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Epicenter 10 - Day 2

Martin faced at a door at the end of the hallway, he opens and leaves it exposed as to make up a trace where he had left. Another corridor with signs directing where these doors leads to; gymnasium and training, shooting practice, and offices on the right side.

Creak...

Hearing a creaking door across the end of the corridor, someone is coming. It could be Kaiden, but these thugs came chasing him here first. Trying on what to do without any noise, he moves through the offices to his right.

In there, empty unoccupied desk offices of every policeman individual with the nameplates on their desk. It's quiet here, but the foot steps are coming. Martin picked at random and hid under the desk of someone. His view at the door-less doorframe, hear the up coming footing. Then the feet of first thug came by, but just as he was passing by the other pair of legs stopped him.

The raspy voice said, "Lets check over here. We could get some guns here."

Then the oddly accented said. "It's probably locked, and the munition room, too."

The deep voice said, "Do whatever you want, Logan. I'll check the office desks. Oh, and if you see the tiger..." Martin gulped. "...just take whatever is useful and leave him be. There is no one else to see."

Commonly, thieves would go at extreme length to threaten a victim with a gun or knife to get what they want. Martin doesn't have anything useful for them to steal from: the map, maybe; his clothes, unsure; two bottles of water, probably; a few cans of meatballs, if they are hungry; his cellphone with poor communications, doesn't seem to be useful at this time around.

Footsteps calmly wanders near. Martin's tail hugs around his leg. Taking inaudible breaths as possible from the upcoming threat. It stopped, hearing the rolling of a pulled drawer desk, rummaging for anything useful. Martin's heart beat was telling he was closer. Staying put and remain calm was put in his mind, but the surreal-ness of happening was right at a few feet...

That's when the first leg appeared in front of Martin and then the second. Standing there in the dark room. Martin's nocturnal vision could see the black pairs of legs covered in clothes and working shoes. Sweat drops on Martin's forehead leaks nervously. That's when the stranger pulled the drawer casually like nothing happened. The movement brushed Martin's hair and ears. Rummaging continues, but the thug was not satisfied.

"Nothing..."

Then the sinister voice came, "Hey, Mike, let's get going. Logan has found a way in to the munitions."

The deep voice didn't say a thing and leaves Martin's sight. He left the drawer opened. There's nothing else but wait until the clear. He felt relief, but he must wait.

"Have you found anything?" The sinister voice said.

"Nothing..." The deep voice said.

Anytime but later, Martin checked the time, eleven of the morning and still hidden under the desk. He gives ten minutes for the clear and crawled out of the desk. He slowly rises from the ground and looks carefully around at the doorway, nobody. When they say about "you can run, but you cannot hide", they really mean it. Martin made up his mind to leave out the station as the thugs wanders for some illegal handling goods. But Kaiden is yet to be found and he's looking for him. Coming to this station was a huge mistake when Martin was spotted by those thugs.

Martin checks the corridor and none of the four were present. He eyes at the floor debris for any broken glass. A single noise could detect him in seconds. Taking off the shoes and walk silently in socks should do the trick, but it could be risky and vulnerable to stepping anything sharp and Martin needs his legs to move. He decides not to and turns back to the reception area.

"Hey..." It appeared out of nowhere, spotted by in an alarmed voice.

Martin busted out through the corridor without looking back. He was sure it wasn't Kaiden's voice. Hearing another running footstep behind, Martin closes the doors shut in a swift. Grabbing the first one which was opened outward, he grabbed it easily and dragged it to a close, then the other ahead was opened in the opposite, Martin took the initiative to turn around and kick the door slam shut and saw the one figure opening the first door. Martin resumes his running, panting hard and finally meeting the door to the reception area.

He didn't recall closing the door, but he struck his whole body at it. He fell on his back. His nose hit the most and was hitting back the pain, possibly bleeding. Martin weakly stands up as possible and made a left turn at the corridor. The last door he closed opened and the grey hooded figure approaches him. Martin sprint forward, ignoring the pain on his nose and left-side muzzle.

At forward a set of stairs were in Martin's sight and a two-way corridor he passes by, another figure he couldn't make up in a few seconds and didn't picked up audible voice.

Just then the thug already reached him, grabbing him behind by the collar of his jacket. Pulling him and throwing him on the floor. Martin screamed, "Help!" The grey hooded locks his arms in place. Martin kicks his legs, but he couldn't be released.

The voice was the raspy one. "Hi, we've been looking you." Martin couldn't see his masked face, possibly a human, looking him ominously close to him.

Martin's voice weakens, "Please, don't hurt me..."

Not too long a big hand grabbed the assailant's shoulder with great grip. He turns around and was met with a roaring tiger. The thug screamed and released pinning on Martin. He was slammed against the wall with a hand on his neck, face to face with the attacker.

Martin cried, "Kaiden!"

Kaiden gave him the warning, he dropped him, the grey hooded wheeze his breath. He rummages through the floor to find something but Kaiden was ahead and picked the pocket knife. "Hey! Give it back!" Kaiden jabbed it on the wall, the knife instead bended and twisted on the hard concrete. Now armless, he backs away and balled his fist, but their sizes are unmatched. The guy was short as Martin's height. He could be beaten easily. Kaiden, after destroying the pocket knife, he grabs the thug's hoodie by the collar and raised one balled fist at his face.

Kaiden grunted his speech between his teeth, "Back off or I'll..."

"Don't you even think about it." The black hooded figured appeared and, to Kaiden's horror, has his arms on Martin's neck and one pistol pointing on the right-side forehead. Martin is all quieted in fear with whimpering lips trembling.

"Kaiden..."

"Shut up, kitten!" He ordered. Soon, the other two hooded arrived at the scene. The black figure continued, "Looks like we can make a deal here; release our friend and I'll release yours." Kaiden could comply with that. "If..." Kaiden straighten his ears. "Give us your backpack. Just drop our friend and throw the backpack. All easy."

Then the green hooded one stepped on Martin's long tail. The step-on pain spread out like fire and electric, all the way up to his base, Martin snarled in agony.

Kaiden, really angered, he screamed. "Stop it!"

"Do as I say, or he'll cut his tail!" Martin turned paled of the thought of his tail being sliced off. It made him all too vulnerable and helpless.

Kaiden released the grey thug, he reunited with the other three. Now that taken care of, but he still has Martin on hostage until getting what they want. Kaiden takes out his backpack and throws it on the floor. The other grey hooded one steps in and checks their goods. He took the radio, the axe, cans of food, and water bottles and transferred it to his backpack. Leaving Kaiden's half-empty backpack on the floor.

"There, let him go." Kaiden said.

Before the thug holding Martin on hostage could release him, he unzips Martin's backpack. Martin was frozen and cautiously slip his tail between his legs to meet him thumping on his chest. Picking up all what was in his backpack, he turned him around facing him and rummages like a security guard rummaging his body for anything useful. He picked his wallet and grabbed bills in it, throwing the wallet back at him cruelly. He took his cellphone but saw how low the batteries are, he again shoves it onto his stomach. Finished, he pushed him forward at Kaiden. The tall tiger-man gestured him to be behind him.

"Thanks for the gifts. Very kind of you. Maybe we should meet up next time." The black figure said. The four walks off from them without any snickering or laughter. Both felines were relief but felt victim of looting.

They took it all, but not necessarily... Martin still has the map, he had put it under his jacket. They just "donated" cans of food and water to looters that tried to harm Martin. They could have possibly had assaulted other survivors earlier before them and wandering without care of the danger they are in. If they want to survive, they choose to loot at others, mercilessly.

