Second Half of a Whole
With the passing of winter, things were certainly about to change for the Choi brothers.
It was almost questionable, whether it was spring yet or not. Being in the northern half of South Korea, winter seemed to have its cold cloudy grey grip held firmly over them. Not that they really felt it. With the tattoos he'd wanted with help from Jongho, San was ready to move on. He's helped Jongho learn how to fight. There was something San did kind of hope to get for Jongho. But, he wasn't sure what luck he'd have. By now most military would be long, long gone. The remains scattered. Bases, installations, and outposts fallen. But he wanted to give Jongho the same advantage he had. He had been most pleasantly surprised, by the seeming super strength Jongho had. He knew it would serve the younger well.
With the supplies they had on hand, they decided it was time to vacate the small city they were in. Maybe get out, before the zombies came upon them. Growing more vigorous, with their thaw. Perhaps going through their mutation as they did so. He wasn't sure he wanted to stick around for that. Besides, he felt the calling in his soul. His time spent with Jongho and recognizing him to be his packmate, San was ready to find the rest of their pack. If they yet drew breath. Would he hope to find his sister? He still had that hope. But, it had faded a little with the winter. Without knowing where she had gone off to, his chances of finding her were incredibly slim.
He did however, have hopes of finding his mate or mates. And if they were part of his pack, then he'd want to find them as soon as possible. Besides, he had some inkling safe zones had begun to crop up. Areas that were officially zombie free. For now. Built up, and gated. Where survivors could congregate, and try and dish out a new normal for themselves. Where only the brave few led, and went out on supply runs. And then, the attempts to establish communications with other communities. Or bases, as they would likely be called before long. And then, the inevitable trades. While also keeping one another informed of the latest zombie mutation. So adjustments could be made, for each new mutation. With all this in mind, San knew they couldn't stay a marauding pack of two. They needed to find stability in an area with many other wolves. Betas and omegas, as well. To find balance. And have a real reason, for whatever it was they did.
With Jongho in agreement, San decided they would first try to find any remnants of military. Just try. Get Jongho a pair of cargo trousers, military boots, and a military tank top. And a gun. Just to be on the safe side. San could only hope to go around the city. Maybe try and see if there was a skeleton of a military outpost nearby. There had to be. Militaries often were sent out to the bigger zones, in attempts of containment. Before heading out into the fray, San made sure they had everything they needed. They were more than likely never coming back. As San scanned the room, Jongho spoke in his surprisingly soft tone of voice, "Hyung, we've got it all. We really should get going. We don't know if the zombies are waking up yet, or not. We still should avoid going out at night."
San let out a huffed sigh, shoulders sagging in defeat. He nodded, "Aright. Let's go." He turned, guiding Jongho along with him. Carefully, they slipped from the building they've hoarded themselves all winter. Once the coast was clear, they turned to head for the nearest exit to the city. San spoke in a low tone, "If we can't find some remnants of the military, we'll have to find a map. Maybe determine where there can be one."
Jongho pointed out softly, "Seoul. You and I both know our best bet, is Seoul. With it being our country's former capital, it's likely been swarmed with military installments and outposts. And you said you felt called to Seoul. Kill two birds with one stone."
San hummed softly in consideration, "Maybe."
Jongho shrugged, "It's our best bet. While I think it's incredibly dangerous to head to Seoul of all places, there's clearly a reason we're being called there. Nature, and the gods know where to guide us as they see fit. Maybe, that's where our pack is. Or maybe, they're heading there as well. It's to be our meet up point."
San smirked, casting Jongho a small yet fond look, "Perhaps you're right." He sighed in soft defeat, "Mostly just wish you had a gun. Makes for a good hard hitting blunt weapon."
Jongho shrugged, "I have my bat you picked up, during one of your runs. I'll be fine until then."
San nodded slowly at his statement, "Alright."
He stopped, softly hushing Jongho. Quickly pressing his back against a wall near a corner. Instinctually, Jongho followed suit. Standing beside him, and gripping his bat fiercely. San's jaw clenched. Eyes narrowing. Ears moving about like radars. Detecting the smallest sound. Once his adrenaline was at its peak, San turned. Sending a kick to whom, or whatever it was around the corner.
