New World Order (TNE) [Original]

Chapter 2 - Under Earth

The pain had built up in his shoulder over the long walk down the cavern, Martin wasn't sure how long he could keep going, especially with the books in his school backpack. Marissa emails teachers in advance to find out when they need books so their bag was practically clean besides a lightweight binder and a few pencils. Most classes had extra papers they could take if they needed them for assignments although most were done on computers. Just thinking about Martin's old life put him at ease. But, that ease wouldn't last for long.

"We've arrived at the subway station. I guess we should part ways now. Stay safe," Marissa told Martin as if it was any ordinary day. Martin wanted to scream to tell her that it wasn't an ordinary day, that the world had completely changed; that they had completely changed. Alas, he didn't have the heart to do it. Martin went up the stairs on the left of the terminal and Marissa went up the stairs on the right. Most of the other passengers on the subway had went into some of the early subway stations, so it had just been Martin and Marissa walking through the last few. Now being alone though felt very different for Martin. He may not have been spectacularly close with Marissa but their voice reminded him of his old life.

"Hey, where do you think your going?" a pale light green humanoid yelled at the passing child. The creature's skin was bubbling like a witch's cauldron and his eyes were covered by dark shades that were big enough to also cover the person's eyebrows. They grabbed Martin's volcanic armor and pulled him aside.

"I'm just trying to get-" Martin began, trying to explain the situation to the threatening figure in front of him.

"There's no rush, I can assure you!" the figure laughed to himself. That's when Martin realized for the first time, that he wasn't the same person from earlier that day. Martin punched the chest of the creature in front of him sending plumes of heat flying at their face. This also sent them flying against the subway terminal wall. Martin looked at his flaming hand and grinned, thinking to himself 'this really is a new world'.

But, Martin's opponent wasn't going to back down so easily. They jumped over him and elbowed his ribs, knocking the wind out of Martin and sending him to the ground. Martin had overestimated their abilities and were paying the price for it. The mugger got out a gun and requested money in the least polite manner possible. Martin's head was buried in the subway passageway deep enough that he couldn't have responded even if he wanted to give the money. Luckily Marissa had heard the noise.

Marissa used their hair on the criminal and pulled them to the side, before helping Martin with a hand to get out of the ground. At first Martin wanted to question why Marissa had come back for him but thought about it and realized it was better to just be happy for the moment. The mugger shot a bullet from their gun at Marissa's face but using their wings they were able to fling it away. Holding hands they walked up and out of the subway terminal. But, above ground did not look anything like they remembered. Buildings had holes through them. The air had a green tint to it and gas was everywhere. Street signs had fallen over and the sky looked like the clouds were moving faster than usual. Martin had just stepped out on to the streets of apocalypse.

"As soon as I stepped out, I knew that I'd need somebody familiar to face this new world with," Marissa told Martin standing on the sidewalk overlooking the wreckage.

"I'm happy you came when you did," Martin replied.

"Me too,"

Martin began to walk home but as soon as he saw what had happened to the street he knew that might not be the best idea. There were trucks stacked on top of eachother and the grey octopus creature from earlier blocking off the area. But, whatever they were going to do next; getting food and water was a top priority. In this world though, it wouldn't be as simple as ordering food online.