✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

The narrow alleyway ahead of them was eerily silent, the aftermath of battle hanging in the air. YN's blood stained Jungkook's shirt as he carried her, but the urgency in his movements kept him from slowing down. The sound of their footsteps echoed, sharp and tense, against the concrete walls.

Suga walked ahead, his gaze constantly flicking between the surroundings, ensuring no threats lingered. His katana was still drawn, his grip tight, ready for anything. They had barely escaped one danger, and the next could be just around the corner.

Jimin moved silently beside them, eyes darting back and forth, his stance defensive. He was clearly uneasy-no matter how many times they fought, the weight of each new threat never lessened. The worry was evident in his face as he glanced at YN, who was struggling to stay conscious in Jungkook's arms.

"How are you holding up?" Jungkook's voice was soft, trying not to aggravate her wounds, but still carrying the weight of concern. He could feel the rapid, shallow breaths coming from YN, the faint trembling of her body as it fought to stay alert.

YN's head lolled slightly toward him, a weak attempt at a smile curling her lips. "I'm fine... just tired of playing catch-up."

Jungkook couldn't help but chuckle softly despite the situation, his gaze flickering to Suga, who had already reached the door to the building they'd been trying to make it to.

"We're almost there," Suga called back, his voice clipped. He had his hand on the door, his body tense, listening for any sounds in the shadows. The last thing they needed was more trouble, but the longer they stayed exposed, the higher the risk.

Jimin stopped,"There are movements, there's like more are coming,"

Jungkook tensed, his protective instincts kicking in, but YN's weak grip on his arm stopped him. She shook her head slightly, her eyes trying to focus despite the dizziness. "We... need to move... no time for another fight," she rasped, her voice hoarse.

Suga turned to look at her, the briefest flicker of hesitation crossing his face. But then he nodded, stepping forward and pushing open the door, motioning for them to hurry inside. "Inside. Now."

They moved quickly, with Jungkook and Jimin following Suga into the building. The door slammed shut behind them with a heavy thud, and the world outside seemed to fade into silence.

Jungkook gently laid YN down on the rooftop, and immediately the others rushed to her side. Hoseok was the first to reach her, his face creased with worry. Without hesitation, he knelt beside her, his hands moving swiftly to check her injuries.

Suga stood slightly apart, still catching his breath from the battle. His gaze never left YN, processing the sight of her bloodied form. Her arm was streaked with blood from the fall, fresh bruises marking her skin where she'd scraped against the harsh ground. Her knees were battered, the fabric of her pants torn at the knees, revealing the deep bruises beneath.

But the most worrying injury was the large gash on her right side-four inches long, deep, and bleeding steadily. The wound was severe, and the blood soaking her clothes was enough to make their hearts race with fear.

Jin, who had followed closely behind, immediately took charge. His experience with medical care kicked in, and he examined the wound with a practiced eye. "This is bad, YN. You're not fine." His voice was calm but firm as he pressed gauze against the gash to slow the bleeding.

YN, though pale and exhausted, managed a weak smile. "It's just scratches, Jin. Honestly, I'm fine. Just a little patch-up and rest... I'll be okay." She tried to sound reassuring, but the pain in her side made it difficult to hide the truth. But who tell them that's something is common for her, she just need rest.

Hoseok shot her a disbelieving look. "Scratches? YN, you're losing blood. This isn't something you just walk off."

She simply shrugged weakly, closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm used to it," she mumbled softly. "No big deal. You're all just overreacting."

Her leg, too, was battered. The bruises on her knees were deep, a clear sign of the force from her fall. The fabric of her pants was torn, exposing the injuries.

Suga, standing back with a calm intensity, finally spoke. "YN, you're not invincible. This needs attention, now."

YN nodded weakly, too exhausted to argue. "Okay... but no need to fuss over it," she whispered, her words slurring slightly as her eyelids grew heavy.

Jin continued to work, applying bandages and gauze to her side, while Hoseok kept his eyes on the surroundings, ever watchful for any more threats. Jungkook, despite his anxiety, remained by her side, his hands hovering over her as if to make sure nothing could harm her.

