Chapters The night following the talk with his father, Taehyung’s nightmares of the Tiger begin. One specifically wakes Taehyung up screaming in the middle of the night. The dream: the Tiger tying up Jimin and throwing him off of a cliff to almost certain death. Upon hearing her son’s agonizing screams, Taehyung’s mom rushes to his bedside.
“Please tell me you’ve talked appa into giving me the amulet,” cries Taehyung in his mother’s hooves. “I just want this all to stop. All of this to go away.”
“Your father is a stubborn unicorn,” she sighs as she holds her son, “but I’m trying. Whether I can convince him before you actually turn, though, I just don’t know. I’m sorry, Bear. Now, tell me why this nightmare woke you.”
“The Tiger threw Jimin off a cliff,” wails Tae in his mother’s hooves, “that means I threw Jimin off a cliff. Tied his wings, left him helpless, and threw him off a cliff.” He’s now full blown bawling once more. “I just don’t want this curse, this monster in me to hurt my best friend, my group mates, no pony. I…I don’t know what to do.” He says with a sniffle. “I…I don’t know what to do.”
“Oh Bear,” responds his mom as she continues to hold and cradle her son in her hooves, “I will get this sorted for you and some way somehow, I will get you that amulet from your father so you no longer have to suffer.” She kisses him on the forehead. “I promise.” She kisses him and sings him a lullaby to help him fall back asleep. She then goes to his bag he brought home with him and finds his dream catcher and hangs it above his bed to catch any stray nightmares he may continue to have throughout the night. She then returns to bed herself where she is soon greeted by her grumpy husband.
“He’s having the nightmares,” she sighs, now crying herself, to her husband, “please just help him already. Please just give him the amulet already and take away his pain. He’s scared and rightfully so. The nightmares are of him sending his best friend to his death. Is that really the kind of trauma and pain you want to leave with our son? Please help him. I beg of you.”
“I’ll think on it,” he groans, “now please just go back to sleep.” She agrees begrudgingly as she turns back onto her side. The small pale magenta unicorn is far from thrilled. All she wants is for her son to be better, feel better and she just wishes her husband would for once feel the same.
The next morning, Taehyung’s mom is up early and goes and checks on her son once more. “Bear?” She says as she enters his room. Once inside, she soon finds him crying in the corner at his mirror.
“Don’t look at me, eomma,” Taehyung cries back. “I…” he chokes on his words, “I…I’m a monster.”
She comes over and looks at him against his wishes. She then yells down the hall. “Love, he’s transformed over fully. Get your ass’s behind in here and give me that stupid amulet already!”
Her husband soon comes running down the hall, still refusing to give her the amulet all the while. “My love, I love you,” responds Taehyung’s dad, “but I’m not giving you the amulet. Not now, not ever.”
“But, but look at our son!” She screams back. “He’s in agony. He’s in pain! You can take it away!” She begins to cry. “You can help mitigate it, so why don’t you?! I just don’t understand. Why do you hate our son and not want his well-being like I do! You’re the real monster here, not him!” She lets out a blood curdling scream. “You’re the real monster here, not him!”
“But I can’t help him without releasing my own Tiger,” responds her husband. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help our son.” He then takes the amulet and himself and heads off to work for the day leaving Taehyung alone to be tended to by his mom.
“Eomma,” he cries, “why does appa still refuse to help me? Does he not care about my pain? My grief? The fact that I’m an absolutely hideous monster? I can’t go back to Big Hit looking like this. I’ll get laughed at. I’ll lose my friends, my groupmates, my Jimin. Doesn’t he understand?”
“He does understand,” responds his mother. “That’s why he’s so overprotective of that amulet, unfortunately to the point he’s willing to let you suffer.” She lets out a sigh. “I’m trying my best, really I am.” She holds him close to her. “I’m so so sorry you’re going through all of this. If I’d known about this curse before I married your dad, I never would’ve done it in the first place, then none of this would’ve never even happened to you in the first place, my beautiful, beautiful Bear.”
A few minutes after their conversation ends and his mom leaves the room, the phone rings and Taehyung uses his magic to open it and answer it. It’s Jimin. “Hey Taehyung, are you feeling any better yet? I miss you. I’m ready for you to return. We all are. I’m worried about you, my soulmate. I’m so, so worried about you.” Taehyung can hear the shaking and quivering in Jimin’s voice and can tell the little Pegasus is crying.
“No Jimin, I’m still pretty sick, I’m afraid,” cries Taehyung over the phone in response. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know when I’ll be back. Appa is kind of determined to keep me in this miserable state much to the dismay of me and Eomma.”
“So he can help and just refuses?” Asks Jimin confused and shocked.
“Yes,” responds Taehyung. “And I absolutely hate it. I’m literally a horrible monster right now thanks to him and I hate it.”
“Is that why you didn’t pick up the FaceTime and just voice called me instead?” Inquires Jimin still concerned about his best friend and soulmate.
“Mmhmm,” cries Taehyung over the speaker. He sniffles. “I don’t want you to see me like this.”
“There’s something more, isn’t there?” Inquires Jimin. “I can hear it in your voice.”
“Yeah, I…I just don’t want to hurt you is all,” responds Taehyung still in tears. With that, he hangs up the phone leaving Jimin cold on the line absolutely confused out of his mind.
“Why would Taehyungie call himself a monster?” Says Jimin to himself absolutely confused. “What is he sick with where it would change his appearance entirely? What did he mean he doesn’t want to hurt me?” He shakes his head as he walks to him and Taehyung’s room. There, he continues to sit and ponder on their bed the very strange, strange phone call, just trying to wrap his head around all of it the best he can.
Sicker and Sicker and Even More Nightmares
Over the following days, Taehyung just continues to get worse and worse and as a result, he ends up sending a letter to his brothers back at Bangtan using his laptop and his dear mother’s assistance.
My dear brothers, I do not know when I shall return, unfortunately. My health just keeps getting progressively worse. Dad knows what is wrong with me, but he refuses to help, so I am kinda just stuck at home until we can find some sort of solution to this. It is a magical sickness, a family sickness, a family curse. I will be back as soon as I possibly can, I promise. Taehyung.
With that, the letter is finished and is sent to the others.
“I’m sorry, my son,” she says with a sigh as she places his laptop back on his desk with her magic, “really I am. Now do try to get some rest and holler if you need me. I’m going to find your dad, so we can find some resolution so you can get back to doing what you love.” With that, she leaves the room and goes in search of Taehyung’s father.
Meanwhile at Big Hit, RM opens his emails for the morning and soon finds the one from Taehyung. He then calls in the others to the main meeting room and they all read it together. As they read it, Jimin especially breaks down in tears. RM looks at the little Pegasus. “Are you okay, Jimin?” Inquires RM concerned. “How long have you known?”
“I’ve known for awhile,” sniffles the Pegasus. “Taehyung is the furthest thing from well. He’s told me everything. What he’s suffering from, it’s a family curse. His dad suffers from it too. It hit him earlier than expected. From what he told me, it doesn’t normally hit until the 30th birthday but that didn’t happen for him. It hit him early.” Jimin is in full blown tears at this point. “He’s told me how his dad refuses to find a way to help him, to find a way to mitigate his Tiger, control his Tiger.” With this, Jimin is completely inaudible in just a massive ball of tears.
Meanwhile back at his family house, Taehyung falls asleep but as soon as he does, the nightmares overtake him once more. These ones are different from the last. They’re of him in chains, even muzzled, held captive by his Tiger who refuses to let him go. ‘Why are you doing this to me?’ Inquires the Taehyung in the dream. ‘Why do you torture me so? I never wanted nor do I deserve any of this.’
‘It is how it is,’ responds the Tiger of the dream with a maniacal cackle of a laugh. ‘Your father is who you have to blame for this curse in the first place, you know, foolish little foal.’ With that, Taehyung jerks awake absolutely sweating bullets. He soon hollers down the hall angrily.
“Appa! Appa get in here right now! Eomma! Eomma!”
Upon hearing their son screaming, the two unicorns come running. “What son?” Inquires the annoyed red brown unicorn. “What do you want?” He snarls.
“To explain why we have this family curse in the first place,” responds Taehyung absolutely in pain. “If I’m going to suffer with it, I deserve to know what it truly is.”
“Fair enough,” responds his father with a sigh. “It all started with your great, great, great, great, great grandpa when he made a deal with a zealous tiger spirit during the Early Wars. As a result, he got the ability to become a Tiger, but soon he lost control and the Tiger consumed him. It then continued down the family tree over the following generations, through each son. That is why your Tiger told you it was my fault, because in a way it is. That’s how vengeful spirits work.”
