D:L&L - Part 15 | Narrator: NewsFlash

[Sound fades in: Crackling static, followed by the smooth hum of an old radio tuning into a station. A haunting, faint melody from the Munchkinland anthem plays before transitioning to the voice of the host.]

Host: “Good evening, citizens of Munchkinland. This is Rylin Teems reporting live from our very own Station YMG, bringing you updates from all across our verdant little land. Tonight… well, tonight, we have some rather peculiar and concerning developments to discuss. But first, let me remind you that Bright Lettins’ Candied Elixirs is sponsoring tonight’s program. When the world feels bleak, reach for the sweet glow of a Candied Elixir.”

[The sound of paper rustling as Rylin clears his throat.]

Host: “Now then. To the news. Reports are pouring in from Bright Lettins and surrounding regions of a strange purple haze blanketing the skies. Witnesses describe it as… luminous, like a bruise spreading across the horizon. Farmers near the Yellow Marshes claim crops have withered overnight. One farmer—a Mr. Beglin—claims his chickens have begun… well, eating each other. And to think, just last week we were marveling at Lettin’ spring harvest festival.”

[A nervous chuckle escapes his lips. In the background, faint shuffling noises can be heard.]

Host: “Now, folks, I don’t want to alarm anyone, but I must confess… the air outside this very studio feels… thick. Heavy. Like it’s pressing down on your chest, crawling into your lungs. Our beloved YBR is eerily quiet tonight, and—hold on… what’s this? A note just handed to me by our producer. Let’s see… ‘Stay indoors. Do not attempt to travel to Bright Lettins or its outlying villages. Lock your doors.’”

[The sound of Rylin’s chair creaking as he shifts uncomfortably.]

Host: “Well, listeners, that’s… certainly unusual. No additional context provided here, but… it’s our duty to keep you informed. Now, let’s see if—”

[A loud crash reverberates through the studio. Rylin’s voice catches.]

Host: “What in Oz…? Bertie, was that you? Listeners, I apologize for the commotion. Something just… shattered one of our outer windows. Bertie? Bertie, are you…”

[A muffled groan echoes faintly, growing louder.]

Host: “Bertie? Stop playing around. We’re live, for Lurline’s sake. Bertie? Is that… blood? Oh, stars above…”

[Suddenly, guttural growls rise in the background. The host’s breathing quickens.]

Host: “Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t… I don’t know how to describe this. Something… someone… has entered the studio. Their skin… gray as ashes. Their eyes. Red. Burning red. Bertie… dear, sweet Bertie is… Oh, stars help us, he’s one of them now. He’s… he’s coming closer. Bertie! No! Stay back! Stay—”

[A struggle ensues. The microphone clatters to the ground, picking up the distant growls and wet tearing sounds. Rylin screams, a high, primal sound of terror.]

Host (barely audible): “They’re… they’re everywhere. All of them. The haze… it’s not just fog… it’s them. They’re… coming. Run. Run, Munchkinland. Run for your lives.”

[The sound of static intensifies, drowning out the host’s voice. The feed cuts for a moment before returning to pure static.]