Old Buddy

Kelvin nodded, his usual bravado replaced by a somber determination. "Right. Let's get to it."

The urgency in his voice cut through the tension like a knife, prompting everyone in the group to start moving. The sun had already begun its descent, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape.

The once-bustling city was now reduced to a graveyard of crumbling buildings and twisted metal, the remnants of a world that had been ravaged by chaos.

They moved quickly but cautiously, scanning the horizon for any sign of danger as they navigated through the maze of destruction.

Quinn, Kelvin, Benjamin, and a few other survivors trudged through the debris-strewn streets, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence that had settled over the city.

They knew they had to find shelter soon—the creatures that roamed the ruins after dark were far more dangerous than anything they had encountered during the day.

The group's breaths came in short, sharp gasps as they pushed forward, the weight of fear and exhaustion pressing down on them.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, they noticed a small group of people ahead, moving swiftly toward what appeared to be a large, partially collapsed building.

The structure was barely standing, its walls cracked and leaning at precarious angles, but it looked like it might offer some semblance of protection.

Without a word, the group quickened their pace, following the strangers as they slipped through a small, inconspicuous door at the side of the building.

Quinn glanced around nervously as they passed through the door. The interior was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few flickering torches mounted on the walls.

The air was thick with dust, and the smell of mildew hung heavy in the air. The room they entered was large, but the ceiling sagged dangerously in places, and piles of rubble littered the floor.

Despite the dilapidated state of the building, it was clear that it was being used as a refuge.

Dozens of people were huddled together, their faces pale and drawn, their eyes wide with fear. The room was filled with the low murmur of whispered conversations, punctuated occasionally by the sound of someone sobbing quietly in the corner.

Quinn's heart raced as he took in the sight. The room was filled with a palpable tension, a mix of fear and desperation that hung heavy in the air.

Everyone in the room turned to look at the newcomers as they entered, their eyes narrowing with suspicion. The silence that followed their entrance was deafening, and for a moment, Quinn felt as though the air had been sucked out of the room.

"Who are you? What's your name and your ability?" a voice demanded from somewhere in the crowd, cutting through the silence like a knife.

Quinn and his companions remained silent, their eyes scanning the room for the source of the voice. The crowd parted slowly, revealing a figure standing in the center of the room. Quinn's heart sank as he recognized the man—Michael, his worst nightmare from school. Michael had always been the bane of Quinn's existence, a relentless bully who had made his life a living hell. But now, he looked different. The years had not only changed him physically but had also transformed him into something else entirely.

Michael now had a pair of metallic wings sprouting from his back, their edges gleaming menacingly in the dim light. His arms were covered in thick plates of metal that seemed to pulse with energy, giving him the appearance of a human tank. The transformation was both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a twisted reflection of the world they now lived in.

Michael's eyes lit up with recognition as he spotted Quinn. A cruel smile spread across his face as he took a step forward. "Oh, oh! What do we have here? If it isn't my old buddy Quinn," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Who would have thought you'd survive up to now?"

Before Quinn could react, Michael lunged forward, grabbing him by the neck with one of his metallic hands. Quinn struggled to breathe as Michael's grip tightened, his feet barely touching the ground.

Michael turned to the crowd, lifting Quinn slightly off the ground. "It's safe; they're my people!" he announced, his voice booming across the room.

Quinn gasped for air as Michael released him, dropping him unceremoniously to the floor. He looked up at Michael, his vision swimming as he tried to make sense of what was happening.

"What ability did you get now, buddy?" Michael asked, his tone mocking as he leaned down to peer into Quinn's face. When Quinn didn't respond, Michael's smile faded, replaced by a look of irritation.

His eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer to Quinn, his metallic hand tightening its grip on Quinn's shoulder. "Come on now, show me something. Please tell me you have an ability. Please, Quinn, do not tell me you were the only one in the entire world who didn't unlock an ability during a world-ending apocalypse."

Quinn's chest heaved with anger and frustration as he stared up at Michael. The years of torment, the countless humiliations he had suffered at Michael's hands, all came rushing back in a flood of painful memories. But now, in this moment of desperation and anger, he found the strength to speak.

"No! I didn't, Michael. I didn't unlock any ability. I was a nerd, and I still am. I'm weak! I'm useless!" Quinn spat the words out, his voice trembling with rage and bitterness.

The room fell silent as Quinn's words hung in the air, the weight of his admission pressing down on everyone present.

Michael stared at Quinn for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a smirk spread across his face.

"Well! Well! Quinn, I'm sorry, but you can't stay here. There's no place for you here. You'll have to leave now," Michael said, his voice cold and final as he gestured toward the door.

With the look on his face Quinn could tell that he meant what he was saying.