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Yin Yu had worked for them for almost a decade now. He knows them as intimately as his own breath, could guess their wants and needs before they had even realized them themselves. He could traverse the estate from one end to the other with a blindfold covering his sight. He knew the manors every room, corridor, and secret passage like the back of his hand.
(He still needed to be more)
He had been unwaveringly loyal ever since he had received the honour to work under Hua Chengzhu. Had to be, for the kind of work he was doing. Needed to be, to have the honour of serving His Highness.
It was hard work, don't get him wrong, being a human servant. But he did it with pleasure. Who knows where he'd be today, if Chengzhu hadn't taken him in when he did. 17 years old and nowhere to go, after he was kicked out by his family.
His Highness and Chengzhu truly made a breathtaking pair. How many hundreds of years had it been now? Yet anyone could see that the love between them was still as fresh as leaf buds blooming in spring. To spend an eternity with your beloved, it must surely beat even ascension itself!
(Gods, he wished he could have a drop of it as well)
Nevermind. It didn't matter. Looking at His Highness admiring a scroll, slanted chicken scratches marring the otherwise perfect surface, he could only decide that he was happy with things as they are. He stepped forward to the table and carefully filled the empty cup with more tea. The faint light of early dawn could be seen forcing its way inside between closed curtains.
His Highness looked up and smiled at him, "Yin Yu, have all the preparations been made for tonight?"
It was a dazzling smile. One that showed the sharp edge of fangs. One that not many had the honour of receiving. Only Yin Yu and the handful of friends they still kept in contact with.
"This one will be departing for the town, to gather up the last ingredients during the day.” Yin Yu bowed. “Does His Highness wish for this one to pick up anything else while he's there?"
He seemed to consider the question. "No need.” He shook his head, a small smile forming. “Although if Yin Yu is in need of something for himself, he shouldn't hesitate to add the costs to the bill. You have worked hard, and hard work deserves a reward."
Yin Yu felt a tiny bit of heat rise in his face at the sincere words. Like he hadn’t heard them a thousand times before.
"Ah... th-that is..." Yin Yu tried to clear his throat of the stutter.
Should he take the chance? Or was it too early to ask for something like this?
"There, is really no need your highness. This one does not need for anything." He tried to match the warmth in the other man’s smile.
(He probably failed. How could anyone think to surpass His Highness in anything.)
"…however..."
At this His Highness seemed to perk up, his bright eyes zeroing in on Yin Yu with a focus that didn’t seem quite human.
Yin Yu swallowed his nerves and straightened a bit further. This could finally be his chance to bring IT up. Better His Highness than Chengzhu. If he could make his case heard here, then His Highness would undoubtedly bring it up to Chengzhu.
And he wouldn't have to fight through the tongue-tie that always seemed to plague him around Chengzhu.
He took a deep breath, willing his heart not to hammer hard enough for His Highness to hear. That would be embarrassing.
"This lowly one has only ever wanted one thing." He paused.
"This lowly one has long wished to be able to take the final step in his service to His Highness and Chengzhu." He held his breath.
His highness hesitated for a moment, his eyes sweeping over Yin Yu contemplatively. Nervousness kept his lungs feeling constricted, almost to the point of nausea. This is why Yin Yu had held off asking for so long.
"Are you sure of this?" His Highness asked slowly.
He nodded, tried to meet the man’s gaze with as much determination as possible.
" Yes. Your Highness."
"Yin Yu. You should know better than anyone, what it means to make the change, to become a vampire. What you have to give up, and what you might gain." There was a graveness in his words and a shadow in his eyes, perhaps memories of a life long ago.
(He wished he could chase away that look from His Highness's eyes. The same way it seemed so simple for Chengzhu to do so)
Giving up his link to humanity. It would sound more daunting, if he hadn't given up that to serve Chengzhu the moment the pair had taken him in. Yin Yu can still warmly remember the look of approval he received from the man. When he asked Yin Yu for his eternal loyalty, and Yin Yu gave it.