“Okay,” responds Taehyung absolutely dejected, “so there really is no escaping it. Great.” He plops down in his pillows defeated. “I’m stuck like this forever. I can never return to Bangtan and it’s all your fault!” He snaps at his dad. “Find a way to fix this, fix me, and maybe, just maybe I won’t turn my magic on you.” With that threat, his father leaves the room leaving Taehyung and his mother alone.
Meanwhile elsewhere, Jimin hops on the first train to Taehyung’s family home. He’s more concerned than ever about his best friend and soulmate and has just got to see him in person.
Back in his room, Taehyung sits still, hooves crossed, huffing, as his mother puts the magic dampener on his horn. “This is what you get for threatening your father. I get it was deserved, but it’s safer this way. You’re a loose cannon right now. I know it’s the Tiger speaking. It’s better to be safe than sorry, though. Please try to understand, my son. Please try to understand,” she continues to beg. Taehyung just sits there and stares at her blank faced. A few minutes later, he finally speaks again. He finally breaks down once more.
“I’m just scared, just angry is all,” cries Taehyung. “Tiger has no thoughts of letting me go, ever. In my brain, in my dreams, he has me trapped in all these cages, chains, muzzles, all of it. I just want to be rid of him,” he continues to bawl, “I just want to be rid of him for good before anypony close to me gets hurt.”
A few minutes after he says that, he hears a peep in the hallway. He looks down and sees his brother and sister now standing there beside his mother. “We’re worried about you, hyung,” says his little brother.
“Mmhmm,” adds his sister. They talk to him for a few more minutes before heading out for the day themselves. Upon their leaving, Taehyung is once again left alone with his mom.
“Eomma,” cries Taehyung, “do you think I’ll ever be rid of my Tiger? Or at least find some way to control him?”
“I honestly don’t know,” sighs his mom finally coming clean. “I’m sorry.” With that, she leaves the room once again leaving him completely alone.
Two hours later, the train arrives at Taehyung’s family home and Jimin flies off and up to the doorstep where he is soon greeted by Taehyung’s mom. “Hey Eomma,” he says as he hugs her, “long time no see.”
“Yeah,” responds Taehyung’s mom. “You’re here to see Taehyung, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” responds Jimin, “you know I hate it when he’s hurting. My poor, poor soulmate.” With a nod, Taehyung’s mom leads Jimin inside and to Taehyung’s room. She then lets him in and lets the two stallions talk.
“Hey Jimin,” says Taehyung wincing with pain. “It’s good to see you.”
“Yeah,” responds Jimin as he comes over to Taehyung’s bedside and puts his hoof atop Tae’s. “You’ve looked better.”
“Yeah,” responds Taehyung once more through the pain. “Fighting the Tiger is exhausting. The nightmares, the physical attack he does to my body every time I try to fight back. It’s a losing battle every time.” He winces in pain once more.
“Why the contraption on your horn?” Inquires Jimin concerned. “What’s that all about?”
“I threatened to shoot dad with my magic earlier,” responds Taehyung with a huff, “and it was absolutely justified. It’s his fault we even have this curse in the first place. It’s through his ancestral line that this beast cursed our family.”
“Where does it start? Are only stallions affected?” Inquires Jimin concerned.
“It started with my great, great, great, great, great grandpa,” groans Taehyung, “and yes, it only affects stallions, which means my sister got lucky. Me and my brother, not so much.”
“Is there any way to cure it or control it?” The little Pegasus then inquires.
“Yeah, if we could get me a special amulet like the one Appa has, but the sorceress who made his died years ago.” Taehyung lets out a dejected sigh.
“But isn’t there an enchantress in Ponyville that might have some idea of what to do?” Inquires Jimin. “That one zebra who is known for her magical remedies.”
“You’re right,” responds Taehyung. “I think the Princess said her name was Zecora.”
“We could try that,” responds Jimin. “I mean, you could. It’s worth a shot, right?”
“Yeah,” responds Taehyung. “It’s definitely worth a shot, but here’s the thing, Appa currently won’t let me leave the house, so we would need to sneak out sometime when he’s not here to even catch the train to Ponyville in the first place.”
“True enough,” responds Jimin, “but we’ll make this plan work. We’ll bring it to fruition. I promise.” The two do their little hoof shake to promise each other just like they have all the times before and with that, Taehyung falls right back asleep absolutely exhausted from fighting his Tiger off long enough for him to even get a decent word in with Jimin because for some reason, his Tiger is still trying to kill his best friend and soulmate.
Over the following days, Taehyung begins to hatch a plan with his mom and with Jimin to get him out of the house and to the help he needs down in Ponyville. “I really think this enchantress in Ponyville can help me,” he explains to his mom. “We need to take this into our own hooves at this point given Appa has no plans of helping,” says Taehyung to his mother with a sigh.
“I agree,” responds his mom, “but how to get you out unnoticed by your father is a different thing entirely,” responds his mom as she takes his hoof in her own. “We will find a way though, I promise you that much, my baby Bear.”
“Thanks Eomma,” responds Taehyung as he hugs his mom. “I’m just so ready to be rid of this stupid curse.”
“I know, baby,” responds his mom as she continues to hold him, “I know.”
A few days later, when his dad is gone away on a business trip, Jimin and a cloaked Taehyung hop on the first train to Ponyville. A matter of days later, the two arrive before heading into the Everfree Forest on hoof, soon arriving at Zecora’s hut.
“What can I do for you Colts?” She inquires when she sees the pair at her doorstep. “Do come inside.” The pair oblige.
“You can take off the cloak now, you’re safe here,” she reassures the unicorn before her. Taehyung nods and removes the cloak with his hooves.
“My boy, what happened to you?” Inquires the zebra. “I’ve never seen a predicament like yours before.”
“Family curse,” sighs Taehyung with tears in his eyes. “Please tell me you can help me. We came all this way.”
“Let me go see what I have in my books,” responds Zecora. “Surely there’s got to be something.” Zecora goes to her books and begins to flip through them until she finds the book on familial curses. She goes to the index and soon finds the section on the tiger curse. Needless to say, there’s not much there, but there is the thing about the amulet. “The only way to keep the Tiger at bay is with a specially crafted tiger eye amulet,” reads Zecora. “The amulet is structured with metal, an appearance shifting spell, and an orange tiger eye ruby. The rubies are super rare making the structuring difficult.”
“How rare are these rubies?” Inquires Taehyung worried.
“Extremely,” responds Zecora, “I haven’t seen any in decades. They’re not normally needed for much to be honest.”
“Well, can you find some?” Inquires Taehyung. “Please. I’m ready to be rid of this Tiger. Ready to be returned to normal.”
“We can try,” responds Zecora. “The ancient jewel caves are in the absolute depths of the Everfree. We can begin the trek in the morning, right now just rest. Until then, I can give you an herb to at least curb your nightmares.”
Taehyung nods and happily drinks the herb tea that Zecora provides to him. He then falls fast asleep, but this time for the first time, there are no nightmares just like the zebra said. Jimin watches as Taehyung sleeps before falling asleep about an hour later himself.
Early the next morning, the three awaken and begin their trek into the depths of the Everfree and nine days later, they arrive at the ancient jewel caves and head inside. Taehyung lights up his horn to help them see the crystals. They see sapphires, emeralds, standard red rubies as they walk, but no tiger eye rubies, not yet anyways. They continue the trek through the caves for days and about three days later, they stumble upon an inlet in the cave inlaid with the precious orange stones.
“Are those them?” Inquires Taehyung for once very hopeful.
“Yes,” responds Zecora. She opens her bag with her mouth and begins to load plenty of the precious orange stones into the bag with the help of Taehyung and Jimin. Once they’re sure they have plenty, they leave the caves and begin the long trek back to the Everfree Forest’s opening and to Zecora’s hut.
Several several days later, the three finally arrive back at Zecora’s hut and she and Taehyung begin work on the amulet. “Thank goodness we found the gems,” says Taehyung letting out a sigh of relief, “because I’m so ready to be rid of my Tiger.” After three days of work, the amulet is finished, appearance shifting spell and all. Taehyung eagerly slides it over his neck with his magic and breathes a sigh of relief as he sees himself shift back to his normal red coat color. “It, it’s working,” he says absolutely giddy with delight.
“Yes, but you can never lose the amulet or you’re back to a tiger again,” Jimin reminds him.
