The Chronicles of Exodus 3 The Rapture

Prologue: The time that was

"Podcast episode 247, hello everyone I am Thea and welcome to the Apocalypse Agency podcast, where we, not just myself but my crew discuss the events threatening our world as we know it. Today I will be with my good friend Ash, and we will be discussing the recent events that have been occurring in the recent weeks." Thea said, starting the podcast. Thea had been a journalist for many decades, but her career had been seemingly halted once the apocalypse begun in 2033. But ever since she and her friends had arrived at Sydney base six years ago in 2040 everything changed. Life was finally starting to return to normal, even with the numerous giant monster attacks, undead creatures lumbering across the world and the effects of World War Three still lasting. "So, listeners finally things are starting to turn around! Numerous government agencies and foundations have started funding the human relief program which includes funding for Operation Mass Exodus scheduled to be completed in the next three years. For those who don't know, Operation Mass Exodus is an operation which sees four incredibly large shuttles carry all that remains of humanity across space to a new galaxy with a supportive and safe planet. Whether it works or not the governments of the world have thrown all of their money at it." Thea said. "The remaining funds proceed to go towards military efforts against the many threats humanity and Earth itself face currently. These include the many undead walkers, all of the giant kaiju, and the most recent threat, the so-called Elemental Titan Spirits. Just yesterday, the water spirit attacked Japan and destroyed the military headquarters there. These beings are incredibly powerful and seem to be controlled by a higher power." Ash joined in. "But let's not forget that one of the spirits, the Space Spirit was defeated by the mysterious figure, named by the public as 'The Shadow Vampire' a couple months ago. This character though very powerful is also- ""Incredibly dangerous and not to be trusted!" Ash chimed in. She had always had a strong dislike for the Shadow Vampire and the man behind it. Only their group knew of the beast's real identity, but they would never release his identity to the public, for their safety not his. "We should mention that kaiju attacks are becoming far more common," Thea said. "What used to be one kaiju every week has become upwards of five kaiju every day. Why are they appearing? We don't know, but we believe there is a far more sinister plan in the works." Ash continued. "So, before we finish today, I would like to thank you for tuning in, and stay safe out there guys." Thea concluded. Though she was happy she had completed the podcast episode, a certain feeling lingered. A feeling of fear, a dreaded sense of doom. It had been six years since the incident at Outpost 170, Sydney Base, which was also the last time she had seen "The Who Shall Not Be Named". The last time they had interacted, when they had grabbed her by the throat and threatened to kill her. She sighed and turned off the lights to the studio. There was a long week ahead and she would like to be ready when it starts to get crazy. But just as Thea left the room, the tv flicked channel. As the screen flickered the News came on. The reporter appeared on frame and held the microphone close to her mouth, behind her was a map of the world with red circles on some countries. But, unlike a usual news report it wasn't discussing weather...no it was discussing monsters. Even before the apocalypse set in monsters were beginning to rise, but now, they were everywhere. "Three kaiju attacked South Korea yesterday but were thankfully stopped by the Japanese GMP, Aqua Tango and the combined force of Korean and Japanese military." The reported said. The screen flickered and changed to a video recording from someone's phone. As the recording played you could clearly see a demon horned, humanoid figure with wings chasing the person behind the camera. "This footage," The reporter began to speak, "was taken by a man three days ago in town of Flippin, Arkansas in North America. This demonic figure we have come to call, "The Shadow", or "The Demon", or "The vampire", who we have seen fighting the giant humanoid creatures that we have learned are called Titan Spirits, chased the man through the town and into the surrounding woods where he hid from the monster as it stalked him in the trees. He managed to upload this video to social media before the creature attacked and lethally wounded him. He is currently in hospital and staff are desperately trying to keep him alive." Just as she finished- Bang! A microphone shattered the screen and bounced off crashing to the floor. As the tv screen turned to black Ash saw herself in the reflection. "That bastard" She cried.

One year later...

I looked out at the area ahead. The ground was flat with flecks of dirt and sand floating in the air. I sniffed the air and felt the hot air. It was quite a surprise being warm for once compared to being awfully cold all the time like everywhere else. But that was why this area was so suspicious. I knew for a fact that the one I was hunting was here. It had to be here. Months of training and preparation would have gone to waist if they weren't here. I leaped from my vantage point onto the sand below. With a light thud a landed. I stood straight and unsheathed my blades. The ground was shaking now. It was here. I stepped back as the ground shook even more violently! I watched as a huge hand rose from ground, followed by another, then a head. There it was! The Land Spirit! It roared and glared me in the eyes. I scowled and readied myself for battle. It roared and swung its fist knocking me into the air. I soared into the air and struck the wall but stabbed one of my blades into the rock. It was time!