CHAPTER XI
As we descended the stairs, the number of zombies seemed to multiply, making it increasingly perilous for both us and the people we were trying to rescue. The air was thick with tension, and every step felt like a gamble. We knew we had to be cautious, but the sheer number of zombies was daunting.
Suddenly, we spotted an open room that seemed empty, but as we entered, we saw 5-6 zombies lying on the floor, lifeless. It was a morbid welcome, but we didn't have time to dwell on it. We quickly entered the room and locked the door behind us, our hearts still racing from the close calls we'd had outside.
We stood frozen, holding the door shut, our ears straining to listen for any signs of movement outside. The zombies were relentless, and we knew they'd stop at nothing to get to us. We held our breath, our muscles tense, ready to withstand the force they'd exert on the door. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of our own ragged breathing.
As we stood there, our minds racing with thoughts of what lay ahead, I couldn't help but wonder if we'd made a mistake. Had we just delayed the inevitable? But for now, the door held, and we had a brief respite. We looked at each other, our eyes locked in a silent understanding - we'd face whatever came next, together.
The room was a temporary sanctuary, but we knew it wouldn't last. The zombies would find a way, given enough time. We had to come up with a plan, and fast. But for now, we just stood there, holding the door shut, our hearts pounding in unison.
In the midst of all this, Aliyana looked at us with a worried expression and said, "Now, don't worry about your team partners. Just focus on reaching your own targets and rescuing whoever you can." Nani spoke up, "Head, Haider is the strongest member of our team. If we put him in the lead, I'm sure everyone will reach their targets safely."
There was a funny moment as Haider looked shocked at Nani's words. Nani and Haider were best friends, and they loved to tease each other. Haider wanted to appear cool in front of Head Aliyana, as everyone in the group admired her and wanted to be seen as heroes in her eyes. With a fake smile, Haider said, "Yes, Head, I'll make sure everyone reaches their target rooms safely."
Elisa chimed in, "But Haider, we need to go to the second floor, and fighting our way there with you isn't exactly the most reassuring plan." Looka jumped in, "Elisa, don't worry, I'll get you there safely." Looka admired Elisa, and this was his chance to impress her. Everyone was chatting among themselves, but my mind suddenly wandered to Mon. I wondered if she was okay, if she was safe, and if she was getting enough food. These questions swirled in my mind, and the feelings of concern were eating away at me.
As I thought about Mon, my anxiety grew. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something might happen to her. I knew I had to focus on the mission, but my mind kept drifting back to her. I hoped she was doing alright and that we would be reunited soon. The uncertainty was gnawing at me, and I could feel my heart racing with worry.
In that moment, I realized how much Mon meant to me. She wasn't just a ex; she was someone I cared deeply about. The thought of anything happening to her was unbearable. I pushed aside my doubts and focused on the task at hand, determined to complete the mission and ensure everyone's safety, including Mine.
Now that everyone was calm and we had a moment to think, we realized we had to wait for the zombies to leave. I went to the washroom to freshen up, and my eyes landed on a window at the top that could potentially lead to the corridor. A plan began to form in my mind. I used a chair to reach the window and scanned the corridor outside. It was empty, as all the zombies were outside our room. Seeing this, I quickly ran back to my teammates and told Aliyana, "Head, there's a window in the washroom. If we block the door with a heavy almirah and exit through the window..."
Daniel, who was already shaken, started crying and hugged his brother Robin tightly. "We're not going to make it. Those demons will kill us all. No one will survive. They're too many, and we're no match for them." Daniel was the youngest member of our team, and he was terrified.
Head Aliyana saw Daniel's fear and took his hand. "Daniel, you're like a younger brother to me. I couldn't save him, but I promise you, I'll get you out of here safely, back to the camp, within 23 hours. Just trust me." Robin snapped, "Daniel, why did you come with us if you're so scared?" Daniel moved away from Robin, still crying, and shouted, "I didn't know it would be this dangerous. I've been training with Ms. Aliyana since the attack, but I had no idea it would be like this. I thought it was just a drill, not a death sentence."
I walked over to Daniel and said sternly, "Daniel, everyone's death is inevitable. No one can change that. But what we can decide is how we die. You can either stay in this room and die of fear or come with us and die like a warrior. The choice is yours. And remember, it's always the heart that gives the answer, not the mind."
My words hung in the air, and Daniel looked at me with tears in his eyes. He knew I was right. We all did. It was time to make a decision and face whatever lay ahead.
The entire group was watching Daniel, who was drenched in sweat. He said, "Okay, I won't be scared. I'll walk with you all." Aliyana nodded and said, "Alright, let's get out of here through the window." Nani, Robin, and Haider pushed a heavy almirah in front of the door to block it. Now, everyone was preparing to exit through the washroom.
But I was still in the room, looking for something that could make a loud noise to attract all the zombies on this floor to the door. Luckily, I spotted a TV that was still working, and I turned it on full blast. The sound echoed through the corridors, and everyone started to exit through the washroom one by one. Haider went first, followed by Elisa, then Daniel, Nani, Aliyana, Robin, Looka, and finally me.
Our plan was working perfectly. Zombies from not just this floor but all the floors were gathered at the door, trying to break it down. As the zombies were busy trying to break down the door, we took advantage of the distraction to send Elisa and Haider on a crucial mission. Their objective was to rescue a family trapped in room number 17, a few doors down from where we were hiding. The family consisted of a mother, father, and two young children, who had been barricaded inside, praying for someone to come and save them.
Elisa and Haider moved swiftly and silently, their footsteps muffled by the worn-out carpet. They reached room number 17 and carefully checked the door for any signs of zombies. Satisfied that it was clear, they slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open.