“Oh, I know,” responds Taehyung still beaming happy to be himself again. “I never plan to take it off ever.” The two thank Zecora with the biggest of hugs before returning into Ponyville proper to catch the train back home. Zecora even sends Taehyung back with some of those herbs and a few spare tiger eye rubies to ensure the nightmares and the Tiger are continued to be kept in check.
Three days later, the train arrives back at Taehyung’s house where he grabs his stuff before returning once more to Big Hit and Bangtan with Jimin at his side. “Keep my boy safe,” responds Taehyung’s mom from the door of her son’s room as she watches him pack.
“I will,” responds Jimin, “I promise. I always do.”
Once back at Big Hit, the two are embraced in massive hugs by the Maknae and their Hyungs. “We missed you so much,” cry the others. “You’ve been gone for so long. We’re glad you’re okay now, Taehyung.”
“Not fully okay,” responds Taehyung, “but I’m better than I was. I was miserable. I’m just glad to be back to some degree of normal.”
“Yeah, I bet,” responds RM. “We’re just glad you’re back, Bear. Oh, and nice necklace.”
“Thanks,” responds Taehyung, “I can’t take it off ever or the Tiger will return. It keeps him at bay. Keeps him in check.”
“Okay,” responds RM. “We’re just glad you’re back nonetheless. Welcome home, Bear, welcome home.” They all continue to embrace Taehyung in the biggest hug and they don’t let go for the longest time as they refuse to let him go.
A day after V’s return to the studio, the Colts hear a knock at the door. “This is the government police, open up,” hollers the pony on the other side of the door. V cowers in fear behind his Jin and RM Hyungs.
“It’s probably a mix up, Bear,” they say to try to calm V back down. “Just go to your room with Jimin and lock the door.” V nods and follows Jimin to their room where the two soon lock each other inside. Once he’s sure they’re gone, RM opens the door to the officials.
“What do you want?” RM inquires of the tall unicorn before him. “We’re just a bunch of singers, performers. Why do you come to our door?”
“Because you’re harboring a monster, and we just wanted to make sure everypony was in one piece,” they respond. “There have been Tiger sightings around these parts recently you know.”
“I’m well aware,” responds RM, “but I assure you, we’re fine here. Good day.” With that, he slams the door in the face of the police and the police head on their way.
“Uncooperative little colt,” groans the lead officer of the force. “We’ll need to draw out and dispose of the Tiger a different way because clearly coming to his doorstep didn’t work.” They return to their office to come up with a plan B.
RM, on the other hoof goes to check on Taehyung. He enters the room where he finds Jimin cradling a terrified Taehyung in his hooves. “He was here for me, wasn’t he?” Taehyung inquires, his voice shaking. “They want to kill me, don’t they?”
“Yes, and I’m afraid so,” sighs RM, “but we will do all we can to protect you. I promise.”
“Okay,” responds Taehyung his voice still shaking. He’s absolutely terrified. “Good, because I’ve never hurt anypony. Not that I’m aware of, anyways. I was always in bed at home most of the time. I swear.”
“And I believe you, Bear,” responds RM reassuring Taehyung. “We’ll get this handled. I promise.” He comes over to comfort the red unicorn as well. “When it comes to our own, we fight hoof and nail to protect each other and keep each other safe. Now is no different. I assure you.”
“Okay, good,” responds Taehyung through the sniffles. RM then leaves the room, leaving the soulmates alone so Taehyung can call his dad.
“Appa,” says Taehyung over the phone. “Are you there?”
“Yes, I’m here son, what’s wrong? I hear trembling in your voice.”
“Well, the government police want to kill me,” responds Taehyung. “Is there something about the Tiger that you still aren’t telling me? I just got my own amulet and everything, so it’s under control now, but am I missing something? Is it more than just a physical transformation? What am I missing? What can’t I figure out?”
“That would be the blackouts,” responds his father, “the times you lose complete control. It’s when the Tiger spirit is in complete control, blood hungry, savage, ravenous.”
“So the Tiger could kill somepony, anypony without me knowing?” Inquires V his voice quaking.
“Yes,” responds his father. “It’s all part of the curse. I was hunted by the government police all those years ago too. It just comes with the territory of this curse, unfortunately. I’m sorry, my son.” With that, Taehyung’s father hangs up leaving him cold and with more questions than answers once more.
Taehyung breaks down in tears once more in Jimin’s hooves. He’s absolutely terrified. “They’re, they’re going to kill me,” he wails. “I…I’m done for.”
“But the killing was the Tiger, not you, you heard your dad over the phone, we both did,” responds Jimin.
“Yeah, I know,” responds Taehyung, “but that doesn’t matter to the government police apparently. To them, I’m as responsible for the deaths as my Tiger is, and I…I just don’t know how to deal with…how to cope with that.”
“There, there,” Jimin reassures Taehyung, continuing to comfort him. “We’ll get this figured, squared away. We always do. Together. I promise.”
“Yeah, like your small pinkie?” Inquires Taehyung through the sniffles and sobs.
“We remain as one,” responds Jimin changing the lyric a little bit, “forever and for always.” The two share a hug. They then go to eat lunch with the rest of the Colts on the floor of the dance studio just like the good old days.
Meanwhile at his family home, Taehyung’s father explains the situation to his wife. “The government police are after our son because of the things the Tiger did during his blackouts, not unlike how they did with me all those years ago.”
“Yet another reason you should’ve helped him sooner,” responds his wife annoyed. “Hell! We needed to sneak him out of the house even to find a different enchantress to help him get the amulet he now has because you refused to help our son!” She then storms out the room, slamming the door in his face with a thud as she leaves.
Meanwhile at the government police office, the officers begin coming up with a second plan. “We need to separate him from the others,” explains the chief, that tall unicorn from before Officer High Cloud.
“But how?” Inquires his number two. “Those ponies are inseparable, especially when it comes to that red stallion and his little Pegasus friend.”
“True,” responds Officer High Cloud. “Now to figure out how to separate them all, so we can kill the monster once and for all.” They head off for a lunch break to try to ponder it some more so they can at least start putting the second plan into place.
As they enjoy their lunch, one thing catches Jimin’s eye and it’s that Taehyung’s eyes are a different color now. “Tae, your eyes,” says Jimin, “you’re aware they’re still orange, right?”
“Wait, really?” Says Taehyung in shock. “Residual magic from the curse would be my guess because my Tiger had piercing fire orange eyes.”
“Yeah, they’re piercing orange,” responds the little pink Pegasus once more.
“Yeah, bright bright flaming orange,” responds Hobi. “They’re quite cool, though, not gonna lie.”
“No, they’re not,” sighs V. “They’re just a reminder of the target I still have on my back thanks to dad and this stupid family curse.” He lets out a groan. “I hope they switch back to brown soon.” He lets out a sigh. “I really and truly do.”
“Fair enough,” responds RM. “We can get you contacts for the time being to disguise your eye color until they turn back on their own.”
“Okay, good,” responds Taehyung. “Because right now my eyes do absolutely tell of my suffering.”
“Yeah,” responds RM. “We’ll get on that right away. I promise.” He goes off to make the call to the eye doctor to order the special contacts for Taehyung.
“How many pairs of red brown contacts did you say you need again?” Inquires the eye doctor making sure he heard right.
“Half a year’s worth,” responds RM, “so yes, you heard correctly.” He then tells the eye doctor Taehyung’s prescription.
“Should have those to you at least in partial by the end of next week,” responds the eye doctor and with that, he hangs up the phone and goes to order the contacts for the beige unicorn stallion.
“Thanks again for that,” says Taehyung as RM re-enters the room. “I really do appreciate it.”
“Don’t mention it, Bear,” responds RM as he sits back down between Hobi and Suga. “Anything to help you out, especially right now.”
Two weeks later, all of the contacts arrive and are promptly taken into Taehyung’s room through his own magic as well as help from RM, Jin, and Hobi. Within minutes, everything is put away and good to go. Taehyung lets out a sigh of relief as he puts in a pair for the first time in his life with his magic in front of his mirror. “Now no one will know about the Tiger,” says Taehyung with a sigh of relief. “Well, at least not by looking at me.” Once they’re in, he goes and joins his brothers for lunch like they always do. All the while, they have no idea that the voice has returned at least a little bit to meddle with Taehyung even more.
Later that night, Jimin picks up on Taehyung talking in his sleep. He shakes the stallion awake. “What? What’s wrong? Was I doing it again?”
