Damage control was a bitch, that was what Gun realised the moment he was forced to abandon his makeshift camp in the hospital and was told to go home by Daniel's mother. Seonhui had deemed that Gun was far too sleep-deprived and was getting too smelly to stay at the hospital, granted that he had only been there for a night anyway. Figuring that it was easier to oblige her request than argue, Gun heads over to the apartment to freshen up, eat, and catch a couple of hours of sleep. He was still tense and his gut continuously churned with worry over Daniel but with the fact that most of the dangers were out of the way, he felt that he could at least grant himself some rest.
When Gun woke up he decided to head to the CC, after all, he had just abandoned both James and Goo the previous night without any further contact. Of course, the moment he entered James' office he was met with the start of the shitfest.
"Look who finally decided to grace us with his appearance" Goo grunts, arms crossed as he glares at Gun the moment he enters the office without so much as a knock.
"Goo, I'd rather we not listen to you guys argue today" James' voice cuts the blonde off.
Judging by their appearances both James and Goo looked like they hadn't slept at all. They had changed from their suits from the previous nights but despite this, their hair was in disarray and they looked exhausted.
"How's the situation?" Gun asks only for James to shake his head.
"Not good, not only are the fans asking that we ban or disqualify No.1 from the arena and CC but so are the other fighters. Everyone's in uproar over the fact that Doctor Park was unfairly attacked without warning which in all honesty is pretty reasonable, it was practically physical assault in front of thousands of people since the cameras weren't cut off in time. They're also calling for a reform of our system since we apparently weren't able to handle the situation properly. Due to our negligence and inaction, Doctor Park was physically assaulted, people want revenge for what occurred" James informs and Gun frowns.
"No one could have predicted that all of this would have happened" Goo spits out, crossing his arms as he shifts on James' desk. "At least that's what I would have liked to say but Daniel Park himself was the one to warn us that something like this could have happened. We were all there to hear his words and yet we disregarded him" The blonde grits his teeth, remembering the words the Doctor had relayed to them not only a day before the fight.
"Well if No.1 not only violated our warnings, rules and regulations and the entirety of the public hates him, can't we just ban him? Make sure that he doesn't step foot near here or the Doctor ever again?" Gun asks, raising a brow only for Goo to snort.
"You know what Gun, that's a really smart plan. I wish I had thought of that…oh wait, I did but it's not exactly going to work like that since our dearest friend James signed a contract that he can't back out of" The blonde shoots the red head a piercing look.
"Contract?" Narrowing his eyes, Gun approaches the desk only to have a file tossed over to him. Staring at the object warily he opens it up and begins reading. With each word, Gun couldn't help but gape in disbelief. "You made an agreement with Eugene of all people?!" He hisses and James runs a hand through his hair.
"Listen, it started with good intentions-" James starts his explanation only for Goo to scoff. "Good intentions my ass! You just wanted to win against Eugene and finally get him off your ass after these last couple of years of him trying to rear-end you into giving him more power over the CC! Now look at us! If we kick No.1 out that means we have to forfeit 50% of our share! How could you be so reckless!" Goo was screaming again yet this time it was at James.
Goo usually screams at Gun and vice versa. Very rarely does he scream at James because, for the majority of the time, the redhead was always perfect and meticulous when he worked. For him to do something so foolish, was rare and almost unheard of. Luckily for them, Gun already knew the obvious answer to what was about to come.
"That's fine, we can use this to our advantage" Gun remarks, pushing Goo by the shoulder so that the blonde could step away and take a breather.
"Advantage?" Goo and James voice out in surprise and Gun nods.
"For the first time in CC history, there is someone out there that is more hated than the three of us combined" Gun remarks almost humorously, shaking his head as he formulates a plan. "There is someone that people want more dead than us, someone that has caused both the public and the fighters to rally together to fight against" He further explains as the other two Founders listen intently.
"I guess so," James hums. "So what are you trying to say about it?" He questions as Gun grins.
"So, if we have to keep him in for the rest of the tournament it just means that we'll have to crush him to get back on the people's good side. People will be against it at first, they'll be all up in arms about the fact that he didn't disqualify him but the moment he reaches the last stage he'll have to pick between the prize money or fighting one of us. Knowing Eugene, he's ordered No.1 to fight one of us" He points between the three of them. "And once he chooses one of us, we go down there and teach him a lesson. Like you said, James, he might be a challenge to fight but would he win against us?" Gun arches a brow, looking at both men to see their looks.
"Hell no" Goo crosses his arms as James shakes his head.
"So then we discipline him, show the crowd what happens to people who do what he did. It'll appease most of the crowd. Those who want to act in revenge for Doctor Park will be sated and it will go back to being how it was before" Gun finishes and the other two look at each other with a sceptical look. "Furthermore, It'll keep Eugene off our backs for a while" He adds nonchalantly.
He couldn't care less about what that twink wanted with the CC, all he knew was the fact that the man wouldn't win no matter how hard he tried.
"That's very…optimistic of you" James mentions as Gun shrugs.
"Rather than optimistic…I just want the opportunity to smash that asshole's face in" Gun answers honestly and at this Goo makes a more complicated-looking face.
Taking a more sombre and serious approach the blonde asks the question that had been sitting on the edge of their tongues the moment Gun had gotten back.
"How's the Doctor?"
Gun knew he'd have to answer, he was the only person apart from Doctor Jinyoung and Seonhui who knew.
"Stable" Gun sighs, taking a seat and slumping back on the chair as if he had finished an entire day's worth of labour. "There was a lot of brain swelling, his jaw was broken and his nose was bruised which honestly surprises me. I thought his nose would have also broken due to the attack but I guess you win some and you lose some. Recovery time will probably take over a month, probably more" He attempts to answer the two without making it seem like the whole situation was affecting him much.
Goo didn't look impressed and even James frowned.
"He was in surgery for a while but he's out now. He hasn't woken up though" Gun relays to the two who nod.
"I'll make some time to swing by and give both Daniel and his family my condolences" James voices.
"Same, it's not fair that the Doctor has to go through something like that when all he was doing was just his job" Goo adds. Despite the blonde's initial opinions about Gun and Daniel's relationship, it didn't overshadow that the Doctor was a good person, one who cared for a lot of other people.
"No can do" Gun grunts, causing the other two to frown.
"What do you mean by that?" James inquires.
"Daniel's mother and uncle at this point hate everything that's related to the CC. They didn't even want me down there at the hospital with them, hence the bruise" Gun points to face and the two's eyes widened at that.
"Daniel's mother did that to you?" Goo questions in slight amusement.
"It was his uncle, wasn't it?" James states with oddly placed confidence but nonetheless, Gun nods.
"Yeah, it was. Anyways, no one from the CC whether it's one of us or any of the fighters or fans are to go near him until he recovers and even then Daniel might not want to see anyone" Gun answers much to the other two's chagrin.
"What are you trying to say, Gun?" Goo continues to question and Gun wants nothing more than to punch the other for being slightly oblivious.
"It means that even if the Doctor recovers he'll probably want to quit working at the CC and in all honesty who could blame him? Why would he want to return to the place where he was almost beaten to death?" Gun answers honestly, voicing some of the concerns and opinions that Seonhui and Jinyoung had stated. "I'd say we should start looking for a replacement but at this point, after everything that's happened, I don't think anyone wants to work here as a medical practitioner. We're lucky that we haven't been sued yet for what's happened" And it was the truth.
There was a moment of silence before some shuffling was heard. Soon enough there was a warmth and weight on either side of him, opening his eyes Gun makes out both James and Goo sitting on either side of him. It was already a small couch, having all three men sitting there together was almost comical seeing as they were all tall and broad shoulders.
"Seriously?" Gun hisses under his breath, looking to the side to see the completely unoccupied chair that was a metre away from them.
"We're in a pickle, aren't we?" Goo grumbles.
