[M] The God of Terror {{RedKayne & Hannelorian}}

[Hannelorian]

Rated M for strong violence, blood and gore, strong sexual situations, use of tobacco/drugs, heavy language, and other dark themes

A Throne of Gods Spin-Off
OOC

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Prologue

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In the blink of an eye the world had changed. Darkness has fallen and everything one had known was suddenly gone. A wave of destruction and death had swept the land leaving large parts of it unrecognizable. The need for survival was paramount, a return to almost animalistic instinct seemed unavoidable. But none of that mattered, the only thing one could remotely or conceivably control was the present moment, at least until something stole even that shred of hope away.

A thick fog permeated the atmosphere, rendering it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead of you. The scent of smoke from distant fires seemed to hang there, an assault on the senses, skin itched and eyes stung. There was no escape, the sound of hounds running and barking in the distance was closer and closer, louder and louder. Don't focus on the sound. Don't focus on the sound. He told himself, his own voice echoing within his head. The young man, no older than 20 years old was running in a blind panic. No way of knowing where he was going, or where he had even come from.

"Keep running, Harry!" There was a voice that hit him, it was almost familiar but he could not place it. Accompanying the voice he felt like there was a presence beside him, another man, running and urging him to continue. Positively encouraging him, it was giving him just enough strength to go forward. Who was it? Just that little extra boost to push through to the other side as he could feel the hounds getting so close they could nip at his feet.

Harry could barely make out the structure that came into view, only taking in the sight of wooden doors and a golden handle bar which his clammy hands collided with, pressing it down, his own momentum pushing him forward, tumbling through the doorway and collapsing onto the floor. He could barely catch his breath, a hand clutching at his chest, tugging at the worn and dirtied blue fabric of his university branded hoodie. Pulling it away from his neck, he struggled for breath and could feel his face flush bright red, his skin dotted in a cold sweat.

The smell of the fraying carpet was familiar, the smell of must and old was the only way he had ever described it. Despite regular cleaning, it never seemed to stop smelling. The edges of the maroon carpet were lined with golden metal that held it in place, a delicate bit of trim. The cool marble floor that crept out along the rest of the hall was illuminated in a pale light that seemingly had no source. The walls were wood paneled, some say the wood itself came from an old whaling ship from the earliest days of the colony. A ship that had unfortunately wrecked after a great storm, running aground and ending the lives of all on board.

The dark wood contained knots upon knots that all seemed to have a different story, or saw a different piece of existence. But when Harry looked down the hallway, there was nothing but darkness that seemed stretch endlessly. The walls lined with portraits of important people, though Harry felt as though their eyes were following him, and when he gazed upon them he would swear he saw them moving, shifting to follow him. This was no illusion. This was real.

His palms pressing into the carpet, Harry forced himself to a standing position. His legs felt impossibly heavy, each step forward was like trudging through quick sand. A force seemingly pushing downward, an amplified sense of gravity sucking him into the building itself. But he pushed forward, that same voice in his head now felt like a distant memory but still brought him a degree of comfort.

"All alone."

It was another voice, one he did not recognize but one that struck fear into Harry's heart. It raised every hair on the back of his neck and his arms, the crackle of electricity that shot through his nerves put him out of sorts.

"Open the door."

And in the distance of the hallway a bright light shone above a doorway, the sound of the lock turning over in its housing, indicating it would now open with the simple turn of the golden and embossed knob. Everything within Harry told him to turn away, but he couldn't. And even if he could the door that was once behind him was long gone. This was not the same Admin building her remembered, it was somehow transformed into his own personal kind of hell.

But his feet had now lightened, and he was able to move down the hall, but as he moved it felt like it grew and the door stayed the same distance away, no matter how much he walked toward it. The same portraits on the walls repeating, over and over, each time becoming more decayed, more cruel looking, more inhuman.

As he began to turn his head back, his neck was snapped forward and the door was now inches from his face, his hand had been pressed onto the handle. It opened with ease and Harry was pushed through by an unseen hand, the door snapping violently shut behind him.

"All alone in the darkness."

The same voice repeated, but all Harry could see was the expanse of nothingness, brief flashes of light revealed what had once been a classroom, but after a few moments the flashes stopped coming. The temperature dropped and he began to shake for warmth. If he could see, he would have seen his breath. But there was nothing.

"Who's there?!" A frantic Harry cried, but there was nothing to be heard in response. Stepping forward, moving through it, there was no furniture. He felt no blocks in his path, just the darkness closing in on him and the sense of dread and isolating growing exponentially.

And for the longest time there was just that, nothing. Until the same voice, that of a God spoke to him. Though this time he could feel something press against his hear, hot like breath, warm like grazing flesh. "A friend." The voice whispered now, speaking to him and only him. But the tone was not friendly. It struck fear in him. This was no friend.

"Of the flames." It continued as four walls were illuminated, the classroom had returned but now there were flames forming against the base of the walls, crawling upward, grabbing onto fabric and paintings, diagrams and the like. It was just like it was. Just like it was that day. All those years ago. Harry tugged up at his sleeves and revealed the scars of the flame that had touched him when his home had been destroyed, when his parents were taken from him.

