I Know They're Bad, But It's Only For Now
He'd been awake since shortly before dawn.
He was starring far below him. Checking out how things were. It had taken quite some time, but they had all slowly wandered off. Having given up on him as a tasty morsel to consume. He did see a few lingering. But not nearly the massive herd that had chased him here. And had effectively cornered him. Well, at least the door was locked shut. And he had had plenty of food to sustain him until they finally left. He had kept an eye on the door. Waiting for them to bang on it. Trying hard to get at him. But, it never came. Though he kept a black ear turned to it, just in the off chance it started happening.
And soon.
Well. He was leaving today, anyway. So that wasn't too much of a worry. Though, he could appreciate them waiting until the sun was fully up. Giving him a chance to see better, and calculate his chances. His backpack was weighed down properly with his supplies. He was leaving the tent. That was fine. He had a firm grip on his cane, and was just waiting. From what he could tell, only a few were lingering below. From what he could scarcely make out in the low light before dawn, maybe five. He briefed a glance up, looking out into the horizon.
Well, today was the day he left the city.
Despite his desire to raid it entirely of its supplies, he knew it was no longer logical. But, at least he had gained some experience. Both with going on supply runs, and dealing with zombies. He wondered what awaited him out there. He knew it was more zombies. And other survivors. But, he was interested in the adventure. How his story was to be written. What he'd do before he reached his end point. Whatever it was to be. Here was just hoping he'd find a pack he could join. One that he could accept, and be accepted in. One that he knew would not backstab him, or leave him for dead.
And maybe, a mate as well?
He was fairly young yet. But, he was also old enough to have a mate. He shook his head, pushing such thoughts from his mind. He would find them, when he was meant to. Gods and nature willing. He watched as the first lights of dawn began to emerge. Painting this undead world in slightly bleak blue greys. Showing color, without color. Making it seem more dreary and depressing, than it already was. Soon, everything would be painted in a more surreal way. There seemed to be a slightly hazed surreal lens over everything that he laid eyes on. As if the colors were there, but almost distorted a little. As if everything he saw was all kinds of wrong.
And it technically speaking was.
There were motherfucking zombies, after all.
He supposed he was glad to have done some thinking up to this point. Being on the roof top of a building at the edge of the city, meant his running into the countryside would be easier. He just had to take out the zombies below, first. He did slowly make his way around the entire building. Looking down. Trying to determine if he had more problems, than just the five in the small alleyway below his exit. None that he could see. It was just too bad he could not tell if they'd entered the building beneath him, or not. Again, scarcely would matter. In a few hours, he'd be leaving. Never to return. Or if he did, mere coincidence.
He could have huffed a scoff. He'd let the psychotic wolves take the cities. Knowing they'd relish in it. He would avoid cities, if he could. A smirk graced his face. Unless he managed to take Seoul. That would probably make him a most feared wolf. He shrugged. Eh, he would leave that all up to nature and the gods. While the idea sounded grand, he wouldn't risk it. He would see where his feet took him. What his adventures would be. And who he'd meet along his journey.
He returned to the fire escape just as the sun peaked. Time he made his decent. He only went down a single level. Making sure to stay slow and quiet. And well away from the zombies below. No sense getting into it right away. He could take his time. Besides, it wasn't light enough out for him to take on the zombies. He had to wait a little longer. Which was fine by him. But it meant he was that much closer to leaving. Plus, it would protect him a little from the zombies that may yet burst onto the roof top.
His ear flickered, turning in towards the building. He frowned, nodding. Yep, turns out his gut feeling was right. They were inside. And likely, would make for his former safe spot soon. But, he was staying a step ahead of them. He doubted this was an evolutionary thing. Just instinct. He shuddered, unsure he was ready for when they evolved and became more dangerous than they already were now.
After taking in one more deep breath, Hongjoong descended another level.
//
He's slowly made his way down, level by level.
As the sun began to climb into the sky, he made his way down. He kept his eyes on the zombies below, and his ears out for trouble up top. He knew that they would get to the roof top. He'd yet to hear them come to the sealed door. And he would still have plenty of time to get out. But he could not stop the slight worry and panic taking hold of him. He really, really, really wanted to get out of here. With a soft sigh, Hongjoong made it to three levels from the alleyway. And the five zombies within. They had yet to hear or notice him. He'd retained his stealth. He paused, trying to determine just how to go about this.
He bit his bottom lip.
It was a bit of a drop between the ladder, and the ground. By the time he had his balance, they'd be on him. But he didn't have anything to distract them, either. Nothing to throw to garner their attention. Even if it would be long enough to give him a chance. He looked about frantically, silently begging the gods to give him help. Just, anything. He bit his bottom lip, eyes scanning frantically for an answer. He held his cane tightly. He really didn't want to part with it. He really didn't. It was the only treasure he wanted to take. He couldn't risk tossing his supplies to make noise. That wasn't why he'd raided for them for.
He groaned softly. Gripping his cane even tighter. With a sigh, he knew he had to part with it. Even if it was his weapon. With a nod of final partings with his cane, he made it to the final level. The sun now high in the sky. Painting everything in its warped surreal colorings. He turned, ready to toss his cane. He raised it to throw it, hoping it would make noise and draw the zombies. Before he could release it, his eyes caught the sight of the dumpster. It was below him. He could open the lid and get in, and close it on him. He'd be stuck in there, waiting longer. But at least he'd keep his cane. He looked back to the long black item he cherished. Debating if he should still toss it, or risk staying there longer.
He jolted, hearing a car horn blaring.
