Graduation and the subsequent days since had been a blur Jin wasn’t even sure he could recall. He didn’t know how he managed to pass his classes, or get home, or pack his things, or anything else for that matter. His mind had been wholly and entirely consumed by one thing and one thing only: finding Ahn-Bo-ah.

His last few nights at Maho had been spent in the library making endless notes on things he might need, copying down the rough sketches of any map he could find, and memorizing localization spells like his life depended on it (which, in a way, it did.) Jin was prepared for a lot of things; his defensive magic always having been a bit stronger than his offensive, and now - finally - he was on his way to find his friend and bring him back home. Or at least, to the Jeong compound. Even if he had to drug and drag him all the way there.

Ahn-Bo-ah had never answered any of Jin’s letters. He was in the dark for the most part, using his tracking skills and the generic information the letters themselves could give him with whatever dust and tracing might be managed magically. Jin was equipped with only an expandable pack with some crucial supplies, food, and a portkey back that was set to expire in four days time. Otherwise, rather unexpectedly, Abeoji had left him to his own devices with an offhanded comment that if he wasn’t back on the eve of the fourth day, with or without the werewolf, there would be consequences. Jin didn’t need to be told twice. He had prepared for everything.

Or so he thought, until he was knee deep in mud trying to cross a stream in the middle of spirits knew what part of Samgaksan mountain! He was cold, wet, and incredibly frustrated. It felt like he’d been walking in circles for hours now, and the stupid spell he was supposed to be following kept flickering in and out as Jin’s magic faded from exhaustion. Evening would darken this side of the forest soon, and if he didn’t manage to find Ahn-Bo, Jin would be on his own to make camp— his first day wasted utterly.

Cranky and shivering, Jin heaved himself out of the stream on the other side and flopped back into the bank to stare up at the sky. Spring had come but it was too early yet for any warmth to seep through the thick foliage and take away the chill that seemed to have settled eternally in his bones. The half-vampire let out a frustrated noise and slammed his hand into the dirt before peeling himself up. He had to keep going. If he didn’t find Ahn-Bo soon, he wouldn’t have adequate time to convince his friend this was the right choice. Jin knew it wasn’t going to be an easy feat and he was mentally prepared (or trying to be) for the change he knew to expect. But even just the thought of seeing Bo-ah again made his heart leap. It was silly and childish but he couldn’t help it. It had been three of the longest months of his life.

The sound of something rustling in the bushes nearby made Jin pause and scared off the unconscious smile that had settled on his face. There was something lurking in the bushes nearby. Jin reached for his wand from the inner sleeve of his hanbok and held it out tentatively, listening. Whatever it was, it sounded some distance away yet and he glanced around for a quick means of evasion. But the rustling grew louder and louder, and whatever was making the noise was moving faster than Jin had anticipated. “Ssi-bal,” he cursed under his breath. Scrambling up the rest of the bank, Jin slid in his haste and caught himself in another mud puddle. (Great.) He wasn’t sure if he had enough energy to fight off whatever was coming towards him so be bolted for the nearest tree. Hopefully whatever it was couldn’t climb!

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