Good to Be Home, For Now
He gazed at the compass in his hand, ensuring he was going in the correct direction.
He had a bit of a walk before him, but that was okay. All he'd be doing was walking, anyway. But he was determined to go home. Having left his old city behind, he made for the more rural sections of Korea. And he'd stay there for a while. He had a bit of a green thumb. Perhaps he could grow a few things. The soil should be decent enough. But he wasn't sure if his family's home had enough plot available for growing much. But it would be better than nothing. And besides, the neighboring residencies would have plenty for him to gather supplies from.
He knew he'd come across zombies during such activities. But he knew he had to get used to it. He was a fucking omega. He wasn't some weak damsel in distress. He may have his quirks, but he wasn't just someone who sat and waited to be rescued. He couldn't be. Not in this zombie filled world. He would tap in to his inner warrioress and do what needed to be done. Just give him a chance, and he'd show whomever he wasn't an omega that would let himself get pushed about.
Though heights were going to be where he did draw a hard line.
Just, please no.
But he didn't really see how being too high up would play in this new world. Maybe if it got rebuilt. But even then, he'd do all he could to keep from being too high up off the ground. He had a fear of falling, and it being the end of him. Unlike what actually happened to him to cause him to have severe acrophobia. His older brother had tricked him into going up into one of the tree houses they had had at the time. Only to leave him up there without a way down for hours. Seonghwa didn't recall anything after he started to cry and freak out. Though waking up in the hospital with his head bandaged was clue enough. He'd fallen from the tree.
And had cracked his head open.
It's left its lasting scar on him since. So, him and heights were not companions. Thank the gods his parents had the treehouse taken down shortly after his accident. Bohwa's been remorseful since. At the thought of his family, Seonghwa faltered. But only for a moment. He wondered what had become of his family. He knew his brother had a job in the city. He didn't recall which city. He wondered if he'd made it out. Though he was also slighted for his mandatory military service soon. Had he gone? Or was he a zombie? He was curious, but not enough to go looking for him. He wasn't that foolish.
As for his parents?
Hell if he knew. Being in a more rural area, they may have had a higher chance of getting out. More room to run. So they may have survived. But, for how long? He did sort of wish he could see them again. All three. They were his family. But he knew he had to accept the fact, they likely were no longer around. Alive and well. Pushing them from his mind, Seonghwa journeyed to his rural home. As he did, he made sure to avoid other wolves. And even zombies. While he was ready to show he wasn't some frightened omega, he wasn't ready in the moment. He wanted to find a decent weapon.
Maybe when he finally got home.
//
The long walk helped him do some deep thinking.
Though, he did keep aware of his surroundings. He was trying to determine how long he'd stay at his more rural home. He knew he wouldn't be staying there the rest of his life. That wasn't possible. He'd need food and supplies. He'd need companionship. And wolves to be in contact with. To talk to, and consider a pack. And, he'd also eventually want a mate. His inner omega wolf starting to get aggressive to have its first pup. The incredible desire for all of that, would eventually drive him from his home. Abandoning it a second time. To seek out what his wolf needed.
After all, no wolf truly wanted to be alone.
It was uncommon. And it could deeply hurt their inner wolf soul. But he knew this was a new and scary era. Where his worth as an omega, was only what he could provide to whomever could chain and leash him. Pups and pleasure. He was reduced to his function. Not who he was as a unique individual wolf. He knew he'd have to be very careful of who he let close. There was just, so much in the air. A big question mark.
He sighed softly. Pausing in his steps. He pulled out his water bottle. And drank only a little of the relieving water from within. Sweat dotted his hairline. Reminding him he was in a rather warm time of Korea. At least he wasn't freezing cold anymore. After he pulled the bottle away, he wiped both his lips and his forehead. If the late spring to early summer was bad now, how would it be in the future? Not to mention, winter.
He grimaced. He wasn't at all ready for winter. He sort of hoped to have at least one companion with him before winter came. Someone to share body heat with. That would be the only way he'd survive. Though as a rural born and raised wolf, he'd be okay for the most part. It was just due to his being rather fragile in health, that made it a little harder for him. And what about his heat cycles? Eventually, they'd get bad. Really bad. So bad, he could potentially bleed. His body demanding a knot and pups, or he'd lose his chances altogether. And would his heat cycles draw zombies to him?
