β©βΛ.ββΎββΊββ§
The horses' hooves clattered against the cracked pavement of the abandoned town, the eerie silence broken only by the occasional gust of wind rustling through the broken windows of deserted buildings. YN rode Astra confidently, the horse's steady gait a stark contrast to the desolation surrounding them. Jin and Jungkook followed closely on Orion, their eyes darting warily to the shadows as they passed. Hoseok rode alongside YN, his expression shifting between concern and curiosity.
As they drew closer, Hoseok's gaze fell on YN's arms, noticing the fresh wounds, bruises and dried blood that streaked her skin. His eyes narrowed when he caught sight of the makeshift bandage wrapped around Astra's leg.
"YN," he called out, his voice carrying both concern and irritation. "What happened to Astra's leg? And while we're at it-what's with your arms?"
Jin and Jungkook perked up, clearly interested in the answer.
YN glanced at him, her tone casual. "Nothing major. Astra stumbled. I fell. End of story."
"You fell?" Hoseok repeated, disbelief etched across his face. "Off what? A curb? A stair?"
"A hill," YN replied matter-of-factly, her focus on the road ahead.
Jin leaned forward on Orion's saddle, his eyes wide. "Wait, hold on-you fell off a hill?"
Jungkook couldn't hold back a laugh. "Efficient way to get downhill, I guess. Did you just roll the whole way?"
YN smirked. "Something like that."
Jin shook his head in disbelief. "And you're just... fine? No big deal?"
"Pretty much," YN replied. "Though Astra got the worst of it. Hence the bandage."
Jungkook chuckled. "Man, you've got guts. Or you're just really bad at taking the long way."
"Why waste time?" YN said with a shrug, a playful glint in her eyes.
Hoseok, however, wasn't laughing. His brows furrowed, and his voice softened as he asked, "Are you really okay, though? You could've gotten seriously hurt."
YN glanced at him briefly, her smirk fading. "I'm fine, Hobi," she said quietly. "It's nothing I haven't handled before."
Jin, sensing the tension, chimed in with a grin. "Well, as long as you're still in one piece. Though I'm not sure whether to be impressed or terrified by your methods."
"Probably both," YN quipped, her smirk returning.
---
Jimin's POV
The tension in the air felt like it could snap at any moment. It had been two whole days since Jin, Hobi, and Jungkook left, and none of us had heard from them. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of red and purple, but that didn't bring any comfort. If anything, it made the waiting worse.
Taehyung stood beside me, equally restless. We didn't speak much, but the worry between us was palpable. The others were quiet, RM and Suga particularly composed, but I could feel their anxiety beneath their calm facades. Taehyung's voice broke the silence, laced with unease. "Why haven't they come back yet?" he muttered, staring off into the distance. "Something's wrong. I know it."
I could feel the same gnawing worry eating at me, and it made my chest tight. "We can't just sit here waiting, Taehyung. We need to go look for them!"
My frustration bubbled over, and I couldn't keep the edge from my voice. The idea of just waiting here, doing nothing, felt wrong. We had to act-now.
RM, standing at the edge of the roof with that familiar calm expression, finally spoke. "I understand how you feel," he said, his voice steady but firm. "But it's too dangerous to go out at night. We wouldn't be able to see anything in the dark, and the last thing we need is more of us out there getting caught off guard."
I didn't like it. I didn't like the idea of just sitting here. But deep down, I knew RM was right. The town wasn't safe at night. I didn't want to risk it. Still, the urge to do something, anything, gnawed at me.
RM's gaze softened, his voice steady. "We'll go at first light. That's the best chance we have." He glanced toward Suga, who was still scanning the horizon with his usual quiet intensity. "We can't afford to act recklessly."
Suga's words were calm but firm. "We'll find them. But we need to wait."
The weight of his words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I couldn't shake the frustration and helplessness that hung in the air. We had to trust them, though. We had no choice. So, reluctantly, I nodded, trying to calm the chaos inside me. We'd have to wait.
"What if they're in trouble?" I muttered under my breath, rubbing the back of my neck.
"They'll be fine, Jimin," Taehyung said, though I could hear the uncertainty in his voice. He was trying to reassure me, but he didn't seem convinced himself.
