Fracturoad

Day 3 - a clue?

"Come on spit it out then. What kind of clue"

He waited impatiently for the anxious squid to flip through his notes once more, this guy sure is a weirdo, but no matter, as long as information is acquired to solve this big mess he'll be willing to spare some of his patience.

"the humans made many ancient mechanics. One of them being this smoke machine. Though I am unaware what this machine would do in the human era. I'm almost certain its smoke was not meant for what's happening in the city currently. The smoke must be caused by nether gems!'

"nether gems? the ones in fairytales? said to grant the possessors untold powers that no one should ever have? thanks for the reminder but I'm not interested in child stories."

"No you don't understand! its the only thing that explains the energy radiating from the entire city. nothing else in history can compare!"

"...I'll take your word for now. I suppose you should join me and Prince until further notice. Three squids are better than two."

"very well, thank you for your invite"

Rider and Goggles have been walking in a single direction for seemed like hours, stopping once or twice for fruits from the trees as snacks. So far they haven't encountered anything besides a few jellies. Which they quickly moved along not wanting anymore trouble.

"Rider are we there yet?"

Goggles said as they passed another clearing with no survivors, Rider was getting tired of his constant complaining even though its been long past the point of their rivalry. Peace for an hour or two would help with the questions he's trying to answer in his head. Soon enough he blocked Goggles noise out and started to think to himself. But without looking he tripped over and fell onto someone. A certain pink squid who was as surprised as he was.

"You're alive?!"

They said in unison. Rider helping the other up. Midora and Skull waking up from the commotion soon being tackled in a hug by Goggles. The blue being unaware he tackled a complete stranger. Midora let out a screech before Skull pulled them out of the hug and briefly introduced her to the other two who awkwardly waved back. How old was she anyway. Honestly she definitely looked like prince's age. Which was only confirmed when he compared her to Goggles height. Quickly shaking his thought to access the situation once more keeping her by his side.

They exchanged theories and ideas in how to recover their mist covered city. Few staying silent and soaking in the information.

"Any thoughts? Midora? Anything u wanna add to the ideas?"

Aloha gestured with a smile. It has been quite a hassle trying to get this kid to talk, Skull doesn't seem to have a problem. But there were more pressing matters to care for social images right now.

She looked down at her seat on the grass seemingly thinking about something. Skull opened his mouth to tell Aloha to move on but she spoke. Albeit few words, loud enough for everyone to hear properly.

"Dark magic."
"Magic? How so?"

Skull asked, though weary about the sincerity of her answer. She fumbled with her pendent a while.

"Midora hasn't sensed magical energy this concentrated radiating from anywhere in her life-"

She stopped before when Rider gave a slight look of disapproval.

"Kid this is a serious issue. If you didn't have any good ideas you could have just said so."
"But!-"
"Rider. Its a child you can't do this."
"...sorry Skull i got ahead of myself."

Midora stayed quiet for that meeting playing with the zipper on her backpack silently. Skull pitied her and gave her a pat on the shoulder for comfort which she smiled at.

They spoke for a couple minutes more before they heard rustling from the bushes nearby. The ones that had weapons quickly braced for an attack only to realise it to be the monarchs along with the strange technologist whose only concern was his notes.

Prince was the most confused in this situation and mostly just kept to his brothers side. But his eyes lingered on the girl. She was calm, unlike him who still struggled to comprehend the situation. Like she wasn't effected.

"Why don't Prince and Midora go pick some fruit for all of us. We should discuss our plans."
"Ok." "Yes brother."

The two quietly left the rather crowded group and walked along the narrow path. Midora led the way quietly pointing to the berries and fruits he should and shouldn't pick. Wanting to know more, against his better judgment he started small talk with her.

"How do you know so much about these plants?"
"Midora lingers here a lot."
"Why? Aren't you scared about what lives in here?"
"Why? Are you scared?"
"You avoided my question."
"No. Not scared."

She stopped talking when they reached an apple tree which she scaled without difficulty. Picking and dropping them into princes stretched hands

"Are you lying?"

He knew she'd probably not answer, they barely knew each other so he didn't mind. But when she finished picking the red fruit and climbed down the tree. She looked him in the eyes. Hers as yellow as the setting sun.

"Midora never lies."