Scouring the Forest

*

                Chansung wandered down into the kitchen to find Min-Jun. He glanced back up the stairs briefly and proceeded to grab a quick breakfast before helping him.

                “Hm, what say we try something new today?” Min-Jun asked as he set down a recipe.

                “Got inspired?” He asks as he looks over the title. “Lava cakes, really?”

                “I have a feeling you have a chocolate bone in you.”

                Chansung grins, “Oh? Just for me?”

                Min-Jun rubbed his back before listing off what they needed.

                Chansung realised that there are several loaves of bread already rising and desserts already in the oven. Looking back at the bear, he couldn't help but blush upon noticing marks lining his neck.

                As they got into making a pot of melted chocolate, Min-Jun directed him on the remainder of the ingredients.

                “These are more simple than I thought.”

                “They’re quick and very yummy, but I haven't made them in a while.” Min-Jun said and began dusting the muffin pans. “So, care to tell me why you were sleeping in the guest room last night?”

                Chansung tensed instantly and slowed in his stirring. Shaking off his feelings of guilt he tried to shrug nonchalantly. “No...”

                The older male didn’t push him, but he still gave him a look like he knew exactly what was going on inside his head.

                “By the way, the pack I had stayed with in Nocturna are here in Fortune. They followed Catchers here because they took some of their cubs. They wanted me to tell you that they would like to speak with both you and Taecyeon whenever you have a chance.” He said, trying to change the subject to decrease the potential for an interrogation.

                Min-Jun exhaled noisily and shook his head. “If we could just get one of the Catchers and show how serious this whole inhumane enterprise is, I’m sure the rest of the world would begin to understand.”

                Chansung couldn’t help but nod in agreement. “Is that why you haven’t done anything to Baron? You want to catch him in action?”

                Min-Jun smiled, “I suppose. It’s the only way the humans will understand what’s happening in our communities.”

                Chansung nodded in agreement. He heard the same sentiment from his father on numerous occasions. "They said they were somewhere in the city, so I may go and help them."

                “At least you're telling me. If they're here, we can go and ask some folks I know. I'm getting really frustrated with just how many people are leaving. This city is turning into a horrible place." Min-Jun sighed. "Now, I guess you met them and that’s why you’re acting strange. That's why you were in the guest room, right?” Chansung went ramrod straight as Min-Jun came up into his personal space. “Sooo...it’s one of two things, you either are thinking of leaving or someone had a lovely encounter and are feeling a little guilty.”

                “N-N-No! It’s neither of those things-"

                Min-Jun smoothed his hand around his neck and tugged him close. “You think I can’t smell it, Chansung? Not only do I have a wonderful youngster of my own, I have met a lot of hybrids over the years, you know?”

                Min-Jun was so tortourous. He knew exactly what to do to make him confess. His heart was throbbing painfully now and his hands were sweaty.

                “What’s so bad about giving in?”

                “I’m confused...” He admitted and almost curled into Min-Jun's hand. "I'm confused about so many things, Min-Jun." He whispered. "There's also..." He trailed off but pushed it back. He wasn't going to worry about that yet.

                The bear inched back at his honesty. “Want to talk about it?”

                “Not right now...”

                Hearing the phone ring, Min-Jun made to answer but it stopped. He indicated for Chansung to assist and he did. Loading the cakes into the oven he tried to dispel the raw feelings he was experiencing.

                “I wasn’t the one down here early this morning baking, just so you know.”

                Chansung steeled back. “Was it-"

                Loud footsteps are barreling down the stairs.

                “Min-Jun!” Taecyeon snarled as he appeared, eyes redder than ever with fury reeling off him in waves. “They took Junho!”

                Min-Jun’s arms dropped to his sides and Chansung turned swiftly to the raging wolverine.

                “W-What?”

                “Wooyoung went to go and pick him up but his family said they haven’t seen him since last night. They tried to call Min but she said she hadn’t seen him.”

                Chansung felt a hollow feeling in his chest. “But I...I dropped him off, I made sure he was home.” He started. “I saw him go in – he was safe–"

                “Shh, it’s alright, Chan, calm down.” Min-Jun quieted him. “This isn’t your fault.”

