The Dark Journey

Death over the Horizon

"So you're saying... these things... they mimic us?" Questions one of the survivors as they all walk next to me. I nod as I continue to be on guard as I notice something new. "Stop," I say firmly as they all stop immediately, looking around fearfully. I watch as it walks in a circle in the middle of the desolate street, as the lights nearby flicker violently. "Move," I say with a determined tone, I pivot sharply, sensing that whatever awaits me down that street is bad news. I notice something entering the atmosphere, as it heads over in my direction, the area gets warmer as it crashes down nearby, taking a building with it, as the dust wall heads in our direction everyone huddles behind me as debris starts raining down.
"SISTER~" Her voice rings out like a melody, cutting through the air as she steps into my line of sight while the dust clears, her purple slit eyes shining brightly as she runs into me in her human form. "Oh, how I've missed you~" she exclaims sweetly, her eyes sparkling with warmth and affection. A melodramatic smile plays on her lips, but I can't help frowning at her over-the-top drama as she squeezes me tightly. "I get it now... just let go of me," I exclaim softly as I revert to my human form. With a slight frown etched across her face, her bottom lip jutting out in a classic pout. Her voice takes on a whiny tone as she pleads, "Can't you be a little more loving, big sis?" It's clear she's seeking reassurance and warmth, (something she seems to lack), hoping to ignite a spark of affection in her usually playful banter. I look at her unimpressed, having already seen it earlier. She gazes at me with an earnest intensity, her eyes wide and shimmering like a puppy's, trying to pull at my heartstrings as she tightens her arms around me once more. I sigh as I pet her head, letting her enjoy it a little more as I look at the now-destroyed building. The family cautiously emerges from their concealed spot behind me, their faces etched with apprehension. As they catch sight of the unfolding interaction, their gazes quickly dart away, a collective instinct compelling them to avoid interrupting the scene before them. "Please, I need you to let go of me," I say gently, tapping her arm with a reassuring touch.

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"Mom..." I softly call to her as I see her lifeless body on the floor. "This is one of your jokes, right?" I say softly as my voice starts to break. I slowly walked up to her body, kneeling, I gently shook her. Getting no response, I slowly take her hand in mine, feeling the now-cold hands in mine, I feel my eyes get wet as I hold in the pain my heart now carries. Softly lowering her hand back onto the floor, I stand back up. Looking at my now bloodied hands, I walk towards the bathroom.
After taking the time to freshen up and gather my thoughts, I glance at my phone, a flicker of hope igniting within me. I check for messages, but the screen remains unlit, revealing nothing but silence. Hours have slipped by, and still, there's no response. As the weight settles in my chest, intensifying the ache of my already bruised heart. 'No one truly cares... I will always be invisible when in need the most' I sigh, wiping away the tears that fall, as I make my next move.
"This is the police... put down the gun!" Yells firmly a Police officer. The girl smirks as she points at the hostage's head, "I suggest you put down the gun officer~" Says the girl with a crazed look in her eye as she pushes the gun further onto the hostage's head. The hostage half awake after getting knocked unconscious doesn't yet know the situation.
Just as the situation is... worse it...
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"Hey! Let me hug you!" She says's whiningly as I keep her at a distance. 'I can't let anything happen to her... even though she isn't my family, I know I'll do whatever it takes to protect her when the time comes... I can't fail three times...' The group trails behind, maintaining a hushed silence that envelops them like a heavy blanket. Their footsteps are muffled, and their eyes flicker with anticipation as they move in unison, closely observing everything between me and the unknown girl. After tirelessly rescuing the last few survivors, they turn to me, their expressions a mix of determination and relief, as we prepare to leave the ravaged remnants of the once-thriving city behind. As I make my way toward the outskirts of the city, only to sense danger. Suddenly, a dark shadow looms over me, casting an eerie pall on the ground. Instinctively, I glance up, my reflexes kicking in as I raise my hand to shield myself from the ominous figure above as my 'sister' steps forward to protect the frightened civilians nearby. With unwavering courage, she positions herself between them and the looming threat, ready to face whatever danger lurks in the shadows. With a sonic boom fast approaching, I transform into my monstrous form, ready to intercept the incoming onslaught. My sister follows suit, becoming a shield for the civilians from any lethal debris and surging energy that might erupt around us. The air crackles with tension and sparks, as red lightning abrupts around me and my now lit dorsal spikes, I launch myself to intercept the threat.