8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl8CMkpE1aCHAPTER 3
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OiQJu6oKL
-THE BREAKING OF REST-
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lvXH5voks
Outside the lodge, a magical leaf sponge sits in Metro's hand, glowing with confidence. It isn't just green—It's, GREEN.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahNfNIHx5u
Deep forest tones swirled beneath neon streaks, white minty microscopic bulbs highlight a beautiful shimmer across the surface.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ldwMQshxY
The odors shift subtly, as if the spongey piece was alive.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlfE0L2RHp
The tricones sparkle with tiny small scattered enchanted crystals, each one refracting the sun rays into rainbows.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM6UIcGUQa
Metro tilts his head gazing at the mystical fluff, adoring the glittery beams fired off in every direction with awe, and deep admiration.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbArK9Uxz4G
It's fluffy—cloud soft—pillow like, but also dense, like someone had compressed a small star into a marshmallow.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TI6A5JuHA
Really majestic.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqtgZfawX5
And the oils—
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKsomLkS3L
They glisten and drip in a slow, dramatic sequence as Metro squeezes the life force out of it.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u5pzSWmP6
Then the smell hits him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClVdGwu5us
Not gently—
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Apf1o0fqE
~~but~~ violently, all together invading his senses in different layers.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ps9IQPcfX
First, gassy—like high octane dragon's breath, then sweet and earthy, like sap from a tree that whispers motivational speeches, and fruity citrus, like a basket of goodies that's ascended to a higher plane.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk95bsMYR4m
He plucks off a tiny piece, and the moment it touches his lips, entering his mouth, the bud piece erupts into flavor, settling dramatically on the tongue.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24qEZKsXca
A citrusy starlight gas explosion detonates across his taste buds. His pupils dilate, eyes widening. R.E.M. state activates.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4G807vGPF
His hair lifts.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNMokZrn1r
A warmth shoots through his chest like someone poured sunrise directly into his blood stream.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDTSfwdOaF
Sounds brighten, colors sharpen.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxT2nEvDPU
Metro stands there glowing like he just ate a piece of the universe.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCGEnMYtNv
(Perception increased)
The moment the cure calibrates into Metro's system, the village snaps into ultra-clarity.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLr5NYZsm0
Colors crank themselves up like they're trying to impress him. The dirt shimmers gold tones, pebbles sparkle, freshly polished. Stalls are sharper, cleaner, scents hit him in rapid fire succession. Sizzling meats, fresh breads, incense, someone's cologne—all bleeding like a sensory punch that makes his eyes water.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwInTdHrcQd
Metro moves through the bustling town with renewed purpose, energy still humming.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5krk8p0PB7
The path leads him straight towards Blake's stall.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYGqmtQOBa
Blake stands behind a market table, a wiry young man with tense posture and hands darkened from handling herbs and powders. He's lining up bundles of dried plants beside colorful vials, trinkets and polished stones.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXRcZQpLeb
He notices Metro approaching.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bklK0JUvq
His eyes widen.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGgSAmBfTt
Blake freezes with a bundle of herbs still in his hand, studying Metro with a look that mixes with surprise and caution. Something in Metro's stride—the weight behind it—it's different.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZcz6ywXq1
The usual quick sales pitch never makes it out of Blake's mouth.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx7pfbpIO9
Blake: (straightening, wiping palms on apron)
"Metro, you look different."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYXnT8g7Gt
His gaze flickers around the market, then back to Metro, uncertainty settling in his expression.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFizoKkVGf
"What's going on?"
