Gears Of War: Dancing In The Dark

Act One: A Lone Wolf

Beneath the wreckage, a COG soldier emerged. His right arm had been severed in the damage, so his use of firearms now were hopeless. He was going to have to make it back to HQ alive without bumping into more of the Locust Horde.

This COG was named Ethan Magnet. Ethan had slick, blond hair and dazzling blue eyes that made the ladies scream with astonishment. To them, he was a movie hero, but Private Ethan Magnet was just like any other COG soldier. His broad shoulders often made him stand out in a battlefield though and he was way more muscular than some of other Gears.

Ethan continued down a dark road. He knew the Kryll would be showing up soon. And they did not take prisoners. Despite heavy bleeding, Ethan was managing to cope and had done a splendid job of wrapping bandages around the opening wound with just the use of one hand.

The town of Huntley had received a blow from recent assaults from Locust Reavers. Ethan was sent there to clear up the area. However, during this time, false information was given to the COG command post and they believed Ethan was already dead and had not succeeded in his mission. This led to the order to send a Lightmass bomb to the town, destroying the Locust Horde there once and for all. Of course, Ethan was caught in the explosion and was crushed under a collapsing building, his arm cut sliced of by a sharp pole.

Ethan reached Economy's Palace in one piece. He was slowing down due to his guns and gear, so he had decided to leave them behind, now only carrying his snub pistol because it only required one hand to use. Inside the palace, many Locust drones' mangled bodies were lying around on the floor, most likely caused by the Lightmass bomb. He figured that all of the Horde in this area must've been killed so there was no need to run and hide any more. He sat down on a bench and took a few sips of water from his bottle. Whilst doing so, he wondered why the COG activated the bomb and sent it to Huntley. Did they no longer require his assistance?

Ethan's peace and quiet session was soon interrupted with the sound of booming thunder outside, followed by the whizzing sound of helicopter rotors. Maybe they had sent back-up for him. The only way to find out was to go back outside in the rain and check. Indeed, he was correct about one thing; COG choppers were airborne in the area. The question was, were they here to help him.

He tried with much effort to wave and signal to them but nevertheless, they didn't seem to catch a glimpse of him. Ethan was about the give up all hope when he found a beacon. With it, he lit up the skies. The choppers were soon notified of his position.

They came storming down with thunderous effort and signalled Ethan to climb aboard one of the choppers.

"We thought you were dead," said the pilot when Ethan clambered onto into his seat.

"Almost, but I managed to lift the rubble off me in time before suffocation," he noted.

"You have my apology, Private Magnet."

"Apology. Why?"

"Well, never mind. I suggest you see Hoffman about it."

"I'm just glad I'm getting out of this alive.," Ethan sighed. He was out of harms way, for now...