The Underground

Where Is Alex?

I have been friends with Alex for years. Our friendship began one day near the waterfall when I stumbled upon him crying, his face buried in his hands, looking utterly defeated. At first, I hesitated, not wanting to get involved, but something about his vulnerability drew me in. I walked up to him and gently asked why he was crying. Through his tears, he told me he was being bullied by the other kids. Feeling a surge of empathy, I sat down beside him, offering words of comfort and a promise to look out for him. He tried to insist that I shouldn't get involved, but I was determined. Seeing a glimmer of hope in his eyes when I offered my friendship was heartwarming; he had never had a friend before, and neither had I.

Even now, I can't fully explain why I approached him that day. Perhaps it was his palpable loneliness that mirrored my own, or maybe it was the simple fact that not many kids my age were interested in being around me.

From that day on, our relationship flourished, and we became inseparable. Alex was incredibly shy and often fearful, but beneath that timid exterior was a brilliant and creative mind. He had grand ideas about ending the apocalypse and building a better world. I would sit with him for hours, captivated as he passionately described survival strategies for the wastelands, plans for a united civilization, and other visionary ideas about saving the world.

I always thought Alex's dreams were impossible, but there was a part of me that believed maybe his wacky ideas might actually make a difference one day.

That afternoon, I arrived at his house and knocked on the door. When Alex's mom opened it, I immediately noticed her troubled expression. Her usually composed face was now marked with worry, and her eyes, often so full of warmth, looked tired and strained. She had always been cool with me being around the house and playing with Alex. Unlike many parents, she wasn't overly protective. She would give Alex anything he wanted and had a laid-back attitude that made their home feel welcoming and relaxed. She treated me like one of her own, and if it got too late, she would often let me sleep over, knowing the dangers that lurked in the Underground at night.

"Hello, Mrs. Flora. Is Alex home?" I asked, waving at her with a smile, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

"No, he hasn't been here since yesterday," she said, her voice tinged with worry. She rested her hand on her forehead, her brow furrowed with concern. "I thought it was him when you knocked on the door."

Her words sent a jolt of anxiety through me. Alex had never stayed out this long without telling anyone. I could see the fear in Mrs. Flora's eyes, reflecting my own growing unease.

"What?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in shock.

"I asked the neighbors and anyone who knows him if they've seen him anywhere, but they didn't have a clue at all. I've been looking for him everywhere since yesterday but still can't find him," she said, her voice quivering as tears began to stream down her face. "Tweazy, where is my son?" she asked, her voice breaking with despair.

I took her trembling hands in mine and looked into her eyes with as much confidence as I could muster. "I will find him, I promise."

I left her and immediately began my search for Alex. As I walked through the streets, I stopped anyone I could find, describing his features and asking if they had seen him. Most people shook their heads, oblivious to his whereabouts. Then, a scruffy-looking guy approached me, claiming to know where Alex might be but demanding money in exchange for the information. I can't say I trusted him, but I didn't have many options.

Reluctantly, I handed over 50 Apocs. He pocketed the money quickly and leaned in close. "He was last spotted in Bloodhaven Territory," he said, his voice low and serious.

My heart sank. Bloodhaven Territory was notorious in the Underground, known as one of the most dangerous areas. No one ever came out unscathed. Rumor had it that a member of a rival gang was once found there, brutally murdered. His lifeless body was discovered resting on top of a broken car, a sharp spear piercing his chest, and his eyes missing. This man had been a potential territory contender, a title that carried significant meaning and praise.

The thought of Alex being in such a perilous place filled me with dread, but I knew I had to go there. I had promised Mrs. Flora I would find him, and I intended to keep that promise, no matter the risk

To be continued....

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More Info : a territory contender is a person who has the right to be next in line for succession of being the new territory owner and to be the territory owner you must either make the current owner submit you or you know..... K*** them hmmm...