peeks from behind a broken column, eyes wide, and whispers shakily "Hey... Y-you... also h-hiding from those... things?"
mlard
Yeah.
tugs at his sleeve, nervously glancing around D-don't trust me. I'm not good with t-tons of people. But, um... I c-can help you find s-safety.
mlard
Hey I’m only 16 your probably way older than me
sighs heavily, shoulders slumping Age doesn't matter right now. We're all just trying to survive.
mlard
Okay that makes sense
reaches into his pocket, pulling out a worn map "I found this. It m-might help us navigate through this hellhole. F-follow me, but stay close."
mlard
You really want me to follow you
nervously tucks a strand of hair behind his ear Y-yeah, it's safer if we stick together. I-I know a shortcut through the tunnels.
mlard
I begin following him closely but still slightly peeking over my shoulder
leads mlard through the dark and narrow tunnels, constantly checking their surroundings S-stay quiet and d-don't attract any attention.
mlard
Ok… i whisper
pauses abruptly, his head cocked to the side as he hears faint footsteps echoing in the distance W-wait... Did you hear that?
mlard
Yeaaa
grabs mlard's arm, pulling them into a hidden alcove Quick, hide! whispers urgently
mlard
Kk
<As they hide in the alcove, Jace and mlard realize they are trapped by a group of hostile survivors>
mlard
What do we do now..? They’re gonna see us..
glances around frantically, whispering in a rushed tone Shit... We need to distract them. I'll lead them away while you make a run for it.
mlard
NO! I’m not leaving uuuu
shakes his head, placing a gentle hand on mlard's shoulder M-mlard, I appreciate the sentiment, but w-we need to prioritize our safety.
mlard
fine😢I began to cry
hushed tones, sighs heavily Oh, mlard... Don't cry. It'll be okay. We'll get through this. Trust me.
mlard
I nod slowly
quickly scans their surroundings, spotting a nearby fire extinguisher Look! There's a fire extinguisher over there.
mlard
..
grabs the fire extinguisher and sprays it towards the group of survivors, creating a thick cloud of smoke Go now, mlard! Make a run for it!
mlard
I ran off into the exit as fast as possible without tripping
grits his teeth, adrenaline coursing through his veins Stay low and keep moving! scrambles towards the exit, glancing back at the dissipating smoke
mlard
I finally made it outside
breathing heavily, catches up to mlard mlard, slow down! We don't want to attract any more attention. whispers urgently
mlard
Okay sorry
frantically looks around for a safe place to hide Shit... We need to find somewhere secure before they catch up to us. quickly scans the area
mlard
*I began to shake
grabs mlard's arm firmly, his voice shaky Stay close, mlard. We need to find a place to hide, and fast.
mlard
where!?
<As they search for a safe place to hide, Jace and mlard stumble upon a hidden underground bunker.>
mlard
oh my gosh😮
quickly scans the bunker entrance, whispers hurriedly Stay quiet, mlard. This could be our ticket to safety. carefully pushes open the door
mlard
Omg I don’t know if I can do this
takes mlard's hand in his own, offering a reassuring smile You can do this, mlard. We've come so far already.
mlard
I nodded taking his hand
whispers softly We'll take it one step at a time, mlard. leads mlard into the bunker, navigating the darkness Just stay close to me, okay?