The Way Things Are

The world had always been a dangerous place, whether that be due to criminal, global spreading diseases, or economic crises such as global warming and food shortage. But now, there was a new crises that had hit the world by storm, one that had changed the lives of mankind drastically.

Somewhere underground, there was a table where a group of people sat down on their respective chairs, and seated at the head of the table, was a young man with a scar across his right eye, with burns and cuts all over his body.

He didn't wear a shirt, which gave everyone present a clear view of his battle scars all over his torso, abdomen, and shoulders. Some were already thinking if such markings could be found on every nook and cranny of his body, particularly the women, of course.

His hair was dark brown and in messy curls. His hazel eyes would gaze upon everyone seated with him, his companions during these trying times. 

"What do you propose we do now. From the Intel we've been getting from outside, it's clear that the monsters are moving closer and closer towards the South. Most of the Immune live in that South, and although they are unaffected by the virus, that doesn't make them immune to pain and death.

"If the monsters make it towards the South, then it will be a full-on massacre. Not all of them are blessed with abilities. Most of them are powerless against the monsters. If they reach the south and strike, then we can kiss whatever is left of humanity goodbye," he explained, tapping his fingers against the table.

"We have already done the best we could to defend this area from the monsters. There hasn't been a monster siting within a 25km radius for over a week now. We are all doing our best to keep the people here safe," one of the people seated at the table said.

She had curly long purple hair and purple eyes to match. However, on her arms, there were strange markings and diagrams, like words that were written in an unknown language. 

"I'm not saying that you all are not doing your best. I appreciate you all for all you have done and are still doing to keep the people of this town safe. But still, we cannot just ignore the people living in the South.

"Unlike us, they have no one over there to protect them, at least not after their protectors had been slaughtered by the White Phantom. We should all feel responsible for their well-being, since they are all humans, just like us," he explained.

Everyone present nodded their heads in agreement.

"So what do you suggest we do?" Someone else asked.

The leader of the group, who went by the name Khan, was rubbing his chin as his gaze shifted to the ceiling, thinking of a good response to give to his subordinates.

"How about we set out in search of other Immunes out there, then train them on how to make use of their powers so that they will be strong enough to find against the monsters once the time is right.

"By my calculations, it would take at least three months for the monsters to make it to the city in the south. That should give us more than enough time to search for strays whom we can help train on how to master their powers, while also preparing our own people for the near future," behind him, pasted on the wall was a map of the current country they were in.

"You all will be sent out in groups of three to search different areas for people who are Immune. Since there are nine of you here, you will all be sent out in groups of three to search the areas in the North, East, and West," he declared, and they all seemed to agree with his proposal.

__________

In the building where Hakim currently was, he was doing the best he could to get back onto his feet from a fall that might as well have twisted his ankle, as he was now struggling to walk properly down the staircase.

'Should I even be heading out in my current condition? Shouldn't I wait until my ankle heals before leaving? Besides, if Blake were interested in finding me, he would've already done so. I don't even think he cares that I left. Still, how's the other guy doing?'

Hakim remembered the other boy whom he had left back upstairs in that room. Once monsters started appearing around the area, everyone had gone into a state of panic, as most if them thought it would be best to leave the school and follow some guy who had appeared out of nowhere, promising them sanctuary in a safe place.

Right as Hakim and his friend were about to exit the classroom to follow the others and the strange man to this sanctuary, Blake, the school bully, and Hakim's biggest nightmare, had blocked their path, allowing the others to leave, but made sure that Hakim and his friend would stay.

Hakim wasn't sure what he had ever done to piss the guy off, but for some reason, ever since his freshmen year, the guy always seemed hellbent on making his school life a living hell, and he made sure to do just that in a number of ways.

One of them was by spreading false rumors about him to the other students. This was before the incident had taken place, and Hakim had been ostricized by his peers for false claims about him. Although he didn't mind, since he had someone who was there by his side no matter what.

But then, there was a day when something bizarre happened to both of them.

_________

"Hey, Hakim, you plan on coming over to my house after school?" Steve asked, as the two were making their way back to the boys' locker room after football practice. "I'm hoping we could catch up on that game we've been playing online. That Dark Horse guy has really been smoking me up with you not around. I need my ace to help show that guy that I'm the best player!" He said, wrapping his arms around the latter's shoulder.

"I can't. My mum's making me help out with her yardsale," Hakim said with a hint of disappointment in his tone. "I would like to come, but you know how she can be."

"Man! That sucks! Why does your mum have to be like that, bro?! Why can't she be chill like other people's parents?!" Steve yelled out in frustration. "Like, bro, my mum wouldn't mind if I don't help her with anything for a week and she wouldn't even get mad. Aren't parents supposed to give their kids all the free time they need to live their lives?!"

Hakim had to admit that Steve had a point, but what could he even do to change things? At the end of the day, she was still his mum, and a single parent and right his dad had left since he was just 4 years old.

Ever since he had become a teenager, his mother began to place more work on his shoulders. Being an only child, he couldn't help but feel sorry for his mother, who had to struggle everyday just to make ends meet. She was already doing the best she could to afford his tuition fees. He wasn't even sure if they had enough funds to afford his college education.

Because of this, Hakim decided that he would always strive to get the best grades in class. Despite all the work he already had to do at home, he would always make just enough time to study till his body just couldn't go on for any longer.

As much as he had put himself through a lot over the years, all his hard work managed to pay off in the end. And now, he was on his way to getting awarded a scholarship by his school to study for free. All of that would be guaranteed to him if only he keeps his grades up.

"Maybe next time, okay? My mum really needs my help today," Hakim said, as they had made it to the boys' locker room to take a schower and get changed for their next class. "I'm sure you'll be alright without me. Just remember not to spend too long thinking about what move to make and just do what comes to mind. I'm sure that guy's doing the same thing as well."

Once they had finished getting ready, they, and all the other boys, had gotten out of the locker room and headed towards the classroom. Hakim abd Steve were busy talking about their latest assignment, when Blake had suddenly blocked their path.

"It's time for your daily beating, twerp!" He said, pounding his hand into his fist. The others had already made it into class at this point, not caring about what was going to happen to Steve and Hakim as they both stood in front of the most dangerous freshman in the school.

_________

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

Let me see if I can post another one today.