" Non asked as Pat drew the rune for the door.

"I don't know, Non."

They appeared in a new world and Non was amazed at how different it was.

"Hello, brother..." Said someone behind their back.

Plu and Arty stayed in the shelter of a small attic room for only a moment. They had trouble concentrating on making a plan. They kept giggling and talking about their lives. Plu also found out how it was possible that no one ever found Arty in his secret place. Arty's heart had some magic that granted him a wish for a shelter where he could breathe for a moment without being watched. Whenever Arty closed the door behind him, a weak shield was formed which was enough for those who had no magic.

After their sweet date in the dark, they decide that Plu will get on Arty's mother's good side by being the one to find him. They will have more space to prepare their plan.

Plu managed to charm Arty's mother, even without magic. She allowed him to stay close to Arty. While walking through the garden, which was as magnificent as the entire mansion, they prepared a detailed plan.

"Can you do it, P'Plu?"

"It will be troublesome. It's not that difficult but it would require almost complete mind control since the illusions differ for each person. Which we don't want, we just need to guide them. I can start the illusion for your brothers but someone needs to maintain my magic to hold while I take care of your mother."

"So we need more people to coordinate."

"Yes," Plu agreed and felt shimmering near them as if on cue. Someone was entering this world. Plu grabbed Arty's hand and together they walked to the point of entrance. Plu's smile lit up.

"Hello, brother. You couldn't have picked a better time to come. Since you are here I reckon you finished your trials?" Plu asked and Pat looked at his fully beaming key.

"I did, need some help, brother?"

"We do."

The four of them smiled slyly at each other. Arty and Non became fast friends, they were the cutest. Plu and Pat kept smiling when they looked at them. They must have looked like giggling idiots to others.

Plu explained to Pat and Non the plan to save Arty's family and at the same time fulfill Plu's trials.

The plan was to have a family meal together the next day. Plu prepared everything while Pat took Non to explore this world. Non especially enjoyed the freedom and a lot of sweets and ice cream he and Pat tasted.

Arty guilted his brothers into attending lunch with their mother. He secretly invited their partners, who were taken care of by Pat and Non.

Arty's mother enjoyed a delicious appetizer with her sons, but then Pat and Non took all the brothers away one by one. Arty joined Plu and his brothers were taken to their partners. A special room was prepared for both couples where they would enjoy the rest of the lunch, locked in the room surrounded by Plu’s magic. The food served was enchanted, it helped them get rid of doubts, inhibitions and gave them the courage to not hide anything and show their true feelings. According to Arty, his brothers sucked at communication. Pat will watch over the brothers and keep Plu's magic stable.

While the matriarch of the family remained alone. Thanks to Plu's influence, they hoped she would have a panic attack. It hurt Arty to see his mother like this but it was necessary. It happened when Arty's mother reached out her shaking hand for a glass of water. The glass shattered and with it, Arty's mother's façade. She was trembling and having trouble breathing. Plu gently held her hand to calm her down and took her to the illusion he created that was connected to reality.

Plu showed her how happy her sons were with their partners. They appeared together in sealed rooms as ghosts. Plu guided her through their memories but let her see her sons’ points of view. Thanks to that she could recognize they were capable of taking care of themselves. He tried to show her through memories that it was enough to protect her sons from the sideline, not to control their lives.

"They love you even if they don't show it, but if you don't change this will happen." Plu waved his hand vigorously and showed her an image of her sitting at the table with her sons. She had a big fake smile. Her sons on the other hand were unhappy and depressed. The gloomy atmosphere was increased by everything being black and white.

Then Plu showed her again how happy they were now.

"Thank you," Arty's mother said with a hearty smile. "Thank you for showing me bright hope and how I saw everything upside down. I had no idea how much I was hurting my sons... Do you love my son?"

"I do, with every bit of my being. I would do anything for Arty. I'm sorry to take him from you."

"You will make him happy and that's enough." Arty's mother let out a loud laugh, dispelling the illusion. "I can't believe I just said that."

Arty ran into her arms and held her tight, tears in his eyes.

"It's been so long since I've seen you smile, Mom."

Arty's brothers who had just walked in led by Pat and Non joined in their embrace.

They enjoyed the lunch and the afternoon filled with happiness and joy. Plu and Pat had no idea how long they would stay here. For now, they enjoyed the comfort. They got the answer before long. Plu, Pat, and their partners heard a loud ringing in their ears. Their keys also got hot.

“You have to go,” Arty's mother said a little sadly.

"Even if I have to leave I will always be with you and if you need me I will show up," Arty said.

"That’s right, Aunty. I plan to visit my sisters and check if my mother kept her Monarch promise." Non added to reassure Arty's mother.

Pat and Plu looked at each other doubtfully. They had no idea if their promises could be fulfilled. However, they didn't have time to think about it, the sound in their ears was getting louder and louder. Together they created a door and hand in hand with their soulmates entered a new adventure.

Chapter Text

Ten didn't have to think about where to start with their plan. One thing was a priority and Ten wanted to do it as soon as he saw Prem's grandmother. But for it to work, he needed the whole family to trust him, not just Prem.

"What's troubling you?” Prem asked.

Ten didn't have time to answer because Prem's sister stormed into the restaurant loudly.

"Pang, did you fight with your friends? Wasn't Samsi with you? What happened?" Prem was worried.

"Nothing…" Pang snapped.

"Soooo, that's good, right?" Prem said cautiously.

"No, it isn't, Hia. Nothing means bad." Pang was frustrated. "Who's that?" She asked when she finally noticed Ten.

"Your brother's partner." Their grandmother came in with a smile and some snacks that she put in her granddaughter's hand. Pang ate some right away, her frustration gradually vanishing.

"Hello, my name is Ten and my presence might be a little complicated."

"Actually, it isn't. I don't know why though. Welcome to the family, P’Ten." Pang wiped her hands dirty from snacks and shook his hand. Ten was not surprised by the openness, he felt the same magic from her as from Prem and sadly also from their grandmother.

"Okay, leave the lovebirds and tell your old granny what's wrong."

Ten was relieved, he had the family's trust and could explain everything to Prem.

"What's wrong?" Prem asked.

"It's your Granny, she is sick and it's serious. The illness is in her...your lineage. It's something like a poison for magic users. The disease is in the genetic code of people across the many worlds. It's tricky because someone can live with it for many years without any problem. The disease can even be dormant their whole life. But that's only a small fraction of the lucky ones. For most, it's a ticking time bomb. Those unlucky ones when they overload their magic, the spot in the gene where the illness is hidden overheats and lets a magical poison into the blood that slowly kills. You didn't inherit it but your sister unfortunately did."

"Can you heal them?"

"Yes, I can. Me and my brother Pat with our teacher the Magician found out how to purify the poison. It's a bit of a drastic procedure that takes time, but we've already completed the first part. The patients must fully trust me, as well as the family who will hold a protective magical hand over them during the treatment. Plus, since your sister has it, your lineage will be free from the illness once I cure her."

Prem rejoiced with all his heart and jumped into his arms with a big smile.

Then they went after the women and Prem explained everything with the help of Ten. Granny nodded and confided that she knew about their family illness. She hoped her grandchildren wouldn't inherit it.

Ten treated Granny and Pang all night. It required a precise operation to rewrite the genetic code without disrupting their magic.

Early in the morning, a panicked Samsi, Prem's best friend, appeared in the restaurant. Ten recognized what was in Samsi’s heart. He was lost in his insecurities. Also, what was the reason for Pang's frustration. Samsi feared losing his friends and secretly loved Pang who loved him back. She knew and impatiently waited for Samsi to make a move. She knew if she made the first move he would run away.

Ten decided that the best course of action would be to show them the importance of communication. He charmed them to make them lose their impatience and insecurities. Prem gradually joined their conversation.

For the first time, they were all completely honest with each other and decided to face their Uncle Changma together.

Ten transported them all to Changma's study and used the same spell to nudge Uncle into honesty. He also showed him what would happen if he didn't stop thinking only about profit - the inevitable precipitous downfall of his entire business.

Finally, the uncle admitted that his real desire was not to be successful but to have a family. These heartwarming and honest conversations bonded the family and helped them devise a plan for the future.

Pang will be appointed as the successor to the restaurant chain. She will start learning business with Changma aided by Samsi and Granny who would take care of the food.

When they watched their whole family smiling at the table, Prem whispered in Ten's ear.

"I don't remember when we all laughed so carefree. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Ten said and kissed his temple.

In the afternoon, Ten and Prem were sitting on that bench by the river when Grandma came to them with Pang and Samsi.

"Not that I want to throw you out, but it seems that you two are just waiting for permission. Prem, that illness is... was not the only thing in our lineage. You inherited the best of us, from your father the talent to cook, and adventurous blood from your mother. My brother was a traveler just like our grandfather. Go where your heart leads you and if you can, come for a visit."

It was as if the key was waiting for it because when Granny finished speaking, the key heated with such intensity that Ten almost dropped it as it was too hot.

"We need to leave, Prem." Ten was startled.

"I love you guys," Prem said to say goodbye. Ten took his hand and they walked through the door together.

Pick watched Rome sleep, holding his hand the whole time.

“Rome will be happy when he wakes up. All the time he was waxing poetic about his future husband who would protect him like a true knight and their travels to faraway lands. His imagination is wild and he is too kind almost naive. He is trying to help me even though it is impossible."

Pick wasn’t surprised. He sensed magic from Rome and suspected that his dreams could predict the future using wild images. He might even sense something from others. This world hadn’t much magic and even fewer magic users. Rome had no one to help him understand his magic.

When Pick thought about it, it would have been logical if it had been the same with his brothers' partners.

“It wasn't imagination. Rome just sees the bright future."

"Bright future... It seems you are also naive." Uncle shook his head dismissing the talk.

"You don't wish to be helped? Why?” Pick asked and Uncle paused, looking for some legitimate answer.

"I don't know." Uncle admitted.

"Because Uncle is a stubborn mule, P’Pick.” Rome woke up and looked brightly at Pick. They were both lost in each other's eyes.

"Ehm, ehm, (Uncle cleared his throat) I will go check something outside." Uncle left when he saw that Pick and Rome only had eyes for each other, but it was also an opportunity for him to escape from a difficult topic.

"Hello, Rome." Pick smiled.

"Hi, I waited for you. I almost thought I made you up in my mind as everyone told me. Thank you for being real.”

"Are you shy suddenly?" Pick said and pulled Rome into his lap.

"I'm just overwhelmed. So many things are happening suddenly and more is coming and not all is good."

Pick kissed Rome tenderly.

"Does it help?"

"No," Rome said timidly.

Pick kissed him again and again, he would have continued if he didn't have that strange gut feeling deep down to rush his trials.

"That's enough for now. I have work to do. The sooner I'm done, the sooner we can continue.” Pick said and pinched Rome's cheek.

"Promise?" Rome attacked him with puppy eyes and Pick nodded.

"You have a talent for seeing into the future with your feelings, and some things appear in your dreams. How do you feel now?'

"I can't stop thinking about Uncle and that something bad is coming but I don't know what it is."

"I'm the same. Let’s focus on Uncle first.”

At that moment, an enraged man burst into the hut, the resort owner as Pick presumed.

"Didn't I tell you to disappear? People saw you on the beach. Oh, who are you?” The man was surprised when he didn’t find who he expected.

"I'm Pick and let's negotiate. Sit down, we will wait for Uncle."

The owner was too shocked to protest and did as Pick told him. As they waited Pick looked into man's heart and soul.

"I see you have problems." Pick addressed the resort owner when Uncle returned and reluctantly sat across from his enemy.

"Yeah, with him," the man pointed at Uncle.

"No, with the cave. You want to use it for tourism but it's hard to find a guide who really knows their way in there. Well, look ahead."

"What?" Both of them looked shocked at Pick.

"Uncle, is there anyone on the island who knows the cave better than you? All the safe paths in that maze and all the hidden gems?"

"No," Uncle admitted.

"Plus isn't it a great attraction to have a real war veteran guide the tourists?"

"What? Are you serious?” The resort owner was again surprised but now he didn't emit hostility. Instead, he was amazed.

"Yes, when I was young I was a soldier. When I returned it was hard to live in cities, there was a lot of noise. Here I have peace and quiet." Uncle revealed.

"Why don't you show us your photos," Rome suggested.

"Yes, please I would be honored to see it and listen to your stories. I had no idea. I'm sorry for how I acted. I thought you were a drunkard with debts, hiding here. I should have listened."

"For you to listen I would have to open up and that's not easy." Uncle smiled warmly for the first time. He then showed them his photos and told his stories.

"Thank you for your service, Uncle." Pick said and with this sentence sealed the deal between Uncle and the resort owner and also finished his trials.

Pick and Rome then went for a walk to find out what was the reason for their bad feeling. Pick was shocked to meet Ten with his partner when they were on the way to the cave.

"Why are you here?" Pick asked. "Not that I don't like to see you but..."

"Save it, Pick, I can feel it too and I'm not sure why we were sent here." Ten answered confused and worried.

"Yeah, I hoped for Off or Thawin, I sensed something evil in the cave."

"Evil?" Uncle emerged behind them. "I forgot to thank you but it seems we have more pressing matters. I think I know what you mean."

Uncle led them to a small pond deep in the cave. "It used to be full of beautiful clear water, but it's getting darker daily. Oh damn, it was brighter yesterday."

Pick and Ten saw what he meant, the water was full of black. The magic in the water was tainted by people's feelings and other stuff. They both bent down and touched the water.

"It's polluted by sad feelings and impurity," Pick said out loud.