He looked in the direction of the sound. As did the zombies. Drawn to it like moths to a flame, they began to stumble away. He wasn't sure if it was a survivor by accident. A savior. He could have huffed. Yeah, right. He wouldn't thank them. A zombie hitting one at last. Or, the gods giving him a way out. Either way, he wasn't taking the risk. As the zombies shuffled off to investigate, Hongjoong squatted. Waiting until they were away enough, to finally enter the alleyway. He did hope that if it was another survivor, they had made a run for it.
Once he was sure the coast was clear, he finally left the building. He waited, checking he was still clear to leave. Once he was positive, he turned and hurried for the greater countryside of Korea. He ran. Not the same level of running as if his life depended on it, that made him decide it was time he left the city at last. Just running to get out faster, and sooner. And avoid the zombies. Just as he did, his ear flickered back. Hearing banging on the door of the rooftop he had just vacated. He smirked. Yeah, good luck Zs. He was already gone. They had missed their meal.
Once he was out of the actual city itself, Hongjoong slowed his pace. Even as he caught some of his breath, he did not stop his movement. Now walking. Heading into the dangerous uncertain. Into a world and future perilous, and a vicious fight for all. His new chapter had begun. He wondered where it would take him. He supposed he could find himself a pack to join. For now. He needed safety and security. Enough to give him a little bit of a grasp on the realities beyond the cities. And how tough life really would be from henceforth. Even if he has watched all those shows and movies before their own true fall.
His feet guided him, taking him swiftly from the city. Away from the massive herd of zombies that still festered within. Taking him in a direction that would shape him into the future leader he would be. He was ready. And wasn't, at the same time. But that was the whole point of the zombie apocalypse. Only those who had what it took would survive for years to come.
Would he be one of them?
//
He blinked, squinting his eyes.
His ears perked, hearing some commotion from the small outpost he was near. It looked like an abandoned way town. Small, mostly of small shops for passing travelers. Slowly and cautiously, he made his way to the noise. They didn't sound like zombies. Maybe, maybe some. But probably in a bit of a struggle with survivors over the supplies within. He paused at that, humming low. Bottom lip between his fangs. That was a dangerous prospect. They may see him as trying to cash in on their grabs. Or become a burden. But, he had few options.
Well, he could carry on his way. Leave them to what they were doing. But, he wanted some security. Even if for a small while. He could always branch off, and break away from them when he was ready. He didn't have to be tied to them in any fashion. With a deep exhale, Hongjoong made his careful approach. Gripping his cane tightly, ready to use it to help with their zombie problem.
As he drew closer to the small struggle, he noticed the wolves themselves. All a bit bigger and brawnier than him. Wearing black leather. He could have rolled his eyes. While he'd have loved to wear black in this heat, leather just sounded all kinds of overdoing it and getting too damned hot for his own good. But as long as he kept his mouth shut, they may not try and take him out either. As he drew closer, he did managed to catch the eye of one of them. At least they now knew he was there. Once he was close enough, he raised his cane. And without much hesitation, he rushed into the fight. Taking out what zombies he could.
For now, it seemed this pack of rather brutish alphas were accepting his help in taking the zombies out. Even this far into their new world, any help taking out zombies could not be ignored. Nor rejected. Besides, he had not yet shown he was here to do them any harm, either. If he was, he'd have kept walking. Or just watched and waited.
Once the last zombie fell with a ghastly sigh, Hongjoong's chest was heaving. Some slight sweat on his forehead, but nothing he couldn't handle. He waited for the inevitable brain smashing he was to get. Or the questions, or the orders to get out of their raid. However as he turned around, he was faced with the pack of alphas. Watching him curiously, and maybe even determining what they wanted to do with him. He understood. After what must have been a very silent debate, one stepped closer. He spoke in a relatively gruff voice, "I guess, thanks for the help."
Hongjoong spoke, "My pleasure." He bit his bottom lip, "I'm Kim Hongjoong. Not sure if that will mean a damned thing to you."
The other alpha smirked, "I'm Moon Taeil." He looked back to his pack, then back to Hongjoong, "I guess if you can pull your weight, we'll let you join. I can tell you'd like to."
Hongjoong hummed, "If you're willing to accept that. I understand you may not trust me, or not see much in me. I make this deal I will stick with you for a short while. Until I feel it is my time to part ways. I'll only carry that which I personally grab for my supplies in my backpack." He then held up his cane, "And my cane, if I can. Just a good head bashing stick, really."
Taeil smirked, before offering his hand, "Alright, you got yourself a deal Hongjoong."
Hongjoong's eyes narrowed, even as he somewhat hesitantly shook his hand. His inner wolf was telling him they were a bad idea. And he agreed. But for now, he had few options. If they had to leave him for dead, let him keep his cane. That was truly his only request. He wasn't sure why he was so damned attached to the cane, but he was. He could just, tell Taeil and his pack were not good news. He really hoped he didn't have to witness them becoming even worse. Anywhere from raping others, to brutally murdering them for the heck of it. While it was an inkling in the back of his head, he knew he had to stick with them for now.
So, he would be with them for a while. Only once they left him for dead, would he finally find his own pack. Well, they'd meet him. At least, half his pack. With their agreement made and deal struck, he helped them raid the stores around the area for more supplies. He could tell they saw him as just someone to toss aside when the need arose. But for now, they could use him. Fine by him. He was using them in return. As a shield, and as a way to gather himself properly for this new world. And to figure out just how he would handle a pack on his own.
He would be sleeping with one eye open on them from here on.