-Zelo’s POV-

I heard voices as I tossed and turned in my sleep. I felt cold sweat bead on my forehead as the scene replayed in my head over and over again. It felt all too real. Especially when he sank his teeth into the flesh of my neck. The feeling of my blood being forcefully taken out of my body, as it slowly continued to shut down as I lost more blood…losing my life a few ounces a time until…

“Ahhh!!” I screamed sitting up, shooting out of my sleep. There was a whimper from the side of me. I looked to see that it was Tae, who must’ve fell off of my chest when I sat up. “Sorry Tae.” I apologized my heart still beating rapidly.

Tae turned back into his human form, rubbing his head. “It was just a bed dream.” I breathed to myself. “What was a dream?” Tae asked innocently. I was suddenly hit with a major headache.

I slowly laid back down groaning in pain. Tae quickly placed a warm wet rag that he had, on my forehead. “It’s nothing. I…I just thought I saw Bang.” I said quietly.

The vampire-werewolf looked a bit timid. “What’s the matter Tae?” I asked him concerned, noticing this. “Um…Zelo-ah…” he said hesitantly. “Yes Tae? I said a little nervous. “Th-That wasn’t a dream. You did see Bang.” Tae said quietly.

Terror immediately shot up my spine. I felt the left side of my neck, only for the palm of my hand to meet with a large, long bandage on my flesh. Panic filled my eyes. “Zelo~.” Tae whimpered, hugging me tightly, sitting me up. “I’m so sorry.” He began crying.

“T-Tae…” I gasped, but he didn’t respond, continuing to cry. “If…If I was able to help him…th-this would h-h-have never happened.” He sniffled crying hard. “I put you in danger Zelo.” He squeaked quietly. My heart sank for the little guy. None of this is his fault.

I hugged the sad werepire weakly. It’s not your fault Tae. It really isn’t. So please don’t be sad.” I spoke calmly. “B-But, you-you almost lost your life.” He sputtered. “But I didn’t Tae…so please, for me.” I said. Tae shook his head. “Please Tae, I’m begging you.

Tae looked at me with watery eyes, I stared back at him. “Please.” I said barely above a whisper. He was hesitant, but eventually he gave in and nodded. “Good.” I smiled softly, wiping away a few of his stray tears.

“Thank you.” He said quietly. I just nodded, pulling him back in for another hug, before laying back down. “Are you okay?” he asked me. I slowly nodded. “I just have a major migraine.” I said groaning a little. “Oh! Youngjae left me with this herb gel thing.” Tae said pulling out a jar that was filled with what looked like light green gel.

“He said it should clear away any pain.” Tae said taking a blob, wiping some on my face. “A-Oh.” I hitched at the coldness of the gel. “Sorry.” Tae quickly apologized.

“I think I put too much.” He pouted. “It’s fine. I’ll rub it in.” I chuckled. “I’m not good at this medical stuff.” Tae murmured to himself. “Where is everyone?” I asked curiously. “Well, Jayde, Lee, Kris, Youngjae, Jasmine, and Min all went ahead, taking Bang with them to deal with him. Jongup, Himchan, and Daehyun went to hunt for some animals…um…for Bang.” Tae simply said. All I could do was nod. “How are you feeling?” Tae asked.

“Um, I still feel quite weak, but I feel better than before.” I assured him. “That’s good. You were out for hours Zelo-ah.” He informed me. “Oh? How long?” “Well, it had to be midnight when Lee brought you back and you were already out. It’s already late in the afternoon.” Tae then suddenly gasped. “That means you missed breakfast and lunch!” He looked at me wide-eyed.

“I’m not hungry.” I said chuckling lightly. “You have to eat something.” Tae insisted. “Jayde even said so.” He said pulling out a black bag. “Okay Tae.” I said not bothering to argue, feeling a bit drowsy. I reluctantly sat back up as he placed a piece of cloth on my lap. Then he placed a thick slice of bread, some grapes, nuts, and two crackers on top the cloth. Then he placed a canteen of water beside me. “Enjoy!” he smiled cheerful. “Thank you.” I said with sincere gratitude, picking up a cracker biting and chewing it ever so slowly.

“Jayde said that you lost a lot of blood.” Tae began, rocking back and forth in his spot as I ate. “She said Bang was drinking really fast, but she said that Lee had come just in time before he could up a third of you blood supply. Even though you still lost a lot, she said that you will recover fine without any magical help.” Tae said happily. “We’re going to leave not tomorrow, but the day after that, before the sun comes out.” He added.