“Talking in your sleep, yeah,” responds Jimin. “Is the voice still in your head? Are you still having those nightmares? Did you forget to take your tea before we turned in for the night?”
“No, knew I forgot something,” grumbles V. He tumbles out of bed and goes and steeps the herbs to make the tea. Once it’s made, he drinks the entire cup before returning to bed and falling fast asleep. This time, the nightmares are gone once more and with them, the voice of the Tiger is hushed as well. Taehyung ends up sleeping peacefully the rest of the night and the next morning, he is up with the sun. Upon hearing Taehyung get up, Jimin wakes up himself.
“Morning, Taehyung,” responds Jimin with a smile. “Are you feeling better this morning?”
“Uh huh,” responds Taehyung from the mirror as he’s putting his contacts back in. “I’m fine. Thanks for asking, Chim.” The two then head off to fix breakfast as they’re both absolutely starving. As they eat, Taehyung explains what the voice said to him once more. “My Tiger threatened you again,” says Taehyung bluntly. “He is determined to hurt you for some reason or another.”
“But he can’t as long as you have the amulet on,” responds Jimin. “You and I both know that, so there’s nothing to worry about, right?”
“Yeah, as long as I keep the amulet on,” responds Taehyung. “You’re right.” The two then go back to enjoying their breakfast and switch up the conversation a bit.
“Your first Photoshoot since you returned back here is tomorrow, are you excited or nervous?” Inquires Jimin of Taehyung.
“Mix of both, honestly,” responds Taehyung. “I’m honestly thinking about canceling last minute even though that’s the last thing I want to do.”
“Yeah, then don’t cancel it,” responds Jimin. “Go and enjoy the shoot.”
“Okay, I will,” responds Taehyung, “if you agree to tagalong.”
“I wouldn’t miss it, you know that,” responds Jimin with a giggle. “I’ll be right there the entire time.”
“Good,” responds Taehyung. “I’m glad to hear it.”
A few minutes later, the two are interrupted as the rest pour into the kitchen for breakfast. They clear out of the way and trot off to continue their conversation elsewhere.
The next morning, RM and Jimin go and retrieve Taehyung from the police station after leaving the bond in Snowflower’s hooves. “Thanks for the help again, Snow,” says RM. “It’s much appreciated.”
“Anytime,” responds Snowflower with a smile. She then sees the three stallions out of the station and back to their studio. Once she’s sure they’re inside, Snowflower once more returns to the station and to her post.
Meanwhile back at Big Hit, Taehyung plops down on the communal couches, relieved to be back home. “That prison was miserable,” he sighs. He begins to cry. “That stupid dampener on my horn, those shackles, the constant voice of the Tiger in my head. I’m honestly glad they didn’t confiscate my necklace to be honest.”
“Yeah, that would’ve been bad,” RM and Jimin agree. “Now do you promise to listen to me from now on? No more going anywhere unless it is safe and I’ve been told it’s safe for you to do so. Got it.”
“Yes, hyung,” responds V. “After the night I had, I don’t want to leave here for awhile yet to be completely honest.”
“Glad to hear it,” responds RM. “Now I have a meeting to get to.” He trots off leaving the soulmates alone once more.
“So you don’t remember any of what the Tiger does during your blackouts?” Inquires Jimin.
“Yeah,” responds Taehyung. “How many ponies have I killed and not even know?” He buries his head in his hooves. “It’s hard to think about, wrap my head around to be completely honest. And on top of that, how many did dad kill and not know about? Because I know I’m not the only one that High Cloud is after. He’s still after dad after all these years as well. Still after Appa too. That’s terrifying. He wants to wipe out everypony in my family with this curse I feel like. I just don’t know what to do anymore.” He continues to cry. “I…I just don’t know what to do anymore.”
With that Taehyung gets up and goes and lies down in the room he and Jimin share. His head is spinning and he’s a bit dizzy. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Inquires Jimin as he helps Taehyung get comfortable in bed.
“Yeah, the Tiger is just trying to bypass the necklace, just trying to escape,” responds Taehyung as he grabs at his horn as it’s throbbing in pain again.
“Are you sure?” Asks Jimin concerned. “The stress from yesterday could’ve aggravated something.”
“Oh, I’m aware that it definitely did,” groans Taehyung in pain. He then lies down and falls asleep. Jimin, panicked, runs off to find RM. He soon finds RM in a meeting.
RM notices the frantic Pegasus and puts the meeting on pause. They step into a second room to talk quietly and privately. “You’re worried about Taehyung, aren’t you?” Inquires RM of the Pegasus before him. “I honestly am too. He had a rough go last night.”
“Yeah, he sure did,” responds Jimin with a sigh. “He’s still in so much pain. Yes, the amulet helps mitigate it some, but it doesn’t take it away completely. He can still hear the voice of the Tiger in his head. His horn still throbs in pain anytime the stress of the fear of the Tiger escaping arises. I’m so so worried about him. I just want him to be better, to be okay.” Jimin begins to cry. “I hate seeing him in so much pain. I hate not being able to really help him. I wish there was someway to break his curse once and for all. I really and truly do.” He’s absolutely bawling at this point.
“I know,” sighs RM, “I know. But there’s nothing we can do. Not more than we’ve already done. That’s the sucky thing about familial curses, they don’t really have something that can break them. It sucks but it’s just the reality of it, I’m afraid.”
With that, RM returns to his meeting and Jimin returns to check up on Taehyung. When he comes into the room, he still sees Taehyung fast asleep, kicking as he sleeps, trying to fight the Tiger off.
‘Why do you still torture me so?’ Inquires Taehyung’s head voice of the Tiger. ‘I just want to be rid of you. I’ve suffered enough because of you. I was almost killed yesterday because of you.’
‘Stupid foal,’ responds the Tiger, ‘you may be able to mitigate me, keep me at bay, but you’ll never truly be rid of me.’ With that, the Tiger stops talking and the nightmares take over once more. They all flash one after another. The Tiger killing Jimin. Taehyung in chains and the muzzle. Taehyung as the transformed Tiger in chains. Taehyung as the transformed Tiger getting burnt alive, consumed by flames. On consistent and constant loop just one after another after another nonstop for the rest of the day and into the night.
As the night progresses, the nightmares for Taehyung do as well, getting gradually worse as the night goes on. Needless to say, Jimin is worried about his best friend and soulmate and he even tries to shake him awake many times throughout the night, but this time to no avail for the first time ever.
“Taehyungah! Taehyungah!” Cries Jimin. “Please just wake up, please. Please.”
Upon hearing the crying from the 95s room, RM, Hobi, and Jin soon come running. “His nightmares are worse this time. To the point I can’t shake him awake,” bawls Jimin. “I…I don’t know what to do.”
“There’s nothing you can do, I’m afraid,” responds RM. “You’ll just need to wait it out. I’m sorry.”
“Okay,” says Jimin bowing his ears back defeated. “Okay…”
The four stay with Taehyung early into the morning when the nightmares finally subside and he awakens. Taehyung stares up at them dazed and confused.
“Hey Jimin, hey Joon, Hobi, Jin,” says the red unicorn still groggy and out of it. “What are you doing in our room, Joonie, Hobi, Jin?”
“Your nightmares are getting worse, Bear,” responds RM. “We’re all very worried about you, especially Jimin.”
“Yeah, I know,” sighs Taehyung. “But you know I’m stuck with this curse and it’s never going away. Hopefully the nightmares will subside eventually, but I don’t know.” He bows his head defeated and begins to cry. “I just want it all to be over, to go away, but I don’t think that will ever happen, not really.”
“Oh Bear,” says Joon as he holds Taehyung in his hooves. “You’ve got us to help you through it. That will never change.”
“I know,” says V as a smile starts to make its way across his face. “I know and I’m very appreciative of that. I really and truly am.”
A few hours later, Taehyung joins the rest for breakfast before they all begin practice for the day. “You’re sure you want to practice?” Inquires Jimin worried for his friend.
“Yes,” responds V. “When I’m dancing, singing, it always clears my head. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“Okay,” responds Jimin, “but if anything starts hurting or you get dizzy, promise me you’ll return to bed, okay?”
“Okay, I promise,” responds Taehyung. “I promise. Like your small pinkie.”
“Okay, good,” responds Jimin. “Now let’s get you fed and get to practice.” Taehyung nods and the two go and grab their breakfast. A few minutes after, they join the rest in the studio for dance practice, Taehyung’s first since his return to Bangtan.
