Become Whole
Thunder softly rumbled over head, the sky overcast.
Making it cool and dreary.
Still, they pressed on.
The soft creaking of the car was all that filled the silence between them. Hongjoong sat in the back with Yeosang and Mingi. Both helping him with his physical therapy. And to ensure he had full control over his new mechanical arm and leg. And other body parts. Even checking they weren't causing him any other issues. Or even malfunctioning. Ensuring their head alpha would be okay. Hongjoong was very appreciative of their help. And there were times one would switch places with Wooyoung. Ensuring that they could make it to Seoul with decent time. And ensuring they avoided as much of the zombies as possible. While Yeosang was clearly eager to study them further, he wanted to wait until they got to the medical and research facility where he could do his research on them.
Hongjoong could only count Wooyoung and Haneul's calmer and softer scents preventing him from losing his temper faster than it ever has before. His mechanical arm in Mingi's grip. The younger alpha leaned closer to inspect it. Even tightening a few things that were a little loose for his liking. Often asking him to move his fingers and arm to ensure that it wasn't freezing up. Or out of Hongjoong's control. Hongjoong was rather grateful for their saving his life. While his new body wasn't what he'd ever envisioned for himself, he knew it was vital. His pack clearly had not been ready to lose one before they'd met. And he praised the gods fervently for them meeting. And their saving his life.
As they drew steadily closer to essentially ground zero of Korea, he inquired, "So what's the game plan?"
Yeosang spoke, "Technically speaking, you have the authority. But considering this is my mission. We'll stick to the outskirts of Seoul first. We'll do a very quick resonance of the area. Once we have a general idea of the zombie population, we can make a plan from there. And of course, check for any and all psychotic wolves that may have beat us there. And where they may be located. Try and avoid them. And lastly, locate a medical and research facility I can claim as ours for the time being. It will take me many months to do my research. So we'll be here for the long haul. Once we have striped this city as bear as we can and observed the mutations in the zombies, we can leave again. Make for wherever you wish to guide us. By then, I will have all I should need to ensure our future. Thus, I will fully trust you to decide where we go from here once my research is completed."
Hongjoong nodded, "Sounds fair to me."
Wooyoung spoke, "We may have to adjust, depending on our rations. I kind of want to preserve some crop seeds for our eventual evacuation from dead Seoul. Wherever we wind up, we'll need to make sure we can grow our own crops."
Yeosang hummed a moment, before he answered, "I suppose I can squeeze that in as well. Food will be most needed when we leave. By then, nature will have reclaimed much of Korea. Structures being torn down by vines and roots. And game will become plentiful. While we'll be in competition with other survivor bases and zombies, I sense we will be fine. We're wolf turnskins. We need meat in our diet. It's part of our ancestry and DNA. We cannot ignore it."
Hongjoong nodded in clear agreement with that, "I will take some time to determine where we'll head to once you're ready for us to leave. We'll need to scramble to set up our own base."
Mingi spoke from beside him, his voice low and deep as usual, "Wooyoung, Haneul, and I will handle that part. You just lead us there, Hongjoong. In the meantime, I will set up radios. Ensure we can stay in touch with one another, and see who else out there has a radio."
Hongjoong nodded, "Most wise."
Yeosang spoke cautiously, "But don't be interacting with them, Mingi. Remember, knowledge is key. Knowledge is power. They can't know what we know. It stays with the pack."
Mingi nodded, clearly agreeing. Wooyoung pressed on, "Haneul and I will run recon. Monitor zombie activties. Get Yeosang samples as necessary. And of course, scavenge. We're the runners."
Hongjoogn nodd,,d "Stay together though. I'm not losing either one of you."
Yeosang huffed, "Nor am I, Woo. Not after I finally have you."
Wooyoung replied, "Relax, we'll be careful. With your research, we'll be on top of this whole zombie mutation evolution thing. That's what we're here for, isn't it?" Along with making more of the cure. And the other cure variants to keep them cured.
Yeosang nodded, "Yes. Yes, it is."
