29 29. Maa-go

The streets were empty because of the rain with only a few vehicles visible on the road. By the corner of the road, I spotted a small light brown puppy laying there lifelessly. It had a small rope around its neck indicating that he was probably abandoned. I rushed to check its condition as panic rose in me.

Please be alive...

I bent lower and saw a small puddle of blood near its mouth. Leaving the groceries on the ground I carefully picked up the small animal and dashed toward my home. At the same time, I examined his body just like I was taught.

Broken ribs, several internal injuries, multiple bruises, a broken leg, and malnutrition... Did he get run over by a car?! They didn't even bother treating him... I've gotta hurry. I'm sure Mr. Kartein can heal him.

I picked up pace as it started to rain heavier. My mind was in a panic state but I tried to heal the little fella as much as I could while running.

Please don't die... Hold on just a little more...

My eyes stung from the tears that formed in them. I have always had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. In my past life, when watching movies I never cried when a person died but if an animal got hurt I would start sobbing.

How can someone be so cruel? Someone abandoned this pup, tying him to something so that he won't follow them. Just why?! To them, it was just a dog but to this little thing, they were his family... He had multiple bruises like he was hit with something small. Maybe the neighbourhood kids hit him and he somehow ran away only to get hit by the car. The brutality is sickening...

Tears streamed down my face as I sniffed. I was nearly there. The pup's breathing was getting shallower with every passing second and I choked back a sob.

I burst open the door.

"What took you so-", Kartein started but stopped when he looked at me. I was drenched in the rain with an injured puppy in my arms. It's blood all over my white sweatshirt. My eyes and nose were red and my face was wet with both the rain and tears. Jiwoo and Kayden looked at me in surprise from the couch.

"Mr. Kartein, please heal him", I said in a broken voice with tears again filling in my eyes.

"Bring him in. Let me teach you how to heal severe wounds, though I didn't intend to teach you that so soon", Kartein said and I hurriedly placed the pup on the couch ignoring the worried glances of Jiwoo and Kayden.

And as Kartein had said, he didn't try to heal the pup but instead guided me on how to do it. I sniffed occasionally but didn't lose my concentration. Kayden sat beside me along with the other four cats.

Once I was done I looked at the pup who looked like he was sleeping peacefully. I was so scared that he wouldn't be able to survive...

"There, look at that little fella sleep. He'll be fine now", Kartein said placing his hand on my cheek and wiping the stained tears off. "In such cases, you need to keep your cool. You healed him very well even though you panicked at first."

He smiled down at me. Kayden spoke up, "Where did you find him? His condition looked bad."

"He was lying near the street. Maybe a car or scooter ran over him..."

"What a softie... But, good job in healing him."

"Eunwoo has always been empathetic toward animals. But your healing ability has improved tremendously... How did you do it?", Jiwoo said passing me a towel.

"Before that, you should go and get changed before you catch a cold", Kartein said ruffling my wet hair. I agreed and told Jiwoo to look after the pup.

_____

I came downstairs in my bear-printed pajamas after a warm shower and saw that Jiwoo had ordered takeout. The pup was still asleep so I wondered what I should feed him when he woke up because we had only cat food and not dog food at home.

"Hyung, can we keep him...?", after I was done eating I asked pointing toward the sleeping pup.

"See? I told you this was coming", Kayden said to Kartein who was now in his cat form.

"Of course! Have you thought of a name for him?", asked Jiwoo.

"Let's call him 'Mago'", I beamed happily and my twin returned the smile.

"You know you both can't slack off, right? Rest well and get ready for tomorrow's training", Kayden said before a small bark was heard.

"He's awake!", I rushed to the pup but he looked scared. He's probably afraid of humans... What has this world done you, my poor baby...

I placed my hand in front of him and let him sniff. Soon enough he started wagging his tail. He probably realized my scent, knowing that I found him earlier. I lightly scratched him behind his ears because I thought he was still wary of me but he leaned into my touch. So freaking adorable!

"He's so cute!", I exclaimed with heart eyes. I was smiling ear to ear petting Mago with Jiwoo joining me soon. It's a good thing the cats and Mago didn't attack each other. Mago looked like he was two months old, though I don't know whatever breed he was but if I had to guess, he looked like a labrador to me.

"Let's get some dog food tomorrow since it's pouring today. But what do we feed him today?", Jiwoo asked and we continued our conversation.

"Look at him smile so brightly after coming back sobbing", Kartein said adding a scoff at the end.

"True that. But Kartein," Kayden started while eyeing Kartein who had now transformed into his cat form. "You looked VERY troubled seeing Eunwoo drenched in blood."

"For a second I thought that he was attacked by some awakened one. It's just now that I realize that he needs to get stronger sooner."

"Is that why you've been training him to strengthen his shield more?"

Kartein nodded in reply. "I know someday my enemies will come after him... I just want him to not get hurt when that time comes."

"I understand where you're coming from. It was bad enough when they were attacked earlier", Kayden sighed.

"Yeah... But wait up", Kartein started. "Hey kid, where are the groceries?"

Now the three looked at me and I blinked in confusion. "Huh?", after a moment of realization I exclaimed, "Oh no! I left them on the street!" I felt a bit ashamed before Jiwoo consoled me saying that it was alright.

"This kid is unbelievable...", Kartein said and Kayden scoffed in amusement.