"No... not again, it can't..." A hard swallow, a cold sweat, eyes wide with absolute fear and terror. The feeling of warm liquid running down his leg as he knees gave out. "Someone, please, protect me. Help me. Save me." Harry begged, but to no avail. The Goddess of Protection was otherwise occupied. Within moments the room had been consumed and the fires drew closer and closer to Harry, but it seemed so slow.

"You are but the first of many who shall meet Terror." A figure appeared beyond the flame, shrouded by the dancing light and smoke. A soft voice, almost warm and tender. The sound of screams followed as the student was burned alive, leaving nothing but a charred carcass, a sign for those who would find him in the hallowed halls of knowledge.

Out, out brief candle.

[RedKayne]

Breaking News Report #1: "Fallen Stars Ignite Global Mystery"

Broadcast from New York, NY – 7:00 PM

"Good evening, this is Sarah Thompson with Channel 12 News. We bring you an urgent and perplexing report on a series of inexplicable phenomena occurring worldwide. Over the past 48 hours, the night skies have been ablaze with countless falling stars—celestial bodies, some say, unlike anything we've seen before.

"Astronomers initially classified these as meteor showers, but experts from global observatories are now questioning their origins. Witnesses describe them not as meteors but as lights with distinct, almost human-like forms descending to Earth. Reports are flooding in from every continent, each detailing sudden impacts in isolated regions, cities, and even ocean depths.

"As scientists scramble for answers, people worldwide are growing increasingly uneasy. Speculation runs rampant, with some claiming these ‘stars’ may have supernatural origins. Religious leaders are calling this event a celestial reckoning; others suggest an apocalyptic warning. Regardless of the explanation, these ‘falling stars’ have seized humanity’s attention—and fear—as we all wonder what, or who, might be coming."

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Viewer Discretion Advised: Russian Journalists Killed in Attack by “Fallen Star”

December 23, 2013 - 4:30 AM MSK

Tonight, a harrowing broadcast from Moscow has sent shockwaves across Russia and the world. What began as a routine investigation of the mysterious “fallen stars” has turned tragic after an incident that ended in bloodshed. In a live broadcast, a team of Russian reporters was attacked and killed by what appeared to be a man of unearthly power. The attacker, resembling a lean figure in his late 20s to early 30s, had striking crimson hair and golden eyes that glowed with a fearsome intensity.

Footage shows the figure brandishing an obsidian spear and wielding what can only be described as dark, shadow-like energy. The darkness emanated from his form, enveloping the area and causing terror among the journalists who scrambled to flee. Despite their efforts, all members of the crew were tragically killed within moments, their screams chillingly captured on camera. The transmission cut off shortly afterward, leaving viewers shocked and horrified.

Officials have yet to confirm the nature of this attacker or whether he is one of the enigmatic “fallen stars.” Local authorities are urging residents to avoid areas where these phenomena have been reported and are considering imposing curfews for public safety. The Kremlin has promised a full investigation and increased military presence in affected areas.

The following is the captured dialogue before the mysterious man begins his slaughter, upon being questioned about the fallen stars.

"Why does it really matter? Why do any of these questions matter to you? Is it for money, perhaps? Or is it to become a symbol, a name that all can recognize? Or maybe you believe that you have some sort of duty to the people, that it is your responsibility and yours alone to inform them of this event because they are sloths bound to office chairs, sofas, and mattresses. But that is hypocritical of me. How could I condemn you for your self-serving curiosity and then ask so many questions of you as well? I apologize for weighing you with my lectures and ideas. Please allow me to free you of those burdens."

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3. Special Report: Military Deploys Secret Weapon—Demigods—Against Fallen Deities in New York City

July 23, 2015 - 10:00 AM EDT

In a last-ditch effort to counter the apocalyptic threat posed by these so-called fallen gods, the United States military has taken a drastic step: deploying a battalion of demigods trained in secret by a classified government program. These elite fighters, selected for their divine parentage and unique abilities, were deployed to New York City this morning, where several powerful deities were reportedly wreaking havoc.

Eyewitnesses describe a battle like none ever seen, with demigods clashing against beings whose power defies human comprehension. The demigods fought valiantly, wielding supernatural abilities with strength and precision; however, within hours, it became clear that even these descendants of the gods were no match. The fallen deities crushed the resistance, leaving New York’s streets in ruins. Tragically, there are reports that none of the demigods survived, casting a somber silence over their final stand.

Without these heroic defenders, humanity is left with no known force capable of withstanding the might of the fallen gods. Governments across the globe are scrambling to regroup, but with these god-like entities descending upon Earth in droves, there may be no one left to save humanity from the cataclysm that looms ever closer.

[Hannelorian]

The morning light crept through the shear curtains, it was dim at first. As the minutes passed and it rose slightly higher into the sky the intensity increased. Two hands emerged from beneath the blanket to shield the young woman's eyes. A sharp inhale followed as her eyes blinked into life. The light and faint warmth calling her back into the realm of consciousness. For the first few moments it felt like everything was normal again. It could be any day, the first day of classes. The last day of classes. Commencement. Convocation. Just... Sunday.

