❖ storm forest

@〄 Wong Yukhei *looks over at you when you asked about making a fire first. Although i would have to agree. I looked at you and tilt of my head and nodded* i think so. But shouldnt we also find shelter? If we make -.. *blinks at the moment when you flexed and i saw the muscles. I looked in a way and nods* alright agreed. But if you need help with that too. I wouldnt mind stepping in. *i say and moved to look in a way also before seeing a cave in the distance* what about over there? *looks up at the sky* we need to find a place quick. The storm getting worse *holds my hand up in front my face to block anything from getting in them and watch you nudging* lets go. We can grab along the way for wood to make fire.

@〄 Woo Jiho /squats down, picking up any small dry sticks he could find on the ground. Although the current situation seemed dire, Yukhei was taking his sweet time to look for fire burning wood/
We have to.. make a shelter, but fire should be made first right? Just so we don't freeze to death
/looks up at his partner Jiho while he's squatting on the ground. He gave the other a friendly smile, trying to ease the awkwardness between the two. Jiho was his partner. Each person was suppose to help each other level up, since some of the tasks required two people vs one/
Do you have a plan for what we should do? Just let me know, I'll help you with anything.
/nods in determination. I bring up my arm and flex it in front of you so you can see my muscles/
I'm strong. I can be the one to hunt us food.

(Pt 2)

Jongin was rarely ever spooked, but he felt chills as he walked deeper into the woods. It was even darker between the trees, the leaves protecting him from heavy rain but surely not the whatever creatures lurked in the forest. He pushed on, ignoring his occasional chills, and his instinct led him to a cave, empty, spacious, seated high above tall rocky walls, overlooking the whole forest.

He didn’t waste any more time to claim the place as his shelter, he had been exposed in the outdoors for too long, and in his panther form (thankfully), he climbed down the cave to collect pieces of wood, sticks, and leaves, and brought them back inside the cave. He moved large rocks, pushing them with his paws and head, stacking them up carefully to cover the entrance of the cave, only making enough space for him to slip inside and peek outside, and making it look hopefully hidden enough that no one would suspect it being a cave. It’s a simple den for now, but Jongin could not wait to morph back into his human form to make fire and make the place look just a little bit like home.

The sky roared and a bolt of lightning strucked the old tree right next to where Jongin was standing, but he just stared right up at the source, completely unfazed. Was that a warning to not enter the infamous storm forest? He’d surely heard a lot about the dark lands and its creatures, its monsters— Nobody in the right mind would dare enter, nobody that did not belong there, at least. But that was exactly why Jongin was here, other than because of his deteriorating sanity eversince he got into this world, he had not find any place that had welcomed an outsider like himself. So he marched on into the forest as the rain started to pour and the sky above him darkened, ready to face whatever, and whoever was lurking between the trees.

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi rolled his eyes, smiling. He watched as Jimin stumbled backwards and moved forward, grabbing his shirt in his teeth lightly so he didn't fall backwards. He steadied Jimin and stayed still, only moving when Jimin was on his back. 'keep your eyes open, Jimin...' Soon the Barren Lands were in his sights and only moments later they reached the edge of it between the forest and the barren land... He got down again so Jimin could get down, wiggling around so he could shift back again.

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin nodded his head. “Oh darn, you’ve figured out my plan.” He swung his arm shaking his head still trying to joke with Woonggi. “Yes, now you’re listening to me.” Jimin stands up to his feet shakily, his knees feeling like jello. It went black for a moment and he stumbled back before seeing stars then a blurry picture of the world around him. He looked around uneasily taken a bit by surprise at how fast Woonggi had shifted. “T- thank you.” His sight still hadn’t cleared, shuffling over to climb back onto the wolf's back. His arms were very shaky as he wrapped himself around the other’s body. He could see pictures of the landscape zooming by, afraid that if he closes his eyes he may pass on.

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi gave a small pout when he couldn't find anything, looking up at Jimin and giving a small nod. "Boo... You... I see you're trying to distract me." He said, giggling softly. "Alright, alright... Let's go... I suppose the faster this is done... The faster I can get you home... Just hold on as tightly as you can..." Just as he finished speaking he was startled by shifting again. 'I really wish I could control that...' He grumbled in his head. He lowered himself for Jimin to climb on again and once he was again secure. Woonggi took off, wasting no time by running.

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin tried to give him a smile to sell the act he was putting on but no matter how hard he tried, no smile was coming out he just ended up blinking whenever he tried. “Please, the faster we get there the faster I can get better.” He spoke slowly in a calm tone of voice , seemingly unfazed by Woonggi’s worrying. “If I can still hold onto you without falling off , then I’m perfectly fine.” Jimin shakes his head, “Boo.” He tries to lighten the mood by making a joke when the other had called him a ghost. He grasps gently on Woonggi’s wrist tugging him lightly. “I am fine, besides there is nothing around that can help me.”