                “Min-Jun is right, Chansung. Junho could have gone out in the evening.”

                “But...I told him not to.” He said, not comforted by their consolation at all.

                “Where is Wooyoung now?”

                “I told him to come back.” Taecyeon said and he began pacing. “Min-Jun, I-"

                “No!” Min-Jun surged forward and clutched his arms. “You can’t. Chansung, will you help me look for him?”

                Chansung nodded immediately, “Of course, and I know who can help us.” He didn’t think he would be going to Jinwoon and the Nocturna pack so soon, but he didn’t trust any other trackers. Besides, this could potentially lead them to finding their cubs.

                "The Nocturna wolves?"

                Chansung nodded.

                The back door burst open and Wooyoung stormed in. His face was absolutely pale and his eyes vividly dark. “Min-Jun...Min-Jun what’re we going to do?” He asks immediately. "They took him!"

                “You are going to stay here. He might escape and come here, you never know.”

                Wooyoung nodded and began to shake. “Why did this have to happen to him again?” He sobbed and fell to the floor. Chansung made to comfort him but Min-Jun reached him first and rocked him back and forth.

                “Hush now, we can’t give in to despair so quickly. I'm going to look for him and Chansung is coming with me.”

                Wooyoung turned to him quickly. “What? Now?”

                Chansung nodded and gave him a reassuring smile. “We’re going to have help, so don’t worry, okay?”

                “I still think I should go with you.” Taecyeon urged. “Min-Jun, I’m a better tracker than you are and I’ve been in the country more.”

                Min-Jun stood quickly and grabbed Taecyeon’s collar. “Listen here, Taecyeon, you can’t go looking. No matter how you feel, it will look biased if you come with us. The wolves will be amazing trackers. More importantly, you’re working on changing the policies which ensure we hybrids are safe. You have to make calls to the Capital so they know that we have a situation in progress, this is personal now, do you understand?”

                “They have a head start, Min-Jun!” Taecyeon was furious now.

                Chansung edged back and found Wooyoung at his side. He looked like he was on the brink of a breakdown.

                “So let me go!”

                Taecyeon wasn’t the only one taken aback. Wooyoung gasped and clutched his hand tightly. Chansung was frozen in place.

                “Stop wasting my time and let me do what I’m best at, helping hybrids outside of politics. Do what you’re good at and making sure you have concrete evidence for our cause! Isn't that what you've been working on all this time?!”

                The tension in the air was suffocating and Wooyoung’s shoulders began to shake. “If...If you don’t do something soon we’ll lose him forever!” He shouted, catching the attention of his parents. “Stop fighting each other! I’m tired of...I'm tired of all of this. Papa, Min-Jun knows the lands around Fortune better than you!” Taecyeon jerked back at the outburst from his cub. “Papa...please, don’t leave me by myself again.”

                Chansung clutched his shirt tightly at the soft and hurt filled words.

                “What if they come here-"

                Taecyeon had Wooyoung in his arms tightly and rubbing his back. “I’m sorry cub, I’m so sorry.”

                Min-Jun wiped away his tears, “Come, Chansung. We have to hunt.”

                Chansung glanced over Wooyoung once more. He was holding onto to Taecyeon so tightly. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but he was sad that Junho going missing was the cause; he hoped they would be okay. 

                Following Min-Jun, he was handed clothing for their journey. They also quickly prepared some backpacks to take with them and in no time they were heading out the door.

                “Oh!” Chansung goes back. “Wooyoung, do you have anything of Junho’s?”

                Wooyoung raced up the stairs and comes back with a piece of his clothing. As he looked up at him, all his fears and raw emotions were clearly visible and making him shake. “Br-Bring him back home, Chansung.”

                He smiled and hugged him tight. “I will.”

                “Don’t get hurt...” He sobbed against his shoulder. "Come home safe..."

                Chansung hugged him even tighter and then released him. “I have my phone on me so I’ll send updates when I can!” He called as he raced to the truck.

                Wooyoung nodded.

