Broken Worlds

Chapter 12: The Beans prt. 1

In the vibrant jungle outside of the great country of Wilder Main, the sun broke through the thick canopy of trees, casting dappled patterns of light across the lush undergrowth. The air was rich with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, a symphony of colors and sounds that echoed the beauty of the wild. Amidst this natural wonder stood a unique structure—a laboratory with a dome-shaped roof made entirely of reflective panels. It gleamed like a jewel in the morning light, a stark contrast to the wild surroundings.

Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The walls were lined with shelves filled with jars of strange concoctions, each labeled with intricate symbols and colorful tags. A series of tables were cluttered with various tools, plants, and artifacts collected from both the fairy realm and the human world. It was a place where magic and science intertwined, where the mysteries of both realms were explored and understood.

At the center of this bustling lab was a young woman with turquoise hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. She had just returned from a journey, her backpack slung over one shoulder as she stepped through the door, letting out a relieved sigh. The weight of her adventures melted away as she took in the familiar sights and sounds of her sanctuary.

"Good to be back," she murmured, a smile spreading across her face. With a quick flick of her wrist, she released her hair from the confines of a ponytail holder, letting it fall freely around her shoulders. She dropped down into a rolling chair, its wheels gliding smoothly across the polished floor.

As she settled in, her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Fairies would trade anything for human objects and treats," she giggled, her voice light and playful. The thrill of her recent adventures still coursed through her veins, and she couldn't wait to share her findings with anyone who would listen.

With a flourish, she reached into her empty backpack and pulled out a ziplock bag, the contents shimmering in the soft light of the lab. "Look at these!" she exclaimed, holding the bag up for inspection. Inside were an array of colorful beans, each one glistening like stars captured in a night sky. The vibrant hues ranged from deep purples to electric blues, each bean a testament to the wonders of this strange world.

"I traded all of my belongings for these," she laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

She carefully opened the bag, the earthy aroma of the beans wafting into the air. As a scientist she found everything about them interesting.
"These little things start wars between far folk, and I happened to come upon them so easily. These things are going to change everything" she exaggerates.

The next day.
The sun had barely risen over the lush canopy of the jungle, casting dappled light across the path as a young girl made her way through the underbrush. Her backpack bounced against her back with each step, the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs punctuating her journey. "Jeez Louise," she grunted, pushing aside a particularly stubborn vine that seemed determined to trip her up. "Why does it always feel like I'm hiking through a jungle gym?"

With a dramatic huff, she stumbled forward, her arms flailing slightly as she regained her balance. The girl had a short dread locs that caught the sunlight, framing her face in a halo of chaos. She was clad in a orange tank top and cargo shorts, her boots scuffed from countless adventures.

As she approached the dome-shaped lab, a familiar sense of excitement bubbled within her. The shimmering panels reflected the sunlight, making it look almost camouflaged against the backdrop of the vibrant jungle. "Home sweet home," she muttered under her breath, a grin spreading across her face as she pushed through the door.

The moment she stepped inside, the scent of herbs and potions enveloped her, a comforting aroma that reminded her of countless afternoons spent experimenting with Mary. "I'm starving; I could eat a cow," she whined dramatically, her stomach grumbling in agreement. She made her way through the cluttered space, her eyes scanning the familiar shelves lined with jars of colorful concoctions.

"Oh, great," she said, spotting Mary's empty backpack sprawled on the floor. "Mary made it back before me? I thought I was early." A twinge of disappointment flickered in her chest. She had hoped to surprise her friend with a grand entrance, but it seemed that the tables had turned.

Before she could dwell on it too much, something shiny caught her eye from across the room. A glimmer of color amidst the chaos drew her in like a moth to a flame. She turned her head, her mouth watering at the sight of a bowl filled with an assortment of colorful jelly beans sitting atop a cluttered table.

Her eyes widened, and a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Well, I'm sure Mary wouldn't mind," she giggled, her voice tinged with playful mischief. Without a second thought, she scampered over to the table, her curiosity piqued by the array of flavors that awaited her.

As she reached the bowl, she couldn't help but admire the vibrant colors—reds, greens, blues, and yellows all jostled together in a sugary embrace. "They look so delicious!" she exclaimed, her fingers dancing over the surface of the beans, contemplating which flavor to try first. "Maybe the red one? Or the green? Oh, who am I kidding? I'll just take a handful!"

With a gleeful laugh, she scooped up a generous handful of the jelly beans, popping them into her mouth without hesitation.

She could taste it. Some beans sour, some bitter. She almost spat them out. Until the thought of when she would have her next meal came up. "Well it's not granny's Sunday dinner, but they'll do" She admits.