An Anon's Journey: Remnant Act 1

V2E15: An Omen of Things to Come (Volume 2 Finale)

UH HO! BIG! (10K+ WORDS!)

Like every other day, it had come to an end as the clock struck midnight. Late-night workers bustled in their shops, only a few hours away from the end of their shifts. Students of Vale's many schools were still bumming around town, although they were running out of steam.  Working adults got drunk in pubs, bars and taverns to celebrate another hard-worked day.

It was like every other day, until everything fell apart.

A loud crashing noise erupted as concrete crumbled and steel support sheared, a cacophony of destruction. One of the main intersections of the commerce district had been gouged open from below. A few civilians were caught in the blast but so far, none died. Concerned citizens called for help on their scrolls while the braver ones got close. One such brave one was the owner of a small but popular tobacco shop, who had gone out to get a late-night snack before closing his shop for the day. Usually, he waited for one of his more regular customers, who enjoyed smoking cigars during late-night strolls. He always enjoyed the man's company, he would even go as far as to call him a friend. Sadly, his friend had not come that day, strangely enough. The tobacconist was nearby when he heard the sickening sound of destruction. He waited until the dust settled, balking in shock at the sight of a train piercing the ground like a giant jousting lance. He approached carefully along with a few others until he heard a familiar voice. 

The voice of his friend.

The tobacconist rushed in as his friend was coughing and hacking terribly. His blood ran cold once he saw his friend. Blood poured from his scalp and his body was horrifically bruised. He called for help as he tried to help his friend to his feet. His reward was a shove. His friend had pushed him away but something was wrong. His friend rose to his feet, shaking like his body was about to fall apart.

And screamed for him to run.

The train fell into the hole it made as a large Twin Taijitu bust out of the breach. The tobacconist froze in fear until his friend shook him out of it with yet another plea for him to run. He felt his heart rend and his eyes water before hitting the ground running. Despite abandoning his friend, he pleaded for the gods to keep him safe.

...

Hope kept panting heavily as the tobacconist ran to safety. Although in immense amount of pain, he was glad that he had listened. He froze as a serpentine shadow hung above him. He let out a shaking breath before focusing, grimacing furiously.

"BUMBLEBEE!" He bellowed.

A sickle flew from the dust cloud, wrapping around the taijitu's black head. The sharp point and the keen edge cut into the monster's throat before being yanked back violently like a felled tree. Hope glared at the snake as it was dragged into the dust to get pummeled by an angry Yang. He looked around as the civilians immediately ran away. It would take more than just running to save them but right now, that's all they have. Hope looked back at the breach, his frown turning sourer as it widened.

And like a sea of evil, the black horde began pouring in from the breach.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blood dripped down soft, luscious lips as Cinder let her frustration come to light. The pain of biting into her lips distracted her from the boiling rage that was mounting in her heart. The moment her questioning of Hope was interrupted, she knew that the plan had gone awry. The breach only confirmed what she had come to see.

"Damned Torchwick!" She muttered with anger. "When I find you, you'll wish I had killed you when we first met."

She took a deep breath. No, it's not Roman's fault. He's perfectly capable despite his lackadaisical and cowardly nature. No, it's not his fault...