Three Ways to Run from an Esper

Part 3

Joonghyuk's POV:

Forced guiding! At ten years old! It was something only a monster could do to his own son.
He stared down at his guide as he drifted off to sleep.
He understood why Dokja had such an aversion to being a guide now, but he still didn't understand certain things.
Why didn't his mother just register him when he was a kid? If she had, he would have been taken out of that awful situation and given a life of luxury and protection. Isn't that much better than being abused by your own father?
It took two years of that before his mother finally snapped and killed his father, afterwards she had been arrested and Dokja was sent to foster care.
How did no one discover he was a guide? How had he gotten around all the tests? How did he seem to have so much knowledge on how to evade the center?
He knew the mother could probably answer these questions, but it looked like he would have to keep playing Dokja's game and get one question at a time.
He still planned on bonding with Dokja, but he didn't want to force his poor guide who'd already been through so much, even if he knew it would be better for both of them in the long run.
He'd just have to keep a watchful eye on him to make sure no other espers got their grubby hands on him.
"Don't worry, you're safe now, I'll protect you." Joonghyuk said as he drifted off to sleep beside him.

The Next Morning
Dokja's POV:

     "I told you I'm not wearing it." Dokja scowled
     He had woken up feeling refreshed for about two seconds, before he remembered where he was and the events of yesterday.
    "I got it just for you though, I saw it in the awakened equipment store and thought it would look great on you. It has powerful defense stats so you won't get injured easily." Joonghyuk said as he held a white coat that looked identical to his black one.
    "I'm not wearing matching outfits with you!"
   "Well you can either wear this, or the guide uniform."
   Dokja huffed and swiped the coat from his hands.
    Everyone knew what the guide uniform was, espers wore black uniforms typically while guides wore white.
   These coats may still be white and black, but at least he wouldn't be as spotlighted as a guide when he walked around, although he's sure everyone here already knows who he is, but he really didn't want to wear their uniform.
    He had to admit it was a nice coat, but Joonghyuk's happy face after he put it on made him want to punch the stupid esper in the face.
    "I was thinking we could get breakfast before taking our compatibility test and your rank test."
    "Do I really have to do those tests?"
    "It's a requirement for all registered guides."
    Dokja hated that he was now considered a registered guide, and he definitely didn't want a rank. Espers were known for using a guide's rank to determine how that guide was treated.
   F class guides were often treated like garbage while S class were treated like a king's pet, being pampered and overprotected to a suffocating degree.
    Dokja actually hoped that he was F class, then maybe Joonghyuk would loose interest when he realized he could find much better options. If he had to guess he was probably around C class. He didn't know since he hadn't guided many people since he was a kid, but it hurt back then, and his father and friends weren't high rank espers.
It didn't hurt when he guided Sangah and Joonghyuk, but that might have more to do with his compatibility rating than his rank.
   They went down to the dining hall and Dokja was amazed by the menu, pretty much any food you can think of was there, it was like a mega mall food court with countless restaurants to choose from.
    "What would you like to eat?" Joonghyuk asked him.
    "Oh? I actually get to choose for myself? I thought you were gonna choose for me again." Dokja said sarcastically in reference to yesterday.
    "Well considering how fussy you got, I figured I can be lenient today."
    A vein almost popped on Dokja forehead and without bothering to get into another fight, he went up to the counter and ordered the item he thought would annoy Joonghyuk the most.
   "I'll have a bowl of fruit loop cereal and a chocolate chip muffin."
    "You certainly have a sweet tooth for so early in the morning." Joonghyuk said with a stern face
    "And a glass of chocolate milk." Dokja added just to annoy the esper further.
    Joonghyuk's eye twitched in annoyance for a second but he sighed and ordered his black coffee and omelette.
    They sat down at a table and Dokja started eating his pure sugar and food coloring.
    "Do you actually like that?"
     Actually, Dokja would have preferred something a little less sweet, this was more to make a point and get on his nerves than for the taste.
   "It's delicious." Dokja said instead.
"Good morning Dokja." Sangah greeted as she came up to the table. She looked at his tray in confusion. "I've never seen you eat so much sugar before." She said, obliviously.
    Joonghyuk arched an eyebrow at Dokja but he just laughed it off.
   "Sometimes I just get a really strong craving for sweets." He supposed
  "Ok, well I'm gonna head up for my rank test after this, what about you?"
     "Apparently I'm taking a rank test too, and a compatibility test with this bastard."
   Clearly neither of them were excited.
   "Then let's all head there together." Joonghyuk said, seeing there apprehension.
   "While we get our compatibility test she can get her rank test, then you can find out your rank."
    Both of them glumly followed behind the esper as he lead the way.
   Upon arriving at the testing level, Sangah was taken to a room down the hall while Dokja followed Joonghyuk to a room with two lounge chairs with metal handle bars connected to a bunch of machines in front of them.
