John was shocked at what he had just heard. The words vampire and werewolf and Hybrid—terms he used for fantasy video game characters—reverberated in his mind, feeling simultaneously absurd and terrifyingly real. He stared at his parents, his mouth slightly agape, the heat still radiating from his black and red eye.
"Congratulations, honey," Angeline said, her voice brimming with a strange, maternal happiness. She moved forward smoothly, embracing him in a tight, heartfelt hug. Her warmth was comforting, yet her unnatural strength was suddenly perceptible, a subtle pressure that made his own fangs retract slightly.
"So… what happens now, Dad?" John asked, pulling back, looking to Jiren for the logical answer. His father was the rock, the rational one.
Jiren's smile was gone, replaced by a look of profound seriousness. He ran a hand through his dark hair, a tired gesture that made him look older than his years. "Well, I guess you are not going to school anymore. We've got to transfer you to a new school. And by 'transfer,' I mean we have to leave."
John stunned at what he just heard. "What do you mean, Dad? What do you mean we have to leave?"
"We can't let you go back to school, son, not now that you've awakened," Jiren explained, his gaze sweeping over John's face, landing briefly on the still-fading crimson eye. "We didn't think this was possible, you see. Most vampires and werewolves awaken at a much younger age, or their bloodlines activate gradually. Your very existence is a miracle, John. A dangerous, volatile miracle."
"We know that you are shocked, honey, and you probably have many questions, and all will be revealed in due time," Angeline added gently, placing a hand on John's shoulder. "But try to take this one step at a time. We honestly thought that our genes—vampire and werewolf—somehow canceled each other out when you were born with no characteristics from either of us."
Jiren stepped forward, his expression darkening slightly. "But we were wrong. I actually wanted you to live a normal life, my son. I wanted you to go to college, get a boring job, and never worry about bloodlust or the full moon." He paused, his focus settling on the immediate problem. "Now we have to take you to Paruga."
John's internal confusion ratcheted up again. "What is a Paruga, Dad?"
Jiren sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It is... our world. It is the real world, the one hidden behind the veil. There are all kinds of creatures and beings there, just like in the movies and the comics you love. However, some of them can be nice, but many are very cruel. It is a place where the strong are respected, and the weak are… prey." Jiren offered a rare, slight smile. "I am glad you read those light novels and manga's so much, son; at least that gave you some idea what our world is like."
The sheer magnitude of the truth was beginning to settle on John. His fantasy world was real. His friends were the fantasy. He stumbled backward, knocking lightly against the wall. "Wait. Paruga is real? All of it?"
"Yes, all of it," Angeline confirmed softly. She looked at Jiren, her voice suddenly laced with urgency. "Angie, call your people. Tell them our son has awakened, and they must make preparations."
Angeline hesitated. "Why must we go to my father's place, babe? I thought we were going to your home territory, to the packs?"
Jiren shook his head firmly. "Nah, our son's left eye is red, and the sclera is black, which means his vampire side has awakened first, and forcefully. The werewolves would tear him apart before they'd protect him. He needs the safety of your coven. He needs family right now."
John rushed up to his father, the reality of leaving hitting him harder than any monster reveal. "Dad, can't we stay? All my friends are here. And can't you teach me how to control my powers?"
Jiren placed his hands on John's shoulders, his expression heavy with regret. "Sorry, son, I can't teach you. You're a Hybrid. Besides the fact that I am a werewolf and your mother is a vampire, there are no handbooks for what you are. Furthermore, because you are a hybrid, we don't know how your body functions, what your limitations are, or when your first full, uncontrollable bloodlust will activate."
Angeline cut in, sensing John's despair. "Don't worry, honey. You will make plenty of friends in Paruga. You're family, and the coven is vast. And we can also get people who specialize in Hybrid training to teach and watch over you. Your grandpa is powerful; he can shield you."
Jiren felt a crushing sadness now that his son had to go to a new, violent world. He looked at the floor, unable to meet John's eyes. He had failed the simple task of keeping his son safe and ordinary. But he also did not want John to hurt or probably kill his friends—the very real fear of an uncontrolled awakening was a terrifying motivator.
"Can I at least say goodbye to Freddy and Jake before we leave?" John asked, his voice small, defeated. The thought of never seeing them again, never discussing Dragon Saber Force with them, was suddenly the greatest tragedy of the day.
Angeline felt her heart break, seeing her son so unhappy and defeated. "Of course, honey. We are not going to leave immediately. I still have to call your grandpa; I bet mother is going to be happy seeing her grandchild again."
Then Jiren smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "I wonder how that old fart is doing. He's old. Probably wearing diapers by now."
John's head snapped up, the distraction working perfectly. "Wait, wait, wait, hold on! I have grandparents?" The surprise was genuine.
"Yeah, kiddo," Jiren said, ruffling his hair. "You have a bunch of family members—a massive, sprawling family—that you haven't seen yet. Get ready for one hell of a family reunion."