"This sucks, I don't wanna look for another Doctor" James pouts. "Especially after all the trouble I went through the last dozen times this happened. I really thought that Doctor Park was THE one for the CC" He grumbles before letting out a sigh and closing his eyes.
The sentiment and words made sense. Unlike previous Doctors, Daniel Park was kind and understanding. He didn't intend to manipulate anyone and he certainly didn't come to the CC for the money or to gain connections. No, he joined the CC simply to help and fix and in the process he ended up charming everyone he came into contact with.
"We'll have to put out a statement regarding Doctor Park" Goo mumbles and Gun hums.
People will want to know what happened to the Doctor and they'd deliver. It would also be the time to ask for people to respect his privacy and allow him to rest during such a crucial time.
"The fighters are going to get prissy about it, they'll probably protest at not being able to go visit him" Goo adds and James lets out a soft chuckle.
"It's amusing to think about those guys getting so close to anyone that isn't in their crew" James snorts.
"I mean how can anyone not love Doctor Park" Goo's elbow sharply jabs Gun at that sentence and Gun could do nothing but stay still.
"Just tell them what I told you, his family don't want any contact with them" Gun shrugs before standing up and brushing off his coat.
"Where are you going?" Goo calls out as Gun waves him off.
"I'm going to grab some things from my office and then I'm heading to the hospital, message or call me if you need me " Gun responds without looking back at the duo.
"Huh? I thought you said we weren't allowed to go and check on the Doctor" James hums.
"Well you guys aren't, I am" And with that, he was out the Door.
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When Daniel wakes up it takes a moment for Gun to notice.
It was on the third day of being at the hospital, a typical boring Wednesday and he had gotten used to sharing space with both Seonhui and Doctor Jinyoung. Seonhui had taken time off working at the restaurant to care for her son and Jinyoung, despite being a busy director of the hospital, took the time to stop by and check up on his nephew. The two adults barely paid Gun any attention and Gun himself attempted to take as little space as he possibly could which was different to how he usually was. For as long as Gun has existed, his presence and life have been an all-devouring presence and the majority of the time he was the centre of attention. Not this time. Sitting in the corner of the private room and mainly doing paperwork or writing up reports and emails for the CC and Charles.
He too had taken time off, Crystal had completely understood his reasons for wanting to be at the hospital even if she had been sceptical at first. Charles had been a little more reluctant but after making up some excuse that it would be better for the CCs appearance to showcase that the Founders cared about their employees he decided to grant him the time off.
Anyways, Gun was busy and too focused on the work in front of him. He had already spent the last couple of days with nothing but the sound of the monitors beeping as white noise so he hadn't noticed that something was off at first. It was when the sound started picking up when Gun looked up from his computer screen to see Daniel blinking fast, eyes shifting around the room and an expression of panic on his face. His face was still bruised, pale, bandaged and slightly swollen in some areas, he looked worse for wear but he was awake. Finally awake.
He could barely move his neck and he couldn't speak due to his wired jaw except for the soft grunts and groans. His heart rate was picking up as well which probably wasn't ideal.
Standing quickly, Gun strides over to the younger boy's side before placing his hand on his chest which causes the injured Doctor to flinch violently. Understanding that it was the wrong move, Gun chooses to take his hand back and speak.
"Hey, hey, Daniel calm down, you're alright" Gun attempts to soothe.
Daniel's eyes flicker straight to where Gun stands yet instead of registering Gun presence or looking at him he is met with panicked confusion. Daniel's eyes continue to search, uneasiness and fear appearing on his face.
"Daniel? I'm right here, I'm right here for you. It's me, it's Gun" The Founder continues to speak but there was something wrong. Reaching over he presses the button for a nurse who takes no longer than a minute to show up.
"Sir, is everything alright?" She calls and Gun turns to address her.
"Get the Doctor, Daniel's awake but I think something is wrong" Gun states and she nods before turning to do just that.
Daniel still looked panicked, his movements on the bed and his shuffling were showcasing how agitated he was.
"No Daniel, don't sit up just yet you're in no condition to move. Lay down, the Doctor is going to come by and check you out. You're going to be alright, I'm here for you" Gun continues to reassure, reaching down to squeeze his hand.
Gun attempted to rack his brain to try and figure out what the hell was wrong, he needed to try and come up with a way to calm Daniel down or else the younger man was going to end up hurting himself further.
"Come on sweetheart, look at me, pay attention and just focus on me, you can do that can't you?" He tries but the panic increases. An agitated huff was let out through his nose and Daniel's eyes seemed to glisten with tears but the pupils themselves continued searching.
At that moment, Gun remembers something that Doctor Yu had mentioned. Taking Daniel's hand, specifically his pointer finger, he guides it to his open palm, it was a similar motion that Doctor Yu had used.
"Daniel tap my hand once if you can see and twice if you can't" He urges and it takes a moment for Daniel to register the words before finally he responds.
Tap.
Tap.
Gun curses internally just as the Doctors and nurses appear. They calmly respond to the situation, speaking slowly and gently as they check over Daniel. As they do so they inform Daniel of his injuries, of where he was and what had been done to help him. Gun pipes up about Daniel's eyes and they also check on that.
"It seems to be post-traumatic visual loss, this can occur when the patient has suffered trauma to the head as well as losing consciousness because of it. We can do a few tests and scans to see if there is any further optic nerve damage or whether it's linked to your other injuries as well as get an ophthalmologist to provide some insight" The Doctor informs.
Gun listens intently to the information before pulling out his phone to message Seonhui who had stressed out the importance of immediately contacting her when Daniel woke up or if anything else occurred. The woman arrives at the hospital in record times just after Daniel finishes up with the other Doctors.
"How is he?" She questions stiffly and Gun could only grimace.
He had told her about the visual loss over text but seeing Gun's lack of response in person only causes the woman to worry even further. Once she was inside his room and seeing her son sitting up in the bed does she let out a breath of relief.
"Daniel, it's me. Mama's here" She calls out softly, going straight to Daniel's side and grasping his outstretched hand. He turned to the direction of her voice but yet again his eyes couldn't exactly pinpoint where she was exactly. "My poor son, my poor, poor son" She coos as new tears begin to fall down her face.
Knowing that the moment is private the Founder turns around and heads out to buy a drink from a vending machine. The whole situation with Daniel's injuries as well as his loss of sight didn't sit well with Gun. The Founder knew how strong the Doctor could be, not in just a physical fight but also mentally and emotionally, seeing him unable to see or communicate was unnerving. Seeing him so fragile only caused Gun's despair to grow.
Since when the hell did he start feeling despair for anyone?
If Daniel was unable to see then that would mean that his entire life, not just his career, would be changed forever. Destroying his life was something Gun and the other Founders had not accounted for when they decided to allow No.1 to continue participating in the tournament.
"His results came back inconclusive" A voice calls and Gun turns to see Doctor Jinyoung…or he guessed it was Director Park since that was his position and title. The older man still disliked Gun but he tolerated the Founder to an extent.
"Daniel eye tests? Uh…should you be sharing all this with me since I'm not family?" Gun voices and the man snorts.
"Well I'm family and I can share this information with whoever I damn please, the only reason I'm giving you this privilege is that you have somehow decided to be my nephew's caretaker for a while. Just know that if you decide to share this information with the press I will sue and end you" The man threatens, coming forward to buy his drink from the machine.
"I see" Gun mutters. The Doctor itched him the wrong way and it wasn't because he was a rightful asshole that was protective over his family, it was because Gun felt deep down that the man was familiar. Familiar but not in a famous Doctor kind of way but famous in an 'I know you but I forget from where' way and Gun knows that the people he's familiar with aren't exactly the best kinds of people.
"The prognosis for the loss of sight is most likely due to the head trauma and concussion he's suffering from. The moment his concussion resolves he should regain his vision" Jinyoung carefully explains and Gun nods along.
"And if it doesn't?" He asks.
The Doctor merely glares.
"You'd better hope that doesn't happen or else I really will sue you and Charles for workplace endangerment" With that the prickly man walks off to do who the hell knows what.
