Cannibal Corpses

6. Highway To Hell

Kiyoshi's POV:

As I gradually awakened from my slumber, a surge of excitement coursed through me, electrifying my senses. The darkness of the bunker seemed to heighten my anticipation, fueling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. With eagerness, I sat up in my bed, my mind already racing with thoughts of the run ahead.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I take in the cool concrete floor beneath my feet. The air is heavy with the promise of action, broken only by the distant hum of machinery, a reminder of the world outside waiting to be explored.  With each step towards the exit, I eagerly gather my supplies – a sturdy backpack, a trusty flashlight, and a few essential tools – sighing at the weight of each item as I prepare for the exhilarating run that lies ahead. Finally, I reach the heavy metal door that leads to the parking garage, and with a quick breath to steady my nerves, I push it open. With a grin spreading across my face, I stride confidently into the garage, the sound of my footsteps echoing against the concrete floor along with faint voices. The air is thick with the scent of gasoline and machinery, a familiar aroma that fuels my excitement even more.

Alex's POV:

As the dim lights flickered on in our underground base, I began to emerge from my bunker with a heavy sigh. It was before the break of dawn, but duty called regardless. With weariness weighing down my steps, I made my way to the underground parking garage. I made sure to be the first to arrive so I could do a few last-minute checkups and ensure everything was prepared properly before the others filled in.

It was finally time for the big run, the most important one we've done since this whole thing started. I'm counting on this to go right...if not it's going to be one massive shit show and I'd be the one at fault. I sighed and pulled on my gear, soon making my way down to the car park. I was the first to arrive just as I had panned. We have no room for errors. It may seem harsh, but I do it to protect the people we have left...My heart suddenly ached as I remembered those we lost, I missed my family and friends, I had no idea if they were ok, and I'd do everything to ensure those left would remain safe. No matter the cost. 

Atlas's POV:

I had an early start, typically I wouldn't prepare so early, but I knew this run was fairly important to Alex so I made it a top priority. Though we aren't related she's almost like a stubborn younger sister to me, always so serious and stressed to the brink. I wish she'd take some time to relax every now and then or let someone else help at the very least you know? I shook my head and shrugged, there was no convincing her otherwise, many of us have tried but she's very set on handling it all by herself since it's her responsibility.  Anyway, I had the vital task of keeping an eye on Pyro. I don't see the problem to be fair, yes he had a bit of a temper but besides that, he is far from threatening, almost like a tiny chihuahua... I walked across the corridor to his room and knocked softly. After a few minutes with no response, I sighed and opened the door letting myself in, I mean what does he expect? I did knock to be fair and I waited a bit too. I looked around spotting him sound asleep, he looked so peaceful and less ticked off all curled up in such a tiny ball. Hmm too bad I'll have to wake him up...I leaned over and gently shook him. 

He shifted slightly as I moved sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes slowly pried open and he let out a small hum "What's going on?" he muttered and stared up at me. His eyes were a deep brown, and I could see the exhaustion lingering in them. I stared and caught a glimpse of a few burn marks still spotted along his cheek, in an odd way it complimented him and his temper.

Pyro's POV:

My eyes widened as I finally processed what was happening, I quickly sat up and pulled the covers around me "Hello! do you always barge into people's rooms!?" I scoffed and wiggled away toppling off the bed "fuck-" I groaned as my back connected with the cold concrete, then sighed and looked up meeting his gaze. I could tell he was trying not to laugh and that just ticked me off more, look at him getting his kick out of this- what a jerk. I sat up and ran a hand through my matted-up hair and sighed "You just gonna sit there or are you gonna answer me?" He smiled and got up then held his hand out towards me as he spoke "Well you didn't answer the door when I knocked and we are on an important schedule" He murmured and hoisted me up as I took his hand. Too lazy to argue I let him, "mm thanks..." I mumbled and looked him over. I can't believe I'm being dragged along- It was like torture for being rescued or something.

"Um, could you like give me some privacy while I change?" I asked and he nodded then headed to the door "Hurry though. we don't have much time left." With that, he disappeared through the door leaving me to my thoughts.

After a good 20 minutes, I was finally ready to go, well- as ready as I'll ever be. I walked outside and looked up at Atlas briefly then motioned for him to start walking "I'm ready to go boss man." He gave a small nod and started to walk towards the car park. "how come you don't talk much?" I asked cocking my head to the side as he seemed to rack his brain for an answer. He shrugged and peered down at me, man do I hate being short- "I just don't feel the need to talk much is all" I squinted my eyes "how come? aren't you like one of the big shots around here?" 

He let out a chuckle and raised an eyebrow "I let Alex do all the talking, easier that way. I'm not good with words" I nodded and looked forward debating if I should continue then decided it was best not to pry.

We seemed to be the last few two there and what gave it away was the piercing glare I was receiving from Alex as we settled into the line. It sent a shiver down my spine "Geez what's her problem with me?" I whispered to myself, but assuming by the look Atlas gave me he heard what I said. "she's just making sure you aren't a threat" he murmured and led me over to one of the vans motioning for me to get in. I climbed inside and scooted down so he could sit next to me. "So how long is this ride gonna be?" I asked quietly and looked around at everyone seated with us, "it's about a day's drive" He said and leaned back. Great- a day inside a van full of strangers.

Hiroki's POV:

Shit, I overslept! I bolted down the corridors panting as I tried to reach the car parks before they departed, I didn't even care that I'd forgotten a shirt and shoes I just wanted to say some stupid ass goodbye. Please don't leave yet, I wanted to Kiyo he better come back, but I managed to miss my alarm. The odds of that, tch just great. My heart sank as I entered the empty car park, I slid down the wall and sat there, maybe I was just overthinking it...but part of me felt like I should've been here, even just simple good luck, anything- I felt like an idiot. I mean what if my best friend left and the last thought on his mind was that I hated him- The guilt will forever haunt me...

*****Time skip in the bunker*****

It's been only a few days since they've been gone, most of us expected it'd take a bit to search the grounds thoroughly and get back, but I still felt uneasy. I busied myself with small tasks like stocking all the medical supplies as well as tending to whoever needed new bandages. You'd think injuries would be less common in an underground bunker but it was the opposite, minor inconveniences happened, and people often got cuts or scrapes, even bruised up a bit, especially during sparing lessons. So it kept me quite busy. But when everything went silent and we were left with our thoughts things began to feel uneasy, we had no contact with the departed team and had zero clues if they were ok or not.