Before Blake can say another word, something in the crowd shifts.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jzBGPJZ3W
Not a person.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GaixFBsUB
A movement.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlGDc0iWK5
A shadow.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwChdOxDiH
For the briefest instant, Metro sees a patch of darkness detach from the bodies around it—deeper than any normal shadow, impossibly dense. It flickers at the edge of his vision like a blackened doorway.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fkNLqIhRj
Then it's gone.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOowOSqqm87
The juice really surges through Metro's veins now. Sharpening everything.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZAtgL5IfO
Voices separate.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4hPWZ6cEv
Footsteps ring.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HrrBqLKsI
The world feels dimensional and supremely clear.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyUGFxcRrB
For a moment, his sight pushes past the surface. He sees it again—not a man, but a shape behind that man.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VKvPQvVr9
Tall—Hallow.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttVlfpInES
A blackened vertical tear in the air, folding inward.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjax9STDjh
The moment collapses.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdXkQTNE9Q
The vision vanishes.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcudkWtHI3I
Reality snaps back.
A masked man burst from the crowd, frantic. He vaults over Blake's stall, scattering herbs and coins across the cobblestone.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjh8zfUS2X
Blake: (— yells—)
"No! What are you doing?!"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu7xXrkEnA
The thief lands hard, clutching stolen trinkets, hands trembling behind a rusty dagger.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XVpe6UEmk
He turns to see Metro standing in his lane.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ178CZuB6fB
The thief freezes.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwde00xS9f
The crowd reacts. Recoiling, keeping distance.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjxzPpI1Tk
A woman pulls her child behind her skirt.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSONWWefGz6
(Metro's instincts spike)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0k2spsvap
For a heartbeat, time slows down, and Metro sees a faint flicker of the same impossible darkness behind the man—Like something urging the thief on.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw21ygRN06
But when he blinks, it's only a man.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2AWD2fBW9
The dagger lifts.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLgp6E64ri
The thief lunges, coins spilling from his grip as the blade thrust forward in a reckless, panicked all-out attack.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmxMrRbxZF
The crowd gasps and scatters.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5s3wgg3TP
A crackling surge of power leaps from Metro's hand, his energy snapping through the air like bolts from a storm cloud. It lights the area in white-blue flashes.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCnwRZiy7u
The bandit jerks violently, taken aback, coins flying across cobblestone.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEisgx6rSTc
Pain twists in the sight of the bandit's eyes. He staggers on one knee, clutching his chest, breath ragged—he lifts himself, slowly, cautiously, steadying in his trembling boots, the rusty dagger still clenched in hand.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbJkqOXnDo
His eyes lift to Metro's, wide and suddenly afraid.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxlmMbwUFl
The market has already erupted, scattered villagers, baskets overturning, shouts rising, and lanes being cleared.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ5CbYPKc5
Metro moves instinctively.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP1meehi7J
Steel slides into his palms from two sheaths. Both daggers settle into place, grounding him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2w3jqWyCL
His vision focuses on the wounded thief.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKqqvTaXWe
The robber hunches, breathing harshly, hesitation finally breaking through panic.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9HAsbNC07
His eyes dart to Metro... to the open street... to a knocked over bread loaf on Blake's table.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshxrMVQvNg
A desperate choice is made suddenly—through his small aura—He snatches the bread, tucks it, and bolts.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknyaOLQBwB
Choosing hunger, over another moment in the face of battle.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShnnx3ZJxF
Metro kneels among the scattered mess. Coins on the cobblestone road, small flashes of brass and copper catching the daylight and a few herbs buried beneath papers and boxes.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiFnogUno7
Metro helps Blake gather his belongings piece by piece, brushing stray leaves aside, and placing objects.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqWRqXoT8R
Blake stands, slightly trembling.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxObSBq3LaM
His eyes are wide, still shocked from the violence that just erupted in front of his stall.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShngUCIuBd
Then Metro places the last coin into Blake's hand.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXufnODMC3A
Blake stares in gratitude, awe, disbelief.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6JHzyjudg
Metro straightens.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRWO61GvpP
Metro:(calm)
"Blake, King Theron has asked me to go into business with him."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdcHyGAr69
The words hang between them.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy169EBnco
(voice lowers)
"A cultivation project"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFRJzVX3aT
The market finally settles.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsdsFqmgvW
"It's in a discreet location, I'll need people who I can trust to prepare, and harvest."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMX1rKu7pE
His gaze settles on Blake.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgNPCqNsDO
"So, I thought of you, would you be willing to help me?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27Tp7VrKbt
Blake blinks.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji0hR9VwYo
Once.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZOZxlNUnv
Twice.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJJFnfyjj3
Theron's name alone hits him harder than the chaos that just unfolded. He glances down at the coins in his hand, then back up.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzNwteMQsu
Blake:
"King Theron?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zIrGWtlR0
He whispers, as if speaking louder would summon the man himself.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqi7qj5p2W
The intensity of the question settles inside his expression.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxHOjufJm0
The man who just watched Metro blast a thief across the lane now sees something else entirely different standing before him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdNFmLInZA
Respect.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8uc6AJYkK
Opportunity.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJzb8Atr6D
A little fear.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5hiwA0G8w
"Yes, of course..."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhrdxn3JX9
He tightens his grip on the returned coins.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gvDTQicAN
"Count me in!"
