Chapter 18: Shadows of the Past
###
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cracked pavement as Kai helped unload the contents of the truck. The carrier grunted, wiping sweat from his brow as he passed another microwave over to Kai, who effortlessly hefted it onto his shoulder. Despite his immense strength, he moved with an ease that made it look almost too natural, as if he were barely exerting himself.
Mrs. Jenkins, leaning against the front counter, fiddled with the remote, her brows furrowing. The television flickered as she switched channels, settling on a news report that seemed to have captured her attention. A grim-faced anchor, his voice heavy with concern, delivered the latest updates from Star City.
"Breaking news tonight out of Star City, where authorities have reported the mysterious disappearance of several people near the outskirts of the city. The missing individuals, ranging from hikers to local residents, have all vanished without a trace, raising fears of something more sinister lurking in the area. What's more troubling is the sudden absence of the Flash—Star City's protector—who has not been seen for weeks."
Kai's sharp ears perked up at the mention of The Flash, and he paused for a moment, setting the microwave down on the edge of the loading dock. His eyes narrowed slightly, his senses picking up on the tension in the anchor's voice.
The news cut to grainy footage taken from a helicopter flying over the outskirts of Star City, zooming in on an eerie pair of twin stone slabs that reached the skies that loomed over the forest. The towers were ancient, weathered by time, and etched with strange, glowing symbols that pulsed faintly, even in broad daylight.
The anchor's voice grew quieter, as if the weight of his words bore down on him.
"Authorities have discovered ruins near the city, these twin towers bearing symbols that no archaeologist or historian has been able to decipher. Some say the symbols seem… alive. Others claim they hear voices when they get too close. The ruins have been cordoned off as local law enforcement, alongside government specialists, investigate the area. There is speculation that the Justice League may be brought in to assess the situation due to the possible supernatural or alien nature of the ruins."
Kai's grip tightened on the crate he held, his mind racing. Those towers, those symbols—they seemed familiar. His Valorian senses stirred deep within him, awakening something ancient, something primal. He didn't recognize the language, but the energy radiating from the symbols had the same eerie, otherworldly quality as the rift from the Orc invasion in New York.
Could this be another breach? Another tear between dimensions or worlds? His people had warned him of more incursions from inferior species, but this seemed different—darker. The vanishing of civilians and the disappearance of one of Earth's mightiest heroes, The Flash, were no coincidences.
Mrs. Jenkins, oblivious to his thoughts, shook her head and muttered, "Terrible business, that. People just disappearing… And where's that Flash fella when you need him? Poor souls."
Kai remained silent, though his mind was anything but quiet. His enhanced senses stretched out, searching, probing for anything that might connect these ruins to something larger. He could almost feel the power emanating from Star City, even though it was miles away. A faint hum, like a distant storm crackling just on the edge of his awareness.
The news report continued, shifting to a press conference where a grim-faced police chief stood at a podium, flanked by Star City officials. His voice was steady but filled with a tension that betrayed the unease gripping the city.
"We urge citizens to remain calm," the chief said, his words clipped, as if he were carefully choosing each one. "We are working with all available resources to locate the missing and to ensure the safety of everyone in the city. We advise people to stay indoors and avoid the outskirts until we can confirm the area is safe. We are also in contact with the Justice League for further assistance."
The camera panned to the side, catching a glimpse of Green Arrow stepping into a black SUV, his face grim. He didn't speak to reporters, but his presence alone was enough to stir rumors that whatever was happening in Star City wasn't just a local problem anymore. The League was getting involved.
"Looks like more trouble on the way," Mrs. Jenkins sighed, shaking her head as she folded her arms. "When are things ever going to settle down?"
Kai didn't answer, though the question lingered in his mind. There was always something, always a new threat, a new disaster waiting to unfold. Earth seemed to be a magnet for chaos, a fragile planet balanced on the edge of destruction at all times.
But something about this… this felt different. Not like the random incursions or alien attacks. This felt deliberate, like the opening moves of a much larger game. The towers, the symbols, the disappearances—they were connected, and Kai had no doubt that whatever was behind it had a purpose.
He felt the familiar voice whispering in the back of his mind, urging him to act, to step in before it was too late. His mission was to protect this world until his people arrived—but with each passing day, he found himself questioning just what that meant. Was protecting this world simply a matter of holding back invasions? Or was there something more? Something deeper?
The report ended with the anchor reminding viewers to stay vigilant and report any unusual activity to the authorities. The screen cut to commercial, and Mrs. Jenkins switched off the TV, muttering under her breath as she went back to her crossword puzzle.
Kai, however, was already thinking ahead. The twin towers, the ruins—they were a signal. He could feel it in his bones. Whatever was coming next would make the Orc invasion look like a minor skirmish.
He finished unloading the truck, his movements quick and efficient. But his mind was elsewhere—already planning his next move. He couldn't sit idle any longer. Not when the pieces were already moving on the board.
As the sun began to set, casting a reddish hue over the city, Kai made a quiet decision. Tonight, he would investigate the ruins in Star City. Whatever was happening there, it was tied to something bigger—something ancient.
And if it had anything to do with the Rift and the forces lurking on the other side, then Kai Vel—Alexander—would be ready.
The question wasn't whether he would act. The question was how.