   Joonghyuk comfortably took a seat as Dokja followed.
   "I'm guessing you've never taken this test before?" Joonghyuk said
   "Of course I haven't."
   "It's pretty simple, just grab onto the metal bars in front of you and let your energy flow, I'll do the same. At the end the scientist will calculate the reading and give a percentage on how effective your guiding is with my specific type of esper energy."
    "Ok, let's just get this over with."
    "Oh and the machine can read your energy output level, so don't try to half ass it to get a poor compatibility score. Even if this test said we had a low score, it wouldn't matter to me anyway, since I already know you're my guide without this test."
  Dokja glowered, he was considering doing just that, but knew it was pointless to hold back, and he was curious.
   He let his energy flow into the machine when the scientists gave the ok.
   It felt different from direct guiding since he was just letting his energy flow into the metal, but he could feel his and Joonghyuk's energy mixing in the machine.
   After a minute or so they were told to stop.
  'That was easy.' Dokja thought to himself, but then he noticed the researchers in the room scrambling around with papers and murmuring amoungst themselves. They seemed to pass around the papers and keep rereading them before coming up to them.
    "Umm sir?" A researcher came up to Joonghyuk
    "The results are a bit unusual, can we conduct the test again to verify the readings?"
    Joonghyuk nodded and they did it over. Again the researchers murmured amongst themselves.
   "Enough already, just tell us what the problem is." Joonghyuk snapped
   "Well, it's not a problem, it's just unprecedented. The machine has read your compatibility at 100%!"
    Dokja was stunned. 100 was unheard of. Most reading were in the 50 to 60 range for normal espers and 70 to 80 percent for high compatibility, it was rare to find a rating in the 90s, and he'd never heard of 100 before.
      "I knew you were perfect for me, but this is crazy." Joonghyuk said in astonishment as he looked in awe at Dokja.
    "I've taken countless tests, and I've never scored higher than 25% with any guide."
   'Just great' Dokja thought to himself, now it was gonna be even more difficult to avoid the bonding and get him to give up.
    'Maybe my rank will be low.' He thought hopefully as they moved into the ranking test.
    'If I have a low rank there's still hope on convincing him to find a different guide.'
    The rank test was conducted pretty much the same, but just with Dokja's energy.
   "Sir, it seems your guide isn't outputting at full power, the readings indicate he is holding back. Only using about 25% of his energy." A researcher that Dokja would now refer to as snitch, ratted him out.
   "Dokja, use your full energy please, or our deal about not touching you is gonna have to be voided since you aren't fulfilling your duties properly." Joonghyuk warned.
    For what felt like the hundredth time Dokja daydreamed about punching him in the face.
    "Fine." He released his energy without holding back, and it surged out of him like a tidal wave.
   "That will suffice." The snitch said
   "Wow! This is amazing!" The snitch came up to Joonghyuk with the results and handed him the paper.
    Dread filled Dokja as Joonghyuk smiled. "Congratulations! It seems my perfect guide is an S class." He said it with a smirk that made him look even more punchable.
     "Sir, would you mind if we conducted some research on your guide? A case like this has never been presented to us." The snitch researcher asked Joonghyuk.
   "Hello?! I'm right here! How can you ask another person for permission to conduct experiments on me?!" It was a rhetorical question, but the snitch took it literally.
    "It's standard to address the guide's esper on any matters such as this. Espers have full medical authority over their guides after all."
    Dokja wanted to pull his hair out in frustration.
    "I'm not letting any of you mess around with my guide. You'll have to find a different lab rat." Joonghyuk said in a tone that left no room for rebuttals.
   Although it's pretty much the same way Dokja would have responded, he hated that he didn't get to answer for himself.
He was about to defend himself some more when a new voice interrupted.
"So that's him right...isn't he kinda ugly, maybe it's because he's standing next to you guildmaster." An esper with long black hair tied in a ponytail carrying a katana said as she walked through the door and sauntered up to them.
Now Dokja was mad for a completely different reason.
"Dokja, this is my Lieutenant, Jihye Lee." Joonghyuk introduced.
"Nice to meet you. Especially after all the extra work you gave us all. Joonghyuk had us working overtime everyday tracking you down. But after seeing these test results, I guess you were well worth the effort." She said in a casual tone
"Glad I was worth the effort, but I can't say I appreciate your hard work." Dokja said grimly
"Well the guiding department will be thrilled. Guiding Joonghyuk has always been the hardest job in the guild, but now you get to take care of that headache for us. So I guess I should be the one thanking you for your hard work." Jihye said with a smile.
Dokja couldn't tell if he liked this kid or not. She was working with Joonghyuk so he wasn't inclined to like her, but at least she didn't seem as condescending as the researchers.
"So when are you gonna bind him, I don't see a bite mark on his neck yet, which is really surprising." Jihye said bluntly
Joonghyuk sighed and ignored her as he got up to leave.
"We are heading to the guiding level. Go make yourself useful and inform the gear makers to bring a selection of the best guide collars." Joonghyuk directed Jihye.
"Wow! Really, you're gonna put off the binding?" Jihye asked in bewilderment