Kaiden, he wondered if he had done the right thing... Martin collapse to his knees and let out all his horrid feelings that welled up inside of him. All what he has feared the most had happened and was this close to meet Death. He couldn't bear it, he couldn't look at Kaiden, and he feels so ashamed for being so weak in front of him. He doesn't have slightest idea on how to defend himself against danger of all odds.

Kaiden waited... He knew a thing or two about this kind of behavior. Letting all out and wait for a miracle to calm all down. Martin screamed and yelled at him, when approached, going as far as he isn't as good as any other tiger beast-men type alpha and wouldn't survive this cataclysmic island alive like he had at the suspending bridge. Mentioning that, he quieted in confusion with mix feelings as he tries to recollect with both hands on his head and shivering in trembler at bay. Thinking straight of what could have been, he now wishes to be all alone in this darken police station. Of course, Kaiden refuse that.

Kaiden pained for not saying a single comforting word to calm him down. Martin's rage of fear ranting soon ceased. Only hearing his leftover sobs and sniffs, he collectedly picks Martin up, he obliged with no words. Kaiden escorts the quieted young tiger out of the station.

Epicenter 11 - Day 2

Reunited, the felines exited the station and hopefully not encountering those thugs again. Kaiden and Martin still have their backpacks full of clothes for their spring breaks, they didn't have yet the motive to change clothes. Maybe later. Kaiden's next chore is to find a safe spot where he and Martin can relax and settle for the time being before resuming their primary destination to Soliado Park where thousands are evacuating to the mentioned of ferries making dozens of trips to the mainland of West Coast City.

Martin realized his phone had die of hunger for signal. His father whom contacted him via satellite phone cannot reach him and doesn't have Kaiden's phone number. Trying again would loose its precious battery energy left. Kaiden should have given his phone number to Mr. Fang. It's strange that the thugs weren't interested on stealing phones. Its utility seems now useless in this time around. Not even committing identity thief given on how people rely on technology a lot. Cracking or unlocking a phone that only scans a person's face or finger is another challenge and hacking it could be the solution but why bother doing it at this time.

It's now noon and the streets are unshadowed by the buildings, including the Westminster Quarters from a far distance of the built clock tower. The white sun's rays them down on it. The felines kept on going west. Street by street, but Martin was getting behind and Kaiden made sure he was by his side. His head was looking down and not minding looking at Kaiden. No doubt this was his first time experiencing an assault and robbery. Scary indeed. But Martin must to have been traumatized.

Kaiden stopped by and meets a small park. Guiding Martin to one of the benches near a nicely intact gazebo. The trees gave them a cooling shadow from the rising heat. Martin sits down on the bench and brings his tail close at him and caress it with both his hands.

Kaiden seeing that, reminds him of a method for safety in case of tail hazard. Beastmen with long tails must cover it inside their pants in case of dangerous situation that could get their tail stuck that could resort to the point of cutting it and reattach to it sooner to the hospital. Kaiden as a mechanic, always hides his tail when wearing his jumpsuit uniform when at work as tails has caused a lot of clumsy situations. It's every uncomfortable and very little of space to hide it either both legs, but now they are in a natural disaster scenario that they should cover and protect their tails from getting caught. They should do that later for now.

Kaiden finally spoke to him. "Are you all right?"

Martin quietly nodded as he caresses his tail. Kaiden sits down next to him, he rested his right arm on the backrest behind Martin's shoulders, not close to physical contact. Kaiden, in silence, glance on the distraught young tiger.

"Am I a burden to you?" Martin spoke.

Kaiden's ears jumped. "What? No. Why?"

"It's all my fault that I got into this mess and you..." Martin crossed his arms. "...would be better off without me if I didn't come to this island."

"Martin, I'm not blaming you for anything you have done. Everything now is unpredictable, and we cannot control it."

Martin half-ignored his statement and brought his feelings up, "I came to this island, so I can stay away from my parents..."

A short beat. Kaiden asked, "What's wrong with them?"

"They're getting a divorce..."

"And that's why you..."

"Yes, I was planning to stay at my godfather's for a while before going back to Costa Blanca. Burke is worried sick by now, he doesn't know where I am."

"At least your father knows."

"Yeah..."

"He could be calling him."

"He said he couldn't contact him. If I received a call and he didn't, then..."

"Let's not jump into conclusions, okay?"

"Searching for me with nowhere to go is suicide..."

Kaiden sighed, he had already concluded. "Well, what if he's injured and taken priority to evacuate the injured."

Martin with both hands under his chin, "I guess he could be and couldn't respond Dad." Kaiden noticed Martin calming down and recompose himself as his voice matures up. But still. He's still felt a bit off. Aside from that, Martin slowly turns next to Kaiden. "Why aren't you worried?"

His right arm resting on the backrest bench, he moves it back on his lap with the other. "Me? Of what?"

"Your family? Your friends? Aren't you worried?"

"I live here by myself, so my parents live on the mainland in the suburbs. Same for my friends, they live there also the mainland. I'm sure they're okay." Kaiden stated and assured his confidence on the situation. After a bit of silence, "So, Costa Blanca, are you studying there?" Kaiden changed the subject. Trying to lighten the mood.

Martin seem to notice this but decided to follow along. "Yeah... I'm attending Rexville University. Most of my friends are studying in NorCal University. I'm the only one who got accepted such college. Everyone were all talking about it while I was hoping to be accepted in NorCal, but fate has different plans."

"That's really fortunate of you to be among the lucky few."

"Yeah, but NorCal was a bit picky with the student's grades or some other crap, and I learned that Rexville was more open-minded and gave better chances for everyone. Besides, it was a bit cheap." Martin stated. "And you?"

"Graduated." Kaiden said. "From NorCal. I'm a mechanic of AllMotors Elite Corp."

Martin made a small chuckle. "Really? You and my brother will get along, he's an engineer in the coast guard. Fixing helicopters and planes, and stuff. So...that might explain you owning a motorcycle."

"Well, not exactly. I always wanted one, so It's convenient." Kaiden sighed. "I worked very hard on it."

"Sorry for the motorcycle... You think the insurance would cover it?"

Kaiden gave him a doubtful glance. "If they're still alive."

"I'm bit jealous. My parents don't like the idea of me riding on one. So, instead, they gave me an electric scooter for my sixteenth birthday and use it to drive it to school. I think they didn't want me to make noises around the neighborhood." Martin chucked a little louder and sniffed. That's where Martin heard Kaiden chuckling along, kind of cheery for someone of his tough looks. "I know, it doesn't compare to a real motorcycle than a battery-powered one. But still, I have license to drive a car." Both then suddenly hear the sound of hunger. Their stomachs empty for lunch. Martin hugged himself on the stomach. Martin had been feeling a bit weak after running away from danger every corner, all of this made him hungry as hell. "Ugh, I'm starving."

Kaiden sighed, he "donated" what they have saved for themselves to looters. They can survive without food or water for three weeks, and given so far, they can evacuate the island in a few days until rescue provides them with food and water. The sooner the better for both to be fed to make up the energy they need to survive. They have walked to save energy, but soon gets tiring at a long distance without trains or buses to get there. Continuing on with hunger might be okay but they lose their precious energy without water. Since they are looted, and this is survival mode, they must find whatever is useful around the city. Both haven't seen someone else, other than the thugs, alive and lost here. Where to find food?

Kaiden said, "Let's find some food, okay?" Martin nodded.