“Won’t that put us behind?” I asked. Tae shrugged. “Kris asked the same thing, but Jayde never answered.” Tae said. It was silent for a moment. But we were thinking the same thing. “Do you think…Jayde didn’t see that you’d get attacked by Yongguk?” Tae asked innocently. I nodded. “So what happens now?” he asked with large, glistening eyes.

I thought for a bit, thinking hard. “I don’t know Tae, but it’s like what Jayde said. Things happen for a reason.” I assured him. He nodded in agreement.

A good 10 minutes later Daehyun, Himchan, and Jongup came back strangling with 2 big wild animals that were bound to thick leashes and muzzles. “I wish that we could kill them and not keep them alive.” Himchan grumbled as one of them tried to charge at him. “Pfffft, says the one who isn’t even doing anything.” Daehyun grumbled back, struggling with his captured creature.

“Um, I’m supervising.” Himchan defended. “So? That’s still nothing.” Daehyun remarked. “Well what do you want me to do? There’s only two of them.” Himchan argued. “Something! You guys are the ones with the magical abilities, not me.” Daehyun said. I couldn’t help but chuckle at their bickering.

“Junhong!” Himchan cheered, seeing that I was up. He immediately ran up to me, giving me a hug. “You’re okay.” He said happily. All I could do was nod. “Junhong? Who’s Junhong?” Tae asked confused, not understand what was going on.

“Junhong is my real name.” I explained, blushing a little in embarrassment. Tae looked lost. “Zelo isn’t your real name?” he asked, his voice getting high, as if he were a five year old learning that Santa wasn’t real. “I go by Zelo though, too.” I quickly said. Tae still seemed a bit lost, but nodded in somewhat of a relief.

“Okay Tae, we have…um, Bang’s…meal.” Jongup said holding back his vicious creature. Tae looked a bit hesitant at the vicious animals. “Kris is going to pick them up.” He said. “Can you tell them we have them?” Daehyun asked. “I can’t, I’m supposed to watch Zelo. Jayde knows though.” Tae assured them.

“How come you guys can’t bring those over to them?” I asked. “Because…we’re human. So we can’t be around Bang right now. Even though we have special powers it doesn’t necessarily change the species we are. We’re still pretty much human.” Himchan explained. “Except for Dae, who’s 200% human. No special abilities.” Jongup inputted. Dae narrowed his eyes at the younger, not finding the statement amusing.

“But Jasmine and Youngjae are there.” I said. “Well, they’re mages. Their DNA is set up somewhat differently than regular humans. So a vampire wouldn’t attack them, unless they’re starving, then a mage can satisfy so much.” Himchan explained once more. “Wow, I never knew this.” Tae said sounding a bit intrigued. I never knew that Himchan even knew all this stuff!

“But what about Youngjae? Jayde said that he was both. He didn’t become a full mage until his mother…um…but that wasn’t very long ago.” I said. Himchan thought a bit, not having an explanation this time. Dae’s eyes widened. What?! Youngjae is in danger?! He’s not supposed to be there?” he asked almost in panic.

“He’ll be fine. Besides, Jayde is there. New borns are extra strong, but no one can take Jayde.” Tae said confidently. No one could argue with that. Just thinking about it, Jayde is actually really cool. “Alright I’m here.” Kris announced walking up to us. “Told you.” Tae said.

But before anyone could say anything else, Kris jumped over the two animals forming a black hole that engulfed the two creatures and all 3 of them vanished. “Whoa!!” Tae exclaimed. “That was cool!”

Daehyun and Jongup walked up to us, joining us. “I hope Yongguk is okay.” I said honestly. Himchan and Daehyun nodded, silently agreeing. “How did…How did Lee find me?” I asked wanting to know. Honestly, I was really grateful for him saving me back there, even if it was from one of my closest friends, a friend who almost killed me. I felt like I was being ungrateful though, when I asked him not to hurt Bang. I need to thank him! “Well, earlier that night, when most of us were already asleep, he said something didn’t feel right.” Himchan began.

“And so he went out to explore the forest. I don’t know what happened after that. I had fallen asleep before he returned.” Himchan sighed. “I was up.” Jongup said. “Lee came back, saying that he saw a vampire of some sort. Then he saw that you weren’t in your sleeping bag, and went out to find you.” Jongup finished.