Only to have his ankle caught, in a large hand.
//
It had been a long winter, yet fulfilling.
Both had learned to not only trust one another, but accept one another fully as pack. But as the season slowly slipped into spring, they finally felt the urge to leave his family's old home. It was time they moved on. Time to find pack. A safe zone. A place to live. And as an omega, Seonghwa would want to find a place. One he could tell deep in his Luna gifted soul, was a safe place to birth and raise pups. One day. Driven by this instinct and the two knowing they needed to form a larger unit, they decided it was time they left. No real destination in mind. But, still following the wolves in their souls. With their things packed and their weapons, they made from the small rural neighborhood they'd been in for a while.
Yunho kept well alert. Fingers itching, twitching. Ready to seek out gun, or bow. His alpha nature instructing him to protect Seonghwa at all costs. Seonghwa followed with his crowbar. Not really saying a word. As of now, they were considered equals. Even if he knew Yunho's alpha nature was starting to come through. He would let Yunho handle the fighting. For the most part. But he would enter as he saw fit. Once they were truly sure they had all the supplies they had available to them, they finally left. Heading a little more north. As they migrated their way to where they were being called to, they did raid what they could. When they needed to.
The two had never really made it official, who was ultimately in charge between them. How could they? It was just the two of them. One an alpha. The other, an omega. One older. One, only a year younger. Perhaps it all really depended on what the situation called for. Seonghwa was more strategy, and thinking things through. Making sure they had everything they could carry. Maximizing the space of their backpacks, and cargo pants. And Yunho was more or less the first, to get into a fight with a zombie. Take them out, and make sure the coast was clear. Clearing a path for Seonghwa, as it were. It was a doable system, for the time being. And it made them appreciate one another more thoroughly.
Yunho's gaze was narrowed. Ears straining. He held his bow in one hand, a knocked arrow in the other. Back arched a little. Being low. Ready to use his bow as necessary. It often made for excellent hunting. Taking down prey, without raising alarm. And even zombies. Taking out as many, before engaging with his gun. And Seonghwa, with his crowbar. They had not as of yet, run across any psychotic wolves. But there were times Seonghwa felt a shudder course through him. Curious and concerned, Yunho would look to him. Checking he was okay. He was. Often stating he could just, tell that bad wolves have been through recently. Happened about three times.
That was the one thing neither one really wanted to deal with. Safe zones filled with bad wolves. They would have to be smart about how they handled communications with other safe zones, in the future. If they managed to get to one. And get them up and running. Seonghwa's eyes were narrowed. Taking in the small city before them. With a very low hum, he spoke so only Yunho could hear. Not wanting anything to hear him, outside of Yunho. Drawn to their noise. And seeking a bite. Or to get jumped by psychotic wolves. He was keeping an eye out, just in case, "I hadn't realized we traveled so far north."
Yunho hummed lowly as well, "I had slightly suspected, as we left the more rural sections of South Korea."
Seonghwa nodded, before he gestured to the city before them, "There's something about this city. It's like, we were meant to come here. But, I can also feel it deep down. This is only a minor pitstop. We have a lot further to go."
Yunho looked to him. A look of curiosity coming to his serious face, "You think, we're being called to Seoul?
Seonghwa hummed, nodding slowly, "Just might. I know, that's walking into a death trap. But, can we really argue with nature and the gods?"
Yunho hummed as well, nodding slowly in agreement, "Fair point. It better be worth it, though. What could possibly be in Seoul so important, we have to go there?"
Seonghwa shrugged, offering, "Maybe the pack we're meant to have?"
Yunho hummed once more, considering his words. It did make sense. Even to him. Slowly, he nodded. Agreeing with his observation, "You might be right, hyung. For now, let's check this city out. Might be something here for us to make our journey to Seoul, worth it. And we can get in, without being slaughtered and joining the undead masses."
Seonghwa nodded in agreement, "Here's hoping. Let's go."
Yunho nodded. As Seonghwa's grip on his crowbar grew more fierce, they entered a deep silence. Softly and quietly making their way in, and through the city. Uncertain yet. what they were looking for. When Yunho bristled. A very, very low growl from his throat. A growl, warning Seonghwa of danger. His alpha instincts kicking in even higher. He slowed. As Seonghwa pulled back and let Yunho handle the initial fight about to come, Yunho crept closer. After waiting in anticipation, he stepped forth. Hand raised.