A faint determined look replaces the shock in his eyes.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4M0k88TRD
A genuine smile touches Metro's face as he tucks his cotton shirt more neatly.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xi0UHSgXD
Blake:
"Come through, whenever you need an extra hand."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWujqarcK9N
Metro gives a quick nod.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMocVwaGnEF
Metro:
"Nice."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qryTvBY5t
He leaves the recovering stall behind, listening to the market slowly return to its rhythm-- to its usual murmurs of gossip and chatter.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4099orW8Nx
Metro moves quickly through the familiar dirt roads, a swift urgency lightening his steps. The need to speak to Ana burns in his chest. Houses and winding paths blur past as his thoughts race ahead.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XsdIAHlpL
Soon Ana's cottage comes into view, the newly built fence standing firm from yesterday's labor. The scent of drying herbs and something warm baking drifts from within.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdvcRT10XA
-ANAS COTTAGE-
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0ouKFyxVD
-Metro pushes open the creaking door.-
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD5K81Wvl1
(Home base)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w7EMk7p8t
Inside, Ana stands by the hearth, stirring a simmering pot with slow steady motions. At the sound of the door, she turns. A gentle smile, though her perceptive eyes immediately catch the urgency in his posture.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK78zMJrPKK
Ama:(voice soft)
" You're here sooner than I expected."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOLW8EnfOT
She studies him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE9L7IViTl
"What news did you bring from Theron?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vUBfsNQ3m
Metro pours out the entire story to Ana, the words tumbling out in a rushed flow—King Theron's intimidating offer, the requested demand for a vast amount of leaf every month, Veronica's confession and explanation, the chaotic encounter at the market with the robber and Blake's agreement to assist.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvtLdsm0fm
Ana listens quietly, her hands still working the stew as it simmers over the fired pot~~ watching the small steaming hearth, her expression shifts between concern and quiet understanding.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg6IlfqIwN
When Metro reaches the part about needing seeds, her eyes soften.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBZVPJBuY0
Ana:(murmers)
"So... it has come to this,"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKAwjWoPyd
(She lets out a slow breath.)