Yes. Sunday. A morning where Cecilia would wake up with the sun, slink out of her bed and meander toward the kitchen where a cup of coffee would be waiting, steaming and perfect. Everything in the world she craved, a simple cup of black coffee. If she focused hard enough she could smell it in the air, even today. After the mug of life giving everything she would lazily make her way to the one thing of value in that shitty apartment. An old Steinway K1 upright piano. The previous tenants didn't want to move it, they couldn't sell it, so she picked the shitty apartment for the piano. A musical composition book sat on the music stand with a pencil at it's foot. From there Cecilia would work as she did every Sunday, on her composition work, her own symphony.

Those days were gone, the sound of distant grumbling had caught up to her. There were five others sharing the shitty apartment. Had Cecilia thought of that yet? That it was a shitty apartment? Had she said it out loud yet? That didn't particularly matter. Bodies were shifting, tossing and turning, breathing and uttering words, phrases, small moans and other indistinct sounds. Sleep was seldom acquired and when it was, it generally proved to be fitful. Most of those who survived it seemed were tormented by nightmares. Hell, it all made sense.

Turning over in bed, Scarlet was the first person that Cecilia laid eyes upon. Her torso rising and falling steadily. Beautiful brown hair tied into a pony tail which had made of a mess of itself overnight. So, that was last night's verdict. It was a random shot on any given night if Scarlet would end up in her own bed or sleeping bag, or in Ayden's. The two seemingly always on the edge of committing to one another. Their constant flirting, occasional arguing. Cecilia had often told Scarlet that she should just do it already. Sleep with him, date him, whatever. End the ride for the rest of the group.

Pressing the palms of her hands into the mattress and sheets Cecilia pushed herself into a seated position. Fingers instinctively moving to rub her eyes, almost as though to confirm that everything before her was real, and that this was just another day in hell. They had only arrived a day or so ago. Most of the apartment building was in shambles, highly abandoned in the year or so since this all began. Most of the town, once touted as a mighty all American college town had been wiped out. Destroyed buildings, death, isolation, desolation even. It was once so vibrant and now a shell. The University itself was several miles away. That was the great truth of Elmwood, it was in fact, buried within the wood. It once seemed so magical, now it seemed... a distant memory.

The feeling of hands stretching out, arms straining into the air caught Cecilia's attention. A soft, almost cooing voice calling out a faint "good morning." Again, it was eerie because it almost felt like something normal. Scarlet's eyes fluttered open, her signature smile returning to her face. The two women were rather opposite from one another in how they comported themselves on a daily basis.

"That remains to be seen." Cecilia said quietly, turning herself to face Scarlet. Scarlet rolled her eyes and similarly pulled herself into a sitting position. "Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Scarlet chirped, almost entirely too chipper. "You are literally sleeping on my side of the bed." Cecilia retorted but a part of her couldn't help herself to chuckle.

"The boys are still asleep?" Scarlet asked with a yawn, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. Bringing herself to a stand, Scarlet stepped toward the door and popped it open, peering outside the living room, where the three men had been stationed on the floor and two old couches. Cecilia having rejected her privilege it seemed, opting for something small that suited her needs. It was odd to see such a humble home environment. Scarlet never really imagined that Cecilia could live like this. She seemed more the type to need a bunch of rooms, added space, all sorts of things.

"Emma is still asleep." Cecilia mentioned with a nod over in the direction of the sleeping young woman on the floor. The youngest of all of them. At times she seemed so terribly fragile, like a gust of wind would shatter her into millions of tiny pieces. At others she was as strong as strong could be. Emma and Harry were quite the couple. They had a way of communicating, of interacting with one another that made it seem like there was no one else in their world save for each other. It was a connection that ran deep, despite their youth. A true partnership. It was a novel thing, especially in the world as it existed now.

The apartment had been exactly as it was left the last time Cecilia was here. Scarlet and Cooper both had gone over every inch of what remained. There wasn't much that would be of use to them going forward. It was merely a rest stop, a place to rest their head before moving on, and once again Cecilia would leave her life behind, though this time it was a little less sad. You got used to moving on and cutting personal ties to almost anything.

Cooper for his part had been awake for hours, just laying there on the floor, a mess of blankets poured over him, staring at the ceiling and waiting for the time to pass where everyone else might wake up. They had been haunted, terrorized, but none of it seemed... real? Yet it was, and every time he closed his eyes he saw truly awful things. What at first felt like the stars falling from the heavens became a nightmare greater than anyone could imagine. He wanted his camera, long since destroyed. He wanted to capture the sorrow and the heartbreak he had witnessed that he had felt. The sound of the others sleeping was almost reassuring. They were alive. They were still present.

Everything in this place screamed a stranger. None of it matched Cecilia. But strangely there was still the faint smell that reminded Cooper of her. It stood out against the smell of death and decay... of a world that remained in absolute chaos. It was just a little further. Perhaps there they would find refuge, or answers, or some of those they had left behind so long ago.

One could only hope.