Both stand up from the bench, picked their backpacks, and leave the small park. Martin said, "Do you think we can find a vending machine somewhere?"

"I hope so. They could be empty by the time we get there." Kaiden remarked. "I would rather go to a convenience store or a gas station."

A thunder roared from above, Martin had noticed the blue sky quietly changed to grey. The first drip hit on his top muzzle. "Oh, shoot."

"We better hurry or we get soaked." Kaiden said.

Without radio, no information about the weather forecast could be predictable and both don't have an umbrella with them. Walking through the cobblestones as each drip hits the hot surface, leaving a hot smell of vapor that isn't a pleasant smell every time it rains on the afternoon. It gets heavier and thicker the flow of falling water against the asphalt. Both started to run and Kaiden took off his leather jacket and placed it above his head. Martin unzipped his and did the same. It was cool, but not what they wanted to cool

down.

After running to two streets, Kaiden found a gas station. It was the one he usually stops by to refuel his motorcycle. It has a convenience store along, so they could find some supplies for their journey. Good thing the roof didn't collapsed by the quake. It looked intact, except the billboard sign that displays the fuel price and logo, is half-inclined to near falling. Meeting the pit stops under the roof from the drenching rain. Martin and Kaiden relaxed. Both are a bit wet on the legs.

Inside the store, just as they would expect, it's nearly empty. In less than twenty-four hours after the earthquake hit, people began to take anything on the shelves without paying. Could have been chaotic for the store owner resorting to take control and let people run wild, and before he or she would know it, the store is empty and so as the back door of shipments and goods.

Being probably the only ones around the city, Kaiden and Martin looks for food and anything useful to start all over again. Martin explores the empty aisles, he crouched down on fours and sees some cans under the shelves and some bags of chips. He didn't care if it was his favorites or some that he didn't have the chance of trying it. He found a tiny bottle of sparkling water. There's got to be some of those big ones in the back. Meanwhile, Kaiden noticed the door that leads to the cashier is opened. The cashier room is always secured with bullet-proof glass, it's cracked but not shot, and the door is impossible to break, so by guess is the owner had left unsecured and the cashier machine is empty. No money. And so, as the gun. Kaiden explores a bit and found a small, yellow-colored radio. It was rechargeable with a handle to spin. It included a flashlight along. He gave it a go and spins the little handle, making a grinding energetic sound. It was already turned on and firstly Kaiden heard was music playing.

Epicenter 12 - Day 2

Kaiden and Martin gathered back outside the store, but still under the protecting roof from the mass rainfall. They managed to find some snacks and drinks for their way. They sat on the ground next by the entrance, next to each other with the radio broadcasting the latest update of the disaster. The channel was different, and it was a woman's collected voice informing the evacuees.

"All evacuation points provide all medical assistance for any kind of injuries. There's plenty of food and water while the rest of the rescue team escorts you to the ferry terminal to the mainland. To all those who are still behind, please evacuate to the following evac-points: Excelsior Stadium, Pacific Wave High School, Soliado Park and Seaway Piers."

"I wished we got there sooner." Martin said. "Are you sure we should go to the park?"

"Like I said, it's the closest to be." Kaiden said.

"You said this island is tiered, so in what level is the park?"

"It's mostly in the second level, that's where we are, but that park is placed between three levels from center to up north. That's why is near by the ferry piers."

Kaiden shares the map, Soliado Park is like a competing Manhattan counterpart of the west. Consisting an artificial lake, mass greenery which possesses a botanical dome facility of the NorCal University as there's exotic and common plants and tree of all kinds: simply biodiversity. When asking for Pacific Wave High School, is at the west side of the island. The school is an academy with dorms and such, but the name is stuck locally. Their gymnasium court is huge that provides multi-uses, especially for medical help and refugees. Plus, is near by the St. Mercy General Hospital through four city blocks east. The Excelsior Stadium, one of the largest ever built with seating capacity for 100,000 people in one event. The field is used also for Olympic Games while is versatile for both purpose games for soccer and football. Located northeast which Martin did saw the gigantic timeless dome complex from a far distance when he was at the bridge and the waterfront market place. Even at night, Kaiden saw the piercing lights waving like those of a movie premiere. It was actually signaling to the mainland. With the ferries at north, connecting to the mainland, most of the island's population is focused on the park. Kaiden and Martin changed the channel for any news. A female voice of Alison is heard.

"...with thousands of refugees leaving to mainland, others are willing to stay behind and help others in need. Families are desperately trying to reach for their loved ones waiting for their arrival of the ferries. As I'm speaking right now, here comes another ferry with hundreds of people standing outside on decks and waving for their return to safe land, not minding the rain a bit." A horn is heard. "So, here comes the ferry West Coast II soon opening its ramp to let the people out and also bring volunteers, medical staffs and supplies of cargo...

Checking other broadcasts, there isn't anything useful to tell the status on the island. Kaiden put back on the previous channel and finally the voice of Dan Conners was on air. "Today's weather it's been quite rainy, but this doesn't stop the evacuation process. So far, there haven't been a mayor aftershock since this morning, but we're still picking up seismic activity under 2.5 magnitude which is not usually felt. However, expert engineers had examined the island's foundations to be still in sound conditions and fighting to stand the aftershocks, but despite that, there's been reports of crevices forming when not involved with seismic activity. One of the engineers who had been involved in the construction of the island thirty years ago is here with me. Welcome, Ferdinand."

"Hi, Dan, is great to be here. Let's just put it on the clear, the island is not made to handle large-scale scenarios as this one. It's incredible that it handled the initial quake at 8.7 as reported. But the foundations were made to handle at least an 8.5 magnitude. And what we have seen so far, a large chunk of the south side of the land had sunk, but not entirely. The buildings are still there... Oh! And this morning, the east side of the land had sunk without help of the aftershocks."

"What's this all means, Ferdinand?"

"Each foundation is sacrificing to let go. It's badly damaged and its starting from the sides and it digs up through the center. But to be clear, if another one comes stronger, at least a 7.0 or more, it might finally destroy the island. But it won't sink."

"Do you know the flaws of the structures, don't you? But what about the north side? The ferries are there evacuating people."

"Yes, I'm surprised it's still standing. It could be next, but I cannot tell when. I'm glad those ferries carry long ramps for vehicles to roll by, I'm hoping for the best in this crisis. People are at stake there."

"Thank you, Ferdinand..." For a little short while Martin and Kaiden listened the small rechargeable radio for more info. From flaw structures discussion to families calling out their love's ones live with Alison at the West Coast Harbor. It all sounded too real as these two forgotten ones are very little to know what's happening out there. No one they know is near the news reporter calling their names telling they are fine, but other unfamiliar voices sending their thoughts and prayers. The whole world is shocked at this rate; Mother Nature challenging man-made wonders. Like old classics of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that were met with an earthy fate; the Colossus of Rhodes destroyed in 226 BC, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria by three quakes between AD 956 and 1323. Even legends or mythology and ancient to modern day natural disasters are present to know its existence of nature's wrath against all odds and history.

"This is chaos." Martin quietly said. Ears lowered as he hugs himself around his knees close to his chin. "Everyone is hurt. They are all helpless out there."

