Broken Worlds

Chapter 11: where dandelions fly

Warning: this scene may be uncomfortable and or graphic for some, so please skip if you have to.

The air crackled with tension as Suki and Elena entered the magical vehicle, a sleek contraption that shimmered with ethereal light. It was one of  Elenas favorite models, a fusion of wood and metal that seemed to hum with energy, as if it were alive. Suki settled into the driver's seat, his fingers dancing over the controls, and Elena took a deep breath, steeling herself for the world that awaited them.

"Hold on tight!" Suki called out, a grin spreading across his face as he activated the vehicle's magic. With a sudden jolt, they surged forward, the world outside blurring into a ton of colors and shapes. The sensation was exhilarating, the rush of wind whipping through Elena's hair as they sped toward the heart of the turmoil.

But as they drew closer to the chaos, the atmosphere shifted. The vibrant colors of Fungaloria faded into a grim tableau of destruction. Dark clouds loomed overhead, crackling with energy as emergency alarms blared in the distance—a cacophony of warning signals that sent shivers down Elena's spine. Something unnatural was at play, a force that twisted the very fabric of their world.

"What's happening?" Elena shouted over the roar of the vehicle, her heart racing as she clutched the edge of her seat. The urgency in Suki's expression mirrored her own rising panic.

"I don't know, but we need to get there fast!" he replied, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them. He maneuvered the vehicle through the streets, deftly avoiding debris and frantic citizens who rushed past, their faces etched with fear and confusion.

As they approached the wall that separated districts, the scene that greeted them was one of utter devastation. Buildings lay in ruins, their once-vibrant colors dulled by soot and ash. The air was thick with the stench of smoke and despair, and Elena's heart sank as she took in the sight before her.

"Look!" Suki pointed ahead, his voice rising. A massive pole stood at the center of a gathering crowd, its surface marred by dark stains that spoke of violence and loss. Citizens huddled together, their expressions a mixture of grief and horror, their voices rising in a chorus of despair.

Without a second thought, Suki slammed the vehicle to a halt, and they both jumped out, adrenaline coursing through their veins. The moment Elena stepped onto the cobblestones, the weight of the situation crashed over her like a tidal wave. She felt small and insignificant amidst the chaos, her heart pounding in her chest as she scanned the crowd for familiar faces.

"Stay close!" Suki shouted, but Elena was already drawn toward the pole, her feet moving almost of their own accord. The closer she got, the more the reality of the situation set in, a sickening knot forming in her stomach.

As she pushed through the throngs of people, she caught snippets of conversation—words of loss, cries of anguish, and shouts of anger. "Who could do such a thing?!" one fairy wailed, tears streaming down her face. "We have to do something!" another voice echoed, filled with urgency.

Elena's heart raced as she reached the front of the crowd, her eyes locking onto the pole. What she saw made her stomach churn. Tied to the pole was a figure, lifeless and still, their skin dulled and lifeless, his cracked lips stuck in an eerie smile. The sight was grotesque, a stark reminder of the strange things that had unfolded.

A single dandelion floated by her face, its delicate seeds dancing in the air. She caught it in her hand, studying it as if it held the answers to the chaos surrounding her. Finally she remembered her conversation with the stranger. "One idiot down," she murmured, her voice barely audible as a tear escaped her eye, trailing down her cheek. The pain of the moment washed over her, a wave of sorrow that threatened to drown her.

"Elen—" Suki started, but his voice was drowned out by the screams of a woman nearby. And without thinking, Suki dashed forward to help her.

"Stay here!" he called back, but Elena was rooted to the spot, her gaze locked on the dandelion that is now in her hand. She felt a mix of anger and despair bubbling within her, a primal urge to fight against the injustice that had unfolded.

The air was thick with confusion and dread as not one, but two explosions reverberated through the streets of Fungaloria. Elena's heart raced, each beat a drum of panic that drowned out the chaos around her. She had barely grasped the gravity of the situation when the ground shook beneath her feet, sending vibrations through her core. The world she knew had transformed into a nightmare in mere moments.

A thick fog of smoke a debris headed their way. Some ran, and some except their fates as It came full speed. Elena was one who knew running was pointless. She covered her eyes and braced herself for the strong gust of wind. The wind was so strong she had to hold on to her bandages, and she nearly flew away.
The wind stopped but the smoke remained.

"Everyone get down!" A command sliced through the thick smoke like a knife , and instinctively, Elena dropped to the ground, her heart pounding in her chest. She could barely see through the swirling smoke and debris, but the urgency in the voice resonated deep within her.

As she crouched low, her mind raced with thoughts of survival. The acrid scent of dust filled her lungs, making each breath feel like a struggle. She heard the frantic shouts of the crowd, the cries of those who were injured, and the desperate pleas for help. Fear gripped her heart, but she fought against it, focusing instead on the voice that had commanded attention.

In the midst of the chaos, a whoosh of air swept through the debris, slicing the smoke in two. Elena squinted against the sudden brightness and saw a figure standing defiantly in the center of the commotion. It was Suki, his clothes torn and stained, his expression a mix of determination and exhaustion. He held his sword, the blade glinting ominously in what little light was left, yet the sword now seemed to weigh heavily in his grip.

Elena's heart raced as she took in the scene around her. The aftermath of the confrontation with the stranger  had left the square in a state of disarray. People were scattered across the ground, some trembling, their hands pressed against their heads as if trying to block out the chaos that had erupted around them. The air was thick with a palpable tension, a mix of fear and uncertainty that hung over them like a dark cloud.

"Everything. Is okay," Suki's voice cut through the air, a soothing balm amidst the turmoil. His tone was steady, calm, and Elena felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. She believed him, even as the remnants of dread clung to her heart like a shadow.

Was Suki always this attractive? The thought flitted through her mind, distracting her from the chaos. She had always admired his bravery, though he is usually shy, in that moment, as he stood with a fierce determination etched across his face, she found herself captivated by the strength he exuded. But just as quickly as the admiration blossomed, it was cut short.

Suki suddenly staggered, his expression shifting from resolute to faint. Panic surged through Elena as she instinctively rushed to his side, her heart pounding in her chest. "Suki! You did good," she whispered, her voice trembling as she knelt beside him. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, and she felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her.

He smiled weakly, his eyes fluttering closed as he sank to the ground. "Elena..." he murmured, the strength in his voice fading. She quickly shifted him onto her lap, cradling his head against her, feeling the warmth of his body against her.

"I'm here. I'm here," she urged, her fingers brushing through his hair. The world around them faded into a blur as she focused solely on him. She could hear the distant cheers of the crowd, the sounds of gratitude and relief, but all that mattered was the boy who had saved them.

"That boy saved us," a woman's voice called out from the small group of civilians that had gathered nearby. Elena glanced up to see a gratitude on their faces, their expressions a mix of awe and appreciation. They were rallying together, a sense of unity blossoming among them as they began to cheer for Suki, their voices rising in a chorus of gratitude.

The vibrant cheers of the crowd echoed around Elena, a cacophony of relief and joy that felt so distant from the turmoil churning within her. She sat on the floor holding her friend tightly. "He won't get away with this," she crushed the soft white dandelion that she caught earlier.

Not long after, healers arrived along with a search party. To help recover as many as they could. It was a devastating night in Fungaloria that carried on till morning.