Chapter Text
Chapter 1 - Dying of Death
Jarvis slid his long boney grey hand into the fingers of the fur lined black leather gloves. The shaggy wool scarf that he received for his birthday was wrapped multiple times around his neck while he slid his thin wrinkled arms into the sleeves of a thick wool coat. To top his ensemble, he pulled a grey beanie down over the thin greasy strands of hair that hung from his grey balding scalp.
The massive fireplace behind him roared, spitting out flames that rose two feet into the plume. Layers of black soot clung to the hearth of the ancient structure, burying the intricate details of the embroidered brick that rose from floor to ceiling. Jarvis had to move quickly; less he faint from being significantly overdressed amidst the balmy temperatures of the fire’s roar.
He fled the warmth of the study and proceeded down the long corridor leading to the East wing of the Palatial castle. With every step he took, the air grew heavier, denser, colder until the warmth of the comfortable study became a distant memory. The frosty temperatures from the other side of the door met him as he approached.
Jeon Jungkook maintained the temperature in the bedroom at a consistent negative six-degrees Fahrenheit; conditions that were much too chilly for Jarvis’ comfort. Despite the difficulties, Jarvis was willing to sacrifice everything if it meant caring for Master Jeon Jungkook, who was more like a son to him than anything else. He grasped the frozen door knob with his gloved hand and turned it slightly. The darkness of the room immediately surrounded him dulling the glow from the moderately lit corridor. He stepped inside, allowing the bedroom door to slam shut behind him. The humidity gathered around his feet turned into ice cycles that crunched at cracked with each step. The room was darker than the darkest night. So much darkness that Jarvis felt as if he could see shadows before him. The two-story windows were covered from floor to ceiling in black velvet curtains that blocked every molecule of light that attempted to visit. The walls were painted in black matted paint to discourage reflective glares that could possibly catch light. A chandelier akin to the size of a small vehicle sat suspended from the ceiling in the center of the room over the bed. Sharp dagger shaped icicles hung from each tendril of the gigantic piece as it dangled precariously over the expansive bed below.
Jarvis, of course, could see none of this. His only knowledge of the layout of the room came from the memory of visiting Jungkook during happier days. These days, things were not so happy which is why they found themselves in this bleak situation. As he always did, Jarvis closed his eyes to enhance his senses as he stepped gingerly across the frozen wooden floor. He hadn’t been in the room more than 30 seconds before his shivering began. Jarvis counted his steps carefully because in the absence of sight, step count was the only guide available to navigate the large hollow bedroom. At step 813, he reached the edge of the bed that sat perched in the center of the room. Within the outer pocket of his thick wool coat was a small keychain sized flashlight. He removed it and clicked it on, shining it towards the dark slumbering figure in the center of the bed. The sight that greeted him almost drove him to tears. The pale, emaciated body of his beloved son lay there still, not breathing, eyes closed, arms crossed over his chest. Jarvis pushed back his tears to avoid them freezing upon his face. His shivers began to worsen. He was shaking so much that he had to use one hand to stabilize the other.
This situation was nothing new. Centuries of caring for his son should have acclimated him to this, but alas, adaptation eluded him. Jarvis swept his emotions aside and continued his well-check of the boy. He had to move quickly because he wasn’t sure how much longer his own body could maintain consciousness in the frigid conditions of the room. He peered down at his adopted son, growing more and more concerned with his health. Jarvis let out a small sigh, “Oh my boy.” A cloud of vapor escaped his mouth, immediately freezing upon contact with the cold air.
By Jarvis’ calculations, Master Jungkook was exactly 400 years old today. Yet, his physical appearance never aged past twenty-three years of life. In fact, it was exactly 377 years ago, just after his 23rd birthday that Master Jungkook was found lying in an alley suffering horrific wounds that left most of the blood drained from his body. It was Jarvis who found him. Depending on the boy’s mood, he considered it either the best day of his life or the most cursed. Jarvis moved closer to his son, using the small light to examine the sunken cheeks within his handsome face. Famine cycles were always difficult, but it seemed like this one was particularly bad.