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi appreciated Jimin's small action to let him know he was at least still breathing. But it wasn't enough for him. He looked around a little after setting Jimin down. He narrowed his eyes at the other and shook his head. "No. That's a lie. I can feel you getting weaker, Jimin. Your arms around me were getting weaker and weaker. And you're so pale you could be mistaken for a ghost..." He said gently. "And absolutely not. You're not walking anywhere looking like that... Maybe I can find something to help you... But I don't know what..." He immediately started looking around to try and find something to help keep Jimin's strength up.

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin rested his head against Woonggi’s back, feeling warm and secure in his fur. “Okay~” He let out a small sigh as they began to walk on. He stared at the scenery around them as they passed trees and shrubbery that looked very depressing. “This place really is really glum, huh?” Jimin could feel his strength slowly depleting and his head was pounding like a drum, he’s heard that canines can sense if someone’s sick or hurting but maybe since Woonggi wasn’t a full wolf he couldn’t tell. He gently soothed Woonggi’s underbelly with his thumb just to let him know that he was still alive. When they stopped he let out a small hum carefully getting off the other and sitting on the ground. “No I'm not, let’s just keep going.” He looked up at him, his face now pale instead of his normal peachy skin tone. “Do you need me to walk the rest of the way?” This time he didn’t even try to smile his face was expressionless.

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi let out a soft sound and nodded his head a little bit. The other's hand moving through his fur was an interesting feeling he hadn't felt before. It was somehow different from when people play with his hair. He nodded again and waited for Jimin to be comfortable and secure. Knowing he was alright when his arms wrapped around Woonggi, who shook his head in response to the question. He stood up when he was sure Jimin was okay and started walking towards the Barren Land. Woonggi let out a soft huff and nodded a little bit. He could feel the strength in Jimin's arms slowly fading out and he became more concerned than he had been. He finally decided to stop when they were almost half way between his den and the Barren Lands. He let Jimin down and forced himself to shift back. "Jimin... You're getting really weak... I can feel it..."

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin smiled softly patting Woonggi’s head sighing in relief as he lied gently onto his back. “You are really kind, you know that right?” He hummed brushing his hand against the wolf's side. “If you need a break just nip at me and I’ll get off for you.” Jimin wrapped his arms around Woonggi’s underbelly laying in his fluffy fur coat. “Is this uncomfortable for you?” He lets out a shaky breath grunting softly. “L- let’s go now.” He nods to the other, signaling him to go. “I don’t mean to rush you, go at your own pace. I’ll tell you if I’m having any trouble.” Obviously that was a flat out lie because Jimin was already feeling a bit weak.

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi knew the other was lying. It was obvious in the way he smiled. Since his eyes showed a different emotion. But he decided to drop the matter, for now at least. "Mmmm... I'll do what I can to ensure you don't die..." Woonggi said, nodding. Woonggi watched the way the other got up so quickly and was ready to move if he needed to be caught. But he was relieved when Jimin easily climbed up onto his back. Woonggi let out a huff and a nod. The other was pretty light. Then again, Woonggi wasn't exactly a small wolf. Though definitely not as big as others. But big enough to carry someone without collapsing.

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin slapped on a smile trying to make it look as genuine as he could. “I really would try to make you better if I could.” He reassured the other nodding. “That works, as long as I don’t die along the way.” He said jokingly while letting out a forced laugh knowing that death is actually a possibility. “I’m glad that I ran into you, if there wasn’t anyone in that den I don’t know what I would’ve done.” He smiled waving when Woonggi squinted at him. “Oh yeah, of course, take as much time as you need.” Jimin watched as the other male walked back into his den taking a seat on the ground placing his head in between his knees. As he sat there waiting for Woonggi to come out he wondered if wolves could smell you’re sick. He stood up quickly seeing the other coming back out climbing onto his back gently. “I don’t weigh much so I shouldn’t be much of a problem.”

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi hummed softly. "ohhhhh... I see, I see. Really? Well.. Then it's a good thing I can carry you." He said, humming. He leaned back against the entrance of his den, humming softly. "Level 3... Well... Let's get you to Level 2 first~. And then we can see about getting you to Level 3." He shook his head a little. "Well... Then I guess it's a good thing I'm here. I'll take you back home after you complete your task in the Barren Lands." He narrowed his eyes when the other answered his unasked question. "Clearly... You are not... But... Yes... Just... Give me a moment..." He went back into his cave and did everything he could to shift, before finally managing to and walking back out to the other, crouching down and motioning with my head for you to get up onto my back.

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin shook his head laughing softly. “I’m sorry, I meant I wish I could use the magic. I can heal but since I’ve left my home my health depletes faster. I shouldn’t really go anywhere until I reach level three.” He looks over at the other smiling softly. “I get very weak and using my magic just worsens the problem. That’s why I’m not flying right now, I need to save as much energy as I can.” He sighs looking down for a moment as his breath becomes shaky. “I’m okay.” He lifts his gaze back to Woonggi giving him a smile trying to mask his pain. “Should we get going?”

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi nodded a bit, humming softly. "Yeah. It's alright. It doesn't hurt the bad." He said, smiling. "It's alright. You can ask me questions, Jimin~." Woonggi tilted his head a little bit, nodding. "Is the only magic you have for plants? Or what else do you do?" He was genuinely curious about the other's abilities. Woonggi nodded, smiling. "Thank you~... I hope so. I shift at the weirdest times sometimes. I can control it enough to stay shifted for a while though." He laughed at Jimin's question, nodding. "They are. It's all brown and dead... And depressing." Woonggi looked back at Jimin, nodding. "It'll be alright. I'll just put you down if it hurts too much."

