Nine Tailed Fox and The Dragon (joongdunk fanfic)

Nightmare Nectarum

The journey back to the cottage was uneventful, but the forest seemed to buzz with an unusual energy, almost as if aware of the enigmatic flower nestled in Daonuea's basket. Joong went to put away his bow and arrow while Daonuea searched for a pot to plant the mysterious bloom.

Once he finished potting the flower, Daonuea proudly took it to show Joong.

Daonuea: "Joong, look at this pretty flower."

Joong's eyes widened in recognition. He muttered under his breath, "Nightmare Nectarum."

A flashback washed over Joong's mind, taking him back to his teenage years when he and Pond were studying ancient texts together.

In the grand library of the Dragon Clan, a young Joong and Pond sat surrounded by stacks of ancient books and scrolls. The room was dimly lit, casting a warm, golden glow over the aged pages.

Pond: "Joong, look at this one." He pointed to an illustration of a stunning flower with large, crimson petals. "Nightmare Nectarum. Have you ever seen anything like it?"

Joong leaned closer, fascinated. "No, but it looks... eerie."

Pond read aloud from the book. "Nightmare Nectarum is an exceptionally beautiful flower, with large, crimson petals that seem to shimmer in the moonlight. Each petal is delicately veined with dark lines, giving the flower an enchanting, otherworldly quality. Its center is a deep, velvety black, contrasting strikingly with the vibrant red of the petals. Despite its beauty, there's an eerie allure to Nightmare Nectarum that draws people in, only to fill them with a sense of dread and unease as they gaze upon its mesmerizing form."

Joong: "It's like it's both beautiful and terrifying at the same time."

Pond nodded. "It serves a sinister purpose in the dark corners of the world. It is said that its nectar possesses the ability to induce vivid and terrifying nightmares in those who consume it. In ancient folklore, it was believed to be used by malevolent beings to torment their victims, trapping them in a never-ending cycle of fear and despair."

Joong's eyes widened with curiosity and a hint of fear. "But why would anyone want to keep such a flower?"

Pond continued, "Some whisper that those who dare to brave the nightmares induced by Nightmare Nectarum may uncover hidden truths about themselves or gain forbidden knowledge of the unknown. Regardless of its purpose, the flower remains a symbol of darkness and intrigue, its presence casting a shadow of fear wherever it blooms."

Joong shivered slightly. "I hope we never come across one in real life."

Pond smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Joong. They are rare, and we are safe here."

Back in the present, Joong snapped out of his reverie and looked at Daonuea, who was still admiring the flower.

Joong smiled and placed his hands on Daonuea's waist. "Oh, it's beautiful. Where did you pick it?"

Daonuea: "Nearby, where I was picking berries." He smiled and placed the pot on the table, then went about his other chores.

Joong stared at the pot with uneasiness. While Daonuea busied himself with chores, Joong secretly cast a protective barrier around the flower.

Joong (thinking): "I need to keep this safe and make sure it doesn't cause any harm."

He watched Daonuea move around the cottage, his heart warming at the sight of him. Yet, the uneasiness about the flower remained, a dark cloud over his thoughts. Joong decided he would need to consult Pond about it later, but for now, he would ensure Daonuea's safety above all else.