Crimson Crown

⌠84⌡

As soon as Jinyoung heard the heavy thump of boots, he knew it was time. 

He quickly scrambled to his feet, waiting eagerly at the bars of his cell while watching the shadowed figured approach.

"Now is your best chance." The guard stated as he approached, a key in hand to unlock the cell. "After this, I'm done. I'll be waiting for you to hold up your end of the deal."

"Thank you so much for your help." The prince replied as he pushed against the cell after the lock clicked, the rusted door swinging open. He paused just outside of the cage, glancing at the guard who was about to hurry out of there. "Wait- um, may I borrow a knight suit?"

The latter shot a glare at him. He let out an agitated sigh. "Head down the hall that way and there should be an alcove of extra suits. You are on your own now, leave me out of this."

The man quickly scurried away, leaving Jinyoung to find his way on his own. He glanced down the hall in the opposite direction, the torches barely holding a flame to illuminate the narrow corridor. He felt his heart pumping fast, fear and adrenaline rushing through his veins and spreading through every inch of his body. He'd never been more alert than he was now; it was an uncomfortable feeling, always being in fight or flight mode.

He had to force himself to move though; as the thought of seeing Jackson again flashed through his mind. He pushed on, ignoring the uneasy feeling in his chest and stomach.

Once he reached the end of the hall, there was another corridor with a stairwell at the end to his right, and to his left, the small alcove of knight gear that the guard had told him about. He thanked the gods that he wasn't being lied to, and quickly took advantage of the opportunity. He slid on anything he could grab, helmets, chest plates, leggings-- some of the gear fit awkwardly, but this wasn't the time to try and figure out sizing issues.

Once he had put on as much of his disguise as he could, he headed for the stairwell. He was extremely anxious that his face wasn't covered since he couldn't find a headpiece, but he prayed that no one would be able to find him just by facial recognition.

Now was the task of finding Jackson, and the exit. Upon ascending the stairs, he was brought to an upper level of the barracks. He had no idea where they could be holding the vampire, but he would check every single cell if he had to. He began his rounds, walking through the long halls lined with cells. Some were filled with people who have probably been there for years for whatever crimes they've committed, their combined stench stung Jinyoung's nose. Sounds of coughing and retching emanated from here and there, signs of sicknesses probably running rampant down here. He needed to find Jackson and get out, soon.

He wasn't as good at using his senses for location purposes as Jackson was, especially among the mixture of so many different strong scents. It felt like he had checked dozens upon dozens of cells, but had absolutely no leads as to where Jackson might be kept. Would they put a vampire among the general population? Maybe he was looking in the wrong place...

Jinyoung searched the walls for any signs indicating a different section of the barracks. Unfortunately, the walls were pretty bare, but he did stumble upon a corridor that led further into the structure. He decided to take the risk and slowly made his way down the hall.

It was yet another long narrow walkway that he had no idea what could be waiting for him at the end of it. The hall curved to the right at some point, and as soon as Jinyoung turned the corner, he could see the end. Unfortunately, he could also see a guard standing just in front of the walkway, making the prince freeze in his tracks. He wanted to retreat immediately and took a step back.

But, he couldn't act this cowardly when Jackson was down here, somewhere, braving it out in his favor. He had to suck it up, this was no time to succumb to fear.