Zhan and Yibo have been on the island for a week now and have settled in well. Especially their son, who has a lot of fun discovering the island. Every day he runs around happy and bright and discovers every day new exciting things that he wants to show his fathers.

The best part for Zhan and Yibo was that they could let their son explore the island without worrying because the gray creatures always kept an eye on him and watched over him. Luna and Moon from the gray creatures, who are family to Zhan and Yibo, are always by A-Yuan's side and never leave him alone for a moment.

On the paradise island where there are no black creatures or vampires, where they can move freely and no longer have to be afraid, they have finally found their home. Nothing and no one could make them go back to Hotel 1 and 2 now. However, they had no intention of returning anyway. But now here in paradise, they were even more encouraged in their decision.

Three days after their arrival on the island, the AI was finally able to make contact with Jenna at Hotel 1. Zhan and Yibo began by telling her how long the submarine journey took, what they experienced, and what their first impression of the island was. Finally, in a nutshell, Zhan said, "It's paradise here."

And Yibo added, "There are hot springs here with fruit trees that are full of apples and pears." Yibo just had to mention that, because he was quite amazed, because in the past days since their arrival, the gray creatures kept bringing them apples and they were already wondering where they got the fresh apples from. Until they discovered the secret about it.

"That's good to know. Because I think we might be following you much sooner than previously thought." Replied Jenna.

"Why? Did something happen?" Zhan and Yibo wanted to know.

"Well, first of all, Hai Kuan and Cheng have taken over the management of the hotel as you requested. And they are doing their job well. They listen to everyone and take care immediately if there are any problems. But only two days after your departure, the creatures tried to attack us again. This time in a much larger group and at the same time. The AI could barely keep up and the soldiers had to constantly reload the weapons, which eventually got so hot that they stopped working. Although the AI could drive them away, it could only kill a few of them. And I think there will be more next time. They really seem to be learning."

"I see. So they are making targeted attacks to explore the weak points of the defenses?" Asked Zhan.

"Yes exactly. While we assume the creatures shouldn't make it into the hotel facilities if the hotel's defenses fail. But we're sure if the defenses go down, the creatures won't just disappear. We'll be effectively trapped here again."

Zhan and Yibo immediately remembered what the captain told them. That the creatures had been on the deck of the aircraft carrier for two months, so they were trapped below deck. "So what are you guys going to do now?"

"We have started making even more and bigger hot air balloons. We plan to make as many as we can in the shortest time possible and then get out of here in the middle of the night. We'll take all the kids with us and anyone who doesn't want to stay here and try to make our way to the island piece by piece."

"Do you know when you're leaving?" Yibo asked.

"At the moment we are building the hot air balloons day and night. And soon the black creatures should start building nests, too. That means maybe we have a chance to escape from here during that time. However, we don't want to wait more than 3 - 4 weeks."

"Then how will you do it at night? You won't be able to see anything. You may be able to use a compass, but what will you do with the sounds? In addition, the creatures can see the flames." Gave Zhan to consider.

"We did it the same way last year during the first attack. If we're high enough, they can't hear us. And they don't care about the flames either. I don't know why they ignore them. But they've never tried to attack us at night."

"Okay that's good. We're still worried, though. Especially about the kids." Replied Zhan.

"The kids will be fine. We practice with them every day now how to act when the time comes. I'm sure it's even a lot of fun for them. What worries me is that we might not get enough hydrogen or helium together to make it all the way to the island. A couple of soldiers have offered to go out and find more cylinders. I think the soldiers all want to get out of here too. I bet they miss the general."

"Definitely even. They always adored my father because he was always good to them. I think it's a good idea if you try to find some more. And it would also be good if you could get your hands on a sea chart with all the islands listed. So you always know where to land to spend the day. Since we were underwater, I can't tell you if the creatures are flying around above the sea. But I dare to doubt it. They are very large and heavy. Their wings also look very heavy. Maybe their flight time is limited." Said Zhan.

"I've thought about that with the flight duration too. Because I've never seen these creatures fly long distances non-stop. I suppose it takes them a lot of strength to keep this body in the air. That means in the open sea and without the ability to rest, they might not be active."

"That could explain why they didn't leave the aircraft carrier of the captain for a whole two months when they were drifting leaderless at sea." Replied Yibo.

Zhan nodded and Jenna agreed, "That could be the answer. That means if we're lucky, we can get to the island unhindered from the time we reach the sea and make a few air miles."

"Mhm. That's quite possible. And that would be great. But there are still abandoned ships floating around on the sea. So be careful in case there are creatures here and there." Said Zhan.