"Yes, this cave is a maze but this pond, although deep, is the only thing people can find easily. Many people used to visit and throw money into it to make their wishes come true, but that wasn't the only thing, they threw garbage there and many, you know, relieved themselves in the pond. I tried to keep it clean but it was getting harder every day. I even made the barriers here, but people have removed them."

"The cave is connected through this pond to another cave, much bigger and several kilometers into the sea. It's bad… it's about to explode. Damn, I should have checked it sooner." Pick alarmed everyone.

"There is no time to purify it. You can tell too, that impulse was sent a few days ago, long before you even showed up here, Pick, don't blame yourself." Ten reassured his brother.

“We can only…” Pick said and looked at Ten who nodded.

Now it was clear why Ten was sent here to aid Pick. They were both healers and could heal both humans and animals. However, Pick specialized in healing animals. They needed to get all the living sea creatures out of the way of the upcoming explosion. There was too much life in this water tunnel and Pick needed Ten to boost him. It could be done by any of his brothers but with Ten or Pat, it was faster and stronger. They used the same type of balance magic.

Pick tried to heal and guide all the sea life in the pond until the last possible moment. Then they felt a shock, an earthquake. Pick and Ten jumped to their partners to hide them in the safety of their arms but made sure Uncle was between the pairs to be protected as well.

"Uff, luckily it was weak." Uncle said.

"Those were just echoes. The real earthquake was in a cave in the sea. Don't panic, but a tsunami is coming here." Pick informed.

“But many people have just arrived at the resort.” Uncle's eyes widened in horror.

"We need help, Pick." Ten said.

"Let's call them all," Pick decided.

Chapter Text

James woke up with a panic attack and it took Mote several long minutes to calm him down.

"Our hearts beat to the same rhythm, it's comforting," James said.

“You're right, mine beats for you,” Mote said and kissed James' hair.

"I'm sorry, it scared me that I woke up so content and pain-free. I don't remember the feeling anymore."

"Don't apologize. I'm here for you, I'll never leave you alone again."

"Hmm," James murmured, snuggling up to Mote. "Your skin is so different."

"Once upon a time when you were young, you had similar skin."

"I don't remember that." James shook his head.

Mote squeezed him tighter. James has been here far too long. This black and white world was specific, it was connected to all worlds, it was a world for the lost souls of magical users, who were shown only backs by others and rejection, and who decided to give up joy and colors. But these lost souls were not ready to give up their lives. So magical wheels of fate gave them the choice, to stay here in this black and white world where it was almost impossible to use magic since people lost their colors. Some found peace here, some continued their fall, and others began to yearn for colors again. It was tricky though because they didn’t remember they chose this path.

Mote thought about how to propose to James to show him the world of colors. He knew he couldn't just take him anywhere. It had to be his choice.

James interrupted his thoughts with a plea. He wanted to take a walk and confirm something. Mote honestly also wanted to look at this world. He was curious. They visited several human colonies, never going close, just watching from afar. James was still not smiling but Mote could feel him slowly opening up and calming down. Mote understood that the monster he had given conscience was tormenting these human colonies like a tyrant. Now without him, they were gradually standing on their own two feet, even though it had only been a few hours.

"Can they build their future?" James asked out of nowhere.

"They can, it will be hard but I can see their life value increasing every second."

“You can see that?”

"Yes, my special power, I can connect to the souls and it will show me all the threads that connect the souls to everything else, other people, things, animals, and more... Thanks to those connections, I can calculate it in my head.”

"What is my value?"

"Infinite, do you know what that is?"

"No."

"Something that cannot be measured," Mote said and kissed him tenderly.

"I don't understand what's going on but suddenly I feel like I have somewhere to go. I want to go where you're going. I have nothing here... Can I follow you? I will do anything for you and you can do anything to me," James said.

"No, my sweet James, you have to let me do anything for you. You don't have to do anything just stay by my side and be happy. I can no longer live without you. Take my hand and be with me that is enough." James looked at him in surprise but a smile slowly spread across his face. Mote almost cried seeing that.

"Let me show you the colors."

"Colors? What's that?"

"You will see."

Mote created a door with the rune and unlocked it with his key. He took James’s hand and they stepped over to the new world. Mote’s enthusiasm soon faded. He certainly didn't expect them to end up in Hell. Mote questioned whether it was because he didn't wait for the key to heat up.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to show you this. I promise there are many other worlds with more colors.”

"P'Mote, I don't feel good, this place is spinning," James said. Mote looked at James who looked even paler than in his black and white world. Mote freaked out when James fainted.

Thawin didn't remember how long they slept, it felt like several long days but it was probably only a few hours. Both he and Tam were exhausted and if it weren’t dangerous they would have stayed lying in the crater Thawin had made.

But in Hell, they would be easy targets for anyone who would want to take advantage of their weakened state and steal their magic or lives. Instead, they gathered the last bits of strength and used their magic to transport themselves to Tam's hideout.

During his sleep Thawin dreamed of the King and the Magician having a similar battle decades ago with a strange entity, probably the tyrant who created the crown. He couldn’t see it clearly but the crown was presumed destroyed in the fight.

When Thawin woke up, he found Tam treating a wound on his hand. The injury from the crown was deep.

“The injury would heal itself, my magic does it automatically,” Thawin said, stroking Tam with his good hand.

“But it would take a long time,” Tam rightly pointed out. Thawin didn't protest further and did the same to Tam's hand wounds.

"What's your last trial? You talked from your sleep about finishing four."

"That's a secret. Let's talk about something else. Do you want to tell me how you ended up here? I know you are not originally from Hell." Thawin avoided the topic.

"Don't you already know, P'Thawin?"

"I'd like to hear it from your mouth."

"I don't remember my original world, just a few flashes of memories and my motive for coming here."

"That's how it works with the traveling between worlds. If a magic user doesn't fully master balance magic, they will forget most things when they enter a new world. Those who travel to other worlds need the protection for their memories. My brothers and I had to learn to do that and it’s still extremely difficult and dangerous."

"Is your key helping with that?"

Thawin pulled out his key and examined it.

"I think so, it's supposed to be a guide. Are you getting off-topic?"

"Weren't you the one who forcefully changed the subject? Plus, you interrupted me," Tam teased but continued. "I killed and my victims were sent to purgatory I could feel their pain and suffering."

“Your family deserved to die,” Thawin said.

"Maybe, but I still shouldn't have played judge and god. They hurt and tortured people, I was one of their victims. They were sinners and deserved punishment but what does that make me if I ended their lives?”

"You’ve already paid your price and the rest of your story is the proof,” Thawin reassured him and encouraged him to continue the story.

“After I killed them, I was still connected to them and discovered what the crown does. I wanted to do something about it."

Thawin wanted to soothe Tam who shed tears but was never a smooth talker. He wished he had his brothers here, like Khai or Pine, to advise him. He didn't know what to do so he kissed Tam and Tam kissed him back.

Their kiss was broken, they both felt it.

"Someone is coming?" Tam said.

"Yes, it's a familiar feeling," Thawin confirmed.

They made their way to the site of the expected entry of the new arrivals.

"Your brother is cute, had he not realized?" Tam asked.

"Probably, Mote never believed himself too much, he feels like he's the black sheep of the family but now his thinking is affected. He is down bad for his partner... I'm too, you know." Thawin said, wrapping his arm around Tam's waist.

"That scares me a little, I hope you wouldn't panic like that if I collapsed in front of you."

"Not sure," Thawin admitted. "Let's go save my brother."

"James, are you okay? What should I do? Can you hear me?"

"Your soulmate will be fine, my brother. He needs to adjust to the colors. It's good you didn't go straight home or somewhere else, It would kill him." Thawin spoke to his brother and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"P'Thawin? What? Oh, right. I feel so stupid. I was excited to show James all the colors that I forgot." Mote spoke in confusion but his eyes were grateful when he saw Thawin.

"Luckily, the key put a safety switch on your journey," Thawin said and Mote pulled out his key. Thawin was sure that Mote was mentally thanking his key.

"Let him sleep. I see you finished your trials." Thawin said.

"I did, what about you?" Mote asked.

"He just has one left and doesn't want to tell me what it is. Hello, I'm Tam and it seems I'm for him what this guy is for you." Tam smiled at Mote.

"Hello, I'm Mote. You two look exhausted."

"Well, we fought a demon and destroyed the tyrant's crown," Thawin explained.

"Tyrant?" James woke up and was confused.

"You don't have to worry about that. Let's go eat something. I don't have much but it will fill us up and you should rest some more," Tam said and smiled at James.

Back at Tam's hideout, Thawin watched his brother talk to James and Tam. It was fulfilling and comforting. They were not in a friendly environment, they were in Hell yet Thawin felt a pleasant domesticity and smiled. He allowed himself to be carefree and let go of his gloomy view.

"Oh, you can smile?" Tam said in surprise and walked over to Thawin.

"What?" Thawin was startled and touched his face.

"True, I can’t remember where was the last time I saw you smile, brother," Mote was surprised.

"You have a beautiful smile, Phi," Tam said and kissed him. "Thank you for finding me," he added.

Thawin laughed loudly and looked at his key. It was confirmed, it was his smile that needed saving.

"Seriously? You just had to smile? These trials are weird," Tam said.

Mote and Thawin looked at each other. Thawin could see in his brother's eyes that he was thinking the same. They both thought Tam was right and wondered if there was something more behind the trials. They needed to talk to the rest of their brothers.

"How long before we have to leave?" Tam asked.

“At least until James gets used to the colors,” Thawin answered. He wouldn't leave Mote and James here alone under any circumstances and he knew Tam felt the same.

"Okay, good, take your time, James,” Tam said.

"Why? Don't you want to leave with me?"

"I do, I want nothing more but I want to make sure no tyrant will appear to bring new suffering. It's Hell and enough suffering already no need to add something."

“No tyrant will come again.” James surprisingly interrupted the conversation.

"How do you know that?" Mote asked.

"I'm not sure. When I fainted at that moment, images appeared in my head, they were pieces of a puzzle that gradually came together. What poisoned this world no longer exists and no one strong enough to create a new poison will ever enter this land? Is it weird I know that? I don't really understand it." James explained.

"Makes sense," Thawin nodded.

"How?" Mote questioned.

"James was in the black and white world, it's rare to dream there or use magic. He has magic otherwise he would never get into that world. Now that colors are returning to his veins he can dream and accept his magic." Thawin replied.

"Logically, the first thing his magic manifested itself again with was to assess the danger of where he was," Tam added.

"Also, I have a feeling we'll have to leave soon. How do I get the colors to make it safe for me?" James asked.

"Don’t think too much, laugh and be happy," Mote said, smiled at James, and pecked his lips. James smiled back and his cheeks turned slightly red.

Chapter Text

Jane and Ryan wandered through the city, not at all looking like they were searching for an enemy. Jane didn't mind. He could walk hand in hand with Ryan around the world and listen to his stories. Ryan was also a great listener. He was very empathetic and soon understood Jane was not from his world and could use magic. He was fascinated but not surprised.

"Is it weird I think I knew that? Is it weird I want to be with Phi for eternity?" Ryan asked.

"No, because Phi doesn't want anything else either. Our souls are intertwined." Jane leaned in and kissed Ryan.

After this intimate moment and display of feelings, they continued their city tour. Ryan took him to his favorite noodle place when they got hungry.

They smiled and enjoyed their time. Jane was content with his trials to take forever. What was the rush anyway? He was sure he could find his place here by Ryan's side, be his pillar on the way to figuring out what he wanted to do in life. There would certainly be people in this world Jane could teach and mentor.

When the word mentor crossed Jane's mind, their idyll changed. Jane felt malice directed at them. He looked around and saw a man leaning against a tall concrete pillar watching them with hatred in his eyes. But Jane also felt guilt, pain, and desperation. The man was swallowed by his own misdeeds. It was somehow related to Ryan.

"Is something wrong Phi?"

"I found my enemy."

"Hmm, too bad, Ryan wasn't much help. Where are they?"

Jane pointed at the guy and saw how Ryan's smile froze.

"Nine… Phi must be mistaken. Nine is my enemy."

"Your enemy is my enemy, did you forget we are soulmates?"

Ryan's eyes widened with many emotions – confusion, surprise, realization, and acceptance.

"You should say that at the beginning. I was thinking so hard about where to find you some enemy.” Ryan pouted.

"Sorry, why don't you tell me why he is our enemy."

"He was my mentor, but he wasn't a good one. He didn't teach me anything. He only flirted with me. We went on dates but I didn't feel anything. I knew my love was waiting for me elsewhere.” Ryan blushed but continued.

"He wasn't hurt when I rejected him, I think he didn't care but then he betrayed me. He stole a few ideas from me and he used it to make a name for himself in the advertising industry. He now has his own production company. I didn’t fight I just ignored him. I was sure no one would believe me.”

Jane squeezed Ryan's hand for support. Ryan was wrong about one thing. Nine for sure wanted not only his ideas but all of Ryan and the ignoring made him fall into desperation. He could sense it.

"I can face him alone if you don't feel like it," Jane said.

"No, I need to let go of the past so I can follow you without regret."

Jane smiled, he had no idea Ryan was thinking that far. It was funny he thought about staying with Ryan and Ryan thought about leaving with him.

Jane took Ryan's hand and together they went to face Nine.

"So you found a new guy to date and dump?" Nine hissed.

"We were never together, P'Nine. What do you want?"

"Just wanted to see you after you ruined my life?"

"What? I ruined your life?” Ryan was in disbelief.

"Yes, you spread rumors and no one wants to work with me. I'm in debt and about to lose everything."

"Are you sure it's rumors? Isn't it just the truth creeping to the surface?" Jane finally spoke and snapped his fingers.