[RedKayne]

The morning light crept into Emma’s eyes, warm and soft through the thin, worn curtains, and for a fleeting moment, she felt as if she were waking up in the dorm back at university—her head on the pillow, the world untouched, unbroken. She let herself cling to that feeling as she blinked awake, her arms stretching toward the ceiling, embracing the quiet stillness of the moment. Then, like a slow unraveling, she was drawn back to reality: the hollow quietness in the apartment, the subtle scent of decay in the air, the groggy murmurs of her friends nearby.

She rose, glancing around. The girls were just beginning to stir, Scarlett rubbing her eyes and Cecilia gazing blankly at the cracked wall, her face masked in quiet resignation. She smiled shyly at the girls and mouthed, "Good morning," to them. As Emma moved into the living room, she noted the heavy sighs and quiet snores of the boys sprawled across the old couches and floor, bundled in their makeshift beds.

However, something immediately caught her eye. The empty sleeping bag of her boyfriend, Harry. It was neatly spread out, untouched, as if it hadn’t been used. A strange, sinking feeling started to build within her, nudging aside the last remnants of warmth from her sleep. She looked around, scanning the room as if he might suddenly materialize. He wasn't in the kitchen making coffee. His shoes were gone, so he went out at some point during the night. Yet, where?

“Hey, guys—guys!” Emma knelt beside Ayden and Sebastian, gently shaking their shoulders until they began to stir. They both groaned, mumbling drowsy complaints, but she pressed on. “Where’s Harry?”

Blinking through the haze of sleep, they squinted at her before their gaze shifted to the empty sleeping bag beside them. A frown formed on Ayden’s face, confusion mixing with a lingering sleepiness. “He was right here last night,” he muttered in a low, raspy voice, still half-awake. “He settled in with the rest of us.”

Emma’s pulse quickened, dread twisting coldly in her chest. She tried to keep her voice steady as she pressed, “He wouldn’t just leave… right?” Her eyes darted between them, searching their faces for some sign that this was a mistake.

Sebastian met her gaze, his own shadowed with concern. “No,” he said firmly. “If he’d gone somewhere, he’d have told us.”

Emma’s mind buzzed with a frantic rhythm as the reality of Harry’s absence sank deeper. Her heart drummed in her chest, a pounding she could feel in her throat, in her fingertips. She searched the expressions of her friends, hoping one of them might suddenly recall a forgotten detail or give her even a scrap of reassurance. But all she saw was a shared confusion, the same uncertainty that gnawed at her insides. It felt like she was grasping at air, at a loose thread in an unraveling fabric.

Harry wasn’t the type to slip away without a word. She knew him; he was steady and reliable. He’d faced this nightmare of a world alongside her, never wavering in his quiet support. The way he’d hold her hand, or press a reassuring palm against her back when the darkness crept in, was her anchor. But now, with him gone, she felt untethered, like the ground itself was giving way beneath her feet.

Her mind kept spinning through a relentless loop of questions. Had he gone for a walk alone, lost in his thoughts? Had he gotten hurt somewhere nearby, calling for them while they slept unaware? Or was there something worse, something she didn’t want to let herself believe? She fought down the panic clawing at her chest and forced herself to take a steadying breath, to cling to the smallest sliver of hope that this could all still be a mistake. But with each silent second that passed, that hope grew fainter, leaving only the cold dread of the unknown.

Emma’s heart thundered against her ribcage, a frantic, relentless beat echoing in her ears as her breaths came quick and shallow, catching in her throat. She pressed a trembling hand to her chest, clutching Harry’s worn, oversized hoodie—a faded navy blue with his university’s emblem and a small tear near the collar. She wore it every day since everything fell apart, a fragile reminder of him meant to keep her warm. But now, the fabric felt too thin, barely enough to hold onto, as if it couldn’t shield her from the dread seeping into her bones. The world felt too quiet, too empty, her mind racing to the worst possibilities. She forced herself to breathe, to focus, and whispered, “We have to find him,” her voice barely more than a tremble yet filled with quiet resolve.

[Hannelorian]

Scarlet could hear the commotion coming from the next room. At this hour, that was never a good sign. "We better see what's up." Concern was dripping from her words, along with a slight hesitation. Every day brought new challenges, it looks like today would be no different. There was never a reprieve. Cecilia could only nod her head in resigned agreement. The two women silently dragged themselves out of the bed, greeted by the slight chill in the air against their skin. Scarlet was the first to enter the living room, Emma was practically shaking and seemingly on the verge of tears.

"What's going on?" Scarlet asked, her eyes panning the room. It was within a few moments she could have answered her own question. Harry wasn't there. Cecilia stood quietly behind Scarlet with her arms folded in front of her chest. "Harry's gone." Cooper said, having pulled himself into a sitting position, casting aside the rough pile of blankets. Hearing the words spoken out loud was worse than simply clocking his absence. He could have been in the bathroom, in the kitchen.

Gone.

