Just as Ethan was about to topple over, the creepy girl grabbed his shirt with inhuman speed and strength. She also stopped on a dime, Ethan only had a moment to realize this before he heard a squeal and a large explosion.

An instant later and Serafina was pressing him against the wall, shielding him with her body, her hair and clothing blowing in the back-blast from the explosion. She was much stronger than someone would expect from her small frame.

Wait, explosion? What the hell was going on here? Ethan was utterly befuddled. Again, Serafina moved with startling speed, apparently running the opposite direction of the explosion.

Slowly, still slightly dazed by the strange direction his day had taken, Ethan turned his head to follow Serafina’s dashing legs. She’s kinda cute, in a gothic, plain sort of way Ethan shook his head. Explosions! More important things.

There seemed to be something at the end of the road, large and spindly with dull gray and brown splotches. Ethan’s view was obscured by smoke.