They appeared in the movie theatre and watched a movie full of Nine's misdeeds, everything he ever did wrong. How he used others as stepping stones. Every rumor he faced was followed by the reality the rumor was based on. It was all topped by the tears and pain of those who were hurt by Nine. Jane made him feel it.

"Do you get it? Have you realized the selfishness and arrogance? You loved Ryan but when he didn’t show an interest you chose to use his talent and bury your feelings with it. You've always wanted to protect yourself against pain in this bad way, but instead, you dug daggers into your heart and soul."

"What should I do?" Nine asked in tears.

"Face it, accept the wrong, apologize and give credit, atone, and build your life on the truth, honesty, and cooperation."

"I'm sorry Ryan. Your new guy was right. I did love you but didn't know how to show it. You were too bright for me and I was jealous of the glow and joy."

"I forgive you," Ryan smiled.

"Thank you."

Jane snapped his fingers again and they returned to the noodle stand. Nine apologized once more and wished them luck. Jane checked his key and saw all the gems glowing. He never thought Nine would be not only the enemy but the desperate one. The trials were questionable and he wondered if there was a trick waiting for the brothers at the end.

“Can I touch it?” Ryan asked and Jane gave him the key.

"Ouch, it burns." Ryan groaned. Jane was alarmed and checked Ryan's hands for burns after he took the key. It was indeed very hot. They had to leave.

"Did you mean it when you said you would follow me? Even if we have to leave right now?”

"I did, I'm ready to take your hand."

"You have family, you need to say goodbye."

"I knew this would happen eventually. Me and my family, we spoke about it. They will know. I believe I can say goodbye some other time."

Jane wasn't sure about it and felt ashamed he didn't share that with Ryan but the key was hotter and hotter. He feared what would happen if he ignored it.

When Third relayed Khai's idea to the others, they were all excited. According to the teacher, the puppet show aroused the interest of the children as well. Bone promised that he would get the puppets, the only thing missing was the stage for the show.

Khai came up with a new idea to involve the children in the preparation. Together they built scenery from all kinds of things they found in the orphanage. It was lucky that they found the pillars with which they built the foundations for the puppet stage. The puppets that Bone got were big so they needed quite a big stage.

Khai, Two, and to Khai’s displeasure Un were in charge of the construction. Bone should also helped but was absent-minded. It was a miracle that he got the puppets as promised. Meanwhile, Third was finishing the play.

During a small break, Khai reluctantly approached his enemy Un.

"I don't like you but you need to get your shit together and ask him out," Khai said.

"What?" Un didn't understand but Khai's intense staring made him understand. "Two doesn't like me."

"How do you know? Did you ask him? Though I wouldn't blame him if he didn't. The way you act - smiley to everybody, touchy with Third. You are way too unclear." Khai stated and Un's shoulders slumped.

"You have to face your fear and man up. He won't be there waiting forever. Someone will come and give him the love he yearns for. And all you'll be left with are regrets." Khai said placing a hand on his shoulder to give him a tiny bit of magic spark. With that, he should be able to muster up the courage to confess his love to Two.

Khai was about to leave when Third came running excitedly with the script. Everyone liked the story, but they also noticed the error in Third's play. They couldn't possibly make it, they lacked people.

Before Khai could think about a solution, both he and Third felt a shimmer. It wasn't the same feeling that preceded when one passes between worlds. Someone was teleporting near them but it caused the shimmer because it was from a long distance. Soon his brother Jane emerged from around the corner holding the hand of a cute guy, not as cute as Third though.

"Brother you came just in time. Do you and your destiny want to participate in an exciting puppet show? We need more hands." Khai greeted Jane.

His brother let out a small sigh, obviously not keen on it. Khai suspected that he would prefer to be alone with his partner. He couldn't blame him, Khai wanted the same and to eat his Third up.

Fortunately, he didn't have to persuade his brother. His lover decided for him. His eyes lit up, he bounced happily on the spot, pointing at everything, and kept repeating P'Jane this and P'Jane that.

"Your brother's partner is adorable and he has some experience with production. I think we can make it." Third told him after a short conversation with Jane and Ryan.

"Of course, Tee rak, we can make kids happy for sure," Khai assured him and kissed his temple.

And Khai was right. They played an adventure epic story for the children, which did not lack engaging fights, saving the princess, and romance. Kids were excited and smiled from the bottom of their hearts asking for more and more.

After they were done Khai had the feeling that he had forgotten something. His brother noticed and advised him to calm his mind and trust his magic. It hit him immediately. Bone, Khai forgot about desperate Bone and ran to find him. He was just in time because Bone was about to walk into a nearby lake to drown himself.

Khai stopped him and forced him back to shore.

"I know it hurts but do you want to hurt her and your friends by killing yourself?" Khai spoke softly even though he wanted to yell at Bone. He liked the guy and it scared him.

"How do you know about...everything?" Bone was confused.

"I just know. Look at her, how happy she is. You have to decide whether you will protect that smile and let time heal the wounds in your heart or succumb to despair, lose your soul, and destroy the joy around you. Think about it, what will be rewarded and what will be punished."

"Rewarded? How?"

"With a bright future," Khai said with determination.

Bone's eyes widened and then he laughed loudly.

"I'm so stupid, aren't I? We didn't even date, it was all just one-sided and in my head. She was only my mentor and already taken."

"Yes, you are stupid, glad you figured that out so you can look ahead," Khai said and slapped him on the back.

And with that, the gems on his key lit up all.

"Jane, do you think our brothers are done too? Do we need to leave soon?" Khai asked after they had afternoon snacks with everyone.

"It's hard to say because time runs differently in other worlds and as an experienced traveler you know that each journey between worlds takes a different time for everyone. Who knows one of our brothers could have just arrived at his destination to face his trials. Even if it were this world.”

Jane was right, traveling between worlds was tricky, and not everyone could do it. Khai was surprised when each brother was sent alone but later realized it was due to the keys emitting powerful magic. When he traveled with Bright and others they always needed to hold tight. If they separated they would arrive at their destination after different travel times.

"Why do you ask, Khai?"

"Look at them. (Khai pointed at Third and Ryan) They are happy here. I'm unsure about Ryan but Third has friends here."

"Don't underestimate the magic in our partners. They knew and they were ready. Plus, I must admit that our loves might know much more about our destinies than we do." Jane said mysteriously but before Khai could react a loud ringing sounded in his ears. It was the same for Jane and their partners.

Chapter Text

Maetee and T-Rex decided to forget the necessity of their inevitable departure. As long as the key didn't call them, Maetee didn't rush anywhere. Instead, he helped T-Rex heal the patients and also talked to the spirits so they could move on.

At the first opportunity, T-Rex explained to his brother that Maetee lived far away and would soon be traveling to his home. T-Rex would follow to meet his family. They prepared Watee for a time when T-Rex would be unreachable. T-Rex also found a replacement for himself at the clinic.

"Did you know, Maetee, having a healthy mind, heart, and soul is a privilege? I wish we could put your words into some pills the sick patients could take. I have never helped so many people in such a short time than with your aid.”

This T-Rex's thought prompted them to think about the way to do it. They recorded Maetee's narration on a voice recorder and also made a video. After they tested this they learned only the recorder worked. T-Rex's theorized that there was power in Maetee's words and since only his voice was recorded nothing else reduced the effect of Maetee's magic.

T-Rex then prepared the therapy his colleagues would implement.

They spent several days preparing for their departure, during which Maetee gradually sensed how more of his brothers had entered this world at different times. He had mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, he wanted to run after them to hug them and introduce them to T-Rex, on the other hand, he hoped that their trials would take some time so he could stay in their bubble with T-Rex.

Although they were preparing for it, when his key got hot it took them by surprise. But for the first time, Maetee didn't fear the unknown thanks to having T-Rex by his side.

Bright drew several magical runes on the ground in a large circle. He placed the two girls in a circle and took one hand of each. He filled them with his magic. A few runes were soaked into the girls, the rest were sent away to whoever caused all this.

The runes were connected to Bright, during his spells and searching for the culprit, he noticed that Pat was in this world and was also casting spells. It was somehow reassuring, having his brother relatively close. He focused back on his trials and in a moment a man appeared in the magic circle.

“P’Alan? What are you doing here?” Liftoil was shocked.

"He is the one who cursed your friends."

"I didn't want to. It was supposed to be a love potion but something went wrong. I'm trying to figure out how to fix it."

"Prick yourself on the finger and drip a drop of blood on the forehead of both your victims to return what you stole," Bright commanded. Alan pulled out a small dagger and stabbed his finger then did as Bright said and both girls woke up confused, weakened but full of life.

"P'Bright, it worked. Spoil is smiling and Padlom has the spark in her eyes, no longer lost in desperation. But what happened?"

“This idiot didn't want to give up after you, Padlom, rejected his love. He tried to mix a love potion but cast a soul-stealing curse instead. Luckily, he's such a big idiot that he used not only Padlom’s hair but also Spoil’s, so the curse didn't work properly. Instead of a soul, he stole one's hope and another's smile. This was no less dangerous, but it delayed death, which would have been immediate in the case of the soul. Plus, Liftoil's herbs also protected the girls,” Bright explained.

The room was shrouded in silence. Padlom and Spoil were shocked and thinking. It was Liftoil who broke the silence.

"Are you kidding me? I'll kill you, Alan, you are no longer my Phi. You had the privilege to be our friend and you betrayed us like that? Shame on you." Liftoil was furious. Bright knew he had that in him but it sure surprised him.

"How about I'll show you the privilege of my fist hurting your face? No, that would hurt Liftoil. It would be better if I scratch your eyes out.” Liftoil ran off and in an instant brought a big spoon and was about to jump at Alan.

Bright purposely didn't do anything. He was surprised but at the same time, he was having a lot of fun. No matter how furious Liftoil was he was adorable. He also suspected that Liftoil would not harm Alan. He was too kind yet mischievous, he would probably only poke Alan's face with the spoon and make it very unpleasant for Alan.

Bright won't know how it would be because Padlom and Spoil stopped Liftoil. Somehow Bright knew it was not the first time they stopped Liftoil’s attacks. Each grabbed his arm which brought another amusing attack. Liftoil hung up on his friends and swung his legs towards Alan. Alan was lucky Liftoil was tiny so his powerful double kick didn't reach him.

But the effect was there. Alan fell to his knees. He apologized, begged for forgiveness, and promised to make up for it.

"I will be your forever servant."

"Girls, you can let go. I think Liftoil is calm now.” Bright said.

"I'm, I promise," Liftoil confirmed and they both let him go.

Liftoil grabbed Alan painfully by the ear and dragged him down the stairs and out of the pub.

"Go home, reflect on yourself, and wait. Padlom and Spoil need time. You hurt them and it pains them to see you. When they are ready they will send for you and you will come back with apologies and accept the punishment they will prepare for you. Do you understand?”

"Yes."

"No, that's not enough. Make an oath.” Liftoil said, and because of that Bright knew Liftoil was preparing for the time when he wouldn't be here to make Alan keep his promise.

"I swear on my soul and magic I will do as you said and wait for Padlom and Spoil's punishment and forgiveness."

With that, Alan left and both girls hugged Liftoil. Bright was a little jealous so he cleared his throat.

"Enough with this affection. My man is jealous.” Liftoil said and the girls giggled.

"We will leave you two alone. Thank you for saving us, P'Bright.” Padlom said.

"Yes, thank you. I know you are like extremely powerful and we stand no chance but if you hurt Liftoil we will fight you,” Spoil said trying to sound threatening.

"I'd rather die than give Liftoil anything but love."

"What about pleasure?" Liftoil asked after the girls left.

"What?"

“You said you'd give me love and what about pleasure?” Liftoil said again and jumped on Bright.

"You mean like this?" Bright said and kissed Liftoil. The kiss was getting more and more passionate and probably would have continued by moving to Liftoil's bed if Bright hadn't suddenly felt a strong evil wave.

"What happened? I felt something, Did P'Bright feel it too?" Liftoil asked.

"Yes, Litfoil, which way is the royal castle?" Bright asked and Liftoil pointed in the direction the wave came from.

“Didn't you say your queen is sick?” Liftoil nodded “We need to pay a visit to the royal couple”

"That is almost impossible, the privilege to meet the king is granted to only a handful of people, and with the queen it’s even harder. The king loves her, she is protected by many guards and magical seals.”

"Did you forget who is your soulmate?" Bright smiled and without waiting for anything he transported them to the castle.

After examining the queen Bright assessed he won’t be able to cure her. He didn't know what exactly was wrong with her. The only thing he was partially sure of was a magical disease or poison.

"Can you cure her?" Liftoil asked when they returned to the pub.

"No, but I know someone who can. I need to call him here."

Bright knew he couldn't delay and drew a new magic circle. He wasn't strong enough as Off or Thawin who could do it just with their thought. He needed magical runes.

He was about to call Pat when they heard a bang below them. Liftoil didn't wait and ran down.

"P'Bright is amazing your brother is already here," Liftoil exclaimed.

It was strange because Bright hadn't summoned Pat yet. He ran after his love and was shocked to see Maetee there. He was happy to see him but confused.

"Nice to see you, Maetee, but what are you doing here?" Bright asked as he hugged his brother tightly.

"We don't know, the key got warm and the door sent us here. Pat is here, isn't he?” Maetee said.

"I know I was about to call him, I need his help."

Then they stopped, both felt a strong balance magic and that their brother had left this world.

"Damn, I need him to heal the queen. I don't know what magical disease she's suffering from and I can’t cure her.''

"P'Bright, T-rex is doctor," Liftoil called out happily. The brothers looked at their partners who already became good friends in a matter of seconds.