As they’re dancing, Taehyung starts to feel pains shooting through his legs and throughout his body. As a result, he slams down hard on the floor with a thud as his legs give out from under him. “Are you okay?” Says Jimin as he flies immediately over to Taehyung’s side. He takes Taehyung in his hooves and flies him to bed in a panic. He gently sets Taehyung on their bed.
“You’re not okay, Taehyungie,” says Jimin. “You need to take it easy, not jump back in full force like you used to do. I hope you see that now.” The little Pegasus breaks into tears. “Promise me you’ll be more careful. Promise me you’ll take it slow. Promise…”
“I promise,” responds Taehyung through the pain, “I absolutely promise. Especially after that fall. That hurt like hell and I don’t want to deal with that again. I’ll see you when we record the song in a few hours. Right now, I’m just gonna rest.”
“Sounds good,” responds Jimin, “but I’m not going anywhere. Not with how bad you’re going through it today. I’m not leaving your side, not ever.”
Meanwhile back at Taehyung’s family home, Taehyung’s little brother is called upon by his mom. “Son, your dad and I have a gift for you,” says the pale magenta mare with a gentle smile on her face.
Taehyung’s brother uses his magic to open the box. Inside the box, he sees the orange jewel necklace and looks at his father confused. “It’s the same sort of necklace you and hyung wear,” says the colt. “Why am I getting it now? I’m not old enough to where the curse can hurt me yet, affect me yet.”
“Because it hit your brother early, so better to be safe than sorry,” responds his mother. “Please just put it on.”
“Okay,” responds the young yellow orange colt. He uses his magic to place the pendant around his neck.
“Maybe we can get ahead of the curse this time,” sighs Taehyung’s mom, “because I hate it when my children suffer.” She begins to cry a little bit. “I’m so tired of seeing my children suffer.” She then leaves the room followed by Taehyung’s brother, leaving her husband alone in the quiet.
As he stands there alone, he hears a familiar voice in his head. ‘You can’t get ahead of me, Dal. Why try? You will suffer and so will your sons. It’s inevitable.’ With that, his voice goes quiet, his Tiger goes quiet, leaving him shaking in his hooves. He, however, shakes it off, and goes about the rest of his day, opting not to tell his other son of the worrying omen told to him by the Tiger.
Meanwhile at Big Hit, Taehyung picks up a call from his little brother. “What’s up?” Inquires Taehyung of his little brother. “You don’t normally call me. What’s going on?”
“I got given one of the amulets today,” responds Taehyung’s brother. “They’re trying to get ahead of the curse with me, but I have a feeling Appa knows it is all for naught. I…I don’t know what to believe anymore.”
“You’re still young,” responds Taehyung, “just don’t worry about it right now. Go live your life. Now I need to get to work. Saranghae.”
“Saranghae,” responds his brother before hanging up. He then heads off to go hang out with his friends and his little sister.
Meanwhile at Big Hit, Taehyung and Jimin talk as they head off to film some content with the others. “So, you got a call from your little brother? About what?” Inquires Jimin.
“I left a spare amulet for him with mom and dad and they gave it to him today,” responds Taehyung. “They’re trying to get ahead of the curse with him and honestly, I can’t blame them.”
“Are they even sure they can even get ahead of the curse in the first place though?” Inquires Jimin confused.
“They’re not a hundred percent sure they can, but they are going to try at least, and that’s what truly matters.”
“Yeah, fair enough,” responds Jimin. “It’s good that you care about your family, unlike Appa.”
“I’m honestly surprised you’re still calling him Appa considering he actively let me suffer without helping me,” responds Taehyung.
“Yeah, I know,” responds Jimin. “But calling him anything else sounds wrong to me.”
“Fair enough,” chuckles Taehyung cracking a smile. “Fair enough.”
A few minutes later, they arrive in the big room with the others and filming begins, Taehyung leaning on Jimin the entire time because he honestly trusts him more than any pony else, especially right now.
Meanwhile back at his family home, Taehyung’s dad continues to argue with his Tiger. ‘Why do you try me, foolish pony?’ The Tiger inquires of Dal. ‘Your sons are rightfully mine just like you are. It’s a family curse. We’re not going to skip over your second born son.’
“I know,” responds Taehyung’s father, “but the amulet will still curb it to some degree and that’s the goal.”
‘But your second born son will still suffer, mark my words,’ responds the Tiger. ‘Mark my words.’ And with that, Dal’s Tiger goes quiet once more. Dal breaks down in tears. His wife was right. He’s utterly useless when it comes to helping his sons after all.
Meanwhile after their hangout, Taehyung’s brother’s friends soon head home leaving him sitting there with just his little sister. “You okay, oppa?” She inquires of her brother. “You’ve been acting off all day since getting the amulet from Eomma.”
“No, I’m not okay,” responds the yellow orange unicorn colt with a sigh. “I’m scared. Scared about when the Tiger finally comes for me not gonna lie. And can you blame me? Appa and hyung are miserable because of the Tiger, and eventually, that will be me too. Just be glad you’re not a colt. The family curse doesn’t go after fillies.” He gets up and begins walking back towards their home, his sister following not far behind.
As Taehyung sleeps, another nightmare comes to light. This one is a brand new one. It’s not like any he has had before. ‘Taehyung! Taehyung!’ He hears the voice in the dream shout. ‘Help me, Taehyung!’ Dream Taehyung follows the voice and soon approaches two cages. One has a small yellow orange pony in it and the other has a full grown adult male tiger in it.
‘Brother, Appa,’ says Dream Taehyung. ‘What can I do to help you? Tell me.’
‘Protect us, Taehyung,’ responds the Dream version of his brother. ‘Protect us, hyung. Please.’ He’s begging, crying.
‘That tiger won’t hurt you,’ Dream Taehyung assures the dream version of his brother, ‘that tiger next to you is Appa. He’s scared just like we are. He’s cowering in that cage. Can’t you see he’s terrified?’ Dream Taehyung points at the cage. ‘You’re safe. Don’t worry.’
Meanwhile in their bedroom, Jimin tries his best to shake Taehyung awake. “Taehyungah! Taehyungah!” He cries. “Please, wake up. Please. Please…”
Upon hearing the screams, once more RM comes running and stays with the two until Taehyung finally awakens. Taehyung when he wakes is shaking and sweating bullets. “Another bad nightmare I take it?” Jimin inquires of his soulmate concerned.
“Yeah,” responds Taehyung. “I hate that I can’t even sleep anymore. It’s absolute hell.” He lets out a sigh as he breaks down in tears in the hooves of RM and Jimin. “I just want to go back to being normal again. I want to go back to my life pre-this stupid curse. I hate being miserable. I hate it so much. I just wish I could make it go away for good.” He buries his head in his hooves. “I really really do.”
“I know, Bear, I know,” sighs RM as he continues to comfort Taehyung while Jimin flies off to get Taehyung a water and a towel. A few minutes later, Jimin returns and hands the water and towel to Taehyung. Taehyung dries off the sweat and absolutely downs the bottle of water.
“Thanks for that, Chim, I appreciate it,” responds Taehyung with a smile.
“No problem, anything for you, my soulmate,” responds Jimin as he lands on the bed at Taehyung’s side. “Anything for you, forever and for always.”
Calling His Dad and Brother
After a little bit longer of collecting himself, Taehyung brings his phone over to himself with his magic and calls up his brother and his father. “Hey Taehyung, what’s wrong?” Inquires his dad as he answers the phone. “I hear shaking in your voice, my son.”
“My most recent nightmare has left me shaken,” responds Taehyung. He begins to cry once more. “It was of you and brother in cages. Brother was scared of you. You were a full blown tiger, Appa.”
“I know,” responds his father, “my Tiger form is a full blown Tiger. It’s much stronger than your Tiger spirit. He’s savage, brutal, blood hungry, insane. A true monster. That’s probably why your brother was scared of me in your dream.”
“Can you put brother on the phone by chance? Is he home?” Inquires Taehyung.
“Yes, I’ll put him on,” responds Taehyung’s father. He goes off and gets the yellow orange colt and puts him on the phone with Taehyung.
“What do you want, hyung? What’s wrong?” Inquires the colt with shaking in his own voice.
“You and Appa were in my recent dream, in cages,” responds Taehyung with shaking in his voice. “Dad was a full blown tiger in my nightmare and you were terrified of him, kept asking me to save you, but I couldn’t.” Taehyung is crying at this point. “All I could do was tell you not to worry, that you were safe. That you would be alright.”