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin nodded his head at Woonggi’s explanation to the pain in his arm. “Ah, okay I was just wondering but I didn’t know wether or not it’d be rude to ask.” He shrugs slightly smiling softly. “I wish I had healing magic cause then I could make it feel better but I guess...” He leaned down gently placing a kiss on his arm then smiling. “that’s the best I can do. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it soon.” Jimin grinned placing the pouch back into his pocket patting them lightly. “Are all the plants there dead? Oh, haha wait, it’s probably called the barren lands for a reason.” He smiles sheepishly nodding in agreement. “I can ride on your back only if you can carry me, you did hit your arm and I wouldn’t want to be a pain to you.”

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi hummed softly, ignoring the light pain in his arm. He noticed the other looking at it and shrugged. "It's fine. I just hit it when I shifted in the cave... I can't control my shifts just yet." He said reassuring the other. "I do~ I know exactly where they are. I've been avoiding the area though... But I'm willing to take you there~." He said, smiling. He looked at the pouch of seeds the other held and nodded. "Oh! That's a good idea~ That place could use something green. It's very brown there. I like that. It never hurts to try~." Woonggi laughed when the other's eyes widened. "My back, silly. Yes. I'm a shifter~ And I can communicate with you through head movement. So you can ask yes or no questions while we travel." He shrugged. "You never know who you'll run into. There's always a possibility of a hostile or something. But don't worry. My wolf is rather strong."

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin eyed Woonggi’s arm as he rubbed it then fixed his gaze back to his eyes. He smiled nodding slightly, he had a confused look on his face as the other looked around wondering what exactly was he looking for. “Yes, the barren lands. Oh you do?!” Jimin giggled excitedly. “That’s great! Oh, I’m going there because I need to grow a plant.” He smiled at Woonggi carefully taking a pouch of seeds out of his pocket, showing him. “Or at least try to grow a plant, I know there’s really nothing there but it never hurts to try.” His eyes grew wide at the other’s words. “Ride on your what now?!” He nodded his head when he heard the rest of Woonggi’s sentence. “Oh, are you a shifter? Wait, what do you mean just in case?” He face the other a slightly worried look.

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi rubbed his arm, having hit it on the side of his den during the sudden transformation. He studied the other for a second before humming softly. "Hi Jimin~ Ah... I see..." He hummed and looked around for a moment just to be sure nothing was around them. "Barren Lands... Oh! Yes! I do know where that is! I can take you there! Though... Why are you going there? That place is... Desolate. To say the least... Though... I suppose it's really not my business. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He tapped his chin. "You can ride on my back if you want. I can carry you there as a wolf~ And it'll be easier for me to protect you that way. Just in case."

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin heard a sound come from the back of the cave, kind of sounding like a whine or a squeak. He was really confused as to what was in there, unless he was just hearing things. He then heard footsteps as a young man emerged from inside, approaching him. Jimin unconsciously took a step back, but then smiled when he saw the friendly look on the boy’s face. “Hi, my name is Jimin and I am very lost.” He smiled sheepishly looking towards the ground. “I need to get to the barren lands, I think that’s what it was,” He mumbled to himself then looked up at the other. “Yes, I need to get to the barren lands but I really don’t know how. D- do you think you could help me?”

@❧ Park Jimin Woonggi tilted his head as he heard footsteps approaching his cave. He moved towards the back of it and waited quietly. His eyes immediately moving to the face at the entrance of his den. A small sound leaving the wolf as he managed to shift back. He fixed his clothes and made his way out of the den, smiling to the person. "Hello!" He said, humming softly. "Can I help you with anything? Are you lost?" From the smell of it the person was a guardian, and by his apparel he was most likely a fairy elf. Woonggi curiously inspected the other. "I'm Woonggi, by the way."

@〄 Cha Woonggi Jimin wandered around aimlessly and confused, not really knowing where he was going or what he was doing. He walked down the path not feeling too fond of this place, it seemed very gloomy and dark. He sighed heavily sitting down on a large rock placing his head in his hands. He was feeling very confused and a little stressed out about all that was happening. He looked around to see if there was any life nearby, noticing a rock formation that looked like a cave or a den. Being the nosy person that he is, he decided to walk over to it peeking his head around the corner of the entrance. “Hello? Is there anyone in here?”

Woonggi walked quietly through the forest, enjoying the silence. All but the crows were at peace. It seemed the crows were never happy and always going on about something. Woonggi sniffed the air and determined that the area would be good for a den. He managed to Find a rocky area and decided to create on there, after having no luck finding an abandoned den. He go to work moving around rocks until he had a decent sized den, capable of fitting at least two people in it. Or two shifters at least. He stood back and decided to test it by tossing a few stones onto the top of the den. Including a slightly larger stone. "Eep!" He squeaked as he suddenly shifted out of nowhere. 'oh come on...' He sighed and walked into the den, looking around it.