Scarlet immediately repositioned herself to stand in front of Emma, her hands resting on the younger woman's shoulders, squeezing firmly and reassuringly before pulling her into a warm embrace. That was Scarlet. Almost always kind, the team player who thrived off of collective success and wept at collective failure. Just don't piss her off, that had been the lesson the group learned fairly quickly on. "Emma, oh Emma." Scarlet whispered, just holding her there tightly, a hand moving to rub along her back. "It's going to be okay. He can't have gone far." Scarlet was the reassuring one, Cecilia was the skeptical one. Cooper often tried to be the glue to bring them all together.

"I don't know what happened..." Cooper like squeak out. "I've been up for hours and... nothing." There was a sadness in his eyes, as the revelation set in that Harry had been gone for hours now. There was a pang of guilt for not noticing, even in the dark he hadn't looked across the room to notice that the sleeping bag was empty, unused. "Fuck." He let out with a shake of his head, his gaze shifting to Ayden and Seb, now fully awake, no matter how begrudgingly, to the grim reality.

"We're wasting time." Cecilia said turning back and disappearing into her bedroom. The one bright side was that she had access to clean clothes again. It was then, as she stood there, going through the motions of pulling on her jeans and a fresh sweater that a thought occurred to her. Something Harry had said yesterday, something she didn't put much stock into, at least not at the time. A long sigh escaped her lips.

Scarlet allowed Emma to be free of her hold. "We'll find him, Em." Scarlet didn't know if she believed that. The world outside was dangerous, a shadow of what it once had been. But she had hope, and cast off a silent prayer for Harry's wellbeing, and that they would find him sooner rather than later. Looking across the room, she locked eyes with Ayden. The selfish part of her was so damned grateful that it hadn't been him who had wandered away during the night. He was still there. She flashed a brief, warm smile before it faded. "Come on troops. Let's get ready."

"I'll put on the coffee..." Cooper rose to his feet and made his way toward the kitchen to set a kettle to boil. Instant was all that remained. It was a poor excuse for the real thing, but it was one of the few things left that brought him an incredible comfort. It wouldn't take long while everyone prepared to leave this place, possibly for the last time. Cooper wondered if it would be difficult for Cecilia to say goodbye. Then again, she didn't really allow herself to hold too many attachments.

Emerging a few moments later Cecilia intended to share with the group. But first she allowed herself to move to the windows, her fingers resting between the blinds, pulling them down to peer outside. Everything seemed still. Like there wasn't even any wind that could be seen, nor another soul. There was no movement, no sign of Harry. "He said something y'know?" Cecilia turned back to the group. "When we were a little ways away from here yesterday..." Cecilia should have paid more attention, but she had assumed that Emma had all things Harry well in hand, but maybe he didn't want to scare her. "He had heard something, in the back of his head... like a whisper." The blonde leaned back against the window. "Calling him...home." Cecilia swallowed hard. "I guess... he didn't want to frighten you, Emma. It was a brief thing, a fleeting thing... We've all had crazy experiences, things that don't make sense. Like we're being toyed with, I just assumed it was that." She bit her lower lip in thought. Scarlet throwing Cecilia a look of disbelief.

[RedKayne]

"You best tone down that rhetoric, Cooper," Sebastian said solemnly, rising from the tattered armchair that sagged beneath his weight. His disheveled black hoodie and faded jeans hung off him like shadows, emphasizing his gaunt frame. He crossed his arms, his voice steady but firm. "You don't want Emma thinking that one of them is after Harry."

The dim, flickering light from a single overhead bulb cast long, eerie shadows across the living room. The apartment was a typical college mess, though the apocalypse had exaggerated its chaos. A sagging couch sat cluttered with scavenged supplies—half-empty water bottles, canned food, and torn-up blankets. An old coffee table, its surface stained with rings from cups long forgotten, now held a makeshift map of the campus drawn in faded marker. The faint smell of mildew mingled with stale air, reminding everyone of how long this place had been abandoned.

Emma’s eyes widened like a startled doe, her voice trembling as she whispered, "No..." Fear clung to her words, amplifying the tension.

Seb sighed inwardly. She always let her emotions carry her away. He turned to her, softening his tone, "It's nothing, Emma. Harry told me privately that it was just a weird nightmare."

Had Harry really told him that? Of course not. But Seb couldn’t let the group spiral into panic. Fear had a way of hollowing people out, making them paranoid, reckless. He couldn’t afford that, not with Harry missing. If they all started jumping at shadows, they’d crumble—and in this world, crumbling meant dying.

He glanced down at Emma. Her resolve seemed so fragile, as though it could shatter under the weight of a stiff breeze. That’s what worried Seb the most about her. She meant well, but she was impulsive, always rushing into situations without thinking them through. He couldn’t let her charge headfirst into danger—not when he was around to stop her.

A hand thumped lightly on Seb’s shoulder. He looked over to see Ayden’s ever-present grin, like sunshine trying to break through the gloom. "Seb’s right," Ayden announced, his warm, steady voice carrying across the room. "We don’t need to worry too much. Harry’s probably just scavenging for food or something. No need to freak out."

Seb studied Ayden for a moment. The guy had a way of making people believe him, even when his explanations were flimsy. Maybe it was his easy smile, or the way he spoke like he genuinely cared. Whatever it was, Ayden had charisma that Seb lacked—and as much as it irritated him to admit it, Ayden was the leader the group needed. People rallied around him, found hope in his optimism. Seb could offer logic and caution, but Ayden inspired action.

