The Parallel Paths

Missing

Day five since they were transported into this other world. Today was the day they actually interact with the townfolks and embark on their long awaited journey into the village.

The village was massive, which sorta explained why it was ranked one of the top three most advanced and powerful places in Lemuria, Zack had at least heard from a passerby. Elara looked out the window down at the city below, instantly being hit with a gush of wind forcing its way into the hotel room. When she regained her momentum, she could finally get a glimpse of the village below.

The village was nestled between trees, their branches reaching so high up into the sky that their leaves covered the sunlight, only soft light rays peeking through the cracks of the leaves causing a mythical yet majestic serene. Inside this enclosed village were multiple little houses, some big some small. Leading farther out of the village were waterfalls and farm land, it seems that this biome was an island— at least the village was. When the place expanded out, it seemed to be solid land, multiple bridges leading out of the village.

"Hm.. I wonder what's hiding under there." Muttered Elara, her eyes narrowing the longer she stared down at the glowing water below. Suddenly she was snapped out of her gaze when a hand gently placed on her shoulder.

"It's pretty isn't it?" Muttered a familiar voice.

Elara quickly snapped her head around to see Alice standing next to her. Her hand was cold, her eyes looked tired, honestly she looked like shit.

"Yeah.. uh, are you ok? You seem pretty tired." Elara questioned cautiously, not wanting to provoke or scare her, causing her to shut away.

She was quiet for a little, only staring down at the city below. Elara kept her eyes on hers, examining the dark circles under her eyes that seemed darker than usual.

"I don't feel too good, i'll stay in the hotel for today." She muttered after a while, not even daring to shift her gaze back to Elara.

Elara was confused, why would she stay back? The look in her eyes seemed exhausted though so she decided not to pry into it. Though a growing concern for her started to rise.

"I-" Elara was going to ask her burning questions but bit her tongue, not because it was rude but because Alice didn't even bother to glance once.

It's almost like she knew what was coming, the same old speech Elara would give.

Elara sighed, not knowing how to deal with her emotions, she was usually the best when it came to people's feelings but this one.. maybe it was best to drop it.

"I'll bring you back something okay?" Elara muttered back, shifting her eyes away from Alice.

Alice didn't reply and just simply nodded.

'What is with this girl?' thought Elara, a look of confusion plastered across her face the longer she stared.. it was impressive how Alice hadn't looked back even once.

The door soon slammed open, interrupting the little moment Alice and Elara were having with Zack's booming voice.

"What's taking you homo's so fucking long? I'm gonna leave your asses if you don't hurry the hell up."

Elara rolled her eyes at Zack then slowly turned her body to meet his annoyance, her expression matching his. Alice was still quiet, staring down at the village below.

"Someone just learned cuss words." Elara muttered sarcastically, walking past Zack who was lingering in the doorway.

Zack's eyes followed her, his teeth gritting in annoyance at her smug comeback though, he was too eager to start an argument and hold up time when he could be exploring that village.