Dedicated to my dearest friends, who I miss everyday
Chapter 1
The Dock
"Dear Luna,
It's been ages since I last spoke to you, huh? Has been years? Heh, course it's probably only been a month or two. Guess Dad was right; when you get older, time really doesn't matter much, does it? Just another day, and that's all that matters. Work up this morning actually still thinking Ace Savvy's crossover with the Mutant Mantid was brand new. That's been a decade old now, and I was disappointed in it!
Even still, had that nightmare again. You know the one. I saw it before my own two eyes, like it was the last time we visited it together. That shore covered in fog, masking the rest of the island and hiding just how big it really is. Is it strange that I never knew how scary it was until recent? I mean, it's just a lone island out in that lake, so close to the shore, and yet barely anyone travels there. Why is it so ominous?
Well, It's been well over a decade, but... I'm trying it again. I rowed my way towards the dock; yep, it's still there, though the poor wood's about to collapse any day now. I barely have equipment, and haven't told anyone I came. Probably stupid, but I might've gotten that from you. Always risk things before thinking, right? Heh, that's what I liked about you, I guess..."
Lincoln rowed his way towards the island just off the coast of Michigan's mainland. The late-evening sky above gave no comfort against the spring-time winds, with the waters below a tranquil calm that spoke only of ill-forebodence. Behind him, his beloved home state drifted away behind a dense fog, only the brightest of industrial lights poking through the haze of trees and gaseous moisture. The sound of far-off cars bled away underneath the tightening gales, before fading before the young boy, stranding him all alone against nature itself.
A lonesome journey, and one he took plenty of times in the past. The oars brushed against the minute waves one last time, before finally coming to an end of their own path, skidding against an old dock that seen better days. Wood had rotted down to the core, with its mighty pillars looking nothing more than stalactites against a forgotten cave; beautiful in their own right, but losing their grip before collapse. A little drift from the water brought the small boat to its final stop before the fallen platform.
Snaking a lose rope around a pillar, Lincoln sighed and stepped onto the dock. Luckily, beaten down or not, the wood kept itself secure underneath his sneakers. The fog was the only thing to greet him, leaving the white-haired explorer truly stranded on an island that, much like its entrance, saw a past far better than the current present.
Adjusting a beanie that covered his hair, Lincoln bent down back at the boat, grabbing one last thing he needed. He came with no supplies for what his goal was, but that didn't stop him from taking something he felt was truly required. A small bag, containing just one object he held dear. It seemed like it should be light, and his arms were able to secure it with little hassle, but slinging it against his shoulder made it truly a painful task.
His eyes darted over towards the island, yet another sigh escaping his lips. "Been awhile, hasn't it? You miss me?" He asked to the evening winds.
26-years-old he was. How long had it been since he came to this strange place? He must've been thirteen, back when the world seemed far more innocent than anyone could've imagined. A time when comics were fun, friendships were eternal, and family, one as crazy and chaotic as his, felt like just a thing to survive. Well over a decade ago, then. Even as he passed by the forest hiding this small place, he dared not see it again.
Today, though, ended that exile. Why today, well, he couldn't say. Perhaps it's what his sister, Luna, would've wanted; no plan. Just go for it. Live a little, and see what comes next.
That thought made him chuckle. "It was always this place, huh? Lunes, you always picked the strangest spots!"
And indeed, it was a strange place. A lone island with no name, against a mighty lake just outside of his home. It wasn't even a big place, and compared to other islands, it felt far more mundane than whimsical. Just a giant rock covered in more rock and trees. Dips, tiny tributaries, and pathways that were just too treacherous to care about.
But perhaps the thing that sealed the island's fate was the one landmark that caught some attention. Lincoln didn't know the whole story, but apparently far far back, way before perhaps even his own father was born, the town of Royal Woods wanted to build a radio tower on this very lonesome rock. Got a whole construction crew to set it all up, and frankly, everything seemed to work out. Then another one was built within the town that got better reception, and the old place was forgotten about.
And yet, there was never any attempt to stop people from entering. It was open to the public, yet no one even bothered to visit. It would've just rotted away like the dock below had it not been for the strange mystery it held, though even that didn't drag anyone towards it.
On the top of the tower, against the sky itself, a red light glimmered. There hasn't been power within the building since it first opened, meaning this was completely impossible, and yet it still shined bright. Lincoln couldn't deny it either. As he stood on the dock, he saw it again. No sound; just a glow that mesmerized the soul.
"Still bright, huh? Heh, and I thought you would've been long gone by the time I returned. Right, Lunes?"
Such a beautiful visual, but the strangest part of the island was the reason why Lincoln found himself coming back. The path to the building wasn't long, but for some reason, after the initial group of workers, not one person has been able to reach the building. Not even himself.
Not even Luna.
The boy grimaced at that thought, before shaking his head rapidly. "Well, it's been a long time, right? How about we change that?" He shot the light a thumbs up, joining a wink that demonstrated confidence and agility. "I'll make it, Lunes. I know you'll be proud."
It's what he had wanted to do for so long. It's what his sister wanted. First to reach it or not, he wanted to get to the top, and finally let this ache within his heart rest once-and-for-all. Even as he looked down at the boat, lamenting his lack of preparation, he determined it didn't matter. Maybe the island punished those who prepared too much. After all, reaching the building was a nightmare, but leaving? Always extremely quick. Perhaps it truly held supernatural powers.
But for now, that didn't matter. What did, in his heart, was accomplishing his goal after all this time. Tidying his grip with the bag, Lincoln whistled and began moving towards the hidden trees behind a veil of fog.
"I'll reach the top, Lunes," he promised, feeling his eyes grow heavy, "I'll... I'll make you proud of me..."
His silhouette looked tough, before vanishing altogether within the island.
"... It's lonely, you know? This whole island just seems... I don't know how to describe it. Like it doesn't belong on this planet! Maybe it only exists in my head. Oh, I guess yours as well; I mean, we both saw it, but did anyone else? Heh, now I'm going crazy! Well, Lunes, I don't know what to make of it, but it's been thirteen years. So much has changed in my life, so something must work out. I have a new home, a family... so much that you missed.
I will reach the top. Hope you don't mind me writing to you! I... I know you probably don't like me worrying so much, but I can't help it. Just knowing you're near at least keeps me calm. Thank you, Lunes."