“Okay,” responds Taehyung’s brother over the phone. “So do you think dad plans to hurt me? Harm me in any way?”
“I, I don’t know,” responds Taehyung breaking down in tears, absolutely bawling at this point. “I don’t know what my Tiger was trying to show me with that dream, with that nightmare. Once I figure it out, I’ll let you know. Right now just be cautious, be careful and hopefully you’ll be alright.”
“Okay,” responds his brother, “I’ll be careful. I promise.” He then hangs up the phone leaving Taehyung cold.
“So, how’d the call go?” Inquires Jimin from the doorway of him and Taehyung’s room.
“It went fine, thanks for asking,” responds Taehyung. He lets out a sigh. “Now if only I could figure out what my Tiger was trying to tell me with that nightmare, then I’d be a bit more comforted bizarre as it sounds.”
Soon enough, a month passes and the Colts begin preparing for their first concert in awhile. For Taehyung, it’s his first since he started getting his Tiger under control. “You’re sure you are okay to perform?” Inquires Jimin of his soulmate concerned.
“Chim is right,” adds RM, “you’re sure you want to perform? You’re sure you’re okay to perform?”
“I’ll be fine,” Taehyung reassures them. “I promise. Besides, my Tiger has been pretty silent of recent.”
“But who knows how long that’ll last, right?” Inquires Jimin of his soulmate concerned. “Please just be careful. Don’t push yourself so hard. Please…” begs the little pink Pegasus. “Please.”
A few days later, it’s the day of the concert and they’re all backstage when Taehyung starts wailing. “What’s wrong?” Inquires Jimin as he flies to his soulmate’s side. “Why do you cry so?”
“Everything is hurting again,” wails Taehyung, absolutely bawling. “I’m so tired of all of this. I just want things to go back to normal. I just want to perform with no issue. I…I don’t know what to do.” He buries his head in his hooves. “I…I don’t know what to do.”
“Oh Tae,” says Jimin as he holds him and comforts him. “You can fight this. Show the Tiger who is boss. But at the same time, you don’t have to perform if you don’t feel up to it. Army will understand. You know they will. Last thing they want is to see us hurting. Last thing they want is to see us in pain. They’d want you to feel better, come back when you’re ready. You know that.”
“Yeah, but given how the Tiger is, I may never truly truly be better,” sniffles Taehyung. “Hopefully, it’ll subside within the next few hours, because I really really do want to perform tonight.” As he says this, he hears the oh so familiar voice in his head.
‘Silly Colt,’ says the Tiger, ‘the Tiger takes away all you love. The Tiger takes away ALL you love.’
Taehyung sits down on the floor, bows his head and continues to cry, absolutely worn down and defeated by his Tiger. “No,” cries Taehyung, “I…I won’t let you take away all I love. Not this time. I will perform tonight and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” Taehyung snarls with a growl. At the sudden reversal of his normal docile prey’s response, the Tiger slinks away into the corner of Taehyung’s mind and cowers in place.
‘You win this one, foal,’ says the Tiger, ‘but you won’t win them all. Don’t think you will.’ And with that, his Tiger goes quiet and dormant once more.
A few hours later, Taehyung performs with the rest of the Colts, a smile absolutely beaming, radiating from his face. “It’s good to see you happy,” says Jimin to his soulmate with a smile.
“Yeah, I honestly think I threw him off earlier,” responds Taehyung with a giggle, “threw him off by actually standing up for myself.”
“Yeah, sounds like,” responds Jimin, “sounds like indeed.” The two go back to singing along with the rest of the members, holding hooves every time they do a harmony because just like always, when Taehyung is feeling off or feeling down, Jimin as always refuses to let him go and right now, is no different, not in the slightest.
After the concert, Taehyung faints, passes out absolutely exhausted. ‘Silly Colt, I have other ways of draining you, exhausting you, getting through to you,’ chuckles the Tiger maniacally. ‘You can keep your stupid voice, your stupid dance moves, your pizzly best friend. I know other ways to hurt you.’ His Tiger cackles.
“I wish you’d just leave me be,” cries Taehyung, stuck in his own head. “Why do you insist on torturing me?”
‘Hush foal,’ responds the Tiger. ‘I am not telling you anything. That’s not how I roll, not how I operate.’
“I just want to be left alone,” cries Taehyung. “I don’t want to be your punching bag any longer.”
The others watch from around Taehyung as they see tears form in his eyes. As the hours continue on, he still doesn’t awaken, causing everypony to worry and even call medics to the scene.
“It’s more than a fainting spell,” responds the medic. “There’s a magic emanating from him that I’m not familiar with.”
“Well, his illness is a magical one,” responds RM. “It stems from his family curse.”
“That’s probably why his magic aura is different, unusual compared to a normal unicorn,” responds the medic. “You Colts are just going to have to wait this out. I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do.”
Upon hearing this, Jimin, who is cradling Taehyung in his hooves, breaks down into tears. “Taehyungah, Taehyungah!” Cries the little pink Pegasus, “Please please wake up. Please please wake up. I’m begging you.”
Meanwhile, still stuck in his own head, Taehyung continues to conversate with his Tiger. “Please let me wake up. Please just let me go.” Taehyung begs of his Tiger. “Why must you make my brothers suffer in this way? Why does it amuse you so?”
‘It just does,’ snarls the Tiger. ‘You’ll awaken when I let you awaken.’
As they continue to freak out, RM finally gets the idea to ring Taehyung’s dad. “Hello Namjoon,” responds Taehyung’s dad as he picks up the phone with his magic. “What’s wrong with my son?”
“He just fainted after our concert wrapped and he hasn’t woken up,” responds Joon over the phone. “We’re all worried sick about him. It’s been hours since he fainted and he still hasn’t come to. We…we don’t know what to do.”
“And I take it the medics couldn’t help either?” Inquires Taehyung’s father.
“Yes,” responds RM. “Exactly, how did you know?”
“Because all he’s going through, I’ve gone through too, family curse, remember?” Responds the old red brown unicorn annoyed. “You’re just going to have to wait it out, I’m afraid. His Tiger is honestly more sadistic than mine is at times bizarrely enough.” With that, Taehyung’s dad hangs up leaving RM cold. RM then puts up his phone and he and the others call a cab cart back to Big Hit, Jimin holding Taehyung in his lap the entire way back. Once back, he even helps get Taehyung inside and refuses to leave his side. He doesn’t plan to do anything, not until he has his Taehyung back in one piece, all awake and conscious.
Over the following days, things remain the same. Taehyung remains unconscious and Jimin remains at his side, even refusing to eat and drink all the while to the point every colt begins to worry about him as well.
“Those two are inseparable,” says Hobi to Joon, “there’s nothing we can do. When it comes to Taehyung, all reason for Jimin goes out the window, and Taehyung becomes his only focus. Just leave him be.”
“Okay,” responds Joon. “Let’s just hope Taehyung awakens soon. For his own sake and for Jimin.”
Fifteen days later, the Tiger finally relents and Taehyung awakens dazed and confused. “What happened to me?” Inquires the red unicorn as he rubs his head. “Last thing I remember was…was…was…”
“You fainted hard at our last concert,” responds Jimin.
“Concert, what concert?” Inquires Taehyung confused. “I don’t remember doing a concert.”
“But we did,” responds Jimin, “twenty days ago now. Nearly a month.”
“Then why, why don’t I remember?” Cries Taehyung confused.
‘Silly Colt,’ he soon hears in his head once more, ‘I have other ways of taking away what you love, you know?’ And with that, the voice in his head goes quiet once more. Taehyung bows his head and cries.
“My…my Tiger made me forget…” he cries. “That…that’s why I don’t remember a thing… that’s why I can’t recall the memories of that night…”
“Well, we can help you recover those memories,” responds Jimin as he takes Taehyung’s hoof in his own. He then begins telling the red unicorn all the things from the concert, all the things the Tiger had wiped from his memory the night he landed on the stage floor unconscious.
It’s a new morning at V’s family home, when he wakes up to a throbbing shooting from his horn all across the rest of his body. “Mom, dad,” cries the red unicorn stallion in pain, “what is going on with me? Why does everything hurt so bad? I can’t even move it hurts so bad.”
“It’s happening early,” says Taehyung’s dad to his mother, “the Tiger Curse.”
“The what?” Inquires Taehyung still in pain.
“The family curse, the Tiger Curse,” responds Taehyung’s father, a wiser older unicorn. “Normally it hits come the 30th birthday, so I don’t know why it’s hitting you so early. The Tiger, it’s trying to escape, trying to take over you, that ravenous beast.”