"Not that kind of doctor though." T-Rex smiled at Liftoil and ruffled his hair. "But there must be a reason why we were sent here." Maetee's lover added.

“You're right T-Rex,” Maetee said looking around. Bright was starting to understand.

“Bright, are you sure you need the help of a healer and not an exorcist? The ghost here is screaming at me I need to go to the castle. The queen is probably possessed by the evil spirit for a long time. T-Rex, I will need your help.”

"What?" Bright didn't understand.

"T-Rex will guide her mind back to sanity. If I’m right she is locked in her body and the spirit is torturing her. You two have to do something about the guard."

"What guard?" Liftoil asked.

"Probably the king, let's go," Bright said.

When they got to the queen, Maetee confirmed that it was an evil spirit and they immediately got to work with T-Rex. Bright was proud of Maetee, he matured so much with his trials. It seemed they were a good team. Their flow of time was obviously different. Bright envied him a little that they spent more time together than he did with Liftoil.

The exorcism broke the protective seals placed by the king, who immediately appeared furious.

"What are you doing to my wife? I will kill you.” The king attacked them with his magic, but Bright deflected the attack.

"Sit down and wait. We're helping her.” Bright ordered, conjuring a chair and forcing the king to sit.

"You are not healing her."

"Are you so lost in your assumptions that you don't even recognize that even though my brother is not treating her, he is helping her? He can't cure something that isn't sick nor was she poisoned by alcohol. An evil spirit possessed your queen. I understand your pain and fear of losing the woman you love, but you are a king and you have duties to your subjects. You should take care of them not make them suffer." Bright scolded the king, who listened and his shoulders dropped. He felt ashamed.

"Look at your light, king, she is better," Bright said and the king looked at him questioningly and then at the queen who opened her eyes.

“My king.” She said weakly.

"Welcome back, my love." King rushed over and grabbed her hand.

"I'm sorry, I'll fix everything. Thank you, how can I repay you?”

"Be the good and just king you once was," Liftoil said and the king nodded.

Bright checked his glowing key, not sure if it counted as helping the enemy. His brother and T-Rex saved the queen, but Bright didn't question it more. He was glad to be done with his trials so he could focus on Liftoil. When they were outside their ears rang with a loud ringing.

"Liftoil," Bright said.

"I know. I said my goodbye to Padlom and Spoil. Don't feel guilty, P'Bright. Liftoil has you.”

Chapter Text

Finding, apologizing, and helping Punn's friend was easier said than done. Punn told Krathing about his best friend. They were both orphans and both had strong magic. From early childhood, they were the object of interest of all the adults in this world.

Punn always thought of his brother's sister as his own. They were protective of her, maybe too much so, because of that protective love a powerful Master found a crack and used it. He forced Punn into doing something he didn’t want or understand. That Master hit both friends where it would hurt the most - their little princess.

Punn couldn't bear the guilt and ran away, which now turned out to be a problem because the area he escaped from was sealed and protected not only by created magical barriers but also by the natural magical protection of the forest.

Krathing tried to find the place based on Punn's description but it was not quite possible. He could sense the place but could not pinpoint the exact location. The normal teleportation wouldn’t work. However, he discovered that the reason for the small cracks in the magical balance that bothered him and Pine was precisely in the place they were trying to get to. He also felt a warm familiarity emanating from that hidden bubble. He hoped it meant one of his brothers was there facing his trials.

It was the only way to get in there. Connect with someone Krathing knew and use traveling doors between worlds. At least that's what they found in one book at the library Punn guarded. It was an impossible spell for anyone who didn't have a magic key that unlocked all the doors.

Krathing drew a special rune for the door as instructed in the book. He then sent some of his magic to find that familiar feeling. Krathing rejoiced when he connected with the unknown person.

“It's ready, we can go, Punn.”

"Okay, let's hope it's one of your brothers."

"Now I know it is. Let's go."

Krathing took Punn's hand and unlocked the door with his key.

While Run was resting, they tried to come up with a plan to take away Amin's power that he had usurped. It wasn't easy. Pine didn't have enough information because Run couldn't see into Amin's mind. His once good teacher would know and severely punish Maki, Run's little sister, and everyone Run protected. Harming Run's loved ones was the only way anyone could control Run, so Amin was particularly cruel with his punishments.

It was all too tricky. Run confirmed that Pine was much more powerful. Even Run was more powerful than Amin. Amin’s power consisted of controlling and manipulating others, he had a network of devoted supporters who were willing to kill their closest person without blinking an eye for Amin.

The problem was that Run didn’t want his teacher to be not only defeated but saved. In this world, there weren’t enough leaders who could lead the world in the right direction. Master Amin was once a visionary and the light of the future, but too many failures and the negativity of others turned him into a usurper.

Therefore, they needed to face Amin together, as Pine soon realized that only Run could reach Amin's frozen heart.

All they could do was face the battle without a plan with only determination. Pine hated he had to wing it. He wanted to give his love some reassurance. It was even harder with Maki. Run refused to say what happened to Maki's joy and smile and what caused her to be like a body without a soul, even though her soul didn't disappear anywhere. Pine respected it and didn't push for the answer.

When they were almost at their destination Pine stopped.

"What's going on?"

"Let's wait. It looks like we'll get unexpected help at any moment. One of my brothers is trying to teleport here."

"That's impossible. Master Amin sealed and hid this place."

"He doesn't deserve the title Master, Run, and It’s possible if you have the right strong connection to someone inside and the key that can unlock anything," Pine explained.

They didn't have to wait long, soon Krathing and his partner appeared not far from them. Pine wanted to hug his brother but Run beat him to it. He ran fast to Krathing's partner who was hiding behind Krathing scared.

"Punn! You're alive and well. I missed you so much, my friend." Run cried and squeezed his friend in a tight hug. Pine and Krathing watched their loves reconnect in surprise.

"Run... please don't be so kind to me. I don't deserve it." Punn pushed Run away as he recovered.

"What are you saying, Punn?"

"It was me, I destroyed yours and Maki's happiness. I hurt Maki."

"Punn, calm down. I know but I also know you had no choice. Amin tricked you and put you through extreme mental torture that split your mind and you were forced to create others to protect yourself. Don't you dare feel guilty. I should feel guilty for not being able to protect you or Maki."

Punn cried hard and Run hugged him again to soothe him. "Can you forgive me?" Punn whispered.

"What's there to forgive but if it helps your heart, I forgive you. I'm so happy to have you back."

Pine and Krathing smiled with a few tears of emotion watching their lovers, their friendship was as pure and gorgeous as their hearts.

"Punn, hello, nice to meet you. I'm Pine, Run's soulmate and Krathing's brother. Can you please tell me what exactly Amin forced you to do to Maki?" Pine interrupted them. He didn't want to but it was necessary. They had to deal with Amin soon.

"He made me bind Maki's joy."

"Can you be more specific?" Pine insisted.

"Punn was just a kid, Pine. He might not know." Run stood up for his friend.

"I can only remember Amin telling me to make knots in Maki's soul in many places. Then he told me what I did and sent me away. He said Run hates me and never wants to see me."

"That's not true, I never hated you. I tried to search for you but I couldn't pass Amin's barriers." Run reassured Punn.

"Thank you, Punn. Now I know what to do." Pine said.

"Need any help, brother?" Krathing asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do." Pine smiled slyly. Now they could finally make a plan.

While Pine and Run would face Amin, Krathing with Punn will protect all of Run's friends, students, and allied teachers.

After everything Pine learned from Run, he figured out Amin's true goal. His sick mind was trying to usurp the freedom of his students and spread absolute control over the whole world. It might have sounded ambitious but it wasn't in this world. This world was one of the smallest.

Run was supposed to report to Amin's office after completing his punishment. Pine turned invisible so that his presence would not arouse suspicions. They took their time going to Amin. They wanted to give Krathing and Punn more time to protect everyone. During the planning, they realized that it was easier to deal with all of Amin's supporters rather than protect the allies. Run knew all of them, so their plan should go smoothly.

"You are late, Run. I was about to punish your juniors for your lateness." Amin said mockingly.

"Try that and see you lost that power over me, Master Amin." Run answered with determination, taking his teacher by surprise.

"Run, my love, I told you this twisted mind does not deserve to be called Master. He lost that right the moment he lost himself." Pine said and became visible.

"Run, I don't know what you're trying to do by bringing in a thief but your sister will pay for it."

"I already said you lost this power." Run wasn't affected by the threat and Amin became confused. He closed his eyes, most likely trying to send the order.

"What did you do?" Amin yelled and jumped out of his chair.

"Sit down and listen. I am not a thief, I am your judge and you are on trial for usurping the freedom of others." Pine appeared behind Amin in an instant and forced him to sit.

"No one has the right to judge me. My way is the only way that can save us and protect our world, our knowledge."

"The knowledge should be shared." Run pointed out.

"No, it must be protected from thieves. We need absolute control. We must not show any weakness and opportunities for monsters to grow. I don't usurp anyone's freedom. I'm trying to protect the knowledge. You are the same, you came here to usurp our knowledge and taint it. We know what became of that world that stole from us. They weren't prepared for our knowledge and it made monsters out of them."

"You are wrong. That world was punished for its sins. The division of society arose because someone like you appeared who wanted to control others. Don't lie to yourself. You have twisted everything to shape it and suit your bidding. Just like you make your precious students do your dirty work because you don't want to stain your hands. You lost hope."

"Hope doesn't exist," Amin said and Pine had enough. He covered Amin's eyes and made him see and feel all the wrongdoings he had ever done from his student's perspective. After a moment he nodded at Run.

"You are wrong, Amin, hope is something no one can kill. Please return to us and regain our respect and the right to be called Master." Run said and Amin let out a desperate cry.

"Everyone has hope and the chance for the future. Even monsters if they accept the evil in them and do something about it. They need a just leader to give them a helping hand."

"Can my twisted and sinful soul save anyone?"

"If you're asking, it means you've found your lost hope and you can rebuild a foundation of your vision. But first, you must atone for your sins and gain the trust of those you hurt."

"I'm sorry, Run, from the bottom of my heart. I hope you can forgive me one day."

"Even though I won't be here I will watch your every move and make sure you will never go astray, Master Amin." Run smiled slightly and Amin burst into tears.

Pine was grateful that Krathing and Punn released everyone from Amin's control because now, only saving Maki’s smile was left.

"Can she be saved?" Punn asked.

"Don't worry, baby. I could do it too but it would be dangerous. It will be easy for Pine, my brother is one of the best for this." Krathing answered before Pine could answer.

"It's easy if you know how. The only tricky thing is to be absolutely precise to untie every single knot." Pine added and began.

It took him a long time because he took extra care. A smile lit up Maki's face as he untied the last knot.

"Wow, I feel so light suddenly. P'Punn it's been a while. Where have you been? Oh? What happened? Why are you both crying?" Maki said as she noticed Run and Punn crying.

The next day Run and Punn spent with Maki, trying to catch up knowing they would have to leave soon. Pine and Krathing checked the magical cracks pleased it was healing on its own. They were caused by Amin trying to control too much magic of others.

Late at night all four of them heard intense ringing in their ears. Someone called them and it was an emergency.

Chapter Text

"Wow, this place is beautiful. How did you know about this park, P'Off?"

"I didn't. I just sensed a handful of people here. How beautiful it looks here is a surprising bonus." Off joked, trying to draw out Gun's true smile.

"Hmm, I like it here," Gun said, looking around. He was relaxed now that he was away from the people.

"Why don't you ask how I got us here?"

"Didn't you tell me to trust you?" Gun titled his head cutely.

"But still."

"P'Off, have you ever felt your whole life is a puzzle picture but one piece of the background has wandered off somewhere? You can see the whole picture yet it can never be complete without that one missing piece. I always felt like that, until now. You are my missing piece, P'Off. I don’t know why and I don't care how it's possible because the feeling of wholeness is amazing." Gun talked with such a stateliness that Off could barely breathe.

Gun had that power, his every public appearance and all of his acting roles had a certain amount of stateliness, always in just the right amount. But…

“Yet you're still missing your smile.” Off walked up to Gun to caress his cheek.

"Oh, did I get busted? No one ever noticed," Gun said.

"I know what you mean by that missing piece because I felt that way too. I’m surrounded by family’s love and friendship yet I had a hole in my heart. Now it was filled by you. I can tell you are hiding your true smile because I’m your soulmate. I can see inside your heart and if you look closely you will soon be able to see into mine."

"Soulmate, it sounds so poetic, but it makes sense." Gun pressed his ear to Off's heart and listened.

"Your heart is beating so fast."

"Because it's beating for you, Gun."

"It's calming." Gun took Off's hand to bring it to his chest. "Can you feel it? My heart is beating like crazy for you too. The reason for my fake smile is... I'm afraid, P'Off. I've been smiling all my life, but once, I don't remember when, I started to be afraid, I don't even know of what."

"I get it, being subjected to constant judgment and living up to high, sometimes ridiculous and impossible expectations is hard… You did great, Gun. You are amazing and I love you with every bit of my being." Off said and kissed Gun.

"Gun, would you let me grant you wish? Anything you want."

"Anything?"

Off nodded.

"I have a free day tomorrow but even if I have a free day I haven’t had a true break for ages. I want that, I want a break and I want to go on a date without being recognized. I just want to enjoy myself carefree."

"That's easy. What now?" Off smiled.

"Now I need to return to reality for a while. My manager will soon have a heart attack if he doesn't find me. I have some meetings to attend but…" Gun gently squeezed Off's arm.

"I can stay by your side and make everyone not question my presence."

Their date started in the evening at Gun's apartment. Off explained everything to Gun about balance magic, worlds, and what his magical family was doing. They watched the movie and fell asleep in an embrace.

