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Aiko
Aiko and Minji cautiously stepped onto the platform, expecting chaos and pandemonium. Instead, they were met with an eerie silence. The platform was empty, devoid of the soldiers and medical personnel Aiko had glimpsed through the train windows.
"Where the fuck is everyone?" Minji whispered, her voice trembling.
Aiko shook her head, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "I don't know, but we can't stay here. We need to move."
They moved slowly towards the exit, every creak and rustle making their hearts pound harder. As they turned a corner, Aiko froze, her blood running cold. A monstrous creature was roaming the platform, its eyes bloodshot, its body jerking with unnatural movements.
"Shit," Aiko muttered, her voice barely audible. She turned back, shutting her eyes and hoping the creature hadn't seen her. Minji, right behind her, did the same.
After a tense moment, Aiko opened her eyes and whispered, "We need to get to Genetech Industries. My mom works there. It's our best shot at finding safety and answers."
Minji nodded, her face set in determination. "How do we get there?"
"The way is easier by car, but that's too risky. We need to head towards the forest. Those things are less likely to be there," Aiko explained.
With their goal set, they began to sneak past the creature. Aiko's heart pounded as she clutched her backpack, trying to make as little noise as possible. She motioned for Minji to follow her lead, and together they inched along the platform wall, avoiding broken glass and debris that could give them away.
As they edged closer to the forest, the creature let out a guttural growl, its head snapping in their direction. Aiko's heart leapt into her throat. She motioned for Minji to freeze. They stood still, barely daring to breathe, as the creature's head swiveled back and forth, its nostrils flaring.
After what felt like an eternity, it turned away, distracted by a distant sound. Aiko exhaled slowly, gesturing for Minji to keep moving. They slipped past the creature and towards the forest, the thick trees promising some semblance of cover and safety.
Once they were among the trees, Aiko paused to catch her breath, the adrenaline still pumping through her veins. Minji leaned against a tree, her face pale and sweaty.
"We fucking made it," Minji whispered, relief evident in her voice.
"Yeah, but we're not safe yet," Aiko replied, her mind already racing with the next steps. "We need to find a place to hide for now, somewhere we can regroup and figure out our next move."
They continued deeper into the forest, the sounds of the city fading behind them. Aiko's mind was focused on one thing: reaching Genetech Industries and finding her mother.
