BREAKING NEWS

  Across the world, at the exact same time, a loud, ear-piercing trumpet shook the skies.

  (?): "What the hell? These fake-ass news stations…"

  Switches the channel.

  News Anchor: "It is estimated that roughly one-third of the world's land has been burned to the ground by an unprecedented fire that spread so rapidly, it killed people across continents. The most affected regions include the United States, China, Russia, and Brazil.

  Scientists believe that a cluster of medium-sized meteors or asteroids struck the Earth. Some, however, are calling it Judgment Day or Doomsday, following biblical prophecies.

  The true number of deaths is unknown, as most bodies were reduced to nothing but ash. However, early estimates suggest that approximately 4.15 billion people have perished.

  May God forgive us all."

  (?): "...What the fuck is going on? Are y’all joking?"

  The Horsemen

  The news continues, but the voice of the anchor begins to distort. Then, something else comes through the speakers…

  TV Broadcast: "There have been multiple reports of people witnessing strange figures—quote, ‘the Horsemen.’ The Horsemen of the Apocalypse—"

  Suddenly, the TV shuts off.

  A deep voice fills the room.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  (??): "One... to bring destruction like the world has never seen."

  (?): "What—who's there!?"

  (??): "One... to drain the land, leaving only hunger and dust."

  (?): "Show yourself!"

  (??): "One... to spread plagues, turning every breath into death…"

  (??): "And one… to end it all in the end."

  (?): "What the hell are you!?"

  (??): "...I don’t know."

  A long silence. Then, the voice speaks again—softer this time.

  (??): "But I know what you are… my son."

  The air turns thick, suffocating. The figure steps forward—his skin, rotting and red as blood itself—his presence like death made manifest.

  (??): "I have made a mistake. A mistake I regret so, so much."

  A beat.

  (??): "And I swear… I will not let anyone else die."

  The rotten figure vanishes in an instant, the sound of wings flapping violently against the wind.

  (?): "What the f—"

  His head explodes.

  Fate and the Sisters

  A shadow lingers over the lifeless body.

  (??): "Fate, my old comrade…"

  From the darkness, a voice—light, mocking.

  (Sister 1): "Let me guess… started a war again?"

  (??): "You know I could kill you, right?"

  (Sister 1): "Oh, absolutely! Wow, so scary." She smirks. "But then what? Sure, maybe you'd beat the Middle Sister. But you know how strong our Elder Sister is."

  Silence.

  (Sister 1): "Ohhh… You're afraid, aren't you? Who do you fear? Gabriel?"

  More silence.

  (Sister 1): "Or… Michael?"

  In an instant, he grabs her by the throat and lifts her into the air.

  (??): "Screw Michael. Screw Gabriel."

  (Sister 1) (struggling): "You have your brother’s blood on your hands. No matter how many times you try to wash it off… it never comes off. That’s the real curse."

  She grins through the pain.

  (Sister 1): "You fucking coward."

  A violent surge of energy ripples through the air. His hands grow heavy. She vanishes, leaving only a shadow in her wake.

  The figure stumbles back, shivering.

  A new voice cuts through the darkness—calm, composed, ancient.

  (???): "...Hello there, Sammael."