It has been more than two months since the apocalypse fell upon South Korea.
Daegu was still a frozen wasteland, with the landscape barely changing since it got destroyed.
One of the only things that were still standing of what was left of the disaster is Minhyuk's settlement. The place was now even more fortified than before and is now bustling with a lot of people, thanks to Minhyuk and several of his men engaging in different rescue missions outside the settlement over the past few weeks.
Zeke and Jihyo on the other hand, were subjected to intense and consistent training sessions by Seojun to make them fit for combat. Zeke felt shy training with Jihyo at first, but Jihyo was supportive of him every step of the way, and soon enough, he was comfortable training with her.
The first two weeks were exercises focused on improving their overall health, strength, balance, perception, and stamina-- exercises that were not limited to pilates, yoga, lifting weights, scaling boxes of supplies, and sprinting.
The next two weeks were then focused on hand-to-hand combat. Seojun taught them several martial arts specializing in offensive and defensive techniques.
When the armed combat training came along after that, Jihyo practiced with the Seraphim in it's cane form, while Zeke chose his pipe wrench as a training weapon because he felt he was more efficient with a smaller weapon. Zeke struggled in this part of the training because he didn't have a Manifest to grant him boosted strength and reflexes. Fortunately, Jihyo was there to help him.
Following the armed combat training, Seojun taught Jihyo how to control her light manipulating abilities. So far, she has been able to use her powers to light up her surroundings, compress harmless light coming out of her hands into short-burst lasers, create crystallized light barriers, and infuse her Manifest with crystallized light to amplify the power of her slashes.
And through those powers, Jihyo was able to develop moves and techniques of her own.
Beyond training, Zeke and Jihyo's friendship grew. Initially, Zeke would hesitate on even approaching Jihyo for help, but now he was full-on exchanging jokes and laughs with her without any shyness. And Jihyo, being the friendly person that she naturally is, took this as a good sign of their growing friendship.
Their friendship with the other members of the settlement has grown too. They got to know Minji and Hyungwon better.
The four would often hang out a lot whenever Hyungwon wasn't busy, or when Zeke and Jihyo had a break from training.
That, along with other people in the settlement occasionally asking Jihyo for autographs and selfies. She was still an idol, after all.
Zeke even surprised Jihyo with a birthday party with the help of Minji and Hyungwon--- a birthday she won't forget.
March 12, 2023, 4:43 pm, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.
It was a cold afternoon. Zeke and Jihyo were now on their free time, but they've decided to spar with each other for fun.
Zeke went out of their makeshift apartment, stretching out his arms.
He sported a thick black jacket that has several pockets on the side. Underneath that is a plain bright orange shirt. His jeans were in a pleasant shade of dark blue, a little bit loose at the garters, but nonetheless, comfortable.
"Hey, Zeke!" Jihyo said as she comes outside after a few minutes. "You ready for our sparring sesh?"
"Yep!" Zeke looks at her. A maroon hoodie with the words "IT'S LIT." with a flashlight design in the middle covered her upper body. Her navy blue jeans completed the look. Overall, her outfit really suited her.
"Still can't believe you wore that outfit," Zeke said as he laughed.
"What? it compliments my powers, so when I saw this design, I just took it and wore it. It's now my fave outfit, honestly." Jihyo smiled. "Now, if you're done going head over heels over my hoodie, ready up. You still got a score to settle with me, right?"
"That was ONE win, Jihyo, it doesn't mean anything," Zeke replied as he frowned. "And you used your powers! I lost within, what, 5 seconds? Unfair."
"Alright, alright. I'll give you a handicap. I won't use my powers, and I'll only fight with Seraphim in cane form. Fair enough?" Jihyo smirked.
"Fine," Zeke replied as they walked toward the open area of the settlement.
Seojun, Minji, Hyungwon, and some other people watched them from the sidewalks.
"Look at them go again," Minji said as she sat down. "They look like they're going to have fun yet again. I wish I could do the same.."
