Chapter Text
“C’mon Bao Bao! We’re so close to the treasure! I’m so glad we found this map in that bad guys pocket.”
Mao Mao and Bao Bao ran through a dark, damp forest. It was getting late and they’d have to return home or set up camp soon and with it being this humid they’d like to make it home tonight. Their paws crunched and squished through the forest, the ground alternating between mostly dry dirt and moist leaves and plants as they ran. In the end this treasure will be worth it! After all, they defeated a big bad man who said he planned evil things with the ‘treasure’ on the map he had so of course the heroes deserve the treasure instead. Soon a cave that was just a short climb away appeared, that’s got to be it.
“See Bao Bao, I told you it wouldn’t be too hard to find.” He winked at the dog who barked happily in response.
The young cat put the map in his belt and began climbing, his dog following behind him, it was kind of steep but thankfully there were vines and strong plants to grab onto when there weren’t any rocks. Just a few feet off the ground was the entrance to the cave, the floor is oddly smooth and the walls seem almost man carved. Mao Mao didn’t question it much as there was a supposed treasure so of course someone made a place to hide it. There was a foul smell too but Mao Mao figures all caves smell different, he won’t judge the nature of rocks and their smells. He dug in his belt for a flashlight and thankfully found one, it’s difficult to see more than five feet into the cavern even with his naturally enhanced vision. Flipping it on and starting forward Mao Mao stopped once he realized Bao Bao wasn’t following. Looking back he saw the dog cowering.
“Bao Bao? C’mon, we gotta find that treasure and get home before dinner or not at all. It’s too warm to stay out here tonight.”
Bao Bao shook his head and whimpered, taking a few steps back.
“I’ll lead the way if that makes you feel better?”
Bao Bao’s ears flattened before he cautiously walked up to Mao Mao and began following him. It was odd for the dog to be acting so frightened, he’s usually fearless. The deeper they got into the hollow the worse the smell got, Mao Mao tried shrugging it off since this kind of thing shouldn’t bother a hero. Though, the deeper they got the more jumpy Bao Bao seemed, it was starting to worry the feline but he made sure his friend knew he had his back in case they had to fight. They eventually reached an end, there were multiple off track holes they could’ve explored but they’re kind of in a rush here. Mao Mao read the sign that sat at the ‘entrance’.
“‘Do not open or handle the box.’ We’ll we’re heroes so it’s okay for us to touch it, right Bao Bao?”
Bao Bao whimpered to Mao Mao, telling him to hurry so they could leave.
The feline stepped into the area, the energy was different. It was heavy and made him a bit dizzy but heroes don’t stop at anything to finish they’re quest. In front of him one the ground was a small box, painted black with simple gold detailing, around the box was a wooden cage and more signs to not touch or open the box. Mao Mao knelt down to open the cage but there was no latch, it was all mended together. Good thing he’s strong and can break it with a simple chop.
“HI-YAH!”
The wooden cage busted open, the room felt darker all of a sudden. The teenager grabbed his flashlight to make sure it was working well, it was a bit dimmer and flickering but he hasn’t changed the batteries in a while so what does he expect? Pointing the dying light source at their treasure he got a better look at the box. Painted on the top was a skull, it was probably to stop anyone from touching it again, but he’s a hero so it’s fine! Before Mao Mao could grab the box Bao Bao whined loudly.
“What is it? Are there any monsters?” The feline hero-to-be reached for his katana, ready for anything.
Bao Bao simply hid behind a rock, peering at the box from behind it and growling.
Mao Mao tilted his head and looked back at the box. Inspecting it once more he turned back to his friend, “The skull is just there to keep bad guys out. We’re heroes, remember?”
Bao Bao’s ears flattened, he stayed in his spot and kept growling and whimpering.
“I’ll hurry, don’t worry,”
Mao Mao snatched up the box, it seemed way too small and light to hold any treasure but he’s not gonna judge. Bao Bao whined loudly again and began scratching at the cave floor.
Mao Mao looked back at him, “Bao Bao?” It’s not like him to be so scared. Must be because he’s taking too long.
Opening the box he realized it was empty, nothing inside. Until a note fell from the lid, it had dumb words on it our hero didn’t quite understand . “You, who have opened the box, are now plagued. Enjoy the curse.” With another skull at the end. Trying to figure it out he began to feel different. Not a good kind of ‘different’ either. His fur stood on end and he felt sick to his stomach. Suddenly, he’s lost consciousness as a burst of energy shoots into him.
“Thanks for freeing me, IDIOT .”
