Crimson Crown

⌠66⌡

"Jinyoung..."

Everything was dark. Jinyoung could hear the faint call of his name, but it sounded so far away. He felt so far away.

"Jinyoung."

His hearing echoed. The voice was familiar... who? He couldn't remember anyone at the moment. But the feeling of nothingness slowly faded, as he regained awareness of his limbs. His arms, legs, fingers, head... it felt like he was laying on something. But everything was still dark. Where was he?

"Jinyoung!"

The call of his name was startlingly loud. He jolted, his eyes snapping open. Suddenly hands were on him, holding him tight as he blinked back into reality. He panted as his vision cleared, finally, he could make out the world around him.

Hovering over him were Mark and Youngjae, both of them holding onto him until he regained his composure.

"Oh you're awake!" Mark exclaimed, a smile of relief rising to his face.

Jinyoung blinked a few more times as he glanced between the two. What was the last thing he remembered?

Training. He was training, and could barely move; his limbs felt like lead. And then everything went black. What happened? Did he faint again? Was it due to the transformation? But it finished weeks ago... or so he thought?

"Are you okay?" Youngjae asked, leaning in close to examine him. "How are you?"

"I'm... fine, I guess?" The prince muttered. He attempted to sit up, only to be hit with dizziness that made his head spin.

"Take it easy." Mark mumbled while helping the prince lie back down.

Jinyoung let out a breath as he gazed up at the wooden ceiling. He had no idea what happened, and didn't know how long he'd been out. He glanced around, trying to figure out what part of the palace they were in, but with Mark and Youngjae crowding his view it was hard to tell. The room was oddly familiar feeling though; he was just too out of it to put his finger on it.

"Do you think he needs more?" Youngjae asked worriedly.

Mark shrugged, glancing down at the younger. "Let's just give him a minute to get himself together."

"Just let us know if you think you need more." Youngjae advised.

"More what?" Jinyoung asked confusedly. Had he been given some medicine? Now that he thought about it, there was an oddly sweet taste lingering on his tongue. It actually was quite good, but the flavor was nothing like he'd ever tasted before. He curiously glanced between the two. "What is it?"

Mark and Youngjae glanced at one another, then slowly looked back down at him. Jinyoung frowned at the reaction.

"Do not panic..." Mark began.

"Do not start off that way or else he will surely panic!" Youngjae retorted.

Jinyoung huffed in annoyance-- why were they acting so odd? "Please. Someone answer."

A spell of silence passed as Mark and Youngjae silently argued with who should tell him.

Finally, Youngjae huffed, awkwardly looking down at the prince. "It is just... some blood..."

Jinyoung blinked. "In my mouth?"

The pair nodded.

He tried analyzing the flavor again. He did not remember blood tasting like that... it still had its irony flavor, yet was sweet in a way that was difficult to describe. "...are you sure? It tastes... not quite like blood?"