Crimson Crown

⌠59⌡

"You're a what!?" BamBam and Youngjae exclaimed simultaneously.

Jinyoung glanced at the coachman whose face was contorted in a mixture of horror and shock. "Sorry Bam, a lot has happened since you left for your trip to Allway..." he mumbled, awkwardly scratching his head.

The trio, plus Jackson and Yugyeom, had gathered in the infirmary. BamBam had arrived back at the palace earlier that day from a trip to see some distant relatives, and upon arrival, was immediately ordered to fetch the doctor. Jinyoung wanted Yugyeom to know of his transformation since he was well versed in the subject of health, and BamBam just happened to stick around to hear the news.

"I cannot believe this." Youngjae muttered to himself, his hands running through his hair.

BamBam let out a sigh while pinching the bridge of his nose. "I need the story from beginning to end... you're telling me that you snuck out with Youngjae's help to the vampire's house, then you left his house and headed into battle, got ran through with a sword and almost died, and only survived because Jackson accidentally turned you into a vampire?"

Jinyoung awkwardly scratched his neck. "I mean, if you oversimplify it, yes?"

The coachman let out another heavy sigh. He trudged to a nearby chair, plopping himself down to take a rest. "My Prince... I heard rumors while I was out of town that you were dead and grew a bit worried, but all this... is a lot..."

"I-I know, a lot keeps happening..." 

It was always something after another recently; like Jinyoung's life had been swept up into this overstaying whirlwind of trouble and drama.

"You do not look like a vampire?" Mark suddenly commented, observing the prince from head to toe.

The latter frowned, almost as if he took offense. "Well-- does Jackson look like a vampire?"

The room echoed with a 'yes' from everyone aside from Jackson himself.

"Wha- I am not talking about the frightening eyes and intimidating aura, I mean-- he looks human for the most part!"

"Am I that scary?" Jackson questioned as he stepped toward the trio.

In sync, each of them tensed and answered 'yes' again.

Jackson folded his arms. "Well that's good, I suppose."

Yugyeom approached Jinyoung, squinting as he took a look at the fangs peaking from his lips. "I think the vampire blood that was transferred into Jinyoung's circulatory system caused these effects. It is normally dangerous to mix bloods, but vampire blood is obviously complex and incomparable to humans..."

"Vampires can turn humans into vampires, I just never knew the method." Jackson explained, at which he received some confused looks in response. "We don't do it often, so I never had the need for the information."

"Why not? you could have conquered the world with such a power..." Mark replied.

"Because of how dangerous and unnecessary it is. If the wrong person is given power then they could wreak havoc everywhere. And what use would any human have for being a vampire anyway?"

"Can turned vampires turn others as well?" Jinyoung asked.

Jackson shook his head. "I'm not sure but from what I know, no. I've only met one turned human, and they only had half of our abilities, so there is a weakened effect."

"So, I am basically half a vampire..." Jinyoung mumbled.

"Did you tell your parents yet?" Youngjae asked.

The prince faltered, his eyes darting away. "Ah, no..."

"What!? We must tell them--!"

"Can we not, actually?"

"Why not!?"

"Because if they find out..." He glanced back in Jackson's direction, his chest tightening at the mere thought of the possible repercussions he might face. "I do not know how they will react, and I do not want Jackson to get into any trouble."

"Well, how do you plan on hiding it?" BamBam suddenly interjected. "You cannot walk around with those fangs out and expect no one will grow suspicious; can you control it?"

"I plan on Jackson teaching me. He hides it all the time." Jinyoung replied, pride in his tone.

As if he were showing off parlor tricks, Jackson grinned and extended his fangs, then retracted them back. The three humans watched in awe while he merely shrugged. "Takes practice."

"This is absurd." Youngjae eventually muttered, turning away and pacing across the room. "You are always getting yourself into more situations Jinyoung, how often do you think you can keep this up?"

Jackson stepped forward, gently nudging Jinyoung behind him, as if acting as his shield. "Listen, it is my fault he's like this. So I'll take responsibility if I have to."

Despite swooning over his consideration, the prince refused. "No, Jackson you do not have to--"

"I decided. If anyone finds out, blame me."

His tone was final, silently telling Jinyoung that he has no more say.

"Think about it this way." Yugyeom offered while stopping Youngjae from his pacing. "Would we rather Jinyoung a dead human, or a living vampire? I think the choice is obvious."

Youngjae's expression faltered as he thought of the alternative.

"...I suppose this is the payoff for nearly losing your life." BamBam mumbled.

"Just... be careful." Youngjae finally responded. The servant turned to Jackson, his glare intense-- almost threatening. "I am entrusting him to you more than ever now... you know how to teach him about his new situation, but if you are careless, there will be consequences."

Jinyoung glanced at the two, feeling the tension that hadn't exactly disappeared between them. He stepped in the middle to keep things from getting out of hand.

"Youngjae relax--"

Jackson pushed Jinyoung aside, his gaze locked with Youngjae's. "I already vowed to protect him with my life. Him being a half-blood now does not change that."

There was sincerity in Jackson's voice and eyes that grounded his resolve. There was no argument to be had; he meant what he said and did not waver even in the slightest. Youngjae gently nodded, silently acknowledging his words.

"This is absurd..." BamBam groaned in repetition of Youngjae, his head sinking into his hands.

"So... what now?" Mark asked, the question making everyone in the room look to Jackson for a response.

"I am... not sure..." He sighed out. "...but, Jinyoung seems to be experiencing symptoms of turning. The pains and the dizziness and the fainting; I think it is all connected to this, his body is trying to adjust to unusual changes that are typically normal for vampires. So I say we give him a few more days of rest."

Jinyoung frowned at the suggestion. He felt like he had been resting forever; when will he be able to put himself to use? "Still? Should I not be practicing how to get used to my new... form?"

"You still need rest. Your body will heal faster, but you still need to take care of yourself like any other being. I say a few more days would suffice." Jackson assured while placing a reassuring hand on the small of his back.

Jinyoung let out a huff, his arms folded across his chest.

"Fine." He grumbled, his natural pout appearing on his lips as he trudged out of the room.

~.~

(*Sorry for lack of updates this week! School has gotten to me and I've found less tome to write ;-; but I'm trying to stay on top of it now!*)