They found their way to the streets of their settlement, known as Kimcho, a small town situated deep in the mountains of New Japan; known as a military capital of the small mountain districts, and a pioneer for Nuclear power generation. The group were in awe of the mass destruction beheld to them. Cars were lining or crashed as far as the eye could see. The difference now from when Takao was out there, was that there were now more children. They were coming slowly from residential buildings, in equal wonder to the students. There were hundreds of them.

Takao and the others made their way through the horde of children and decided they needed a plan. “We have to do something. We need to find a resolution. We can’t just sit in awe and wonder like the other kids are..” stated Akio.

“Yeah, we need to find help. We need to find out what is happening. These children have no adults to watch over them, and these cars crashed in dangerous positions. What if someone needs help in one of them?” agreed Misaki.

Takao sighed. They still believed there were people In the mangled vehicles. “I already checked some of the cars. It’s the same situation as in the school. They have disappeared.” He said gormlessly. “But I do agree, we need to find help. There could be all sorts of chaos if we don’t find anyone to maintain control.”

So it was agreed. Katsu and Hikari weren’t really given a chance to input, but it didn’t bother them. They decided they would just follow the others anyway.

They began their journey.

The streets were strangely empty. Usually at this time of day, the streets of the town would be filled with people doing what they do every day; shopping, working, going places… Just everyday things; but today was different. Not a person could be seen. It was such an eerie atmosphere.

Everywhere they went, more and more mystified children poured out onto the street, from houses and apartment blocks all over. Where were their parents? Takao thought..

“I’m going to check my house, to see if my parents are home. They said they were going to be in all day.” Takao said, “Anyone want to come with me?” he continued. They all agreed they should stick together, who knows what might have gotten into people’s heads If there truly were no adults left…

When they finally reached Takao’s home, Takao was shocked to find the front door wide open. He entered with the rest of the group, as on guard as ever. Suddenly, a loud bang could be heard from the second floor. They went up the stairs, Takao realised he was now trembling… “Dad…?” he shouted, rather uneasily… No response. “Mom?” he shouted, again uneasily… No reply, yet again...

At that moment, suddenly, the door to Takao’s parent’s bedroom flew open, and out came a young boy aged roughly 11. He was armed with Takao’s Mom’s Baseball bat and was waving it furiously in the air and was screaming…

At first this gave Takao and his friends quite a fright, but they soon realised that the boy was just as scared of them as they were of him at first. “Woah… calm down” Takao beckoned. “We’re not here to harm you” he assured the boy.

“What? Said the boy. Why are you here?” he asked, confused.

“This Is my house. We’re looking for my parents. Why are you here?” Takao returned quite abruptly.

“Oh… sorry…” the boy said awkwardly, dropping the baseball bat. “I thought this house was empty. My mom was making lunch. I heard the alarm, we hid under the table, we were ready to die. But it never happened. When I looked at my Mom to make sure she was alright, she was gone. I searched the whole house, I swear. She was just… well… gone..!” explained the boy. “I was hoping to find someone in your house, but I… well I was talking to some other kids… and well… I think all the adults are… erm… gone.”

To be continued in Part 2 of Chapter 2…