"This one is aware Your Highness, and wishes to take the final step." He bowed deeply to try and convey certainty his decision.
His Highness suddenly clapped his hands, almost making Yin Yu jump with the sudden noise. His Highness’s eyes sparkled with unconcealed delight, easing the lump in Yin Yu's chest.
"I will bring this matter up to San Lang when I see him. He will be thrilled to hear the news. After all, we have been waiting for some time now for you to finally come to a decision."
"O-oh... I wasn't aware that... that you had been waiting for this one to... make a decision."
Yin Yu could feel His Highness's excitement spreading. Creating a bubbly feeling in his body. It was finally happening!! They hadn't even tried to talk him out of it!
Now, he wasn't sure if Chengzhu would actually be thrilled by the news like His Highness stated. But if His Highness thought so, then who was he to object. They knew each other best after all.
(Yin yu also wanted to see this thrilled expression on Chengzhu's face)
Chengzhu usually kept a rather untouchable air around himself, only showing emotions of scorn and annoyance at his enemies. His genuine smiles were rare and far between, making the handful of smiles he'd received over the years even more precious. Not that he'd ever say that out loud within earshot of the man.
"When do you feel ready to do this?" His Highness's voice broke through his daydreaming. Bringing his focus back to the room.
"Don't worry! You can take all the time you need, we won't rush you." He smiled reassuringly.
"This one is ready as soon as possible Your Highness!!"
Yin Yu stopped, clearing his throat abashedly, before trying again in a more even tone.
"This one would like to make the change soon, Your Highness. Very soon, if possible."
His Highness let out a laugh.
"Good! That's good." His laugh died down into a warm smile. "It's good that you are excited. While I still have to talk to San Lang, I don't think it would be unreasonable for you to bring back extra ingredients."
His eyes ones more took on a flash of something more dangerous, not quite right on such a young and beautiful face." After all, I remember being quite famished after my own change."
△△△
Yin Yu walked through the town at the edge of the estate. A mask sat heavy on his face, creating a barrier between himself and the world around him.
The town pays taxes to Chengzhu in exchange for safety and prosperity. This had been the case for a long time. Legend even said Chengzhu had founded this town in honour of his beloved. A place for His Highness to rest and recover after the war that destroyed his own homeland.
The residents of the town greeted him with kindness on the street even if none of them have ever seen his face. They knew who he works for and have seen him protect the town from nefarious influence before.
Maybe in a hundred years, if all goes well, he'll be known as more than just a trusted servant.
The high-pitched voice of a young girl is heard to his left, accompanied by the hushing voice of an embarrassed parent. The curiosity is not new to him. After all, the myths surrounding Chengzhu and His Highness are well known.
A powerful vampire lord, falling in love with a young prince from a neighbouring kingdom. A forbidden affair, the most popular type of love story. The vampire was tied to another country, and the prince, in an attempt to help his love, sold out information on his own kingdom. Little did he know the other country was preparing for war, and when the war was raging at its peak, and the prince was the most hated man in his kingdom, the vampire could no longer stand aside and watch his lover suffer.
The vampire offered the prince a way out, to be turned and spend eternity with him, in exchange for safety and freedom. The prince accepted, thus being swept away from his crumbling kingdom and the claws of his enemies, finally able to spend eternity with his beloved.
The true story was, unsurprisingly, a little different. It was something he had managed to coax out of the pair one night while they were reminiscing on old memories.
Chengzhu had been a young man of lower class, enamoured by His Highness's light but never able to get close. When the enemy had attacked, chaos had spread in the kingdom. With chaos came the influence of nefarious creatures, intending to take advantage of the confusion and lawlessness. Chengzhu had been one such victim, turned into a vampire to serve an older master. The master, it turned out, collaborated with the enemy to destroy the royal family. He tried to force Chengzhu to do his bidding, but failed when Chengzhu saw the pain of his beloved.