"You can always join us on our training so you can spar with them," Seojun said as he smiled at Minji.
"Nah, Seojun-nim.. with the amount of intense training I've seen you give them, I think I'm good with just whacking things with a pointy stick." Minji chuckled.
Zeke and Jihyo stood in front of each other. Jihyo draws her Seraphim in cane form, while Zeke draws his ever-trusty pipe wrench.
"Zeke, on three! Hana.." Jihyo began the count.
"Dul.." Zeke said.
"..Ses!" They both exclaim as they charged towards each other.
As the two closed in on each other, Jihyo immediately slashed downward with the cane. Zeke sidestepped to the left, dodging the attack. He then spun his whole body, swinging his pipe wrench with great force. Jihyo then blocked the attack.
"Oh, no, Jihyo. Not this again!" Zeke said as he struggled with his pipe wrench.
"I'm still handicapped, y'know." Jihyo smiled. "Now let's see if you can handle this move even if it's weakened. Crystalline Blanket!"
The cane glows in prismatic light as Jihyo slammed Zeke with a barrage of graceful slashes. These slashes create a seemingly smooth, crystal sheets of light that leaves no opening for Zeke to strike into. The attack forces Zeke into a defensive position for a good while.
As the barrage went on, Zeke immediately knew that he was overwhelmed. He surely can't match Jihyo's reaction time and strength because she was a wielder, and he wasn't.
However, he knew he didn't need to match her speed and strength to win. He had to fight smart.
Zeke dodged another slash from Jihyo as he jumps back a few feet. He then throws his pipe wrench, much to Jihyo's surprise.
"What is he doing? He's going to have no weapon!" Jihyo thought as she swatted the pipe wrench away using her cane. She was then immediately met by a flurry of snowballs to the face, rendering her blind.
"Y-yah!" Jihyo yelped as she tried to remove the snow from her face. Zeke immediately ran toward his pipe wrench behind Jihyo, grabs it, and dashes toward her.
Jihyo barely wiped the snow off her face when she feels Zeke coming. Before she could even react, he disarms her, sending the Manifest off her hands. He then points his pipe wrench at her.
Jihyo pants then pouts. "Unfair. You cheated."
"That wasn't a power, so it's valid," Zeke said, letting down his pipe wrench. "And besides. Even without using your powers, you still have improved strength. I can't top that, so I gotta improvise." Zeke chuckles as he grabs her cane and gives it to her. Jihyo takes it and smiles.
"A fine presentation, Mr. Zeke," Seojun said as he went towards them. "Using the environment to your advantage over a stronger enemy... Splendid."
Jihyo giggles. "Yeah. Didn't even thought of that. Good job!"
"Ehe... Thank you, guys." Zeke replied.
Just then, Hyungwon walks toward them.
"Zeke-nim, Jihyo-ssi, Seojun-nim. Minhyuk would like to see you immediately." He said.
"Oh? So sudden? It looks like an emergency. Let's make haste, then." Seojun said as they walked towards Minhyuk's place.
When they arrived, they were in front of his office--- a once spacious clothing store. Zeke knocks on the door.
"Minhyuk-nim, it's us," Zeke said. After a while, the door opens, and they're greeted by Minhyuk.
"Ah, hello. Come in, we have an important thing to discuss." He said as he moved to the side. As they entered his office, they see his small desk, with a nice chair, a few drawers, and a table with a CB radio on it.
"I've received a distress call." Minhyuk began. "From the radio."
Zeke and Jihyo's eyes widen. "A distress call..? We haven't had that since we came here." Jihyo said.
"Yes. This is a first, and it confirms the existence of other settlements in Daegu." Minhyuk replied. "Anyway, going back. This particular distress call came from Dalseong Park. There was a settlement there that was suddenly under attack by a huge amount of snowmen and Scrapers, and currently, all the survivors are on their own, scattered all across the park, evading the damned monsters. Which is why I decided to call on you."