“That explains the voice I’ve been hearing in my head these last few months as well, I take it?” Inquires V through the pain and tears.
“Yes,” responds his father. “It all starts with that voice and gets progressively worse from there.”
“So what am I to do?” Inquires V absolutely bawling at this point. “I don’t want to disappear from Bangtan because of this. I don’t want to hurt them either. How do I contain it? Can I contain it?”
“Containing it is near impossible, my son,” sighs V’s father as he comes over to his son’s bed. “The Tiger is too stubborn. It will fight to get out of the cage, out of your body.”
“You talk from experience, don’t you, appa?” Inquires V.
“Yes, my son,” responds Taehyung’s dad as he sits down in a chair at the foot of his son’s bed. “I do talk from experience. I was thirty when the Tiger took over me. It was present out in the open for near ten years before I finally got it back under some level of control. The amulet I wear, it keeps it at some level of bay, but the sorceress who made it, she’s long dead and gone at this point.”
“So am I to suffer?” Cries Taehyung. “Am I to worry constantly that I might hurt my groupmates, my friends, my brothers, Jimin…”
“I’m sorry, my son, really I am,” responds Taehyung’s father. He then leaves the room with his wife leaving Taehyung alone, in pain, once more.
Once in the hallway, Taehyung’s parents begin to argue. “Your tiger has been dormant for so long, my love. Please give our son the amulet. Can’t you see he’s hurting?! Can’t you see he’s in pain?!” She begins to cry as she continues to shout at him. “Please give it to him, help dull his pain at least a little bit. I beg of you!”
A few days ago, at Big Hit, V begins to hear a voice in his head yet again as a small tinge of pain presents in his horn. “What’s wrong?” Inquires Jimin as he walks past Taehyung, seeing his soulmate in pain as he itches at his horn. “What’s going on with you? You’ve been acting stranger than normal.”
“There’s this bizarre voice in my head, constant throbbing in my horn, I don’t know what’s going on,” responds V finally coming clean. “I’ve been to doctors but they haven’t been able to give me an answer, so I’m going home later. Going to ask my dad. Surely he has answers.”
“Okay,” responds Jimin, “just take of yourself, I worry about you, ya know?” He then flies off while V goes off in search of RM. A few minutes later, he finds RM at the seat in his studio and knocks on the door with his hoof.
“Come in,” responds the beige unicorn as he hears the knock on his door. V obliges and enters the room. Once Taehyung is in the studio, RM shuts the door behind them with his magic. “What’s up, Bear?” Inquires RM. “You don’t look too good. Are you okay?”
“Honestly, I don’t know,” responds V. “I’ve been to doctors and they have no idea what’s wrong with me, so I was about to go home because I know my dad surely has answers of some sort. I have a feeling this may not be a medical thing but a magical one.”
“That would explain why the doctors are clueless. You’re right, Bear,” responds RM. “Go on and go home. I’ll tell the others.”
“Thank you,” responds V. He then opens the door with his hoof and leaves the room as his horn is still throbbing in pain. He then goes to him and Jimin’s room and begins to pack. As he’s packing, he hears that familiar peep in the doorway. It’s Jimin.
“You’re about to leave out, aren’t you?” Inquires Jimin of Taehyung. “It must be bad if you don’t even feel up to practicing.”
“Yeah, it is,” responds Taehyung as he continues to pack his bag. “Hopefully I can get this resolved soon and be back within four days. That’s the goal at least. It may be worse than I’m imagining and I might be gone longer than that. I don’t know for sure yet, unfortunately.” He lets out a sigh. “I hate being this kind of sick. It’s worse than anything else I’ve ever been through, and I just wish it would just go away, but I have a gut feeling this time, that that is definitely not going to happen. Not this, not this time.” He begins to cry. “I have a feeling that I’m very, very sick, Jimin and honestly, I’m very very scared.” He then finishes up with his packing and Jimin helps him to the train station. He then stays there and watches as Taehyung gets on the train back to his family home. He can’t say he’s not worried about his soulmate because he absolutely is and saying otherwise would be the furthest thing from the truth.
Two hours later, the train arrives at Taehyung’s home and he hops off and goes inside where he is soon greeted by his little brother and little sister. “Why are you home, Taehyungie?” They inquire of the red unicorn.
“Where is, where is appa?” Inquires Taehyung in absolute pain. “Is he home yet?”
“Not yet,” responds his sister. “But at least let us help you to your room. You need to get off your hooves.” Taehyung nods and lets his siblings carry him to his bed. They then tuck him in and assure him that their dad will be home soon enough. Before his dad even gets a chance that night to talk to his son, Taehyung is already passed out exhausted from all the pain by the time the old unicorn even gets home.
As the day continues, somepony tips off the government police about the red stallion’s upcoming photoshoot. “Great,” says Officer High Cloud. “We can attempt arresting him there, then.”
“Yeah, but one hitch,” responds his number two once more, “the tip also gave us the note that the little pink Pegasus will be accompanying our target.”
“At this point, we have no choice but to risk it,” responds Officer High Cloud. “It’s as alone as we’re going to get him, I have a feeling.”
“Fair enough,” sighs his number two. “Fair enough.”
Meanwhile somehow, the tip off soon makes its way to RM who soon barges in on V and Jimin in their room. “Neither of you two are going to that photoshoot tomorrow. It’s a police stakeout to try to get you alone, Taehyung.”
“Wait, what?” Asks Taehyung confused. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” responds RM. “One of my old buddies has friends on the government police force, so he overheard and then told me. You two aren’t leaving this building at all tomorrow. Got it.”
“Yes,” nod the pair, “we got it.”
“Good,” responds RM. He then closes the door and leaves the two alone once more. Jimin then watches on as Taehyung gives a dastardly grin. The pink Pegasus gulps.
“You plan to disobey RM’s warning, don’t you?” Inquires Jimin.
“Maybe,” snarls Taehyung. “Come along if you want tomorrow but you’re not obliged to.”
“Well, I’m not taking my eyes off of you,” responds Jimin. “Not ever. You’ll need to ask for more security guards for tomorrow. We both will.” Taehyung nods and heads off to file the request as Jimin stays in the room.
Soon enough tomorrow arrives, and the two ponies are escorted to the photoshoot by their now bulked out security. Once there, the shoot goes off without a hitch. The problem arrives as the two get prepared to leave. As they are walking out the shoot, the two and their security are blocked by the government police.
“What do you want?” Inquires Taehyung’s head security guard. “My ward has done nothing wrong.”
“On the contrary,” responds High Cloud, “the red stallion is wanted for several murders. He’s no normal pony, you know.”
With that, the security has no choice but to back down and hand Taehyung over to the police. “We’ve got you now, Tiger,” says High Cloud with a chagrin.
“How did you even know about my photoshoot?” Inquires Taehyung absolutely perplexed. “Also I don’t know what you mean. I swear I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Well, we’ve dealt with your kind before, foal,” responds High Cloud, “we’ve also been trying to hunt down your father for years. You tiger kinds are a dangerous breed.”
“But my tiger is at bay now,” cries Taehyung as he is led away in chains. “I swear.” The officers won’t hear it. They throw him in the metal cart and take him away to the station and lock him in a cell. In a panic, Jimin flies straight back to Big Hit, leaving his security in the dust.
Once back, he flies right through the door almost tackling RM to the ground in his panicked flight. “What’s going on, Jimin?” Inquires RM worried and concerned. “Why isn’t Taehyung with you? Where is he? You two disobeyed me didn’t you?”
“Yes, we disobeyed you and as you said, Taehyung was taken. We didn’t believe you, so we went. We were wrong. You were right,” the pink Pegasus continues to cry. “We need to get Taehyung back before they kill him.” He’s bawling at this point. “They plan to kill him, hyung. They plan to kill him…”
“And we will,” RM reassures the distraught Pegasus, “I promise.” He goes off to call one of his contacts at the government police office.
“What do you want, Joon?” Inquires the unicorn mare who answers the phone.
“Whatever bond I need to pay to get Taehyung back, I’ll pay it,” responds RM. “You do know your higher ups plan to kill my member, right?”
“No, I…I honestly had no idea,” responds the mare. “I’ll see what I can do and will get back to you, alright. I promise.”
“Okay,” responds RM. With that, she hangs up and goes off in search of High Cloud, soon finding him drinking coffee in his office.
“What do you want, Snowflower?” Inquires High Cloud.