Too much had already happened, and His Highness was too wounded. The only thing he was able to offer was to give his prince a second chance, to turn him into a vampire himself. The change was a success, but unfortunately there were witnesses to a vampire from the enemy side whisking the prince away, and the blame ended up falling on him. Chengzhu and His Highness fled the kingdom together, no longer welcome within its borders, and eventually settled down here.
In any case, regardless of the true story the two truly loved each other. Still, he hoped there might be place for one more. Especially now that they wouldn't have to worry about him growing old or dying. Yet their shared past did put up a challenge. How could he be worthy of the same love when he hadn't even spent half a century together with them. Hadn't been in war for them. Hadn't even had to fight for them. He simply couldn’t expect the same level of devotion as they had for each other. The two shared a long history after all.
He's on his way towards the gambling dens, a well-known travel destination and an economically important enterprise for the town.
What's more, it is owned by Chengzhu himself and functions as his office of influence. A leverage over the town council, making sure they don't get any foolish ideas and try to break off their cooperation with the estate.
The truly interesting parts though, can be found under the building. A dungeon, meant to hold dangerous prisoners only someone with Chengzhu's power can control. In reality, it is from the dungeons he's meant to pick up the new ingredients.
New shipments come once a month from the surrounding towns and villages. Their judges bribed to send them here instead dealing with the hassle of carrying out the executions themselves.
Yin Yu walked down the narrow steps into the dungeon. Doors leading into small cells filled the walls. The air was stale and smelled of dampness and unwashed bodies. Or it would have, if the mask on his face didn't block most of the stench.
His Highness had a kind soul. He had always been hesitant to hurt others unless his own or the lives of those close to him were at stake. This also meant that he tended not to hunt for food unless he was bordering on starvation.
Chengzhu, of course, could not have his beloved starve and had been the one to take care of food before Yin Yu arrived. Yin Yu had not minded taking over this task at all. Happy to give back to the pair who had taken him in.
He had been hesitant at first to the idea of eating criminals. It felt like their blood should be dirty, their sins able to transfer from prey to predator.
Nowadays, however, he found a crude satisfaction in their worthless lifeforce going to something more useful. Like keeping His Highness and Chengzhu fed and healthy.
And soon him as well, he supposed.
He read the roll with information on the prisoners. Their health and age were important factors to take into consideration. Yin Yu also secretly enjoyed taking their crimes into account. The worse the crime, the more purified their lives became by being consumed by His Highness and Chengzhu.
He watched the rest of the captives with a bored look. His Highness's and Chengzhu's ingredients having already been chosen.
He knew what they liked, and what was worthy for their consumption.
His eyes flicked between the scroll and the cells, considering. It finally landed on a man curled up on some hay. Not someone he'd choose for Chengzhu or His Highness unless there was a shortage of better candidates.
He felt a sharp smile tug at his lips, hidden by the mask. This one would do perfectly.
△△△
The rest of the day went by in a blur that at times was far too fast, and other times far too slow. Yin Yu, as always, tried to focus on his work.
His Highness had said that Chengzhu would agree to his request. Yet he couldn't stop a flittering nervousness from making a home in his stomach. He likes to think he's made an impression on Chengzhu. But you never really know…
Still, the man has always been hard to decipher. He stood so far above everyone else, yet he had still deigned to accept someone as unworthy as Yin Yu to his inner circle. Yin Yu would give everything he had for the man, for both of them, if he only was given the chance.
Having prepared dinner for the two, it was finally time to go up and greet them for the night. Walking into the sitting room, he was greeted with the sight of Chengzhu and His Highness talking. Chengzhu in his usual attire of breathtaking deep red robes, with his hair falling wildly and freely down his back. His Highness on the other hand wore stunning light-coloured robes and was adorned with jewellery of precious gems, the handiwork of Chengzhu himself no doubt.
The two were entirely enraptured in their conversation, seemingly not having noticed his entrance. He stopped by the door, unsure whether he should interrupt or not.
After a few seconds Chengzhu turned towards the entrance, finally addressing him. "I heard from Gege that you made a request for the final step.” He quirked up an eyebrow “Soon, even."