In the morning, Off prepared breakfast, and then they set out to explore the city. Gun wanted to go shopping, which was followed by a delicious lunch at Gun's favorite restaurant. They visited a fun museum and animal shelter. Off let himself be dragged around whenever Gun wanted to go.

Gun's smile gradually changed, his smile was shedding its skins like an onion. At one moment when Off was surrounded by all kinds of dogs that demanded to be petted and did not want to let him go, all the skins disappeared.

"P'Off looks like a lost puppy among all those cute dogs. That's it I will call you Papii from now on." Gun laughed heartily.

"Your smile is beautiful, my love. Thank you for showing it to me."

Gun smiled again and worked his way through the dogs to kiss Off. They ended their dream day with an amazing dinner and a theater performance.

"Thank you, Papii, it was an amazing day. I love you and I'm glad you found me.”

"Sorry, you had to wait for so long."

"I didn't even know I was waiting. Do you think others like me, your brothers’ soulmates, knew they waited for your brothers?”

"Depends on how they used their magic and how powerful their magic is, some may. Are you sad that you didn't know?"

"A little bit."

"You have magic in you but used it to spread joy. Maybe you had some dreams about our meeting and me. But since you used your magic during the day, your dreams weren't strong enough to remember them and you were unaware of how different they are."

"Hmmm. That reminds me I didn't post anything for my fans in a while… I wanted to say this for a long time but never had enough courage."

"What do you want to say?" Off was curious.

If you want to see, look up from your phone,

If you want to really see, open your eyes,

If you want to be heard, don't be afraid to speak up,

If you want to be understood, open your mind first,

If you want people to smile at you, smile first,

If you want people to be nice to you, be nice first,

If you want respect, be respectful first,

If you want someone to like you, open up your heart,

If you trip, reach out to someone who offers a helping hand,

If you meet hatred, ignore it and kill it with your inattention.

Is Gun being too poetic? Maybe, I just feel a little melancholic and wanted to share my thoughts with my beloved fans.

"Is it cringy or weird?"

"No, my love, it's beautiful. Can I post that comment? I can insert my magic into your words and help certain people see how bad their mindset is full of condemnation and hatred. Not just them, I think many people need to hear those words."

"You can do that? With just a post? You don't need physical contact?"

"I can make them feel your words intensely. I can make them feel the hurt and hatred they give you and others online as if they are receivers of it. It will be hard and for sure not reach everyone but..."

"Just one is enough. If only one changes their view and heals their heart that is enormous. I believe in you, Papii. I believe the love, joy, and trust will spread. Am I too naive?"

"Maybe, but why not?"

They kissed and Off posted the post on Gun's X account, which had thousands of reposts and likes and even more views in seconds. Gun received surprisingly only positive responses and a lot of attention. Not only his fans were talking about it. Some called it too deep and utopian, but everything was only positive.

"It's Papii's magic influence, I do not doubt it."

"Maybe and maybe a combination of both of our magic."

After they switched off Gun's phone, Off and Gun were happy with the result. Off checked his key. He confirmed he helped some enemies (Gun's antis) to get rid of the hatred in their hearts and also some friends (Gun’s fans) with Gun’s words.

They cuddled, kissed, and giggled late into the night. It was a perfect bubble, Off was sure many, if not all, of his brothers were experiencing the same thing. He knew they would have to burst that bubble and return to responsibility, but for now, he was in no hurry. Maybe he also needed some break.

The next day, Gun had a shoot but only in the morning, Off followed him again. They had another date planned which they were both looking forward to. But Gun was a little tired so they decided to rest for a bit and sat on a bench in that park Off took him before.

As Off was content by Gun's side he began to see the little errors in his and his brothers' mindsets, mainly that they were convinced they had no choice. They did not question fate at all, although they were taught from a young age that only a minimum of things were firmly written in the book of fate. These cases were almost impossible to predict.

It was also questionable that they would have to suddenly take their soulmate out of their world and practically steal their lives. Something was off about the trials. It felt more like a lesson. Then it all dawned on Off and at the same moment, he had a flash of coming disaster and his two brothers in the middle of this madness. But it was all in fog, not clear. This future could be changed.

"What's wrong?" Gun asked worried.

"A natural disaster is coming in one place in this world. My two brothers are there, they will probably try to do something but their magic is not strong enough."

"We need to help then."

"But you didn't say goodbye. I don't know what will happen next and when or if you will be able to come back.”

"You will figure that out. I trust you. I know you came to some big revelation just a few minutes ago." Gun reassured Off.

"Did I tell you I love you?"

"You did and I love you too, Papii, but I think we don't have time to talk."

"Right, let me ring some bell for my brothers and call them to Pick and Ten."

Chapter Text

"We shouldn't use much magic close by. The source is still too polluted, it can ignite another impulse. Luckily when I entered this world I was sent quite far and didn't use strong magic here." Pick gathered his thoughts.

"But I did," Ten remarked.

"What?" Pick asked confused.

"We entered this world right here on this hill close to the pond. Did we...?” Ten said with guilt in his voice.

"No, Ten, calm down." Pick tried to assure his brother.

“Doc, your brother is right. You both said the impulse was sent before any of us appeared.” Prem comforted his partner.

“Besides, the key sent you straight here for a reason. Your distance from Prem's world wasn't as great as it was from our home, Ten. Balance magic has its way of doing things remember? Maybe the key assessed the situation and it was safer to bring you close and risk influencing the pond than to send you far away and thus delay your arrival.”

“Shouldn’t we…like go?” Rome reminded.

"Right, the summoning will be a powerful spell, we must at least go to the beach."

"How long?" Uncle made his presence known.

Both Pick and Ten were taken aback, they forgot about him. It wasn't forbidden to talk about magic in front of someone who didn't have it. It was more of an unwritten and unspoken rule because it usually caused problems for that person. They were confused, others didn't believe them and thought they were crazy. And sadly, in some it aroused a catastrophic greed for mastering magic - they were lost in obtaining something they didn't have and could never have.

“Uncle? You?” Pick tried to find words.

"Save it, I've seen things. Really weird things on the battlefield, humans who have committed atrocities being taken by monsters. I don't want to know more, I don't want a headache. Besides, as you said, we don't have time. I’m asking how much time we have."

“Some but not much. The earthquake at sea was very far away and was only in that vast cave under the water.” Ten explained.

"Can you guess how big the area will be affected? Surrounding islands?”

"This is where it's going to be worst, this natural disaster was caused by magic," Pick said.

"It’s returning to the source," Rome said, and Pick with Ten nodded.

"Okay, do your magic and bring help. I will run and catch up with my new friend and explain. Maybe we can load all the guests on the buses that brought them and send them as far as possible."

“Thank you, Uncle. You are amazing.” Prem said.

Pick was also amazed but shouldn't be. When he looked into Uncle's heart, he knew what an experienced soldier and hero he was.

They all dashed down to the beach. Pick and Ten didn't have time to create a single rune of the magic circle, Uncle also didn't have time to go to the resort when Off appeared on the beach with his partner. Their brother fixed his gaze far out to sea. Soon after him, the other brothers started popping up with their partners.

Pick understood that their reliable brother Off was in the same world. He sensed the danger and was strong enough to call everybody by himself.

"You know, I had that feeling when I first met you on the beach, that you look like an aristocrat. But it's not just you. You all look like a bunch of aristocrats. Are you related?" Uncle asked and Pick couldn't tell if he was joking or not. He wasn't someone who would joke in this situation so they must have really radiated the aura of aristocrats. Pick never thought about it.

"The brothers are all princes with the right to the throne in their world. And when I look closely at their soulmates. More than half of the people who just appeared are indeed of royal blood. So it's no wonder they look like aristocrats." Prem explained.

Pick deduced that Ten managed to explain everything to his partner, unlike him. He was sorry that he didn't have time for that and Rome must have felt like a fish out of water.

"P'Pick, I'm okay, don't worry." Rome pressed against him, sensing how uneasy Pick was. Pick kissed his hair lightly.

"I think I'll go with Uncle and help him persuade the resort owner and people. The resort staff knows me well. It might sound less crazy if two of us say it. There are no indicators of an incoming tsunami and I have a bad feeling that people won't listen." Rome said, Uncle nodded and they both ran away.

Pick agreed. In other worlds where almost everyone or at least a part believed in magic, a word would be enough and people would run to safety, but here it was tricky.

The remaining three looked at the group surrounding Off. Although they were still a little far away when they saw them, they quickly ran to join them.

Off and the others appeared at a presumed safe distance from the cave. They all sensed the coming distaste right away, some were looking at the sea and some at the cave. Off and Thawin shouted something Pick couldn't hear.

But according to the following actions, it was obvious. They split into several groups. One group led by Off remained on the beach near the sea. Thawin and Sean were there with him. What surprised Pick was that they were joined by many significant others of his brothers - Tam, Black, Run, and Punn. But when he looked at them more closely, he sensed a great active magical power.

Which was immediately confirmed by one of them. On the beach where there was no one just a few hours ago, in addition to magical first responders, a few tourists talking in multiple languages ​​appeared. They remained on the beach even though they were warned to go to safety by Gun and T-Rex. Run turned to them and ordered "Leave", which even they heard from their distance and had chills. The people finally listened and left shaken or rather ran.

Another group was led by Off's partner, Gun. Along with Liftoil and James, they hurried towards Rome and Uncle to help them. Pick could tell by Rome’s reaction that Gun was someone important in this world or at least this country. His love was shocked, he even stopped Uncle to show him Gun.

The second thing that surprised Pick was Mote's partner. When they appeared James clung to Mote shyly. Soon after his arrival, Liftoil grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go. James looked timid and afraid, Pick didn't have time to find out more but it looked like Mote was fixing James' broken soul. These three were followed by Plu, Jane, and Tankhun, but strangely they formed their own group.

Pick also noticed Khai, Bright, Krathing, and White disappearing further away from the cave, forming a circle and runes. The rest ran in their direction and that's why the three of them stopped.

Pine, Maetee, and Mote were the fastest. They just nodded at them as they hurried past and continued into the cave.

The group led by Pat teamed up with Pick, Ten, and Prem. With Pat arrived T-Rex, Arty, Ryan, Non, and Third.

"We should set a place for the injured." Pat didn't explain anything and just said.

"I'm a psychiatrist but can give first aid until you heal them with your magic. You can’t look at all patients at once. Plus, a lot of people will be in shock, psychological help will come in handy." T-Rex said.

"I study psychology and I know first aid too, I will help P'T-Rex," Arty added.

"Our traveling brothers will look for the lost and wounded and send them to us. Tankhun, Plu, and Jane will be the liaison and coordinate the movement of people. Gun's group will try to get as many people away as possible. He is a popular actor here and people should listen to him." Pat answered Pick's unspoken questions.

"The rest of us will help you with whatever you need," Third said.

"You all have magic and can calm people down. That effect will help a lot.” Pick looked at everyone.

"Prem knows how to do it, he will guide you. Remember, Cook? It’s the same with your food.” Ten said and Prem nodded.

Pick's group created a similar magical circle to the search group. Meanwhile, Pick finally had a moment to think.

"How the hell do I know everyone's name?" He said unintentionally out loud. They all looked at him questioningly and then the same thing occurred to them. How did they know?

"Do you think Off or Thawin did something or is it natural because of how connected we are." Pick tried to conclude.

"If I would have to guess it's the latter. P'Jane said you brothers are very close. It should be natural you instinctively know the names of others’ soulmates." Ryan guessed.

They didn't think about it further, they didn’t have time and felt the logic in it. They moved to the resort building farthest from the sea. Then they could only wait, which was almost unbearable. Waiting for the inevitable was the worst. Everyone was worried about the others, especially those who were holding the watch on the beach. They will be hit the hardest.

Before long they heard the terrifying roar of the rough sea, it also got a little dark. They were several kilometers from the sea, but still, a large amount of water reached them. The brothers directed the water to safe places, as well as everything that was swept away by the wave.

Pick couldn't imagine how terrible it could have been if the brothers hadn't already dealt with the worst. It made him sick. However, he didn't have much time to think about it because soon after, injured people started to appear, which his brothers transported to them. Organized chaos began. Luckily, they only had a few serious cases. Mostly it was scratches and abrasions. As T-Rex correctly guessed the vast majority of people were in a state of shock. He with Arty and Prem took care of these cases. They also had a lot of lost children. Third, Non, and Ryan created a small children's corner where they tried to entertain them.

Even if everything was caused by magical events, it wouldn't upset the balance of magic in this world, so it wouldn't even set off an alarm in their palace. It could be a complete disaster if Pick weren’t here. Pick questioned if it was pure luck or something else. He was sure he wasn't alone in thinking about that.

Chapter Text

Off had to frown when he and Gun appeared on the beach. It was worse this closeup.

"Papii," Gun said worriedly.

Even his little angel could feel how bad it was. The stormy sea coming upon them was mixed with too much evil. Off sensed the tsunami was attracted to the cave. When he looked in the direction of the cave he saw his brothers and their partners with an unknown man.

That cave was problematic, still feeding the tsunami in the distance in the sea, it was trying to connect with the pond and create a magical vortex that would most likely suck in everything. They will need to do something about the cave. Off was wrinkling, using their magic would only irritate the pond.

Maetee and Mote will have to take care of it. The purification was very similar to soul healing and exorcism but they had never managed anything of this magnitude. He was worried about these two who used to lack confidence. Pine should help, he aided with Maetee's exorcism the most. Pine was Maetee's proxy in different worlds while he stayed in the safety of their hall of mirrors. Pine could help stabilize Mote and Maetee while they purify the pond. It was polluted by evil and sad thoughts.