Slowly, the shell of the city of Seoul came into view. And it looked as most cities did in those posters. Some smoke still billowing from fires still not out yet. Tall buildings of steel and window glass. And plenty of destruction to be seen.
Their home for the next few months.
//
As per their plan, they stopped outside a vacant and rather tall building.
Avert ensuring it was zombie free, they ensured that it would remain that way. Long enough, to get to the facility for Yeosang's research. After ensuring the car would remain silent and untampered with by any unforeseen enemies, they went in for some rest. When they woke the following day, Mingi gently guided Hongjoong to the roof of their building. Once there, Mingi spoke softly, "Your new eye should be of great use to us. I'll not ask you to try this often, or do this often. I'm afraid of the consequences it may have. We're talking headaches. Maybe migraines. And other unfortunate side effects." Hongjoong nodded, even as Yeosang finally joined them. His pack's doctor willing to ensure all risks were eliminated as soon as possible. Ready to tend to his patient and greatest success. Outside his cure serum. Mingi spoke, "With your new eye, you should be able to see and scan the area. I was a bit of a sci-fi nerd growing up. And while my abilities are limited to basically junk, scrap metal, and parts we managed to find, I did what I could to bring some of it to life."
He shrugged, even as Yeosang spoke, "Given zombies are real, why can't this shit be?"
Hongjoogn smirked, nodding in agreement, "Precisely my thoughts."
Mingi spoke, "With your mechanical eye, see if you can detect all the zombies occupying Seoul. To the best of your abilities. You don't have to try and determine where they are. But an estimate of how many we're facing will be most helpful. And then see if you can determine if there are any psychotic wolves here yet. Never know. If so, just let us know. And the general direction they're currently occupying. We'll do our best to avoid them as necessary." He shook his head, "You leave the scavenging for food and supplies to Wooyoung and Haneul. They can do that with their own two normal eyes." He winced, "Though to be honest, yours is cooler."
Hongjoong at this, gave a warm and kind chuckle, "No offense, Mingi. I understand. You both gave me my life back. Ensured I could survive. Even made me stronger than before. I owe you both that. I will have my bad days. Both mentally and physically. But I have my pack now. I am not alone."
Mingi nodded, "Haneul's considering being your therapist. Just go to her if you ever need to get anything out you can't tell us. As long as you promise to never reveal to her we have the cure. The fewer wolves that know, the better. It's why we're not going to make contact with anyone. Even after I get the radio up and working. Reaching all over Korea. Maybe even beyond. We want to hear them. Listen in on them, but we keep literal radio silence. You'd be surprised how much others can gleam from conversations over radios. Sometimes, too much gets spilled. And even when you think you haven't revealed much, they still manage to figure much out. How many there are. Weaknesses. Strengths. Desperation. It's all in tone and what words we use. So for caution, we're just listening in. Not engaging."
Hongjoong nodded, "That actually sounds smart."
Yeosang nodded, "I'll not have them come for Wooyoung or Haneul. They can bear pups. And they will be raped. You already save Haneul once from such a fate. Don't put her at risk for it again. And I will kill even you for putting my omega at risk. They can't know about Mingi's technological genius. He's bursting with it. You are literally walking proof of what he's capable of. Just as you're one of my greatest achievements, you are his as well. You're our leader and head alpha. You lead this pack. And while you're still getting used to your new body, I know you will wield it with great power and strength. You will be what they could never be. They don't need to know you're basically a walking weapon on your own. And they sure as hell do not need to know I have the bloody fucking cure."
Hongjoong smirked and looked to him, "Calm down, Yeosang. I agree with everything you say. I actually am not so keen on sharing much myself. Our location, who we are, how many. Any of that. I will not be swindled nor taken advantage of by some random survivor base that thinks they have a right to my pack's pup bearers, our technology, and our science. You are not a bargaining chip, Yeosang. you're my packmate and my doctor, I need you. We will always need you. Even for when we get sick with fever, cold, flu. Any and all injuries you can hopefully save."
Yeosang smirked, "I'll do my best."
