When Everything Burns {Mianite/CaptainFoxx} ✔

Chapter 13: Broken Men

Chapter 13: Broken Men

(Andor's POV)

     I put Tucker's left arm around my shoulders, and he leaned into me for support. "Alright," I grunted with the added weight setting me off balance, "let's get you over to Declan." We hobbled out the still-open doors, and set off down the hill towards Dagrun. Had Tucker not been bleeding profusely and muttering profanities every now and then, I may have been able to enjoy the walk.

     As we reached the wooden bridge leading into the damaged town, Tucker motioned to stop. He leaned up against one of the crumbling stone walls, before wrapping his arm around the back of my neck once again.

     "Hey, Andor?" I turned my head slightly to indicate that I was listening. "Is something up with Sparklez?"

     I sighed. That question is proving to be of more importance every second. "There is not enough information as of yet. Give it time. I can assure you, however, that he would never hurt you with intention of doing so." He nodded slightly, and we turned the last corner before reaching the priest's house.

     The one known as Champwan, Declan's assistant, was just leaving. He took one look at Tucker and opened the door once more to allow us in. The red-headed Mianitee clomped down the chairs. "Did you forget something, Ryley?" He froze on the bottom stair when he caught sight of my ailing companion and I. "What happened this time?" Declan and Champwan worked together to lift Tucker onto a nearby bed, then the priest's assistant left on the chore he had set off towards before our strange duo appeared.

     I followed Declan to a small back room as he went to get bandages and various other medicines. I leaned against the doorway as he began routing through a chest. "Prince Andor, seeing as though you were the one to bring him here, are you aware of what happened?" His voice was muffled by the fact that his head was in a chest, but he soon stood up and paused near me, awaiting my answer.

     "He angered Mister Sparklez at... an inopportune time." He seemed taken aback.

     "Really? He must have done something noteworthy to drive Sparklez to violence." I wasn't about to admit that he received such a beating over a single punch and harsh words.

     I stepped out into Dagrun's streets to give him more space to heal Tucker. Looking around, for the first time I was truly able t see just how fragile our realm had become. The ground was dry and cracked, and nearly all wildlife- both plant and animal- ceased to exist. Many of the townsfolk had packed up and left, resulting in many abandoned houses, a couple of which were boarded up or in disrepair. The town that my grandfather had worked so hard to built fell into despair so quickly, taking with it the wellbeing of everyone in Ruxomar.

     My trance was broken by an estranged cry from inside Declan's house. I sighed. 'May as well go check on Jordan.' Spreading the white wings he had given me as a parting gift, I flew back towards the two towers. The door was still wide open when I got there, so made sure to close it behind me as I entered. Pacing footsteps could be heard from one of the floors above. I stepped on the elevator, and shot up to Guard Tom's old room. Sparklez was pacing back and forth relentlessly, and was seemingly unaware of my presence.

     I leaned against the doorframe and examined him. His posture was rigid, something he did unintentionally when he was stressed or angry. His blue eyes were repeatedly softening and hardening, giving away the inner debate he no doubt was having. His left hand was shakily tugging on the hem of his jacket, while his other hand repeatedly ran through his now fully blood-red hair, and he fiercely bit his lip. 'I doubt that I've ever seen him this distressed, besides when our Lady perished.' I cleared my throat, and he finally took notice of me.