08:21 AM

After an eventful evening, the group had to begin their new journey. Officially, today marked the start of their plan to restore everything and end the horrific apocalypse once and for all. Only this time, they were not alone.

They knew that each step could lead them closer to death, but it wasn't a concern in their minds. If they were going to die, let it be while trying to change things. It had become their motto, something that perhaps others would regret not doing in the past. The four of them were still inside the shelter, completing the final preparations. Pablo had ensured the nurses packed their backpacks with the necessary provisions. Food and water were rationed due to weight, but ammunition was plentiful. They had been given new weapons—a sniper rifle, two new rifles, and a pistol for Vanessa that was easy to use. For Alex, this was a dream come true—new weapons and no need to worry about running out of ammo.

Vanessa received a new first aid kit and medicine from the nurses, including an emergency infusion bottle and needles for stitching wounds. It was more than they expected, but they were grateful. However, the biggest surprise came next.

They were handed new clothing, more protective and durable than what they had before. The boys were given tactical gear similar to what special forces wore, not military uniforms. Vanessa, on the other hand, received a new jacket, pants, boots, and leather gloves. Owen was outfitted in a black jacket with a protective vest, designed for his role as the first to attack or distract, allowing him to blend into the shadows when needed. He was also given a mask to cover his mouth, protecting him from the infected saliva or blood of zombies. In contrast, the sniper received a bright red jacket so he could be spotted from a distance during ambushes or in the dark. Danny got new glasses attached to his mask, ensuring they wouldn't slip off when he needed to focus. He was also equipped with smoke bombs and explosives. Pablo had thought of everything to help them. Alex was well-protected with body armor and gloves fitted with claw-like blades, capable of piercing a zombie's neck if one got too close. 

Then came an unexpected moment of humor.

"This is like when your mom buys you a jacket three sizes too big so you can wear it for the next twenty years," Owen joked, eyeing how Alex's black jacket fit him. Although Owen wasn't much taller than Alex, the jacket hung loose and wide on him.

"It looks like you are a hanger for clothes," Vanessa added with a smirk. With his bag slung over his shoulders and the body armor tightening around him, Alex didn't care about how he looked.

"If you weren't here, I wouldn't have known that myself," Alex replied dryly.

Pablo entered the room and led them toward the exit. Daniel and Bruno had the chance to say their goodbyes, fully aware that it could be the last time they saw their friends.

"Harding Morino, survive this shit. We still need to go drinking again," Bruno called out, attempting to keep things light.

"And don't shoot each other's heads off like in basic training," Daniel added.

"We'll try," Owen responded with a grin.

"Both of it," Danny echoed, grinning alongside him.

The two embraced their old school friends in a final brotherly hug, a heaviness settling in their hearts as they turned to join Alex and Pablo. Vanessa approached, rubbing her eyes.

"Where were you? Were you crying?" Danny teased.

"No, I was saying goodbye to the girl from last night," Vanessa retorted.

"Just tell ,did you fall in love in two days," Owen quipped.

"You're just jealous because I pull girls, and you pull only the door that says 'push,'" Vanessa shot back, quick as ever.

"Which girl? The one you planned with to kill yourself with cigars?" Danny added, just like he is an instigator.

"No, the one I was planning to kill ," Vanessa replied sharply.

A little humor lightened the mood, but despite Danny's attempts to annoy her, Vanessa always found a way to respond. She couldn't stand him mentally, though the hatred wasn't mutual—it was still strong. Meanwhile, Alex stood by the fence wall with Pablo, examining the map that had been prepared for their journey. Pablo had mapped out the safest routes and areas to avoid. With no vehicles, they'd be walking on foot, but that wasn't a problem for this group.

The plan was to head south to F2, where the Vetha was located—a shelter with a small group of survivors. Few people lived there, but they had survived with the help of the army. There was a radio station, allowing for communication and updates as they made their way. They knew it would be late afternoon by the time they arrived.

"Are you sure about this? You don't have to sacrifice yourselves. Maybe there's another way," Pablo said, his voice low with concern.

"Well, someone found a way. Now it's up to us to make it work," Alex responded, his resolve clear.

"You're taking a big step, but I believe in you. I guess this is goodbye, until next time," Pablo said, offering a rare moment of emotional honesty.

"You can be depressing sometimes, you know that? Wait for our next time—with better alcohol, mate," Owen chimed in, trying to lighten the mood.

"If this works, maybe you'll even grow," Danny added with a smirk, his and Owen's usual banter hiding the sadness beneath.

As the steel gate began to close behind them, Pablo watched his brave friends disappear from view. For the first time, he couldn't hold back.

"Be careful!" Pablo shouted, his voice filled with emotion as he raised his hand in a final salute. The four of them turned briefly, their expressions solemn as they acknowledged him. It was their last greeting, filled with pride and a sense of duty. They took every next step with that in mind.

Although they were about to face something that could easily kill them, they had decided. They will live for the danger.