                Chansung climbed into the passenger seat and they took off.

                “Where am I going first?”

                “The dens, the wolves of Nocturna will be there.”

                “I hope we can find their cubs, too,” Min-Jun whispered.

                “I know we will, and we will find Junho.” He assures and sits tight.

                When they finally arrive, Chansung unleashes his scent. They don’t have to walk far before they’re surrounded by the clan.

                “Chansung!” They cheer.

                “Chansung, what’s wrong?!” Jinwoon rushed forth.

                “I might be able to help you find your cubs.”

                Gasps resound throughout the pack.

                “We did notice that the scents of our young became very faint last night.” Erin said. “We sent out a scouting group to follow.”

                Chansung motions to Min-Jun. “This is the bear Elder, Kim Min-Jun. We lost a very dear friend last night as well. He’s a dog and has been taken before.”

                “We will help you!”

                Chansung relaxes immediately as the leader comes barreling forward. “Storm!” He kneels down and the leader comes right up to him. He sniffs at his mouth and nods.

                “We’ve been hoping to catch a break and that they would leave the city. The scout team left early this morning.”

                “Why are you still here?”

                “A special mother and her kits told me to wait.”

                Chansung looked beyond them and up in the direction of the forest. He caught the flicker of white. He would need to bring an offering when he could. “Do you know which direction to take?”

                “South, along the train tracks.” Storm answered. “Take some of the brothers and sisters in your truck, we can follow a scent even while moving quickly.”

                Chansung nods and looked to Min-Jun.

                “You don’t know how much I appreciate your help.” Min-Jun says as he kneels.

                Storm walks towards him and sniffed him.

                “You are weary, Elder. You are in dire need of rest. You have faced too much in a short amount of time. I will accompany you to offset the stress.”

                Min-Jun smiled sadly and nodded, “I thank you for that.”

                Chansung knelt once more. “This is the scent of the one we are looking for. He doesn’t like cats, and he’s not good with strangers.”

                Wolves crowd around him and begin to scurry.

                “We will find them!”

                Already half the pack started south. Storm, Jinwoon and a few others returned with them to the truck. As soon as they were ready Min-Jun set off once again and headed in the direction Jinwoon advised. Before long they are moving down along the train tracks and drifting further and further from the city. Chansung began to feel the apprehension and fear in the air.

                “Min-Jun...what happened to Junho?” Chansung had to ask. "If I find him before you do...I should know."

                The older male sighed and looked down the long stretch of road. “His...blood mother...she lost him to Baron because she couldn’t afford to feed her addiction. So he took him as compensation when he was small.” He said and gripped the steering wheel tighter. “He was living at the shelter after she couldn't afford to take care of him, and Baron kidnapped him from there. We could never prove it obviously. There are rumours that high up politicians and folks in the police are involved. Easy to cover things up when you have friends like that." Min-Jun scoffed. "Baron was Rosabelle’s husband, up until she couldn’t take the accusations and threats from the community anymore. She says that she’s never witnessed him committing crimes or anything like that. I do feel she is genuine at times but I just...its happened too often for me to believe that she is innocent.”

                Chansung leaned back and Jinwoon looked between them.

                “This Rosabelle, is she not the owner of the shelter?”

                “Yes,” Min-Jun answered, “which is why it makes a lot of sense why we never catch the culprits.”

                “Is she human?” Storm asked.

                Chansung looked over at Min-Jun.

                “She is...”

                Chansung gripped his mitts tightly and returned to looking down the road. He felt both rage and betrayal all at once.

                Hearing one of the clan members howl and growl, Chansung looked to Jinwoon.

                “Continue on down the road. My comrade says that in about five miles we’ll come to a dirt road. The scent goes that way.”

                “The trackers who left already?” Chansung asked.

                Jinwoon nodded.

                “Well, now I know why Junho told me she’s weary of strangers.” Chansung said softly.

                “I’m...really mad at Taecyeon.” Min-Jun admitted softly, out of the blue.