And brought his hand to fiercely grip the ankle, aiming for his head.
//
With a growl, he pulled his leg back.
Causing the other to stumble a little, while releasing him. He turned, and went to punch. Only for a hand to grip his fist, and try to give him one in return. San growled. Eyes flaring. A responding alpha red and growl, was his answer. And the two were quick to get into a small fight. Jongho stood still. Uncertain if he should help, or not. Felt a bit too much like he and San would win. But then, he wasn't sure this new wolf's intention. Without knowing what this was a fight about other than defense, he wasn't really sure what to do. Maybe he should stop it. Keep them from getting louder, and drawing zombies to them. Just as he opened his mouth to warn them, another voice entered the atmosphere. It was soft and low. Crooning, almost. Without trying. The voice, of an omega. And what they said, did make it amusing, "I thought we were in a zombie apocalypse. Not an action movie."
Both alphas went still. Both casting gazes to the omega. His night sky related tail swaying gently. Watching them. Looking rather relaxed, while also giving them a raised eyebrow. And San had to admit, he thought he looked beautiful. Though, clearly not his omega. So, this alpha had been protecting this omega? Fair enough. Jongho however, was staring. Mouth slightly parted. He'd never seen any so, gorgeous before. Who was he? Was he and this other alpha, mates? Both alphas did look a bit sheepish. Finally, the new alpha spoke. His head bowed, "Sorry, hyung."
The omega hummed, crossing his arms, "And don't play the blame game. You're both at fault." He took in the two alphas before them. A soft smirk splayed across his plush, yet chapped lips. Slowly, he nodded, "I see. Well, I guess I know why this is our pitstop. It would appear we have found two of our pack."
The other wolf hummed, looking at him. Tilting his head, "Are you sure?"
The omega nodded, "Positive. Omegas know pack upon first glance with ease. It's an instinct thing. To find safety and security with numbers." He turned to them, and smiled, "I'm Park Seonghwa." He held his hand out his alpha companion, "And this is our packmate, Jeong Yunho."
He huffed a little, nodding. Relaxing, and clearly pleased to have found pack. Even if he still had a hard time letting his slightly gruff side go. His quick military training staying with him. He replied, "Nice to finally meet some of our pack. I'm Choi San." He brought his hand over, and set it on his own companion's shoulder, "And this is Choi Jongho. We're not related. Well, we're cousins of sorts. We come from the same Choi lineage, basically."
Jongho bowed to them in polite and respectful greeting. Seeming to know they were older than him, "Pleasure to meet you."
Especially Seonghwa. He's so pretty!
Seonghwa smiled warmly, making Jongho see the stars a little more clearly now, "I'm glad we found one another."
San nodded, "Likewise." He hummed, rubbing the back of his head, "Uh, sorry Yunho."
Yunho shrugged, clearly not unsettled, "How were either of us to know? We can't see through solid objects."
"No, nor can they. But they can smell and hear us. We better get going."
Yunho nodded, even as San inquired, "And where exactly are you two headed? And without us?"
Yunho shrugged as he answered, "We just got this urge, you know? Like our wolves are somewhere else. Calling us home. Er, sort of. We're going to try for Seoul."
Jongho perked, "That's where we were about to head. And since we're pack, might as well go together. Higher chances of making it."
San nodded in agreement, "He's got fair point. We were just on our way to head there now."
Seonghwa nodded in agreement as well, "Then we best get going." He hummed, "I'll let you three decide who's in charge. I know I'm the eldest here, but I'm also an omega."
San watched him. Taking him from head to toe. After a moment, he shrugged, "I guess for now, Yunho's in charge. Being the eldest alpha present. Until we meet the rest of our pack. Then we can hash our hierarchy later."
They nodded. Now having found one another, they turned to make from the city they were currently in. Ready to head for Seoul. To find the other half of their pack. Their mates. And build a fortress unlike any other. It would take them a while, but they would get there. And all along the way, Jongho got to admire his pretty omega hyung.
And so, the new pack of four were off to Seoul.