Robert Kearney, “Untitled”

UNTITLED

Robert Kearney

“Hey, come back here. Kid, I need that sword back.” I laugh while running away from security guards. My name is Kyrin West and when I grow up, I will be the greatest swordsman in this wasteland. “Damn this kid’s fast. But I’m faster—gotcha kid.’’ “Let go of me right now!” I said. “You’re going back to your cell,” the security guard said. As I get thrown back into my cell, I smell something and it’s not the “usual smell.” The wasteland usually smells like a forest with the hint of a dead water rat. But now, it smells like . . . gas. Pungent gas. “Everyone get back in your cells, this smell is The Paradox,” the security guards screamed. Wait, is The Paradox true? I’ve heard stories about it when guards were conversing. It’s a deadly gas, and if you inhale it, it closes up your lungs. You struggle to breathe. We’ve been avoiding it for years but it’s finally caught up to us. “Wait, Roy is still out there guys, let me out!” I scream. “We can’t let anyone out when The Paradox is near, that’s protocol.” I have to think of a plan and fast before Roy gets caught in The Paradox. “I have to use the bathroom.” “Kid, turn around—there’s a toilet behind you.” Okay, I can admit that wasn’t one of my best ideas, but I had to try. Wait a minute. I think I’m skinny enough to slip through the bars. Before I try, I need something to distract the guards.

I got it. I can throw the toilet paper and maybe that will work. As I chuck it across the hall, they see it and chase after the “threat.” Now, I need to see if I can slip out of the bars and try to find Roy. Once I slip out, I’m calling out his name. “Roy. Are you there?” “Kyrin, is that you?” someone says. I see him. This isn’t good. He’s on the floor bleeding and someone is standing behind him but I can’t make out who it is. Wait . . . I know who that is. “Blade, get away from him right now or I will end you.” “It’s funny how you think you can beat me,” Blade says. Blade is my archnemesis; we both wanna be the greatest swordsman but he will do anything to get to the top. Blade, Leroy and I used to be the best of friends until Blade and I declared to be the greatest. But I never thought he would hurt Roy, his childhood friend. “Blade, let me help Roy and then we can fight if that’s what you want.” “Fine. You can try, but if he interferes, you and him both die.” Thank god I carry a pouch with first aid stuff because if I didn’t, it would be the end for Roy. “Kyrin…don’t fight him, he’s too strong. You can’t beat him.” “Thanks for believing in me, Roy. Anyway, you know I love being the underdog.” After I’m done patching up Roy, I started to get ready for my fight with Blade. Wait, I just realized I don’t have a sword. “Roy, do you have a sword on you?” “Yea, you can borrow mine to fight Blade if you want.” “Thanks. Alright, are you ready, Blade?”

“Yes, my friend.” We have to hurry before The Paradox comes and hits us.

To be continued . . .

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