The room was dimly lit, with only a faint glow emanating from a small flashlight on the bedside table. The family's eyes were fixed on the door, their faces etched with fear and hope. When they saw Elisa and Haider, their eyes widened in relief.
"Thank God you're here," the mother whispered, her voice trembling. "We've been trapped in here for hours. We thought no one was coming for us."
Elisa smiled reassuringly. "We're here to get you out. Let's move quickly and quietly. We don't want to attract any unwanted attention."
The family nodded, still looking shell-shocked. Elisa and Haider helped them gather their belongings and prepared to make a swift exit. As they moved out of the room, Elisa kept a watchful eye out for any signs of danger, while Haider brought up the rear, covering their backs.
The family's children were quiet, their eyes wide with fear. Elisa smiled at them, trying to reassure them that everything would be okay. "Don't worry, we're going to get you to safety. Just hold onto your parents' hands and stay close."
The family nodded, their faces set with determination. As they moved through the corridors, Elisa and Haider kept a steady pace, their senses on high alert. They knew that one misstep could mean disaster, but they were determined to get the family to safety.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they reached the designated meeting point. The family was safe, and Elisa and Haider had successfully completed their mission. They exchanged a relieved glance, their faces etched with exhaustion and satisfaction. Another family was safe, thanks to their bravery and quick thinking.
Now, we headed to the third floor, where Looka and Nani had to reach room number 26. As we navigated the dimly lit corridors, the air was thick with tension. Every creak of the floorboards made us jump, and every groan in the distance sent shivers down our spines. Looka and Nani exchanged a determined glance, and without a word, they took off towards room number 26.
Their footsteps echoed through the corridor as they moved swiftly, their hearts pounding in unison. They knew that every second counted, and they couldn't afford to waste any time. As they approached the room, they slowed down, their senses on high alert. They listened carefully for any signs of movement or danger, their ears straining to pick up even the faintest sound.
Finally, they reached the door, and Looka carefully turned the handle, pushing it open slowly. Nani slipped inside, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of life. The room was quiet, except for the sound of heavy breathing coming from the corner. Looka followed Nani inside, and they both moved cautiously towards the source of the sound.
As they reached the corner, they saw a group of people huddled together, their faces pale and frightened. Looka and Nani exchanged a relieved glance, knowing that they had finally found the people they were looking for. With a nod, they began to guide the group towards the exit, their movements swift and precise.
The group's eyes were fixed on Looka and Nani, their faces filled with gratitude and hope. They knew that they owed their lives to these two brave individuals, who had risked everything to rescue them. As they moved through the corridors, the group's whispers of thanks and appreciation filled the air, and Looka and Nani smiled, their faces etched with exhaustion and relief.
Their mission was far from over, but for now, they had succeeded in rescuing another group of people. They knew that they still had to face many challenges, but with each successful rescue, their determination and courage grew. They were one step closer to completing their mission, and they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As we continued our mission, we made our way to the fourth floor, where Daniel and Robin had to rescue a couple trapped in room number 39. The corridors were eerily quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead. Daniel and Robin moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
As they approached room number 39, they slowed down, their hearts pounding in anticipation. They listened carefully for any sounds coming from inside the room, but there was only silence. Daniel nodded to Robin, and they both took a deep breath before entering the room.
The door creaked open, and they slipped inside, their eyes adjusting to the dim light. The room was small, with a single window that offered a glimpse of the cityscape outside. In the corner, they saw a couple huddled together, their faces pale and frightened. Daniel and Robin exchanged a relieved glance, knowing that they had finally found the people they were looking for.
The couple looked up, their eyes locking onto Daniel and Robin. For a moment, they just stared, unsure of what to do. Then, the woman's face broke into a weak smile, and she whispered, "Thank you." The man nodded, his eyes welling up with tears.
Daniel and Robin smiled back, their faces etched with exhaustion and relief. "We're here to help," Daniel said softly. "We'll get you out of here safely."
The couple nodded, still looking shell-shocked. Daniel and Robin helped them to their feet, supporting them as they swayed unsteadily. As they made their way out of the room, Daniel and Robin kept a watchful eye out for any signs of danger.
The couple's gratitude was palpable, and Daniel and Robin felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. They had done it again – they had rescued people from the clutches of the zombies. As they escorted the couple to the designated meeting point, Daniel and Robin couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they would make it out of this alive.
With the couple safe, Daniel and Robin rejoined the rest of the team, ready to face the next challenge. They knew that the mission was far from over, but for now, they had succeeded in rescuing another group of people. And that was all that mattered.
Now, we had to go to the last floor, which was the darkest. Our torch batteries were running out, but our determination remained strong. We had to reach room number 50, where an old couple was waiting for us. As soon as we reached the floor, we were surrounded by zombies. I took out my swords and fought them off with both hands. Aliyana fought them off with great skill and strategy. After overcoming many challenges, we finally reached room number 50.
But when we got there, it was too late. 6-7 zombies had already broken down the door and entered the room. Aliyana screamed "No!" as we both rushed into the room and killed all the zombies. But we couldn't save the old man's wife. She had been bitten and killed by the zombies. The old man was devastated. He picked up his wife's body and held her close. Suddenly, her eyes opened, and I knew what I had to do. I told the old man to step aside, but he refused, saying, "You'll have to kill me first."
Just as the old man's wife was about to bite him, Aliyana pulled him aside, and I killed her with my sword. The old man's wife's eyes closed, and dark blood flowed from her neck. The old man couldn't bear the loss of his wife and, holding her body, took his own life.
The scene was heart-wrenching, and I felt a deep sense of sorrow. We had saved many lives, but we had also witnessed the tragic end of an old couple. We stood there for a moment, paying our respects to the deceased, before moving forward with our mission.
To be continue.....