With a quick swipe of his finger, Jeon Jungkook telepathically dislodged the flashlight from Jarvis’ hand and sent it flying across the room to shatter against the distant wall. Jarvis, now once again covered in darkness, spoke to his son, “Well you don’t have to be a brat my boy.”
“Father, you know the light stings,” whispered a deep low voice from the bed.
“Well how am I supposed to get a good look at you if I can’t see you?” Jarvis countered.
“You don’t need a good look at me Father, I’m fine,” Jungkook replied.
Jarvis moved closer in the darkness, “You’re not fine Jungkook, you’re dying.”
“You worry too much. If you had let me die all those years ago, we wouldn’t be in this situation today would we?” Jungkook replied.
“I’ll never apologize for saving your life boy.” Jarvis’ shivering was now so severe that he could barely speak. He was fighting to maintain his balance as he stood over the young Jungkook. He reached into the darkness to touch his son’s face but fell to a single knee before his hand could reach him.
Jungkook heard the slap of his Father falling to the floor, “Father!” He sprang from his bed and rushed to his Father’s side. “Why are you here? You know it isn’t safe for you. Must we have this argument every time?”
“I had to check on you…you…my sweet son,” Jarvis stuttered through chattering teeth.
“Come old man, let’s get you out of here.” Jungkook scooped his Father into his arms and carried him out of the icy tundra. Another wave of his arm and the thick doors to his bedroom flew open in front of them, revealing the long corridor that Jarvis had used to access the room.
“My boy, you can’t come out here, you’re not strong enough,” creaked Jarvis
“My Father, you cannot stay in there, YOU, are not strong enough,” Jungkook smiled at his crinkly old Father and walked with him back towards the warmth of the study. “I guess we have a stalemate.”
“Jungkook, this cannot go on. My son, listen to me.” Jungkook gently lowered his father into his favorite old chair that sat only inches away from the fire.
“Father! This conversation is as ancient as your beating heart. We don’t need to rehash this.” Jungkook leaned down and removed the cold wet shoes from his Father’s feet and then lifted them onto a small ottoman in front of his chair.
Jarvis leaned forward removing his feet from the ottoman, “You will listen to me. You MUST feed! This blatant refusal to care for yourself is placing a burden not just on you, but also on me. I cannot stand by and watch you die…again.”
“If it doesn’t meet my liking, then I will not partake. I am very sele….” Jungkook was interrupted by his yelling Father.
“I know the story JUNGKOOK! You won’t feed from a body you deem to be beneath you. A taste that does not meet your liking, you are selective and will not nourish your body with just ANY blood. I know! I am tired of hearing it. You look of death! If it weren’t for keeping you locked in a virtual freezer, I would have lost you long ago.”
“Father, don’t you think I’m trying? Do you think I like spending my days locked inside that dark tomb? Our home has gotten a bit of a reputation lately, in case you haven’t noticed. It’s not as easy as it once was to lure food to the castle.” Jungkook paced irritantly with his arms behind his back.
“I could have someone here within the hour. But, of course they would not be up to the ridiculous standards that you have imposed,” Jarvis barked at his son.
“I won’t reduce myself,” Jungkook said calmly.
Jarvis pointed his grey slimy finger towards Jungkook, “You’re a stubborn fool. Sometimes I think you want to die just to spite me for saving you the first time. For 377 years, I’ve endured your bitter vitriol aimed at me for saving your life. I don’t regret it Jungkook. THIS life is better than NO life.”
“Is it? Is it? I’m a monster Father. I’m an animal, a murderer. Death surely would have been better than this. You wanted me to be an animal. You wanted me to be an undead creature just like you. You’ve walked this earth for over 2000 years and you were lonely. You deprived me of death for your own selfish wants!” Jungkook screamed at his Father.
