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Having been the youngest of the Hwang-Nishimura family, Riki was granted more freedom than his older twin siblings; a duo that are guaranteed to be wedded by the end of spring. Whether they choose their own life partner from one of the kingdom's many charity balls, or it be an arrangement for the family's personal gain was up to them. But it is expected that they will find someone fairly soon. The entirety was a fiasco that gave the seventeen year old a chance to escape the intense eyes of his loyal guard, slip through the back gates of the gray stone castle he lived in and dash off through the woodsy atmosphere that surrounded his home.
He usually never looked back while he ran, dark brown eyes sparkling under the harsh rays that was the sun descending upon him as he kept them on his destination. A playful grin tugged at his plump red lips, stretching further and further as he slipped through a crack in the high stone gated walls (something purposely built after his father demanded it done when receiving death threats one awful evening). It had been a structure faulty Riki spotted many years ago while playing an intense soccer game with a childhood friend. Said friend Sim Jaeyun (a foreigner) accidentally kicked the ball with his unruly strength and it went flying through the vast field before landing in a far corner. He was immediately apologizing before exclaiming that he'd gladly retrieve it. He was shut down with a giggly Riki stating that it was alright and that he could easily jog over to grab it. Only just as the ravenette had reached for the ball, he spotted the slim hole that would in the future be his one means of leaving the castle without nagging eyes.
Having been forced to diet every now and again (for the perfect royal image) the seventeen year old was fully capable of sliding right through the crack with little to no struggle. With the assumption that he was free, and too eager to reach a certain spot in the woods that he grew to love, he didn't notice the way his jacket sleeve had gotten caught on a part of the stone—ripping what was once a perfectly tailored article of clothing. The sound of tearing couldn't be heard because fear built within him as nearing voices echoed close by and now he was in a rush to disappear out of sight before he had been caught. So with a sharp inhale, Riki took one last glance at the stone walls before running in the only direction he's memorized. If he looked hard enough he would be able to see his footprints; the soles to his leather shoes creating a warp in the plains that might as well be called a pathway. The thought had a playful scoff rumble from within the ravenette's throat, while the excitement that bubbled within him rose and rose with each step he made closer to the respected place. And he might as well have boiled over with joy upon the sight of a blue river. He heard it before he saw it. He could hear the splashes of water slamming against round rocks; the current trickling in a certain direction; all types of animals coming and going as they pleased when it came to using the cold liquid for their needs. It gave Riki a sense of tranquility. He could let his shoulders relax, posture also deteriorating into a slouch while the suffocation of his shirt collar was loosened.
A smile graced Riki's face upon reaching the body of water. Because with it came a wooden bridge. It didn't look all that safe—the planks having been broken in some places, growing weak and worn in others. There was barely a railing for people to hold onto or lean against. And if any heavy weight was placed upon the old thing, it would collapse and anything on it would go plummeting into the deep trenches. Luckily Riki hasn't had the misfortune of falling through and possibly drowning, but it is something he grew terrified about each time he stepped onto the rickety bridge. He wants to say that the security of knowing how to swim is what eases his anxious mind as the heel of his shoes click against the wood, but in all reality it's the person who greets him everytime he comes. It was a boy, mistaken for a girl when his face wasn't shown upon first meeting due to the ashy blonde locks he possessed, the strands having reached his shoulders and blew in the wind with grace.
What an awkward conversation that was.
It didn't stop Riki from believing that the stranger was as beautiful as a woman though. He held soft and elegant features. He said his name was Shota, but friends typically called him Soul. It took a while but Riki was eventually granted the privilege of calling the shorter boy by his nickname.
He was also granted the amazing sight of Shota being able to withdraw sharp fangs while his eyes shaded a much rather intriguing red.
"You can't tell anyone.They'll hunt me if you do" It was said with seriousness and terror. His hands were shaky and his eyes flashed between their natural umber and a bloody red. "I'm not even supposed to be talking to a human like you. Puts me and my family at risk" Riki understood so he kept quiet. Of course he had urges to tell whoever may listen, but not once had he broken the trust that belonged to the pretty vampire who lived on the other side of the bridge.
The seventeen year old stayed silent as the steps he took on the bridge clicked with an eerie sound. Neither one of the two boys spoke a word as the taller claimed a seat on the edge. His legs covered in the finest material dangled with a brief sway, while he rested his arms against what may have been a part of the railing. He glanced at Shota with his typical smile; the one that was dazzling and was usually used for the many suitors that his mother desperately wished that he grow interested in. Said it has to do with an early start to his future marriage (even though he has a few more years before he even has to think about that). But in return he was met with the older's side profile, his long locks having been left down for the evening and gave the wind the opportunity to play with it. He looked upset as he stared down at the water beneath them. Riki remembered briefly that Shota didn't necessarily know how to swim and that it may have been the reason that he looked so despondent.
