Nine Tailed Fox and The Dragon (joongdunk fanfic)

The Pretense Begins

The following day dawned bright and clear, and Joong and Pond found themselves standing in front of the cottage, their plan set in motion. An invisible barrier surrounded them, concealing their presence from mortal eyes.

Joong focused on creating wounds around his body, his brow furrowed in concentration. Pond watched with amusement, shaking his head and messing up Joong's perfectly styled hair.

Pond: "You look too pristine, Joong. A traveller who's been through a mishap shouldn't be this tidy."

Joong swatted Pond's hand away, shooting him a bemused look.

Joong: "And what do you suggest, oh wise one?"

Pond smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he swatted Joong's head back.

Pond: "I suggest you mess yourself up a bit more, Your Highness. You know, for authenticity."

With a resigned sigh, Joong followed Pond's advice, roughening up his appearance until he looked suitably disheveled.

Once satisfied with his appearance, Joong prepared to step out of the barrier, his face contorting into a pained expression.

But before he could make his move, Pond slapped his own forehead in realization.

Pond: "Oh, for the love of dragons, Joong. You can't act to save your life, can you?"

Ignoring Joong's glare, Pond delivered a well-placed punch to Joong's stomach, causing him to wince in genuine pain.

Joong shot Pond a reproachful look, but his ability to speak was hindered by the sharp ache radiating from his abdomen.

Pond quickly pushed Joong out of the invisible barrier, urging him forward with a playful smirk.

Pond: "Alright, Joong. Remember, act more, talk less. Let's see if you can pull off this performance without giving us away."

With a mixture of determination and trepidation, Joong stepped forward, fully committed to their charade. As they embarked on their mission to deceive the mortal, their playful banter and camaraderie remained a constant, a reminder of the unbreakable bond between them, even in the face of the unknown.