"Let's take a walk for a bit," she said as she took the lead towards the glass architecture.
"Have you contacted your sister?" she started talking as they walk.
"Yeah. I called this morning. I really can't thank you enough for the last time," he smiled. His words weigh in her heart making her silent and loss for words. Breathing deeply, she leaned her back on the on the glass wall.
"What is it?"
The two teens had theirs backs supported by the glass walls of Le Jardin. Alfred's was genuinely curious but he didn't force her to get on with it but patiently waited instead.
"Do you have anything you want to give or send to your family?" she started trying to keep her voice steady
"So what time are we heading out?" he asked. His calm demeanor made Lane looked at her in confusion.
"You want to go?" she asked.
"Of course. I know this isn't really an invitation but if you're going then I should too right," he said a matter-of-factly.
"Should have known this time is quite different from the last time, you know?" she begun to explain that unlike before when they escorted him to a military base, currently however there are no other officers going just her.
"Then the more you need me to go with you. Besides you should know I can handle this. I am the best of all the trainee captains so you don't have to worry of any dead weight," his tone were firm and it doesn't look he would be backing down at all. Lane can only sigh in defeat. She knew this would happen but she couldn't stop herself from telling him. So she can only give him instructions to prepare for their little venture outside. They decided to head out by 3 in the afternoon as it's best that there's still sunlight when exploring beyond the walls.
After their discussion, Lane decided to go to Heritage Gruvelle first, specifically on its 21st floor. In the front of a door with the room number 21-K Prime, Lane stood contemplating whether to knock or not. After a few minutes of internal debate she decided to just go for it. 3 knocks and a few seconds later, a woman opened the door.
The resemblance is evident between the two of them. Probably the most notable distinction were their eyes, while the younger have olive orbs the older have deep onyx ones.
"Mom how are you?" Lane said as she entered the suite.
"Never better," she answered as she made her way towards the kitchen, "Coffee? Tea? Juice?"
"Orange juice please. Oh Mom you should get Dr.Ishi check on your legs. Your varicose veins are getting worse," Lane said as she noticed the only flaw on her mother's perfect skin.
"That's what you get when you have to stand for long hours in the ER or the lab," the woman said as she handed Lane her orange juice.
"Besides I don't want to owe your mafia friends any more than these. Which by the way I haven't forgiven you yet for keeping a secret from me. How did you even become affiliated to one of the biggest organize crime in the world. I thought I taught you better than joining some Le Vraizen Vin," the woman scolded her voice however is measured.
"Mom. They are not that bad, I promise. And we owe them our safety. Aren't many people alright now, away from the danger outside?" Lane patiently explained.
"How sure are you that we are safe can you see what's in their hearts? For all we know it's they who started this whole mess?"
"Mom. How can you say that, they provided us safe haven with resources and besides I know them, they wouldn't. They won't let themselves be at a risk of this magnitude."
"They might be helping us but are also themselves. Aren't you all expanding and strengthening your military prowess?" her mom intently looked at her, Moldivate versus Onyx.
"I understand what you're saying but we don't have much choice. Why not just enjoy the most of it? Also mom, please try exploring outside stop locking yourself up here," Lane said as squeezed her mom's hand.
"I know, you wouldn't stop until you win this argument," her mom sighed which Lane could only laugh.
"Of course, I take after the one and only Dr. Ciara Lee Paige."
With that said, her mom has an expression of a proud parent but underneath it all was worry.
"I'll get going Mom, I still have things to do," she said and kissed her mom's cheek. But before she could set foot outside the room, "Leanna," her mom called. She turned to look at her with an inquistive look.
"Be careful, always, OK?" Dr.Ciara said.
Lane had her charming smile, where her eyes turning like two crescent moons. "Don't worry, I will. Later, Mom." she said waving her arm before bolting out.
From there, Lane went to Le Jardin rather than her suite on the other hotel, Hotel Le Duxe. But before she could reach its entrance, a girl in white lab gown called her, "Laney!"
"Hey, Vanessa Dr.Ishi has this sent for you," she's quite a bubbly girl, enthusiasticaly handing a paper.
"I didn't know you work under Ishi," Lane said as she receive the paper.
"Yeah. I realize I'm more suited to be part of the medical staff than in combat," Vanessa smiled before running back to where she came from.
Unfolding the piece of paper, Lane begun to read.
"Yo Four! I know you'll be heading out sooner or later and I haven't really had gone to details in our meeting but here are the deets. Well, let's start with their sight. From our initial observation they navigate the area through sound, they tend to be attracted to sound. They can't really see. But for a few moments immediately after people mutate to that, their eyes still function. However the artificial compound in their system has been improved, the rate where their optic nerves deteriorate drastically decreases, so new turns could actually see for a few days or less at least. It's still a theory as to why they are attracted to living but the idea where working around is the mutation in their genes causes them to want those non-mutated cells to conform to the new standard. Think of it like cancer cells. Lastly, it's not just the optic nerves but as well as the other somatic cells that deteriorates slower, and the only way to stop any of them is to completely shut down their nervous system. That is all, I'll update you if we have other findings. Take care Four." She silently thanked him as she fold the paper and place it on her pocket.
Entering Le Jardin, she quickly made her way to a wall adorned with Stargazers, an Oriental Lily hybrid that emits a distinct scent that she absolutely love. She always adored Lilies but this particular breed is her favorite. However this is not the reason that she went to this spot. In a blindspot corner, a small IV, a Roman Numeral designed to look like a fancy column, was written. It's placed inconspicuously that you wouldn't ever notice it. Pressing that however reveals a mechanic that would let one slide the wall of Stargazers, revealing a spiral staircase.