“Oh wow…” was all I could say. “Then he came back with you and Bang on his shoulders. Both of you were knocked out.” He added. All I could do was nod. “I need to thank him.” I immediately said. “Not now. You have to wait until they come back.” Himchan quickly inputted. “No. I have to go now.” I argued. “Junhong, we can’t go.” Himchan said. “Don’t you want to see Yongguk too?” I urged.

“I-It’s…it’s too dangerous.” Himchan said. “Bang is our friend.” I said. “He’s not himself right now, Zelo.” Himchan argued back, getting a little frustrated. “But Him-,” “Zelo, he almost killed you.” Himchan said coldly, cutting me off. I went silent, having nothing to say as my heart sank. “I’m sorry Junhong.” Himchan sighed.

“Channie is right.” Daehyun spoke up. “Safety is the biggest thing right now. We can’t risk losing anyone else. We don’t want to lose anyone else.” He continued. “But we didn’t lose Bang. He’s here.” I said sounding more desperate than I hoped. Daehyun sighed, ignoring my statement. “And especially you Zelo-ah. He’s already tasted your blood, and it was the last thing he had. So who knows how he’ll react to your presence.” He finished.

I sighed. There was no way I was going to win this. “I think it’s alright.” Jongup spoke up.

The two elder members looked at him surprised. “I mean, there’s Kris, Lee, Tae and Min. Not to mention we have the powerful Jayde. Do you really think that Bang Yongguk can take all of them?” Jongup questioned. Everyone thought for a bit, thinking. “He has a point.” I urged with much hope. Thank you Jongup!

“But Jayde told us to stay.” Himchan said. “But, Jayde knows if we’re going to listen or not.” Jongup retorted. Himchan just looked at him not fully convinced. “And besides, I’ll protect you.” Jongup cooed forcing the elder to blush. “And I’ll protect ‘Zelo with Two Names’.” Tae cheered. “What about me?” Daehyun asked, being left out.

“Youngjae will protect the human too.” Jongup added. “No. I’ll protect Jae.” Daehyun grumbled, folding his arms. “Alright, let’s go then.” Jongup said jumping to his feet. “What? I never agreed on to go.” Himchan said. “Then I guess you’ll be staying here by yourself.” Jongup simply said. “You can’t be serious.” Himchan huffed. “Does that mean I’m lying? But then again, when am I ever… ‘serious’?” The younger smirked teasingly. I removed the sleeping bag from on top of me and slowly stood up onto my feet. I felt a little dizzy, but managed to gain some stability in my stance.

“Do you want to ide on my back?” Tae asked. “I’m…I’m fine. I just need to walk slowly.” I said, making small, careful steps forward. “Well, this should take a while.” Jongup remarked.

“I just need to gain my balance and then I’ll be able to walk normally. You guys can go ahead.” I said, stopping a little bit to catch my balance. “I’ll stay with you Zelo-ah. I have to take care of you.” Tae insisted, sticking with his given assignment. “Okay, well, we’ll catch up with you guys soon.” I told the others. The 3 nodded and left first.

It took me a while to get into the rhythm of walking properly. But no matter what, we still moved slowly. I couldn’t help but get a little frustrated at the slow progress I was making, I really wanted to see Bang, despite the scene from the previous night. Tae on the other hand was really patient and helpful, which was a bit surprising. I never really saw this much of a motherly, caring side of him. He must’ve still felt bad, so I did my best to remain patient for him.

It wasn’t until a good 15 minutes later when we finally met up with the rest of the gang. “Zelo!” Youngjae gasped running up to me, but he made sure to hug me lightly.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” He breathed desperately in my ear. I sighed sadly. Why am I realizing this now?! Of course Jae would be affected the most, after what happened to his mother! “I’m sorry Youngjae.” I said not above a whisper. “Don’t be sorry, as long as you’re okay.” He said patting my back lightly, before looking me in the eyes. His face looked lightly tear-stained. My heart sank. Youngjae straightened up noticing the sadness in my eyes. “I’m fine.” He defended. “Don’t feel bad.” He lightly scolded. I smiled softly back at him.

“I knew you guys wouldn’t listen.” Jayde remarked a slight smile across her face, her arms folded. “That’s what Jongup said.” Tae squeaked. Min quickly turned around at the sound of his twin’s voice. “TaeTae!” Min zoomed straight towards him, toppling over him with a hug. “I missed you so much.” Min said. I just shook my head. They weren’t even gone for even a full day, they can never be apart for even a second. “Wh-Wh-Where’s Yongguk?” I asked hesitantly.