Not long, a different news coverage of the disaster has brought to light. A different news reporter voice appears. "After twenty-fours of the initial earthquake that struck at 9:45 AM, West Coast City is in a state of emergency. The disaster relief is had taken place hours after the initial quake. While West Coast City is considered under control, it doesn't go the same for the people of Neo Island as the island had suffered structural damage to its foundations which is in risk of sinking, declaring a mass evacuation of thousands of people by the city government and engineer officials. The Silver Gate Bridge that serves as its connection to the mainland is completely destroyed. The power of social media is sending their thoughts and prayers with hashtags of '_WestCoastCityStrong' _and 'WeWillRebuild'. And as people are leaving the island, destruction of the city is relevant at every corner as tall buildings slowly collapse into the sea. There's been a report that hundreds of people where trapped on the observation deck of the SkyPiercer Tower, calling for help as the first helicopter picks the first survivors, the tower plummets to the ground with only three confirmed rescued. Other trapped survivors on skyscrapers are still in operation. It's believed that there's still a handful of people still wandering in the city with little of contact with rescue. As I'm speaking this, there's been sights of flying drones that doesn't belong to medical or rescue equipment and that is just curious seekers taking footage of the disaster scenery, some are claiming to be there finding survivors and guiding them to safety. Food, water and other medical supplies are moving at a smooth pace as the evacuation points are rising at high crowd, especially, Soliado Park. The area is massed with people looking for their loved ones as it serves as medical hub and helicopters taking the injured. The evacuation of the ferries is described, by some, as almost pandemonium, hundreds desperately boarding the next ferry to the mainland as three hour earlier, one of the ferries, the Californian Star capsized due to overcrowding on the upper decks while embarking evacuees on the pier, the death toll has counted over a hundred. Other watercraft vessels are taking the advantage of taking more people to safety, but Coast Guard had surrounded the island with oil netting from further contamination of the sea environment, making this the largest in history. On the mainland, people are desperate in waiting on the harbor for each arriving ferry. The police had taken control of the harbor against the mass and stopped one man who tried to board one of the ferries to find his wife and children. Whatever the case of these controversies and what we're reporting here: people are dying there, and we wish the best we can to make out of this tragedy." A short pause and taking a breath. "This is Garret Baker from channel 15."

Nothing but sad and bad news coming out of the radio. Kaiden and Martin noticed the quiet of absent rain. This was their queue to leave. This time, they are prepared. Food and water supply already took rest and hope for the best in their journey.

Epicenter 13 - Day 2

Mid-afternoon, but the skies are gray. Rumbling thunders and a bit of rain. The city is drenched and likely to continue. Both couldn't find an umbrella at the gas station, but the rain is light than it was earlier. They tried to shelter a bit as they walk either side of the street, but the debris won't let them take a bit of cover. Kaiden and Martin are left a bit wet on their head and shoulders as they march in the middle of the street.

Arriving at a cross junction with white lines for pedestrians in the center. A sign with the names of Coral Street and Northeast Avenue. Kaiden looks at the map, Northeast Avenue will take them up north as Coral Street by taking left at westwards than east. Both normally won't direct them at a dead end but take them straight to their wanted destination. "If we take Coral Street, it will lead us to the third level of the tier." Kaiden said.

"It doesn't bother if we take any level to the park?" Martin asked.

"Yeah. And if we..." Their feet vibrated suddenly. "Get down!" Kaiden ordered.

Both crouched down, they feel on the clear their above surroundings. The aftershock rocks the asphalt, crunching, cracking and blast through weaken buildings. Ahead of them, a cloud of dust blows out and making anything on the way disappearing. A light pole smashes on the ground. The traffic lights dance on their hold. Palm trees shakes their swaying leaves. All the crumbling rubble follows mass shoutings in the distance. Great panic island-wide. It ceases but the collapsing lags to a stop.

The two crouched faced down with their hands covering over their heads. They both curiously look up ahead the damage; cloud of dust. As it clears by the light rain, both stands up to see...

"No..." Martin said in disbelief.

"Damn it..." Kaiden muttered.

Their cleared paths had been blocked, all Coral Street and Northeast Avenue are blockaded by debris. "What are gonna do?" Martin said.

"Going back and look for another way would do, but..." Kaiden wonders.

"Then let's go back." Martin decided, but Kaiden grabbed him by the arm before he made a step. "What?"

"We could try a shortcut." Kaiden announced.

"A shortcut?" Martin puzzled. "How?"

"We can take the subway tunnels." The older tiger points a corner of the crossing junction with a sign with the name of Northeast Station directing a set of stairs that goes underground.

Martin's face turns into doubt. "Are you crazy? We don't know how badly is down there."

"We can always check."

"No! I won't let you do that."

"Why not? Afraid of the dark?"

"No! It's dangerous. Let's go back and look for another street." Martin once again tries to confront against the tiger but Kaiden can counteract with him. Of course, Kaiden understands Martin's objection about the dark tunnels of the subway. They could be caved in and blocking the way at the next station. But Kaiden can make simple proposals that could comply Martin's thoughts.

"Okay. How about this..." He started. "We go to the first station we see that goes after this one." He said and moves at the map that displays all the lines of the subway system. "See here?" He points. "That's Northeast Station and that follows further north and then west at the first station we are going to meet; James Hammer Scroll Station which is at least the closest to the park." Martin listened, he was quiet. "Come on, Martin, this could be the fastest way to get to the park."

"Sounds easy..." He quietly said.

"Then what's your doubt?"

"It could be flooded." Martin put it bluntly. "Aren't we sinking?"

"The sooner, the better we get thought there." Kaiden said. "Come on." One hand on his shoulder and Martin looked the other way from Kaiden. Martin nodded. "Yes? Okay, let's go."

The two face the downstairs of the sub station, it was dark. With their natural nocturnal vision, this wouldn't be a problem. They do also have the small radio that has a flashlight when they can recharge it. With no hesitations of Martin, they descend towards the dark path. Their eyes adjust the lack of light as they move further towards the ticket area. This place was for passengers to pay their fare and today it was replaced with new vending-like machines. Passengers can purchase the number of weeks or unlimited pass-card for the frequent traveler. After passing by, they meet the waist-high turnstiles which they can simply leap over it or under it. Then another set of stairs leads further to the platform where the subway trains frequently stops by. This time it was abandoned, and emergency lights only beamed little and green lighting for the emergency exit which Martin and Kaiden ignored.

On the platform area was in the middle with both rails on either side. There's caved in debris that had fallen from the ceiling. And both noticed dark objects resting on the floor in their nocturnal vision. Martin gasped and startled aback, this could be the time he saw an actual dead body outside of funerals. A body was caught on the debris and wasn't alone, there's more all over the platform.

"Don't bother them, they're resting in peace." Kaiden assured to Martin.

"Oh, Burke, where are you?" Martin then saw Kaiden coming closer to the edge of the platform. "Hey, careful. You know about the third rail?"

Kaiden haven't leaped down, he glanced back at Martin, "Yeah, I know." He kneels, then shifts into a sitting position on the edge and leaps down on his feet. Martin follows and realized the height below of four feet. Kaiden could give him a hand but he follows the same steps. Sits down on the edge and leaps into the ground. He almost loose his balance, but Kaiden got him. On Martin's view, the platform almost reaches their heads and shoulders. The two standing between the rail with no train on sight, with serious warning from Kaiden on Martin, he gestures his hand on the yellow sign that indicates warning on the third rail of high voltage hazard. Martin nodded and follow Kaiden's direction.

According to Kaiden, the James Hammer Scroll Station it leads up north and then west. An L-shape path but curved when they notice it. "Stay close by my side and follow me, we'll be fine." Kaiden assured.

