[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/tKz14NX.png[/img][/center]



The 5th Street Promenade had become a go to destination for tourists as well as Pacific Point residents alike. The massive outdoor shopping and entertainment complex was made up of a number of palm tree lined “streets” that were only open to pedestrian traffic. Within the Promenade one could find any number of shops which offered a wide variety of goods which served the wants and needs of just about anyone who entered the complex. There were also dozens of restaurants scattered throughout the Promenade who’s kitchens filled the air with aromas that would tempt even the ficklest of eaters.

The 5th Street Promenade was also one of Pacific Point’s main entertainment hubs. At the far western point of the property, which overlooked the waterfront as well as the city’s iconic boardwalk and pier, was the West End Gazebo, which served as a free concert venue. There were also a number of street entertainers who performed everything from street magic to juggling and balancing acts, to singers for the hordes of shoppers who descended on the Promenade on any given day or night. 

“And then he said ‘See you around.’” Amanda said between sips from her giant sized soda that she had gotten when they had stopped at In ‘N Out Burger for a snack. She had regaled Izzy with the story of her first meeting with Icon at least five times, and now was Gemma’s turn. Gemma, for her part was a good sport. Though she heard the story several times she acted just as excited as she had been the first time. Amanda was one of her best friends, and she could see how much it meant to her, so Gemma continued to indulge her. 

Besides, it was kind of a big deal.

As they walked past one of the Promenade’s two megaplexes, CMA Cinema 12; Amanda’s gaze was drawn to a poster featuring Marlon Wayans. The movie was called “The Bad Doctor,” and featured Wayans as Dorian Von Trapper, AKA, the Bad Doctor. From what she could tell, he was a wannabe dictator who had grand plans for world domination, yet lacked neither the means nor the skill of seeing those plans come to fruition. It was a big studio spoof of the now deceased villain The Good Doctor, who had reportedly met his hands in South America at the hands of War-Pulse, sometime after the Pax Metahumana crisis, and was advertised as being brought to us by the minds behind “Homeboys in Outer Space.” 

“You know, I have no desire to see that.” Amanda said as they passed the poster. “The actual guy was a bit of a lame ass, I don’t need to see a spoof.” 

They continued their trek through the crowded streets on their way to their destination, Musicall, the new music store that boasted a massive inventory of CD’s and Blu Ray of all of the latest and greatest acts in music history. Everything from Elvis to David Bowie, 2Pac to Taylor Swift, they had it all. Or at least, that was what Amanda and Gemma were determined to find out. 

“You know, I could go for a pizza. Want to stop at Dough Boyz?” Amanda asked.

“What? We just had In ‘N Out. You’re still hungry?” Gemma asked astonished.
“Super fast metabolism remember?” Amanda said with a grin.

“Shit. I wish I could eat like that and keep my figure.” Gemma said with mock annoyance. 

Amanda’s next words were lost when she saw the images on the massive TV screens that adorned the walls of the CBN Scene, a family restaurant that was branded after the CBN television network and was more of a cross between a sports bar and an arcade. 

“Oh. My. God…”Amanda’s words trailed off as she saw live footage of a destroyed city. The buildings were in ruins and the city itself looked to be on fire. If the network hadn’t identified it as Philadelphia, she never would have recognized it. She was not the only one who stopped to take notice; soon a large crowd had gathered before the screens and was watching in a grim silence. The news reporter had reported that Philadelphia was in better condition than the two other cities that had been struck, Nautican Island and Paris, Texas, both of which had been completely destroyed. 

Then they played the message from the spokesperson for the Hounds of Humanity, who had claimed responsibility for the atrocity that they were now just standing witness to.


[i][b]“We warned you. We told you that compliance was non negotiable. Yet you chose not to listen.

The time for talk has past. From this moment on, you are either with us or you are against us.

We are coming, and you will either stand with us, or you will burn with them.”[/b][/i]

Amanda stood there in silence along with the rest of the crowd as the Hounds of Humanity's message finished. There was a knot in the pit of her stomach as she processed what she had just seen. Then she was suddenly overtaken by a renewed feeling of resolve. 

“I have to go.” Amanda said without looking away from the jumbo screens.

“Where are you going?” Gemma said, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to hold back tears.

“Lost Haven. I’m going to Lost Haven.” Amanda said, and with the blink of an eye, she was gone.