Maybe he was just scared that the bridge would finally collapse and that, that would be the end of them? Or more so the end of him.
Riki decided to look at the river himself. Mother Nature seemed to have been a little irritated today, judging by how the current began to pick up and now the waves grew rather harsh when it came to hitting against the large rocks. He looked at the sky next. Has the sun always been hidden by the gray clouds? It would explain why Jaeyun said that he couldn't visit today and why his elder brother Hyunjin was told that he must do his sword training inside.
"I'm afraid that this must be our last time visiting one another Ni-ki" Having found it unfair that Riki was able to call him a nickname yet not be given one in return, Shota took it upon himself to call the taller something that was a combination of his first and last name. It would be considered lame to others, but Riki loved it. He loved him. So to say that he was shocked by the words that came out of the other's mouth was very much an understatement.
"What do you mean? We haven't been found out just yet" The ravenette had shown clear distress as he whipped his head around to be staring at the boy beside him once more. Shota released a sigh as he too craned his neck in order to hold eye contact with the taller. A pathetic smile stretched at his face upon finally taking in the sight that was his friend. A pale hand raised to Riki's face, brushing a few strands of onyx hair behind his pierced ear, before letting it slither down to rest at his smooth cheek. The taller leant into the touch, even raising his own much larger palm to rest it against the warm limb that continued to hold him. He removed Shota's hand from his face to hold it in his lap instead. "You can't just leave me."
"My father caught wind of our meetings. He believes you're a danger even after I told him you're not. You would never hurt us. Hurt me" He giggled lightly upon seeing Riki shake his head in an urgent agreement. "No words will change his mind. So in order to keep you safe, we must not see each other after today. I don't want to know what my father might do if not."
The usual soft breeze began to grow stronger and droplets of rain began to strike down upon them. One look at the sky and it was evident that a storm was brewing.
"But I don't want this to end. Let's find a new place to meet! Somewhere where we know no one will find us" The ravenette is quick to voice his thoughts and ideas. He grabbed hold of Shota's other hand, now squeezing both palms as he held them to his chest. If focused, the older might be able to hear the way his heart pounded; feel the way the rich blood he owned coursed through him with speed. Shota shook his head in protest, wiggling his hands free. Riki watched as the other couldn't keep a frown from his face, body moving to stand from his seat upon the bridge. Immediately the taller was mimicking his actions, then reaching out to hold Shota's face with a gentle hold. "We can make this work. You're my best friend."
"And you're mine" A glimpse of a smile appeared. "I thank you for all of the fun we've had. Truly, you made me feel so alive" They shared airy laughter before it settled into a heart wrenching tension. Having brought their foreheads together and eyes closing as if drinking each other in, Shota lowered voice when he spoke again. "But I'm afraid this is where we part. For your safety and my sanity" They separated to look one another in the eye. Glistening tears could be seen glossing the young princes'. It was a painful sight to see and all Shota could do to hopefully ease that hurt is by bringing him in for a hug. "Please don't try to look for me either. If my father ever catches you on our land...just stay away okay?"
Cold and heavy raindrops fell with aggression. It wouldn't take long for their clothes to stick to them like a second skin; for their hair to matte to their heads; their feet to grow squishy in their shoes. And while it was best that they find their way back to their respective homes, neither had the courage to break away. Inhaling the blonde's scent that was nothing short from the nature he claimed he was always surrounded by with an odd dash of citrus, Riki hummed in order to agree. He held the other with no intentions of letting go—trying to emit all of his silent feelings through the simple gesture. And Shota let him. Or that was until the sound of voices and feet padding close by was heard echoing throughout the area.
Immediately the older was pushing Riki away from him in a panic, staring at him with worry and obvious horror. The taller one stared back at him with confusion. Right, he couldn't hear that far. Yet still with fear racking through him, Shota dismissed the way Riki kept looking at him and took defense—something he's been trained to do ever since he was able to walk. His eyes shaded that devilish red and his canine teeth grew an inch with sharp tips. The ravenette took a hesitant step back.
"Soul? What's wrong?" He looked around as if trying to spot possible danger, yet came up short. "It's just me here. Why are you-?" He was interrupted by the booming voice of his elder brother and a few other men riding upon the royal horses. They approached with a haste, weapons at the ready. Taking in the sight of Hyunjin with a menacing glare pointed at the duo, Riki had become nervous himself. He was quick to stand tall in front of Shota, arms spread out in a protective manner. "Brother! What are—tell your men to stand down!"
"The castle has been searching for you. Everyone believes you've been abducted by our rivals" After knowing that his horse won't move any further, the man with shoulder length black hair got off the animal. He slowly walked closer. "So no little brother. I will not tell anyone to lower their weapons. Not until you tell me who it is that you've found yourself running away to see."
