Hey y'all! Welcome back to A Rose By Any Other Name! Jackson might get to see Valentine again! Is it true, or is the mysterious figure lying to him? We'll just have to wait and see. Also, to give you guys updates on my other stories, I will be starting the rewritten version of Underground Elements after I finish this story, so no worries on that. I will also start on one of my other stories sometime after this story ends, I'm just not sure when. My work is currently in it's slowest business month so I may get more time to write and update but no promises. Without further ado, let's jump on in!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story idea!
Jackson slowly followed the cloaked figure in front of him, looking around as they walked through the forest. He was still apprehensive about the figure. What if they were lying? What if they're not taking me to see Valentine at all? he thought, taking a deep breath to try and calm himself. He couldn't let himself have a panic attack, not when there was a chance that he would actually see Valentine again.
The figure slowed down as they reached the edge of the forest, a large stone compound with a large wall surrounding it before them. "Come, we must sneak in the back..." said the figure, leading Jackson around until they reached the back of the compound. The figure went up to the wall and began moving some loose stones, almost as if they had done this before. They moved just enough stones to make a small hole large enough for them and Jackson to squeeze through, ushering Jackson through before following and closing the hole up.
"We're in..." the figure said, quickly but silently leading Jackson through the compound, using the shadows to hide from guards. They soon found a set of stairs heading down and took them, eventually reaching a large network of prison cells. "This is one of the most secure prisons in the monster world... very few escape, and those who manage to get out are quickly brought back..." the figure explained as they quietly made their way through the rows of cells.
Jackson gulped, looking around at all the monsters who had been locked up. They were not the nicest looking bunch, and many of them looked at Jackson as either an enemy or lunch, the latter look making Jackson very nervous and scared. The figure soon stopped in front of one particular cell, motioning Jackson to go up to the bars. Jackson hesitated, then did so and knelt in front of the bars, looking into the cell. "V-Val?" he asked quietly, gripping the cell's bars. At first nothing happened, then a pair of familiar hands gently gripped his and a familiar face came out of the shadows.
"Jackson? What are you doing here!? This place isn't safe!" said Valentine, looking at the half-normie with worried eyes. Tears quickly began falling from Jackson's eyes as he hugged Valentine through the bars. "Oh thank god! I thought I'd never see you again!" Jackson quietly sobbed, not wanting to let the vampire go. "Darlin', it's not safe here... why did you come?" Valentine asked, pulling back slightly and looking Jackson over. He frowned when he saw the bags and dark circles under Jackson's eyes, as well as the fact that Jackson looked a bit thinner than usual.
"Have you not been taking care of yourself?" the vampire asked, wiping Jackson's tears away. "I-I..." Jackson couldn't answer him. "I don't want to lose you... if they decide to go through with punishment..." Valentine gently squeezed his hands. "Shhh... Vampire law has always been harsh, but it has also always been fair... I think they are simply taking such extreme measures because you are half-normie..." Jackson looked at him and frowned. "It's always because of my normie scaritage, isn't it? 'Monster' and 'Normie' are just titles we use to differentiate ourselves! What's in a name? That which was call a rose by any other word would smell just as sweet..."
Valentine chuckled. "Ah, William Spookspear... 'Romeo and Juliet' was always a favorite of mine..." he said, quickly kissing Jackson through the bars. "And I personally agree... Love is love, not matter if we are monster or normie..." Jackson smiled, then frowned when Valentine saw his bandages poking out from under his sleeve. "Jackson... my little songbird... you've cut again..." Valentine said, frowning. "I... I couldn't think of anything else to do to numb the pain of being away from you..." Jackson confessed, fresh tears welling in his eyes.
"Jackson..." Valentine started, but gasped when they heard guards quickly approaching. "We've overstayed our welcome! Come, we must go!" said the cloaked figure. Valentine gave Jackson a quick but passionate kiss. "Go!" he hissed, watching as Jackson was pulled away by the cloaked figure. He watched them round a corner before the guards showed up at his cell, looking around. One of them looked at him, but then looked away as they ran off to continue searching. Please, let Jackson get out of here alright... Valentine silently begged, sighing.
His head snapped up when he heard footsteps approaching his cell. Two guards appeared and opened the door, pulling him out before surprisingly letting him go. Valentine quickly understood why and immediately went to his knees bowing when a familiar figure approached with two more guard. "My Queen..." he said, keeping his head bowed. "Kieran Valentine... rise to your feet... we have much to discuss..." said the vampire queen, smiling softly as he did so. "Of course... Queen Elissabat..." he said, smiling as he followed her.
Meanwhile, the figure had gotten Jackson out of the compound and safely back to Deuce's house. "Thank you..." Jackson said, smiling at the figure. "anything for two souls in love..." the figure replied, though Jackson could hear the smile in their voice. "Rest young one... things may be better in the morning..." Jackson nodded and closed the window as the figure left. He sighed and changed into his pajamas, climbing into bed and eventually falling into a restless sleep.
VALENTINE AND JACKSON WERE REUNITED! But why would the Queen of the Vampires wish to speak with Valentine? Guess only time will tell.
Until next time, Icy is out~!