Chapter 7: The Start of the Transformation

When Apollo arrives at the hospital the next day, he is completely baffled by what his best friend is doing. The most timid, unathletic guy, is actually exercising. Throughout their middle school and high school careers, Sung Jin-Woo never exercised or would attempt to..but then proceeded to fall short after just a few days. It was a bit of a running joke between the two, where Sung Jin-Woo would die before exercising.

Suddenly, Apollo realizes the irony in that statement, as his friend almost died. Once his friend stops for a break from his jogging, Apollo automatically latches onto the guy's back, needing to reassure himself that his best friend is physically present and alive. "Jin~ I can't believe you're working out! I mean it, I really can't believe it. Who are you and what've you done with my kitten!?!?" His voice allows Sung Jin-Woo's shoulders to untense, as the male hadn't seen Apollo, simply felt him.

"I never want to deal with a situation where i'm useless again." Sung Jin-Woo grits out, careful not to mention his new abilities as it still sounds insane even to him. The atmosphere between the two becomes tense, as neither speaks after that statement. Eventually, Sung Jin-Woo speaks again, "Wait..kitten?!? I'm not your kitten!! Apollo you can't just say that!" Flustered, the new solo player whacks his friend off of his back, letting him have a better view of his body.

"Well, if this is a new year, new you kind of thing, i'm all for it! You do need some more muscle on your body anyways, you're kind of lanky." Apollo, despite his inherent kindness, is fairly blunt with his best friend as the two are as close as brothers. They often fight like siblings. They've done it all: playing fighting, sending banter back and forth, and got one another in trouble depending on whatever situation they were in. Currently, the score is 7-10, with Sung-Jin Woo in the lead. Apollo firmly blames his loss on Sung Jin-Woo's puppy dog eyes.

Both males act as though the last week hadn't happened, unwilling to sour the warm atmosphere they've currently formed. Banter flies between the two of them, with friendly insults hurled here and there. Apollo casually slaps Sung Jin-Woo's ass before running away, with his friend hot on his tail. It feels like the calm before the storm, as neither male tells the other about their abilities, new or old.

Time eventually passes by, with Apollo visiting the hospital every single time and harping on his friend about his insane progress. His timid kitten is now, somehow, taller than him. Apollo can't even fathom that, as he is too focused on not blushing every three seconds as Sung Jin-Woo has begun glowing up. He wonders if puberty just hit the guy late.

Apollo usually stays at the hospital for a few hours, before going back to his campus to complete all the work he has been missing. He also has to attend more charity events here and there, as his father said he needed to take back his responsibilities. It's tiring for Apollo, who constantly frets over his friend. Despite the male's new muscles and looks, Sung Jin-Woo is still a weak little thing in Apollo's eyes...though, that idea won't stay for long.

With his friend's new glow-up, comes new flirting from nurses and other patients, making Apollo feel things. He doesn't see why he should be jealous as that's basically his brother, but the heart works in mysterious ways. Either way, Apollo simply throws those emotions into a small corner in the back of his mind, planning to get back to them when he understands what's going on.

Aside from worrying over Sung Jin-Woo, Apollo has been having mood swings lately. Sometimes, he wakes up and wants to act out, rebelling against whatever force is holding him back, before going back to his normal self. It's frightening, as Apollo has been known as this kind, selfless male for most of his life. He fears what will happen if this other side of himself gets out and takes control. However, Apollo pretends everything is just fine, because his friend currently matters more.

He sometimes feels as though Sung Jin-Woo is holding back his feelings or simply acting far more different than he used to. It's an odd thought, as outwardly, his best friend hasn't changed much at all, aside from the sudden need to work out. However, in the back of his mind, a little thought constantly nags at him. The new confidence and aura surrounding his friend makes Apollo wonder what exactly happened in the double dungeon. He's heard the original reports, but it doesn't explain how his friend could begin such a drastic change.

Apollo still doesn't ask, not wanting to seem as though he distrusts Sung Jin-Woo in any way. Besides, he has plenty of secrets himself. All of which would put him straight into a lab to be experimented on.

"Hey Apollo, would you come by later? I have something I need to check out." Sung Jin-Woo states suddenly, thinking about the green key within his inventory. His curiosity is off the charts, but he can't check it out with Apollo being a mother hen. The clear dismissal he gives Apollo does not go unnoticed by the recipient, whose imaginary golden retriever ears go down. The slight temptation to pat his friend's hair almost comes to fruition, but he holds back, knowing that would make it harder for Apollo to leave.

Apollo feels a bit slighted by the dismissal but doesn't fight it, thinking his best friend just needs some alone time, especially with all his smothering recently. The sky blue-eyed male can't help himself, as Sung Jin-Woo is one of the most important people in his life. Sighing, he gives Sung Jin-Woo a last tight hug before he leaves the hospital a bit deflated.

Ever since his friend had awoken, something has just felt off. Apollo isn't sure what exactly is wrong, but the abilities within him are seemingly trying to tell him something. Whether it's connected to his newer personality or not is another story, but Apollo worries all the same. He wants the best for his friend, but does not want to see him suffer.

Apollo stares up at the dreary cloudy sky, wondering if everything is going to change. Something deep within him screams yes, that things will be changing and there is nothing he can do to stop it. The power seeded deep within his soul may simply not be enough, considering the fact that his magic has been a bit off lately. That's not the only issue Apollo is dealing with. Odd gates have subtly been increasing around South Korea according to his father, who is carefully watching the gate patterns.

Planning to venture into an underground subway, Sung Jin-Woo's is about to begin his first steps in becoming the greatest hunter of all time. Sitting in a meeting with various high-level hunters, Apollo begins to plan out how he will 'reawaken' himself to a higher rank as a means of protecting himself and his loved ones as more and more gates appear around the world.

Secrets will slowly come to the light and the playing field will widen to accommodate for both the angel and the shadow.