Chapter 6: Hidden Below

Euno, Bree's husband, approached her with a gentle touch on her shoulder. He could see the conflict in her eyes, torn between preserving their children's innocence and preparing them for the harsh realities outside their walls.

"Bree," Yuno began softly

"I know this is difficult. We all want what's best for our children." He pulled her into a comforting embrace as she held back tears.

"I just don't want them to lose their childhood too soon," Bree whispered, her voice wavering.

Yuno nodded understandingly, his own heart heavy with the weight of their situation.

"We'll find a way to balance it, Bree. Maybe we can start by teaching them in stages, gradually introducing them to skills they may need."

Bree leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his steady presence. "Thank you, Yuno. I appreciate your support."

Meanwhile, Ariela stepped forward, her voice carrying authority tempered with empathy as she addressed the group.

"Rose has a point about the necessity of preparing our children. They're growing up in a world vastly different from what we knew. Ignorance won't protect them forever."

She turned to Rose, nodding in agreement. "But Bree also speaks for many of us who fear the loss of their innocence. Perhaps we can develop a plan that integrates practical knowledge with moments of childhood normalcy."

Rose considered Ariela's words thoughtfully, realizing the importance of fostering both resilience and joy in their children.

"You're right, Ariela. We can structure their learning to include breaks for play and moments of normalcy. It doesn't have to be all seriousness."

Ariela smiled gratefully, sensing a bridge forming between the differing perspectives. "Exactly. Our children deserve to feel safe and happy, even as they learn to navigate this world."

The group nodded in agreement, As they continued their discussion, plans began to form for an educational framework that balanced survival skills with opportunities for childhood experiences.

Outside, the children continued to play, their laughter echoing faintly through the walls of their enclave.

( Azriel Point of View )

I removed the earpod from my ear and drifted into deep thought. Ariela had truly matured; I could sense how remarkable she had become. Hearing their discussion reinforced the importance of revealing realities to the children.

"Az! What are you doing? You're daydreaming again," Roseann chirped, approaching me with a smile.

"Nothing, just tired," I replied, smiling back as she climbed onto the table and sat beside me.

"What are you thinking about, Az?" she asked eagerly.

I hesitated briefly, gazing up at the bright sky. "Hmm," was all I could manage.

"Look! The two of them are dating! Hey, love birds!" BJ teased, sticking her tongue out at me. I rolled my eyes at her, but was grateful when Roseann joined their play—

She's sticking to me like a gum.

A month had passed since I woke up as an 8-year-old. Euna had taken me to the clinic in our base, where Ariela and Geo took me home and let me rest. I discover that i have a weak body I guess i got it from Geo.

"Why aren't you playing?" Jerry, now 16 along with Kho, asked, looking more mature than ever. They are 8 years old when we first met; now, I was the one who was 8.

"I just don't feel like it," I admitted, sitting down beside him.

"I hope things won't change on you kids once you learn the truth," Jerry said, and I pretended that I don't know anything.

"What truth?" I asked innocently, feeling a pang as Jerry tousled my hair, making me pout.

"Don't turn out like Uncle Peter, okay?" he joked, and I jumped up.

"Of course not! I don't want to be anything like Uncle Peter," I declared, running over to Reed and grabbing the ball before Zach could block me.

I passed it to BJ, who made the shot; playing basketball had become our daily routine.

"That's the spirit, Az!" BJ said, patting my shoulder approvingly.

Later that evening, as night fell, we retreated inside the warehouse to our respective homes. I sat outside at our table, waiting for the food delivery.

"Are you feeling alright, Az?" Geo asked, sitting beside me and lifting me onto his lap.

"I'm just tired, Dad," I assured him. Ariela soon joined us, sitting across from us.

"Don't overexert yourself, Az," she advised, pinching my cheek lightly. I protested, "Ouch, Mom!"

Dinner arrived, and we ate together, a moment of calm in our tumultuous lives.

The night was quiet around the warehouse everyone is asleep. I felt tired, but then I heard a faint sound underground—it sounded like distant voice.

What is that? Don't they hear it? It's loud! I better check it.

As I slipped out from Ariela and Geo's hug I wore my pajamas as I sneaked past the guards, careful not to be seen.

I followed the faint growl and voices that led me outside the warehouse and closer to the wall. Placing my ear against the cool concrete, I listened carefully. The sound seemed to come from beneath the ground. Following it, I discovered a hidden door at the ground camouflage us a dirt.

With a deep breath, I gripped the handle and opened it slowly. Below, a narrow staircase descended into darkness. The air was cool and filled with mystery, urging me to step into the unknown. As I moved further down the tunnel going deeper I saw a flicker of faint light ahead. Gripping my flashlight tightly, I continued onward, determined to find out what was making that sound. Each step echoed softly as I ventured deeper into the unknown.

The stairs took me down to a dark lab. Weird machines lined the walls, buzzing softly. Tables were messy with bottles and tools. The air tasted like metal, and I felt uneasy—this was no normal basement. I took out the towel i brought and cover my face, It's stink here!

As a child, I grabbed a wooden chair to stand on and peek at the tables. There were no animals left, just blood everywhere, making me nervous. I was curious but careful. I walked through, trying to understand the machines and papers everywhere. Some papers had drawings and numbers I didn't know, talking about experiments.

Just what is this all about?

*Blag! *

I spun around at the sound, my heart racing. In the dim room, a faint munching reached my ears. Swallowing hard, I sank into a nearby chair. Spotting a bottle, I grabbed it and cautiously edged toward the source of the noise, like someone chewing.

With trembling hands, I switched on my flashlight, its beam piercing the shadows. My eyes widened in shock. There, huddled in the corner was a baby zombie! that had inexplicably attached itself to me. Its eyes gleamed in the light, its small frame hunched over something it had scavenged.

Suddenly, it's looked up, emitting a shrill, chilling scream. It leaped towards me, its tiny form surprisingly fast and agile. My heart skipped a beat as fear gripped me—how had it gotten here, and why was it screaming at me now?

Sh*t!