Returning to Daniel's room takes a lot of effort, now that the Doctor is awake the Founder is unsure of whether he should leave or stay. Did Daniel want him there or would he find his presence to be a nuisance?
Entering the room, Seonhui was still chatting to Daniel in low whispers as Daniel paid attention and made a soft noise at certain points. They weren't crying anymore but they still held onto each other like a lifeline.
"Ah, Mr Park you're back" Seonhui announces his presence and Gun pays very close attention to how Daniel reacts. He tenses but his face doesn't grow sour, instead, his eyes try to search the room. Despite being unseeing, they still try.
"Yeah, I also got you some tea" He showcases the drinks in his hands before walking over and passing the bottle to the woman. "And please, I've already told you that it's fine to just call me Gun or even Jong Gun" Gun informs and the mother nods.
"Of course dear" She hums.
Gun turns his eyes back to Daniel, unsure whether or not to address the man.
"I wasn't sure if I should have gotten you a drink or not since the Doctors put you on a strict fluid diet for a while due to your jaw, Daniel" He states and Daniel makes an exasperated sound.
Exasperated in the sense that it wasn't directed at Gun but more at the situation.
"Oh don't act like that, you know it's for your own good and so you can get better much sooner than later" Gun chuffs out good-naturedly, accidentally falling into his usual banter and attitude that he takes up with Daniel only to wince. He didn't deserve to act in such a way, not after what he did and definitely not in front of Seonhui.
Yet, neither seem to react badly to his teasing tone. At least not outwardly.
Daniel rolls his eyes before crossing his arms. The entire affair continues with Seonhui chatting quietly to her son as he listens intently, meanwhile, Gun sat back down on his designated seat and continued to work silently. It might have been hours before Seonhui finally dismissed herself, telling her son that she had to leave but would be back the next day. With soft goodbyes to Daniel and Gun, she shuts the door behind her.
At Seonhui's farewell, Daniel had perked up in surprise at Gun's name, turning to the room to try and scan for where the Founder could be. Noticing the action, Gun let out a sigh.
"You forgot I was in here, didn't you?" He questions aloud, startling the younger man who swiftly directs his unseeing eyes to where Gun's voice had come from. Daniel frowns momentarily before laying back down on his bed, his mind seeming to be in deep thought.
Disliking the reaction, Gun sets aside his papers before standing up and making a show of walking towards the bedridden Doctor. He made sure his footsteps were loud enough so that the other would know he was approaching, the last thing he needed was to accidentally give the other man a heart attack.
Now that he stood in front of Daniel and they were alone, Gun could pick up on the shift of the atmosphere. It wasn't playful or joking like before nor was it the good kind of silence. No. This silence prickled with underlying anger and fear.
"Daniel" Gun calls but the younger refuses to turn and look, instead staring at his bedsheets that he couldn't even see. "You're mad" The Founder points out and if Daniel could open his mouth and scoff he would.
Instead, he picks at the bed sheets, fiddling with his hands as he attempts to ignore Gun to the best of his abilities which honestly wasn't hard seeing as he…couldn't see and nor could he talk. Understanding that he wouldn't be getting any response from the younger, it was up to Gun to try and navigate himself through the one-sided conversation.
"Ok, so you're still mad at me which means you probably remember everything that happened that night…right?" Flashes of the disappointment and anger-filled looks the Doctor had given Gun when they had ended things appear in Gun's mind, sucking a breath through his teeth the Founder nods. "Yeah, okay, I understand" He states which was enough to make the silent Doctor pause in his fiddling.
Taking that as a sign that Gun had caught Daniel off guard he continues.
"You have every right to be mad at me, whether it was because of our conversation before the tournament on night three or whether it's because I disregarded your advice about No.1" At the mention of the Worker's fighter the Doctor shudders in fear. "In the end, both situations ended up hurting you and for that, I am sorry" Gun voices out clearly, not wanting Daniel to get mixed messages.
Gun was sorry and he was regretful about everything that occurred and Daniel needed to know about it.
"There's no obligation for you to accept or forgive me, you're allowed to be pissed off at me and you're allowed to act however you want. You can treat me like a normal person when people are around and then turn and act like I don't exist when it's just us but it won't change the fact that I'm going to stay by your side and help you through this" At the words Daniel finally lifts his head to give the elder a look of plain confusion. A grunt is let out from the back of his throat and his hands clutch onto the sheets.
It didn't take a genius to figure out what Daniel meant.
Why? Why was Gun going through all this trouble to stay by his side and spend time with him when not even a few days ago he had been pushing the younger man away? When he had been sprouting hurtful comments and words and destroying Daniel's heart? What right did Gun have to do all that and then come waltzing back into Daniel's life and demand that he stay by his side? It didn't make sense, especially to Daniel.
"I know, it's probably confusing and you probably think I'm an asshole for doing this" Gun mumbles and Daniel lets out a heavy breath through his nose as well as an unimpressed look appearing on his face. "Right, I'm always an asshole" Gun nods in agreement before sitting on the chair that Seonhui had been previously sitting on.
There was a moment of silence as Gun attempts to formulate the correct line of words, he didn't want to fuck up any more than he already had. Every time he opens his mouth to start explaining he chokes up, not knowing if his words would come across as sincere or as an excuse. Daniel on the other hand waited patiently.
"I know I don't have any right to act like I care after I made it 'blatantly clear' that I didn't, that I was only using you for sex" He starts and Daniel flinches, turning away to look at the wall. "But that isn't the case, I do care for you in my own fucked up kind of way it's just that…when you started asking more from me I didn't know how to respond. I know our…arrangement started becoming more than just sex after a while, I know but when you started talking about feelings and wanting us to be something else I clung to our original agreement not because I hated you or because I didn't want what you wanted. It was because I didn't know how to handle the change" Gun gripped onto his pants, clenching the fabric harshly as he tried to open up and explain.
It was hard to do something you had never done before, moreover do something that made you vulnerable.
"I implied to you that I knew about your feelings for me and I did. You're pretty easy to read, Doc. You're so completely open and at ease about your feelings and emotions, it makes me feel stupid sometimes. You asked me why I never said or did anything despite knowing and in all honesty I think it's because I didn't know what to do but I also knew that I didn't want it to end" Gun didn't know if the younger man was listening or not but he knew he just needed to get it off his chest if not all of what he needed to say then at the very least some of it.
"I enjoyed it when you were affectionate towards me, when you showed me sides of you that others hadn't seen or when you were simply comfortable around me. I was selfish and I wanted to keep seeing and having those things from you which is why I just allowed you to continue with your feelings for me. I know now that it was unfair to you" Gun states evenly and if Daniel could grind his teeth at the words he would.
"That being said I don't disagree with putting an end to what we had before we went too far, I won't apologise for rejecting your feelings because I know that in the end, it was the right thing for me to do. Not because your feelings weren't valid but because pursuing anything serious with me would have only hurt you even more, Daniel" He announces much to Daniel's surprise. "You might have been happy at first but in the end, along with everything that Goo had pointed out and with a list of other factors I knew you wouldn't have been happy or satisfied with me. First and foremost I am the worst possible partner you could even consider picking, I'm not boyfriend material and I end up hurting and destroying everything that I remotely care for. Sparing you from even worse pain and heartbreak was my mercy to you, I should have done it earlier but again, I was selfish" He explains before shaking my head.
"Anyways, this isn't the time nor is it fair for me to be unloading all of this onto you when you're still recovering and in a state where you can't respond. That being said, I'm here now and for the rest of your recovery journey because I want to be and because I ultimately do care for you. Out of everything that we've been through I would consider you a friend if nothing else, I can't allow myself to care for you in the way you want me to but I can as your friend" Reaching out he pats the male on the shoulder who flinches slightly at the sudden touch.
"So again, I'm staying by your side whether you like it or not. Whether you choose to acknowledge me is up to you, but I will be here" He announces before letting go and heading back to his spot in the room.
