Nine Tailed Fox and The Dragon (joongdunk fanfic)

Embracing the Shadows

Back in Joong's chambers, Dunk lay on the bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the encounter at the spring. He tossed and turned, unable to shake the unease that had settled over him since then. Questions swirled in his mind, but answers seemed elusive, slipping through his grasp like water.

Meanwhile, Joong found solace in his secret base, seeking refuge from the turmoil of his emotions. He sat amidst the serene surroundings, but his heart was heavy with sorrow. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he struggled to come to terms with the overwhelming longing for someone he had lost.

Pond arrived later, his keen senses detecting Joong's distress from afar. He approached quietly, taking a seat beside Joong and offering a comforting pat on the back. Joong turned to him, his eyes brimming with tears, and without a word, he wrapped Pond in a tight embrace.

Joong's voice trembled as he poured out his heart to Pond, his words choked with emotion.

Joong: "Pond... I... I miss him so much. I don't know what to do. What should I do?"

It was a rare sight to see Joong so vulnerable, and Pond's heart ached for his friend. In that moment, words seemed insufficient to offer solace. So, Pond simply held Joong close, offering silent support and understanding as they shared the weight of Joong's grief together.

After calming down with Pond's support, Joong prepared to make his way back to his chambers.

Pond's concern lingered, evident in his question as Joong turned to leave.

Pond: "Joong, are you all right now?"

Joong offered Pond a faint smile, attempting to reassure his friend.

Joong: "Don't worry about me, Pond. I'll be all right."

Pond nodded, though his gaze lingered on Joong as he watched him depart. Left alone, Pond couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at him, but he trusted Joong to find his own way through the tumult of emotions.

Meanwhile, as Joong entered his chambers, he noticed Dunk was nowhere to be found. Concern flooded Joong's thoughts as he realized Dunk's absence. Without hesitation, Joong began to search for him, his worry growing with each passing moment.

Joong combed through several places in the palace, but Dunk remained elusive. Then, a thought struck Joong: the Dragon's Garden. With a sense of urgency, Joong hurried towards the tranquil sanctuary, hoping to find Dunk there.

As he approached the garden, the moonlight illuminated the serene landscape, casting a gentle glow on the delicate flowers and tranquil ponds. Joong's eyes scanned the area, and finally, he spotted Dunk sitting by a small, glimmering pond, his figure bathed in the soft light.

Joong: "Dunk..."

Dunk looked up, startled, but then relaxed as he saw Joong approaching. Joong sat down beside him, the silence between them speaking volumes.

Joong: "I was worried when I couldn't find you."

Dunk: "I'm sorry. I needed some time to think."

Joong: "About what?"

Dunk took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the shimmering water.

Dunk: "About us, about everything that's happened. It's all so overwhelming."

Joong nodded, understanding Dunk's turmoil.

Joong: "I know. It's been a lot for both of us."

Dunk: "Who is Daonuea, Joong? You seemed so affected when you mentioned that name."

Joong sighed, his eyes reflecting the weight of his memories.

Joong: "Daonuea was someone I cared about deeply. Someone who... meant a lot to me."

Dunk: "What happened to him?"

Joong's voice softened, a hint of sorrow lacing his words.

Joong: "He... he was taken from me. It's a pain I've carried for a long time."

Dunk reached out, placing a hand on Joong's.

Dunk: "I'm sorry, Joong. I can't imagine how hard that must be."

Joong looked at Dunk, gratitude and something deeper in his eyes.

Joong: "Thank you, Dunk. It means a lot to me that you care."

They sat in silence for a while, the moonlight casting a gentle glow around them. The serene atmosphere of the Dragon's Garden seemed to offer a moment of peace amidst their shared turmoil.

Joong: "Let's get back to the chambers. We both need some rest."

Dunk nodded, and together, they made their way back, the bond between them strengthened by their shared vulnerabilities and the unspoken understanding of the past and present. Before Dunk went to his room, he turned around and said to Joong.