“You – you shouldn’t say those things to me.” Jarvis leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes. He pushed back the sting of his tears.
“I was a replacement JARVIS. I was a replacement for the son you lost. That- that-that…” Jungkook collapsed.
“My boy. My boy. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. Oh dear, this is bad. We can’t go on this way. Please forgive me, but I have to do whatever it takes to care for you,” Jarvis cried out. Instead of running to his son, he ran towards the phone and dialed, “Hello, I would like to order a pizza please – large cheese, I guess. Yes all cheese. How quickly can you be here? Yes, see you soon. Thank you.” Jarvis hung up the phone. He ran over to his unconscious son and pulled him up to couch to rest.
No more than 15 minutes later, the antiquated doorbell at the front of the castle reverberated through the study. Jarvis ran quickly to the door. He opened it and invited the porculent delivery driver into the foyer, “Ah hello pizza person.” He evaluated him carefully and smiled with pleasure, “Oh so silly of me, I don’t have any money. Allow me to get my wallet. I shall return shortly. Please have a seat.”
The delivery driver, slightly irritated about the delay in his schedule, sat down on the long velvet bench that lined the wall in the foyer. He checked his watch repeatedly as he waited for the old man to return. He stood quickly and yelled towards the back of the castle where he’d seen the old man disappear, “HEY OLD DUDE, come and pay for this shit so I can go.” He laid the pizza down on the bench and removed his phone from his pocket. The light illuminated his face as he scrolled through his text messages. The inescapable feeling of being watched disturbed him. He looked around the dark empty room but saw no one. Chills crept up the back of his neck when something sharp brush against his right side. He let out a small scream and spun around slapping at his leg, but there was nothing there.
“Must just be my imagination. I need out of the creepy place right now,” he said to himself. He yelled again, “OLD MAN! Can I please get paid so I can go? God I hate this shit. Dealing with old people is the worst. OLD MAN!” He continued to yell.
Jarvis appeared from nowhere and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed and ran towards the front door.
Jarvis walked behind him, speaking calmly, “Young man, I didn’t mean to frighten you. Here’s your money.”
“Keep it. I want the fuck out of here.” With that, the driver burst out of the front door and ran towards the safety of his car. Once inside, he released a deep breath. The cost of not getting paid for the pizza was going to come out of his paycheck, but he didn’t care. All he wanted was to be out of that horrible place. He locked the doors and proceeded to start his car. Suddenly his roof caved in from a thunderous crash outside of his vehicle.
“What the FUCK!” He yelled.
The front windshield of the car was ripped away, leaving a gaping hole where the window was once attached. A slimy grey leg about six feet long slid through the hole in the windshield. At the end of the long leg was a razor sharp black talon that pierced his chest as he sat in the driver’s seat. The doomed man, under the greatest duress, fought against a captor that seemed neither human nor animal. His screams were the screams of death. A long grey face covered in black eyes floated towards him. It crept within inches of his face and then opened it’s mouth revealing a single row of long sharp venomous fangs. Death for the delivery driver was swift, but not without pain and tragic terror.
***
Master Jungkook awoke in front of the fire place, sprawled on the couch covered in warm soft blankets. He called out, “Father? Father where are you? What happened? Shouldn’t I be in my freeze room?” He reached out his hand to remove the covers and noticed the rich vibrant color in his veins. He also noticed that he felt wonderfully alive with no dizziness, no weakness, no confusion, just satiated. He smiled. But his smile was quickly replaced with horror. He screamed, “FATHER! WHAT DID YOU DO? COME HERE AND FACE ME!”
“I did what I had to do,” Jarvis answered quickly from behind. “You look wonderful my boy.”
“Father, I feel like I’m going to be sick, my stomach is churning.” Jungkook hunched over the side of the couch and dry heaved as if he were going to vomit. “How could you? You gave me the blood of a fucking commoner? HOW COULD YOU?” Jungkook peered at his Father with great anger.
