Prepare for the End
00:06:16:33
“I quit.” Bella threw her name tag on the counter and walked from behind the counter, leaving the manager with the rest of the line from the lunch rush.
“Wait, Isabella! We can work this out!” Her manager yelled from the cash register. “I just need you for the rest of this shift.”
Bella scoffed. “I think you can get off your lazy ass, and make some sandwiches yourself, Steve.” She ignored her not-manager’s yells as she beelined out of the mall, unable to think of much other than the message that haunted her dreams for the last three days.
At first, she thought she might have been hallucinating after a long night of binging anime, but now, Bella was sure she was certifiably crazy. No one else saw the screen that popped into her vision every hour on the hour, and no one else felt the growing sense of urgency that gnawed at the pit of her stomach.
Bella hoped she was crazy, because for some odd reason, it felt like the world was really ending.
Maybe it’s just my time. Bella sighed, thinking of her family’s history with mental health. It wouldn’t be a surprise to her if it was her turn to get seen. Maybe I should go see a doctor. Her insurance would still be active for a while. It was just a matter of getting an appointment scheduled, which was a whole different issue in a small town in a tiny corner of Georgia.
Bella clicked her car unlocked as she walked out of the mall only to run into someone she didn’t expect to see.
“Isabella? Isabella Carter, is that you?”
Bella sighed and peaked over the cars to exchange quick pleasantries when she was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar, middle-aged man whose hair had begun to gray. “Gerald! It’s been a while, how you been?”
“Oh, you know. The wife and kids know how to keep a man busy.” He chuckled. “I swear if I didn’t get a disability check every month and had to work a real job, I don’t know how I would do it.”
“You really know how to rub that in people’s faces.” Bella shook her head.
Gerald waved it off. “That’s just how you’re taking it. I’m just speaking my mind, workin’ a job is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I wouldn’t know since I just quit my job.” Bella said, starting her car as she eyed the countdown.
“Oh really? You finally taking the time to fix your parents’ house up?”
Bella snorted, “Nah, I wish. Just…feeling pressed for time, is all.”
“You’re too young to be feeling like that.” Gerald clicked his tongue. “You need to go out and see the world, live your life while you still can.”
“Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.” Bella smiled, before it fell off her face. “Be careful Gerald, I got a bad feeling.” She warned, unable to explain herself.
The middle-aged man gave her a weird look. “What do you mean?”
“Just hurry up with your business here, and get home to make sure your family’s safe. Make it a movie night, or something.” Bella left the rest unsaid as she dipped into her car and drove off with a wave to her unnerved family friend.
I hope he listens. Either Bella was wrong, and he had a good night with his wife and kids, or she was right, and they avoided something terrible. Really, I hope I’m going crazy.
“Ma’am, are you sure you want this bow? A gun is stronger—” The clerk of the only camping store in town tried to upsell her, but Bella cut him off.
“I’m not here to ask questions.” She said, “I’m here to look at what you got, so show me what I can leave with today.”
He sighed, “Without a background check, we can’t sell you any guns, but we have plenty of bows, crossbows, snares, bear traps—”
“What can I get with $500?”
“Realistically? Probably a crossbow, and a standard camping kit. Should suit whatever needs you have, and leave you with an extra $100.”
Bella squinted her eyes, “What’s included? I’m not just going to buy trash.”
“A tent, a flare, and a woodsman knife. All high-quality, I assure you.” The salesman promised with a smile.
Bella sighed, “Fine, pull those out for me. I’ll be in your food section to see what the rest can get me.”
“What kind of trip are you preparing for? If you don’t mind me asking.” The man asked.
“Oh this?” She gave a tired smile, “It’s just in case something big happens. I have a weird way of celebrating.”
“My boss goes on hunting trips too, so you’re not alone there.”
Oh, but I am. Bella thought, but smiled politely.
Bella sat on the couch of her apartment, with several bags filled to the brim with supplies and a receipt in hand. Her foot bounced impatiently as she eyed the countdown that sat in the corner of her vision.
Prepare for the End
00:00:04:21
I’ll find out if I’m crazy soon enough, Bella sighed for what felt like the hundredth time today. Despite her frantic preparations, she still felt sick to her stomach. None of the weapons, food, or supplies comforted her. Actually, she was prepared for the clock to reach zero, and all her worries to be proven false.
The moment this blows over, I’m returning all this crap. Unlike her parents, she wasn’t a hoarder. Bella couldn’t live surrounded by stuff she didn’t use, not that she could afford to anyway.
Thinking about family, Bella couldn’t help but wonder about her long-lost brother. She managed to get his contact information through child services a couple of months ago, but she put off reaching out to him as she didn’t know what to say to him.
“The end of the world is as good a time as any.” She chuckled, pulling up his number to text him. “What do I even say? ‘Hey Dev, remember me? Your sister.’” Bella typed and deleted several messages. For the first time in days, she didn’t pay attention to the ticking time bomb at the corner of her eye.
Until the words flashed.
You have been selected as a Challenger, a forerunner of your race.
Will you take the responsibility of leading humanity through the Tower?
Yes/No
“What the—” Bella questioned, but was interrupted by her phone violently buzzing and blaring in her hand.
It was a National Alert, but it didn’t make sense. “Violent Wildlife? Dangerous, possible radioactive material falling out of the sky?” Bella asked herself, and looked back at the words that repeatedly flashed in her face.
What is happening? Is this really the end of the world? Bella typed up a quick message to her brother, hurriedly sending it as another countdown appeared.
Make your choice. 5…4…3
Bella pressed ‘Yes’, accepting whatever responsibility came with it. “I’m always sticking my nose where it don’t belong.” She grinned nervously.
Then screamed as a black hole opened up at her feet, dragging her through starry space.
Archetype Bestowed!
Rogue
Survive at all costs!