“For you to release the prisoner,” responds Snowflower. At this, High Cloud lets out a nice hearty chuckle.
“But he’s a murderer, filly,” responds High Cloud.
“Just tell me the bond,” responds Snowflower.
“A million bits,” responds High Cloud. “Good luck ever paying that, though.” Snowflower, this information in tow, goes and makes the return call to RM.
“So I take it you got the bond amount?” Inquires RM as he answers the phone.
“Yes, it’s a million bits,” responds Snowflower. “You can come by and get him in the morning. Don’t do it tonight, High Cloud is refusing to leave at the moment, so just safer to do it tomorrow since tomorrow is his day off.”
“Fair enough,” responds RM, “and thanks again, Snow.”
“Anytime,” responds Snowflower. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She then hangs up the phone and goes to check on the prisoner.
“Who are you?” Inquires Taehyung of the silver unicorn mare before him.
“I’m a friend,” responds Snowflower with a tender smile. She uses her magic to briefly switch off the room’s cameras and speakers. “I’m Snowflower. I’m a friend of RM. He’ll be by tomorrow with that bond to secure your release. Don’t you worry.”
“Okay, thank you,” responds Taehyung weakly. “Thank you so, so much.” A few minutes later, she returns with a water and gives it to Taehyung before leaving once more, switching the cameras and speakers back on as she does so. She then turns in for the night to her apartment above the police station since her father is the number three to the grouch with a vendetta that is Officer High Cloud.
Once she’s in the apartment, she is greeted by her father. “I don’t get how you can stand High Cloud. He’s so much up his own hindquarters,” groans an absolutely annoyed Snowflower. “And his vendettas make no sense. He could be fired for all these personal arrests, so why hasn’t he been?”
“Because he has family in every branch of government, my dear filly,” responds Snowflower’s dad. “That’s why he’s basically untouchable, I’m sorry to say. The type of police we work for is as corrupt as it comes unfortunately.”
“Well, it’s not right,” responds Snowflower. “I wish they’d fire him already.” She then goes over to her bed and lies down, but unfortunately cannot fall asleep due to all the conversation with her dad has left on her mind to ponder for the rest of the night.
After the fall, Jimin and Taehyung just hang out in their room until they need to go record the new song with the others. As they’re walking to meet the others, Taehyung hears the voice in his head. “Silly Colt, the Tiger takes away what you love,” says the voice. “The Tiger takes away all you love.”
“No!” Screams Taehyung. “You will not! You’re useless as long as I wear the amulet! Powerless as long as I wear it!”
“You good, Tae?” Inquires Jimin concerned.
“Honestly, no,” responds Taehyung. “Tiger is being out of line more than usual today. You know that.”
“Yeah,” sighs Jimin. “I sure do.” The two soon walk into their recording booth and begin recording the vocals alongside the rest of the Colts.
As he sings, Taehyung feels a rush of calm, peace, and serenity come over him. For once, he has his Tiger backed into a corner it seems like and he’s absolutely thrilled. Jimin smiles as he watches Taehyung croon. A few minutes later, the two begin to harmonize as smiles begin to cross their faces.
After several more hours, recording comes to an end and the 95s return to their room absolutely beaming.
“I’m honestly surprised Tiger didn’t ruin it for me during session again,” responds Taehyung letting out a relieved sigh. “Especially given he told me beforehoof that his goal is to take away all that I love.”
“Yeah, that does make no sense,” responds Jimin. “I see why you’re baffled, confused, but it’s also a good thing. It means you’re starting to gain back control, at least to some degree.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” responds Taehyung with a smile. “Maybe I can keep him at bay with this amulet after all.”
“Oh for sure,” responds Jimin with a smile as he sees Taehyung smiling for the first time in awhile. “You’ve got this! You show your tiger who is boss!”
“Oh, I plan on it!” Responds Taehyung eagerly. “Oh boy, do I plan on it!”
Finally A Private Meeting with RM
A few days after the photoshoot incident, V and Jimin are called into a meeting by RM. RM then shuts the door behind them with his magic and tells them to take a seat, to which they oblige. “Why did you two think I was lying?” Inquires RM. “I’d never lie about something if it meant keeping you Colts safe.”
“I’m sorry I doubted you,” responds V as he bows his head with a sigh. “We just find it hard to believe who all you know sometimes, I guess, especially when they don’t run in our circles. How do you know so many government officers anyways?”
“That’s not your business,” responds RM. “How much of your doubt was the Tiger talking?” He inquires of Taehyung. “You’re normally so well behaved.”
“A good deal of it,” responds Taehyung. He bows his head. “I can keep him locked inside, even so, he still finds ways to meddle in my life, remain a voice in my head.” He lets out a defeated sigh. “I’m doing my darndest to keep him in check. Please do try to understand.”
“Of course, I understand,” responds RM, letting the angry facade fade away as he comes over and takes Taehyung’s head on his hoof. “You’re not your monster, Bear. You’re not your curse. Not that Tiger.”
“Thanks for believing me,” responds V with a sigh, tears in his eyes. “I just wish he’d go away for good. Shut up for good.”
“I know,” responds RM as he holds Taehyung to comfort him, “I know. And you will overcome this with time, I’m sure. You’re a fighter, Tae. You really and truly are.”
“Yeah, I know,” sighs Tae. “It does hurt like hell though, it’s absolutely exhausting, keeping him at bay, fighting him off. Even with the amulet.” He lets out a yawn. “Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to go take a nap.” RM nods and lets his Maknaes leave.
Soon enough, the two return to their room and Taehyung crawls into bed and falls fast asleep while Jimin keeps watch. He has no plans of going anywhere, not as long as his Taehyung, his soulmate is suffering.
Three years later, Taehyung finally gets his Tiger to back down. This is the story as to how.
It’s a new day, a sunny day three days later, as Taehyung finally lets out a much needed and deserved sigh of relief. “Why do you sigh so? You sound relieved,” says Jimin to his soulmate.
“Because I am relieved,” responds V with a smile. “The Tiger hasn’t messed with me in three years. He’s finally under control, finally dormant.”
“How’d you manage that one?” Inquires Jimin curiously. “What kind of deal did you strike with your Tiger to get him to finally leave you alone?”
“Well,” responds Taehyung, “all I did was continue to stand up for myself and deny my Tiger what he wanted until he got fed up and went away.”
Meanwhile back on that day three years ago, after another fainting spell, when Taehyung finally got fed up with his Tiger for the last time and finally stood up for himself. ‘Silly foal,’ starts the Tiger.
“What?” Taehyung snaps at the Tiger. “You’ll take away all I love. Is that right? Well, I say no more! I’m not your mat to walk over anymore! I’m done doing what you say! I’m done being your punching bag! Do you hear me? I am not going to let you torture me or my family and friends any longer! Go in your corner and stay there! It’s time you fear me! I’m taking back control over my body!”
‘Don’t try me, stupid foal,’ responds the Tiger starting to shake a little bit. ‘I’m more powerful than you are, you know. I’m not scared of you.’
“You’re shaking, Tiger, do I have you scared? Are you shocked I’m not being your docile, innocent prey for once?” Snarls Taehyung at his Tiger. “Are you? Are you?”
‘What?! No! Absolutely not!’ Responds the Tiger. ‘I will take away all you love. Mark my, mark my words.’ The Tiger continues to quake. ‘Mark, mark my words.’
“No you won’t,” responds Taehyung, “you’ve tortured me enough. Made my life hell enough. I’m taking back control. You’re done! Do you hear me? Done!”
‘What?! No!’ Says the Tiger shaking his head in refusal. ‘I…I’m far from done with you, stupid foal. Far from, far from done with you.’
“No, you are done with me,” responds Taehyung, “hooves down, done. Got it.” He powers up his horn and aims it at his Tiger as he walks towards his Tiger. “Got it.”
‘Got it,’ gulps his Tiger. ‘You’re a stubborn one, colt. I’ll give you that.’ And with that, the Tiger goes quiet, goes dormant for the first time in forever. Upon the Tiger going quiet, Taehyung awakens from his fainting spell, surrounded by his groupmates.
“Welcome back, Bear,” says RM.
“Yeah,” adds Hobi, “you were out for a long time. What was going on in your head?”
“Yeah,” inquires Jimin, “what was going on in your head?”
“I…I got the Tiger to back down, finally,” responds Taehyung weakly. “I stood up for myself. Put him in his place.” He then passes out, falling fast asleep in Jimin’s hooves, this time calmly and with a smile of relief on his face for the first time in a very, very long time.