Descending the stairs, Lane flicked a few switch to shed some light on the place. Underground was a fully furnished room, comparable to high end suites. The walls were painted in stripes of the pantones of Teal and Turquoise, a unconventional wall ornament in geometric design adorned one side while the other side was a frosted glass door, behind it was a too good to be true Bathroom, large bathtub and rain shower, the vanity is large and the cabinet is fully stock eith fresh towels. Sliding that cabinet however reveals the hidden walk-in wardrobe. That part is also quite impressive, hauté couture dresses, designer shirts, statement outfits, several dozens of shoes simply put an impressive array of clothing.
Before anything else though, she went to the wall with a geometric design, unlike the prior hidden whatnots this secret feature has a mini biometrics and eye scanner to access, behind it were several top of the line weaponry. Several high-tech guns of various sizes, daggers and knives of different shapes, as well as two swords one a rapier the other a katana, there are also grenades at the bottom and several tactical packs were hanged, one corner of it were different first aide tools another were ropes and harnesses. Looking at her supply closet, Lane begun getting the things she ought she needs and when for her it's complete she went to the bathroom to freshen up. Ensuring everything is set for her, she close every hidden room within that hidden room and turning off the lights before pulling the wall of Stargazers back. With that, she activated the security system of Le Jardin then made her way to East Gate as it is the gate to the shortest route to where she's planning on heading.
Lane looked like she was cosplaying a cutesy version Lara Croft at glance. Her brown hair styled in two pigtails, her fringe framing her delicate face. She wore a fitted black long sleeved turtleneck tucked in a high-waisted shorts in fatigue green secured by suspenders or probably stylish harness per se. By her left leg were leather straps keeping a pair of daggers in place. A box of 3 inch heavy duty nails wrapped by her left shoulder a tactical waist pack hanging by her hips alongside a roll of climbing ropes. Completing everything with black combat boots.
She was talking with one of the guards stationed by the East Gate, the one facing Avenue 6, as she waited for Al when she glanced up however she was stopped in her tracks.
Alfred always had a good figure but due to the training, the countours on his arms are becoming more and more evident complementing his broad shoulders. He was wearing fatigue cargo pants and combat shoes a black body-con shirt. On his back slung, a weapon like a small katana. He's also carrying a tactical waist pack and a holster with two loaded guns.
"Ready?" Lane asked, composing herself. Al nodded then followed Lane who took the lead. For defense purposes the reinforced gates were not opened but rather a ladder was installed to the walls. So going up is the only way out. With their skills the two climbed the 50ft wall, on its peak were even more guards sitting observing the vicinity. When they saw Lane, they all stood up then salute.
"2 days, if by then report immediately to Vif," she said before descending the other side of the wall using the rope ladder the guards provided, Al following close behind.
"It's only 3km... Let's go," she said leisurely walking Avenue 6. A few abandoned vehicles were there and their varying sizes makes it difficult to see further than a few feet away. Reaching the intersection, the two turned to the left to Freedom Blvd and walk a few minutes more. There were lesser vehicles there and by the corner the two saw a group of decaying people, the undead. Their flesh has a pale purplish hue and their eyes completely white.
Seeing them, both Lane and Al stop in their tracks and quickly survey the area. There are no safe poles to climb and barging in one of those cars would create noise that would attract those undead beings.
Being as stealthy as possible, the two briskly walk pass the horde maintaining a reasonable distance however just when they thought they were already safe a two stray dogs begun fighting. And the brutal scene one of the dogs had hit the car nearby causing a wave of alarm. As soon as it did group of undead turned their attention to where the sound came from.
In a flash both Lane and Alfred made a run for it but to their disappointment more of those are coming their way, attracted to the blaring car alarm. Lane held her daggers and prepared herself for battle, Al too had pull his short sword. In swift movements both of them begun to bask the skulls of those undead creatures that come their way, careful to not get bitten. Hopefully there were only a few and they manage to get through it alive. Not long they reached the corner of Angel St. the street where Lane's home is located. There still some distance from where they are to the house but it seems there were zero undead that are roaming the street. Not long, they reached Lane's house. She still has the key so she chose the less violent way of unlocking the gates and doors of her home.
"Let's rest first," Lane said as she made her way to the bathroom and wash herself Al following close behind. "So what are we doing in your house?" all asked. "I still don't know where Dad is. It doesn't seem that he was attacked here considering the state of this place," she said pulling a pvc pipe on one of the supply closet. The pantry seems to be well stock and water is still running.
The two settled on the couches and do their own thing. Lane was tweaking with the glue gun, some nails and a pvc pipe while Al rummage the photos on display.
"Well don't you look cute when you were younger? How old are you again?" he asked as he picked the photoframe.
"I'm not cute now?" she askes raising her left brow, "17 turning 18 soon."
"Haha your words not mine. I see I'm a year older than you then. I'm turning 19 this December," he chuckled.
The two continued with their small talk or rather a conversation that became about ISOs and Exposure basically about photography, till the sun had completely set. It's almost dinner time, and since the pantry was well stock the two cooked a simple dinner, roasted chicken and some sauté vegetables and few servings of rice. They enjoyed the meal then both agreed to stay by the roof of the house in case any break in from those undead people the roof would be the safest.
"By the way, Lane be honest with me ok?"