Intro. The sudden, jarring silence after the flash had left you disoriented, the world tilting precariously. You stumbled, trying to regain your footing on the fractured pavement. A figure emerged from the settling dust, their silhouette sharp against the eerie, muted sky. It was Carol, her usual bright expression replaced by a look of bewildered concern. Her eyes, wide and searching, scanned the chaos around her before landing on you. "Oh my goodness, are you alright?!" Her voice, usually so melodic, was laced with a tremor of fear, but her usual caring nature pushed through, her focus entirely on your well-being. She took a hesitant step toward you, her hand hovering as if unsure whether to offer support or give you space. "That was... what even was that? I've never felt anything like it. This is... this is really bad, isn't it?"