It takes a few moments before Gun can go back to shuffling papers and tapping away on his laptop. It takes even longer for Daniel to turn his head away from Gun's direction and for soft sniffling to be heard in the room. Understanding that Daniel didn't want to be called out or asked why he was crying, he allowed the younger the peace and dignity to cry quietly to himself.
He knew the reasons as to why he was crying anyway.
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.
Eating time was one of the more difficult and louder parts of being around Daniel during their stay at the hospital. Not being able to consume solids and being placed on a fluid diet was one of the downfalls of having a broken jaw. Usually, the nurses helped out or if Seonhui was around she would take up the job. It was especially difficult since Daniel couldn't see either, his vision still hadn't returned.
There were times when Gun had to step in and help, if the nurses were too busy or if Daniel's mother wasn't around he would step up and assist Daniel. The Doctor, although having a difficult time, had an even harder time admitting when he needed help. He would sit there in reluctant silence whenever Gun had to wipe his mouth and ensure that the wires were clean, he was a little more understanding with others who did it but when it was Gun he didn't give an inch.
Other instances that were difficult were when the Doctor needed the rest room. Since he could barely ask for help other than make sounds with his tongue and throat, Gun would often look up from his work to see Daniel trying to climb off the bed without falling. Times like this would have Gun jumping to his feet and immediately helping the other, giving reprimands as he does so. Like a stubborn child, Daniel would only end up even grouchier.
Noticing the repeated reactions after the third bathroom break on the same day, Gun decided rather than make a show of helping the Doctor he would stand back and help in less confronting ways. This meant ensuring there weren't any obstacles in Daniel's way when he walked to the bathroom, ensuring the door didn't hit or shut on the Doctor, covering any sharp corners with his hand so it wouldn't hurt the man. Throughout doing all of that, Gun keeps as quiet as possible.
It was better if Daniel thought he was slowly getting accustomed to the room and was making progress in being independent enough to get to the bathroom. Even if he looked like a stumbling newborn calf half the time.
Most of the time they spent together during the week was silent. Daniel didn't bother acknowledging Gun and Gun didn't bother talking. He wasn't much of a talker anyway, that was usually Goo or James' role. It also used to be Daniel's until recently. The moments that Gun does insist on talking was when he would update the Doctor on what was going on with the CC.
About how people missed him and how annoying the fighters were getting, trying to insist that they should be granted the privilege to visit. He spoke about how the medical team, without Daniel, was a slight mess. This made Daniel worry but Gun was quick to reassure that Doctor Yu had offered to take up the mantle until Daniel healed up.
Or until they found a new Doctor. Daniel leaving or quitting the CC was never discussed.
Friday comes and goes and so does Saturday, neither night does Gun leave the hospital. There wasn't a need for him to show up to the CC and both James and Goo could handle themselves and their business for the short while. Afterall, there were only regular matches going on.
It wasn't until Sunday that Gun had to leave.
"I have to handle some affairs so I won't be back until later tonight" Gun informs Daniel who is pointedly still not looking at him. "Your mother should be here soon and your uncle will probably be lingering around somewhere like a ghost haunting the hospital, otherwise you won't be alone" Gun doesn't understand why he spends so much time trying to reassure Daniel that he would return.
It wasn't as if the other man cared anyway. Even so, he reaches out to grasp Daniel's hand and squeezes it gently before standing up and leaving the room.
He had business to take care of.
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.
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"They're all super pissed off" Gun acknowledges with a snort, listening to the boos and roars of anger that were coming from the crowds of the arena. They had several more minutes before they needed to go out and start the night.
"They've been angry" Goo snorts, hands shoved in his pockets as he turns to James who is composed.
"Ever since we announced that the tournament would be finished tonight everyone had doubled down on us and called up money-hungry warmongers which is hardly the case. When the hell did we start waging war?" James shakes his head in disbelief.
"You mean we didn't start a war with every other delinquent, gangster and mob boss in Korea when he decided to go along with Charles' plan with the CC?" Goo snorts and James relents.
"Still, they sound more angry than usual. I can't decide if it's at No.1 or us" Gun remarks as he listens. There were some faint screams and shouts that were directed at them but most were at No.1.
"Ryohei decided to withdraw from his fight. Neko ordered him to but I'm pretty sure Eugene told her to tell him that. Probably thinks that if the blonde does any damage against No.1 it would limit his chances of winning against one of us" James tells the two but Gun and Goo had been expecting this.
"No.1 will need all the advantages he can get if he wants to win, not that he will" Gun retorts when Goo looks him up and down.
"Who do you think will get chosen?" The blonde simply asks. "Whoever it is, I sincerely hope it isn't you" He points out much to Gun's irritation.
"The hell do you mean by that?" Gun fires back as Goo sends him an unimpressed look.
"You think we haven't noticed the state of your ankle? You might have fooled other people but James and I were able to catch sight of the bandages the last time you were around. You twisted it when you jumped, didn't you? Dude you were like three stories high, no matter how strong you are you can't just do something like that" Goo scoffs and Gun curses.
He had been meaning to hide the injury but of course, his co-founders were much more observant.
"Well even if No.1 picks me I'll still beat his ass and make sure that he wishes he was never born" Gun grunts as the other two sigh. "Let's get going, it's showtime" Gun urges and the others gather their belongings and brush their clothes off dust and any linen.
As they enter the VIP booth the sounds of the crowd being displeased and provoked increase even more. Death threats and death stares were sent their way but the three pay it no mind. The worst reactions came from the fighters themselves who looked like they wanted nothing more than to murder the three.
"Alrighty, everyone please settle down. We understand how excited you all must be for the final match of our 18th tournament to settle who is ultimately going to come out on top!" Goo speaks into the mic cheerfully, pretending not to care or notice the looks he's receiving. "Although before we get right into the previously suspended tournament we would like to take a moment to address and speak about some more serious issues" At this Goo's smile drops and he gestures for James to speak.
"As you all know, some unfortunate circumstances occurred last week regarding our Doctor, Daniel Park" James starts off and at this people quiet down. "What occurred was something that was out of our control and those that have been involved in the incident have been reprimanded for their actions. That being said, the other Founders and I, along with our Chairman have thoroughly discussed and unanimously decided to continue the tournament which may have been a shock to most of you" Despite the people having known that it would continue there was still a reaction of distaste and uproar over the words.
Still, James persevered through the scrutiny.
"Most of you will be wondering why, there are several reasons but this decision is mainly due to the underpinnings of our views and beliefs as a business. We at Crew Corporation have built this organisation on the very foundation of facing today's problems and addressing them head-on. Our motto means to live is to fight, most of our fighters exist and rely on the CC to survive or to live their lives. Arguments and disagreements have been brought forth to our grounds hundreds of times over the past several years and that is how we have always settled things. We settle issues in the ring, within the arena" James' voice suddenly turns steel-like as he addresses everyone with a coldness that many hadn't received the opportunity to witness.
"Let me be clear with every one of you. The incident with our Doctor was a serious and unforgivable affair, one that none of us are taking lightly no matter what you believe your opinion or perception is. Justice will be served within the ring tonight and the matter will be resolved" He announces, his voice thundering with a sure clarity that had people knowing instantly what was going to come.
The VIPs, especially Eugene, looked perturbed by the words but said nothing. If anything the little weasel raises a brow in challenge at the unmentioned promises that were being made. Gun wanted nothing more than to step forward and smash his irritating face against the wall, the rat was so sure that he was going to win it was insufferable. Instead of being worried about the Founders claims he seemed to be satisfied by the outcomes as well as the mentions of Daniel being harmed.
Knowing that James had finished his charismatic and slightly threatening speech that would probably have people taking to social media in waves, Gun steps forward to add his own comments.