He sighed and pressed on. He had to just take it all one day at a time. As curious as he was and wanting to be prepared, he knew it was pointless to do so. Whatever happened, happened. He just had to reach a goal first. His first goal, was his family's rural home. After that, who was to really know. He'd figure it out shortly after he got there. He did look up to the clear blue sky a moment. And asked the gods and nature to just, protect him. To be with him throughout his life in this new zombie world.
Seonghwa continued to gaze ahead, steps sure. Though his feet were howling at him. At least he hadn't moved too far from his home. But it was still a walk. As he walked, he did sweep his gaze about him. Keeping a wary eye out for other survivors. To avoid them. And for zombies. To also avoid them. But also any potential new weapon he could grab. Something he could feel most sure about. He had thought to try and get to a military outpost. He knew they never lasted. They would eventually fall to their knees. But they would be a nice way point. A place to rest and regather his strength. Maybe two days, max? And possible weapons. Then, he'd carry on his way.
Though, would they let him?
He was an omega. Very valuable to whatever laughable excuse they had for a government. Maybe. But it was certainly an idea. Something to consider. But he knew the outposts were very scattered. And usually near the more populated cities. Like Seoul. He grimaced. That was going to be one hell of a shitshow place to have escaped from. He was glad he wasn't there. He supposed he'd see if there may be a military outpost near his home. Even if it were fallen, he could head there. And maybe see what he could scavenge. Anything for a better survival. Besides, they had weapons. And while he knew guns were a terrible idea, he knew it would be better than his pans.
First, he had to get home.
//
There was a sense of relief that flooded him, as his gaze landed on his relatively still standing home.
He took a moment to catch his breath. Blinking his eyes from his near fainting. An issue he had as well, as result of his fall from the treehouse. He was tired, hungry, and thirsty. After he had recovered himself enough, he cautiously made his way to the house. Ears perked, swiveling. Listening for trouble. He didn't dare sniff. They stank too much for him to stomach at present. He knew he'd adjust. He just needed the chance to. When no familiar undead groaning came, he relaxed.
But only a little.
He then cautiously entered. The door unlocked, clearly. And while it was a right mess inside, he knew they had hurried to gather their things to leave. From family photos, to other essentials. That was fine. He carefully and quietly closed the door. Locking it. If there were any zombies inside, he wasn't going to let anymore find their way in to him for a while. He then slowly moved about the two story home. Checking for any zombies that may yet have lurked in the shadows.
When there were none, Seonghwa collapsed in relaxation at last. He took the time to think. As he sat on the couch trying to recover from his long walk, he went through a list of things he wished to accomplish. And fairly soon. The first, was to fortify the place. Then, he'd have to gather his supplies and ensure he had enough for a while. Then search out a new weapon. And then? He nodded, he knew exactly what he'd do after that. Well after that, he'd get some sleep. But he meant after that. He was going to figure out if there was a military outpost nearby, and hit it up. Raid it for supplies. He wasn't sure if it was still standing or not. He sort of hoped it was abandoned. Forced to move on.
He wasn't ready to face that many zombies alone.
Not until he had a better weapon. And a companion. He wasn't sure when he'd get one, or how. He just knew he had to be very careful when talking with other wolves. Unsure of their intensions. Though yes, in later years he'd know well who enjoyed the lawlessness of the world. They would be very easy to determine, and avoid. Even if they tried to change the tactics of their traps. Only those desperate enough, would fall for it. But if he had a pack, he'd be strong enough to not fall for their clear traps.
But by then, he and his pack likely would have their own territory. And would have no need to run across those lowlifes. Only the truly desperate would do that. He hoped deep in his heart, he found an alpha that would ensure he never fell for those traps. That would ensure they had a secure territory. For life.
After removing the shoes from his feet and letting them tingle and breathe, Seonghwa went to go and start part of his plans. Which meant locking all the doors and windows. Securing them properly. Draping heavy blankets before them to block out the light. And avoid being seen by anyone else. Be they zombie, or survivor. He wasn't ready to take on another wolf yet. He wanted to be a little more established and sure of himself, before he would take in anyone. And he'd have to be careful of who he'd let in.
He then went about to gather the supplies he could scavenge from the house. From first aid, to food. And any potential weapons he thought were suitable. Even if none were quite yet to his preference. He had time to select his best new weapon, and use it to clear out the few surrounding houses. And then he'd try and find new weapons as he did so. Until he got one he was sure would do him well for many years to come. He'd then set about having something to eat. Then get some sleep. It was going to be a long time until he left.
Again.