The Corruption

Chapter 3 - The Subway

A loud shriek came from the depths of darkness that lied behind the corridor. Rats scattered across the floor and insects of all kinds painted the walls. A dim light could be seen, just barely, showing the way to the next exit, which led to an underground subway. In these parts, going deeper beneath the ground meant a less chance of encountering the infected, but a higher chance of encountering other survivors, and most run by an oath of "kill or be killed," not something you'd want to be involved with. Derek unholstered his khakri knife and held it firmly in front of him, standing in front of Nate while Liam went to the left and put his hand near his nine mili-meter pistol, in case of emergency. Nate grabbed a wooden club off the ground and used as a defense mechanism, grateful of what he had at the time, yet not the ideal choice for a survivalist. Suddenly, Nate started speaking his mind, "There's a long line between us and Blackwell, Derek. You say you're sure of what is about to come, but ever since the ambush you've been leading us into a corner." Derek facepalmed, and turned to Nate, walking up close while Liam simply spectated without getting involved. "The only thing in this world that creates a line between me and Blackwell, Nate, is the Corruption. Now I know you're still unsure of this.. 'field trip,' but life is not always going to go your way. Liam here knows that. He was there when they shot her. You've still no idea why she was shot, or must I demonstrate?" he looked down at the unconscious female soldier in his arms, then back up at Nate. A terrified look overcame him, which led to confusion. "No, I get it. Damn.." "Good, now quit your complaining, it's not even your fault. I remember a switch being here somewhere. Let's focus on that, would you?" "You're not going to ask me to compliment your switches now, are you?" "Shut up Liam." Nate rolled his eyes in annoyance but continued searching. 

Derek looked for a first aid kit around to keep Kaleigh from bleeding out. She had bruises all along her arm and a bullet shell locked in her shoulder blade. Derek did not find that but something else more useful, a camera with a flashlight on it, hiding underneath wooden planks. He moved the planks and let Kaleigh rest down on the rugs of what was the entrance of this abandoned subway. Liam found a stick and a pair of metal sheets, so he took out his crafting bag to see if he could make a weapon. All was quiet. The only noise came from the oil dripping out of the sewers and the groans of the undead. Things were too quiet. Out of nowhere, a loud bang came from the opposite side of the subway, sounding like a rifle going off, followed by a scream of torture. Liam shouted, "GO GO GO!" Derek quickly dropped the camera so that he could take Kaleigh over his shoulder while Nate grabbed the camera behind Derek following Liam into the darkness. The shadows of corrupted chased the trio and the unconscious cadet, who fled in panic. "In there!" Nate shouted, as they saw what could be a breakable wooden door. Nate bashed into it which shocked Derek and Liam instantly, as it immediately broke in half, paving a new path for them. It seemed like the door led to nothing but a black hole, as there was no ground, just a cliff, but under them was a ladder that led even deeper underground. "Are you fucking kidding me?" Derek said, unsure of how he was going to get down there with Kaleigh on his shoulder. They saw a figure rush passed them, sending chills down their spine, and foot steps behind them which rapidly motivated them to keep moving. Liam and Nate rushed down the ladder while Derek was left confused and stressed, unsure of what he was going to do. He had no other choice. He carefully stepped on the edge of the wall, trying extremely carefully not to slip off, as there were stairs on the other side. He could feel the hair stand on his neck, more loud bangs came from what was a subway, and sweat dripped from his forehead. He leaped and grunted while he did so as he landed on a wooden slope that slid down to the stairs, while he was forced to run all the way down until he managed to stop in his tracks. All around him was complete darkness, he was on a raft in the middle of an ocean. What struck him was how this subway could have led to an ocean? More importantly, Liam and Nate were on the other side, and Derek was in one of the toughest situations of his life.