Jarvis casually strolled to the area in the study where his reclining chair was located. He sat quietly and addressed his son humorously, “Oh how dramatic we are. In all of my years of caring for your kind, I’ve yet to see a Vampire who’s body rebukes blood – regardless of origin.”
“MINE WILL,” Jungkook spat, “I cannot tolerate this vile smelling filth coursing through my veins. I feel as if I’m coming out of my skin Father. You can’t love me and do this to me. And why do I smell of pizza?”
“Seems as if I’ve raised a somewhat spoiled, entitled child. You know, ‘Thank You Father,’ would have been a much more appropriate response.” Jarvis laughed.
“THANK YOU?” Jungkook was still screaming at his elder, “THANK YOU? You want me to THANK YOU after what you’ve done? You fed me the blood of a filth.”
Jarvis uncrossed his legs and sat forward on the edge of his chair, “My boy. I won’t ask for forgiveness. I had to give you the transfusion. What was I to do? Let you die?”
“YES!” Jungkook screamed. “WHY NOT JUST LET ME DIE!? Surely, it would be better than this wretched life you’ve doomed me to live! Day after day, I wander through this dark empty castle. I watch through the windows as others live their lives in bright vibrant color, yet I remain here destitute and alone; my only objective to watch Jerry Springer while plotting which wealthy old man I’m going to kill next for sustenance. This is not a life. I’m 23 but for 377 years I have been condemned to this subsistence with my only companion being a 2000 year- old giant spider. I’m sick of it Father. I want out! Death…can’t come soon enough.” With tears in his eyes, Jungkook waved both of his hands dramatically as if swiping the screen on a huge invisible iPad. The heavy iron double doors that aligned the study flew open on his command, slamming into the walls behind. Fully fed, Jungkook’s telepathic powers were at maximum strength, stronger than they had been in months, possibly years. He stormed through the doors and headed down the long corridor that led to his bedroom.
Jarvis watched him flee, saddened by the sentiment revealed by his son, he stretched out his long thin grey body and reclaimed his seat in the recliner. His tired, old mind searched for understanding. Jarvis collapsed his grey bald head into his long grey hands, desperately attempting to relieve himself of the overwhelming guilt.
***
“Father. Father, wake up Father, I need to speak to you,” Jungkook called quietly.
Jarvis opened his eyes to see his brilliant son kneeling down before him, tapping him softly on the knee to awaken him.
“My boy,” Jarvis said with a start, “you look so well.” Jarvis smiled down at his son who was absolutely glowing. Jungkook’s neck length black hair fell messy across his blushed face. His eyes, now a warm shade of brown, differed greatly from the icy blue hue they held days ago when Jungkook was starving. His fangs rescinded leaving behind a crisp pearl white smile amongst a row of perfect teeth. Jarvis had to concede that Jungkook looked quite…human.
“Don’t congratulate yourself Father. My body is still struggling to adjust from the blood of the pig you delivered to me. And I seem unable to rid myself of the smell of pizza no matter how much I wash.” Jungkook actually smiled; a gesture that made his Father’s heart leap. “Father,” Jungkook continued, “I’m sorry Father. The way I spoke to you was unacceptable and cruel. I was upset and still reeling from the taint of the bad blood and I reacted poorly. The blood you gave to me must have come from a real jerk.”
“Oh sure, blame it on him,” Jarvis laughed at his son.
Jungkook spoke more, “The life you have given me, it’s not so bad. I could do more with it, but honestly, I’m restrained by my own mind, much more than any physical limitation that I might have. It was unfair of me to blame this on you. I’m grateful for you saving me all those years ago. However, going forward, no more blood unless we agree on the source. Is that a deal?”
“No,” Jarvis said flatly.
“I expected nothing different from you Father. I guess that means we are at a stalemate?” Jungkook smiled.
“We’ve been at a stalemate for 377 years, boy.” Jarvis laughed again, using his long black fingernails to stroke the rogue hairs away from his son’s eyes.
