Guion charged at Fear once more, but this time, Fear stood his ground. He drove his claws deep into the earth, securing his grip, and began to beat his four wings up and down as though he were soaring through the skies. The resulting turbulence created a violent storm of wind that surged in waves, obliterating everything in its path.
The strength of the gusts lifted trucks off the ground, uprooted trees, and sent roofs flying into the air. The ground trembled violently, and buildings crumbled under the force. The vibrations surpassed those of an ordinary earthquake; it was a cataclysmic display of power, as if the very earth itself were being torn from its position in space.
Guion realized he had to act quickly, or the entire world would be in peril. The thought of killing Fear transformed from a mere option into a desperate necessity. He clung on with all his strength, but the pressure was overwhelming, forcing him backward. Recognizing that resistance was futile, he ceased his struggle and instead created a surface that would turn the tide for both of them. Striking the ground with both fists, he summoned an immense cage of towering bones that erupted from the earth, encasing Fear within its confines.
Guion navigated the skeletal structure with astonishing speed, moving like an electric impulse, circling Fear as he declared, "This is it; your death is certain. Just give up you cannot escape from here." But Fear continued to flap his wings defiantly. Loosening his grip, he replied, "I'm afraid I cannot die like this," and with a powerful leap, he broke through the top of the cage, squeezing himself free. "It suddenly makes more sense when you say it," Guion whispered, watching Fear ascend miles into the sky.
As Fear soared just below the clouds, he spread his wings one last time and looked down at the earth. "If this is the day I die, then I will strike without holding back," he proclaimed. The sun's rays illuminated him, and he became a vision seen across California, trending live on every social network as "an angel standing in the clouds."
Solidifying his feathers, Guion sensed a powerful attack approaching, and he was right. Countless feathers rained down on the city, harder than steel, piercing through everything in their path. Cars exploded, and massive buildings crumbled to the ground. Guion dove underground, seeking refuge. Moments later, a colossal bone shot up from the earth, aimed straight at Fear, who deftly dodged it, sending it hurtling into space.
Suddenly, Fear began to plummet. When he hit the ground, Guion stood over him, gripping his massive right wing in one hand and his still-beating heart in the other. He dropped them simultaneously and turned to walk away. To his astonishment, Fear was still alive, struggling to speak. "Do you think I put on a great show?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper. Guion, avoiding eye contact, replied, "Why does that matter?"
"Because I don't want to be forgotten," Fear said, a smile of relief spreading across his face, piercing Guion's heart. Although he had no eyes to see, Guion felt a wave of sympathy wash over him. "I will never forget you," he promised, but Fear was already slipping away, leaving Guion behind. As he departed, the ground cracked beneath him, sending tremors throughout California. People emerged from sizable bone structures that had been buried underground, protected from the devastation Fear had wrought. In a moment of instinct, Guion landed in front of the hospital, desperate to see Annika.
Transforming back into his human form, he spotted Erick standing at the entrance. As their eyes met, Erick's expression turned sorrowful, and he looked away, unable to bear the weight of Guion's anguish. Though no words were exchanged, their silence spoke volumes. Guion slowly turned and walked away, tears streaming down his face as the thought of losing Annika consumed him.
With each tear that fell, the sky darkened, and rain began to pour, as if California's dry September had finally been graced by a miracle. Onlookers watched from the windows, fearful to approach, recognizing the depth of his pain. Erick remained rooted in place, equally soaked, grieving alongside his brother.
When Guion returned home, it felt foreign and empty. Frustration bubbled within him; even the simplest memories became sources of anger. The taste of his coffee was lost on him, a stark reminder of Annika's words: "My tongue feels bitter when I am denied your affection." He closed his eyes, envisioning her radiant smile, the same one she wore during their first kiss. He blamed himself for her capture, for allowing himself to fall in love, believing he had drawn Fear's attention.
Overwhelmed, tears streamed down his face, and he broke down, sobbing like a child at the dining table, lost in memories of their time together Erick's humour, Annika's beauty. He remained in that desolate state for four days, trapped in a dark, silent room, his phone lying untouched on the table.
On the fourth night, his phone suddenly lit up, ringing with a call from the sheriff's office, using a private number. Guion answered but remained silent. The sheriff, understanding the depth of his grief, spoke gently. "I won't ask how you're doing; it would only make it worse. I've seen how much Annika meant to you. There's no shame in crying, son. Cry until she feels the void she left behind."
"Why are you calling from this number?" Guion asked, his voice hoarse. "Turn on the news," the sheriff replied before hanging up.
Guion switched on the TV, and the screen revealed a dire situation. The remaining members of the Big Five were in Washington, holding the White House captive. It quickly became clear that many Overwhelms had infiltrated politics, with trusted advisers revealed as Rage and Pain. After imprisoning the president, their leader was poised to claim the throne as king of humanity.