The sun above blistered the world below. Cars traveled down highways that lead around town and straight into the downtown area and if you were to stand close to the highway, you would notice the little streams of the mirage that covered the horizon in the roadway. Casual honks were heard as traffic was beginning to clog up the veins of the city, delaying them and reducing the speed limit. Citizens were just now getting off of work and were heading home to their families, to relax, and just seclude themselves from the world after working their asses off.
People were anxious to get home. Having to sit in the same spot for ten or more minutes would suck on a hot summer day. Your air conditioner would be blasting on high and your car would drink up gas. But who needs gas or air conditioning when you have a Zbornak and her pal roaming the hot streets of Clifton.
"Boy, it sure is hot. My legs are killing me!" Sylvia announced as they finally crossed the busy street.
The buildings towered above. Pedestrians lined the streets and quite a few of them maneuvered themselves from the traffic on the sidewalks. Most of them were fanning themselves with the flyers that they received at the entrance. An art show was being displayed in a portion of the area, that is why there were so many citizens walking across the streets and down the narrow sidewalks. Cars sat still in their spots in the road for minutes before moving a single inch. A nearby taxi driver hit his steering wheel in frustration, wanting his cab to turn into a monster truck and just make himself a way out.
Wander and Sylvia turned the corner and saw the huge masses of people, lined up and fanning themselves from the heat.
"Wow, what are these fine folks waiting on?" Wander asked Sylvia, looking around for a source.
"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe it's a gathering of some sort." Sylvia guessed. A few honks were heard from down the crowded street.
"Come on, already!" An impatient driver groaned, followed by a long honk. The duo slowly made their way to what seemed to be the source of the attraction. As they got closer, Wander began to see art pieces being displayed underneath multicolored tents which blew ever so slightly in the thankful breeze.
"Sylvia! Look!" Wander pointed and squealed as he saw the beautiful shapened sculptures and amazing drawings that were painted on different canvases. "Isn't this awesome?!"
"Yeah, it sure is. Somebody has a thing for talent. I always wished I was able to do something as good as this." Sylvia replied with a hushed tone. Wander frowned.
"Syl, you ARE good at something. You are good at being my companion and my best friend! You are willing to enjoy life as we know it! We're like two peas in a pod!" Wander enthusiastically responded. He continued, "I haven't found my special talent for a long time. But that day will come! I'm sure of it!"
Sylvia smiled and embraced her friend with powerful words.
"Now let's get moving! We still gotta big day ahead for us!" Wander smiled, taking off his hat and waving it in the air. The star nomad pulled out his bottle of Orbbal Juice and noticed something, the bottle was empty. Wander held it upside down and realized that not even a single drop leaked out. Wander frowned and remembered the terrifying dream he had last night. The same thing happened: an Orbbal Juice shortage.
"How are we suppose to travel fast enough to get to where we need to go?" Wander thought to himself. "That dream... what if it's coming true?"
"Well, you just had a nightmare. That is all. No worries, buddy."
"Hmm... well, like I said, it was just a nightmare. You said it yourself, you don't believe it so there should be no worries."
Wander remembered what Sylvia had told him. He didn't want to believe himself by revisiting that awful dream. Flashes of explosions occurred in the back of Wander's concerned mind. Residual screaming was heard, but only by the nomad. Wander looked around, after his sudden trance, and gazed back at the audience of people that surrounded the tents. People chatted faintly and then a sudden image of blood and an empty street shocked Wander's vision. The true image returned and the people continued with their day at the art festivity.
"Just take it easy Wander, it's nothing to be afraid of," he thought to himself, "it was just a dream, nothing more." He laughed nervously and looked forward, refusing to look back while Sylvia continued forward.
_
A skull ship flew above the ground and fired laser beams at the forested area. Trees were snapped in half and fires grew, spreading from leaf to leaf. Wildlife ran out of their forested home and ran to safety. The engine roared as the ship made a sharp left turn.
"PEEPERS." Lord Hater yelled.
"Yes, sir?" Hater's first in command asked.
"Be sure to inform the soldiers that we are approaching Clifton soon. Get them ready."
"On it."