Chapter 28: Lynch Street Line

After meeting up with Elise, Manny and the others, we went through the turnstiles and made our way down the staircase. Thankfully, Cynthia was still pinned down so at least we wouldn't have a problem with her anymore.

But ... I couldn't shake the feeling that she isn't the only one...

Unfortunately, we were confronted by a group of sniffer dogs and double-heads as we came in. Considering the subway station had both wide and narrow spaces, I initially thought of taking them out right there. But I knew it was a bad idea, because they would most likely maul me to death as soon as I was on the ground.

I shook those thoughts away once we descended the next staircase onto the Lynch Street Line platform. I quickly turned on my flashlight, whilst repeatedly telling myself to take it easy as I joined Peaches and Louis in exploring. The adults went to look further down the platform, some even going into the train.

"What if there are monsters inside that train...?" Louis whispered in fright. "I don't want to see you guys killed by a closer or even worse, the man in the coat..."

Hearing this, Peaches gingerly stroked his fur with her trunk. "I don't want to see you die either..."

I was immediately bombarded by flashbacks of Elise, Maria and Cybil's deaths, along with Sonic's attack. I clenched my eyes shut, trying so hard not to show signs of my painful guilt. I sure as hell wasn't going to let my friends suffer the same fate, especially after everything that's happened so far.

"I'll be right back..."

"Let's just get out of here..."

"Don't worry though, I'll say Hi to Elise for you..."

"I-I-If you got time to worry, t-t-then run... T-T-This place... It's dangerous... You need to... Hurry... G-Get out of here..."

I'll admit, it was slowly getting more and more difficult to hold my emotions in. One part of me was desperately screaming at me to let it all out, but I listened to the other part which told me to keep them in and stay strong throughout.

"Get it together." I scolded myself quietly, putting on a facade of calmness which told everyone that I was a tough and jaded kid. "Get it together."

Now's not the time...

As I scanned the area, I found myself wandering inside the nearest train car which welcomed me with its' bright lights. Even though they were further down, Sonic, Elise, Manny and the others were in the same train as I was.

"Hey Megan," Peaches said, walking up to me as we continued searching. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I answered, giving her a quick thumbs up. "It's all good."

There was a small moment of silence before my teenage mammoth friend spoke up. "Y'know? That Sonic guy you and Elise like, he seems really nice."

Damn right he is!

"Did you tell him about your mother?" She asked, locking her eyes with mine. "If you haven't yet, then you really should."

"I am planning to, Peaches." I responded. "I'm just going to wait until the time is right, that's all."

Louis had apparently heard our conversation and decided to step in too. "That's perfectly fine. Until you find her, we'll look after you... Don't worry..."

"Thanks guys." I said, turning my lips upwards in a small smile. "I appreciate it..."

I'm glad that you all are here...

M-S

Since I came out of the bathrooms with kiddo, I couldn't help but feel that there was something missing. I had no idea to why she was in these freaky worlds with the Herd, wether it was she wanted to find me or they just ended up trapped here, I don't know.

There's probably something bothering her... Poor girl...

"Hey Elise!" I called out. "Mind if I could talk to you for a sec?"

As soon as those words left my mouth, the sound of heels clicking at a fast pace echoed and my friend jogged up to me with a acknowledging smile. "Sure, Sonic. What's troubling you?"

I returned the gesture and began to explain my concern for the young girl. "It's not very serious, but ... I'm getting quite worried about your friend." I then gave a small sigh. "I hope she's okay..."

Hearing this, Elise's smile faded as she placed her hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure Megan's fine. But she can be really shy and quiet so ..., if you'd like to, you could do what you do best; show her how wonderful your life is and that everyone can follow you."

Y'know ... That actually sounds good.

I nodded, indicating that I thought her idea was alright. "Besides," She continued. "You've changed so many lives, including mine. If you can do that, then you'll have no worries doing the same with Megan."

After she said this, I grinned at her and gave my signature thumbs up. "I suppose you're right. I mean ... We've probably changed her life already since we're her idols. Although, thanks Elise."

The response I received from my friend was a much wider smile. "You're welcome, Sonic."

Just as I was about to reply, a trio of shouts and yells made us jump out of our fur/skin, coming from outside the train and up a nearby staircase. "What's going on up there?!" Manny shouted, having heard the commotion. "You guys okay?!"

"We're fine, Dad!" Peaches shouted back. "We just found some extra supplies and a new weapon, that's all!"

At least the younger ones weren't arguing...

S-M

I am not going to lie, as soon as I saw the new weapon, I immediately threw my fists up in the air with delight. It happened to be an already loaded shotgun and I absolutely love seeing it in action; wether it was movies, video games or TV shows.

And now I have one of my own...

"YEEEESS!" I cheered, just after throwing my fists up. "We get the almighty boom-stick!"

Hearing this, both Peaches and Louis couldn't help but burst out laughing. Apparently they thought what I just said was hilarious, and that was perfectly fine. I went down to pick up the firearm and damn, it was heavy! Probably a lot heavier that my hunting rifle, but oh well...

"Oh man," I sighed, smirking evilly. "I am so, killing the first monster we run into with this thing!"

It's not like I'm a serial killer, though. I just love the shotgun!

"C'mon Megan," My teenage mammoth friend chuckled, gesturing for me and Louis to follow her. "Let's head back down."

I nodded and joined my two friends on the way back to the platform. Sonic was the first one to appear as Peaches and Louis finished descending. I locked eyes with him, took my right leg back and held my new firearm in a fighting stance with a mischievous smirk creasing my cheeks. "Like what you see, mate?"

The only answer I got out of Sonic was him giving me a thumbs up and snickering. "You sure do make me laugh."

Well, I try to.

Eventually, I met up with my friends and we all continued on. I walked with my idol and Elise with Diego and Shira close behind. But as we went through the door at the end of the platform, I thought back to my mother's disappearance.

Where was she...?

Is she still alive...?

And what was Walter doing to her...?

I need to find my mother and get out of here with my friends ... Fast!