Ayden stepped into the center of the room, brushing a few discarded wrappers off the coffee table. "Regardless," he continued, his tone taking on a more serious edge, "and I hate to say this, we’ll probably need to split up. If Harry comes back here, someone needs to be around to let him know we didn’t ditch him. The rest of us can scout the area and try to find him."

Seb didn’t miss the way Ayden’s eyes lingered on Scarlet as he spoke. He stifled the urge to roll his eyes. Everyone could see the growing tension between the two—the love/hate glances, the way Scarlet bristled at Ayden’s jokes. It would be amusing if it weren’t so obvious.

"I'm going out," Emma declared, her voice firmer now. She stood abruptly, determination flashing in her wide eyes. It was the kind of resolve Seb had seen before—the kind that got people killed.

"I’ll go with her," Seb said quickly, not giving anyone else a chance to object. His protective instincts flared like a warning beacon. He knew Emma wouldn’t hesitate to put herself in harm’s way for Harry. She’d rush into the dark, screaming his name if it came to that. At least if Seb was there, he could keep her grounded, make sure she didn’t do anything stupid.

He glanced around the room one last time. The pale light revealed every stain, every piece of junk they hadn’t bothered to clear away. The place was a wreck, but it was their wreck—a fragile bubble of safety in a shattered world.

[Hannelorian]

Cecilia sighed, raising a hand to her face as though she was already exhausted and the day had barely begun. It never ceased to amaze her how quickly things escalated within this particular group of individuals. Rather like the Breakfast Club, had it not been for the extreme factors of the fall, would likely have never had much interaction with one another. "Everyone just hold on." She finally said, gliding across the room as the beginnings of a plan were about to form. "Take a breathe." Was it possible that Cecilia was speaking more for herself? Yes. More than likely.

"I can't stop you from going out there." Cecilia felt the eyes of the room on her, Emma looking worse and worse by the moment. "Seb." Cecilia's voice softened, she moved so far as to rest a hand on his forearm and squeeze it gently. "Take supplies." Leaning in closer she whispered softly into his ear. "And stop lying to her. Trust is how we do this." Turning her attention back toward the group she nodded.

Instinctively, Scarlet attempted to take Emma's hand and steady her. It was a difficult thing, to watch her suffer so. Emma and Harry, he was her only anchor. Even the thought of something happening to him was enough to crack her delicately crafted facade. "Ayden is right, we are running low on food." Optimism was hard to come by, but in contrast to Cecilia, Scarlet didn't see the harm in at least trying to calm Emma down enough so she could hold it together. Hope was better than nothing. "Small groups will see us cover more ground. I'll go wi.."

"Ayden." Cecilia said before Scarlet could even finish her sentence and unlike Seb who could resist the temptation to roll his eyes, Cecilia could not. "We assumed." Cecilia's observant eye casting over in Scarlet's direction. The simple fact that Scarlet's face flushed a color befitting of her name was somewhat entertaining to Cecilia. "I... you know what? Fine. Whatever." Scarlet threw her hands up into the air in a mock gesture of defeat, unable to come up with a fittingly witty retort.

"Isn't one of the first rules of a horror movie to never split up or something?" Cooper piped up, his mind turning over and over to the countless film references. "And never trust your love interest." He added, a knowing smirk crossing his lips as he shifted his gaze between Scarlet and Ayden. They had lost so much already, but it was only a matter of time before they would be called to continue their task and return to the land they once called home, just as Harry had suggested. "I can stay here. Keep our singular light on." Cooper looked upward, motioning toward the flickering fixture overhead.

"Actually. Coop and we will go with Emma and Seb. A larger group can't hurt. Ayden and Scarlet can keep the light on. The fresh air of the end of the world can't be so bad." Cecilia knew the time would come to say goodbye to her apartment, and it seemed like ripping the bandaid off was easier than lingering behind. "I was actually hoping not to go?" Cooper seemed to fumble expressing his genuine desire to remain in the relative safety of their bubble. "Not up for debate. Coopy." Cecilia turned and glanced at the two, her eyes then trailing off in the direction of her bedroom. "Just please, if you're going to fuck, do it on the couch and not my bed. Respect my bed. I don't want its last impressions to be of the two of you."

Cecilia began to flit about the space to gather what she needed. "Let's make a plan to meet up, say in a few hours? Keep each other updated?" Cecilia suggested as Scarlet just remained shaking her head. Cecilia really did say everything that was on her mind, no matter what it was. In truth, it was something to be appreciated. No matter how crude it was. "Well then." Scarlet said. "We can at least look around the building." What was left of the building. The color in her cheeks had only brightened, she was clearly breathing deeply in attempt to calm herself and curb her physical reaction.

"Em. It's going to be alright." Scarlet eventually said, returning her attention to the one who actually needed comfort. "Just remember to stay calm out there, and don't always trust what your environment tells you. One step at a time, one grid at a time." A forced smile. "Be careful and stay alert." Her parting words of wisdom.