As Jin finished wrapping her side, YN's breathing grew shallow, and her eyes began to flutter closed. Jungkook, noticing her growing exhaustion, gently lifted her head and rested it on his lap. His hand brushed a few stray strands of hair from her forehead, concern evident in his eyes. "YN, stay with us," he whispered, though he knew she was too far gone to hear him.

But her body trembled from the blood loss, and the fight was over for her. In an instant, her weakened form succumbed to the fatigue. Her head relaxed on Jungkook's lap, her eyes closing completely as sleep took her, her breath steadying into the quiet rhythm of unconsciousness.

Jin and Hoseok exchanged glances, but there was little they could do now except wait for her to heal. "She needs rest," Jin muttered softly, his eyes still on YN's pale face.

Jungkook gazed down at her, his hand resting gently on her head, his fingers brushing her hair as he murmured, "We'll protect you, YN."

The others watched, their worry evident in their eyes, but they knew there was nothing more they could do at the moment.

---

The minutes dragged on in tense silence. YN remained unconscious, her body finally succumbing to the exhaustion that had been building for hours. The others kept their vigil, their senses heightened. The dying light of the sun stretched long shadows, and the evening air began to cool.

"You heard that, right?" Suga's voice broke the quiet, his eyes scanning the horizon with sharp focus.

RM nodded, a grim expression on his face. "The noise from earlier... it's going to draw them in. We don't have much time."

Suga's tone turned serious, his gaze locked on the distance. "If it's the same kind we've fought before, we could be dealing with Goliaths. We've got stalkers and ambushers mixed in, but if that horde gets here... we won't make it."

RM exhaled sharply, his jaw clenched. "We can't afford to wait. If they catch our scent, we're done."

The group fell silent, the weight of their situation settling over them. The horde was on its way-less than an hour out, and the smell of death would soon be on the wind.

Just then, a soft groan broke the tension. RM and Suga turned quickly, watching as YN's eyes fluttered open. Her gaze was unfocused for a moment, but it quickly sharpened, scanning her surroundings.

"Where's my bag?" Her voice was rough, but it carried an air of quiet urgency.

The others exchanged a glance, still processing what had just happened. Suga was the first to respond. "You've been unconscious for a while. You need to rest."

YN, without hesitation, pushed herself up, wincing slightly as she moved. "I'm fine," she said, her voice steady. "Where's my bag?"

Jin, who had been sitting nearby, handed it to her. "You should really-"

"I'm fine," YN interrupted, her tone firm as she took the bag. She pulled out a small bottle of painkillers and took two, swallowing them quickly without a second thought. As the medicine began to dull the fatigue in her body, she scanned the group, taking in the situation with sharp eyes.

"So, what's going on?" she asked, her voice cool and composed despite the situation. She could feel the weight of the tension in the air, the urgency growing by the second.

The others looked at her, still surprised by her resilience. But no one said a word, each of them too focused on the approaching danger to argue.

YN, nodding understandingly then glanced down at herself and frowned. Her clothes were torn, and her shirt was in tatters. "Do any of you have a spare shirt?" she asked, a touch of discomfort in her voice.

Jin was quick to respond, pulling a fresh, clean shirt from his bag and tossing it to her. "Here. You sure you're okay?"

YN nodded stood tall, the shirt Jin had given her fitting her with sharp practicality. She adjusted her dagger at her side, the movement swift and purposeful. Her sword was already in hand, the familiar weight reassuring as it settled against her back. But as she looked around at the group, she knew they couldn't afford to stay passive any longer.

"Everyone, gear up," she said, her voice carrying a quiet but firm command. She glanced at each of them, her eyes piercing with the urgency of the situation. "Weapons, supplies-whatever you can carry. We need to be ready."

Jungkook opened his mouth to protest, but YN didn't give him the chance. Her gaze shifted to Suga, then to Jimin, both of them already making moves to check their weapons, but she pressed on. "I'm going to check the horses. We can't risk them being unprepared if we need to move."

Suga gave a quick nod. "We'll be ready," he said, his tone sharp as he moved toward his gear, eyes scanning the area for anything useful.