"I'd also just like to step in and say a couple of words" He holds the mic to his mouth, staring calmly out into the crowd. "As we have mentioned on our website and social media, Doctor Park is in stable condition and is in the midst of his recovery. I'd like to take this time to remind you all to respect both the Doctor's and his family's privacy and boundaries. Any further details on the matter will need to be cleared by him and his family before we can announce or say anything to anyone else but I'd otherwise like to reassure everyone that he will be okay" Gun spoke in confidence and with this information people seem to breathe out a collective sigh of relief.
It was good to know that so many people cared about the Doctor, it meant that people were supportive.
Nodding to his co-founders, Goo stepped forward to announce the start of the fights, his chipper and cheery voice was back in place. There were a couple of paired matches to start with before they delved straight into the tournament. Despite warming people up before the final match, some were a little more antsy than others.
"Quite the speech you gave there, James" Eugene remarks with his usual smirk on his lips. "It's almost as if you said it all as a precaution in case you lose tonight" He pushes his glasses up and sniffs haughtily.
"It doesn't matter what you think, Eugene. All that matters is the results" James replied nonchalantly as he took a seat.
The two don't say any more to each other and neither does anyone else. Neko and Vivi share glances, speaking their own silent language whereas Crystal, who had made an appearance that night, reaches out to pat Gun on the shoulder. An act of reassurance before she turns back to watch the matches play out.
The regular matches went on without a hitch, there were hardly any noteworthy fights that night but that was because along with everyone else, he was also itching to see the last tournament match. So he hardly pays them any mind until finally, fucking finally, James announces the last bit of the tournament and Goo calls in No.1 and Nomen to the stage.
There were jeers, booing and insults being flung at the monster but he pays it all no mind. In fact, Gun isn't sure the guy even understood what they were saying or if he understood anything at all. Then again, No.1 going crazy the previous week probably had something to do with him understanding some things that Olly had been saying so there probably was a way to piss the robotic man off.
Staring closely at No.1 there was something vastly different about him compared to last time. He seemed…bigger? His veins were bulging and he was sweating a lot more. Moreover, his aura felt even more unhinged than before.
James settles down the crowd before ultimately turning to the two fighters.
"As the pair that has come out on top of all the paired matches you both are each other's final opponents. Is there anything either of you would like to say before the fight begins?" James questions and of course, Nomen raises a hand for the mic.
Once he receives one he turns to look at No.1 with distaste before turning back to the VIP booth.
"I'm…I'm withdrawing from the fight" The blonde looked like he was in pain just announcing those words, similarly the people and other fighters were also pissed.
'COWARD!'
'AFTER DICK RIDING NO.1, YOU'RE QUITTING AS WELL?'
'FUCKING PUSSY! NO WONDER YOU CAN'T GET NEKO!'
'AVENGE THE MIRACLE DOCTOR!'
'Didn't he try beating the Doctor up last time?'
People call out and with each word he hears the blonde grows even more aggravated. Unlike the previous times he was on stage during the tournament, he was currently wearing his usual Nomen mask. This wouldn't be out of place if it weren't for the fact that it was strange that he chose to wear the mask on the final night of the tournament.
"SHUT UP FUCKERS!" Nomen roars at the crowd. "Of course, I want to fight and take down this idiot! But I'm not gonna and I'm not going to explain myself to any of you assholes, it's not like you deserve one or would even understand it!" He sneers into the mic and if people could see his face they'd see his glare.
People grow quiet at his words, still upset due to all the insults and him pulling out of the tournament but also confused by the meaning of his words.
"Anyways, I'm not going to fight tonight" Nomen grits out, focusing on the VIP booth.
Neko seemed pleased with her bodyguard's words and turned to Eugene with a nod. Eugene himself looked satisfied with the words as his eyes flickered to the three Founders. Despite already knowing beforehand that this was what Ryohei was going to do, it still didn't make things any better.
"Are you sure?" Goo asks and the masked blonde nods before passing the mic back to a security member and walking off stage, not taking any moment to look back. "Well alright then, I guess by default that leaves us with the one, sole, surviving fighter in the 18th Tournament. No.1!" He calls much to everyone's disapproval and chagrin.
Despite everyone's disagreement, the large screens display No.1 face as the winner.
'AWE COME ON!'
'THIS IS RIGGED!'
'HE'S A FRAUD! NO WAY, I WON'T ACCEPT HIM AS THE WINNER!'
'THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT?! WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THAT TALK ABOUT JUSTICE AND PUNISHMENT!'
'GET HIM OFF STAGE!'
James holds up a hand to silence the people, waiting patiently like he was some teacher trying to discipline his students but slowly they shut up. Once the arena was silent, saved for some whispers, James finally spoke.
"Alright, now with No.1 as the final contestant we move onto the last part for tonight," The screen changes to the prize money or the opportunity to challenge a Founder. "The choice is up to you and you alone, No.1. Will you choose to walk away with 15 million or choose to fight one of us?" James questions as he stands. Gun and Goo both stand as well as they await the answer.
'Does he even understand them? He seems like he has bricks for brains'
'Maybe he's mentally challenged'
People in the crowd whisper in hushed tones and Gun grimaces at the words. No.1 seems to take a while to complete his answer, staring up at them with an almost blank look. After a minute passes even Eugene looks like he's slowly panicking. He's about to gesture for Mandeok or Yuseong to do something when slowly the monster raises a hand.
Soon enough he's pointing at the VIP booth and letting out an incomprehensible grunt.
"I see, I guess you've taken the time to consider your options. Are you sure?" James asks but there is a finality to No.1's look as he jabs his pointed finger in their direction, more specifically one person. "Well okay then. No.1 has made up his mind to challenge Joon Goo Kim as the final fight for tonight!" James announces and for once the crowd absolutely loses it out of excitement rather than anger.
Gun was outraged at the choice but No.1 had been clear about who he was pointing to and it certainly hadn't been at him.
"Damn it" Gun curses as he turns to Goo, grabbing him by his blazer to stop him from heading down to the arena ground. "Oi swap with me, I'll do it, I'll fight in your place" Gun hisses but the blonde shakes his head.
"Hell no man, I got chosen so I'm going to fight. Go find your own opponent" Goo snaps back childishly.
"You don't understand, I've got to fight him. I need to fight him" Gun snarls quietly between them, attempting to fix his best friend with a look that only he could decipher. Goo goes quiet for a moment before he reaches for Gun's hand that was still gripped onto him and covers it with his own.
"I know you think it should be you but you weren't chosen, I was. Our rules are absolute and no way in hell am I breaking them, besides you really think you can do it with your injury?" Goo scoffs and Gun's ankle throbs softly but not enough for Gun to back down. He'd fought worse people in worse conditions, an ankle injury wouldn't stop him from beating the crap out of that experiment down on the ground floor.
"Still-" "Still nothing, dude. I'm taking this fight and there is nothing you can say or do that will make me back down" This time the taller Founder makes a show of lowering his voice and glaring at his friend.
Gun takes a moment to take in the expression as well as the words. After a moment he lets out a sigh before letting go.
"Fine, but you better win" Gun grinds out and the blonde breaks out into his usual cocky smile.
"Of course man, but I ain't gonna win it for you though, that's for sure. I'll win it for the cute Doctor who was worried about us joining in on the fight against No.1. It would be only right that I win it for Doctor Park" Goo slaps Gun's chest. "I'll win it, so don't worry your fragile little heart about it"
With that and a nod from Goo to a stoic James, he heads off.
James and Gun settled back into their seats, the buzz from the crowd as they waited was exhilarating. The two Founders share a look before their heads snap at the sound of soft chuckling.
"What's gotten you so amused, Chairman Eugene?" James questions distastefully.
"Oh it's nothing really, I'm just happy that everything is working out the way I wanted it to" Eugene answers and Gun narrows his eyes.
"You predicted that everything would happen like this?" Gun growls out.
