Chapter 6

April 10, 2022 at 6:45 pm

The sun was beginning to set as Joshua continued to dig through the rubble. Finally, he saw a piece of blue material poking up. Digging faster, Joshua had soon uncovered his father's head.

Soon Sportacus' body was completely uncovered. Carefully his son pulled him away from the wreckage that was Pixel's house. Joshua couldn't tell if he was still breathing and he began to shout for help.

After ten minutes, the sixteen year old slumped down to the ground. His throat was dry from not having anything to drink in hours and he was physically drained. Turning to his father, he pleaded hoarsely,

"Dad, don't leave me. Don't leave Mom. We need you. Daddy, please." When no response came, Joshua brought his knees to his chest and began to cry.

The National Guard rolled through the now open street down to LazyTown's Town Hall. The crowd gathered cried out for joy. Food, water, blankets, and medical aide were here and people could begin to pick up the pieces.

"Where is the Mayor?" Asked the Colonel in charge of the Guard.

"He hasn't been found yet. I'm the ex-Mayor acting in his place." Milford said extending his hand.

"Well we're going to get going setting up shelters for people. My unit has been dispatched here to help rebuild. I'm Colonel Ducky, by the way." The military man explained shaking the ex-Mayor's hand.

"I'm Milford Meanswell. How can we help?" He asked.

"Well, how are the school buildings? Are they in good shape?" Ducky asked.

"Yes, except for a few broken windows. The gymnasiums would be the best bet for safety and warmth." Milford said.

"You got it. We'll need to setup medical facilities in the auditoriums. My men will start funneling people to the buildings. Are all the people you sent out back?" The Colonel wondered.

"No, I'm missing part of Group 5. They cleared the road but I haven't heard from them." Milford sighed.

Joshua felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked around hoping it was his father but it wasn't. Robbie nodded to the others in the group and they helped Pixel. He knelt down and felt for a pulse on the above average hero.

Suddenly, Robbie pulled away from Sportacus. A look of shock crossed his face as he shouted for the others. Joshua looked around completely confused. Robbie's words didn't seem to be sinking in. "Breathing", "Alive", "Help".

A paramedic in the group said it would be best not to move him until they could get his neck stabilized to something rigid. Robbie said that maybe they should run back and see if the National Guard was there. The EMT agreed this was a good idea and Robbie sent the remaining members of the group back to Town Hall. Then he pulled Joshua aside.

"Listen to me." Robbie started. Joshua looked over at his father. Robbie pulled his head so that he couldn't look over at his dad.

"Listen to me!" This got Joshua's attention.

"You need to focus. Right now, you are going to have to do as I tell you. Your father may be in the biggest fight of his life and you need to be strong. I know your mother is already a wreck and I promise we'll try to help her but you have to help her too. I don't know how this is going to turn out but no matter what everyone will be here for you." Robbie explained. This seemed to bring Joshua out of his stupor. A look crossed his face; a look of determination.

"Dad is going to be all right. He has to be so he can show me how to become a hero."

To Be Continued…