"You want us to go there and help. Is that what you're saying?" Zeke asked.
"Yes. None of my men are available at the moment since they're out on another rescue mission and haven't come back yet." Minhyuk replied. "You're the only one I got right now."
"Hmm. This is indeed a serious matter.." Seojun thought for a while. If what the distress call said is true, then we truly have no choice but to go."
Seojun looks at Zeke and Jihyo.
"I think you're ready for this, Zeke, Jihyo," Seojun said to them.
"Sure we ar-- wait, we are?" Zeke said, seemingly baffled by Seojun's decision.
"Yes. Don't worry, I'll accompany you two, so if anything goes sour, I can back you up." Seojun replied. "Now, you should prepare. Minhyuk and I will wait for you outside.
"Understood, Seojun-nim. Zeke, let's go." Jihyo replied as they immediately went back to their makeshift apartment.
They went and silently packed some essentials on their small bags, fixed their clothing, and groomed themselves.
Before they were even done, Zeke suddenly spoke.
"Jihyo, are we really ready for this?" Zeke asked Jihyo as he sat down. "I think it's all so soon.."
"What do you mean?" Jihyo replied as she wore her small backpack.
"I know I've done this before... we've beaten a lot of these monsters together. But for some reason, I feel hesitant this time.." Zeke said as he looked down. Jihyo immediately became worried. She sits down next to Zeke and takes off her bag.
"Zeke.. Are you afraid?" Jihyo asked.
"Of what?" Zeke replied, still looking down.
"Of this threat we are about to face." Jihyo said.
"Perhaps," Zeke replied. "Maybe I'm just scared of what's going to happen to me. To you. To Seojun-nim. We're used to running away from these things, we defeated a Scraper before because it was alone, and we only jumped into a horde of snowmen before because we had backup. Now we have to deal with a shit ton of them head-on, on our own. And.. I'm afraid we'll fail. I'm afraid we can't save those people."
Jihyo just nodded.
"But at the same time, I can't just sit here and watch as them die out there. I have to do something, but..." Zeke continued. "Ah, I don't know, Jihyo. These feelings are all too complicated."
"Look.." Jihyo took a deep breath. "It's natural to be afraid. Even I am, right now. I'm just not showing it." She chuckled. "Hesitation and fear get the better of us, and I cannot blame you for feeling that way. This is all new to us after all, so, I get it."
They both fell silent for a short while.
"Jihyo.. What do you do if you feel fear?" Zeke asked.
"Well.. it's kinda unconventional, but if I feel afraid about doing something new.. I take a step back and think of things for a short while... aaaand then I do it anyway." Jihyo replied.
"Wouldn't that make you fear grow even more?" Zeke replied.
"True.. but sometimes, we have to do things even if we are afraid, you know? Because it's in those times where we figure out what we truly want to do, whatever that is."
Zeke just looks down, contemplating on what she said.
"Hey.." Jihyo said. "At least try not to pressure yourself later, alright? Just take it one step at a time." Jihyo replied. "You aren't alone in this. You got us!"
Zeke looks as her as he nodded.
"So... cheer up?" Jihyo said as she smiled while doing the hand gesture for the song "Cheer Up!".
Zeke looks at Jihyo and smiles. "Thank you. I feel a bit better."
"There we go! That's the Zeke I'm used to seeing! "Jihyo said as she flashed her gummy smile. "So.. Are you good now?" She asked.
"Yes, yes.. let's go, Mr. Seojun and Mr. Minhyuk have been waiting long enough." Zeke said as they left their apartment and returned to where Seojun is.
"Sorry for the delay.. We talked about important things." Jihyo said to Minhyuk.
"It's fine. Now, one of my men will take you to Dalseong Park in a few minutes via truck." Minhyuk said.
"Aren't you coming, Mr. Minhyuk?" Zeke asked.