"Theron's ambitions know no bounds. You’ll have to carry a heavy weight, it'll cause attention also."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjknttc1zke
She reaches into a hidden compartment within the hearth and draws out a pouch larger than the one Metro carried before.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GHrJJikD2
Inside are countless tiny seeds, each shimmering faintly with an otherworldly glow.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyLdGSX8Gg
"These are from my deepest reserve,"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRwQWgsllt
(placing the pouch into his hands)
"Each one is genetically capable, true strains, not hybrids. I've separated them accordingly.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurDJLSCten
(beat)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKdaOXrM1E
' There's a terrible expectation..."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3JejlwLHG
"Make sure you guard these well."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHdXYA5AbA
She hesitates, then adds,
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKhbVM8dtR
"You should speak to Paul once again. He's a good man—loyal. His hands are skilled, and his mind is sharp. He will understand the gravity of this... maybe he can help."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rc8ofvLal
(beat)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn5dSCiJ2L
"It's just, I'm worried... about the consequences of failure."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn1xJISk2r
Ama's gaze meets his, the unspoken worry hanging heavy in the room.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp1XRepcul
Metro steps forward and pulls her into a gentle embrace. His head lays on her crowned silver braids.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpDoSyJjEN
The faint scent of herbs and earth cling to her, grounding him. They offer each other a moment of quiet reassurance.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp42z5uxyP
Paul's name is only out of Ama's mouth for a few seconds.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2S1WgPorS
- a heavy knock rattles the cottage door.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPIZJL6qJn
Before Metro can rise, the latch lifts, and Paul fills the doorway with a broad, sheepish grin. He carries a small sack—rich with the scent of cooked meat—and a stoneware jug in his other hand.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWU5EryRhw
~~steps in the cottage~~
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7NtdQRogn
Paul: (sits down at table, others follow)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOl4CPRWcG
"Heard through a birdie you were back, Metro."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnKpBFzpp8
The door swings shut behind him. His eyes twinkle, but the smile fades when he takes in Ana's concern and Metro's tense posture.
"And I figured a man dealing with... Lord Thin Skin... might need a good meal and maybe some blunt advice."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4qCqkA36G
He sets the sack and jug on the table, then nods respectfully to Ana.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EZ2RDuZqG
"Ana, always a pleasure, what trouble has this young rogue gotten himself into this time?"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXRV2ULsJe
His gaze drifts to the pouch of seeds on the table.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPyqujdGej
A knowing look passes between him and Ana.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpoZAPPPTO
Paul settles in a chair, everyone follows. His earlier light-heartedness fading as Metro recounts everything. His brow sinks deep, into a frown, and he lets out a sigh as the story ends.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIso6NJ8XWp
The Blake incident earns a small nod but the weight of it all settles inside of him in a bad way.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8rFo1SkAS
Paul:
"He's playing a dangerous game, dragging everyone into its shadow."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbnqFfo9m2
(pours out apple ale in mug)
"You're right to worry about the crop. It takes more than skill, you'll need the land's favor.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2gdveBJzL
' Falling short with Theron is bad news."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0hV9nLyad
Metro asks Paul to join the cause, going through the ~~new~~ information about compensation, and even possible renovations to their property in the future. —Paul takes a long drink, staring into his mug before answering.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsK17EMKcH
Paul:
" Listen, you know I'd stand by you, what you did for Blake proves the kind of man you are.”
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvPBaXbui8
But this..." He exhales.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeModef6Vz
"This is a different kind of fight."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICZ2MtnF6U
He sets his mug down.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVGcFOnaJn
"My own operation depends on me being there, walking away from it for something this demanding, seems risky... I can't decide that in a moment."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFGsD182TQ
He shakes his head.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItPcMlqKGn
"I can give you advice, tools, maybe transport, but committing fully—I need time to really think about where I stand in all this."