"Prince Hyunjin!" A soldier shouts. The man impulsively released a wooden arrow from his bow, targeting a figure that had been creeping from the distance. All heads turned to face the victim (knowing that they've been hit when hearing a loud groan). All eyes landed on a woman. She struck the ground with a thud, evident arrow sticking out of her chest with her ruby blood soaking her flowing white dress. Silence surrounded everyone, no one knowing who the possibly dead woman was. No one except for Shota.
"Mama!" He left his safety net that was Riki, to then make his way over towards the lady now known as the blonde's mother. They watched the boy sink to his knees, hovering over the woman's limp body. His hands reached out to cradle her head while sobs that sounded like wishes for her to be alright could be heard. Riki almost ran to comfort him. Almost, his brother had stopped him before he could.
"Riki, let's go" Hyunjin had said it with an authoritative tone. It meant there was nothing up for discussion and that the youngest prince must follow orders. And even though he knew the consequences that may occur if he dare not return home, a newfound anger for his sibling burned within him. His brows furrowed and his fists clenched.
"No."
Hyunjin had been returning to his horse when the response was given. He stopped mid-step, craned his neck to look over his shoulder as if checking to see if what was being said was being done. Once seeing that Riki made no efforts to leave from the middle of the wooden bridge, the elder turned around completely. He squared his shoulders, chin raising in the slightest as if trying to show as much dominance as possible. Within that moment the seventeen year old could no longer see his older brother. The one who's always been dramatic and picky. The one who went out of his way to make sure that his other siblings had a smile on their face—so he willingly carried the burden that was all of the family matters on his shoulders. He was always so warm, so comforting; not whoever this emotionless soul was. He stared at the young prince with eyes so scary that Riki would have assumed that he was the monster, and not who Shota always claimed he was.
How dare someone go about murder so impassively?
"What do you mean no? We are going home" Seeing Riki kept firm on his words, Hyunjin flicked his wrist. "Grab him" Not too long after that same soldier who shot the woman made his way towards the young prince. He had only made it a few steps onto the rickety construction before a figure was standing in front of him. Gasps were heard, Riki even growing surprised at the blurb that was Shota running past him. The blonde boy looked evil as he wrapped a hand around the soldier's neck, grip firm. He let out a grumble that may have sounded like a growl before the echoing of a snap could be heard. The man had gone limp under the hold, head lolling to the side. Riki stopped breathing himself as he allowed his eyes to widen in surprise. Someone as sweet and caring as Shota just killed someone. It was right in front of him with no mercy having been given. "Weapons everyone! That boy is a threat, do whatever is needed in order to take him down! My brother shall stay unharmed!"
Multiple men began to charge their way towards the bridge, ready to avenge the soldier who lived a short life. Riki didn't know where he should fear; who he should fear. So much destruction was happening all at once, ruining what was once a heartbreaking farewell between two friends. Men continued to face the danger that was the young vampire, each dropping like a petal that was plucked from a flower.
The way the rain poured had been a thought that Riki excluded from his worries until he found himself slipping. He was grabbed by the wrist of a soldier, the much stronger man in armor fulfilling the task of returning him to the to be king. Only the duo hadn't made it too far and the troop was now just another lifeless body that lay on the wood. Shota snapped his neck too. It had Riki stepping back in startlement, leg getting caught on a piece of wood that stuck out and falling with a hard impact. Unfortunately the bridge broke from the sudden weight, the ravenette falling through. His eyes squeezed shut, ready to be swept up by the waves that flowed by with so much aggression. Yet as he thought he was a goner, his arm had been grabbed and he now dangled above the depths of the river. Brown eyes opening to see who had been his lifesaver, it was Shota. He looked down at the taller with his beautiful umber eyes, all traces of evil disappearing the longer they held contact.
"Ni-ki..." His voice was quiet. It dripped with sadness.
"My prince, no!" Then before either knew it, Shota was being pierced by Hyunjin's sword. The blonde looked down at the way the weapon went through his chest. He let out little squeaks when realization of what had been done, fully registered. Riki stared up with incredulity. The tip of the blade just barely grazed the tip of his nose. Then they were both falling. Riki kept his gaze on the way that Shota let his eyes close as his fate was ultimately accepted. Then right as he was hitting the water, he looked at his brother who stared back down at him. He didn't have time to witness the way Hyunjin ordered any remaining troops to follow to the end of the river, as he was already being pushed with the current.