The lump in his chest immediately became heavier. Oh gods. Why couldn't he just have shut up about his request! What if Chengzhu was disappointed in him now. He wasn't sure he'd be able to survive such an expression again. The last time had almost broken him, and that had been three years ago, when he had been tricked by that conman into buying fake jewellery for His Highness!
"Y-yes Chengzhu! That is indeed...! This one did indeed request... What I m-meant to say is that..."
Gods... he wanted to burry himself in a deep grave together with the remnants of the ingredients… How hard could it be to say a few words in front of this man. They had known each other for almost a decade now. Yin Yu couldn't help it if his attention was caught by the man’s dark eye. Or his sharp jaw, framed by his black locks. Or the way he tilted his head while watching Yin Yu try to speak complete sentences...
Damn it! He really should have practised a few answers during the day.
Chengzhu raised his eyebrows at Yin Yu’s struggle, finally taking mercy on him. "well, if you want to perform the final step as soon as possible, then why not tonight."
Yin yu fell into a stunned silence. Tonight? He had hoped for as soon as possible, but not even him had expected for it to take place tonight!
Chengzhu deciphered his silence, a wry smile forming on his lips. "Or perhaps you are getting second thoughts now when you finally have received the right."
"NO! Of course not! Chengzhu, Your Highness. This one could wish for nothing more!"
He hesitated for only a second. "It's just... this one is merely surprised all the preparation could be done so soon?"
Chengzhu's eye shone with amusement, "Ah. That. I've been preparing for the possibility for quite some time now. I'm almost surprised it took you this long."
Yin Yu digested this information, a feeling of dejection momentarily taking a home in his heart, realizing he could have achieved his goal much sooner. He only would have needed to bring up his wish sooner…
"D-does this one dare to ask... how long has Chengzhu been preparing for this...?"
This time the expression on his face could almost be considered a smirk. "Well, I figured it was a possibility when your consideration for the quality of our ingredients redoubled." Yin Yu coughed in his fist in embarrassment, feeling completely seen through.
△△△
It was decided that the final step would be performed later in the night. Last minute details had to be completed, and it was better for the pair to have their dinner beforehand, so not to completely empty him of blood. Not that Yin Yu ever would mind such a fate, he had known there was a chance for such an ending when he started his servitude.
In fact, a part of him would gladly accept such an ending as long as it was done by one of the two, although this would be very counterproductive to reaching his goal.
A private room had been prepared for the ceremony. Candles hung on the walls, flickering a homely yellow light over the rest of the room. The middle had been cleared of all furniture except for a small table and a chair.
Chengzhu and His Highness stood next to the table, their heads close together as they whispered to each other with soft voices. A treacherous small part of his mind couldn't help to wonder if they were talking about him. After all, it was his change to take place tonight.
He'd finally become their equal. Maybe finally be able to prove he was worthy of standing beside them.
His Highness was first to turn towards him, greeting him with a smile.
"Has Yin Yu decided who should be the one to turn him?" His Highness asked curiously.
Yin Yu considered for a moment. "...if it would be amenable. Then maybe... both?"
His Highness and Chengzhu exchanged a bewildered glance. Chengzhu was the one to turn to him for clarification.
"Both?"
"T-this one knows that only one can be The Maker." Yin Yu hurried to continue. "But, if possible, he'd like to think of it as both of you..."
Yin Yu fell silent waiting for an answer. This time it was His Highness who addressed him. His face held a gentle smile, and his eyes shone with a softness.
Chengzhu also held a rarely seen expression. His mouth pulling at one side with approval.
Both the other men stepped towards a chalice standing on the table, a knife resting to its side. Chengzhu was first to cut his hand and let blood flow down into the chalice.
At the same time His Highness nodded towards the chair, indicating for him to sit.
"I can imagine you know the process already."
Yin Yu nodded and sat down, his heart speeding up now that it was finally sinking in.
He would change tonight.