"No, sadly. Now that we discovered a threat of an attack like that, there might be a chance that our settlement might be a target as well. I'll need to help around and barricade this place even further." Minhyuk replied.
"A cautious leader," Seojun remarked. "Wise."
"You're wiser than me, Seojun-nim." Minhyuk replied as he gave a small smile. "Now.. you guys should get going. I wish you the best of luck."
Zeke, Jihyo and Seojun nodded as they boarded the truck to their destination.
They arrive shortly outside the park, stopping infront of one of its destroyed walls. The place was getting darker as the night sets in, and they can only see what seems to be an endless grove of snow-covered trees without leaves infront of them, along with a few fallen lamp posts, chunks of rock that seemingly came from a building, and broken benches.
Before they could step in, they see a man seemingly hiding behind a tree. Jihyo cautiously approached him as she held her Manifest tightly. Zeke and Seojun followed.
The man immediately notices as he jolts in fear and points his gun with a silencer at the group.
"W-who are you?! S..stay away, you freezing bastards!" He exclaims.
"Relax.. we are not enemies." Jihyo said as she moved closer. She then uses her hand to emit a faint light, revealing the man, who, based on his outfit, looked like a guard.
The guard had ruffled, crewcut hair, black eyes, slightly thick eyebrows, and a well-defined face.
The guard sees Jihyo and her glowing hand, and immediately recognize who she is.
"Hey.. Y..you're Jihyo!" He exclaimed. "From TWICE! Oh my god it's an honor!" He then immediately stood up as he bowed. "My name is Hangyeol! It's so nice to meet you in person!"
"O-oh. Hi. Nice to meet you, Hangyeol." Jihyo smiled.
"Wait. L-look. This part of the grove is the safest area in this park. You can stay here with your friends... I'm sure a rescue party from another settlement will come around soon and save us and the other survivors, so... don't worry."
"Well, to be honest with you, Hangyeol..." Jihyo said. "My friends and I.. we are the rescue party you've been talking about."
"Wh.. What?!" Hangyeol said as he jolts in surprise. "No way, really? Jihyo from TWICE...? Here..? To rescue us..? It's just.. wow."
"Yeah, I know, it's unreal." Zeke replied as he chuckled. "Anyway, we received a distress call coming from here, saying they need assistance.. So.. we went here as fast as we could."
"Oh wow..! I see. I made that distress call." Hangyeol said as he scratches his head. "It's kind of a tight situation here, though, and I don't think all of us right here would be enough to save everyone..."
"What do you mean?" Seojun asked.
"How do I put it.. uhm.. well, there are two places in this park where the survivors mostly scattered. This grove, and that long building over there---the museum, just next to the entrance. All of them are in hiding because of the large amount of monsters in the whole park..." Hangyeol exclaimed.
"At this rate, we wouldn't be able to find them quickly before it gets totally dark.." Zeke said.
"...unless we split up." Hangyeol suggested. "But it's risky."
"It could work." Jihyo replied. "We just have to figure out our groupings."
"If that's the case, then let me plan it out." Seojun began. "Mr. Hangyeol, are the lights around the museum area currently active?"
"Yes, sir. A lot if them are, actually." Hangyeol replied.
"Good. So here is the plan, then. Jihyo and I will be staying in this grove, since she can can light this place up with her Manifest if the search takes too long and the place goes completely dark. Zeke, Hangyeol, you deal with the ones on the building. Can you do that?"
Zeke looked nervous as he tried to reply, but no words came out of his mouth. He then looks at Jihyo. She mouths the words "You can do it!" and gave him an encouraging smile. That alone was enough for Zeke to feel a bit braver.
"We could do that, Mr. Seojun." Zeke finally replied as he smiles back at Jihyo.
"All right. Time for a little stroll, then. Let's meet up in thirty minutes. Quickly, before the night completely falls." Seojun said as the two groups split up to rescue the survivors.