Soon his brothers were popping up one by one. Off looked intently at all the arrivals to check their magic status. Although there was no time for that, he couldn't resist checking the condition of the individual keys. He was proud of his brothers when he confirmed they all had completed the trials, all except for one.

“Damn, that bad. I knew it was bad when you summoned us but I didn't expect this,” Thawin said, interrupting Off's thinking. He looked at Off, the sea, and the cave. Thawin was assessing the situation, just like Off did.

"Oh, Liftoil is meeting so many new friends like P’Bright promised. Hello everyone," Liftoil smiled but Off knew he did it on purpose to lift the mood. They all felt the upcoming danger.

"Hi Phi…?" Liftoil looked at Mote's partner questioningly. "James," he answered and Liftoil continued "Can I join you? Liftoil will stick to P'James so P'Bright can be rest assured, P'James will protect me." Liftoil said to Bright who winked at him.

Mote's partner was a bit surprised but smiled at Liftoil with gratitude and let himself be held by the hand. Before, he clung to Mote desperately. Off could see he was still trying to get used to colors. The poor soul was from the black and white world. Liftoil was the perfect guide for colors. He looked like a joker but he was smart and knew exactly what he was doing.

Another one who Off was worried about was Pat's partner. Just like James he suffered a lot and this many new people could be too much, but it seemed he didn't have to. Jane's and Maetee's partners took him under their protection.

It was almost alarming how coordinated they were. It wasn't strange for the brothers, but the fact that it also applied to their soulmates, most of whom had only just met, caught Off by surprise. It was reassuring to feel their strong brotherly connection intact. Off was happy about it. In a way, their magical connection made up for not being blood related. He did not expect the connection to naturally extend to individual soulmates so quickly.

It was great and Off could tell over time their bonds would get stronger. After all, they were becoming a family. Off decided to use it, now it came in handy. He just needed to speed up the process a bit. He strengthened that connection to cooperate better and not be delayed by unnecessary questions.

Thawin looked at Off. He finished his analysis and came to the same conclusion as Off. They both nodded and got to work.

"Alright, guys, listen. Gun, I need you to take Liftoil and James, join Rome, and try to get the people away. Try to calm everybody down and make them cooperate.

Pat, take T-Rex, Arty, Third, Non, and Ryan, and together with Pick, Ten, and Prem create a place for injured and lost people. You all know what to do.

Khai and Bright, you will be searching the area, you know how traveling between worlds works the best, thanks to which you can teleport with the greatest accuracy and speed. Focus on the surroundings and try to identify all the people. You will carry them to safety and the wounded to Pat's group. Krathing has traveled with you often so he will help you. White, I know you don't know how to do it but you have active magic and they will need support. They will explain to you how you can boost their magic, you simply connect to them like a battery." Off divided the tasks.

“I understand, P’Off,” White said.

"Jane, Plu, and Tankhun, I need you to be everywhere and coordinate. There will be a lot of movement of people. Make arrangements with those who will be searching the island. It will be easier for them to hand everyone over to you and you will get them to the healers or safe area. You will also arrange a possible rescue mission for the lost and stranded.

Maetee and Mote, that pond in the cave, can you feel it? You have to do it yourself. Pine will support and possibly protect you while you purify the pond."

"I will look after them, don't worry, Off. Besides they matured during their trials. You will be proud." Pine said.

"You all matured and I was already proud of you all," Off said and smiled. "The rest will be with me and Thawin." Off finished and focused on the sea.

He had to figure out how much the tsunami was filled with evil magic. They had to send their own magic wave of the correct level. Their waves will gradually absorb the evil in a tsunami. They couldn't stop it completely, only mitigate it as much as possible. If they sent a big wave it would cause an even bigger disaster.

Thawin took the floor as the majority began to move as Off commanded. Off could hear him explaining to those who were left on the beach what needed to be done and how their waves would work.

"I and Off will manage the right dose of our waves. Tam, Run, and Punn, you should know how to do it. Sean, please teach Black how to redirect his power to what we're going to do. Since he is not used to using his magic."

Before they got down to work, they were interrupted by a group of tourists. Off didn't have time to say anything. Run was faster and ordered them to leave. Pine's partner surprised him with his precise use of the magic command. He was strong. Apart from Magician, Off had never met anyone who could master mind control like this.

"Thank you, Run." Off thanked him and saw a small hint of blushing.

Then they formed a line with Off in the middle and went to work. Their group sent waves of magic to soothe the sea and absorb the evil in the tsunami.

"I don't think there is a question of who is the most regal among us. Your command was perfect, Off." Thawin said in one break between waves.

"Yet I'm the only one who didn't finish his trials." Off said and all of them looked at him in shock.

Off chuckled to himself that even his brothers' partners were surprised. With Off quickly and smoothly taking the lead and dividing everyone, it might have seemed like a done deal who would sit on the throne.

"Let's focus, we will be sending a new wave soon, no time to talk about regal manners." Off commanded.

"Yet another regal gesture," Sean teased.

"Shut up." Off dismissed further conversation. He wasn't mad. It eased the tension a bit.

The waves of magic they sent had to be precise and it was draining them. Plus, they needed to prepare for the final impact and redirect everything for the tsunami to cause as little damage as possible.

However, he was glad no one questioned his unfinished trials. What he didn't mention was that he knew who was his last trial.

The sending of the waves was strangely hypnotizing and if they continued for a few more minutes it might soothe them too much. But soon darkness came and the front line of magic users could see a giant tsunami.

"Prepare for the impact. Don't forget to send magic to your legs. You have to stay in place and not be swept away by the sea." Off commanded.

They really could use some boost. The waves that they sent into the sea had drained them. As if on cue, Off felt a pulse of balance magic. The group in the cave managed to purify the pond and immediately appeared behind them and did exactly what was needed. They boosted them, it was more effective than joining them. Off's group had already agreed on where they would lead the water and other things that would be swept away.

It was all over soon. Off, like the others, almost couldn't walk. They were exhausted and every muscle ached. They were picked up by Jane, Plu, and Tankhun, who teleported them to be treated. They were very exhausted themselves. They met all their brothers there.

White, who had the most strength left of the search group, informed them that they had searched the entire island and all residents and tourists were safe. Also, all the wounded were here.

The brothers and their soulmates were generally fine except for exhaustion. No one was seriously injured. Although all healer brothers frowned at the considerable amount of scratches and lacerations Off's group had.

Off was proud of his brothers and their partners. He fell asleep in Gun's arms with a blissful smile.

Chapter Text

It was unbelievable how quickly everything ended. The wait for the inevitable was much longer. They slightly delayed the impact by gradually sending their magic waves toward the tsunami to absorb the evil magic. Once the disaster came it was all over almost instantly. The water came, raged, showed its power, and was gone with a snap of a finger.

The tsunami left only devastation behind, which was not so catastrophic thanks to the brothers and their partners. Off was pleased when he got the report from two groups that were moving people about how people were helpful. They encountered no human factor complications.

Most of the brothers were lying in one part of the temporary hospital. Off’s, Khai’s, Jane’s, and cave's groups were given strict orders to rest and not move a finger. Off received the wrath of his healer brothers when he wanted to check the cave right after he woke up from his short sleep in Gun's embrace. He wanted to see the excellent work of his brothers. Maetee, Mote, and Pine managed to place protective runes around the pond to prevent such a thing from happening again.

When they were not allowed to move, at least they debated whether they should also help with the aftermath of the tsunami. They weren't sure if they had already touched this world too much with their magic. None of the brothers thought about it as they faced the impending disaster head on. From this world, they couldn't be sure how much they had affected the balance of magic. They didn't feel any crack right on the spot. But how much they influenced the flow of magic they could only determine from the hall of mirrors. They definitely exposed all the islanders and tourists to magic in full.

"Uncle said people don't really question all the unbelievable things and magic they encounter. He asked if we did something," Pick said as he joined his brothers.

"I didn't," Off said, looking at Thawin.

"Me neither," Thawin replied to Off's questioning look. The others didn't say anything, just shook their heads.

"He also said that the entire affected area is somewhat closed. We are cut off from the world, but naturally by the deposits of what was swept by the wave or the destroyed road or fallen trees. Everything has to be cleaned up. The resort owner informed us a few minutes ago that the help helicopters are on their way. Air is the only way to get here. Although Uncle wasn’t sure if the helicopters could get here. He assumed we enclosed the island in some sort of magical bubble.” Pick further informed them.

"Not us, I don’t feel any magical bubble or anyone's magic but there is something, quite possibly caused by the cave. Now that the pond is pure, the cave has connected to its natural source of magic and radiates peace and protection. Tell Uncle the air should be safe and once everything around is cleared there will be no problem with access," Off deduced.

Pick nodded and hurried to explain to Uncle. He was back in a moment, during which Khai snooped around.

"Several teenagers were watching the online news about the tsunami. They are saying it was a miracle no great damage was done and no casualties," Khai said what he found out.

"Isn’t it strange that no one questions the magic?" Ten asked.

"Maybe it's too unbelievable. Hopefully, this will be the seed I was trying to plant and more people will be opened to magic." Pine replied.

Everyone nodded and Off looked around. People were content and happy and also tried not to stare at them. Which was funny because they weren't really subtle about it. He was grateful that no one bombarded them with questions or secretly filmed them.

"This island was truly lucky Pick was sent here," Jane noted.

"It's more like lucky that Rome was staying here. He's not local, he's here for a few weeks to do some photography project." Pick explained.

"Besides, this all may not have been luck or coincidence at all, but someone's long fingers played with fate a bit," Bright said slyly.

Their teacher appeared in everyone's mind. Magician sometimes prepares treasure hunts to entertain them while teaching them. Somehow it smelled like him.

They heard the laughter that warmed their hearts. They noticed Gun gathered their soulmates. Brothers looked in their direction. The curiosity got the better of them and they approached their significant others.

All of them together made up quite a large group of people. Luckily, the healers chose a big space for their temporary hospital, so despite the number of people they had quite a bit of privacy.

When Off looked at all of their partners together. He had to chuckle. The brothers definitely had a type.

Their soulmates were discussing the trials and the heir to the throne.

"It's always complicated when there are multiple heirs, in our family it was solved by our mother getting us different fathers and being the successors of our fathers, which inevitably brought drama as well," Arty shared.

"It must have been hard on you, Arty," Rome said and hugged Arty.

"In our kingdom, the title is passed by inheritance to the eldest child. No matter the gender." Non said.

"That's how it's usually done," Ryan remarked.

"But the trials or tasks to get the throne to know if the future monarchs are worthy are not an exception," Run said.

"Right, our king had to do some quest too, but I think he had to kill the beast," Liftoil added.

"Who is the oldest anyway?" Gun asked.

"We don't actually know," Bright said and hurried to his partner.

"We were brought in by the King mostly at the same age and within 3-4 years. Tankhun, Mote, and Maetee entered our realm the last but Tankhun was brought in at a later age than the others. At least it seemed that way." Off explained Bright’s remark.

"You have to understand that time runs differently in our realm so it's not easy to determine our age. Plus, we all forgot how old we were when we crossed between the worlds for the first time." Thawin added.

"Anyhow, are you guys having fun at our expense?" Khai asked.

“Maybe, your stories are fascinating,” Third smiled and stood beside his partner, just like everyone else. Now they were all side by side with their soulmates.

"We just questioned your weird trials," Punn said.

"You're not the only ones, love," Krathing said.

"So you were all chosen because you inherited the balance magic even though you are all from different worlds?" White asked.

"We don't know which world we came from. Some of us might be from your worlds and some of us might even be from the same world." Sean replied.

"That means you basically don't know why you were chosen, only that you control balance magic?" Black questioned.

"In a way, we asked but never got a clear answer. We were told - now is not the time for that and we will know when the right time to ask will come." Tankhun answered and Off thought that the right time the King and the Magician talked about was approaching.

"Plus, we are not the only ones. The balance magic is in your genetic inheritance too, don't forget." Plu added.

"Speaking of genetics, although I'm not that kind of scientist, I'd really like to examine everyone's genetic code," T-Rex voiced his desires out loud.

"How? Don't tell me you want to poke needles into us?" Maetee was horrified. Off noticed the thought frightened some others as well.

"We don't need to do it the usual way. We can use magic and we have already done that. We haven't found anything that would connect us in blood or genetic code," Pat calmed the situation down, and T-Rex accepted the explanation and glimpse into more medical discussions with the healer brothers.

"It must have been hard not knowing the answers." James timidly joined the conversation. He was no longer hiding behind Mote or Liftoil but still tried to stay out of the way.

"You have no idea, it's like everything is simple yet tangled and complicated." Mote put his arm around his partner's waist and sighed.

"Many answers yet even more questions," Run said.

"I heard that before." Pine chuckled gaining the questionable looks from others.

"Run told me that when we first met after he looked into my mind," Pine explained.

Then more casual talk followed when their conversation was interrupted. At least the brothers were startled. Off heard the baby's crying and judging by how others reacted, his brothers heard it too. Their soulmates did not. It was either in their mind or heart, it was hard to tell. It was only a brief moment but they heard it.

"Something happened, Papii?" Gun asked.

"Papii?" Thawin asked and muffled the laugh just like the rest of his brothers.

"Shut up." Off blushed. He liked the nickname but only from Gun's mouth.

"I think it's a great nickname, I need to give you something cute too." Tam teased.

"Tam, don't be mean." Thawin pouted and shocked his brothers with his cuteness.

“See, you are a cutie pie.” Tam teased a bit more and everyone couldn't hold their laughter anymore.

"I wish the King and Magician could see us," Jane sighed in satisfaction.