“Well, I guess the only solution is to plan better. Yes?” Jungkook said excitedly.
“Agreed, but we both know that the famine cycles are not increasing just because of poor planning. They’re happening because many are growing suspicious of what occurs in this castle. The disappearances are starting to become more noticeable. It’s much more difficult to cover our tracks. We’ve got a bit of a reputation, son.”
“Touche’ Father. But listen, I have a plan. I think we’ve sucked the well dry here in Korea, pun intended, and I think we should start looking elsewhere. It’s time to go International.” Jungkook smiled, looking very much the age of twenty-three.
“I have already identified our next prospect, from Paris. His net worth is over $2billion dollars. He has no kids, no family, no one to come looking for him. He’s perfect.” Jungkook withdrew an old magazine and showed it to his Father. His victim, Trey Levinworth, was pictured on the front cover. “I’ve studied him for a few weeks now. His blood is like velvet, I can taste it from here. He is a big fan of cavier, he eats plenty of red meat and very few vegetables, his blood type is A-negative and he’s quite large which means his blood volume is enough to sustain me for weeks, maybe months. Look at the deep purple veins in his face. He’s delicious Father.”
“He is perfect. Good job my boy. You’ll save his heart for me? His kidneys as well?” Jarvis licked his lips excitedly as he looked at the man’s picture.
“Of course Father, we will feast well on this one.” Jungkook smiled. “I’ve already set the trap. He arrives tomorrow.
“Tomorrow? You didn’t waste any time did you?” Jarvis complimented.
Jungkook smiled under the praise from his Father, “If I’m going to reduce these famine cycles, I have to stay ahead, even if it means feeding before I need to. Now, we must prepare. We haven’t much time.”
***
Trey Levinworth stepped off his private jet at Incheon airport, Seoul. He blabbered loudly in a thick French accent to someone on his cell phone,
“I couldn’t hire a private car to take me. Apparently, they don’t travel out to where this guy lives. This is going to be a sweet deal. I can tell from speaking with him on the phone that he’s young, doesn’t know the business, I should be able to take him for everything’s he’s got. His prospectus looks good, his investments are solid. This guy’s got a lot of money. Kinda’ curious how he accumulated it so fast, considering his age. Must be one of those spoiled rich kids who inherited his daddy’s riches and now wants to make a name for himself. We’ve already come to preliminary terms. I just need the dumb fuck to sign the papers.”
A black taxi pulled up to the end of the tarmac and parked, waiting for Trey Levinworth to enter. Trey jumped in and barked directions in French. The taxi driver, who only spoke Korean, was a bit confused. Trey, already irritated, scribbled an address on an old business card and threw it at the driver. Take me here, dumb ass. Don’t you people know how to speak any language other than Korean. It would serve you well to learn French.”
The taxi driver, although not fluent in French, did speak English well enough to know that he was being insulted, albeit in a poor English accent. He looked down at the address on the business card and began to enter it into his GPS. His blood ran cold as the numbers sprawled across his screen, “Sir,” he said, speaking in English, “are you sure you want to go HERE? Is this the correct…address?” He said, his eyes bright with fear.
“Just drive me the fuck there. That’s the address, now go,” Trey barked his commands at the driver before returning to his phone call.”
“I’ll call you after the deal is settled. If you don’t hear from me, don’t be alarmed, I have to fly out in the morning to head to New York. Yeah –bye.” Trey disconnected his call and flipped open his brief case to read over the contract one last time.
It took more than an hour for the taxi to make it’s way to the secluded castle. The taxi drive turned backward towards Trey and pointed at the meter for payment, “This is it Sir. If you don’t mind, I’m going to stop here. You can follow that path and it will take you straight up to the front door.”
Trey was not interested in trying to cajole the driving into taking him closer. He swiped his credit card to pay the taxi fare and then piled out of the car. After a quick walk, Trey found himself at the front door of the antiquated castle.