His Highness stepped up to the chalice, letting Chengzhu tenderly take his hand into his own and carefully make a small cut into the palm with the knife. When the blood was mixed they both held up the cup towards Yin Yu.
He drank everything from the chalice, savouring the taste of the mixed blood.
He reclined in the chair, feeling his heartbeat finally starting to calm down, secure in his choice, knowing what comes next. A hand fell on each of his shoulders. To hold him in place presumably.
Honestly, there was no need for it. Running away was the last thing on his mind.
He could feel the two men, the two vampires, his Makers, standing on either side of him. His Highness leaned forward over his shoulder, his voice low in his ear.
"Don't worry, we will be there for you when you wake up again."
Chengzhu's voice appeared in his other ear, reassuring. "I've prepared a resting place for you. I think you'll like it."
Yin Yu felt them both lean forward over his neck, he adjusted himself slightly to give them better access, his breath momentarily getting stuck in his throat at the brush of lips.
He felt a hand on his head, caressing his hair. His Highness's voice whispering. "We'll take care of you. Try to relax."
Two sharp sensations on either side of his neck, air once more catching in his throat, but this time from a primal fear in his body.
Unwanted and unneeded, he was exactly where he wanted to be.
He heard the noise as each of them took a few gulps of his blood. Not much, his body needed most of it to complete the transformation.
He felt two hands sneak up along his back. With a sudden and sharp movement his spine was severed. All sensations, so overwhelming a moment earlier, slowly left his body. His field of vision darkening from the edges until only a small light hanging on the opposite wall was visible.
Then it also was gone.
△△△
Waking up was like nothing he had ever experienced before. First of all, it was more like returning to awareness than actually waking up.
Then it was the noise of low voices, discussing what else was needed to be done in the manor. Yin Yu was starting to wonder if they had just placed him in one of the sitting rooms.
The smell was also very interesting. It was overwhelming with the scent of wood and paint, undoubtedly from the walls around him. A stinging smell of detergent could also be sensed from the pillow and blankets he laid upon.
Now that he was more aware, he was pretty sure it was a coffin. Chengzhu hadn't been kidding when he said he had everything prepared.
Luckily the lid hadn't been closed, letting in enough light to allow him to see. Or perhaps he would have been able to see even without it?
He would have to test that later.
Awareness was returning to the rest of his body. A buzzing feeling spreading through his limbs to the tip of his extremities. He realized he had yet to take a breath.
Should he? He didn't feel like he needed it, and Chengzhu had once told him that breathing wasn't strictly necessary after the change.
He gripped the edges of the coffin for support and slowly sat up. A miniscule movement to his right. When he turned towards it, he was greeted with the sight of His Highness's gentle smile.
He had stayed, just like he said he would. A feeling of softness filled his chest, and his lips pulled into his own small smile in return.
"How are you feeling Yin Yu?"
He opened his mouth to answer, only to let out a hoarse croak.
Right... Breathing. You also needed it for speech.
He sucked in a tentative breath before trying again.
'This one feels fine." His voice was still hoarse, he tried to cough before continuing. "How long did the change take? I hope I haven't been taking up too much of His Highness's time.."
" Oh, not at all! It has just been around three days, you have nothing to worry about."
Yin yu felt a faint sense of relief. In general, the longer the change took, the weaker the new vampire would become. Three days was actually pretty decent for vampire standards. Nothing like Chengzhu or His Highness of course, who both had completed their change in under a day.
Speaking of... He couldn't help but look around "Where is Chengzhu?"
"He just stepped out for a moment to give instructions to the servants." His Highness placed a hand comfortingly on his right hand. "He'll be back shortly."
Yin Yu nodded. Although his body had awoken, there was still a dull feeling to it. He couldn't help but frown as he tried to better place the sensation.
Luckily, His highness seemed to understand his predicament.
"Your body has been through a lot the past few of days." He pressed down gently on the hand. "Once your body starts to recover from the shock, you'll really start to feel all the changes."
Alright. That sounded manageable.