                Chansung didn’t think he would actually admit it. However, it was obviously something that troubled Min-Jun if he was focusing on it during their current predicament. “You know he was just thinking-"

                “Don’t...don’t defend him to me, not right now.” Min-Jun sighed. “He had no right to say that to me. Besides, he’s not as close to Junho as I am. I’m so..." He seethed and smacked the steering wheel. "I'm so angry! He knew he couldn’t go! Sometimes he just...loses his senses and doesn’t think – but I guess that’s something him and I share, being red eyes and all.”

                "Being of the red eyes does not mean you are prone to losing your senses or anger." Storm said. "I don't know what happened but you cannot always agree with your mate. You stood your ground and are doing what you feel is right. Do not worry about your partner, they will understand in time. They sound very worried and wanted to also be able to participate. I imagine he's scared."

                Min-Jun smiled and thanked Storm.

                One of the pack members howled and Chansung noticed the turn off.

                “We’re lucky there isn’t much snow yet,” Chansung observed as he looked over the land, earning himself a nod from Jinwoon.

                Min-Jun turned and they spotted some of the pack. Coming to a stop the wolves gathered among one another to converse for a short while.

                “We can only go twenty miles in on the truck. From there we have to go on foot.” Jinwoon informed them.

                Min-Jun put the truck in gear and started off.

                It felt like the longest twenty miles Chansung had ever traveled. They also didn’t have time. By now they could have moved on. Chansung opened his phone and noticed he still had signal. “Ne...I know this is a silly question, but what’s the number to the bakery?”

                Min-Jun chuckles and tells him.

                Pressing his phone to his ear it’s picked up instantly.

                ~Hello?~

                “Wooyoung, we’re going into the woods now, we’re about fifty miles outside and heading twenty miles, potentially more, into the woods.”

                ~There’s something about that area I should know...~ He trailed off. ~Hm...there’s a river in that region that connects with the east-bound train tracks.~

                Chansung nods, “good to know.”

                ~The police are also on the way. I think you’re ahead of them by forty minutes.~

                Chansung sighs and Jinwoon nudges him. “Are you alright?” He asks Wooyoung gently.

                ~I’m...calmer. I can’t be on the phone long. Taecyeon has been making calls to the Capital.~

                “Alright. I’ll call back if I can with anything new.”

                ~Just...please be safe, okay? And look after Min-Jun, he...he can lose his temper pretty quick when he's in a dire situation - especially when angry.~

                “I will.”

                Chansung closed the phone and nestled it in his pack.

                “How is he?” Min-Jun asks.

                “He said he’s calmer. Taecyeon is making calls to the Capital.”

                Min-Jun nods and they press on.

                “Chansung...I don’t think Junho would have ever had the courage to say this to you, but the reason he hates cats is because...because Baron - the one who took him - he is a jaguar hybrid.” Min-Jun informs him, tone filled with disgust.

                “How shameful, to be made an Abandoned by another hybrid. That is the ultimate grievance...” Storm growled.

                Chansung clutched his fur tightly and shook his head. “I had a feeling. When I told him I was from the pantherinae family, he got really tense. I can’t ever show him my form, Min-Jun. I couldn't cause him that kind of stress.”

                “He’ll know it’s you. He knows your scent. He knows who you are. I don’t know what happened between him and that abomination of a hybrid. I don’t know what he suffered. I just know that he’s never been the same around cats.”

                Chansung collapsed completely and Jinwoon nudged him knowingly. “Even if you say he’ll know me, I’ll still be something that he fears.”

                Jinwoon growls and Chansung notices the end of the road. Min-Jun stops and turns off the car. He sets the keys in his own pack and looks at him. “How fast can you run?”

                Chansung grins, “you know I'm faster than a wolf.”

                “Bragger,” Jinwoon huffed.

                They all leave the truck and the wolves scurry about trying to find the scent. In seconds they take off. Chansung looks at Min-Jun who nods and they follow. He can smell Junho’s scent faintly, but not like the wolves. Keeping pace with them, running for miles, Chansung had to admit he missed this very much. His lungs are burning but he persisted on, exhilarated with being amongst the pack again. They come to a stream and notice vehicle tracks. They change direction and continue on. Coming to the top of a hill they arrive at another dirt road.

