Young Writers Society

A Beach

Time Unknown

A gull cried out as the hot, steamy sun glared down upon Coryn's back. The soft sound of ocean waves quietly repeated themselves, the cool water nipping at his toes through his shoes. His eyes were blinded for a moment by the rays of light shining down upon the white sands. As he pushed himself off the ground, he noticed a shape in the distance, garbed in black. As it came closer, Coryn could see it was a woman.

"Stay where you are," the voice said sternly. It was familiar, but he could not place it. He knew her, he was sure of that much... But then he realized it was Sinestra, but younger. Years had been lost on her-- her wrinkles seemed to be ironed out, her hair was in a tight bun and dusty gray rather than white, and she held her head proudly in the air.

Sinestra? But how?! he thought, eyes widening. He ran a hand through his hair as if that'd make things become clearer-- but it didn't. She'd turned to dust and collapsed into the sea-- he'd seen it, the Wintermere lady had seen it, she couldn't be alive.

As she came within a few meters of him, he stared at her in wonder. The scent of raspberries drifted through the air, carried by a light breeze that drifted through the humid air. The woman still looked old, but she looked young, too, almost ageless. Her cane was gone, and the sword from her study now hung in a sheath at her waist.

"It's me," she said firmly, voice full of sympathy. Compassion flooded her eyes like a dam that had burst, and she offered him a gentle smile.

"I saw you die," he said quickly, unable to stop himself. "You died."

"Yes," she agreed, "I did die--"

"Then that means I'm dead, too!" Coryn panicked, breath quickening.

"No!" Sinestra snapped. "Don't be so ridiculous! You are not dead; I am. You are merely visiting me in the next life before moving on to Florida."

"...what's a Florida?" Coryn asked quietly.

Sinestra sighed. "I should've have covered a limited amount of American history and geography in my classes... Florida is a state in the United States of America-- or, rather, what's left of it at least. What Deserae did to you was an accident; she did not mean to send you anywhere, and even now she's worrying about how to get you back. I can send you back, if you wish, but I have a task for you."

Coryn looked at her for a moment, trying to read her face. "May I know what it is before I make a decision?" he asked.

The woman shook her head. "You would not accept it if you knew what it was; I have seen that path and studied it. If you are to take my place as a protector of the multiverses, you must take this task blindly-- in doing so, you will be prepared for this happening again in the future." She paused for a moment, deep in thought, eyebrows coming together as she chose her next words. "I will warn you that you will not see your family for some time. There is also every chance that you will not survive. This is dangerous work, but you will learn much; above all, you have desired knowledge these many years. Perhaps you will find that and more."

Knowledge? Coryn's eyes brightened, a small smile spreading over his face. "I'll do it."

Sinestra blinked. "...are you sure?" she asked skeptically.

"Yep," he replied.

"...okay. Er. Well," she chuckled nervously, "I must admit you've taken me by surprise. Uh... Ah, yes. Your task..." She reached into her robes and retrieved a gun. "This is a simple 10 milometer pistol with an increased ammo capacity. You'll need it, but I recommend you ask questions before you start shooting. You'll end up in Florida; I recommend if anyone asks for a backstory, you say you're from Orlando and have been traveling around since the bombs dropped. Questions so far?"

"Just one," Coryn said. "Will I be allowed to use magic?"

Sinestra tilted her head to the side. "Yes... but I believe you should use it reluctantly. If anyone sees you use it that can't be trusted..."

"Understood. So, what am I doing in this place called... Florida, was it?"

"You're going to find a way to head north into a city called Memphis. There, you'll meet two girls and start a journey west. What you do from there is your decision-- just fix it. Understood?"

Before he could reply, the woman snapped her fingers, and all went dark once more.

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I-95, Florida

September 22, 2020

He wasn't sure where he was, why he was moving, or why there was a bear-like man standing holding him, but Coryn did know that part of him wanted to murder Sinestra for flinging him off to God knows where. What had she called it? Florida? The air was freezing and the musky scent of sweat and deer. Cold blanketed Coryn like snow would blanket a city.

"Alistair, he's awake." A woman-- he couldn't see where-- had spoken. Her voice was soft and smooth, as if silk and honey had combined to create a sweet voice.

The man looked down at Coryn with narrowed, beady eyes. "I see. What's your name, kid? Can you walk?"

"I, uh... I c-can, sir," he coughed. "Er, would you m-mind p-putting me d-down?" The man leaned over a little bit so Coryn could stand on his own two legs, almost falling immediately. He caught himself on a tree, leaning against it for a moment "I-I'm fine."

"You don't look very fine," the man replied gruffly. Moonlight shone down on his face and mud caked his coal-colored boots. He was a giant, standing at least six and a half feet tall with broad shoulder. His blue eyes flickered like blue flames, curiously looking Coryn over like an animal he was hunting.

"Williams," the teen said, answering the man's other question. "Coryn Williams."

"It's nice to meet you Coryn," the woman's voice said again. Turning to the left of the man was a much shorter woman with pale hair and leaf green eyes. "My name is Luna Nightshade; this is my husband, Alistair."

"Pl-pleased to m-meet you," the teen shivered. Were these two people friends or foes? He wasn't sure... yet. "C-can you t-tell me which way is Memphis is?"

"We're going to Jackson," Luna said. "It's not too far from Jackson. Why don't you come with us?"