"Oh of course not, I certainly didn't anticipate the Doctor being taken out like that but I did know that No.1 would make it to the end. I even encouraged him to choose Goo out of all three of you which is a hard thing to do when you're communicating with a person who is the personification of a brick wall" He hums as he takes a sip of his drink. "Although thanks to what happened, the extension of a week gave No.1 time to heal from his previous injuries and fatigue. He is in his best shape today, I've made sure of it" Eugene's lips curl into his disgusting smile.
"Why choose Goo?" James questions, eyes narrowed and Gun couldn't help but think the same.
Why choose Goo out of the three of them?
"Isn't it obvious?" Eugene smiles as the crowd starts screaming again once Goo himself appears on the arena floor, he smiles and waves at the people. "It's because he's the weakest out of the three of you" Eugene spills as if it was a dirty secret.
Anger flares through Gun's body but James must also take the words to heart as his usual passive smile and look is gone. In its spot was clear animosity and rage, for a moment everyone in the VIP booth, including a slowly panicking Eugene, completely believed that James was about to leap out of his chair to tackle the chairman out of his seat. But he doesn't.
Instead, his expression smooths out and the thick tension that had been growing was gone.
"Is that really what you believe, Chairman?" James laughs, nodding acceptingly before curling his hands over his lap. "The results will speak for itself" He hums before turning back to the fight.
Gun lets out a snort at how bipolar James could be, not many people would be able to invoke such anger out of him which made the entire situation all the more amusing.
Goo, the weakest one out of the three of them? It was laughable.
The scars on Gun's body and face ache.
.
.
.
As Goo waits patiently for his Co-Founders to announce the start of the match he approaches No.1 to gather a better look at the behemoth. Goo couldn't help but click his tongue in annoyance as he dragged his eyes down the man's naked form, the little article of clothing the monster had on to hide his virtue did little to drag his attention away from the bulging muscles and surgery scars.
No.1 was breathing heavily and his gaze was fixed on Goo, it was creepy.
"Tch, obviously we aren't in the same weight class" Goo compares his lithe form to the man in front of him. He may be tall and strong but he didn't have size or weight on his side. "Oi, since I'm a nice guy I'll let you know that I'm planning to use weapons. That's fine, right? You're not going to get prissy?" Goo waves a hand in front of the taller man's face.
No.1 huffs a grunt in return but doesn't seem to be against Goo's words.
"Fighters, are you ready?" James calls, staring from No.1 to Goo.
No.1 grunts as Goo gives the redhead a wink and finger guns.
"Sure am!" Goo grins.
James has an unreadable look on his face before nodding.
'What was with that look? Does James not think he was going to win? What happened to them being the strongest?' Goo couldn't help thinking as his gaze turned to Gun who looked pissed.
READY
SET
FIGHT!
Sirens go off and Goo turns his head back to No.1 only to have it get snapped to the side due to a fist. A pained grunt leaves his mouth at the surprise quick attack and before he knows it his body has hit the floor. All the air escapes his lungs as he tries to blink and process what had happened, only the opportunity isn't given to him.
Hands wrap around both his ankles and suddenly he's being lifted off the floor.
Wait a minute. Why was he being thrown into the air by his ankles?
"Huh?"
Excruciating pain pulsates through his head as it's hit against the concrete floor. Time and time again, No.1's hold around his ankles is absolute as he continues to swing the Founder's body against the floor. He could feel warm blood trail down his face as well as the broken concrete stabbing into his skin. Eventually, Goo could feel his body get tossed across the arena.
Shit, why is he getting hit? Has No.1 always been this fast? He knew the human experiment was quick, and had witnessed it in other fights but this time around it seemed like the man's speed had doubled. Had he also gotten stronger after an entire week? How?
How did he get stronger?
Gun feels his body hit the floor, he lays there for a moment to take in the shocked silence of the arena. No one had expected him to be the one that gets hit first, to bleed first, and that was more embarrassing than the actual fight. Rolling his head to the side, he catches sight of Hangyeol Baek smirking from his spot near the medical set up.
That slimy plastic surgeon…that asshole probably drugged No.1 up even further. That was the only explanation for the sudden rage and strength.
All of a sudden the fight became even more dangerous than before.
Tch. What a hassle.
Turning his head back to the roof, Goo catches sight of No.1 jumping to slam both his fists down onto his body. If the hit lands he'll probably die or something like that. That would suck.
Gritting out his teeth, Goo couldn't help but think that maybe it would have been better to let Gun talk him out of the fight. Letting out a sigh, he pulls an object that had been hiding under his blazer. Quickly flicking it out and opening it, No.1 fists meet the edge of the object.
"Why the hell am I the one fighting this battle? Fuck, isn't this too much effort for one person?" Goo calls as he holds the umbrella in its place, stable and like a shield to protect him from No.1's form. "Hey Gun, I take it back! You can take my place instead!" He calls, turning to catch his friends' gaze who looked unamused.
As a response, Gun holds up the middle finger to him.
"Too late now! You made your choice!" Gun shouts down from his spot much to Goo's annoyance.
"God damn it!" Goo shouts, turning back to glare at No.1 from above the edge of the umbrella. "I already know that my hospital bills are going to be expensive if I follow through with this, how about I just forfeit the match and let this asshole win. How about it? I am a Founder after all, I shouldn't be injured like this" Goo tries to negotiate much to the increased shock from everyone in the arena.
Yeah, the chat from the stream is probably just as confused and shocked by his reaction. Shit, Goo's making himself look like a weakling and a coward if he runs. Goo could feel No.1's continued heated gaze on him, it was still unnerving and seriously creeping him out even more.
Fuck it.
Pushing No.1 off him with his umbrella, Goo rolls to the side and stands up. Walking away from the fight.
"This is stupid, I don't wanna fight anymore" Goo announces and he winces at how whiny he sounds. "See you guys later, it was good whilst it lasted" Goo waves off, closing his umbrella as people gape.
'What the fuck? Is it over?'
'Did Goo just give up? Does this mean No.1 won?'
'I didn't expect this…no it can't be like this!'
'My glorious king Joon Goo, it can't end like this!'
Letting out a snort he spins back aground, breaking the end of his umbrella and using it to hit No.1 straight in the face.
"JUST KIDDING!" Goo shouts much to many people's horror, grinning victoriously at the hit only to pause as he catches sight of No.1's pissed-off face. The handle of the umbrella was pierced into the side of No.1's face, blood spilling down the side of the wound.
Faltering, Goo lets out a nervous chuckle.
"Hehe…I'm screwed!" He curses, narrowly dodging the fist that swings about his head. Stumbling away, Goo rushes to stay out of No.1's absurdly long reach. "Hey! HEY! Wait a moment!" He tries to negotiate as another first follows and lands on the floor that Gun had just been standing on.
Rushing away, Goo could only keep the distance between them.
No.1 brutal fighting style reminded Goo of someone. It had been scratching his brain since the moment he had witnessed the monster fight for the first time but now experiencing it first hand he could clearly state who it was.
"The way you fight, it's similar to that old bastard Tom Lee from the 0 generation!" He calls and No.1 pauses at the name. Did the beast recognise the name? How could he recognise that name?!
Goo jumps away again before turning to look at Eugene and then turning to look at Hangyeol. Both were smiling and chuckling at what Goo had stated. Did they…did they create this monster to be on par with Tom Lee?
"For fuck sake, this is even more trouble than I thought" Goo grumbles before shouting at his Founders. "Oi! Oi! Am I going to get a raise if I finish this fight? Can I get 70% of the tournament's revenue if I win?! If not then I'm going to go home!" The blonde calls to his two friends who raise their eyebrows but say nothing.
Goo lets out a startled scream as No.1 almost gets the jump on him again.
"God, can't you just give me a minute? Are you my stalker or something?" He glares at No.1 who continues to attack. "And seriously, there's no way I can win a fight against this guy! The Crew heads couldn't even win and they were in pairs! How am I supposed to do it alone?" Goo reasons as he runs in the opposite direction as fast as he can.