"What makes you think they don't?" Pick said.

"Why do you call him Magician? I mean aren't we all?" Prem asked.

"It's complicated we are magic users, the Magician is the title of the highest adviser of the king. We don't know why." Ten explained.

Before they could talk about the Magician, they felt their magic heating up inside them and suddenly they were transported to their palace, where the mentioned Magician was standing in front of them.

"Welcome back my dear princes and nice to meet you, owner of my students' hearts." The Magician smiled.

Chapter Text

Off had mixed feelings and wasn't quite sure how to feel and what to do. He sensed a lot of uneasiness around him from his brothers and felt surprise and amazement from their soulmates. Off was also quite amazed. He knew the Magician was a strong magic user but to be able to summon so many people from another world just like that without a door was tremendous.

He tried to focus on their teacher. The Magician always knew how to hide everything behind his smile. He never mocked them or was deliberately mean and harsh. He sometimes had a strange way of teaching and some of his actions could be questionable, but everything had a reason. Just like he taught them about balance magic.

As always, Off couldn't tell what the Magician was thinking. His mind was forbidden fruit, and Off unintentionally glanced over to Run, who caught his gaze and lightly shook his head. The connection Off strengthened back on the beach was still multiplied by his magic, so he understood what it meant. Run couldn’t resist trying what all present most likely wanted to do and looked into the Magician's mind, only to be unable to do so.

The Magician laughed, aware of what they tried to do, but didn't comment or get mad. Instead, he gave them a reassuring look.

"Your hearts are full of questions. Go ahead and ask. Just know that although now seems to be the right time for some questions, it does not mean that it is the right time for the answers," the Magician said with his typical mystery but also grandeur which always prevented the brothers from pressing for answers.

Off felt everyone's eyes on his back. He didn’t even realize he was the one standing right in front of their teacher. His brothers and their soulmates hoped he would hear their unspoken pleas to be their spokesperson. Off was used to it, it was like that most of the time. It was something he caused himself by taking over the leadership most of the time. Because of that everyone assumed he would be the next king. But Off knew much more now. He felt the gentle caress of Gun's hand on his back, which gave him courage, and he breathed in to speak.

"Did you send us to that world to prevent that disaster? Was that your intention?"

"No, just very well-planned and timed trials. However, I indeed knew it was coming so I rushed the trials a bit and tampered with your traveling time between worlds. I sped up someone’s time and slightly delayed others in the void between the worlds. You did not notice it, for each of you, my princes, it was only a moment. Plus, thanks to this little nudge of fate of mine, I put you as close as possible to your soulmates. Without my intervention, you would have more difficulty searching your hearts.

You are not the only ones who bend the rules to help. (Magician winked at them). Helping others beyond balancing the magic isn't breaking the rules. What matters is whether you require credit for your help. Right now people you saved won't remember magic or who helped them. Do you need credit? Do you want them to build you shire and worship you?" The Magician exaggerated a bit to ease the seriousness of his words.

They all shook their heads, Off was sure his brothers and their partners felt the same. They didn't need any of that. They were happy to help and seeing the satisfied smiles of those they helped was enough.

"If they are grateful in heart that is enough," Gun said what everyone was thinking.

"They are," Magician confirmed.

"Will Uncle forget about us too?" Rome whispered his question sadly.

"No, my child, he will remember everything. He was one of Pick's trials and exposed to magic long before he met you. The resort owner will also remember, only some of his memories will be a little foggy," the Magician said gently and Rome smiled with pink cheeks.

"More questions?"

"How does one become a prince of this kingdom of balance? Is having a large amount of balance magic enough?" Off asked.

"Why are you asking a question you already know the answer, my dear Off? But I guess you were patient too long and it would put your soulmates’ minds to rest. Let me first state the difference in the balance magic. The magic of you princes is pure balance magic. Your soulmates have some balance magic but also magic of their world. As you well know, traveling between worlds is not easy and has consequences. Memories are one thing. Even though your soulmates did not master balance magic perfectly, they will always remember their original world. It can only become a little hazy without protection but the memories won't disappear. Unlike you, my princes. You had to fulfill another condition to become a member of this world and your memories were protected when the King brought you here. It was just hard to keep them without ties. When someone is born with strong pure balance magic, whether they stay in the world where they were born or not depends on how their childhood goes. Some accept the magic of their world and can no longer become what you are."

"Do they then become the partners?" Sean interrupted the Magician.

"They can, but only the King could confirm this to you. I'm unable to hear," Magician said mysteriously, and Off understood another thing.

"There is another thing you must have in common. You had to unfortunately experience the pain of loss. That pain is not written in fate or predetermined, it simply happens due to surrounding influences. Princes or princesses must not have anything in their world that would bind them to that world. They will only take the memories of the loved ones they lost with them."

"Did we have possible sisters?" Khai asked.

"Maybe, again only the King would know. Although I can tell you that girls with balance magic are more open to their original worlds. It is easier for them to accept the magic of their world. I did have the same question in the past." Magician smirked.

"How does one obtain the title of Magician?" Thawin asked.

"That is the question that may have come at the right time, but you have to wait for the answer." The Magician dismissed it.

"If you don't have more questions go eat and rest, you deserve it. A small feast has been prepared for you in the dining hall. Your rooms have also been prepared and rearranged for your partners. After you have rested, the King wants to see you all and meet your soulmates. We will also discuss your trials and future."

With that, the Magician said goodbye and left them alone. However, everyone remained in place, and no one moved. Off saw his brothers were troubled about who would sit on the throne and the future of their partners who were torn from their world but most of them left some loved ones behind.

It was time to face his last trial - his brothers. Before all that started Off would never have guessed his brothers would be the desperate ones who needed to show a bright future.

Off called one servant and asked him to bring their partners to the dining hall.

"We will join you in a minute. I need to say something to my brothers." Off said. Gun nodded and led others away.

"I see and feel your troubled hearts. So let me just say something and hopefully, it will help you find inner peace and see what's important. The wheel of fate has its way, quite frankly sometimes in a very funny way with us and sometimes too cruelly. But have we learned nothing on our short journey packed with action, adventure, and love? We gave hope yet forgot our own hope? Fate can help shape our road but it's up to us who shape our destiny. Each of us has our own path that no one can take from us, not even the King, the Magician, or a throne," Off said.

"And where will our individual journey lead?" Thawin asked.

"I don't want us to go our separate ways," Maetee said almost sobbing.

"That's the tricky thing about journeys, you never really know where it leads us to or who we meet. Plus, no one said our paths won't stay intertwined," Off said to reassure them.

"We decide," Thawin said decisively and the others nodded.

“We decide,” Off repeated and was happy his little pep talk helped. The faces of his beloved brothers lit up one by one.

"Don't worry, my brothers, we can survive anything. Let our hearts speak for us. After what the Magician told us, we know more and I believe I'm not the only one whose eyes have been opened." Off added.

"Thanks, Off, we all needed that," Thawin said, patting him on the back.

Off nodded and was glad none of his brothers said anything about him being the best candidate as they used to say.

After eating together, they each went to their rooms. As Off walked with Jane whose room was the closest to his. Jane said: "I speak for everyone. Sorry we pushed it on you all the time. Thank you for being the best big brother."

"I share that burden with Thawin."

"Yes, and believe me Tankhun or another one of our brothers is saying something similar to him now. We didn't grow up that well just because of King and Magician but you two."

"Thanks," Off said and hugged his brother. They heard little giggles and awws behind them. They turned around and saw Gun and Ryan smiling at them contentedly. Off felt his cheeks flush and so did Jane.

Then they finally separated to their rooms. Off did not doubt that his brothers were in the same state of mind as him. They were content and understood a lot, but still, they didn’t want to talk. Off welcomed when Gun didn't force him to do anything or didn't ask any questions. He just looked around their room and then they lay down together and fell asleep.

Before long, the servant informed them that they were expected in the royal hall, where the throne that had been haunting them for years was waiting for them.

Gun and the other soulmates were stunned by the grandeur of the room. The room and the throne inspired respect but also instilled a little fear.

However, no grandeur was equal to what their King radiated. No matter how sick the King was, he never lost his grandeur.

Chapter Text

Off, like his brothers, was relieved when they saw the King coming, who was in much better health than when they set out to face their trials.

When the Magician said the King wanted to see them, everyone assumed they would visit him in his chamber, as it had been for the last several months. It was difficult for the King to get out of bed without help. Now he could walk alone, albeit with some difficulty.

Not only did the King have a healthier color and was more vital, but his face had an expression of complete peace and serenity. The calm spread to everyone, and the room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Everyone watched the King in silence as he settled into his throne. Whenever their King sat on it, the throne was not so scary. The King had that effect - he radiated reassurance and serenity. Off often thought that this was one of the main reasons why none of them wanted to replace the King. They knew it was impossible to measure up to him or even attempt to be half as great a ruler and leader.

Off was proud of his brothers and all their soulmates. No one was nervous or scared. Everyone was ready to face what was coming with their heads held high.

"Nice to see and hear you all again, it's been a long time since I've managed that without magic or just watching and listening to you with my heart." The King broke the silence and smiled at them.

"We are happy your health has improved so much," Ten spoke for everyone.

"Yes, yes, my cute healer. I know you are worried. I appreciate the work you Ten, Pat, and Pick, with my dear friend, have done for me. I will let you look at me later so you can rest assured," King said and smiled even more.

Off notice how Ten, Pat, and Pick blushed. King always saw right through everyone. He knew how much his healer brothers studied and researched to come up with a way to cure or slow down the deteriorating health of the King. The Magician helped them even though he warned them that the cause was not purely the disease. He couldn't tell them more because the King forbade him.

"Let me first look at those for whom your heart beats. Nice to meet you, don't be scared of me I don't bite. He is the scarier one." King glanced at Magician and smirked.

"I am not," Magician protested.

They all wanted to laugh yet tried to keep it together, but Liftoil couldn’t hold it and burst out laughing, forcing the others to join in.

"What a lovely sound. Thank you, Liftoil, for forcing everyone not to hold back." King winked at Liftoil who giggled cutely and blushed hard. Bright had to hold him so he wouldn't melt from King's kindness.

"I'd love to talk with each of the new members of our family privately to know you better but we need to get to the business. However, before we start let me give you my sincere apology.

I'm sorry, my sons, Thawin, Krathing, Pine, Tankhun, and Sean, and also my new sons Tam, Punn, Run, Black, and White. Because of my negligence, I overlooked the crown in Hell and the stolen artifact. I didn't properly patch things and it caused you trouble now. The Hell almost blew up and stolen artifacts gave rise to doubts and twisted minds space to take control of two worlds."

"No, don't apologize. It wasn't physically possible for you to find the little crumbs that were hidden after all the battles and punishments you had to handle by yourself," Thawin quickly answered, and Off wondered if that was the true cause of the King's illness. He was alone without a bunch of brothers to share the burden of balance magic.

That's only partially true, Off. We'll talk about that later. We need to focus on other things now. Off heard the Magician's voice in his head. He was reminded The Magician was like Run, he could look into people's mind and read it. Off felt stupid he always forgot about that. The Magician gave him a reassuring smile and Off nodded.

"Thank you for keeping the universe in balance and safe for so long and alone," Off simply said and didn't push more.

"I wasn't alone." King looked over at the Magician.

"Okay, let's put the melancholy aside and get to the main part. Although your health is much better, my dear friend, you shouldn't overstrain for long." The Magician took the floor.

"What did I give you for tasks?" The Magician thought, shocking everyone except the King, who stifled a laugh. This made them realize the Magician was teasing them.

"Sorry, I was joking..." Magician winked and continued more seriously.

"Did you help an enemy?
Did you help a friend?
Did you save a smile?
Did you show the bright future to the desperate?
Did you find your true love?"

Brothers nodded after each question.

"Good, very good, show me your keys."

And they did, Off felt the eyes of his brothers on his key. He was sure that Thawin or Sean shared with others what he said on the beach about the unsuccessful completion of one trial. They most likely figured out they were his last trials after seeing all the gems shining on his key.

"Keep and guard them well, they are important for you and your future. But I will explain that to you later. Looks like congratulations are in order, you've all accomplished your trials."

“See, I said there was no need to be worried.” The King said. The Magician gave him a mysterious look but otherwise did not react.

"Now it will get trickier. Let me ask my first question but you all need to answer at once. Remember how I taught you to answer like this?"

They knew it, they could never forget it. It was part of every Magician's lesson. He never tested everyone's knowledge separately if it was a group lesson. They all had to answer at the same time using runes on their finger. They had ten to fifteen seconds to write an answer in the air.

"Will ten seconds be enough?"

The brothers nodded and focused their magic on their index fingers. The room was suddenly filled with nervousness, uncertainty, and worry from their soulmates who couldn't intervene but silently observe. It was understandable, now they faced the final decision that affected the future of everyone present.

"Let's begin, one word is enough... Are your trials over?"

1,2,3,...10 They counted in their heads. No

"Do you know what the last part is?"

Yes, was the most common answer, only Maetee, Khai, and Bright wrote Probably.

"Did you know what you were missing?"

Yes

"Did you fill that hole?"

Yes

"Did you find your destinies?"

Yes

"Do you understand the true meaning of destiny?"

Yes

"Do you all have the same answer?"

The brothers looked at each other. Although they were sure the answer was Yes, they had no idea if they could express it in one word or the same words.

"Give me an answer from your heart, you can write anything and however long. Though it would be great if you could be brief. I'll even give you a minute to think." The Magician joked a bit.

They all stared at the floor, Off's mind returning to their brotherly conversation and the completion of his last trial. He knew what to write.

Our destiny is what we decide.