Upon leaving the station, the other rail track joins along in parallel side by side as they walk forward. Their nocturnal vision they barely use at night works wonders as if they feel a bit of daylight faintly entering the tunnel. Martin can feel his eyes pupils stretching wide. It's definitely dark. The lights on both sides of the tunnel are only cat-eye lights for night time driving seen on the highway. As sooner for better, Martin was disproven about the tunnels being flooded, yet.

"See anything?" Martin quipped.

"I'm asking the same thing to you." Kaiden replied.

"Sorry, dumb question."

"Wait...There's something ahead." This time for real, Kaiden spots in the naked eye.

Coming closer in their walking pace, it was the face of the subway train. Much closer and making up their dark vision, the car is off the rails, blocking their way. The train's front billboard sign shows its original station: James Hammer Scroll. "Just what I'd said, this is what I'm worried about." Martin said.

Kaiden ignores him, recharging the flashlight, beams for inspection. "Come on, we can board the train from here." Kaiden said. He walks the closest half-opened doors, dented and shattered glass. Kaiden opens it and gestures Martin to come, he'll lend him a hand and lift him up inside the train.

The train's suppose backup power had been lost. Still in their night vision and one flashlight. Once again, there's more bodies left behind. The passengers had left in a hurry after the initial quake. For Martin, it feels like he had never left...

It was the same type of train, the shiny poles, the seats and the handles sticking above the ceiling for passengers' support for the constant acceleration force and brakes. Martin wondered why not one passenger checked before abandoning the train derailed on the bridge. What was possible and likely is he was so unconscious that some assumed that he was either dead or impossible to wake up, given the precious time for hundreds running in panic to save themselves from falling into the ocean.

With nothing to be done, Martin relives yesterday's initial disaster. Kaiden moves further through the car and passes the next car adjacent to the next. It was all zig-zagged, moving slightly to left and then right. Martin counts to six as the maximum cars the train carries. He learned that in an article and seen it for himself first-hands that on the weekends the number of trains are reduced to three while the workdays are at six. Usually is to save operation costs and energy. Finally, at the last car, the door is left opened by the previous passengers, Kaiden stepped in first and halts Martin before making a move.

Before he could even ask, he hears a distance sound of rushing water. Kaiden looks down from the door and see calmed water lapping everywhere. Martin half squeezed next to Kaiden to see his feared theory.

"I knew it, it's flooding!"

"It could be the rain." Kaiden said. "It's draining somewhere from keeping it from flooding."

"We're in the second level of the tier, but underground, right? So, we're still in the first level, and that could mean that seawater has reached this far."

Kaiden leaped down, he didn't sink by the waist, water covered by the ankles of his boots. The cold water soaked his socks and feet. He picks some liquid on his palm and savor it with his tongue, then spit it out. "Not seawater."

"Did you just taste it?"

"Relax, it's just water." He stated. But it's potable water. "A broken pipe somewhere." The tiger turns to Martin, "Come on, we can go this far by just the ankles wet. Don't worry about the third rail, there's no power here."

Martin follows and so much from keeping himself dry. He still has cleaned socks in his backpack, as long it doesn't get wet. Like he said, Martin shivers as water soaks his socks and shoes. Just like his childhood of playing in the rain and then his teenage struggles of not trying to get wet on his way to school or home because he didn't bring an umbrella. His wetted feet reminded him from the time he got wet by a passing car that splashed his whole body and then his umbrella got flown by the wind. He came back home safely but got caught a common cold. Those were the good old times...

The rails were under and little visibility to see their footing to watch out. Kaiden stopped again from going and told Martin to cover his tail under his pants. Something he should have done sooner in disaster scenarios as this. Both tailless, they continue their way. Their only sound of their feet marching on the water slightly echoes the tunnel, but the dominant sound was a rushing burst of water coming closer ahead of them. After clearing through the left turning curve at westwards, water shows a bit agitated, moving at a steady current. Not too long, they meet a bursting white fountain-like flow half blocking their path. One of the big pipes has broken either by the quakes or the train itself.

Kaiden and Martin moves further from the uncontrollable flow of water. They passed it without worries but a bit of water spray had already given them head and shoulders moisten. The mist spread airborne after passing it. There isn't a sense of anxiety of thinking that it could flood immediate the whole tunnel, when they arrived at the station platform it was dry as concrete. The train they had boarded through blocked their illusion that it wasn't until they reach the end.

"Kaiden, there's something ahead." Martin spoke.

Kaiden, as they march, watch carefully through the dark. There're things lying on the ankle-high water.

"Uff!" Martin startled. He bumped into something on his feet. Looking the through the dark, it was a black guitar case.

"You okay?" Kaiden glanced him in worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Watch where you're going. Stay closed to me." He holds Martin's right wrist. "There could be things lying around, you don't want to trip, right?"

"Yeah... OH, GOD!!!!" His reaction made his hidden tail to pop out from his pant and stand up in shook. Kaiden got him still but he followed his pointing left hand. Through his night vision was a human body lying on his back with eyes opened. The victim's facial expression reacted very little before when a gun penetrated his systems, though, this wasn't the case, it was a sudden state of shock.

Kaiden pulls him by this wrist and keep on going. "Don't look at it!" Ten steps later, Kaiden again stopped. "Oh, shit."

Nothing like they have ever seen before, bodies dropped like flies on the shallow water. Either lying on their backs or belly down with some last struggling position before admitting defeat on the ground. While evident that they were from the train they had passed through, not too long after leaving they are found lifeless. Quickly regaining his pace, Kaiden pulls Martin to continue.

"Don't stop. Let's move." Kaiden said.

Martin had already the idea of seeing dead bodies after the quake, but this was more than he had imagined. Kaiden seemed neutral or he's just ignoring and passing it through

"How could they have died after leaving the train?" Martin wondered.

"The third rail did this! No more questions." He replied. "Move!"

Kaiden again pulls Martin on the move and walk through the bodies. Martin is avoiding stepping on them but Kaiden is pushing the bodies aside to make way with his feet. This clearing took a while before they could have said it in their minds until they passed the field. It was clear but still on ankle-high water. The rush of water quietly fades away behind them. Their splashing footing went back to their hearings. And their breathing.

"Are we there?" Martin asked.

"Yeah, almost."

Their hearing felt like a heavy echo of high-volume amps deafening a crowd in a concert festival real close to it and feeling the vibrations in their body and heart. Water on their ankles agitates into small rippling waves by the force. The felines fight to stay upright from falling. Crumbling dust of concrete falling above them and Kaiden shouted, "Run!"

They did and kept on their intended path. Skipping on the water and making long jumps until one each foot splash hard on the surface, not minding drenching their pants all the way. Running and not looking back if the tunnel is caving in like a large-scale boobytrap. If it was caving, then water should be making a mass splash of water. Water is sloshing side-by-side by the aftershock. Making up through the dark ahead...

"There! That's our stop!" Kaiden shouted.

...they spotted the two rails splitting up ahead. Taking the left, they meet the platform. Kaiden making a four-feet climb with his own strength and picks Martin up in a swift with just one arm. Either their panic or full of adrenaline they ran up the closest set of stairs.

Epicenter 14 - Day 2

Little they realized that the quake had faded the moment they took the stair, it was blinded by the other sound that substituted it, water. They could hear it by the echo and a blow of wind breezed their faces when they made a brief the stop at the turnstiles. Like before, they jumped over it or under it. They passed the ticket booth machines and met the James Hammer Scroll Station sign on the wall. Martin ignored another dead body with a uniform lying on the ground with fatal head injuries. Another set of stairs was blocked by a see-through gate.

