The Path of Life

This was not the time to stop and ponder on what to do. Nor was grouping up with their friends a good choice, though with Alex to care for, the others would eventually catch up anyway. It was better to just move forward and act as scouts. The group thus swiftly got going and tried to reach the exit of the Third Sky as soon as possible. And it seemed things were going their way at this point. The road was clearer than before since many had fallen into despair and gone hiding in the city. There was not exactly a flight to the north happening at that moment. That direction only really led you to more wilderness and deeper into the monsters' territory. Most still determined citizens had opted to go south in order to try and reach the closest human city, Haitian. However, due to their reduced mobility, leaving towards the north to then circle around the city from afar did seem like the most appropriate decision at the time. And there was another strategic element to consider: if a large group of people were to flee south then it was likely the army to the east would move down to catch the escapees. All in all, going north was a risky move. But at this point, the only sure thing was that death awaited those that stayed.

Their journey started and it was thanks to John's determined aura that his two companions kept moving along. The mood was heavy and it was taking its toll on Alex' composure. They had finally reached the Third Sky's gate when Alex started giving signs of exhaustion.

"I'm too tired... I'm slowing you down too much..."

"Just shut up and keep going! I'll carry you if I have to! John I..."

"Let's move to the other side, we'll try our luck on a car."

The trio got through the gate rather easily, as there were surprisingly few people walking around here. Judy helped Alex settle down next to the wall of one of the guardhouses while John started looking around. Quite a few people had taken their car and tried to flee straight to the east through the farmlands of the Fourth Sky. But after more and more people drove through the checkpoint, small accidents provoked by the panic ended up clogging the way completely for cars. Some had turned around while others had left their car behind hoping to hijack a new one on the other side.

After searching for a few minutes, John simply came back empty-handed.

"All the cars have been taken. We'll find some more if we move forward."

"Okay. Come up Alex, I'll help you out..."

The weariness from anxiety was palpable in Judy's voice. Alex' only answer was a deep sigh as he let his little sister lift him back up. John grabbed all the luggage Judy had been carrying and the little group moved forward on foot once more.

Around the checkpoint on the Fourth Sky's side was still a semi-residential area. After going past a couple of blocks, the density of the residential buildings was starting to lower significantly. This was where factories were starting to appear and, coincidentally, where one could find the first few abandoned cars.

As the little group reached the first car they had found, they suddenly remembered people often locked their cars. And that you needed the key to ignite the engine and unlock the steering wheel anyway. The only way they could get their hands on a drivable car was if they somehow also found its keys. But luckily for them, people leaving in a panic should mean everything was left as behind as is.

The trio got walking again and it was not long before they spotted a garage. This should be their best shot. The place had not been too heavily looted, John rushed inside and went straight for the counter. The key hangers behind it were sparsely populated but all they needed was one car. John picked up the first set of keys that caught his eyes. He picked some rather small and rounded keys with a small standing lion engraved on one side. This likely belonged to a smaller car which should be more nimble and increase the likelihood of getting through the Fourth Sky's gate in case of a roadblock.

None of the cars inside wore that logo on their front, so John went back outside and quickly found their new method of transportation. He was hoping the metallic-blue automobile had not been brought in for any kind of heavy repair, and that it still had fuel inside. The engine ignited. The tank was half full. Everything boded well thus far.

The three friends managed to board the car and John drove straight for the next gate. He didn't dare drive too fast, even though the road was empty of driving cars. Judy looked rather distressed but she managed to hold on to her wits for now.

"I sent the others a picture of the garage."

"Good idea. Where are they at?"

"On their way to the Third Sky's gate. Sam's worried a fight will break out. Joe's been trying his hardest to lead the others here but his parents are starting to doubt the plan..."

"Don't worry Judy, it'll be fine. George is smarter than he looks."

The laugh that ensued was long overdue and seemed to somewhat relieve Judy of some of her anxiety. Alex was already fast asleep.

John slowed down as they reached the Fourth Sky's gate. Luckily for them, there was no roadblock there. The barriers were lowered and they both knew there was no way they could force their way through. Luckily, everything had been left vacant. Judy simply went into the control post and let the car through.

Once on the other side, John stopped the car and climbed on top of a truck that was close by.

From there, he had a clear view up to the Fifth Sky's gate. He was looking around in the distance for something that would look somewhat familiar. His eyes quickly settled on one specific spot. The building there looked only a little familiar, but its most striking characteristic was its placement. It was on the exact same spot as another building he had been to the day before.

John took a picture that he sent to his friends, marking the building as their meeting point. After a quick restroom break, they got back on the empty roads. The news were grim. It seemed like something had happened with their families. Their friends refused to tell them anything besides that there would be fewer people than expected reaching the meeting point. An argument had likely broken out and some had decided on another course of action. But there was not much time to dwell on such thoughts. A couple of minutes after receiving those messages, it was the Fourth Sky's dome turn to shatter. The western army must have broken through and it seemed to be aiming straight for the core of the city.

They arrived in front of a large flat building that bore quite a heavy resemblance to the Trader's Clid training ground John had visited the previous day. He parked right in front of a small but sturdy shack. John opened his door to take a picture of this building which greatly surprised Judy.

"What is this for?"

"This is the entry to an emergency tunnel that leads outside."

"Oh, I get it. Shouldn't we try to make it out by car though?"

"I'm not too sure, it might be easier for them to spot the car..."

"With their magic, it shouldn't be any harder to spot us underground."

"True enough. And it would be easier on your brother that way."

"Just get driving. I'll explain the situation to the others."

Alex had woken up not too long ago but didn't dare speak his mind. He felt at ease simply listening to those two, the world seemed nearly at peace at this point. The car got back on the road with John at the wheel while Judy was explaining their plan to their friends. If getting out by car was possible then it would be their best option. However, the tunnel might be needed if the door was blocked or to temporarily hide. They got word that the southern army had already reached up to the Third Sky and had split up to catch all the fleeing survivors. The timing couldn't have been more awful for their families. The group was currently trying to find cars around the garage John had indicated, but if they didn't act fast, they would likely be noticed and killed by the enemy forces.

The Fifth Sky's gates were hard to miss, and as John had already been there the day prior, he found his way back without issue. John parked the car in front of the middle gate.

"I'm not sure how to open it but I'll go check in the booth."

Judy nodded as she started talking to her brother. John was dubious the guards would have left a way for the doors to be opened but he was proven wrong. They had left in such a hurry, and had instructions to simply leave everything as is. This was a rather suspicious order coming from the military leaders had they really intended to hold out. John simply pressed a big red button and the door opened. He jogged back to the car and drove it inside the interlock. He then went straight to the button to open the second door but nothing happened when he pressed it. It was rather obvious that the system would not allow for both doors to be opened at once. He went back to look around the first door. He found the button on the wall and pressed it. Once the inner door had closed down completely, he moved over to the outer door's button and pressed it. John climbed back in the car as the last door between the trio and a chance at complete freedom opened.

Things were not going to be easy but this was as good a chance as any to make it out. Their phones would soon get out of range and they hoped their friends would also make it.