We were all on edge. Something didn't feel right.
Then, as if the world was reading my mind, I heard it-a distant thundering sound. Hooves. The unmistakable rhythm of horses galloping down the road.
I froze, my heart skipping a beat. The sound was growing louder, closer. My breath caught in my throat. Who was that?
I looked at RM and Suga, but neither of them moved. They were just as tense as I was. The others had been gone for two days-why would there be horses now?
I couldn't help myself. I stepped forward to the edge of the roof, trying to catch a glimpse of what was coming, my mind racing with possibilities.
"Is it them?" I asked, but even I wasn't sure if I wanted it to be them. The hooves sounded... frantic. Not like they were coming back from a normal ride, but like they were running from something.
RM's eyes narrowed, his hand resting on the edge of the rooftop. "Stay quiet," he said, his voice low and cautious. We all strained to listen, the pounding of the hooves getting louder.
The sound didn't slow down. It wasn't like anything we'd heard before. Was it one of them? Or was it something else entirely?
"We should go down and check," I suggested, though I could already feel the hesitation in my gut.
But before any of us could move, the sound of hooves grew louder still. Someone-or something-was definitely approaching, but who, and what did it mean?
---
Author's Pov
As they continued riding toward the base, the setting sun cast long shadows across the town's deserted streets. YN kept her gaze steady ahead, her sharp eyes always scanning for any potential threats. Her attention briefly shifted to the conversation between Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok, all of whom were still speaking about their base.
"So... this base of yours," YN began, her voice calm but sharp, "Is it strong enough to keep the infected out?"
Jin glanced at Hoseok and Jungkook before answering. "Not exactly," he said, his tone grim. "It's not much stronger than the old one, honestly. It's a two-story building, but we had to make do with what we could. We sealed off the windows, reinforced the gates... but we can't really say it's a fortress."
YN kept her gaze on the horizon as she listened. She wasn't surprised to hear it wasn't perfect. She'd gathered from the moment they had mentioned their old base's downfall that this one wasn't going to be any safer.
"What happened to the old one?" she asked, her voice quiet but probing.
Jungkook let out a frustrated sigh, his face hardening. "It got overrun. The infected found a way in. We barely made it out with just our weapons and the supplies we could carry. We couldn't really take much else."
YN nodded slowly, mentally noting how hard they'd fought just to survive, and how fleeting their sense of security must be.
"And this new base?" she pressed, still scanning the streets around them. "What's it like? Just the two-story building?"
Jin's voice softened slightly. "We found it a few days ago. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. We sealed the windows, reinforced the gates. But it's not perfect, and it's not like we're invulnerable there. We can't afford a direct attack-not with the way things are right now."
As YN listened, her sharp gaze swept over their surroundings. She knew that survival wasn't just about fortifying your position; it was about being ready for anything that could happen at any moment.
"Something doesn't feel right," she murmured, her hand resting instinctively on the hilt of her sword.
Jungkook's expression shifted to one of concern as he quickly scanned the area around them. Jin's gaze remained focused, but there was a slight tightening in his jaw. They all knew to trust YN's instincts.
After a few long moments of tense silence, YN relaxed just a fraction, but her vigilance remained. "Maybe it's nothing," she said, though her tone suggested otherwise. "But we should still stay alert."
Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok all nodded, silently agreeing to YN's cautious approach. The group continued riding, but YN's sharp gaze never wavered from the horizon, her mind still on the potential dangers that lay ahead.
---
As they neared the outskirts of the base, YN's senses were on high alert. The quiet around them felt off, too still, and the sound of their horses' hooves seemed to draw attention. YN glanced over her shoulder to see movement in the distance-stalkers, closing in quickly.
Realizing they were getting too close to the base and the sound of hooves might draw in more, YN made a quick decision. She stopped Astra and motioned for everyone to halt.
"We need to act fast," YN said, her voice firm. "Jin, Jungkook, Hoseok, you all take the supplies and head straight for the base. I'll stay here and deal with the stalkers."
Jin's eyes immediately narrowed with concern. "But-"
"No time for hesitation," YN interrupted. "You need to get inside and secure the building. I'll keep them away from the entrance. And Hoseok, take the short gun with the silencer. We need to be quiet as it's getting dark, and we don't want to draw attention from too far away."