"Oh, God!" Martin cried. "It's locked!" He grabbed hold with both hands and shake it. He sees the clearing and late sunny skies above. "Help! It's someone up there!" This was all his built-up anxiety from the beginning he stepped inside the tunnel. He's screaming at the top of his lungs.

Kaiden followed along and shouted. "Hey!" Before taking another breath, a rupture echoes through the the dark and was met back with water covering an inch of the floor. The rush was aggressive, when it hit Martin's feet he looks down and continued shouting.

"What are gonna do!" Martin hoped.

Kaiden could have said something to calm him down but caught a shimmer of something on the ground next to the body's hands. Kaiden realized, "This guy works here!" He ran up to it and took the keys, water had risen to his knees, and when he came back to the gate, it was now almost at their upper legs. Kaiden searches which key to open, the master key should do the trick. Now water is by their waist. Kaiden picked one and find the insert key. "Where is it?" With no choice, it was under water. He inhaled and plunged in.

Seeing him gone, Martin watches the water rising at rapid speed, his clothes wet in seconds. As it was now by the shoulders and Kaiden haven't break the surface, Martin floats and cannot reach the floor and holds onto anything from getting pulled by the current. The water was cold, but soon realized he tasted it; saltwater. Martin waits but Kaiden is taking too long, there was a lot of keys in that chain. Staring at the light of stairs upwards, water covers it at its fullest and Martin's head is touching the ceiling with little of remaining air soon consumed by his nose. Martin gives in and inhale a deep breath...

But breaking the surface was Kaiden taking a lungful of air. It scared Martin right on time.

Martin asked, "Did you open it?"

"One more key!" He said. "Come with me!"

With natures gifted ability to see through the dark and see better on the water. Martin and Kaiden dived. He watches Kaiden inserting the last key and turns it in satisfaction. The doors slide apart from the other and swim thought it. Nothing was stopping them to swim up the surface. It wasn't a long swim. They feel the sunshine reflecting them and water has gotten lighter. The two break the water and breathe in the fresh air. With their feet finding steps, acending as fast as possible against their added weight of wetted clothes. It drains everywhere to drips. All that running and heaving for their lives drive them to exhaustion.

Kaiden, as strong he is, recovers and stand on his knees, but still handling his breath. Martin on the other hand collapses on his belly after crawling himself out of the stairs. He felt his energy drop in an instant and the weight of water with slowly lighting up. He's breathing away from Kaiden behind.

Kaiden picks him up and flips him face up. "You okay?"

"Yeah..." Martin breathes.

Kaiden helps him up, but Martin is showing his weakening exhaust. "Can you keep up?"

"I think..." Martin said.

Then the good news and bad news have shown. The good news is that they made it to James Hammer Scroll Station, but the bad news is that they got wet, and not just their bodies but their backpacks they have packed for the spring break are also wet. Also, the map they own is soaked into soggy paper, when they realized it fell apart on their hands. The radio, however, ridiculously survived as it was made for survival situations as this. Kaiden reached it and voices on the radio worked well and so as the flash light. A bright side of all of this is their water supply are still well preserved and so as the bagged-snacks. Their mobile devices are less fortuned also.

Time on their way as hoped they have wished to arrive to the evacuation point of Soleado Park. Some more blocks ahead at west will take them there what they wanted. After reading briefly the board map of the subterranean station, the map shows that going westward leads almost perfectly straight towards the park. As usual, walking is their patience. They feel as if the worst is over.

Time was moving slow, from what Martin sees, he wishes for a break from all the freaking drowning from earlier. His pace was running out when the sky has turned orange. His feet were now killing him each step. Kaiden too is tired but wants to keep on moving, even if they make it very late at night.

Fives blocks later, Kaiden noticed his absence, turning back and relief that he was just on his knees five feet away. He walked back and kneel him close. "You okay?"

Martin nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine... We walked all day... My legs are hurting me."

"Hey, it's okay. We'll find a place to take rest for now." Kaiden took off Martin's backpack and holds it for him. He helps him to stand up and place one arm around behind his back and one arm from Martin around his shoulders to ensure he keeps on balance. The two moves on at a slower pace, like time wasn't their concern like it used to be.

The sun rays lost its shine by the giant silhouetted skyline. The mass shadows darken the streets and by this time in the hour of at evening the light poles should be lighted. But none. The wind howls through the buildings as deserted they are.

The pair stops and Kaiden looks around the junction. The street signs say Santa Fe Street and James Hammer Scroll Street, the westward street they are in. The dark was setting in as their vision slowly adapts a clearer image.

"Can we take some rest, Kaiden?" Martin's dry voice said.

"Sure..." Kaiden haven't found where to rest. Last night, they slept on a temporal aid area on the waterfront market place with some flat bedding like Japanese-style futons without any blankets. Looking every where, on his left, finally, a restaurant has cleared up his vision. "Let's go that restaurant, Martin."

Without running at it, they walked in like normal customers in a less busy time period. Inside was no welcoming lights or a line of customers waiting to order their meal. Nothing. Glass windows shattered and covered with duct tape. The seats were scattered and thrown from their tables side to side from the previous quakes. There was also the dull sound of quiet without wind. Kaiden guides Martin to a booth seating, Martin seats on it and Kaiden puts the backpacks on the other seat across.

Martin rest his head on his crossed arms on the table. He sighs in comfort but still exhausted. Day two was a long day. They must have covered a hundred of football fields like no one have. But that's just an impression from Martin's tire state. Kaiden meanwhile he has not taken a seat, Martin heard him walking away to somewhere...

"Kaiden, where are you going?" He raised his head.

"I'm going to check around."

"Some frozen burgers will be fine with me." Probably the only time Kaiden hears some sense of humor from the young tiger. Martin has a small sense of humor that could bring light laughter in class.

Kaiden actually leaps over the thrown tables that guarded the kitchen door and explores it. The fridge should be still preserving its temperature without anyone opening it sometimes after the power off. Looking on the floor there was cables curving about and taped. Following the series of cables, it leads to an opened door, must be the back door. Just outside with trash containers on the alleyway, a power plant with plugged cables was on sight. Probably the restaurant was in use to feed survivors until the order of evacuation was placed. Kaiden wonders and checks the power engine. If it works, a meal they can make themselves. As he checks, the fuel is in half. Then he finds the puller like the mower machine to start the engine.

BROOOM!!!

BROOOOM!!!

One more pull... BROOOOMM!!!!

Engine came alive and reverberates. Behind him lights came up. Martin heard the brooms but the sound from a short distance woke him up and startled as the lights of the restaurant lights up like a Christmas tree.

...

With power back up, Martin made his way to the restroom. Hoping he could use the hand blower machine to dry himself up. He took the initiative to take off his soaked clothes and maybe dry them off. It was a little struggle as his clothes were hugging him tight. The jacket was easy to remove, but the black shirt under it was a bit difficult to take off. He leaves it be and tries to take his shoes, socks and pants off. Now that put away, he focusses back on the shirt and carefully not to moves lot or he would fall as klutzy. With success on the torso, but the long sleeves are still on his arms. Finally, just in his soaked underwear, he uses the hand dryer and pressed the button. The machine warms Martin's cold hands and was relieving him some stress like taking a warm shower. He almost forgotten the bandages that Kaiden wrapped on.

Such person whom took a lot responsibility without feeling burdened by him is such, what Martin could say a proper brave gentleman. Just thinking that if Martin was by himself, he would never come to the consideration of walking down the subway tunnels. And then the near close call of the thugs that hold him at gun point. They could have beaten him mercilessly and take everything he possessed.