                “Min-Jun, what is this?” Chansung calls as he lands beside a fallen tree.

                “It's the old hunting road. At one time you could pass through easily from the south tracks to the eastern ones. I guess we’ve found out how they’ve been smuggling hybrids.”

                The wolves pass around them. “Chansung, the scent is getting stronger now. We have to be close.”

                “If they’re moving in vehicles they’re going to have the upper hand over us until they stop for the night, if they do.” Chansung says as he finally managed to catch his breath.

                “I would go back for the truck but-"

                “I can take you.” One of the females volunteered. “Our pack is strong and Chansung is a good fighter. We would be able to catch up.”

                “We don’t know how long that tank of gas will last though.” Min-Jun sighs.

                “Well, then we’ll just have to catch up and steal theirs.” Chansung said as he rose to his feet. “We can do it, Min-Jun.”

                The wolves begin to howl.

                “It’s up to you.”

                “Update Wooyoung and then catch up with us,” Min-Jun says as he fixes his boots. “Tell him it’s the old east bound hunting trail, he’ll know what to do.”

                Chansung nods and watches them take off. Checking the signal he’s relieved when he still sees bars. Re-dialing the number he presses it to his ear.

                ~Chansung?~

                “Wooyoung, we’re on the east bound old hunting trail. Min-Jun said-"

                ~Damnit, so that is what it is and they are trying to catch the train. Have you seen any sign?~

                “Only a bit, some tracks and we potentially have a direction, but I was told to update you before needing to catch up. We’re going to need more vehicles and see if you can get reinforcements at the train or tell the police to go to that area.”

                ~We’ll do our best. Are you okay?~

                “Worried about me?”

                Silence met his ear for a few seconds, ~I’m always worried about you.~

                Chansung swooned internally but he would have to wait. “I’ll update you again as soon as possible.”

                ~Okay.~

                Stuffing the phone back in his pocket, he looked up into the sky. The sun was at it’s peak meaning midday. They didn’t have much longer. Leaping up into the treetops he bounded from branch to branch until he spotted the group.

                Landing beside Min-Jun the bear gasped. “Damnit you little !”

                Chansung laughed. “I told you.”

                “Well, go on ahead then.” Min-Jun huffed.

                Chansung leapt back into the trees and continued on. Then he spotted them, four trucks were in the distance all moving in a single line. Dropping back with the pack he came up beside Jinwoon. “Four trucks, moving slow. We should catch up so far and try and get in the upwind.”

                “You and I can go on ahead and signal the others.”

                Chansung nodded and they leapt up into the trees. Jinwoon howled back to them and received calls back. Once they were on them, they got out of the wind and tracked them closely.

                “Chansung, sneak on board and break out some of the hybrids. That should catch their attention and make them stop.”

                “Is that really-"

                “I know you can do it.”

                Chansung hissed and landed behind the truck. Carefully, he dropped himself into the back and looked over the cages. There had to be at least fifteen hybrids contained inside. That was potentially sixty people across all four vehicles that they captured and hoped to sell!

                Looking around he pressed his hand to his lips and quieted them.

                “Quiet back there!” A man called and they all hushed.

                Chansung ducked down as someone looked back. He wished it could have been night time. He never thought they’d actually catch up to them so soon, which meant they didn’t start to move until early this morning. Once it was quiet he unlatched several of the cages and opened up the back. Murmurs of thanks and crows of appreciation met his ears. Once they were all empty he knocked on the window.

                “Did you hear that?”

                Chansung took a deep breath and ran out the back.

                “Someone’s loose back there!”

                Ducking into the thicket, he found himself being pulled down beside Jinwoon. The truck started to honk and came to a full stop. Jinwoon nicked his coat and they pull back further. They make their way to the first truck and snuck into the back.

                “All the goods are gone!” Someone called from the truck at the far back.