"Like, let's be real for a second here. I might be a Founder but I'm also human. I'd argue that he's the inhuman one here!" Goo shrieks, avoiding and stumbling away from the hits. "Come on, can I at least get a tag team in here? Can't I choose a partner? Gun, get your ass down here and help me!" Goo begs when the crackle of the mic comes on.
"Hey Goo, you want to know what Eugene said about you when you weren't here?" James asks, voice clear and stable as he speaks. It's almost as if one of his closest friends wasn't being beaten to death in the current moment.
"Why the hell would I care about anything Eugene said?" Goo shouts back as he lunges out of the way from another hit.
"He thinks you're the weakest one out of us three Founders" James states.
Wait...What did that fucker say?
The arena seemed to freeze in time, even No.1 seemed to pause and turn to look at the VIP booth. People whisper at James' comment and Goo could feel himself snarl at the words.
"HAH?" He growls out, turning to face the group of rich brats as his eyes land and narrow onto Eugene's amused figure. The chairman looked like he didn't regret his words in the slightest and even went so far as to grab a mic to speak. "The fuck do you mean by that?" He sneers out, completely offended by the implications.
Him? Weak?
"Is it so unbelievable to think that you are the weakest Founder?" Eugene hums through the mic. "I mean if people didn't know it before they certainly know it now through your current shitty performance against No.1" He gestures to his fighter with a deceptive smile.
Goo tenses, his fists clenching at his side as his glare intensifies.
"Oh? Are you getting serious now? For as long as I've known you, Joon Goo, you've never been the type of person to be serious about anything. Whether it comes to work, fights or life in general. Everything is just one big joke to you which is why you can never have a proper fight" Eugene comments as if Goo was such an easy book to read. "The reason behind this is probably because you're afraid of exposing how weak you are, isn't it? Hiding behind your smiles and jokes like a mask. Even if you lose you can just claim that you were playing around and brush it off" Eugene smirks as the whispers around the arena grow.
'Chairman Eugene is kind of right, we've never seen Goo serious'
'Maybe Goo has been riding on James' and Gun's coattails all this time'
'My glorious king can't be weak! He's supposed to solo everyone!'
'Maybe he is hiding the fact that he's not strong at all'
It was worse than insulting, being degraded like he was some pathetic bitch. What did any of these people know about him? What did Eugene know? They don't know his history or what he's gone through to get to the position he's in now. Hours and years of training, mountains of defeated bodies, infinite amounts of injuries. And so much blood has been spilled for Goo to get to where he is.
His dentist was going to kill him during his next check-up but in the current moment, the only thing stopping him from snapping back was him grinding his teeth shut.
"I'm glad that you were an option to choose from, if it had been Gun or James then Workers would have been in real trouble" Eugene's words were meant as a taunt and of course, Goo could feel the chain on his restraint break.
"Oi, Eugene you're not actually implying that Gun or James are stronger than me, are you?" Goo questions, his voice having dropped a couple of octaves and had lost its usual charm. He crouches down so that he's squatting, peering up through his shades to stare at Eugene with an apathetic look.
Eugene pauses, his smirk is frozen in place as he stares back at Goo with a confused look only to relax as his eyes flicker past the blonde. Goo notices the shadow that falls over him.
"Answer me, scumbag" Reaching inside his blazer for his other weapon, he slams the object upwards right into the underside of where No.1's throat was. Warm blood flows down the handle of the hammer, dripping slowly onto Goo's form as he stands up.
The claw of the hammer was still stuck in No.1's throat as he stared Eugene down. The fighter stood still in both shock and pain due to being pierced.
"I guess I'll just have to show you and everyone else how different I am from Gun and James" Goo scoffs before turning his eyes away to focus on taking down the poor excuse of an experiment.
Ripping the hammer away, Goo quickly adjusts his grip on the hammer before throwing it up into the air and slamming his fist into No.1 abdomen, making sure that it hits deep enough to perhaps break a few useless bones. With his free hand, he catches the falling hammer and uses it to land repeated hits against No.1 body.
"I'll admit, this thing is similar to Tom Lee if that's what you were trying to go for but there's an obvious problem with him" Despite talking he doesn't slow down with his hits or decrease his strength.
No, he wasn't going to go easy on the fucker, not after he was hit and thrown around by the asshole earlier. He was going to make an example of this wannabe shit head and he was going to enforce the fact that he is not weak.
"This thing doesn't have an ounce of intelligence" Goo scoffs, ensuring that the metal head of the hammer lands precisely every single time against No.1. "Do you know how shrewdly Tom Lee fights? There's a reason that he's labelled as a fighting prodigy and this thing is just a brainless, drugged-up monster" Goo couldn't help but smirk.
No.1's body was growing weary and tired after each hit and there was nothing he could do to defend himself. Soon enough his stance was lowering, hunching over from all the pain and Goo used it as an opportunity. Throwing his hammer back into the air to free up his hands he grasps No.1 by the back of his neck and pulls his face down to meet his knee. There had already been plenty of blood but even more poured out of No.1's body.
"Of course, this guy is still definitely dangerous since he was able to beat the other crew heads solo" Goo hums thoughtfully. "And because of that, I'm glad that I can go all out like this" Catching the hammer he hooks the claw of the hammer into No.1's open mouth and yanks hard.
Flesh and blood goes spraying, a tooth flies off somewhere else and Goo could only bathe in the sensations of superiority.
"How long has it been since I've been able to fight like this? Since fighting against Gun?" Goo thinks back to the first time he met the Yamazaki heir, back when they were much younger and less experienced. The nostalgia felt warm but this wasn't the time to get sappy.
No.1 attempts to regain his fighting mentality, stepping forward to try and land a hit since Goo was so close. Goo snorts before slamming the hammer down against the idiot's barefoot, causing a piercing scream to ring through the arena. What kind of idiot shows up to a fight naked and without shoes?
"Anyways, it doesn't matter. I'm different from the Golden Genius James Lee who takes what he wants and leaves his opponents with a lesson or existential crisis" Goo calls, projecting his voice clearly without having to heave for air. He wasn't tired in the slightest. "I'm not like the Nurture Genius Gun Park who enjoys violence and leaves those with potential alone so they can grow" Goo slams the hammer against the back of No.1's bare knee.
It was easy to attack the monster's weak spots, especially since they were so bare and open. Goo swiftly moves to the other side and breaks his opponent's other knee with just the same force as he did with the previous one. With No.1's legs trembling he would go down easy.
"I prefer crushing my opponents before they have the chance to continue growing, otherwise they'll just be annoying to deal with later on" Goo gloats before pointing at the crowd. "Watch and learn just how important intelligence is in a fight, this is a lesson to all the losers that lost to this dumb half-wit" He announces before catching No.1 off guard again with a hammer to the face.
If Gun could be compared to fertiliser then he would be a weed killer.
More teeth, spit, blood and flesh go flying but Goo could care less. If anything a fun idea pops into his head.
"Hey, how about this! Since there's clear evidence that No.1 has been abusing drugs to enhance his body, how about I go through his punishment now? For every fighter that he had the audacity to take down is one hit I'll give him!" Goo gasps, excitement building up in him. "All my previous hits were for most of the people that were taken out in the first round! From Warren Chae to Jerry Kwon to all the goddamn Hostel uncles and more" The blonde launches another hit directly to the other side of No.1's face.
"That one is for Jacky and his ruptured spleen!" Goo calls gleefully, watching the hook of his umbrella that had been stuck in the side of No.1's face all this time go flying out.
"This one's for Hudson" BAM! Another ruthless hit to the face.
"For Vasco" WHACK! More blood is spilled.
"For poor little Johan" THWACK! No.1 goes tumbling to the floor but all Goo does is advance even further.
"For the newbie, Zack" SMACK! Pools of blood were forming at this point and there was more blood splattering everywhere.
"For dearest daddy Eli, he has bills to pay you know" SPLAT! At this point No.1 had stopped resisting, laying on the floor and taking all the abuse.
"And of course for Olly" CRACK! Even after he spoke Olly's name he continued attacking.