Everyone went silent, the mood suddenly feeling heavy. Jayde, Kris, and Lee stepped out the way, revealing a beaten up new Born.

Bang was on his knees, his wrists chained tightly, deep in the ground on either side of him. He looked different from the last time I saw him in daylight. His dark clothes were tattered and torn. His hair was shaggy, but he still looked nice and groomed, but his eyes were a faded brown and red, one color trying to dominate the other. He looked much more built than before, veins were even protruding from his biceps. And not to mention, he had a solid situation that was revealed through his worn out shirt. I blushed unconsciously at the sight he really did look….nice.

I was quickly shaken out of my thoughts by his animistic growl. My eyes widened. The red in his irises were slowly engulfing the brown, as he narrowed them at me. Another growl emitted from deep within him.

“Yah! Bang Yongguk! It’s Zelo.” Jayde scolded slapping him in the face.

He closed his eyes, wincing a bit, his growling becoming more human. “Haha! That looks fun. Can I try?” Daehyun said walking up to the chained New Born. Daehyun was about to slap him when Jae quickly stopped him.

“Daehyun, this isn’t a game.” The younger scolded. “B-But you don’t understand Jae~…It’s Yongguk~.” Daehyun whined. Just then Himchan and Jongup quickly stole themselves a slap before snickering back to their spots. Daehyun looked at Youngjae, stunned. “That’s not fair.” He whined like a child. Jae just shook his head.

“I’m sorry.” Bang spoke up.

Bang…spoke. Bang spoke? Bang spoke?!Bang Yongguk spoke! I quickly looked back at him. He slowly opened his eyes, his irises dark brown with a tinge of red at the bottom of his left eye. “I’m sorry for growling at you.” He breathed. I felt my heart clench at the sound of his voice and my senses melt. Without thinking, I ran to him sliding on my knees, hugging him tightly.

“Yongguk.” I muffled into his neck, tears easily streaming down my cheeks. “We should give them space.” I heard Kris whisper to Jayde.

“Hey! Guys, let’s go back to camp.” Jayde announced. “What? What about him?” Lee asked referring to Yongguk. “I’ll stay here with them.” Jayde said. Lee still looked hesitant, but Kris took care of it. “Come on you guys.” Kris said hanging his arm over the vampire’s shoulders before leading the way back.

“I’ll be over here. Out of sight. Jayde said once everyone else left. She walked over towards the dark trees, vanishing inside them. I held tighter onto Yongguk, allowing the rest of my tears to flow down my cheeks. “Y-Yongguk.” I choked on my tears.

I couldn’t believe he was here, that he was actually here. “I missed you so much.” I buried my face in the crook of his neck. “I was so worried. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to see you again.” I sniffled, confessing all of my thoughts. “I thought that you might’ve forgotten used to your new life and forget about us.” I went on. I could feel his chest rise and slowly retreat as he breathed steadily.

“I-I-I saw that you were going to get hurt. I knew, that day, that you were going to be hurt. I didn’t know how or by what, but I wasn’t able to forgive myself. I felt like I practically hurt you myself. But I couldn’t save you, or else…or else you, Daehyun, and Youngjae would have been killed by something else.” I confessed everything.

“Bang…I missed you so much.” I was nearly sobbing. I heard him sigh heavily. “Yongguk?” I said sitting up to where I was now looking at his face. His eyes were teary and his cheeks stained. Had he been crying? “Zelo…” he said. I looked at him giving him all of my attention. “You need to go.”

My heart stopped. That’s not what I wanted to hear. That wasn’t even close. “Wh-What?” I could barely say. “I’m dangerous Zelo.” He said. “I-I can’t control myself. I’m…I’m not myself anymore.” He said. My heart sank. “Y-You are yourself. You’re Bang Yongguk. Prince Bang Yongguk.” I said. He shook his head, his eyes gave away the desperateness that was taking over him.

“Please Bang-,” “Junhong I hurt you!” he cut me off losing his composure.

I was silent. How come everyone is bringing that up so easily? As if it were something that happened months ago. “I almost killed you.” He said barely above a whisper, more to himself. “Your vampire was in control, you probably didn’t know.” I said trying to be optimistic. “I knew it was you Junhong.” He said darkly, not looking at me.

I felt my bottom lip quiver. So he was going to leave it at that? And give up without even trying? Did everything I say mean nothing to him? “So that’s it?” I said unable to hide my shaking voice as fresh new tears filled the wells of my eyes.