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsJUQwYJpc
Metro accepts Paul's honest statement, and tells him he's leaving at first light, to meet Veronica at the carriages.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtIFSEzs27
Paul nods slowly, still troubled.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdyduCAuQf
Paul:
"I understand"
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFx7CbCZeR
Metro thanks Paul, a quiet understanding passing between them as they eat, the weight of King Theron's demands lingering in the air.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BfAQkMB0y
Ana offers a few soft words of wisdom, but mostly lets the two sit in comfortable silence, sharing a meal, feeling calm in familiar company.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5u7zD339L
Outside, dusk deepens on Sally as she grazes by the small barn, she lifts her head, watching cottage windows painted softly -orange and purple.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCjX0w5Ah9
Inside, Metro tends the hearth, coaxing a warm fire to life. The bouncing flames light across the old wooden beams. Conversation fades, and weariness settles over them.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiuOCH9gR7
Metro bids Ana and Paul a good night, his thoughts tangled in ambition, worry and loyalty.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA7uyZYCxO
He settles on to a lumpy couch next to the fireplace, pulling a blanket over himself, as the fire draws him into sleep.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81mSLPvT5P
The scent of woodsmoke and dried herbs fill the cottage.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMCMeYrppv
Before long, Metro drifts into a deep trance. —his mind briefly free of the plans—shaping his path.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuZWPu9S5Q
Metro slips into the strange limbo between sleep and consciousness—mind alert, body paralyzed.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h9Cfw1el6
He can feel an evil presence in the room, he hears soft crackles from the fireplace, but he cannot move.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeybnqK8yD
His breath is shallow, trapped in his chest.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUHDXI4heV
Then—Glass shatters violently
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYpnX3HaLk
CRASHHH!
(echoes)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVsnXrZShA
The sound detonates through the cottage like a hammer blow. Metro's heart races, pounding so hard it hurts, but his body remains locked in place.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OWE2kT1zg
A soft sound follows.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIJ2jfOxS5
Not a voice.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6sJAr7rwn
A melody.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBafJsXxtC
Something is wrong.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItNilbliEZ
A warped, mystical, other worldly trance plays softly, gradually increasing its volume, creeping in on Metro's soul uninvited.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2gmxB4GzB
As the hellish track continues to elevate in volume, it trap’s Metro's spirit in a torturous chamber of flashing sounds that translate into supersonic horrors.—Beginning faintly after ringing glass, then surges into a full / overwhelming blast, as if someone was pressing massive horns against both sides of his skull.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vZHXzrcDO
METRO: (His thoughts, terrified, pleading desperately)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm4Z18Dqx9
("Oh God! ..... God!")
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iE6c27hd9
The thought screams through him, but his lips don't move.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0hs7C5wSK
His spirit body stays fused inside his flesh—trembling, eyes squeezed shut in terror—refusing to open, refusing to see whatever presence has entered the room.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TCUlbTrGh
The fire crackles still.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mlhQ4RksK
The haunting trance now overtakes his bones, dialing in.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYWA9Sncjd
Something is here. Wanting to invade the body, the house, the temple.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi5HLzw25e
Watching him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vv1v71vQS
Haunting him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKHra0g0OY
Tormenting.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQkGWd53c6
Metro tries to budge, eyes pinched, but fails, lying still. Caught between two worlds, as the under worldish tune pulses through his every fiber.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSoWBNDPrp
The sound is crushing in on him spiritually- Evaporating all happiness.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ltvWPu8WO
Taking energy forcefully and rapidly.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzARFnYMCXd
Stealing his chakra till he has no life left.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nrPyjjrAE
Metro's mind fights for control, his body still locked in place.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb5Og53NFX
Then— (A spark of movement in his right pinky, a small twitch)
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TR0xnZmXQ
His eyes open. His pinky finger curls inwards.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHHU5RQGCw
Enough to shake the paralysis. Quickly gaining control, warmth rushes back to his limbs, music fades in the clearing, breaking the evil spell holding him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdxLGUVTkA
Metro inhales sharply.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiFaPijMM7
He wakes, with a smooth jolt upwards, breath unsteady as the cottage settles back into its queit shape around him.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUUGqSMBVM
The fire glows low in the hearth.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGspzeGReMa
He turns his head.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh2D3Zi9Xc
Paul is slumbered in the big leather chair by the table, snoring softly.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBo94hHngk
Ana is curled up, in her bed, by the window, peaceful, beneath her stitched blanket.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbALJ634ET
The room is still.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINbdbIcwSK
The night is quiet.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMw2PwHt3t
Fire crackles beneath the hearth.
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqQUOe5xIS
—Scene Fades—
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdmCyyMqpA
8Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGGJ7sraLD
and then Add to home screen.