Goo doesn't register how long it takes or if anyone has called out to intervene or tell him to stop. He merely continues fighting…can it even be called a fight anymore at this point? Finally, he pulls away from No.1's unconscious and possibly dead form, dragging himself away before letting out a laugh.
"Wow! I almost peed my pants at the start since I actually thought he was strong for a moment there" Goo muses as he turns to stare at the shocked crowd. Everyone had gone silent, too bewildered and scared by what they had been forced to witness. The camera feed for the stream had turned away from Goo whilst he had been fighting, facing the bloodied floor instead but still alive. They may be an explicit fighting ring but even this was too much for people to stomach.
Goo then turns back to Eugene who is appalled, looking pale and sickly as his eyes flicker from the body to Goo who stood proud and covered in the bodily fluids of his opponent. Goo couldn't help but pout at the silence, what the hell was this reaction?
"See? This is why I don't ever get serious" He huffs out as he gestures to the stillness of an arena that is filled with thousands of people. Perhaps even the chat on the stream had gone silent. "It really kills the vibe in the room" he adds, full pun intended since even he didn't know if No.1 was going to survive.
Maybe he acted too harshly.
Gun and James still hadn't called for the end of the match yet which confused Goo, neither of them seemed to be shocked by the fight either which was good. They knew that once he was riled up he would fight like this. Instead, their gaze was latched passively onto the spot behind Goo, there were a couple of shouts from security and people which broke the silence and when Goo turned he was met with quite the sight.
"No, you have to keep fighting. Come on brother, you promised to keep fighting" Hangyeol mutters as he's sticking injections into No.1's body.
"Huh, you're really tenacious, aren't you? You do realise that No.1 was disqualified and out of the fight the moment drugs were involved, didn't you?" Goo calls out mockingly but watches in fascination as No.1 stands up. His muscles and veins bulged even more so than before and he had gone red.
"It doesn't matter, you didn't bring a sword so he still has a chance of defeating you" Hangyeol shouts as he backs away to allow them space to continue the fight.
Goo couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"A sword, huh?" He whistles out as No.1 slowly approaches. "As the weapon's genius, swords are my specialty" Goo hums when No.1 swings his hand out and breaks his hammer in two.
Within Goo's hand all that was left was the wooden handle, the pointed and sharp end from the break sends a thrill down his spine.
"Well it doesn't matter whether I have a sword or not, anything can be a sword as long as I can perceive it, even this" With that in mind, just as No.1 was about to land another hit against him he swung the weapon. "This hit, this one goes out to Doctor Park" Goo shouts as the sharp object slices like butter through the arm.
Horrified screams ring through the arena and people are petrified by what they had just witnessed. No.1's hand lands on the floor with a thud, dismembered and useless. In an instant, No.1 is wailing in pain again, clutching his stub with his other hand as he cries out.
"I'm not done yet" Goo huffs before lunging forward, the wooden stick still in his hands. "You hurt someone precious to us, you know Doctor Park is probably one of the only people who care about someone like me so for you to hurt him as you did, you deserve nothing less than death" He spat out like a death sentence.
Memories of Daniel manifest through Goo's mind, whilst the two didn't spend all that much time with each other it didn't mean they didn't have good moments together. The Doctor had been interesting since day one, with his defiant and morally good attitude. From the morning training they had gone through together, the short yet polite meetings, the nothing but kind text responses when Goo nagged or ranted.
'I'm just worried about the other fighters, if he defeats them then he'll have to fight one of you…' That concerned look was filled with genuine fear and unconditional worry. No one's ever looked at Goo like that before, no one's ever had to worry for him because he was strong and yet Daniel Park had defied that and the blonde for once felt like he had someone who cared for him.
He remembers hugging the Doctor, thanking him for his words. He remembers the Doctor's unconscious body and how his stomach had dropped that night when they carried his lifeless form away.
Goo may not care about the Doctor the same way Gun did but he cared nonetheless. So how dare this mutated tumour-looking turd hurt someone that cares about Goo? He couldn't forgive that in the slightest, whether James or Gun knew about this opinion or not.
In a final show of power, Goo sends several slashes through No.1's entire body. The gashes and wounds were so deep and they would scar and need stitches. Finally, the monster falls to the floor and no amount of injected drugs would raise him from his current slumber.
"Don't you dare think you can mess with the CC and don't you dare think you can mess with our Doctor" He states before dropping his weapon and standing proud.
Finally, the crowd leaps to their feet to let out screams and roars of shock and amazement. Uncaring for the fact that Goo may have just killed someone in front of them, they were enraptured by his performance in defeating the bad guy and that was all that mattered. Goo had won against the monster, he was the prince that had rescued them from the tyranny of a dragon that had harmed someone they all loved. For that, he was worshipped.
"And with that No.1 is out of the tournament, the winner of the 18th CC Tournament is Founder Joon Goo Kim, the Weapons Genius!" James announces and the cheers increase.
Hangyeol was busy trying to resuscitate No.1 and the other medical team hovered around, not knowing whether to help the enemy that took down their boss or not. Eventually, Doctor Yu steps in to help and they eventually wheel the monster away.
Now that the fight was over and the winner was announced, Goo couldn't help but cringe at his words.
'Oh God, that was so embarrassing. Why did I act like that and say all of that?' He thinks as he shivers when a voice pulls him out of his thoughts.
"Sir, Mr Kim, shall we clean up your wounds?" A female, the brunette that Daniel was friends with, asks meekly. Nurse Jay stood by her side.
His injuries? Right, the injuries from the start of the match. Nodding he follows the two off the arena grounds, yet he does turn to catch his fellow Founders eyes, grinning in their direction.
Gun looked satisfied, bragging to Eugene who was sat in stunned silence. James on the other hand was smiling softly, his eyes tracking Goo's movements, it was almost like the redhead was proud which churned another foreign feeling in the blonde's stomach. Instead of addressing the feeling he sends a wink in the redhead's direction which only garners an eye roll before eventually, the Founder looks away.
Goo was only momentarily disappointed before he went back to smiling. He had won and proved his strength. He could steal James' attention later once he was fixed up.
.
.
.
The Victory felt especially sweet due to Eugene's surprise at his loss. Honestly, the Chairman should have known that he wouldn't win, especially against an enigma like Goo. Then again, no one has ever witnessed him go batshit like that before, no one except Gun and James.
Still thriving off the victory, Gun heads back to the hospital as quickly as possible. Visiting hours have long been over but SNMC knows enough to let him in and not bother him. It was less of a hassle to allow him to visit Daniel than prevent him and kick him out. Not that they could kick him out.
Sliding the door open and shutting it just as quickly, Gun's smile falls off his face when he notices that Daniel isn't sleeping like he should be. Instead, he was sat up which was absurd seeing as it was late as hell and he shouldn't be moving around.
Did the Doctor need to use the bathroom? Did he need to speak to someone?
At the sound of the door, the younger turns to face Gun.
"Daniel, is something wrong?" Gun questions, announcing his presence so that he knew it was him.
Those pretty eyes of his blinked a couple of times but they were still fixed on Gun. The Founder, still confused by what was going on, approaches slowly. His ire only grows when he notices that Daniel can track his movements and eventually it's hope that blossoms. Finally standing in front and close to the Doctor, Daniel's eyes meet Gun's own.
"You can see" He gasps out softly, amazed and in awe.
Daniel does nothing to deny it, he can't because he's staring straight back and that was confirmation enough. Then something else catches Gun's attention, it's the phone in the Doctor's hand or more specifically it's the website he was on. The stream had already ended but Gun was familiar enough with the website layout to know just exactly what Daniel had been watching.
"Shit, you can see" Gun gapes.
How long had Daniel been able to see? Was it the last couple of hours his sight came back or was it earlier in the day or even earlier? Since when?!
It didn't matter either way. Daniel was able to see again and he had witnessed the Tournament fight. He knew the tournament had continued despite him being injured.
Damn it...