"Just do as I instructed."
"Yes Sir." Jihye shrugged and left ahead of them.
"You're not serious are you?!" Dokja asked nervously
"About not claiming you yet or the collar? Because I'm serious about both."
"No way! What did I tell you! I'm not your pet! You really think I'll wear one of those collars that espers lock around guide's necks?!" Dokja had put up with a lot of bullshit, but this was crossing a line of humiliation.
"And why do you think some guides are wearing those collars?" Joonghyuk asked
"Because espers are psychotically possessive." Dokja answers in a 'duh' attitude.
"No, it's not psychotic, it's perfectly reasonable. The most practical thing would be to mark a guide as soon as you find them so no one can take them, but in some circumstances the espers are inclined to hold off the claiming, but this puts the guides in danger of being taken by another. So they secure a locking collar so no one can take their guide."
"I'm not wearing one!" Dokja said stubbornly with his arms crossed.
"It's either that, or I claim you as soon as the clock strikes midnight tonight, since thats when your little procrastination deal wears off. I could do that anyway, but I'm trying to be lenient and understanding. I can tell you need more time, and I'm willing to provide it, but not without this insurance." Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes waiting for Dokja's answer.
Dokja hated this. He was constantly having to choose between two bad options. But he knew which one was better. One was permanent and altered his mind, the other was a humiliating loop of metal that could be taken off by Joonghyuk at any time.
Dokja didn't even want to respond verbally, so he just nodded his head.
"Very well. Let's go look at options." He said it like they were going to look at wedding rings and that only made Dokja hate the idea even more.
     Dokja tried to drag his feet to get there slower, but unfortunately the guiding equipment level was only a few floors down from the research department. They were there in no time.
    They walked to a room that looked like a jewelry store, with glass cases filled with different  styles of collars. Some looked exactly like dog collars to Dokja's horror, some even had little bells or dog tags that could be custom engraved.
     Others looked more like choker necklaces. Some were completely covered in diamonds and Dokja almost had a heart attack when he read the price tag. He couldn't imagine wearing any of these.
   "Hello Sir," a store clerk came up and greeted Joonghyuk. "Are you here to find a collar for your guide?"
    "Yes."
    "That's wonderful! I'm a big fan, I've actually been rooting for you after watching the news! I knew you'd find your little runaway!"
    This store clerk was way too chatty for Dokja's liking and luckily Joonghyuk seemed to agree.
   "Show us the colors that have S level defense spells and locking capabilities." Joonghyuk cut to the chase.
   "Right this way sir." The lady led them to a counter with only three collars in it, each with very different designs.
   One was one of the "pet" collars. It was bright red leather with a golden bell dangling from it. Dokja immediately voted against that one in his mind.
   The next was of the fancier variety, it appeared to be made of solid gold with precious gemstones imbedded into it in intricate designs. The price had so many zeros Dokja thought it must be a joke.
    Finally the one on the far left drew Dokja's eye. It was far more simplistic and mundane than the others. Just a simple black circle made of metal.
     Joonghyuk noticed which one Dokja was looking at,
   "Tell me about his one." Joonghyuk pointed to the black circle.
   "Excellent eye sir, not many espers recognize that simpler designs can be beneficial when a collar is worn everyday. It will match any outfit and has a color changing spell if you wish to customize it for the day. It's made of a rare lightweight yet unbreakable metal that's only found in dungeons. Its defense is S as well as the locking spell, just as requested. It also has a built it GPS. If I may be so bold to say, it would look lovely around your guides pale neck."
    Dokja hated that last statement, but unfortunately Joonghyuk just nodded in agreement.
    "Would you like to have your guide try it on Sir?" The clerk asked with a smile
   "Yes." The clerk handed Joonghyuk the collar and he used his powers to unlock it.
   "Come over here Dokja." Joonghyuk commanded.
    Dokja hadn't even noticed he had taken a few steps back.
   "Are you sure this is really necessary? I mean, who would try messing with me? Everyone in the damn country knows I'm your guide now, so it would practically be suicide for whoever even tried." Dokja tried to convince with his charm and wit.
   "That's true, but there are desperate and crazy espers out there that would do anything to get a powerful S class like you. Even non-awakened would want to get you so they could sell you in the black market for a fortune." Joonghyuk said with certainty.
   "But I..."- "Enough" Joonghyuk interrupted.
   "Get over here before I decide to bind you rather than even risk using this collar."
    Dokja begrudgingly stepped closer and he felt the cool metal wrap around his neck.
   When Joonghyuk used his powers to lock it in place, there was no seam or keyhole. It was just solid metal all around his neck. It was lightweight  just as the store clerk had advertised, yet Dokja still felt the weight of it around his neck like a constant reminder of the position he was in.
    "It looks lovely on him." The store clerk said
   "Yes, he's perfect. I'll take it." Joonghyuk said with certainty .
   Dokja blushed. He was so embarrassed he wished he could just disappear.
    At least he had put off the claiming, but for how long?