All this time, Kaiden was there. He's a fighter with taught skills from the aforementioned father. It just seems...hard to believe that one person out there is willing to take care of someone and the risky consequences that scares anyone away to take it. No reward motives were taken for the part. This case is even more different as Martin nor Kaiden are familiar to one another than being of the same kind of species. Even he still remembers what Kaiden said to him; "We should help each other in situations like this, no?"

Martin, on the other hand, he never made a part of helping him in return. Maybe not today but he wishes he could offer in return after the crisis is over.

Rubbing himself and the blower dries every part of his body and warms him up seems to be working despite how silly he looks doing it as a desperate measure. Now at least dried and some paper towels, he went to dry the clothes he wore and the other he had packed. It would take forever, so he should just keep wearing the same outfit, of course, some dried socks and hopefully dry the insides of his shoes.

The door opens, and Martin already turned at it and see Kaiden entering in. When he got in, he paused his movements for a short moment to see him standing close the hand dryer, nothing but his grey, matted wet, boxers. Martin just startled and blushed but kept on drying his shoes. Martin practically is used to showering with other guys in the lockers after volleyball practice. So, he was just startled by his intrusion.

"Uh...sorry, Martin." He apologized.

Good thing Martin was wearing his wet underwear, if not, it would make it all awkward and very uncomfortable. Martin assures, "It's okay, you just surprised me. I'm almost done. You can also use the other one next to it."

"Sure."

Martin dried the best he could with the shoes, still a bit damp, but warm. He walks to the stalls for a leak...then the number two. He sighed when he realized and took off his underwear and sit down. Martin hears Kaiden his little struggle taking off the clothes hugging his body. Then some muttering and cursing along those lines after a tear was heard. After finishing and subconsciously flushing the toilet which didn't responded. Water pumping system must be dead. Looks like the brown submarine is not going to be feeding the fishes today.

After finishing and cleaning up, Martin sees Kaiden having a bit of problem of taking off the clothes. "I could use some help." The tiger-man said.

Martin nodded and help remove the white shirt, it had a tear on the back side. "You cannot take it off like you normally do?"

"Yeah, and my arms are too big to rip it. And you have a small build which you had it easy."

Martin pulls out tiger's shirt to the neck and Kaiden took the rest out through his arms. The shirt collected a weight that's easy to tell it had absorbed a lot of extra grams of water. Mushy in his hands and throw it at the sink. Kaiden already took the boots out and can pretty much take care the rest.

But then Martin curiously sights the older tiger's physique. When he turns at the blow dryer, his back at Martin, he watches carefully every detail, particularly; the matted fur. No such tiger he had ever seen this extraordinary. Not just looking at his face, but the whole back torso that reveals the rarity of his kind. Is he for real? If so, where are they? White tigers are more rarely common but this beastman right here is rarer than anything else as exotic as one could say.

The blow dryer quiets. "Hey, Martin. You okay?"

"Huh?" Martin shook his head. "I'm fine." He wonders if this could be the time. "Your fur...is gray..."

"I knew you were curious." Kaiden revealed. "You're not the only one, though."

"Sorry, it was rude to ask."

"Don't be, I'm used to it."

"Do you know why you're born like that?"

"I don't know. I've never made any of that kind of DNA stuff. I never bother to."

"Oh, so...does it have a name?"

"My parents call it blue tiger or Maltese tiger."

"Blue?"

"It's gray with a blueish hue, not that I'm blue."

"Okay...and, does so to your parents?"

The big blue tiger looked away a second with sigh from his nose. "No, they're orange. I assume that I was born through genes or something like that as my folks said." Kaiden quiets and Martin saw him as if he was hurt.

"Kaiden?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." He stated. "Not now." Martin was confused but he sealed the conversation abruptly.

After a very quiet time to settle in the restaurant, the two had found themselves together across each other on the booth table. Martin is dressed in his sleeping clothes of cotton shorts, a white shirt, and a pair of socks. He managed it to dry them up, but still a bit humid with a touch of warmth. Kaiden, meanwhile, wears his bathing suit trunks and a black tank top, those were the easiest, and thinnest clothes to dry. The pair had made "dinner" when exploring the kitchen, making cold sandwiches with anything on it. Looks like they have something in common.

The radio play music as background and time and then hear some updates from the ongoing events. The radio reports that about 90,000 civilians had evacuated on the first day as it report this. The process is still running. Every ferry coming and refueling to transport civilians out to the mainland. One reporter on the island talks with the stranded and mentioning their names on the radio and hopefully it gives a sense of relief for the other person listening if their love one turns out to be okay. But the reporter cannot cover everybody in his sight.

"I wish I was in front of a live camera and send my message to my parents." Martin said.

"Cheer up, Martin." Kaiden toned down voice tries to sooth the young feline. "You'll see them soon."

"If I have the will...I... I want to tell my parents not to divorce."

"I'm sorry that you're going through with this, but..."

"I want them to reconcile, even if I have to make them to take marriage counseling."

"Why, you knew they were falling through? Martin, you cannot play their marriage to make it better."

"I didn't know their marriage was falling, it came out of nowhere the night before the quake!" He slightly glared him with his nail-claws digging the wooden table.

"Sorry, my bad." Kaiden with raised hands, chest level, at Martin's near offended face.

Martin rest back on the seat from the small tension, "I was away from home in Rexville studying. I always kept my promise to stay in contact, they always sounded so happy. Even on live chat, they are sitting side by side. Holding hands, Kaiden!" He lowered his head at the table.

"Whatever what was behind their smiles, something wasn't working out." Kaiden stated.

Martin nodded without looking at him. "Now everything is falling apart like the earthquake. I'm hurt, my parents are hurt and so as my godfather."

Kaiden quietly sighs and looks away with eyes closed. He had already suffered much. And wants to end it. The young boy had everything, well-loved biological parents, a second ideal parent figure, a big brother and possibly a girlfriend in college. Had that been the case, she would look upon a weak, crying child. Kaiden cannot help but feel so sorry for Martin's personal circumstances he's facing. Why him? Or him?

Slowly looking back at Martin, no tears are trailing down his sleek, sharp stripes on his face, however, he can tell he's really, badly miserable.

Another quiet moment between the two. Two people, they have never ever met before and are in this mess working together to get back home safely from the island. Discovering a further sense of quiet, the lights dims to darkness. The power plant ran out of fuel. Their eyes adapt the darkness as night had already settled in. They shared a glimpse of each other with shimmering eyes.

"I guess is bed time." Kaiden said.

"Yeah..."

The booth seating was almost long for both to take rest, it has leather-covered couching. Kaiden busted two chairs and removed the sitting cushion so they can use it as a head resting pillow. The two rest, side by side between the table. The mood was still quiet.

"I can't sleep." Martin said.

"Me neither." Same for Kaiden.

The two just stares at the ceiling. Kaiden wants to rest but the whole ordeal throughout the day was stressing and cannot tell if another aftershock would strike. If he talks with Martin and let time pass without the angsts, maybe they'll fall in to sleep.

"Hey, Martin." He started.

"Yeah?"

"How old are you?"

"Twenty..." Kaiden can tell he's not in the mood, but he's letting himself to speak. "How about you?"

"Twenty-four."

"Twenty-four? You look a bit older than that age."

"I get that a lot, and you look like...seventeen."

"Some girls even asked me what's my secret. But I think is just the genes, and... I play a lot volleyball at college."

"You play volleyball, huh? Do girls root for you?"