The door suddenly opened and Chengzhu finally stepped back inside.
"Oho, I see you've finally decided to join us in the living world again."
The amusement was clear on his face. As well as the edges of worry dissipating from his expression. In fact, Yin Yu couldn't remember ever seeing such clear emotions on the man’s face before. Had his change really caused that large of a shift in the man, or was his improved eyesight to blame for this new gift.
"Apologies, this one didn't mean to cause Chengzhu to worry." He answered with a tired smile.
"Worry?" The man scoffed. "Who here has been worried? Anyways, what does Yin Yu think of his new quarters? He better appreciate them considering I personally prepared them for you."
Despite the harsh words Yin Yu couldn't help but smile. The pride in his stance was undeniable. It was obvious that the man hadn't been serious in his words, and the fondly exasperated look on His Highness's face dispersed any lingering doubts.
Yin Yu finally took a moment to turn his eyes away from the two men to take in his surroundings. The room wasn't extravagant by any means, truly a feat compared to a lot of the other rooms in the manor. The walls were in a muted colour, bookshelves and drawers stood against the walls, and a canopy bed had been placed in the middle. The coffin stood to the side, there was probably a secret room in one of the walls where it would be properly stored later.
All in all, it could almost be described as cozy. It was perfect.
“I like it. A lot! Thank you Chengzhu, Your Highness." He bowed deeply, still sitting inside the coffin.
"Still, this one is curious. Where exactly are we?" The voices could still be heard. It made Yin Yu think he couldn't be that far away from his old rooms.
"We are in the west wing, quite far away from the servant's quarters actually" His Highness answered. " A good place with lots of privacy."
Yin ’Yu looked at him in surprise. "Really!? But what about the voices outside?"
"Your body has gone through many improvements in a short amount of time." Chengzhu answered with amusement. "Your hearing being one example. You'll grow used to it."
Oh. But then, he was quite far away from their quarters too...
"You don't have to stay here if you don't want to..." His Highness tentatively started, cutting off his train of thought.
"WAIT, NO. I really do like my new rooms! Chengzhu and His Highness shouldn't doubt that!"
"We believe you." His Highness calmed him. "What I meant to say was that Yin Yu doesn't have to stay here at the estate."
"Oh"
"Of course you are always welcome. But Yin Yu is immortal now, surely he wants to experience what the world has to give. I remember when San Lang and I first travelled together, it really gave us a new perspective of the world and..."
His Highness's ramblings melted into the background as uneasiness made a new home in his stomach.
They didn't want him here anymore? Had changing been a mistake after all?
"Your Highness... Chengzhu... Have. Have I done something wrong?" Looking up he could see surprise in both of their faces. They exchanged glances with each other, seemingly communicating without words.
Yin Yu could feel dread starting to form its knot again.
"No, of course not." His Highness gently took his hand again. Always gentle. "Yin Yu is family, he will always be welcome here. But surely he wants to do more with his new life than to serve us?"
Serve. Of course. Yin Yu had been an idiot. Letting his imagination run wild these past few days.
It was clearer than ever now. The way their expressions changed when looking at each other. Unwavering adoration and limitless devotion could be read on them. Their eyes seemingly pulling towards each other even when talking to Yin Yu.
It was everything compared to the simple fondness when looking at him.
(He never had a chance to begin with)
"This one would be honoured to stay here and continue serving Chengzhu and His Highness."
The words came naturally, yet his chest felt curiously hollow. It was the right choice for him, he knew. He'd gladly serve both of them for eternity.
His Highness gave a delighted smile, "we can talk more about that later, when your body has recovered properly. For now, you should eat something to regain your strength."
A cup was procured from somewhere, Yin Yu wasn't sure from where, he wasn’t as focused as his usual self. Maybe he hadn't recovered yet from his new revelations. Looking down into the cup he could see a thick red liquid, still somewhat warm.
"Try not to drink it too fast, your body still needs time to adjust."
He brought the cup to his lips and slowly emptied it.
It tasted bitter.