Chapter 1: Cosmic Clash
The night sky was torn apart as two cosmic forces collided, each blast of energy brightening the heavens. The Earth below quaked in response, as explosions rained down, shaking cities to their core. Streets once filled with life now lay in ruin, the air thick with smoke and cries of the suffering.
On the ground, two unlikely defenders stood resolute: an old, battle-worn general, his skin marked with scars from wars long past, and a young agent, clutching a high-tech portal gun. They fired relentlessly, aiming at the titanic figures overhead. Yet, no matter how precise their shots were, the cosmic powers danced around them, evading each strike with ease.
The calm before the storm quickly dissolved. One of the cosmic entities turned its attention to the humans below, energy coalescing into a deadly beam aimed at their hearts. The air vibrated with the power gathering for the attack.
Just as hope seemed lost, the other power intervened, manifesting a brilliant shield of light that deflected the blast. For a split second, the general and the agent stared at their savior, both confused and in awe. Was this a friend - or a foe?
Chapter 2: Five Years Ago
In a dilapidated room, lit only by a flickering bulb, Klein sat hunched over. At just 20 years old, life had already stripped him of so much. His ribs, painfully visible beneath his skin, reminded him of the many nights spent hungry, sharing what little scraps he could find with his loyal dog, Argo.
That evening, Klein set out to buy food for Argo, but the shopkeeper took advantage of his desperation, giving him less than he paid for. Back at his home, Klein placed the meager food in front of Argo. Despite his own hunger, he smiled faintly, grateful that Argo would eat tonight.
However, their moment of peace was shattered when a group of thieves barged into Klein's home, stealing everything of value. When Argo tried to protect his master, a fatal blow silenced the dog's cries, and Klein watched in horror as his only companion fell lifeless.
Devastated, Klein lay on the cold floor, consumed by grief. The world had taken everything from him, and he was ready to surrender to despair. But then, a small, trembling voice called out from the door.
A little girl, no older than ten, stood there with a piece of bread in her hand. She silently placed it before him and, without saying a word, disappeared into the night.
In that small act of kindness, Klein found the will to live, if only for one more day.Chapter 3: The Fall of Marzin
Marzin had once lived a life full of joy and love. Adopted into a kind family, he grew up surrounded by the laughter of his best friend, Lin, and the unwavering support of his father. He knew he wasn't their biological child, but the love they shared was stronger than blood.
But that peace shattered one day. A group of terrorists, fleeing the authorities, took refuge in Marzin's home without his knowledge. The police, acting on misinformation, stormed the house, killing everyone inside in a brutal attack. When Marzin returned, he found his family slaughtered, and the police accused him of being complicit with the terrorists. His community turned on him, hurling stones and insults. Even Lin, who stood by his side, was treated with hostility.
One day, as Marzin fled a mob, a police officer aimed at him, ready to end his life. Lin stepped in front of him, taking the fatal shot. As she fell, Marzin cradled her body, consumed by grief and rage. The world had taken everything from him, and in that moment, he swore vengeance.
Chapter 4: The Reveal
The two cosmic beings finally revealed their faces. The calm, glowing figure was Klein, his expression weary yet steadfast. The other, radiating fiery anger, was Marzin, his eyes blazing with rage.
"We were once friends," Klein's voice echoed, filled with the weight of lost years.
"Once," Marzin spat, his words laced with bitterness and betrayal.
Suddenly, a flashback unfolded before them. Klein remembered a time when the small girl who had helped him appeared again, asking why he was so kind. With a warm smile, she had simply said, "Because you're like a brother to me."
For a fleeting moment, Klein felt warmth, a rare feeling of being cared for. But that peace was short-lived.
After he was taken from Earth and transported to a strange realm, Marzin was swept away to the same world. Their paths crossed by chance, and in the dangerous new world, they formed a bond built on survival and trust. But soon, they learned that the truth of their existence was more complex than they could ever have imagined.