First Steps Towards the Ending

Finally, Some Subtle Marketing

Robin slammed the final key on her work. She pushed away her chair from the desk and reached up to the ceiling, stretching. She burst forth from her seat and raced to the main area of the shop. Dolon, William, and Zhen sat bored behind the counter, their work already done. She laughed hysterically. "It's finally done!" Everyone else in the room jumped in their seats with surprise. William followed Robin into the office while Dolon and Zhen waited with anticipation and reviewed Robin's work. "This is amazing..." he whispered. He turned back "I assume the application is already on your phone?"

"Yes, it is."

"Good. When do you think we should use it?"

"Well, let's see. I say we go at 7:30. I need sleep."

William nodded. He patted her back. "Get some rest, I'm sure this whole week of work was hellish." Robin yawned. "It was. I was running on fumes and excitement. I'm gonna sleep now." Robin trudged up the stairs to the bedroom. Recalling the incident immediately after meeting her, William followed Robin up the stairs to check if she made it all the way. He found that she had only just reached the bed and seemed to have passed out the second she laid down. He smiled and went back downstairs.

Behind the counter, Dolon and Zhen waited expectantly. "Out like a light." William chuckled. Zhen let out a satisfied sigh. "Guess we're really getting our word out there, huh. When do we leave?"

"Around 7:10. We're taking the car."

Zhen thought for a moment. "We haven't taken the car since rescuing Dolon." William smiled. "Remember, we are not the ones losing this time." Zhen nodded in agreement. Dolon eyed the bandages on the side of William's face. "How's your ear?" William groaned. "Please, do not remind me. The itching is killing me." After that, the three sat in silence, save for the occasional sound of William scratching at his bandages.

Before they knew it, a few hours had passed. William retrieved Robin from her slumber and the four left the shop as a group for the first time. As they started driving, Robin suggested. "Hey, can we get some food? It'll look weird if we're just standing in the open as if we're expecting what's to come."

William nodded. "Good idea. Any suggestions?" Zhen shook her head. "Anywhere but Sun Sushi is fine by me." Robin giggled. "I did some research in between my work because I needed a distraction and a new Deli opened up in the area." Dolon nodded. "I could go for some sandwiches. 'Specially cuz I can only eat with one hand."

"Sandwiches it is." Declared William. Robin gave directions towards the Deli and William followed. When they parked, Dolon reminded everyone. "Remember, we're just a father, grandfather, and two adopted daughters who are just as shocked as the rest of the crowd. Don't let on that yer part of this. Zhen, flip up yer hood." They got out of the car and picked up their sandwiches. They walked out onto the crowded street. Large screens lined the buildings, broadcasting news and ads.

The group looked at each one. Taking in the scale of what they were about to do. In her pocket, Robin's finger hovered over a button. Dolon smiled from ear to ear. "Hey kiddo, havin' fun in town tonight?" Robin giggled. "Yup." He finger pushed the button on her phone screen.

Sirens blared around the city. Every single screen with news and ads shut down. A panic rose from the civilians in the area. Voices echoed fear and confusion around them. "What's going on?"

"Will we be ok?"

"Mom, I'm scared."

"Dude, this is crazy, my friend says it's happening on the other side of the city too."

The screens came back to life. Four silhouettes were imposed upon the many screens, looming over every citizen, creating a larger-than-life appearance. A distorted voice boomed, so loud that you could hear it just as loud from miles away as you could hear it there on that street.