Jungkook was already dismounting from Orion, his face tense but determined. "We'll go in right away. You sure you can handle this alone?"
YN nodded as she quickly dismounted Astra. "I'm not alone. You'll help from above once you're inside, right?"
Hoseok gave a sharp nod, knowing what needed to be done. "Understood. We'll cover you from the roof."
The group quickly began moving in unison. Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok rushed toward the base with the supplies while YN stayed behind, already preparing herself to face the stalkers.
YN's grip tightened on her sword as she scanned the surroundings, her senses fully attuned to any movement. The stalkers, now closing in, had been drawn in by the sound of the horses. There were around 20 to 25 of them, and they were fast, making it clear that they wouldn't hesitate to attack.
From the roof, RM, Suga, Taehyung, and Jimin watched the scene unfold below them. The late afternoon light cast long shadows across the area, and the sound of hooves echoed off the surrounding buildings as Jin, Jungkook, and Hoseok arrived with the supplies.
The group dismounted and quickly moved to secure the supplies inside. But what caught their attention wasn't just the supplies-it was YN, standing below, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, clearly aware of the stalkers approaching.
As the group of three disappeared into the building, Suga's sharp gaze remained fixed on YN. He furrowed his brow, trying to recall the familiarity of the figure below. Her silhouette, the way she moved-it stirred something deep inside him.
"Hold on," Suga muttered, narrowing his eyes. "That's... her."
Jimin tilted his head, following Suga's gaze. "Who?"
Suga didn't respond immediately, his thoughts racing as his eyes locked onto YN. Her presence seemed to trigger a memory, but it was elusive, slipping just out of reach. The look in her eyes-he knew it. She had always been this way. Her battle-ready stance. The way she handled herself even in the most dangerous situations.
"I know her," Suga said, his voice low, almost to himself. "But it's been so long..."
RM turned to Suga, his expression now one of curiosity. "You're sure?"
The others focused back on the situation below. YN, seeing the stalkers drawn by the sound of hooves, began to move quickly, her sword ready. The stalkers, numbering about 20 to 25, were already closing in.
"Alright," YN muttered to herself, adjusting her position, "time to clear the path."
With quick, controlled movements, she slashed through the first stalker that neared her. The others were quickly closing in, but YN's focus was sharp.
Up on the roof, Hoseok had already raised his rifle, ready to assist, and Taehyung moved into position beside him, rifle in hand as well. They had to make sure YN wasn't alone in this.
"Focus," Hoseok said firmly, glancing at Suga. "Not yet. Let's cover her for now."
Hoseok nad taehyung, now from the roof , keeping theie eyes on the surroundings from above and began helping from the roof, their silenced shots ringing out to thin the numbers of stalkers on the outskirts.
Suga shifted, feeling the urge to move, his katana already in hand, but Hoseok's words gave him pause. There was a moment of tension in the air as Suga glanced at YN, who was beginning to face the incoming stalkers. His feet itched to move, but he knew Hoseok was right.
YN continued to fight with swift, precise strikes, cutting down the infected one by one, always aware of the ones that lingered just beyond her reach. The sound of her blade cutting through the air was a grim symphony, but she had to keep the stalkers away from the entrance. She couldn't afford to let them get any closer to the base.
Still, the battle was far from over. More and more stalkers were trickling in, and YN had to stay on her toes, never letting them get too close. With the support from the roof, she felt more confident, but the danger wasn't over yet.
The battle below was growing more intense with each passing second. YN's sword flashed as she cleaved through the horde of stalkers, her movements sharp and efficient, but the fatigue from the long journey weighed on her. Her breaths were heavier now, sweat beading on her forehead as she swung her sword, dispatching one infected after another.
From above, Hoseok and Taehyung took their positions, rifles steady in their hands, their shots helping to thin the ranks of stalkers that advanced on YN. Despite their best efforts, the numbers didn't seem to dwindle quickly enough. Some of the bullets missed their targets, grazing the ground or ricocheting off nearby debris, but others found their mark, thinning the attackers little by little.
