The Road to Eden

"Good morning sir, we are envoys of the pawn" Kaiser said while currently speaking to a gate guard. In order to leave, we needed to get to the satisfactory district of sector B. The one that looked like actual humans lived there.

The guard didn't respond. He instead opened a side door and we were able to waltz right in.

"Walk forward for 10 minutes, there should be a military vehicle waiting up ahead. Just get in, don't ask any questions. Act natural." The guard told the group as we passed him and exited on the other side of the gate.

Most nodded and we continued walking. The bland, gray, and uniform buildings made it seem as if we were going nowhere but we did eventually see a vehicle in the distance.

The streets were still fairly bustling. With this as cover, we asked no questions and climbed into the back of the vehicle.

"Hello, this is quite exciting isn't it?" A man with a dashing smile spoke. I could more or less see his face from the rearview mirror. He had the looks to back up the smile, his military uniform also seemed rather well ironed.

"You can call me Rook." He then introduced himself. Kaiser who was up ahead also introduced us and himself before asking a question.

"How long's the trip?" Kaiser asked the driver.

"Let's see, Escape Tunnel is half an hour away… the climb is about 10 minutes… You should be in Eden in less than an hour." Rook answered pensively.

"Eden?" Asked one of the members. He was apparently not aware that there was a city in the surface or didn't know its name.

"That's right, Eden. It's supposed to be a paradise which it is when compared to Termina but that's why comparisons aren't a good thing." Rook answered the slip of the tongue without a single care. His attitude was admirable I suppose.

"One of you should wear that military uniform and come up front." Rook pointed at some folded clothing and said.

"The rank's pretty low, have him wear it" Rook then added while pointing at me.

I didn't decline, I stood up and assessed the uniform. The size was just about right, no one would point out any problems.

"What are you doing? just wear it" Someone pressured. They didn't like protagonists it seemed…

I therefore quickly stripped to my underwear and equipped myself with the military gear. I then climbed over to the front and fastened my seatbelt.

"Alright, the rest of you should lay low. We are going then!" Rook said as he stepped on the gas.

But the vehicle didn't move.

"Hm? Oh, it's still in parking," He quickly adjusted the gear and set it to drive.

"Alright, let's go now then!" For some reason, I felt a chill down my spine after hearing his words. Was it possible that the man had just learned to drive? I subconsciously tightened my seatbelt.

The others didn't find anything strange. They were instead excited. This was the first time they rode a vehicle!

"Yeah! Let's go!: "Whoo" "F*ck thi-" Cheers sounded as the vehicle quickly accelerated.

"Keep it quiet" Rook then reminded them of the situation as the speedometer rapidly rose and the surrounding buildings started to turn blurry. For some reason, I felt a headache coming in.

The ones in the back quieted down with amazed expressions as the Inertia threatened to push them out of the vehicle.

"I see you guys are having fun" He turned around and asked with a smile. I nearly had a heart attack as he had shifted his gaze from the open road.

Many arduous minutes later, we had finally reached a checkpoint. Oddly enough I was happy of such a thing.

The soldiers walked over and peered inside. They then gestured for Rook to keep going. It was surprisingly simple.

"Easy right?" Rook said while looking at me as he accelerated. I was quite tempted to take the wheel from him.

Regardless, it didn't happen. We entered the tunnel called Escape and rode for ten more minutes until I finally caught a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. The ones in the back who had long since grown tired and cramped regained their livelyness as they realized what was ahead.

"It's the sun!" Someone expectantly yelled as rays of sunlight entered the back from the front window.

An open blue sky with sparse clouds was in full view. Excitement had reached its peak but I on the other hand felt bothered. It was simply too hot, I couldn't imagine what noon would bring.

"You guys have never seen the sun before?" Rook said with a smug smile.

"Of course not! I've only seen some pictures." Seamus answered with loads of energy.

"That's quite lucky of you guys then." Rook added before focusing on the road ahead.

The environment was arid. Little greenery could be seen anywhere even on the horizon. Instead, One could spot gigantic white walls.

"That's Eden" Rook told us before taking a left turn on a fork on the road.

"But we won't be heading over there, our destination is west." Rook added as he picked up speed. I didn't even know there was more speed to pick up though…

Nobody spoke on the way over as they admired the bright terrain. After a good couple of hours, the arid ground finally took on a new shade. There was green grass up ahead being parted by the asphalt road.

"This-! It's from the show!" Someone yelled with evident surprise.

"The grass growing show?" Others who had taken their seat for the long ride perked up their heads and looked over.

It was indeed a green field full of grass. Many had mouths agape. Rook then broke them out of their stupor with a question.

"Do you guys know what they call this place?" He still had a smile as he drove.

"No, what?" Someone took the bait and asked.

"Prey Prairie." Rook answered matter of factly.

Hearing this some ended up audibly gulping in surprise. Was the grass deadly or something? My attention was gained and I waited for Rook to continue but…

SKRRRR

The vehicle came to a sudden halt. No, it was more than just that. Rook quickly shifted the gear and went full on reverse.

"F*ck! Stay inside, mutant!" He shifted gears and told us.

He then grabbed a rifle and opened the door to exit.

Slam! He slammed the door closed and took aim with steady hands.

Some grew nervous and others excited as they looked at the road ahead. What type of mutant would they encounter?

But there were only some red flowers growing on the hot asphalt.