Chapter 8. Hell Breaks Loose.

Lance struggled to keep his eyes on the road as he drove through the empty street. The Brotherhood house was a little over a half-hour away from work, and he wanted to get there early so he could wash up and put on something cleaner for the date with Kitty. But his headache had returned after his awakening, and the pounding pain was almost unbearable.

He finally pulled up at the next building, which happened to be a gas station. He got out of the car shakily and replied that he just wanted some candy bars at the station owners question as to how much gas he wanted. He headed for the bathroom, figuring the owner would now leave him alone, since he was buying something, and hed just give the candy to Todd or something.

The earth below him pulsed and quivered in tune with his steps, and after what seemed like ages he reached he bathroom door, opening it. He grasped the handle of the sink and turned on the water, panting. He cupped his hands to catch the falling water in his hands and splashed it against his face.

It didnt help.

He took out the bottle of aspirin from his pocket and tried to open it, but his trembling hands faltered and he dropped it. He let out an agonized groan as he leaned down to pick it up, but the ground shook against his wishes and he fell down, hitting the floor solidly.

The pain plagued him.

Lance saw the walls tripling and spinning around him, but didnt notice the earths vibrations getting stronger. He faintly heard someone banging on the door and shouting if he was all right, but he couldnt even open his eyes now, the pain was overwhelming.

He didnt hear the scream outside, nor the explosion from the gas tanks crashing into each other as the ground ripped into chasms and fissures all around.

He blacked out as the world around him shattered, the earth screaming in agony as he could not.