Ephraim lay on the dusty ground, his heart racing, eyes fixed on the massive chasm carved by the colossal plane that had inexplicably crashed into the arena. Smoke and dust still drifted upward, mingling with panicked cries from the fleeing crowd. Spectators surged toward exits, trampling each other in their desperate flight to safety. Security guards scrambled onto the scene, barking orders and ushering frightened citizens away.
Suddenly, divine beings—Angles, the lowest tier of celestial warriors—descended swiftly from the heavens, their radiant wings catching the fading sunlight. They landed gracefully around the wreckage, their golden armor gleaming.
One security guard ran to Ephraim, grabbing his shoulder roughly, shaking him from his stunned paralysis. "You! He was talking to you, wasn't he? What did he say? What happened here?"
Ephraim blinked slowly, unable to articulate a coherent thought.
An Angle approached the wreckage, cautiously tapping the strange metal of the fallen plane. It rang loudly with each knock. His expression darkened as he turned to the guard. "Metal," he said grimly. "We haven't seen metal in centuries. This is ancient."
Another Angle stormed toward Ephraim, seizing him aggressively by the collar and pulling him close. His gaze was piercing. "What's your essence again?"
"Magnetism," the security guard interjected, eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Ephraim stammered, "I—I didn't—"
Nearby, Salt pushed through the dispersing crowd, frantic to reach Ephraim. She was immediately blocked by two Angles. "Ma'am, this is a crime scene. No one is allowed entry until the investigation is complete."
Salt protested urgently, desperation coloring her voice. "I'm a princess! My father owns this arena. You have to let me through!"
The Angles exchanged a cold glance before shaking their heads firmly. Salt strained to catch Ephraim's eye. "Ephraim! Hey, are you okay? Ephraim!"
Before she could say more, two of her personal guards rushed forward, gently but firmly escorting her away, despite her protests.
The Angle shook Ephraim harder. "Tell us what happened! Tell us before he—"
His words were drowned out by a deafening boom. A figure emerged from the smoke-filled crater, each heavy step echoing ominously like distant thunder. The figure was massive, armored from head to toe in advanced, intricate metal plating. Tubes snaked from his helmet, down his back, adorned with ceremonial sashes and robes. He carried a colossal greatsword effortlessly at his side.
The figure stopped in front of Ephraim. His voice, metallic and cold, resonated from behind the armored mask. "Who the hell are you? What happened here?"
Ephraim sputtered, "I—I didn't do it!"
The armored giant, Nero, lifted Ephraim effortlessly by his collar, bringing him close to his metallic visage. "Oh, you didn't, did you? Then you have two days to find who did. If you fail, I'll tear you limb from limb and pulverize you into nothing but fine paste."
"But—how will I find you when I do?" Ephraim asked weakly.
"I'll find you," Nero growled. With astonishing force, he launched himself skyward, soaring away towards the heavens, leaving Ephraim breathless and terrified.
"He's one of the Untethered Ones," Ephraim murmured, his body trembling. "I really gotta get the hell out of here."
Ephraim staggered to his feet, racing toward the apartments. As he fled, two women caught his eye. One was lightskinned with a pixie cut, freckles dusting her face, and glasses framing sharp hazel eyes. She wore hoop earrings, a tight crop top, and flared pants hugging her curves. The other woman, tanned with curly hair styled in a pixie cut, matched her friend's alluring figure, dressed in biker shorts and a crop top that complemented her brown eyes.
"Hey! You're the champion, right?" the first woman called out, her smile inviting.
"Yeah," Ephraim replied breathlessly, halting momentarily. "Just got back from my ceremony."
"Do you not have anyone to celebrate with?" the second woman asked sympathetically.
Ephraim hesitated, then admitted softly, "No."
"We'll celebrate with you," the first woman said warmly, linking arms with him. Together, they walked to his apartment.
Buddy intercepted them, eyes wide with worry. "Ephraim, where are you going? Are you okay? That crash was traumatic!"
Ephraim shrugged dismissively. "Take it, put it in a box, don't open the box again. Easy peasy, man."
Buddy shook his head incredulously. "You didn't face any repercussions?"
"You think I did it too? Nah, some metal guy named Nero gave me two days to find who did it. Said he'd turn me to soot otherwise, but I'm leaving, so who cares?"
Buddy paled visibly. "Nero? You're in deep trouble, Ephraim! And who are these women? How are you so calm about all this?"
"Take it, box it, forget it," Ephraim repeated casually. "I'll see you, Buddy."
Ephraim entered his room with the women but soon fell asleep in an armchair, his exhaustion finally overtaking him. When he woke later, the women were gone.
[Coliseum - Investigation]
Meanwhile, Buddy returned to the disaster site, compelled by his concern for Ephraim. Carefully, he investigated the ancient plane—examining twisted metal, shattered seating, and even the grotesque remnants of Osiris. Inside the aircraft, something glinted in the rubble: a disc labeled "Rhythm is a Dancer" by Snap! Buddy reached for it curiously, but a sound behind him froze him in place.
Turning quickly, he saw the cockpit door ajar. Everything appeared normal, yet a chill crept down his spine. When he faced the disc again, his heart stopped.
Standing before him was a shadowed figure in a hood, its face obscured except for a grotesque, crimson grin stretching ear to ear. Buddy's scream was swallowed by his terror.
[Apartments – Ephraim's Departure]
Ephraim jolted awake, immediately sensing something was wrong. His heart raced as he hastily packed his few possessions into a knapsack. He reached for the door, swung it open—and froze.
On the ground lay a yellow DVD, smeared crudely with blood in the shape of a chilling smiley face.
His blood ran cold.
[End]
Created and Written by Mateo Woodson
Written and Storyboarded by John Fallout