Mingi nodded, "And lastly with your eye, see if you can't find the medical and research facility that will serve Yeosang best. You leave the generators to me. That's my expertise. Once we get there, we're hunkering there until Yeosang's done with his research."
Hongjoong nodded, "Got it." He took a deep breath, and relaxed. Closing his normal eye a moment, before opening it again. Activating his mechanical eye enough to do as Mingi requested. Getting a read on the number of zombies about. Any potential other problems with other survivors. Whether they were psychotic or not. And lastly, the facility for Yeosang's work. After a few moments, Hongjoong spoke, "We're currently in luck. There are no psychotic wolves at this time. But, we shouldn't just relax about that. We'll stay on alert for them." They nodded, even as he continued, "But that's hell of a lot of zombies." Yeosang hummed, but nodded. Even as Hongjoong finished, "We're not too far from the facility you need, Yeosang. Right now, it's a clear shot to it from where we are. And even zombie free. But if we want it to stay that way, we best move fast. The car will drive them, as will the smell of fresh meat for them. Right now, they're milling further in that direction." He gestured in the general direction opposite them, "But they will return once they hear and smell us."
Yeosang nodded, "Fair enough by me. Let's get going. Once we get there, Mingi and I will check you over again."
Hongjoong nodded, "Much appreciated."
Without hesitation, they hurried to their car. And raced to the facility for Yeosang's work. With quick work, they managed to pull the car into the facility. And locked the facility down once more, to prevent any and all unwanted visitors. And then, went on a zombie killing spree of any and all in the facility itself. Which were not many. Given how research facilities weren't often that highly wolved at times. After ensuring it was zombie free from top to bottom, Mingi hurried to get power back to the facility. Just enough for what they were there for. And then, he and Yeosang checked Hongjoong over. Satisfied he'd be okay, Hongjoong and the other four were free to rest at last. Leaving Yeosang to start his work immediately.
Seems they would be there a while.
//
Wooyoung huffed, even as he rubbed his hands together, "You'd think it was still winter with how fucking cold it is."
Haneul smirked, "Well, Seoul is further north than where we met. It is just colder the further north we go." She paused, even as Wooyoung nodded. She then inquired, "You think we'll ever breach North Korea?"
Wooyoung shrugged, "Not our pack, particularly. But, maybe one group might. The border is wide open now. No way this didn't devastate their population. With weak wolves and a fear keeping them in line."
She sighed softly, "I do feel for what they'd gone through."
Wooyoung nodded, "Not much we can do now. Just hope some made it, and can finally be free from the tyranny of their ruler." She nodded, before Wooyoung took up his rifle, "Right, let's keep going then."
She nodded, and the two pressed on. Doing a perimeter sweep, while also making for a store to raid for the day. Giving the alphas some time to themselves. Mingi in ensuring Hongjoong's mechanical body parts were up to par. And Yeosang with his typical research. He has already made a new cure serum. Having ensured to cure Haneul. Just as he'd promised Hongjoong he would. The zombies had not yet mutated, but Yeosang was a patient alpha. He predicted what their mutation could likely be. Either they would gain their speed once more. Becoming runner zombies. Or, they could become more active in the dark. Yeosang had had a prevailing theory that had become proven to be true. Given their poor vision at night without the ability to see through the darkness from before they turned, zombies seemingly couldn't see well in the dark. And while going toward the sound that caught their interest, they could wind up falling somewhere or getting stuck. So, they may become more active at night. Being night wandering zombies. And more capable of locating the source of sound or smell of fresh meat, and pursuing it far better than before.
To a degree.
Until either one happened, they were just staying observant. Yeosang had even inquired if Mingi could eventually replicate much of the research and medical machinery he was working with. Maybe even make them better. Mingi proposed he could. But it would take time. Plenty of parts and spare metal. And of course, them to have settled in their final location. Their forever base. And they agreed, Seoul was not that. All in all, Yeosang's research was currently limited to cracking the code of just where precisely this virus may have originated. Not that it was the hottest pursuit for him. But it gave him something to do until he saw the virus on its way to mutating, and even fully mutated to its second phase.