He didn’t say anything. “You’re just going to quit without trying?” I said, but I received no response from him, he only avoided eye contact. “Did anything I say mean nothing to you?!” I nearly screamed. “Do you hate me so much that you can drop me so easily?!” “I didn’t say that.” He said quietly but not convincing enough.

“Was I wrong? Did you find a new life?” I asked sincerely, my voice cracking in fear. “No Junhong!” He spat. “All I wanted to do was love you, not hurt you. Let alone not kill you! You talk about how you knew that I was going to be hurt but had to let it happen, but do you know how much it feels to know that you almost killed your closest friend?! Do you know how It feels when you know what you’re doing but can’t control yourself?!” he burst, his tears free falling.

My heart skipped at his words. “I don’t want that to happen again Junhong.” He breathed laboriously. “Wh-What did y-you s-say?” I stuttered. He looked at me knowing exactly what I was talking about. “Zelo were you listening to anything that I said?” he questioned.

I slowly shook my head, “I didn’t need to. I already forgave you Yongguk. I-I don’t want to be away from you. I-I just need to know.” I said.

The elder’s eyes softened, he looked as if he wanted to touch me, but was brought back down to reality by the chains that held him back. But that didn’t last long, for immediately after that his chains were let loose. Thank you Jayde. I thought in my mind, knowing that she read it.

Yongguk lifted up his arm and ran his fingers gently though my hair. I nuzzled into his touch. He leaned his forehead against mine, inhaling deeply. “I thought about you every day when I was alone. Even when my vampire took over, you were still on my mind. I yearned every minute of the day for you, no one else.” He said, pausing a little before going on. “Junhong, Zelo…The thing I wanted to tell you before I left was this.” He leaned in pressing his lips against my own.

My heart rate accelerated at an inhumane speed. Butterflies spun in my stomach. This couldn’t be happening! No way! I closed my eyes, melting into the perfect kiss. It was perfect because it was him. Yongguk slowly pulled away, my lips feeling empty again. “I love you Junhong.” He whispered in my ear. My breath hitched at the touch of his heated breath.

“I love you too Yongguk.” I breathed, relieved to finally be able to confess my true feelings to him. He wrapped his arms around me, hugging me strongly. I rest my forehead on his semi-bare chest, feeling his chest rise and fall at a steady pace. “”Now you can’t ever leave. Not even now.” I said outlining his chest with my index finger. “Junhong.” He said.

“No Yongguk. Not after this. I won’t let you go. I won’t forgive you if you leave.” I said hugging him tightly as if that would keep him from moving. The elder chuckled slightly. Why is he laughing? “You’re cute.” He said. I looked up at him caught a little off guard. “Of course. I’m not going to leave you.” He said smiling down at me. “B-But you just said…” I was now confused.

“I changed my mind after confessing to you and kissing you.” He said. I blushed a little at the last part of what he said.

“I will do my best to control myself, despite the characteristics of a new born. I will do whatever it takes. I’ll do anything to defy nature for you…for us.” He said. “Like Jayde…” I whispered.

He scrunched his brow not expecting that, but nodded, understanding what I meant. “I love you so much Zelo.” He said placing a light kiss on my nose, causing my heart to flutter. I couldn’t help but smile and blush shyly. “Does this mean…that we’re…together?” I blushed even harder as the words came out of my mouth. Bang chuckled, but nodded, “that’s exactly what it means.” He said with that gummy smile of his. I smiled even brighter. I couldn’t believe that this was happening, a dream come true.

“Alright you guys…I hate to interrupt your erm…little moment here. But it’s about time to start heading back.” Jayde said. I looked up to see that she was standing in front of us, practically towering us since we were still on the ground. I smiled at her.

“We shouldn’t be out here like this. We’re not alone.” She said ignoring my smile. Oh Jayde. Bang got the memo standing up, while holding me bridal style. “I-I can walk Bang.” I said quietly. “You’ll faint if you do.” Jayde said approving of Yongguk’s call. He smiled brightly at the approval. I was feeling a bit light headed, I had moved so fast earlier it was now coming back to bite me in the .

“Wait Jayde. Before we go….what do you think about our relationship…Zelo’s and I?” Bang asked out of the blue. I felt my face turn read in embarrassment. That seemed more like something Jongup would ask, or even Daehyun. “It’ll last long…okay?” She said before spinning around and walking away. I looked at Yongguk strangely. “Did she seem…a little, awkward?” I asked him. Yongguk nodded, devious smiles grew on our faces, we got to Jayde.