2 Farewell

Alex opened the door, embracing the blast of chilly wind. He walked towards the middle of the open field and started stretching his body. After that, he then began to run around the field. The field was around the size of a football pitch.

Ever since that incident, those who had survived had been taken to the extreme edge towards the middle region. The children who had become orphans as a result of that tragic event were taken into an orphanage home provided by the government.

Alex and his sister had been found by the soldiers deployed to take care of the incident. They were fairly provided for and lived quite a simple life. Alex had dedicated himself to intense training since that day. His wish was to join the military and join those fighting against the beast.

Those in the age of 15 and above were given an opportunity to join the military. Alex had trained intensely for two years now, all in the hope of being accepted.

Although he would have to leave his sister, Zoe, who was two years younger, behind. They had formed a deep bond after that fateful day. After all, she was the only family he had. At times, he couldn't help but worry about her well-being if he was accepted.

"Just a light training today," he said. He didn't want to exhaust himself before the next day. The sun had fully risen when he entered the little building. The young children were already carrying out their daily task.

"Hey, Alex, Zoe is in the garden." Ray, a golden haired boy, said. He was the same age group with Alex, although larger in size. Alex walked through the door, heading towards the garden. There his sister was, weeding the garden. Her pink hair had grown longer following over her porcelain shoulders.

"It's that you, Alex?" She asked as she raised her face. Her laser blue eyes landed on his face.

"Yeah, I'm the one," Alex said as he walked over to her. He sat down in between the crops, staring at the sky.

I'll be leaving tomorrow, "he said, patting her head. "If only you could come along with me."

"Don't worry, brother. I'll be fine. You don't need to worry about me." She said as she began work again. "Your meal is on the table," she said. I guess you are famished."

Alex patted her head once more before heading towards the kitchen. Just as she said, his meal was on the table in the kitchen. He quickly ate the food, his mind wandering over the day activity.

He had to arrange his things before tomorrow, as the carriage would be early.

He barely had any stuff worth carrying. All his things were arranged in a duffel bag, which he kept beside his bed.

****

"General!" A soldier saluted as he entered the room. "There have been reports about the zombies spreading towards the east."

"Hmmm, the zombies are quite an opponent given their ability to turn one into mindless beings with just a scratch. Deploy the special unit, I'm sure they will be able to eliminate the threat."

Within the walls, there were three zones. The outer, middle, and inner zone. Alex and his family lived in the outer zone, the zone that got attacked by beasts. The outer zone was abandoned after the incident and had been taken over by beasts and zombies.

"Deploy the special unit," he said to the soldier.

"Yes, sir!" The soldier saluted before leaving the room.

'Today, the troops sent out will be coming back from recruitment. I hope some special ones are among them.' The general thought with a sigh.

~~~~

The day went by with Alex spending the whole time with Zoe. It was soon night time, and after having dinner along with the other kids, Alex, after helping Zoe with the dishes, walked to his room.

"I'm going to miss the place," Alex said to Zoe, who was at his side. "Especially you, Zoe," he said with a sad smile.

"I'll miss you too," she said, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes. "It's for the best. When you go out there... promise me... you will never forget about me."

"I promise... and when I'm powerful and rich enough, I'll rent a house in the middle zone so that you will be able to stay with me."

Entering the room, Alex climbed atop his bed. "Goodnight, Zoe."

"Goodnight, Alex." A few minutes later, he could hear her light breathing from his bed. Sigh. "Mom... Dad, I hope y'all are watching... guiding us each day, I promise to make you guys proud wherever you are. I'll always love you..." Soon, he fell asleep amidst his painful thoughts.

The sun rays fell on his eyes through the little opening of the curtains. With a grunt, he got up from bed and went outside. 'Today is the day I would be taken away from here,' he thought as he performed his morning duties.

He wore a clean white short sleeved shirt with black pants to go. His short, messy white hair was carefully combed and packed neatly with a band his sister had made for him on his thirteenth birthday.

What little stuff he had was kept in an old duffel bag. He then sat at the bench, which was outside the house.

Those in the orphanage lived as one big family, and Alex was sure his sister would be well taken care of.

"I see you're all prepared to go," the head of the orphanage said, sitting beside him. "You know you don't have to do this," she said. "You can stay here till you get a better job to do."

"I'm sorry, but this is the path I've chosen," Alex said with a smile. "Please, can I ask for a request?" he asked her, looking at her aged face.

"Whatever you want that is in my power to do, feel free to speak."

"Please take care of Zoe when I'm gone... she's the only family I have left. She's the one that gives me the strength to move forward when I feel I'm drowning in my fears. Please don't let anything happen to her until my return."

"I'll do that. I promise I'll take good care of her, so rest assured, I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy."

Zoe stood at the door post about to make her way outside when she heard their conversation.

"Don't you want to say goodbye to her before you leave?"

"No," he said with a sigh. "It will only make it harder for me to leave." Soon, the galloping of horses could be heard by both of them. "It's time for me to leave," he said, getting up from the chair, his bag slung on his shoulder.

The horses soon appear, and Alex could see the large carriage at the centre. A soldier jumped down from the horse and then walked towards them.

"Are you Alex Mikado?" he asked curtly.

"Yes!" Alex answered with a determined expression.

"Get your things and follow me. We are already late." Alex stood up, and with a smile towards the woman, he then walked to the carriage.

"Alex! Hold on!"

He heard a soft feminine voice that sent pain to his aching heart. Turning back, he saw Zoe running towards him with tears streaming down her cheeks.

She hugged him tightly, sobbing on his chest. "Goodbye," she said. "Promise me you'll come back safely to me."

"I promise," he said, tilting her chin. "I won't leave you alone in this cruel world." I promise I'll always be there whenever you need me."

"Come on, we don't have all day," the soldier called out.

"It's time to go, Goodbye once again and stay safe," he said to her with a sad smile before jogging to the carriage .

He entered the carriage, which was filled with young boys and girls around his age.The carriage started moving, and soon, he could no longer see Zoe.

"This is a step forward towards my goal," he thought, clenching his fist. "Don't worry, little sister, I'll grow so strong... so strong that I would be able to protect you."8