Within seconds of ringing the doorbell, Jarvis was at the front door. Trey gasped at his cryptic appearance. Jarvis’ long black nails clicked against the metal of the iron door as he opened it wide to welcome Trey inside. His skin had a dark sullen grey pallor that reminded Trey of the skin of a dolphin. His balding head held long strands of white hair that grew to his shoulders. Jarvis stood around 6” tall with a posture that was stiff and firm, despite his age. He smiled, revealing long aging teeth, “You must be Mr. Levinworth? We’ve been expecting you.”
Trey stepped inside, “Where is Mr. Jeon Jungkook? I would like to get this matter settled as quickly as possible. I have much to do today. The quicker we get this contract executed, the better.”
“Of course, he will be here shortly. May I get you a glass of wine or scotch?” Jarvis offered politely.
“No. Mr. Jeon Jungkook please?” Trey remained steady.
“Yes. Ah, here he is now.” Jarvis smiled.
Quite the contrast to Jarvis, Jungkook bounced into the room highly energetic, looking as if he had just stepped of off a Paris fashion runway. He wore a dark black suit with a silk shirt underneath that was casually unbuttoned. His black hair was slightly damp from the recent shower he’d taken to once again attack the pizza smell. His cheeks were warm and rosy and the tip of his nose bore a slight pinkish hue. He raced towards Trey with an outstretched hand, “Mr. Levinworth, what a pleasure to meet you.”
Trey begrudgingly agreed to shake hands while uttering, “Let’s get this done, shall we?”
“I’m sure Jarvis has offered you something to eat or drink?” Jungkook confirmed.
“No thank you. Here are the terms of the contract. Please sign and then I think we can all go our separate ways.” Trey opened his briefcase and pulled the contract free. He shoved into Jungkook’s chest and forced a pen into his hand.
“Oh, um well Mr. Levinworth, surely you don’t expect me to sign without my attorney having a look right?”
“Your attorney?” Trey sighed.
Jungkook led Trey into the main wing of the house and invited him to sit, “Yes my attorney, but rest assured, he has a copy. He has promised that he will have it reviewed and back to us first thing in the morning.”
“The morning, as in tomorrow?” Trey frowned, “but I need to be in New York tomorrow.”
“Yes and you will be able to leave as soon as it’s reviewed. These things take time. We need to make sure that both of our interests are protected, right?” Jungkook smiled.
“I had no plans to stay in Korea overnight. I didn’t even book hotel accommodations.” Trey pulled out his phone and began searching for possible hotels in the area.
“Nonsense, you will stay with me. My home has 22 bedrooms. I’m sure we will find one to your liking. It’s late. I’m sure you’re tired after your long journey here. I’ll show you to your room. Yes?” Jungkook beckoned Trey in his direction.
Trey didn’t like this. However, each time the voice of his higher conscious warned him to be fearful, the voice was silenced by his greedy desire for money. “I am rather tired. I guess this could wait until morning. Yes, I will stay Mr. Jungkook, just take me to my room.”
“Delicious…I mean delightful,” Jungkook stutter corrected himself. He led Trey down another dark corridor, this one leading to the back of the castle where the spare bedrooms were located. Trey was given a large 800 square foot bedroom adorned with classic priceless art along the walls. “The shower is to your left. If you desire any food, please ring the bell on the nightstand and Jarvis will serve you. Sleep tight Mr. Levinworth, I’m very excited for what tomorrow will bring.” Jungkook left Trey alone in his room and closed the door behind himself.
Trey removed his suit jacket and slacks and crawled into bed. The accommodations were surprisingly comfortable considering the age of the castle. He relaxed a bit and read over the paperwork from the meeting he would attend in New York on the following day. It didn’t take long before the tired gentlemen drifted off to sleep. Trey slept restlessly. Despite the room being comfortable, there was just an eerie feeling that he couldn’t shake. He dozed on and off for the next several hours until he finally succumbed to a sound sleep. It was about 4am when something unknown startled him awake. He sat up quickly looking around the room for the source of what had awaken him. The room appeared to be empty. He picked up his cell phone from the nightstand and flipped on the flashlight to do a more thorough check of his surroundings. He scanned the entire place but saw nothing. He closed his eyes and let out a massive yawn, coupled with a deep relaxing stretch. When he opened his eyes, Jeon Jungkook was standing only inches away from him. The glow from Trey’s phone beamed up into Jungkook’s face revealing a set a sharp, white fangs jetting from his mouth.