His skin grew goosebumps from the freezing temperature. It's only been a few seconds and he already feels as though he'd die from hypothermia. That or from drowning. While he knew how to swim, with how fast he was moving and with how his body kept twisting and turning, he couldn't keep up. He'd be lucky whenever his head would briefly come up for air, him inhaling as much as he could before he was forced back under. Each time he'd hear his brother shout orders at his soldiers, ushering that they help him back to shore. From how things were looking though, it seems as though they'd be no help in this case. Riki was to only hold his breath for as long as he could, arms flailing in hopes that it would stop him from drifting too hard—maybe even maneuver him closer to land so he could rescue himself. A factor he didn't take into account was the giant rocks that bordered the shore. So while he did manage to do something to slow his body from traveling any further, it also resulted in him accidentally hitting his temple against one of the rough solid minerals. Immediately he'd gone unconscious. His body freely traveled throughout the river, having forgotten all about what his brother may be doing to save him; where Shota may be and if he was still alive; if he himself was going to survive the thrashing that was the waves pushing him further.
He'd gone numb and there was no longer any determination to do anything. The next time he woke he'd just pray that he'd be safely tucked within his bed; lucky enough to make it out of the cold water and within his castle walls. He'd be able to wake up and know that his trusty guard stood outside his bedroom door, only allowing recognizable people through if asked to enter. He'd awaken and he'd get knews that they found Shota's body. The older one wouldn't be dead, just wounded and was being treated. His family would probably have him locked up for murdering a few people, but at least he'd be alive. So when Riki Hwang-Nishimura finally came to, he was relieved by what he saw.
A loud and dramatic gasp was done as he pushed himself to sit up. His chest felt tight, a hand reaching to clutch at the thin fabric that rested there. It wasn't the same shirt he wore from before so it was assumed that he was changed once everyone knew that he was going to live. Yes, he was back in his room (the comfort of sleeping on a bed fit for a royal), but everything still felt insanely tense. Darkness would have surrounded him if it weren't for the bright moon shining through his open patio window. How long had he been asleep? Squinting, Riki looked around his room. Gosh, his head hurt a lot too. There was a tray holding a bowl of warm water and a rag sitting on his nightstand, proving that a maid had been in and out of his room to check on him. And to prove that everything hadn't been a terrible nightmare, the sight of his soaked clothes from earlier had been dropped within a hamper left by the edge of his bed.
"How is he doing?" His sister's voice rung out. Riki was quick to flicker his attention to his bedroom door, it being cracked open just a sliver. "Did he wake yet?" She sounded so worried.
"Prince Riki is still asleep, I'm afraid. Ms. Shin had just left from checking in on him, only good news being said" Loyal guard Heeseung states with his usual monotonous voice. "His temperature should be back to normal by morning. She also said that she'd be back to properly wake him in order to give him his needed medication. For now he must sleep. And so should you, my princess."
"Ah, I've tried" A chuckle slipped as she not too long after let out a sigh. "Can't get much though when knowing what happened. I don't know how the rest of the family can."
"You must be mistaken for your news princess. The King and his eldest son are currently discussing previous events and what actions they should move forward with. The Queen visited each time with Ms. Shin before turning in due to the exhaustion of crying. I don't mean to make you feel bad, but you may have been the last person to visit" Heeseung explains. He didn't show an ounce of nervousness when Yeji grew slightly offended. Maybe it was because not even a minute later she was agreeing.
"I was afraid. Afraid of the worst, you know?" There was silence on the other end, implying that the guard had nodded. "I was only told vague details about what happened. Hyunjin mentioned something about a creature. Said it resembled a vampire from all of those fairytales mother used to tell us when we were young" Riki perked with interest at the mention of Shota. He just needed anything that may relate to the blonde being alright. So straining his hearing, he leant forward a little believing that if he too stopped breathing that he could hear what the duo had to say much better. "It's unbelievable to think that they're real. It's also quite frightening."
"I wish to give you more information on the situation, because I myself have been left in the dark about what may have happened. I was told to keep watch of Prince Riki for now, only able to hear more once the King has made a decision" Movement was heard. "All I can say is that the body of the threat has yet to be found. Prince Hyunjin believes he had killed the monster, but to be safe all royal family members should be watched closely from here on out. From what I could hear in the King's tone though, a war may be issued."
Riki was taken aback. A war? For what? Hyunjin and his impulsive soldiers were the aggressors, leading Shota to act the way he did.
"What for? If the creature had been killed, why must father send out our best men?"
"Prince Riki almost died at the hands of an unknown vampire. It came from somewhere, meaning there has to be more of them. The King won't stop until every last one of them has been killed off" The ravenette residing within his bed had to raise a hand to his mouth in order to muffle any surprised sounds. His eyes darted around his room as millions of thoughts invaded his mind. Not only was Shota lost, but murder on his whole family will probably be taken place sometime soon. Because while Heeseung said that it wasn't guaranteed that the King would actually do so, it sounded awfully accurate and a reasonable choice made by the royals.
He needed to find a way to warn them.