Lovers

Chapter 22

I took the lead, driving along the back roads going towards the small town. I look over seeing Echo and a small pet carrier, the door was opened, her eggs laying comfortably in the center of her curled body which was resting on a blanket. Joey was beside her, refusing to separate from her and their eggs as he was curled around Echo. 

I smile down at the both of them, before glancing in the back seeing Hunter taking a nap on the backseat, laying his head on Australia's legs. Canada sat on the opposite side of Aussi, his hand on Hunter's back, looking out the window watching the trees zoom past. 

I look back out towards the road, struggling to stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks. It wasn't long, which I wish it was, until we reached the familiar abandoned looking laboratory. I parked my mustang, before turning off the engine and stepping out of the car taking the carrier with me. 

I close the door behind me, watching as Hunter jumped out of the car after Aussi, Aussi keeping a firm grip on his leash preventing him from going too far as he tried to pull Aussi towards the fire hydrant. Canada made his way towards the trunk, taking out his backpack, slipping it over his shoulders, then handed Aussi his backpack. 

I stop Canada from getting my backpack saying, "Don't worry about mine, I'll come back out here to get it." 

"Are you sure?" Canada questioned, placing his hand on the trunk door. 

I nodded in reply, looking past him to see the other countries had parked the vans right next to my car and were now collecting their stuff. Most seemed excited, finally having the chance to return to the world they belong in. To their home.

I turn on my heels, making my way towards the two glass doors, unlocking it with the key before opening it. I held it open for the countries to walk through, "Just wait for me by the elevator." I call to them as they pass, some nodded in reply while others just walked past. Once everyone was through the door, I walked into the building, letting the glass door close behind me. 

I walk past the countries, placing my hand on the scanner for the elevator doors to open. I let the countries walk in first, before walking in myself, all of us squished together. Hardly any breathing room. Soon the elevator doors opened, us walking out into the large bright room. 

"Will!" I called out, watching the man step out from around the corner. "Let's get this machine up and running." I tell him, walking over to the computer and typing a few things in before plugging in the flash drive. 

"It'll take a few hours for it to fully load and warm up. For now you guys just ... relax." I say, watching the countries place their bags onto the ground, talking to each other excitedly. 

I look down at Echo, her looking back up at me with sad eyes. I can't do this to her ... or Joey ... or Aussi. I'll ... I'll be fine. I have Hunter to keep me company on my own journey. She and the eggs wouldn't be safe with me. 

I walk over to Aussi, who turned to me with a confused look on his face as I handed the carrier over towards him, "Take care of her, will ya." 

Aussi shook his head, pushing the crate towards me, not taking it, "No, she is yours. You keep them." 

I shake my head, giving him a small smile, "I don't know where I'll be ... much less if the place is safe or not." I let out a shaky sigh, moving the crate back over towards him, "Echo and the eggs would be much safer with you."

Aussi nodded, taking the crate hesitantly, "I'll take care of her ... I promise." 

I then walk away from him over towards the elevator saying, "I'll be right back." The elevator doors opened when I pressed the button, stepping into the elevator, watching as the elevator doors closed shut. Locking me in the metal box, alone.