Still, the tide of the infected seemed endless. And just as YN made another strike, the ground beneath them trembled-louder, closer. A Goliath. The rumbling could be heard over the chaotic fight, a distant, menacing sound that seemed to send a chill through the air.
YN didn't flinch, though. Her grip tightened on her sword, and she pushed herself further, cutting down stalkers with precision. But the exhaustion was starting to take its toll. Her arms were beginning to feel heavy, and her movements slower, the weight of the day's journey catching up with her.
Suga's eyes narrowed with concern. He could see the strain in her movements, the way she was slowing down, and his mind raced. He needed to help her.
But as he prepared to make his move, the ground rumbled beneath them. The unmistakable thudding of a Goliath's massive feet reverberated through the air. YN didn't flinch. She was already fighting as if she were in a trance, but the Goliath's presence was impossible to ignore.
Suga couldn't stand to watch any longer. "I'm going down," he said, his katana in hand, ready to join her.
Hoseok and Taehyung held their positions above, their rifles steady as they provided covering fire. Each shot was precise, picking off stalkers before they could overwhelm the ground team. Despite the distance, their eyes tracked every movement below, their focus unwavering.
Meanwhile, Suga moved swiftly, katana in hand, cutting through the infected as he made his way to YN's side.
On the ground, YN fought with relentless precision. Her blade moved in fluid arcs, slicing through stalkers with practiced ease. She hadn't noticed the Goliath yet, her focus entirely on the immediate threats around her.
But the ground trembled beneath her feet, the thunderous steps of the approaching giant growing louder.
"Stay sharp," Suga said, his voice calm yet commanding as he reached her side.
YN glanced his way briefly, a flicker of acknowledgment in her gaze, before returning to the fight. Sweat dripped down her face, and though her movements were fierce, there was a growing heaviness in her limbs.
As she deflected a stalker's lunge, a sharp, deafening sound cut through the air. She barely registered the gunshot before pain erupted in her side-a burning, searing agony just below her ribs.
The pain was sharp, the shot struck her near the stomach side, a large gash, the impact sending her stumbling back. Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to steady herself.
Suga was there in an instant, cutting down a stalker that lunged toward her. His katana gleamed as it moved in deadly arcs. "YN!" he called out, his voice sharper now.
She fell on her knees, her sword slipping from her hand for a brief moment. The shock of the injury took her by surprise, but she quickly regained her footing. Blood stained her new shirt, but she culdn't afford to think about it. The fight wasn't over yet. With determination, she grabbed her sword again and stood, but the weariness in her legs becoming more pronounced.
Suga kept his eyes on her, his movements matching hers in perfect synchronization. They were a team, their blades cutting through infected flesh with ruthless efficiency. But as they cleared more stalkers, the Goliath was nearly on top of them.
Suga shot her a look, his eyes narrowing, but he didn't argue. Together, they resumed fighting, their movements synchronized as they took down wave after wave of stalkers, which is now getting clear.
Above, Hoseok and Taehyung continued their assault, their gunfire precise and relentless. Yet, their bullets seemed insignificant against the massive figure approaching.
Its hulking frame blocked out the light, and its claws scraped the ground as it moved. The air seemed heavier now, the creature's presence suffocating.
Suga's katana cut through another stalker as he shouted, "Stay with me, YN. We're almost through this."
But YN barely heard him. She was too focused to strick on the advancing Goliath. The giant creature's massive shadow loomed over them, and its claws swiped through the air, narrowly missing the two of them.
Then, a massive, crushing blow from the Goliath's claw sent her sprawling to the ground. The force of the impact knocked the wind from her lungs, and she landed hard on her side, her injured stomach pressing into the dirt. Her sword fell from her hand as she gasped for air, pain radiating from her wound.
For a moment, everything stopped. The chaos of the fight, the screams of the infected, and the rumbling of the Goliath seemed to fade. YN could only focus on the overwhelming pain in her side and the pressure of the ground beneath her.
But she couldn't afford to stay down.
With a guttural cry, she forced her trembling arms to push her off the ground. Her vision blurred, and her head spun, but she clenched her teeth, refusing to give in. The Goliath's massive form loomed closer, each step a countdown to her demise.
Suga's katana gleamed as it
You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net