“Why are you in here? Get out! This deal is off! Get out!” Trey screamed, trying to contain his fear. He kicked violently as he tussled with the blankets to flee the bed.
“I’m sorry Mr. Levinworth, there is no deal for you. Only death,” Jungkook spoke quietly.
Trey fled the bed, grabbed his briefcase and ran desperately for the bedroom door. His screams were frantic. He screamed the only name that came to mind, “JARVIS, JARVIS help me. HELP ME!”
“I’m here Mr. Levinworth.” Jarvis was already in the room, yet he did not appear as the elderly old man that Trey had met earlier in the day. He instead appeared as a gigantic six-foot spider.” Trey panicked even more after digesting Jarvis’ new form. He realized that he had no help and the two of them were going to kill him. He raked desperately at the door handle, trying to pull it open.
Jungkook used a giant swiping motion with his arms to telepathically sweep Trey through the air. Jungkook grabbed him by the neck and held him suspended high. He reared his fangs and sank them deep into the groin of Trey Levinworth. Blood spurted from the wound like champagne escaping a freshly shaken champagne bottle. The walls splashed crimson red with the blood of Trey Levinworth. Trey fought desperately trying to escape. His groin burned hot with intense pain as he watched Jungkook gorge on his testicles and then inflict a fresh new wound into his stomach. Even in the midst of being devoured, Trey refused to drop his briefcase.
Jungkook embedded his fangs into screaming man while sucking the blood from the juiciest part of his body. Trey unleashed another series of deafening screams and pleaded for mercy.
Jarvis laughed with pride that only a Father could understand, “You do love the nuts don’t you? Feed my boy, feed well.”
“Please, I beg you, stop, please. Let me live, please, I’ll give you all the money, please, stop,” Trey screamed in desperation. Jungkook, never one to enjoy the suffering of his victims, decided it was time to end it. Trey’s greatest scream yet came when Jungkook used his teeth to rip open the body cavity and drink the blood directly from his intestines. This final act of blood-letting was all that was needed to kill him. He hung there suspended in air, lifeless.
The messy affair left Jungkook completely covered in blood from head to toe. His blood-soaked hair glistened under the pale moonlight shining through the window. His face looked as if he were wearing a mask made entirely of the blood. The only spots not buried in crimson were his heavily hooded eyelids. He drank and drank, in-taking the blood through the tiny holes in the bottom of his fangs. “Father, he really is just as delicious as I imagined.”
It took Jungkook an hour to fully drain the blood from his victim. In the end, Jungkook threw the body towards Jarvis and smiled, “A fresh heart, just for you Dad,” he said sarcastically.
***
The feeding from Trey Levinworth was so satiating that it took several weeks for Jungkook’s desire to feed came again. His eyes remained a warm brown which brought sheer delight to his Father.
From his bedroom window Jungkook overlooked the large graveyard behind the castle. It was here where the bloodless dead bodies of all of his victims were buried. Jarvis took meticulous care to make sure that every trace of the horrific killings were removed from the castle. He was an excellent Father.
“Jungkook! Come here, quickly!” Jarvis called excitedly from the study.
“Yes, Father,” Jungkook moved immediately. It was unusual to hear such excitement come from his Father’s voice. He entered the study and sat at his Father’s side.
Jarvis unfolded a large newspaper and showed it to Jungkook. “Look! This one. He’s our next prospect.” Jarvis’ black eyes glistened with joy.
“Father, are you sure? He seems very different from our normal type. Does he meet my standard?” Jungkook questioned.