[RedKayne]

Ayden leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips as Cecilia commandeered the room like a frazzled general. Her blunt comments were something he could never decide whether to admire or cringe at, but at least she got the job done. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly at Cooper’s groan of defeat, though the flickering light above cast ominous shadows that reminded him there wasn’t much to laugh about.

“Alright, alright,” Ayden finally chimed in, his voice breaking through the tension with a steady calmness. “Let’s not forget the golden rule here—don’t die.” His eyes swept across the group, lingering for a moment on Scarlet, her flushed face not lost on him. “But for real, splitting up makes sense this time. Seb, you’re sharp—keep Emma in check. Coop, try not to trip over your own feet out there, yeah?”

He gave Cooper a teasing smirk, but his tone carried a deeper undercurrent of seriousness. Ayden knew they couldn’t afford mistakes, not now.

As he stepped forward, his posture shifted—more commanding, more deliberate. “Scarlet and I will hold the fort, and see if Harry makes his way back. If anyone runs into trouble, we regroup here. No heroics, no detours. Got it?”

His gaze settled on Emma, who was clearly fraying at the edges. “Emma,” he said gently, his usual cockiness softened into something warmer. “We’ll find him. Just... don’t let your worry blind you. Trust Seb to guide you.”

Then, addressing the whole group, he added, “And for the love of everything we’re still clinging to, keep your radios on.”

And Ayden had to bite his tongue over Cecilia's comments about desecrating her sacred bed. Little did she know, Emma and Harry had a little too much fun while most of the group was away the other day. Ayden stumbled into the apartment living room and overheard them. The young couple quickly washed the sheets right after, and before Cecilia returned to rain hell upon them. Now's probably not the best time to tell the joke in front of the falling-apart Emma.

Finally, he shot Scarlet a quick, conspiratorial wink as the group began to shuffle into action. “Guess we’re the keepers of the light, Red. Hope you’re ready for some quality time.” The teasing was light, but his underlying resolve was clear—he’d keep her safe, no matter what.

---

Seb ran his fingers through his disheveled hair, trying to shake off the frustration that had been building ever since the moment they realized Harry was missing. The weight of Emma’s growing panic was almost suffocating. He could see it in her eyes—her anxiety was spiraling out of control. If they were going to get through this, it was up to him to keep it together for her.

“Alright, everyone,” Seb said, his voice carrying authority, though his own nerves were barely concealed. He adjusted the straps of his backpack, making sure it was tightly secured. “We stick together. This is no time for anyone to go off on their own.” He glanced at Cecilia, her sharp eyes catching his for a moment before he turned back to Emma. She looked fragile, her face pale and drawn. He hated seeing her like this—vulnerable and panicked. It was never supposed to be like this.

As he walked passed Cecilia to exit the apartment, he muttered to her quietly, "Then tell the truth to her and see what happens. I'm not dealing with the aftermath," his face remained steadfast as he walked out of that front door.

[Hannelorian]

Part I: Scarlet & Ayden

The sound of the door closing triggered a sigh from Scarlet. For a moment she simply stood watching the door, offering up a silent prayer to whatever God could still hear them. "Help them please. Protect them, all of them." Scarlet whispered, turning on her heels to look at Ayden in the dim and flickering light of the room. "I'm guessing you didn't tell her about how Harry and Emma borrowed her bed." Scarlet flashed a brief smile as she chuckled at the thought, Ayden having whispered something about to her the other day. Gossip was still something that was alive and well in this new era.

"She's lost without him, barely holding it together." Scarlet shook her head, her gentle eyes glancing toward the window. "It isn't like Harry to just wander off... I don't feel good about this." Scarlet moved to sit on the couch, pulling her legs up to rest fairly comfortably, the look she bore was one of concern. Scarlet and Cecilia were in many ways, unlikely friends, and generally opposite. Scarlet led with compassion and empathy, and Cecilia led with logic.

The flush of color in her cheeks was beginning to fade, her breathing was steadier. "It's been a long time... since we've been alone." Being alone was something that when they first met, had scared Scarlet, but now, she could no longer deny that her chief desire was for this very thing, to have Ayden to herself, to simply be. Safety, however, often meant sticking together, being so close they were all almost on top of one another. That's how it had been for months. Scarlet's eyes finally settled on Ayden, taking him in. "Sometimes... I think Sebby is jealous of you." Scarlet chuckled softly. "Something about you just calms everyone. Calms me." Ayden was a natural leader, that could not be denied.

Reaching behind her, Scarlet withdrew the radio that had been caught in the cushions. Deft fingers turned the small knob at the top, allowing it to screech briefly as it came to life. "And since when are you calling me Red?" In some ways, Scarlet was relieved to be left here, even though everything about this apartment screamed Cecilia, it was their safe haven. Grabbing one of the flattened and fabric worn couch pillows she tossed it at Ayden playfully.

