Kang Min took the day off work, he called in sick (of course, he was lying) and put on his best fake sick voice he could and after some back and forth with his boss, he'd finally accepted that his employee was indeed sick (he wasn't).
The summoner was starting to get too involved with the whole Azadeus-saga and wanted to get to the bottom of whatever's happening. Whether it's a bug in the game, a player or something more sinister. He doesn't think it could be a prank, after all that's happened. Surely, he would've been bored and left by now. And Azadeus' reactions seem real, at least.
He logged on earlier today, it was approximately 6 in the morning. He'd been awake for an hour already but had no intention of telling Azadeus that he wasn't going to work today. He thought it was going to be a nice surprise. So, just logged off after collecting his dailies and completing the short, time-based events. He sent some of his pets to complete tasks that required a couple of hours of waiting time, then said goodbye.
Kang Min took his time to get ready for the day: a nice, long shower so he could relish in the hot steam; dry and brush his hair and follow his skincare routine. Well, it wasn't much of a routine, just some oil cleansing and moisturising. An hour had passed, it was about time to log back on and see what Azadeus was up to at this time. Maybe his pet will be excited to see him.
Kaelsu warped into his summoner's territory in a burst of colour and a low tone echoed. He looked around for a moment to get his bearings. He was in the house, with Azadeus nowhere to be found. He'd logged out in the bedroom, but wandered around the place to find his pet.
Since Azadeus 'moved' in, he'd redecorated slightly. Previously, there was a single table and chair in the room, along with a small dimly lit fire in the corner of the kitchen. Now, there was a real fireplace that illuminated the room with its warm embers. Instead of a simple table and chair, a slightly longer table replaced it with two mahogany chairs to garnish it.
The bedroom had also changed; royal blue blinds decorated the window and a light green rug had been placed on the floor. It wasn't much, but surely Azadeus must feel more comfortable and at home. Kaelsu didn't put a lot of effort into building his territory. The only time he'd visit this place was when he needed to tend to his pets.
An armoured glove quietly turned the handle to exit the house. In the distance he saw long golden locks swaying in the wind, and the body it belonged to perched on the wooden fence. His legs had him securely balanced on a broken part of the fence, the broken bits positioned almost perfectly to keep him sat comfortably. His tail curled around him.
Kaelsu watched for a moment. Azadeus was gazing at the virtual sunset. Time moved differently in the game, but even Azadeus knew that Kaelsu wasn't going to be back for quite some time.
Kaelsu took careful steps towards the fox/human hybrid, he looked so peaceful. He stood behind him, making no noise on approach. He watched the sunset too. For a pet-taming game, the developers really put a lot of effort into making the scenery beautiful. The sky was flooded with a warm hue, a mixed blend of red, orange, blue, pink and yellow. In the far distance, the blazing sun could be seen retreating behind a sea of greenery.
Azadeus let out a sigh.
"It's pretty, isn't it?" Kaelsu commented, startling the fox who jumped off the fence and bounced about a mile backwards.
"Oh," the startled form whispered. He took a moment to lower his guard. "It's you. You're back."
Kaelsu noticed he perked up when he realised who was actually standing in front of him.
Junwoo's breathing slowed down, he'd uncurled from his defensive stance and walked back over towards Kaelsu. Junwoo pulled on a slight smile, but bit his cheek. There was no way he was going to let Kaelsu know he was happy to see him.
But secretly, he was excited.
Since he came into this world, he lost his memories, got beaten up in battles and tamed against his will where he's been forced to follow commands from his master and confined to certain areas. He couldn't walk around as he pleased and lost most of his power when he was away from his summoner.
Kaelsu sat on the fence with his legs crossed. He had a half red cape that dangled from one shoulder that licked the floor as he sat. It was a new piece of equipment, something he was trying and received playful jabs about from his pet. His white hair, almost silver from the dazzling sunlight.
Junwoo joined him, at first he sat further away but gradually shuffled over until their legs were nearly touching. Unconsciously, his tail wagged. Kaelsu noticed this.
"You must be so confused."
Junwoo let out a perplexed "Hmm?" as if to further probe Kaelsu's thoughts.
The summoner placed a supportive arm on his pet's knee. "If you really aren't part of this game." There was a silence and he squeezed his knee slightly, like he was trying to feel if his skin was real. It was soft, fake, but soft. "Is Azadeus even your name?"
He briefly looked down at the hand, unsure of how to proceed, but he let it happen. He doesn't normally let Kaelsu touch him. His hand was soft and warm. It was slightly cold outside, there was a breeze that scratched at his skin.
Junwoo continued to stare forwards. His golden eyes focused on the drowning sun. "Every day I've been in this place, I watch the sunrise and the sunset. Normally you're gone at this point."
Kaelsu listened and opted not to speak.
"I know this place isn't real, and I know I don't belong here, but…" His voice cracked and he shuffled. "It's scary. I don't remember anything."
Kaelsu stopped looking at the sunset and instead turned his gaze towards Junwoo. A tear slid down Junwoo's soft cheek. It took all the strength he had to not wipe the single tear.
"The worst part is, it's starting to feel like home."
Golden hair collided with Kaelsu's arm. He was too short to reach his shoulder, but sought comfort from the warm limbs of his master. Kaelsu attempted to move his arm from the other's knee upwards, but was quickly stopped when a clawed hand grabbed at him and halted his movement.
Junwoo's eyes narrowed and he tried to push himself away from Kaelsu,but the taller man grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. The shorter figure was almost pulled over Kaelsu's lap. Their eyes locked into each other; hostile golden meeting fiery crimson.
"Are you sure you don't remember anything? You kept saying run in your sleep the other day. What were you running from?"
Junwoo's face turned pale. He said that?!
Junwoo jerked his arm, trying to rip his arm back with force. He failed. Kaelsu was starting to become impatient. He was finally getting somewhere. A breakthrough! So why was Azadeus now pushing him away?
"Answer me," Kaelsu commanded. He didn't mean to, but that command sent a flare through the collar. Waves of agony ripped through Junwoo's body. He couldn't breathe. He crumpled, a strangled cry breaking from him as Kaelsu's hand fell away.
Junwoo used his now free arms to grip his head in agony, his skin felt like it were alight and peeling off his body. Every inch of his body felt like it was going to explode. "I-" He tried to speak but the pain was too much. He couldn't see. It was a torture that blinded him.
Kaelsu reached out to touch him, "Wait, no I'm sorry stop…" and the pain slowly receded. Before Kaelsu's hand could touch him, Azadeus looked up from his curled position on the floor. His vision blurred but all he saw was a haze of silver, black and white grow closer.
He let out a low growl, and the blur stopped. Kaelsu couldn't retract his hand quick enough and Azadeus scratched him, causing a drop in the summoner's health and a large bloodied gash on his arm.
"What– How did you–? Why did you…" He was taken aback. While Kaelsu couldn't feel physical pain, his heart dropped when he saw a feral look on the fox's face. This wasn't normal. Pets aren't supposed to be able to deal any sort of damage to their masters. Yet the fox's eyes blazed, untamed, and for the first time Kaelsu felt something like fear.