Shattering Humanity-Chapter 364: ’Fireworks’ Sent From The Mainland
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents.
This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have." -Philippians 1:21-30
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[Current Day]
[Plymouth, Massachusetts]
Even on the northeastern mainland, SeiõrSnow lightly falls from the partially cloudy night.
Connected to the Cape Cod Bay within the hook of Massachusetts, waves crash on the sandy shores closest to Plymouth Rock.
The unmistakable sound of a tab cracking into the top to a canned beverage, compliments the atmosphere of a quite beach at night.
About 20 yards away from the crashing tide is a small beach fire and a decently tall figure is standing next to the controlled flame.
Wrapped in an oversized trench coat, and topped by a large cowboy hat.
A sheriff star on the left side of the western headwear and the familiar initials "J.J" centered on the patch.
Behind the beach goer, the hum of large pickup truck drives over the sand and is put in park with the high beams shining on the back of the trench coat.
On the back of the cape-like coat is the badass image of a guerilla holding two Glocks and a bandana covering it’s eyes.
Only one opens door to the all black vehicle, the driver’s.
From his body language and way he speaks towards the trench coated person, the driver seems to be an informant.
His button up plaid shirt and beer belly are tucked into his denim jeans as he steps out. With distance and the truck door between them, not getting any closer to the drinker, the informant shouts out.
Informant: "We still haven’t gotten a response from them, Sheriff Jesse.
As you’ve instructed me to do, I’ve already called to inform the Otis base.
Four deployment boxes full of ’fireworks’ are circling in the air awaiting your signal to head over."
The apparently very important person chugs their entire 12 fluid ounce can and once finished, the moment of silent contemplating adds a bit tension to the juxtaposing ocean air.
A confident nod and a thumbs up is the response from the back turned individual peering at the beach fire.
The crash of a wave leaves a crab exposed on the beach as it scurries back to coverage of the marine life’s safety blanket.
The informant then reaches into his car and pulls out a flare gun, shooting one...two separate long trailing signal red flares that turn the Cape night sky in October a flickering orange and red.
Crushing the finished beer can in their hand, the faceless drunk then tosses the aluminum into a small dugout sand pit close by with the rest of the finished 12 pack awaiting for their drained brethren in the litter grave.
Obviously intimidated by the person they work under, the nervous large gutted informant sweats in the cool night air.
Informant: "Um, Sheriff Jesse...
W-With what you’ve done ever since those aliens attacked three years ago, and the successful leadership you’ve proven, everyone truly does believe in your ’Yassa Management System’..."
There is strong concern on the speaker as he carefully picks his words.
Informant : "...And you also know I would follow you to Hell, Heaven, and back again.
So forgive me for questioning your methods, but are you really sure ’the dragon’ is necessary, Ms. James?
Our men could’ve simply gotten too wasted and passed out.
They could also get struck if they happen to wander off within the target zone."
From the pocket of their own denim jeans, the woman referred to as ’Jesse’, grabs a small case full of cigarettes, removing one. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦
Somewhere in the distance, but progressively getting closer, the deep recognizable roars of large plane engines in the sky echoes over the post apocalyptic world below.
Using a hand to block the wind, the smoker lights their cigarette, and the small flame exposes one tiny scar above the leader’s upper lip as they take the first drag.
Still unable to see the face of the individual, a strong ocean gust blows the bottom to the coat making it flow.
Turning around with a puff of smoke from their lips, the beach fire ablaze and their trash in the sand, the designed trench coat takes slow steps towards their ally.
As the commander walks to their ride, a woman’s sad voice finally gives an audible response.
Jesse James: "They’re all dead. Let Intel know, New Dodge has been destroyed and Kami Island is to be viewed no longer as a Vinland ally, but instead, the home island of two unbelievably powerful terrorist organizations in civil conflict."
Informant: "What!?
How do you-"
From under the rising brim of their cowgirl hat, two pink eyes shine forward from the newest reveal of a 2nd Generation DæMon.
Jesse James: "The airpilots in charge of transporting the attack will be able to confirm..."
Overhead the culprit to the ominous approaching noise reveals itself. With the help of the moon’s reflected light, a military C-130 plane roars above the beach in the opposite direction over the bay and the coast of Massachusetts.
Jesse James: "...If she allows them to return."
...
Maniae: "Mr. Nephilim!
Why...why did you let Arai win?
Why didn’t you fight back?
After all this time.
After we both lost to you, while fighting together."
Nephilim looks the young man directly in his eyes while wiping a bit of blood from the corner of his mouth with a rag given to him by Silpheed.
Nephilim: "Because, you see young Maniae, your best friend is still a fickle, but an even more prideful child.
If he knows he didn’t earn what he’s been fighting for, he’ll be less inclined to accept his given victory."
Silpheed blushes from behind their face covering and takes back the bloodied rag.
Their single exposed red eye widens and Silph sprints for the backdoor.
Confused Eden trots in behind, leaving the two men left outside.
The educator/mentor puts an arm around Maniae while walking back inside for dinner.
Nephilim: "Silpheed told me you had chased after him and stopped your friend from abandoning this life.
I’m proud of you for saving him from himself, young Maniae, but the handcuffs..."
Maniae: "I didn’t know if he would try to escape again!"
Nephilim: "And I understand that concern on your end young Maniae, but when you two talked alone, did he claim something along the lines of, ’I have brainwashed you’?"
The pair make it back to the house but before re-entering, Nephilim faces Maniae one more time, both hands on the influential young man’s shoulders.
Nephilim: "I don’t believe he will try again, but if he does, and you beat him, don’t chain him or imprison him.
Deal."
Maniae reluctantly nods and gets his hair tussled by his superior.
Nephilim chuckles and the man whose is the main threat to Takamagahara’s happiness, smiles while pointing his thumb in the direct back inside the house.
Nephilim: "Alright then, time to eat.
Whatever Silph made smells amazing!"
...
[Nephilim’s Home]
After dinner, Silpheed is washing the dishes in the kitchen while Maniae helps his new ’older sister ’ dry them off.
After dinner, Silpheed is washing the dishes in the kitchen while Maniae helps his new ’older sister ’ dry them off.
The red eyed young man looks over to the table.
All that remains on the family table is the decorative vase in the middle, and a ceramic plate full of spaghetti enwrapped in plastic.
The fresh meal leaving condensation inside the protective film.
Maniae: "Should I put Maniae’s in the fridge to save for him later?"
Before Silpheed can answer him...
Nephilim: "Nonsense..."
Both the pair of appreciative followers turn to see their leader walking into the kitchen after a shower and changing to his night clothes.
He finishes drying his large poofy black hair and swings the towel on the nape of his neck.
I’m sure he is hungry right now.
I’ll bring this up to him while it’s still warm."
He grabs the plate, along with a fork, and exits.