It was all a massive waiting game for him.
Wooyoung pulled to a pause. Softly silencing Haneul, and even raising a hand. Forcing her to still and go even more quiet. Their ears swiveled about. Taking in the sound of something echoing slightly off the concrete walls about them. The still overcast sky making it a little easier to locate. It was close. Gently, they raised their guns. While they would love to not waste ammunition, they were ready should they need to use it. Slowly, they drew closer to the building next to them. Aiming for the corner. Ready to take down whoever or whatever it was that was coming at them. After pausing at the corner and feeling their adrenaline kick in, they turned the corner. Ready to shoot.
Only to come face to face with three other gun barrels, and the pointed end of an arrow head. After a few moments, one lowered their gun. And a deep and rather sexy to voice in Wooyoung's opinion, came, "H-Haneul?"
She too, lowered her gun. Eyes wide, blinking. Surprise coursing through her, "S-San?"
Wooyoung slowly lowered his own weapon even as the other three did the same, "Haneul!"
"San!"
Haneul approached this new pack of wolves. Approaching a tall and strikingly gorgeous alpha wolf. One Wooyoung felt give his heart a small odd beat. Oh, he liked the look of this one. And while he'd question how the two knew one another and be worried. And that he likely didn't have a chance with who was clearly his other mate, he didn't ask. Watching as this alpha named San pulled Haneul into a rather bone crushing hug. Burrowed into her neck, and just clutching to her. She was doing the same, clearly glad to see him again.
Giving the two their reunion some privacy, Wooyoung turned to the other three. Two alphas, and another male omega!
Wooyoung inquired, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
The other omega huffed, before he spoke, "Some manners." Wooyoung rolled his eyes a moment, even as his wolf was screaming at him they were pack. To play nice. Surely the other omega felt it too. The omega spoke, "I'm Park Seonghwa. These are my pack." He gestured to the one with the bow and arrow, "This is Jeong Yunho." He put a hand on the other, "This is Choi Jongho." He nodded to the two in reunion, "And that is Choi San. We felt called to Seoul. Not sure why. But, we're here now." He took Wooyoung in, then smirked, "Though I think you know why. Same as I do."
Wooyoung grinned at that, perking. Nodding fervently, "I do, actually." He threw his arms up and out in celebration, "We're pack!"
Seonghwa smirked, nodding in agreement, "So we are. And you two would be?"
Wooyoung nodded in answer, "I'm Kang Wooyoung." He then nodded tot he other two, "And she is Choi Haneul."
After finally pulling back, Haneul was grinning enough to make her face hurt from nearly being split in half. She waved at them, "Hello, I'm San's sister."
Wooyoung felt a wave of relief wash over him. Sister, hm? He was so happy they'd found one another. And, was happy San was still free. His mate was still available to him and Yeosang. He couldn't wait to introduce the two. With a larger pack, they had a higher chance of surviving this thing. Seonghwa nodded, "Pleasure to meet you."
Wooyoung finally rubbed the back of his head, "Uh, sorry for trying to shoot you."
Yunho finally replied, "Don't worry about it. We're all trying to fend for ourselves and our pack."
Wooyoung nodded, before he spoke, "We were mostly on patrol. Believe it or now. We have the rest of our pack back at our temporary base." He turned, gesturing they follow, "Come on. I can't wait for the other three to meet you."
With a smile, Seonghwa nodded. They followed without question. Making their way to the research facility the others were holed up in. After ensuring they weren't followed by anyone or thing they didn't want, they slipped inside. As the new arrivals followed, they came to a large open area. As they drew closer, Wooyoung shouted, even hurrying over, "Yeosangie! Yeosangie, look! I found more of our pack!"
The alpha with the lab coat on turned at his call, and took them in. He blinked in clear surprise. Slowly taking them in one by one. They looked fit enough. One, a male omega. Like his Wooyoungie. He was gorgeous. But, he had his omega. And three other alphas. One looked a bit chubby and cute, one tall and strikingly handsome. And the other holding Haneul was actually kind of, gorgeous. Wooyoung smiled as he finally approached him, and winked, "Yeah, he's ours." He spoke softly, "Haneul's his sister. Can you believe that?"