Part II: The Intrepid (or not so intrepid) Explorers

Cooper was the last to step outside of the apartment. The lights in the hallway hadn't been functional in some time by the looks of it. If he looked to the right, he could see the open sky. In the days following the fall, a giant of sorts had clipped through the building like a knife through butter. Cecilia was lucky, she was one apartment away from disaster. The simple truth of the matter was that he struggled with the decisions that had been made. Going out like this felt like a mistake. It felt like it was setting themselves up for failure.

If Cooper were honest with himself, he would grimly conclude that Harry was dead and this was a fruitless effort, something just to make one person feel better and in so doing, risking the lives of three other people. Cooper was not a leader, he did not enjoy the idea of rocking the boat. So instead he simply went along to keep the peace, even if it meant walking into death. Why the hell was he like this?

There was a silence in the hall. Even with the gaping hole in the building there was nothing but silence in the early morning hours. So much death had claimed the world around them that it wasn't surprising. Cooper never got used to the silence of the area, no matter how many mornings he had awoken in it. The light chatter of the group that had become his family, his world, his everything was always a comfort. Now that fragile sense of normalcy was shattered.

Sebastian had a point, Cecilia conceded. A more honest approach would likely break Emma. That wouldn't benefit anyone, especially Emma. Instead she just nodded passively at his words. The hall was cold and empty, Cecilia instinctively turned the way she once had every morning. Though she could no longer hear the rustling of her neighbors as they began their days. The groans that accompanied brewing a pot of coffee, a sleepless night or forgotten clothes in washing machines. The sounds of televisions were non existent, there was no laugh track to be heard from 6B who had Friends on in the background like clockwork every day.

"Come on Em. We got this." Cecilia offered a smile, even if it was forced. For a moment she wished she had Scarlet's warm and reassuring touch. Never the less, the challenge would be to do her best. Cecilia allowed a hand to rest on the small of Emma's back as she passed her by. The elevator hadn't worked since they arrived, not only had the power supply fallen, the wires failed and sent the box to the bottom of the shaft rather unceremoniously. Cecilia didn't want to think about who might have been inside at the time.

The stairwell was dark, but Cecilia didn't need the light, she pressed forward with a hand on the rails and descended to the lobby level. It was filled with a dense fog that seemed to have settled on the ground, pouring in from the broken windows and glass panels of the doors. It was cool but unsettling at the same time. Cecilia regularly looking back as the ghostly Emma followed. She was, however, content to let Sebastian lead them from this point. "Alright Seb, how do you want to do this?" Cecilia, much like Cooper felt it was more productive to ask how they could help rather than appointing themselves the arbiter of all fate.

"This fog. I didn't see this fog from the windows upstairs." Cooper commented, leaning a little bit on Emma to pleasantly reassure her as best he could.

[RedKayne]

Ayden leaned against the doorframe, watching Scarlet in the dim light, his eyes softening as she spoke. The crackle of the radio filling the space between them made everything feel heavier, and he could sense the weight of the situation settling in. Scarlet’s concern mirrored his own, even though he didn’t show it as much.

He could hear the unspoken words in her voice, the anxiety that had taken hold of her, and it gnawed at him. He wasn’t the type to show it either, but he hated seeing her this way. They all were, in fact, but Scarlet had always been the one who led with her heart, making it that much harder to protect her from what they all knew was coming.

Ayden pushed off the doorframe, moving toward the couch to sit beside her. "I didn’t tell her," he said, his voice low but with a faint grin as he met her playful gaze. "But I think Cecilia’s got a good idea of what’s going on by now. She’s more perceptive than she lets on." He caught the brief flicker of a smile on her face and felt his heart settle a little. Scarlet always had that effect on him, like a brief spark of warmth in a world that was quickly turning cold.

When she mentioned Harry, though, the smile quickly faded from his lips, and his eyes darkened for a moment. "It’s not like him at all," Ayden murmured, shaking his head. "But then again, nothing’s been the same. We’re all off-kilter right now." His gaze lingered on Scarlet for a second too long. She was right. They couldn’t afford to let their guard down—not for a second.

Her words about Seb’s jealousy made him laugh, a soft, dry chuckle. "I’ve noticed that," Ayden said, his tone light despite the tension in the room. "I’m not trying to steal his spotlight. It’s just... I guess I’m more at ease in chaos. People need that sometimes." He shrugged, as though it were nothing. But it wasn’t nothing. Scarlet had always seen something in him that the others didn’t, something that maybe even he wasn’t fully aware of.

He felt a strange calm settle in his chest when she mentioned how he calms people. It was the type of compliment he didn’t often hear—genuine and sincere, with no pretense. It settled in his bones in a way that made him realize he wanted to keep that peace for her, for them.

As she reached for the radio, Ayden’s eyes followed her movements. He chuckled when she threw the pillow at him, instinctively catching it with one hand. "Red?" he raised an eyebrow at her, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. "You’ve got to admit, it suits you, so I'm doing it now." He tossed the pillow back at her playfully, before leaning back into the couch, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, it’s been a while since it’s been just the two of us,” Ayden said after a moment, his voice quieter now. “But we both know the world doesn’t stop, even when we want it to. I’d rather be here with you, though, than anywhere else.”

"So, who were ya praying to?" he questioned, revealing that he noticed her quiet whisper.