Mao Mao’s body spoke in a different tone, darker and very not like himself. His eyes were white with no pupils and glowing rather than the green they normally are. His fur was still on end and his whiskers were pointing in every direction but straight. His body moved stiffly, almost like it was too heavy or hard to control. Bao Bao ducked behind the rock in fear, he would usually attack any danger or monster but this is Mao Mao we’re talking about, he can’t attack his friend.
“I know you’re here, puppy~!”
Mao Mao's body bent back to look in Bao Bao's direction, arms limp at his sides. The dog didn’t know what to do so he bolted, it was extremely hard to see as there was little to no light this deep into the cave but he managed. Moving straight forward and not stopping. He saw the end, it was getting dark out, the dog jumped and rolled as he landed in a grass patch. Going behind a nearby tree he decided it'd be a good place to watch and wait for what was following him. The time kept passing, darker and darker it got before he saw Mao Mao's body emerging from the dark cavern.
He looked normal, his eyes were green again but he looked tired and in pain. The feline toppled over and fell, the fall wouldn't do any harm if he rolled but that’s obviously not going to happen so he ran and broke his friends fall. Mao Mao groaned, rubbing his eyes and face like he'd just woken up with a headache.
"Bao Bao? How'd we get out here?"
“Arroh?”
"I don't remember anything up until… I… I opened the box and there was a weird note. It said something about a plague? Or curse? Something weird. Then I felt sick and now I'm here with you."
The dog felt deep concern, “Brhow wroo?”
"Energy explosion? Did I say something creepy? I'm sorry, Bao Bao, whatever I said I don't remember… or mean it if it was really bad." Mao Mao rubbed the side of his head, feeling a bit dizzy.
Bao Bao took the apology sincerely as the feline had tears in his eyes, he knew Mao Mao would never intentionally try to hurt or scare him. He nuzzled his friend's chin and barked, letting him know they should get going. Mao Mao stood but felt worn out like he’d been awake for two days straight, his legs and limbs felt heavy along with his eyelids. Thankfully his friend is strong and carried him on his back.
"Hey Bao Bao… I'm sorry we didn't get any real treasure, just some weird note and whatever happened in there."
"Aroow!"
Mao Mao rested his head on his folded arms and huffed with irritation, "It's not okay though. We're the heroes, there's always a big fat reward at the end of an adventure."
"Rooowr."
"I guess you're right, spending time together WAS the reward." Mao Mao hugged Bao Bao from behind while smiling, he felt so tired.
It feels like one second has passed since he closed his eyes but once open again it was dark and Mao Mao was leaning on a tree. Bao Bao was setting up camp the best he could but left the hard parts, the parts where you need thumbs, for Mao Mao to do. The young feline slowly stood, holding onto the tree as he did so, and stretched. His body ached and he felt sick, how long has it been since he had water? He tried walking to Bao Bao and the backpack full of supplies but his body was so sluggish every movement took so much energy.
"Oh…" Mao Mao scrunched his nose, clenched his fists, and growled, "Why do I feel so… bad?"
Bao Bao came to his side, helping Mao Mao to the tent.
"Thanks Bao Bao, I can always count on you."
Bao Bao 'aroo'd happily in reply as he helped Mao Mao set the tent up. The longer the cat stood the more his legs wobbled and the heavier his body felt but with determination he was able to finish pitching the tent. Triumphant, he sat in it after their bedding was set up. Bao Bao also brought in the bag full of stuff they packed from home, snacks, water, even medication if one got hurt or sick. Looking in the first aid kit they found some night time medication that should help Mao Mao feel better much faster.
"It's probably not good to take medicine on an empty stomach…"
Bao Bao agreed from his pillow-bed.
"Let's see… fruit, trail mix, cheddar paws. Hm. The fruit would probably be best for me buuuuut I do love me some cheddar paws."
The teen grabbed a packet of the cheesy snack and opened it, a faint whiff of the fake cheese hit his nose. Now, he doesn't mind the smell of his favorite snack, in fact he loves it, but for some reason it made him want to regurgitate his lunch.
"Ohh that's… gross. Maybe the apple was the right choice after all."
Taking an apple from a special container, one that should keep fruit from going bad on the road, he took a bite. It was hard since he's so weak right now but he managed. When he did he spat the piece out and poked his head out of the tent, beginning to throw up his lunch. Bao Bao sat up worried, he's never seen Mao Mao so sick before. Head now back in the tent Mao Mao huffed, his energy was dangerously low and he felt like he was going to pass out soon. The tent was spinning and he felt like he'd throw up again if he didn't lie down. Even the thought of taking medication made him feel sick again.
He couldn't find the energy to tell Bao Bao good night so he let a simple wave do it. But Bao Bao was still sitting up, he was too worried to even try sleeping. Carefully, the dog made his way to his friend's side and got comfortable next to him, making sure to lay against Mao Mao's back since that's something that brings him comfort.