"Not really, I'm not interested. Besides, one of my teammates has the spotlight. Even though, I'm one of the most agile players to catch the ball before hitting on the ground."

"So that explains why you can run faster. I saw you how you ran from that crevice before. Remember?"

"Yeah, sorry about that."

"For what?"

"When we got separated from that cracked hole at Palm Springs Boulevard."

"It's okay, don't worry about it."

Martin sighed, "Why you're...asking me much?"

"I want you and between us to keep things as calmed and settled, so let's talk casually, okay?" Kaiden stated. "I might get to know you better."

"Oh, okay..." Martin understood. He then started ahead. He thought randomly, "So, where were you born?"

Kaiden's ears stood up when he asked that, but Martin was still staring at the ceiling. None the less, Kaiden replied, "West Coast, just you like you."

"Yeah, but I live at Rose Valley Suburbs in Martin Street."

"Huh, just like me, I also lived at the suburbs with my parents, but in New Forrest... Wait...hold on... Martin Street?"

"Oh, yeah..." Martin turns his head and face at Kaiden's shimmering eyes through the dark, he was making a puzzling face of his question. "That's how I got my name."

"Your parents chose that name from a street?"

"I even asked my dad how I was named. Every time I stopped over at the bus stop to school, there was the street sign right next to it. Dad said he came up with that name subconsciously and already wrote it up in the certificate."

"Not bad, is a good name."

"Thanks. Mom and Dad weren't expecting me, but they love me anyways."

"What makes you to say that?"

"By the time I was born, my brother and sister were ten and nine years old, respectably. My Dad had a vasectomy, and, despite that, he and mom conceived me."

"That's really odd."

"I know, first time finding out, Dad was a bit off with the beer and spill the beans. I was eleven, I didn't know what a vasectomy is and..." Martin breaks a muffle chuckle. "...I curiously asked, and I..." Martin resist his chuckling and relaxes to continue. "I freaked out because Dad said it bluntly that they cut his..." Another chuckle. "...you know what of balls I'm talking about."

"Oh, my god..." Kaiden softly palms his face and quietly chuckles.

"Mom got angry with him of what he'd said." He sighs relief and continues. "Much later Dad explains with honestly how I was born, nothing much, but they didn't expect me at all since they already have Rex and Lotus, my older siblings."

"But they keep you anyways, so what's the point?"

"Yeah, so they made it special for my brothers to see my mom's pregnancy at first hand. My brother Rex was hoping it to be a boy. You know how brothers and sisters fight over the gender."

"The good old childhood memories."

"I've seen the old video about the gender reveal; Rex was happy. And time passes, when I was growing up, Rex and Lotus were now in their teenage years when I was five. I didn't grow up with them in the same age, I was...now that I recall; feels like I have been lagged behind. Well, pictures tells me a different story of them as they grew up together before I was born. Holding me in their arms, and that time I said my first words in front of my parents. I always wondered if I brought joy to the family."

"You have, Martin, I think you have like I have..."

"When I was ten, my brothers were in college and I was now alone with my parents in the house. It was different, and quiet."

"You have friends?"

"Oh yeah. Friends from the elementary to high school and fellow neighbors. They were all almost around me. I see them almost everyday. Now in college... Like I've said, NorCal didn't accept me. My friends were disappointed, but Dad had other plans. I'm now in third year and settled myself in Rexville. Now my siblings are now out of the house and married and I'm not even an uncle yet."

Kaiden chuckled louder on the uncle thing. "So, are you also dating?"

"Not at the moment." Martin glanced at Kaiden. Both sharing a quick glance. "But I had a crush on someone, but I failed. The moment I flew to Rexville, there was nothing that I can do. While we were still in touch, I saw how the past three years went so fast. He announced his coming out and I felt touched that I wanted to say the same thing, but then the next picture shown he had already met someone else. I was too late..."

It was quiet... "Kaiden?"

Kaiden's voice sounded like he had been spacing out for a moment, he recovers. "Yeah, still here." He yawned. "Sorry, I...well, sorry about your crush. Not all the time your first crush would be your last."

"Yeah, you're right." In a second, Martin realized he had talked too much about himself, especially his old crush. "So, how about you?"

"My old crushes?"

"No, about yourself." Martin remarked.

Kaiden breathed in and out, relaxing himself on where to start. Since Martin had talked about from birth to college and family, guess he should do the same. "Well, like I told you, the day I appeared on the family picture, my parents always told me I was special."

"Being a blue-born tiger?"

"Yeah. Every parents' children are always special, but I guess they took it a whole new level. I never saw another blue tiger throughout my childhood, that I was almost having a crisis identity. At preteen, I asked my parents if I were a..." He paused and remembered what Martin has talked. "One day, at sixteen, I wanted to make an announcement to my parents and they have stepped in first before I could have had said anything."

"They knew?"

"Not what I was going to say. And they both hold me close and told me I was adopted." Kaiden calmly said this without emotions.

"Adopted..." Martin said. "Oh, Kaiden..."

"Yeah, don't be sorry."

"I'm not but they are your parents, right? They couldn't have their own and adoption are always that hope for those want-to-be parents."

"Yeah, I know..."

"But do you know who your real parents are?"

"No..."

"Does your parents know?"

"Yes, my mother did the search. One spring break ago, my mother came over to my house and tracked down my real parents. Learning them, was still like a dead end."

"Why?"

"The father was unknown, so the mother was obviously who came to the orphanage."

"How long you have been in the orphanage?"

"Not long, three weeks when my adoptees came to take me home. That orphanage was known for paring up with the closest species, so the child doesn't feel out of place. Though, my sister is a jaguar, it never came to my mind about her, we grew up together that it never felt wrong. I felt dumb when things started to get obvious. So, about my real mother, according to the staff, she had some tough times and she cannot raise me financially. It was a tough decision for her to give me away."

"Have you ever gotten to meet her?"

"Unfortunately, no. My mother tried to contact her, but no respond. She thinks it must be hard for her to face the child she just gave up. Her name is Joanna Parks."

"At least you know who she is..."

"Yeah, and it's best to leave it that way, for now."

"It doesn't bother you to at least see her once?"

Kaiden turned at him across, "I wish."

"Then what gives you to back up?"

"I'm afraid if I meet her, she'll be met with mix feelings. I'm afraid to see her in shame. I don't want that." Kaiden stated and quieted down. Another breathes of in and out. Then he spoke. "On the bright side, I have a life that's filled what my parents gave me. Even if it bothers me to think about the real truth that I must endure."

"So, you're gonna leave it as it is?"

"I'm afraid so."

"But at least you have a home, right?"

"Yes...I think said too much now. Time for some shut eye."

"Hey, wait a minute."

"What?"

"What we're you going to say originally to your parents?"

Another more dose of quietness between them.

But at least Kaiden was blunt of his statements. "Hm, wasn't your crush a guy?"

"Y-yeah? Oh...so, that's what you're going to announce?"

"It went the wrong way, but my parents were okay with it, and I was scarred by their reveal."

"Not as planned as expected, right?" Martin wanted to chuckle quietly, but yawned.

Slowly both shared a yawn until they fell into slumber before they knew it. The sound of abandonment dominates the night, except the howling wind outside. The rechargeable radio also dies quietly. In a matter of time aftershocks are making less and less of a disturbance for the remaining civilians still trapped on the island. But still, it can happen any time.

As far the world knows, the West Coasters are struggling the madness. Help from all over California and the neighboring States are sending help to the affected northern city. But everyone is in the news eyeing on the affected island that's resisting from sinking.