Grim Dawn ✓

Chapter 4

It didn't take long for them to reach the end of the hall. Thanks to the green exit sign, a small radius of light illuminated the crate. Alex chewed his lower lip. He wanted to get to his bike, but going through the front entrance was a no-go. Even with Keaton there, his stomach still churned at the idea of venturing back. As they approached the side exit, Alex frantically glanced up at his companion, who slowly grew a scowl.

"What the? Who's the dipshit that left their box here?" Keaton groaned loudly.

"I tried moving it before, but it's way too heavy."

Keaton pursed his lips. He then stomped toward it and easily shifted the crate to the right with his left hand. "Hmm. Aight, I'll take care of this." Finally, he holstered his pistol and firmly grasped the metal crate's side. Then he pushed forward; it barely resisted, leaving only minimal scratches on the floor. Keaton sighed, wiped his brow, and rubbed his hands clean before taking out his gun.

"Well, look at you, mister muscles." Alex placed both hands on his hips and leaned slightly to the right.

A wide smile spread across Keaton's face as he scratched the back of his head. "Heh, it was nothing."

A warm feeling instantly ignited within Alex's body. He then backed up a bit, holding back his own smile. This guy's pretty cool.

"Aight, here we go." Keaton then pulled out his handgun and pushed the door open slightly. He then poked his gun out, ready for anything. However, the door only opened ajar and then instantly smacked against something and caused an echoing thump. Alex jumped and held his breath; he then flicked his head back to glance down the hall. Thankfully, that zombie from before was still lying there.

Maybe it's down for good, or that was just a fluke prior... A calm wind brushed through the gap and against Alex's chest, causing him to lose his train of thought.

"What the hell?" Keaton whispered.

Alex turned his attention back to his newfound companion. "Who blocks an exit twice?"

"An overcautious jackass...." Keaton attempted to stick his body through the opening but stopped when the frame and his broad chest collided, preventing him from sliding through. "Dammit. I'm too big for this. Alex, what do we do now?"

Alex licked his back molars, then tapped Keaton's shoulders, prompting him to step aside. "Maybe I can try."

"You sure? There might be more of those things." Keaton flashed a nervous glance down the hall.

"I'm not a kid. I'm not scared." Alex pulled out his lighter and once lit, he stuck his arm through the gap.

"I-I know, but—"

"I'll be fine; besides, you taught me how to shoot." Then, Alex easily slid half his body through the gap without a second thought.

"Yeah, but..." Keaton's thought trailed off. He sighed, then said, "Aight, fine."

Alex squeezed through the tight door easily. Thankfully, his lighter made it easier to see outside, albeit only so far. The dim, overhanging street lamps didn't help much; they barely lit up the street. Looking as best as he could, Alex spotted many shadowy figures lying in various assortments. Even more so, he found several bullet shells scattered by his feet. He clenched his handgun tight as he thought of the multiple ways that an onslaught could've occurred.

Thank you, Eric, for making me wait, Alex reminded himself. If I was here a tad earlier....

He sighed and looked to the other side of the street, where a few flames rose out from an old barrel. Some of the towering buildings also had fires, though they hadn't spread far. He faced left, where a minivan was. Its rear doors were left wide open. Beyond that was a large black gate that covered the whole road. A few flashing blue and red lights marked the cruisers behind it; they all appeared abandoned. A faint siren echoed in the distance, followed by a mechanical voice. However, it was impossible to hear what it said.