The peace didn't last long though, Mao Mao has started shivering which obviously alarmed the dog. Bao Bao peeked back at his friend to check on him, he didn't stop shivering so he must be cold, right? To solve the simple problem Bao Bao carefully pulled himself up and walked to the bag, digging around for the spare blanket but was disrupted when he heard the feline behind him sit up. He thought he might just be waiting for the spare blanket but he was making noise, it was a pain filled groan that pulled Bao Bao's attention back to him. He's hunched over, hands on his head and body still violently shivering.
"Bawo?"
The shivering suddenly stopped, he sat for a suspenseful second before looking up at the dog with those terrifying white eyes that made Bao Bao’s fur stand on end. That is not his friend. He took a defensive stance and began growling, he obviously didn't intend to fight but he was trying to scare whatever was hurting his friend away. A wide smile spread across the feline's face, arms limp at his sides as he sat up straight. The energy in the tent was dark and heavy, much like when Mao Mao was acting this way in the cave.
" What's the matter? I thought you cared about me, Bao Bao." The voice coming out was the same deeper, creepier one as before.
"Grrrr!"
" You're smart. It's obviously not your little friend in control anymore. He was oh so sick because of ME! " The body began to levitate. "I stole his energy so I could begin living my life freely! Do you know how long I was in that fucking box, Bao Bao? Longer than this kids been alive! "
Bao Bao backed up, nearing the exit of the tent. It's clear he wasn't going to be seeing Mao Mao again any time soon but didn't know what to do or how to fix this. Best thing to do right now is go back home and get his parents to handle it.
" Where are you going? " Mao Mao's body went straight for Bao Bao.
The dog burst out of the tent, he'll get one of Mao Mao's sisters to retrieve the tent and everything later, right now he needs to save himself and his friend. The possessed body rushed out right after him, seeming to struggle with control. This gave Bao Bao an advantage, he could get around this forest easy so even with the speed difference he could make it home. Running through the dark woods and leaping over fallen trees, sliding under dangling vines, and zig zagging perfectly got Bao Bao farther ahead.
" Come on, puppy! Slow down. Or else . "
He couldn't take any chances so Bao Bao kept pushing through the pain of sore muscles and sleepy brain fog. Great news was the house wasn't far now, bad news is it's up a mountain. A long road was thankfully paved so people could make it up and down carefully and without climbing. But again, more bad news, the body just levitated up the side of the mountain so it kept getting closer and closer to grabbing the current hero. The dog resorted to climbing up the side the rest of the way.
" You're making this harder than it should be. I just want your energy and, I don't know, potentially your body instead of this weak little kid’s. "
Finally Bao Bao was up to the house, he ran to the door and scratched at it hoping someone was still awake. After what seemed like longer than he thought it'd be for the body to catch up he crept back over to the side and peeked down. Mao Mao's body was clinging to the side of the mountain, he was shivering again but the white was leaving his eyes. As soon as they returned to their normal green color they rolled back, his body went limp, and he fell. Bao Bao barked, it was the only thing he could do. He barked as loud as he could, hoping someone would hear him and wake up.
"What's all that racket?" Shin suddenly poked his head out of the door.
"BAROOOO!!!!!"
Bao Bao ran to the tall cat, pulling him by his cape over to the edge. Shin scratched his head but looked down. What he saw snapped any drowsiness from his body and kick-started his adrenaline. He jumped and started down the side of the mountain, Bao Bao looked down to see everything happening. They were definitely too late, Mao Mao had fallen onto the closest road but it was still quite a fall. The dog sat and whimpered, waiting for Shin to bring Mao Mao up. It wasn't long before he was back up and started towards the house, the dog followed along of course.
"Well it seems he's got a broken arm but other injuries will just be scrapes and bruises. What was he doing on the side of the damn mountain…"
Bao Bao wanted to explain but knew Shin wouldn't really understand the situation or his dog talk.
"I guess I'll go get his mom and we'll take him to the hospital for that arm. You, uh. Just stay here in case he wakes up." Shin walked off to do as he planned.
Bao Bao whimpered and made his way to the couch where Mao Mao lay. His broken arm was across his chest, his face held a pained expression. Seems he wants to wake up and do something about it but like that thing said, it drained all his energy so now he was out until he rested. The dog felt he could’ve done something more, he might’ve been able to prevent the broken arm his friend gained, but now that it’s all over the only thing Bao Bao can do is comfort him. This spot would be where he stayed until he made sure Mao Mao was okay, always by his side. If anything like what happened at the cave and in the tent happens again he just hopes it’ll be under control this time.