Off was actually shocked that they had written the exact same answer. They couldn't help but chuckle. They all remembered Off's motivational speech and Thawin's words 'We decide.'

"I'm proud of you my boys," the King said.

"So do I, with all my heart. You have all succeeded, now the final question awaits you. Which of you is the one who should sit on the throne?"

All brothers looked behind them at their loved ones and each other. All nervousness and restlessness were replaced by a deep serenity that entered their hearts as well. They knew their answer.

The one who comes after us.

Chapter Text

Both the King and the Magician couldn't resist a satisfied and proud smile, the brothers knew they answered correctly when they wrote it, but now it was confirmed.

"If the next king is the one yet to come, who will now ensure the balance?" Magician asked.

"We will, like we did for years when the King fell ill. Until they are ready for their imperial destiny or even if they weren't born yet. We will share the responsibility with our King as long as necessary," Off said.

"You think they were already born?" Magician asked.

No one answered, the brothers looked at each other uncertainly and nodded even more uncertainly.

"Does that mean you heard a baby's birth cry?" The King asked. This time the brothers nodded with more confidence.

"If users of balance magic are completely in tune with their magic, they can hear when someone is born with the same magic that is pure balance. Now that you are whole you can hear the birth of our family’s new addition. You didn't hear each other's birth because your magic wasn't strong enough and was mainly all over the place. Plus, you're practically born within a few years of each other.” The King cleared his throat and looked at the Magician to prompt him to take over the talking.

"Let me explain one thing, it's not that you are not worthy of the throne, in fact, all of you are and I would follow you in a heartbeat but there is a little aspect you all are sadly missing."

"Sadly - that's not the right word. Because the thing you're missing is what allowed you to follow your own dreams. Every single one of you would treat the ruling as a sacrifice so that it doesn't have to be your brothers. My place, this title, it's calling. You can say it's coded in my DNA. I never thought I was cocky or arrogant, but since I entered this place when my new father brought me here, I knew I would follow in his footsteps. I don’t know why but I felt it. It was part of me. I wasn't 100% sure about you when I brought you but I knew you didn't have that. That didn't stop me from loving you any less under any circumstances." The King explained.

Off understood what he meant, they all lack that imperial spark King had.

"You weren't whole, P'Pat? Did it hurt?" Non whispered shyly, hoping only Pat would hear. However, since it was so quiet in the hall everyone heard him.

"Sorry." Non blushed.

"Don't be, you all can ask questions if you have them. It's just not guaranteed that you'll get an answer right away," The King said kindly.

"Balance magic is a little specific type of magic. Those who have it can simply connect the dots and understand things faster. Most magic by itself wants to be in balance, therefore magic gifts those who can help with that - those who have the balance magic. It helps prepare for future journeys or simplify future changes if you wish for it. The most common way is through dreams, premonitions, or simply strong gut feelings. You all experienced it the moment you met, not just soulmate couples, but everyone. All of you have a strong bond with each other, your individual threads are intertwined with each of the thirty of you. When you look inside yourself, you feel it in your hearts. The princes were also prepared in their hearts and souls for the King when he came to pick them up." The Magician explained.

The Magician was right. They were scared of a menacing man from whom imperial power radiated and the unknown journey but deep down they knew this was their path.

"You all have always known that you were missing something, but you had no idea what, only the princes forgot about it for a while. You all were two lost incomplete souls until you met and became one."

"That's what prevented lessening my burden of keeping the mirrors to all the words open and stable. As the Magician said magic wants to be balanced and the balance wants to be whole. One more thing should be explained before I leave you to rest. Although I don't talk about them, once upon a time I had siblings. Although, there weren't as many of us as you. In my generation, a lot of those who were born with balance magic accepted the magic of their worlds as well," the King said.

"At that time, there was far more magic in all worlds than now, think up to five times. People and magic users are gradually evolving in every possible direction. Magic is disappearing because people often have trouble believing and opening their hearts. That is one of the reasons why there are so many of you now. In a way you weren’t tempted by the magic of your original worlds," Magician added.

"How can you know the one born now will be next in line?" Gun was curious and couldn't hold back the question.

"We don't, my new son. Whether you will get a new sibling is not guaranteed, they have to live for several years in their world to decide. But I have a feeling since the cry was very loud and all the mirrors rang here."

"Why didn't you tell us if you knew we won't be..." Jane blurted out but didn't finish.

"Well, you never know, nothing is certain and the ways of fate are unpredictable. You needed to be ready just in case, for example, if something happened to me. That's the burden of being the princes of balance magic." King replied.

"And how else would you learn? If you knew most of you would refuse to go on your journey and find your love. Even if I told you that the love of your life awaits you at the beginning of your journey. You were perfectly happy with the way your family was.” The Magician added.

Off notice the little frown on the King's face when the Magician said your family. Even the brothers were a little hurt that Magician still thought he was not part of the family.

"I'm glad we learned and we are now whole. The burden of keeping the mirrors stable will be spread over all of us, not just the King. Our soulmate filled that hole which was the seed of doubt and uncertainty." Off said to prevent heavy thoughts.

"Our magic has a perfect flow and we can heal other worlds better. Now King can rest and focus on his recovery," Pick spoke up, catching up on Off’s effort to distract.

"I am proud of you my sons. I never doubted you." With that the King said goodbye.

"Should I help you to go back?" The Magician asked as he helped the King rise from the throne.

"No, one of the servants will do that, our boys have more questions," King answered and leaned a bit to the Magician.

Off and his brothers could tell. They loved each other, they were their parents. They never called either of them father but the love was the same. They raised them with love. It was the King who saved them and gave them home and it was the Magician who helped them control the magic in their hearts and souls. He was the one always with them. The King couldn't be there for them all the time. He was already severely weak when he brought them here.

They never questioned why their parents were so secretive about their love or if the Magician was King's soulmate.

"I'm not," the Magician said once the King left and everyone except Off looked at him questioningly.

"I'm not for the King what your partners are for you. When I met the King we both already lost our soulmates. With them, we lost our names too. It was too painful to be called by our names by someone else. Those titles - king and magician, it was easier to be called like that. It's ridiculous but that's how we survived the loss.

I was too lost in grief, and my magic became unstable. I threw myself into fighting evil and instability, hoping it would return stability to my soul. We met during one battle, where the King lost another valuable. If the King would not take me under his wing and save me, I would destroy the world I currently lived in. He offered me a space to heal. I found more than a safe space to heal - a new home, so I stayed by his side.” The Magician reminisced.

"What now? What will we do?" Tankhun asked.

"Whatever you want. You can follow your hearts and their dreams as I know you share dreams with your soulmates. You can figure it out together. Although I would be grateful if at least two of you were always in the palace watching over mirrors in case of need."

The brothers nodded.

"So we can travel to the worlds with our soulmates and visit their worlds?" Ten asked.

"Of course, I told you to keep the key safe. That's all you need to travel. Now you're whole and the flow magic is without a hole that would complicate travel between worlds. The troublesome travelers four were lucky, Khai and Bright have it in their bones but without being whole it was always risky. The King watched over every one of your trips."

Off saw guilt flash over the faces of the mentioned brothers.

"Don't feel guilty. True, It didn't help his recovery but if it caused his illness to worsen I would have stopped you a long time ago," the Magician winked. “If that's all for now, I'd like to check on the King and you certainly have a lot to talk about with your partners as well as show them our world.”

"So what now? How long will it be for the true heir to come?" Gun asked after Magician left.

"Years, decades?" Off guessed.

"Will we even live to see it?" Rome asked.

"We already told you time runs differently here." Pick answered.

"This place is special. We grow old and get sick but the time is relative," Pat explained.

"We are resilient, this place gives us strength and we age slowly, really slowly," Sean added.

"And now you are the same," Khai said.

"But really what now?" Pine said.

"I know, let's celebrate," Liftoil cheered, making everyone laugh.

"Why not, let's have a party," Gun said.

"Okay, we will prepare for the party but we should make some decisions about our shared future. We need to do what we promised about the mirrors and coordinate our future." Off said.

"Always working, brother," Thawin commented but Off knew he felt the same way.

Off and Gun were the first to visit the King for their private meeting. They talked about Gun's life and, to Off's displeasure, about Off's childhood embarrassing moments. Before their time with the King was up he answered a question that the Magician refused to answer.

"I heard you asked about the title Magician and that you talked about him not being my soulmate. I do love him, it's true. After we lost our loves we met in Hell just like Thawin and Tam. The Magician voluntarily entered there to fight with the tyrant who created the crown. The battle not only weakened us both but I lost my last brother and his soulmate there. I offered the Magician a place here and created that title for him. He didn't have a place to go and needed to belong somewhere. He could travel the worlds from an early age and absorbed the magic of other worlds on his travels. He might be the only one with a bit of magic from all the worlds."

"How?" Off was shocked.

"Because I'm an anomaly, I was conceived and born in the black and white world where, as you know, it shouldn’t be possible. People are too hopeless to give a life. I even had colors right from my birth. My magic was strong so I strengthened my mother's will to survive and hold on to a small piece of hope,” the Magician said after he entered quietly to remind the King of his rest time.

"Thank you for loving us, fathers," Off said while leaving the room. He was determined to encourage his brothers and their partners to use that rightful term. Their parents deserved it.

These little conversations with breaks between them continued for the next two days. On the third day, a merry party was held, and the entire population of their balance world was invited.

Later, when the couples told each other about their individual experiences of their private meetings with the King, everyone began to wonder what the names of the King and the Magician were. They let it be for a couple more weeks, but curiosity got the better of them. They were secretly searching for an answer. They found it after weeks of investigating. Off suspected that it was only thanks to the tiny little crumbs the Magician had left for them on purpose. They didn't care, they were happy to have their answers - The King was once named Ozone and the Magician was once Boss. It was strangely fitting. However, they respected their parents' wishes and never called them that.

Together, this big family built a kingdom full of love and joy, which they tried to spread into other worlds.

Chapter Text

The King and the Magician were no longer cautious and did not hide their love. They often went for walks now that the King's health was improving every day. They didn’t have to worry about their reliable sons. Each royal couple found and built their own destiny.

Mote and James stayed mostly in the balance world but often visited the black and white world. James wanted to help others and give them hope - a little spark that would make them want to get their colors back. Other couples joined his efforts and the black and white world became the most visited by royal couples. Thanks to this effort, their balance world slowly gained new inhabitants. That's how it's been forever, although it hasn't happened often until now. Very few people whose color returned were ready to return to their original world, and the balance world was there for them, to give them a new home.

Pat and Non remained mostly in the balance world. Prem taught Non how to bake and Non was now working on his baking skills. Their whole little world was gifted with his sweets. They often visited Iris and secretly Mintra, with the rest of the family Non still had a bit of a problem, even though his problematic royal family was on the right track.

Pick and Rome traveled around Rome's world. Rome photographed what he could and then enthusiastically told everything to his new family. Pick accompanied him and rescued animals. They were thinking about expanding their travel to other worlds as well, but Pick was not as big an adventure as Rome. However, he knew how to handle his Pick and was slowly easing him into it.

Thawin and Tam often kept Mote and James company. They also paid occasional visits to Hell to check things on the spot. Tam was still afraid of the arrival of someone who would throw Hell into a new chaos. Most of all, however, they enjoyed each other company in the balance world and not having to face evil every day.

Plu and Arty were mostly in Arty's world. Plu became a teacher and tried to open people’s hearts to magic in Arty's world. While Arty was completing his studies. Then he planned to join Plu and help open people's eyes to imagination and magic.

Pine and Run, Krathing and Punn helped rebuild the knowledge world and were working on a safe way to share knowledge with other worlds. It wasn't easy. Connecting the worlds was tricky, it could create cracks, and they also didn't want to ignite greed and the desire for power in other worlds.

Khai and Third were mostly in Third's world. Khai found his calling in Third's production company. They became co-directors and Khai took care of the sound engineering. He had long forgotten his desire to enjoy himself in bars and travel all around.

They often collaborated with Jane and Ryan. Jane studied film school and tried to do the same as Plu, just a little differently. He and Ryan wanted to spark people's minds with imagination through their film production, most often short videos, commercials, or MVs.

Ten and Prem traveled all over all worlds and treated wherever possible. Prem filled souls with his magical foods and Ten rid the worlds of disease. It was obvious to everyone that Pat and Non would soon join them on their travels, only Non needed to gain enough confidence.

Sean and White, Tankhun and Black had their hands full with a complete rebuild of their divided world. They were often helped by the rest of the brothers because it was hard and people mistrusted each other too much. The harmony and equality Black and White dreamed about were difficult to achieve.

Maetee and T-Rex, Bright and Liftoil formed a special group. They also traveled all over the worlds like Ten and Prem, only in their case Maetee exorcised evil from people’s bodies and T-Rex healed their hearts. Bright and Liftoil helped them and satisfied their adventurous souls with exploration.

Off and Gun split their time between Gun's world and the balance world. Gun was still a popular actor and Off was constantly by his side. He acted as Gun's bodyguard and soon they came out to Gun's world as a couple. People loved them. This helped Gun ease his workload. He acted from his childhood practically non-stop. When everyone knew he had a partner, no one was surprised by his frequent breaks.

The brothers often told their partners how much they hated their trials before going on their journeys. Now they wouldn't trade that life lesson about gaining love and finding their own destiny for anything.

They were all happy and content, just one thing hurt and troubled them. The King forbade them to search for their new sibling. They were not allowed to watch over their growth. The King knew how hard it was to watch the pain and suffering that awaited their new sibling and not intervene. Somehow they all knew their journey would be filled with drama which would be the same for their soulmates.

They could only wait with open arms and showered them with love once they came.