The world had changed. Not with a bang, but with a whisper. A black gate, a shimmering portal in the sky, had opened, spewing forth monstrous creatures from another dimension. The world had been thrust into chaos, a desperate fight for survival. But the gates remained, a constant threat, a gaping wound in the fabric of reality. It took two years for humanity to realize that the gates were not just a temporary threat, but a new reality. It took two years for humanity to finally accept that their peaceful life was gone, that the world they knew was forever changed. It took two years for them to realize the power within, the dormant potential that could be awakened to fight back against the monsters.
The world was still healing, but the scars ran deep. The memories of those lost, the fear of the unknown, the constant threat of new gates opening. These were the stories whispered in hushed tones around campfires, the nightmares that haunted even the bravest souls. But for Nicole, at three years old, it was a grand adventure. She was on her way to a new home, a fresh start for her family after the chaos of the last few years. Her parents had promised her a trip full of sightseeing and fun, a chance to explore a new world. She was excited to see all the things she had heard about, the towering skyscrapers, the bustling markets, the ancient temples. The plane ride was a journey into a world of wonder, even if her brother, Darrell, was throwing a tantrum, demanding attention from their parents. Nicole, seeking refuge from the noise, put on her headphones and closed her eyes, imagining the sights that awaited her.
Suddenly, the plane lurched violently. Nicole's eyes flew open, her heart pounding in her chest. Her mother screamed, her father grabbed her hand tightly. Through the window, Nicole saw a red gate, a swirling vortex of energy, appearing out of nowhere. It was the same red that pulsed in the nightmares that haunted her now.
Then, a massive, clawed hand, covered in scales, ripped through the gate, grabbing the plane in its grasp. The plane shuddered, tossed about like a toy in the wind. The air filled with the stench of sulfur and the roar of a monstrous beast. The gate began to shrink, pulling the plane with it, until it vanished completely, leaving only a trail of red smoke in its wake.
Then, darkness.
After 24 hours, the disappearance of the plane became hot news. The trail of red smoke, the reports of a monstrous hand, and the lack of any wreckage fueled speculation and fear. The list of missing persons, including Nicole, her parents, and her brother Darrell, appeared on the news, adding to the growing sense of dread that gripped the nation.