Jimin, always quick to follow YN's lead, adjusted the pack slung over his shoulder, a determined look in his eyes. "Understood," he said, already beginning to gather additional supplies.

YN turned and moved swiftly toward the building's exit, the sound of her boots on the gravel crunching underfoot. The horses were just near the side of the building, tied loosely to a fence in the shade of the trees. As she approached, the familiar scent of their coats, mixed with the earth and wind, grounded her in the present.

She checked both horses quickly, her hands moving with practiced speed as she inspected their saddles, reins, and packs. If they needed to run, they couldn't afford to have anything slow them down.

The sun was dipping lower now, and the air had begun to chill. YN glanced back toward the building, where the others were preparing, and then she looked toward the horizon. The shadows were stretching longer, and she could feel the time slipping away.

---

The fading light of the day cast long shadows as YN led the way. Her two horses, Orion and Astra, followed closely behind, packed with the supplies they would need for the days ahead. The others walked in tight formation, weapons in hand, alert to the silence around them. The air was thick with the tension of what was to come, but YN was focused, her mind already planning the next steps.

After a few moments, Jungkook spoke up, breaking the silence. "Where exactly are we going?" His voice was quiet, but there was an edge of concern beneath it.

YN's gaze remained fixed ahead, her posture confident as she spoke. "I'm heading toward the water tank tower. It's the tallest building in this area-should be far enough to give me a good view of the surrounding area. I need to make a quick trip there and check it out before we do anything else."

There was a brief pause as the others processed her words. Jin, walking beside YN, exchanged a glance with Suga before speaking. "You're going alone?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

YN nodded, without hesitation. "Yes. I'll be fine. You all need to stay together. We can't afford to split up right now."

Suga, who had been walking in step with YN, took a step closer, his voice low but insistent. "If you're going alone, at least let one of us go with you. It's too dangerous to go out there by yourself."

YN shook her head firmly. "I'm not taking anyone with me. You all need to stay together and hold down this position. I'll handle the water tower alone. We need to stay as quiet as possible, and I don't want to draw attention by having too many of us out there."

Jimin, who had been listening quietly, took a step forward. "Then let me or Tae go with you. We can help with the horses and keep an eye out while you're making your trip. It's risky to leave the group too exposed."

YN glanced at both of them, her eyes softening for just a moment before she shook her head again. "I'm not asking for a babysitter. I know what I'm doing. The danger is real, but I can handle it. Stay focused, Keep the group safe."

Jimin and Tae exchanged a glance, their concern still palpable, but they didn't press her further. YN's tone was resolute, and they both knew it was pointless to argue.

"I'll be quick," YN added, giving them a small nod. "Once I check the tower, I'll come back. You all stay sharp. There's no telling what's coming our way."

As she spoke, she paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the group, ensuring they understood the gravity of the situation. "And just to be clear-don't wait for me here. Head toward the end of town, where I found you them. The area where Jin, Jungkook, and Hobi were. You can't just stay in the middle of nowhere while I'm out there checking. If things go south, that's where I'll meet you. Don't take chances, alright?"

The others nodded, and there was a brief moment of quiet understanding between them. They knew it was risky, but they also knew YN's instinct for survival was sharper than anyone else's.

With a final glance at them, YN turned back to her horses, her mind already on the next steps. "Astra, will stay with u guys. Orion and I are heading out."

She mounted Orion with practiced ease, her hand steady on his reins. Without another word, she nudged the horse forward, Astra trotting calmly behind them.

As YN moved toward the direction of the water tower, her mind was already calculating the best route to avoid drawing attention. The others stood silently, watching her go, and it was only after she had disappeared from view that Jungkook finally spoke.

"We should make sure we're ready when she gets back," he said, a touch of worry in his voice.

Tae nodded grimly. "She's strong, but she doesn't have eyes on everything. We need to stay vigilant. If things go south, we stick together. No matter what."

Jin took a deep breath, glancing around at the group. "We move forward as planned. We'll head toward the tall building at the corner of town, the one where YN found us. It's familiar ground and safe after that choas."

Suga's eyes narrowed, his voice calm but firm. "Let's not wait for trouble to find us. We move now. Stay close, and stay alert."