Yeosang blinked, before he nodded slowly, "Oh, how wonderful." He turned to them and offered a small yet friendly smile, "Welcome to our temporary Seoul base. I'm Kang Yeosang." He brought his arm around Wooyoung's waist, "Wooyoung's alpha mate. One of two." San had frowned, clearly already smitten with the omega. But hearing that, he seemed to relax. Even as he finally gave Yeosang an up-down glance. Glad to know the attraction was truly mutual. Yeosang turned, "I apologize I am a bit busy at the moment, but I am glad our pack is here." He turned and pressed a soft kiss to Wooyoung's cheek, "Best introduce the, to Hongjoong and Mingi. We'll all talk more later." He nodded, "And yes, I will give them a full once over later."
Wooyoung nodded, before he left Yeosang's grasp to guide them along, "Yeosang's our resident doctor and researcher. He's been working on this for months." They nodded, even as they followed him to two others.
Once close enough, Hongjoong turned with a warning growl, "Woo, who are these wolves?"
Wooyoung grinned, "Our pack, hyung. Remember, omegas know."
Hongjoong's growl slowly ebbed away, as Wooyoung turned to them and held his hand out towards each, "This is Song Mingi. Our technician and mechanic. He's helped so much. With both getting this place up and running, and saving Hongjoong's life. And this is Kim Hongjoong, our head alpha. I just-." He shrugged, "Know he is."
They nodded, even as San spoke once more. Making a shiver race down Wooyoung's spine once again. Eager to hear in in the darkness of the bedroom with him and Yeosang. And, naked, "Pleasure."
Haneul turned to him, "Hongjoong saved my life. And me from being raped when we met."
Hongjoong smirked as he slowly and partly limped over to them with Mingi, "As she and my pack saved mine." He spoke, taking them in, "You lot sure are something. I'm sure you'll bring something useful to the pack."
Yunho nodded, "The three of us are fighters. Some, more than others."
San nodded, "Got a bit of military training myself. At the start of all this." He held up his dog tags as proof, "Was my dream."
Hongjoong nodded, even as Yunho spoke, "So I guess you could say we're runners and fighters."
Wooyoung bounced, "Haneul and I are runners as well. Guess we're a bigger team."
They nodded. And while San wanted to argue Haneul's involvement, he clearly didn't. His alpha nature demanding he protect his sister. And even Wooyoung as best he could. But, he respected his sister too much to leash her. Haneul looked as if they would talk about it later. For now, getting the pack together in full.
Seonghwa spoke, "I'm not sure what I can offer. But I'm sure I'll think of something."
Hongjoong hummed, a smirk on his face. Not revealing anything. A true poker face. A charismatic smirk and charm had taken him, as he stepped closer. With his mechanical hand and claws, he took hold of Seonghwa's chin. Framing it rather elegantly, "I'm sure you will. And who might you be?"
Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, before he growled and yanked himself from Hongjoong's clutches, "Park Seonghwa."
Hongjoong hummed, still smirking, "Pleasure." He raised his eyebrow, indicating Seonghwa could fight it all he wanted, but the omega knew they were mates. Hongjoong turned and looked to Mingi, "The pack's all accounted for."
Mingi nodded, even as he was still stunned by the handsomeness of Yunho, "Sounds, uh. Sounds good."
Hongjoong smirked, "For now, we must have you check back in with Yeosang. Get yourself properly checked out. He looked to Haneul, "Alone."
She pouted, but nodded, "Okay."
San nodded, before the four turned and left to see Yeosang. Hongjoong smirked, and even offered a chuckle. He spoke lowly, "I do like a bit of a challenge, Seonghwa. Fight it as much as you want. You're mine."
Wooyoung grinned, but wisely said nothing. They had the rest of their pack. And clearly, their mates.
Now, for the long stay in Seoul.