"We are always careful. And maybe it's even better if we try to get to the island directly without landing anywhere else in between. We don't know what to expect on other islands after all."

"You're right about that."

"Well, be that as it may. We'll be on our way in three to four weeks at the latest. But we'll be sure to contact you a few times before then."

"Yes, please do that. Keep us updated on what's going on with you guys." Said Yibo.

"Will do. Oh Yibo, we're sick of your ex-girlfriend. As soon as you left, she was already looking for her next victim. She told lies about him everywhere, that he belonged to her group and had sexually abused her several times. One of the scientists here got so fed up with her that he built a lie detector and forced her to take a test with it. And it turned out that she was lying again. And as punishment, we locked her in her room. We just want to get rid of her."

"So kick her out of the hotel!" Said Yibo.

"We can't do that, can we? She's still a human being, after all. And there aren't that many of us left, either."

"She's useless, lying and lazy. What do you need her for? Throw her out or take her to the jail to District Two and lock her up there. Believe me, she won't stop lying."

"District two?"

"Yes. It's a former prison. The soldiers can explain it to you in more detail."

"Okay, that would be a good solution, too."

"Exactly. You don't have to leave her in the hotel just because she's human. She'll never change. Even before the apocalypse, she had been like this. And who knows what else she's capable of."

"Good to know. Then I'll discuss it with Hai Kuan and Cheng later."

"Please give my regards to my cousin. Tell Cheng I hope he will come to this island with Hai Kuan too." Said Zhan.

"I will do that Zhan. Good, I'll say goodbye for now and go talk to them. Take good care of you and A-Yuan for me. I'll see you soon."

"Mhm. See you soon Jenna. Be careful." Said Zhan and Yibo in unison.

After their conversation with Jenna, Zhan and Yibo also told the general about the conversation and the renewed and targeted attack by the creatures. Zhan's father showed concern and said he would contact his soldiers himself afterward and talk to them. Because for him, they are not just any soldiers. To him, they are family.

When A-Yuan returned from playing with Luna and Moon, the little boy was beaming all over his face and happily told them that he had seen lots of little fish. Zhan and Yibo knew that the three of them were obviously back at the coral reef. In one part of the sea, the water is so clear that they can clearly see the coral reef and its inhabitants. A-Yuan loved being there and watching the small fish.

He also told that he saw a baby. "The baby was really small. Smaller than me. And it looks like Luna." He explained.

Luna then pranced around as if she understood exactly what A-Yuan was saying. Zhan and Yibo then let Luna and Moon lead them to the newborn creature. When they reached the nest, the newborn's mother looked nervously at the two men. Zhan and Yibo knew that she was afraid for her baby. So they just sat down in front of the nest and ate an apple. They also offered the mother an apple, which she ate hesitantly.

After about half an hour, they heard soft noises coming from the nest and the mother revealed the view of her baby for the first time. And the two men could not be more amazed when they saw the baby. This baby, this little creature was completely white. Which confused them both, because A-Yuan said that baby looked like Luna.

And then in the nest next to it, something was also stirring. And then they saw a baby there too that actually looked like Luna. "Wow, I have to congratulate you mommies. Your babies are really beautiful." Whispered Zhan.

The creatures who apparently really understood what Zhan was saying looked proud and stuck out their chests proudly. When A-Yuan, who was also with them, wanted to go towards one of the nests, Yibo held him back and said, "Look, the baby is still very small. I'm sure its mama will let you play with it later when it's grown. But for now, you should leave it alone. You can look at it and watch it, but don't touch it."

"Okay dad. When will it be big enough? Tomorrow?" Little A-Yuan asked.

Zhan and Yibo shook their heads laughing and explained to him that it would take a little longer. "Daddy. If it takes any longer, I'll be too tall." Explained A-Yuan.

"Haha, sweetheart. I'm sure you won't be too tall. You're not growing that fast after all. Just stay a little boy for a while longer. Dad and I want to enjoy this a little longer." Replied Zhan.

"That's right. Listen to your daddy and don't grow up too fast." Added Yibo.

"Alright. I'm hungry now. Can we go home? Daddy. Are you cooking us noodles again today?"

"Noodles again?"

"Yes. Dad likes them best, too."

"You're just saying that now so you're sure to get noodles, too."

"Um. Dad likes them. Right, Dad?"

"Well, yes, I do, little one. Your daddy always makes them extra yummy."

"Mmm. So daddy. Noodles?"

"Well, how could I say no? Come on, let's go home. Then you two can take a bath together while I prepare dinner." Replied Zhan.

Zhan and Yibo each took their son by the hand and together they walked home talking about their day as the sun slowly set behind them.