Cyber Chronicles 1: Crimson's Effect

Chapter 14 : Lincoln (Past)

After dropping Naomi off at her house, Lincoln opted for a shortcut on his way home. The clock ticked six in the morning when most people were heading home or preparing to face the day. Lincoln couldn't help but wonder about his parents' unusual late-night call. Grateful that he happened to be awake, he quickened his pace, eager to see them.

The streets were bustling with activity as automated cars zipped past, their sleek designs dominating the road. Amidst the modern vehicles, Lincoln noticed a few individuals still steering their cars manually. Most of them seemed to be young adults who retained a love for the traditional act of driving.

As he strolled along the pavement, Lincoln's gaze shifted to the sky. The morning hues painted a canvas of dawn, a serene backdrop to the bustling city below. Reflecting on the advancements that granted humans control over weather, Lincoln marveled at the delicate balance between technological progress and the untouched beauty of nature.

He found comfort in the coexistence of both.

The rhythmic steps on the pavement guided Lincoln through another turn, leading him back to his block. The familiar surroundings offered a comforting contrast to the rapidly evolving world outside. In his perspective, there was a distinct charm in preserving the authenticity of natural structures alongside the marvels of human innovation.

His steps faltered, bringing him to an abrupt halt. 

A rush of anxiety surged through him, causing his heart to thud loudly in his chest. There, a few hundred meters ahead, stood his house, an unexpected scene unfolding. The lone car that should have occupied the space in front of it belonged to his parents, yet now three unfamiliar vehicles had taken its place. The unmistakable presence of law enforcement vehicles sent a shiver down Lincoln's spine.

Panic seized him, his thoughts racing as he grappled with the situation. Why were the police at his house? A sense of unease settled in as he contemplated the potential reasons behind their presence. Should he approach and inquire, or would that draw unwanted attention? The fear of being implicated in whatever was happening paralyzed him for a moment.

Shaking off the uncertainty, Lincoln made a split-second decision and hastened towards his house, determination replacing fear.

In a bewildering moment, he suddenly found himself beside a military vehicle, mirroring the inexplicable experience he'd had with Destry earlier. However, unlike before, he was fully awake, his senses sharp and alert.

The realization struck him: it wasn't all in his head. He truly had arrived there so quickly, but how?

The house, usually a haven, now exuded an unfamiliar weight. Three officers stationed near the front door deepened the unease, their presence looming like an ominous specter. With every step, the quiet of the morning turned into an eerie hush. Lincoln's voice trembled as he inquired, "What's happening, officer?"

"The family living here...where are they?" the officer inquired, glancing at the house.

A chill danced down Lincoln's spine. "I'm the eldest son of the family living in this house," he replied, attempting to maintain composure.

The officer examined Lincoln closely, let out a sigh, and then displayed a holophone projecting images of his parents. "They're my parents," Lincoln confirmed, causing the officer to sigh again as if he had bad news to deliver.

Lincoln pressed, "Did something happen to them?" The question hung in the air, Lincoln's heart thudding ominously.

"Recently, we've been dealing with sudden murders happening at any time. I'm sorry, son, your parents were victims," the officer disclosed somberly.

The news struck like a sudden storm – his parents, victims of random violence. "How?" Lincoln asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Throwing knives, by the looks of it. It's an unusual choice, but in all the recent killings, we've only seen throwing knives being used," the officer explained.

His parents were victims of random killings. The reality seemed surreal, and Lincoln struggled to process the information. Dexter's words echoed in his mind, "Not everyone is lucky to have parents like yours. They always come first." Lincoln had been fortunate, but now he felt a strange void, unable to summon the emotions he thought he should be feeling.

Tears finally welled up, a delayed response to the shocking news. "I'm sorry," the officer repeated, standing by Lincoln's side, genuinely sympathetic.

Lincoln's internal turmoil intensified.

He felt a deep-rooted rage bubbling within, an overwhelming desire for answers and justice. The officer's sympathetic gaze did little to ease the storm of emotions raging inside Lincoln.

Suddenly, an inexplicable surge of strength coursed through Lincoln's veins. It mixed with his storm of emotions causing it to manifest in a swift blow to the front door. The wooden barrier, unable to withstand the force, crumbled, leaving an entrance for the tempest of emotions to escape.

The officer, visibly shaken, took a cautious step back, fearing the unexplainable strength that emanated from Lincoln. His words barely registered to Lincoln as his mind went on a rampage. A storm mixed with emotions of fear and rage blew over Lincoln as he grappled with the need to escape the suffocating reality that had unfolded before him.

"I need to go," Lincoln muttered, his gaze darting to the backdoor.

"Wait, son. We need to -" the officer began, but Lincoln was already in motion.

With a desperate determination, Lincoln made a run for the backdoor. The dimly lit corridors echoed with the frantic pounding of his heart, each step fueled by a mix of fear, grief, and an unyielding need for answers. He reached the back door, his trembling hand fumbling with the lock as he swung it open and jumped onto the grass outside.

Just as hope flickered in the dim light, a sudden gunshot pierced the air. Pain seared through Lincoln's body, and he crumpled to the ground. The world blurred around him as consciousness slipped away.