Minnow and Corbin: Epilogue

A/N: Here it is. The epilogue. I finally did it. AGH this was so much work. But it was fun, and my writing probably improved a lot. And I'm really proud of it! 26 pages and 6500 words! WOOHOO!

The desert. Hot, desolate. Grave markers peeking out of the sand. A star shot over the dunes, bright and burning. It came to rest behind a hill. And behind that hill, up came a Traveler. It was Minnow, a red cloak. She sat in the sand and looked around. The sand shimmered like the surface of a still pond. The sun glared down at her from it’s lofty perch in the sky. She stood, swishing her cloak. She had finally gotten all the patterns.

Climbing the large dune in front of her, she saw the Mountain, tall and proud. Her destination. She slid down the dune and through the grave markers. A small symbol would glow on a marker whenever she brushed past it. She collected the first part of her scarf and made her slow to the Ruin. She sat at the Ancestor stone, watching the first vision. As it faded, the gate clanked open. She walked through the hall and back into the harsh sunlight. She stood on the edge of the first bridge segment, looking at the canyon walls, the tall bridges in the distance, and the awe-inspiring sandfalls on the other side.

Minnow’s gaze shifted to the canyon floor, and all of a sudden, a flood of memories rushed through her. She remembered. She remembered Corbin. She gripped the necklace he had given her, swaying slightly.

She had met him here. He had startled her, and Minnow wasn’t happy about that, but he apologized and they became companions. They fixed the bridge quickly and easily, and sped into the next area. Somewhere between the first few kites and the small tower, Corbin showed her a beautiful, mysterious flower. Then they made their way down the Road of Trials, and Minnow had more fun than ever before. While in the Underground, she had gotten hit by a Guardian. That was painful, but Corbin was there for her. After that, they scaled the tower and were out onto the base of the Mountain. And… then she yelled at him for some reason, and she left, getting lost and nearly freezing up. But he had come back, and together they faced the Deathmarch, and reached the Summit.

What a wonderful Journey they had. Minnow looked at the Mountain, holding back tears. A sick feeling filled her as she remembered she would never see Corbin again. Never? Did he really say never?

---------------------------------------

Now, Corbin, as you may well have noticed, is not a normal Wayfarer. Far from it, in fact. Aside from the fact that he has special cloak patterns, he leads a guild of explorers. They possess an odd ability that allows them to access areas that they shouldn’t be able to. They find the entrances to the Glitch World, and have a special base of operations.

It had been weeks since Corbin had returned from his Journey with Minnow. He had gone on countless Journeys, guided countless red cloaks, and the parting always hurt, but never for long. Not like now. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. She was different, and weeks later, the pain of leaving her was still there, hovering over him like a cloud. To make matters worse, he was having trouble sleeping, and it was affecting him greatly. Every night, he lay awake, staring at the stars, trying to think of a way to see her again.

Then, on one such sleepless night, an idea struck him. He bolted out of his bed (which was really a collection of carpets) and called for Harold. The brown umbrella-wielding Wayfarer was at his side in an instant.

What is it? What’s wrong? He snapped. (A/N: He has a British accent, FYI)

Which portal leads to the Great Library?

The one behind the shattered pillar - why?

The words were barely out of his mouth when Corbin dashed away, leaping into the portal and out of sight.

Corbin - wait! He followed hurriedly.

The Great Library is an impressive sight. It is a series of long halls with high ceilings, much like the Hall of Machines, or as most call it, the Underground. Shelves line the walls, piled with scrolls, tapestries, books, and anything thing else that contained knowledge. Once it was orderly and clean, but now much of the items were on the floor in large heaps.

By the time Harold had arrived, Corbin was already rooting around, searching for something. Dash it all, Corbin! You’ve been acting absolutely wonky lately!

Me? Wonky? He glared up at him.

Yes! You haven’t found anything new, you’ve been grouchy and overbearing, you haven’t even bothered guiding any first lives, and this has all been since you returned from your previous Journey! What happened?

Corbin didn’t respond.

What was her name… ah… Minnow! Yes. This is about that Minnow girl, isn’t it?

He paused and looked at him, then returned to sifting through scrolls. Yes.

What crazy scheme is cooking in your noggin now?

There has to be a way… there has to be… He was talking to himself now. If I… well… no… that won’t… where…

Harold watched him push farther into the jumble of items and followed. Corbin’s ideas were often dangerous and unreasonable, but when he got an idea in his head, there was no stopping him. Corbin! Answer me!

He halted and turned around, a glint in his eyes. Where would I find a scroll on Glitch Magic?

Wha- Glitch Magic? Why? You’re not going to try and use it, are you? We don’t even fully understand it!

Yes yes, but given time, I can figure it out!

Harold was fed up with him now. I have quite enough of this nonsense! What are you going to do?

Ah! Alright! I’ll tell you! Corbin was startled by the sudden change. It sounds crazy but I can make it work! I’m going to use Glitch Magic to… to open a portal, I guess… into Minnow’s world. So I can get her and bring her here. To the Guild.

What?! You can’t do that! It’s impossible! It’s never been done! He stared at him incredulously.

Of course it’s never been done! No one’s tried!

But it’s not possible!

Corbin smacked at a stack of books, sending pages fluttering up. Yes it is! It has to be! He returned to scouring, then something caught his eye. He pulled it out from the heap in a flourish. Aha! This can help!

He sat on the floor and began rifling through the pages. It was a small book. The cover was a deep green, bound in bronze, but time had worn at it, and it wasn’t so pretty anymore. He blew on the cover, sending up a thick cloud of dust, and opened it. The pages were yellowed and stiff, and much the ink had faded away. Diagrams and notes were scribbled on the sides and in empty spaces.

Harold sat down next to him. Corbin, you’re not seriously considering this, are you? What you’re going to do… it could rip a hole in reality! Send us all spinning out of control! He gestured wildly.

Rip a hole in reality? Since when have we cared about that?

Since always! Well… I do.

Harold, I’ll never see Minnow again otherwise. I’ve got to try… because… well…  

You love her.

He stared at him, eyes wide, shocked at the statement. I… I guess I do…

Harold sighed, then stood. Looks like I won’t be convincing you out of this one. This may not be the smartest idea, but for your sake, I hope it works. He patted his shoulder and left.

The white cloak watched until he was out of sight, then looked back at the book, full of ancient Rythulian text, its secrets waiting to be unlocked. We will see each other again, Minnow. He whispered. I promise you.

-END-