The group moved quickly, preparing to hold their position until YN returned. Meanwhile, YN rode alone, her mind focused on the task ahead as she made her way toward the water tower. She knew the risk, but she also knew the importance of checking that location. If anything was out of place, she needed to see it for herself.

---

Y/N's Pov

My heart pounded as I navigated the abandoned streets, the weight of my mission pressing heavily on my shoulders. The silence was oppressive, as though the world itself was holding its breath. My eyes darted to every shadow, every corner, attuned to the dangers that could emerge without warning.

The rhythmic clopping of my horse's hooves echoed faintly against the cracked pavement. As I neared the base of a looming water tower, I slowed her to a stop. The structure's rusted frame jutted into the sky, its silhouette stark against the dimming light of dusk.

Sliding off the saddle with practiced ease, my hand instinctively brushed the hilt of my sword. The wind carried a faint, rancid scent-decay mingled with the sharp tang of rust. My senses sharpened as I scanned the area. At first glance, nothing seemed out of place, but I'd learned long ago that silence often hid the most dangerous truths.

As I tethered my horse to a nearby post, a soft shuffling sound made me freeze. My grip tightened on my sword as my eyes darted toward the shadows. Two figures emerged-Stalkers. Their twisted, decayed forms moved deliberately, heads jerking unnaturally as they sniffed the air. Their erratic movements and low growls sent a chill down my spine.

I crouched low, pressing myself behind a rusted metal barrel. The Stalkers hadn't noticed me yet, their attention drawn to something in the opposite direction. Slowly, I unsheathed my sword and crept closer, each step silent against the pavement. In a swift, precise motion, I slashed through the first Stalker's neck, watching as it crumpled without a sound. Before the second could react, I drove my blade through its temple, ending it instantly.

Exhaling quietly, I wiped the blade on my pants and scanned the area again. The smell of decay had grown stronger, carried by the wind. It wasn't over-not yet. Muscles tense, I turned my attention to the base of the tower.

Using the cover of dusk, I moved toward it, every step deliberate. The closer I got, the heavier the air seemed, thick with that rancid smell. My breath hitched as I started the climb, each movement slow and purposeful.

The ladder creaked faintly under my weight, the sound unnervingly loud in the stillness. I paused, holding my breath, straining to hear anything out of the ordinary. Nothing-just the faint whisper of the wind.

My heartbeat thudded in my ears as I climbed higher, the ground falling away beneath me. I counted each rung in my head, focusing on the rhythm to keep myself steady. A soft rustling below made me glance down, but the shadows remained still.

By the time I reached the top, my breathing was shallow, and my muscles burned from the climb. I pulled myself onto the platform and crouched low, taking a moment to scan my surroundings. The area was empty-just me, the open night sky, and the faint outline of distant hills.

The painkillers were doing their job, numbing the pain of it, but the ache lingered-a constant, nagging reminder of my injury. Every movement sent a faint ripple of discomfort through me, not enough to stop me, but enough to keep me aware. I pressed a hand lightly to the bandage, testing it, and exhaled when the pain stayed tolerable. It wasn't gone, not entirely, but for now, it was something I could push through.

I scanned the platform one more time, ensuring it was clear before pulling out my binoculars. The elevated vantage point gave me a sweeping view of the surrounding area. Slowly, I panned toward the distant corner of town where my friends were heading. The scattered, crumbling buildings sat in uneasy silence, their shadows long in the fading light. Beyond them, the faint outline of a hill rose against the horizon, slightly over a mile away in the opposite direction.

As I turned to sweep another direction for any threats, my breath caught in my throat. I froze.

---

JK'S POV

The crunch of gravel beneath our boots echoed softly in the quiet night, the half-moon above casting its cold light on the world around us. Astra walked steadily beside me, her reins firm in my hand. The night air carried a chill, but it wasn't the cold that made me uneasy.

I barely knew her. We'd only met this morning, but somehow, it felt like she'd been part of this journey all along. There was something about her-the way she carried herself, the way she moved with a purpose that demanded respect. Even now, despite the injury she'd sustained earlier, she had pushed ahead, taking on a mission alone.

The moonlight painted long shadows