                Chansung makes quick work of the cages. The hybrids in the other two trucks begin to grow loud in their calls. Once all are free, Chansung dashes out and peeks around the second truck. Jinwoon scurries into the thicket. Climbing on top of the second truck, Chansung lay flat as the Catchers came closer. His heart was thudding even harder in his chest now. The back of the second and third trucks are opened. He still hadn’t found Junho, which meant he was in one of the two middle vehicles. At least, that’s what he hoped.

                “They’re all gone from the first truck too!”

                Closing his eyes, he slowly and quietly made his way to the edge. Then he heard the wolf calls in the distance.

                “! Get your guns ready!”

                “Abandon the empty trucks. We’ll just have to make due with what we have!” A familiar voice called angrily.

                Chansung recognised him instantly and his mind and body became filled with rage. The panicked and raging aura of the man gave him away.

                As the doors of the truck close, he braces himself for movement. When they start they begin to move at an even faster pace. He moves closer to the front and stands. Running back he leaps onto the second vehicle and the men inside begin to call out. He reaches down through the passenger window and hauls one through. He turns into a hawk and tries to fly off. Chansung throws him down and slips into the truck. A gun is aimed at him but he kicks the guy back and slams his body against him. Opening the door he shoves him out and takes control.

                “This...is going on the list of craziest things I’ve ever done.” He can’t help but chuckle.

                Stopping the truck, two men jumped out of the back and were immediately swarmed by the wolves.

                Min-Jun appeared and dragged him close. “Are you insane you bastard?!”

                Chansung shrugs, “maybe...”

                “Don’t you ever do that again!” Min-Jun hugs him close and muffles some words against his shoulder. “You’re such a cat - you're driving me crazy with worry!" He yelled shaking him back and forth. "I'm concerned that you're so good but I guess I should also appreciate it...”

                Chansung grinned.

                They hopped into the back and freed all the hybrids. Some of the wolf cubs were inside and were welcomed with much excitement by the pack. However, still no Junho. Chansung was beginning to feel anxious. If Junho was indeed in the second truck, now the last, then Chansung had been right over him.

                “Get back in the front and start driving.” Min-Jun ordered and Chansung did as told. Soon enough they caught up to the first truck. “Three trucks and you couldn’t find him?” He teased, putting on a brave face.

                “Hey, I’m not good at everything.” Chansung grumbled.

                “Could've fooled me...”

                “I don’t know what to do now. If you were driving and you got me close enough I could-"

                “No more crazy stunts, Chansung. These guys have guns.” Min-Jun growled. “I’m not letting you get shot.”

                “There’s only four of them left...and like...thirty Hybrids. We can take ‘em!”

                Noticing the first truck slowing down, Chansung did the same until they stopped. “This doesn’t look good.” The drivers appeared around the back and went into the cargo area. Min-Jun slid open the back window, “go out the back, now!”

                Chansung scrambled and slid through. Min-Jun followed just as the bullets began to fly. Chansung huddled down and Min-Jun came to surround him. Hearing a loud howl, Chansung recognised it as one of alarm.

                The bullets ceased and he looked up briefly. Noticing something larger pointed in their direction he hauled Min-Jun to his feet. As they raced out the back they barely make it as the smell of fire flared all around them. The force of the blast pushed them far down the road and Chansung groaned and shook his head. Min-Jun was already hauling him up and pulling him into the thicket but his ears wouldn't stop ringing. Held tightly against the bear, Min-Jun covered his mouth.

                “I don’t see anything!”

                “Let’s get out of here!”

                Chansung collapses and they are surrounded by wolves, and many other hybrids, but still no Junho.

                “This...is really beginning to infuriate me.” Min-Jun growled between clenched teeth.

                “We can head them off. They won’t know we’re following. I believe they haven’t caught onto the pack’s scent yet.” Storm said.

                “I don’t care at this point.” Min-Jun growled. “Chansung, are you ready?”

                Shaking his head he got back to his feet. The shock of the blast and the ringing was finally beginning to fade. “I’m ready.”

                Min-Jun’s eyes were dark, but red as blood. “Let’s go.”

                Chansung followed cautiously. The scent Min-Jun was giving off now made him fear. Even the wolves were keeping their distance. Never, ever make enemies with a protective bear, never.

*

Next Chapter...The Furious Bear