That night, while the others slept peacefully in their rooms, Lior lay awake, hugging Lyra tightly. His small frame trembled as he buried his face against her, soft muffled sobs escaping him. Lyra lay on her side, gently stroking his hair, her calm presence trying to steady his storm.
Lior (voice breaking): Big sis… I can't handle this world. It's… it's too dangerous. But I can't leave the family either.
Lyra (whispering, soothing): Shhhh, it's okay sweetie. I know. You're still young, but you're 16, right? So you have to be strong. And hey… I've been thinking. What if we could take them with us in the future?
Lior (sniffling, shaking his head): I wish we could, big sis. But the portal… it won't let outsiders through. Only the ones who entered once can go. Like me, you, Draxil, and Adrik. Only we can leave. The others… they're trapped here. I just… big sis… I can't handle anymore.
Lyra's heart ached at his words. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head, holding him tighter. Slowly, she began humming a soft lullaby, her voice low and steady. Gradually, his tears slowed, his breathing evened, and he drifted into sleep in her arms. Outside, the first light of dawn crept across the horizon, spilling gold over the quiet house.
Chrono Guardianz
Episode 4: The Danger in the Alley
By morning, the house stirred awake. Everyone prepared for the day's errands. Thanks to their work in the small restaurant with Granny and Grandpa, they had managed to earn enough money. Today, it was time to shop for supplies.
Draxil and Adrik, exhausted from the previous night, were still asleep upstairs. Meanwhile, Jeff, Carla, Lyra, and Lior gathered near the door, ready to leave. They wrapped scarves and masks around their faces to avoid unwanted attention. Clara stayed behind to help in the restaurant with Granny and Grandpa.
Crossing into the other side of the city, the four moved cautiously. The atmosphere was heavier here: beggars sat on the sides of the road, while dangerous-looking men lingered in corners. The scent of smoke and dirt filled the air.
Jeff (serious, scanning the area): We'll need to split into two groups. If we all walk together, it'll draw suspicion.
Carla (quickly): Then I'm coming with you.
Jeff (shaking his head, firm): No. You go with Mrs. Lyra. She's stronger than me — she can protect you. I don't ever want to see you hurt.
Carla (protesting): But—
Lyra (placing a hand on Carla's shoulder, calm): It's okay. I'll protect you, and we'll meet with them again soon.
Carla hesitated but finally nodded.
Lyra (looking at Lior): Lior, stay close to Jeff. Always.
Lior (nodding quickly): Yes, big sis. I will.
Jeff: Alright. You two buy camping items — tents, torches, lighters, whatever we'll need. Lior and I will get weapons.
Both Carla and Lyra nodded.
Carla (softly, before leaving): Please… take care.
The groups split. Jeff and Lior moved deeper into the market while Carla and Lyra disappeared down another street.
The market was crowded, stalls overflowing with goods both stolen and traded. Jeff stood at a weapons stand, testing blades while Lior lingered behind him, eyes darting nervously to the crowd.
Lior (hesitant, whispering): Mr. Jeff… wh-why are you choosing melee weapons? I-I mean… there's a gun shop right there.
Jeff smiled faintly, never looking away from the sword he was inspecting.
Jeff: Guns, huh? Sure, they're powerful. But they're expensive, and they need bullets. If the bullets run out, so do you. A blade doesn't need reloading. And besides — a sword can kill silently. Guns only make noise and attract more zombies.
Lior (eyes wide): Ohh… I get it. You really are brave, Mr. Jeff. I wish… I could be like you. Strong. Not scared of anything.
Jeff tested the blade's sharpness against the light.
Jeff (chuckling softly): Who told you I'm not scared of anything? I'm scared all the time. Especially when it comes to my family. But I use that fear. When you get scared, don't run. Face it. Like that time I found you all unconscious under the tree, with zombies closing in. Man, I was terrified then. But I turned that fear into strength — and now look. You're all still here.
He paid the shopkeeper and slid the sword back into its sheath. As they walked, he gave Lior a firm glance.
Jeff: And you… you're braver than me.
Lior (surprised): Me? But I always hide behind my big sister.
Jeff: If I were your age, I'd do the same. But you're forgetting something. You're 15 — maybe 16 — and you saved me, my wife, and my daughter's lives. That's bravery, Lior. Not everyone can do that. You did.
Lior lowered his eyes, embarrassed but warmed by the words.
Jeff (hurrying): Now let's move before these people notice us. If they see we have money, they'll try to take it.
Lior: Yes… let's go. I hope big sis and Mrs. Carla are okay.
Meanwhile, Lyra and Carla were walking through a narrow alley, their bags filled with supplies. The street ahead was crowded with men whose eyes lingered far too long, so Lyra chose the back route.
Carla (uncertain): Do you really think this is a good idea?
Lyra (nodding): It's safer than walking through their stares. They looked at us like they'd never seen women before. This way, we'll be fine—
Her words cut off as two thugs appeared at the far end of the alley, laughing as they strolled past. Lyra grabbed Carla's arm and pulled her behind a large rusted trash bin. They held their breath as the men stopped just a few feet away.
Thug 1 (grumbling): Did you hear? Another murder at the abandoned building. Guy's skull was crushed like glass.
Thug 2 (whistling low): Damn. Even I couldn't do something that brutal. Who the hell is out there?
Their footsteps faded. Lyra slowly pulled Carla out from hiding.
Carla (exhaling, shaky): That… was close.
Lyra (calm but tense): Yes. Let's keep moving.
They turned another corner — only to be stopped by a huge thug leaning casually against the wall, a cigarette glowing between his fingers. He smirked when he saw them.
Thug (mocking): Well, what do we have here? Two pretty little ladies, walking where they shouldn't be.
Carla (nervous, trying to reason): Sorry, we're lost. We'll go back now—
Thug (blocking their way, grinning): Uh-uh. Not so fast. It's been a long time since I've seen women like you. Maybe you should… stay a while.
Carla's stomach knotted in dread. She clutched the bag tighter. Lyra's jaw clenched, her anger burning beneath her calm eyes.
At the same time, Jeff and Lior walked through an empty street with their supplies.
Jeff (relieved): Okay, we've got everything. Now we just need to—
Suddenly, ten thugs emerged from the shadows, surrounding them. Their leader, a man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward.
Leader (mocking, polite): Greetings, gentlemen. I trust your shopping went well? Now, kindly hand over your money… and no one gets hurt.
Jeff (stern, lying): We don't have any. We spent it all.
Leader (grinning): Then hand over the things you bought.
Jeff (sharply): What? No. We need these to survive.
Leader (dark laugh): So… they're more important than your lives?
Jeff swallowed hard, tightening his grip on his new blade. Lior's hands shook as he stepped back, his staff flickering faintly at his side, ready to be summoned if needed.
Far away, Carla hugged her bag protectively while the thug reached toward her. Lyra's eyes narrowed dangerously, the air thickening with tension.
The city was closing in on them from every direction.
TO BE CONTINUED…