“He meets all of your standards plus some. His name is Count Park Jimin. He comes from a long line of wealth. I think he’s currently living in Japan, but he’s Korean. He too is a loner son. No family, no kids. In fact, I can’t figure out what he does for a living. He doesn’t seem to work or maintain any business. I believe he is officially a “playboy” living off of the money from his dead ancestors. He is a good fit for our next feeding – which will need to be soon.” Jarvis refolded the newspaper so that the Count’s face was facing front.
Jungkook picked up the newspaper to examine the picture more closely. “Father this man looks quite tasty. But there’s more; he’s quite attractive, isn’t he? Definitely not our typical prospect?”
“Ah my son. I didn’t think you noticed such things. I guess his looks are above average, but it’s his taste that I would think should concern you most. My only difficulty has been in finding his eating habits. His medical records are non-existent and no one in his camp is willing to provide any information about his blood typing. I think it is safe to assume he is O-positive, your favorite. Even though we don’t know much, I think he’s worth taking a chance on, don’t you? Son? SON?”
Jungkook was still staring at the bright handsome face in the newspaper. He was so transfixed with the Count, that he didn’t even hear his Father speaking to him.
“SON!” Jarvis yelled one final time.
Jungkook jumped and looked up his Father absent-mindedly, “Yes, I’m sorry what were you saying?”
“Is everything ok? You do find him to your liking don’t you?” Jarvis seemed concerned.
“Yes, yes, very much to my uhh…liking. Let’s do it,” Jungkook said, slightly embarrassed.
“My boy, are you – blushing?” Jarvis laughed quite heartedly.
“Don’t be ridiculous Father, Vampires don’t blush.” Jungkook rushed from the room and headed back to the veranda taking the folded newspaper with him.
He sat down on the cement bench and continued to read the article about the Count. The story headliner read,
“Philanthropist Playboy Park Jimin donates $1million dollars to children’s network.”
Jungkook’s Japanese was rusty, but he was pretty sure the entire article was more about the Count’s luscious looks and less about his actual philanthropy. From what Jungkook could decipher, the annual donation was something established by Park Jimin’s ancestors years ago, yet he reaped the benefits of the publicity for the long standing initiative. The article wasn’t enough, Jungkook needed to learn more about this mysterious fellow who was destined to be his next victim. Typically, he did not want to know too much about his victims, lest it lead to trepidation when it came time for the kill, however Park Jimin seemed to be a different circumstance. He was so shrouded in mystery that Jungkook couldn’t help but be drawn to learn more.
Three hours later after an exhaustive search on the internet, Jungkook came away knowing little more than when he started. Three basic facts were all he had to go on: 1) Count Park Jimin was twenty-five years old, he earned his title as Count due to the fact that he was out-casted royalty. The reason for his banishment from the royal family was unknown, 2) His only family of record was a sister who was murdered and 3) He’d lived Japan for an unknown length of time but all evidence pointed to him being a fellow Busan.
Jungkook rushed back into the study. Jarvis was again napping in his recliner. Four of his eight legs were spread underneath him. It was quite the sight to see. He laughed a bit at his Father’s expense and then proceeded to wake him gently, “Father. Father. I don’t think this is a good choice. I mean, he’s not the one I need. I think I would much prefer another Mr. Livenworth. Don’t you agree?”
“No, my boy. I do not agree,” Jarvis mumbled without bothering to even open his eyes. “This one is exactly the one you need. If we don’t get one soon, you will enter the famine cycle again and I can’t bare another one. Your eyes have already lifted into a lighter shade of brown. The blue is coming. You must feed boy. Now please gather yourself, he arrives in two days.”
“What? You’ve already contacted him?” Jungkook said surprised.
“What part of arriving in two days did you not grasp?” Jarvis laughed at his son but still did not bother to open his eyes.
“V-very well then. He shall make a delicious meal, I’m sure. I shall prepare,” Jungkook conceded.
***