Tempest
Izzy Austin
A colossal wave hit the side of the ship, rocking it back and forth. A gathering of clouds built in the sky above, as rain tumbled down onto the deck. The ship was isolated in the vast ocean, tumbling over vicious waves. Thunder rumbled over the screams of the crew onboard. Darkness engulfed the world, thick black clouds blocking out the moonlight that tried to push beyond the ominous blackness.
Below deck, Sky heard the pounding of feet above her as the crew frantically searched for something to keep them steady. The scent of wet wood drifted in the air, mixed with fumes from the sea.
Sky pushed against the trapdoor above her. Still locked. Her heartbeat was so fast her chest ached. Fear washed over her as water trickled through gaps in the wood. The cyclone grew heavier as the ship jerked to one side. Sky stumbled, hitting her shoulder against the wall.
The trapdoor opened. A boy — about her age — stood over her, a black mask covering his face. He looked down, pulling off the mask. His dirty blonde hair was plastered to his face, and his blue eyes were cool, calm, hiding his terror. He crouched down, offering his hand.
Sky hesitated, taking a step back. He raised an eyebrow, beckoning for her to come closer. Still unsure, Sky took his hand, and he pulled her out from below deck.
Once above deck, she looked around. The sky was dark with black wisps. Tempestuous waves climbed high, crashing onto the ship. Lightning struck jagged rocks ahead—the only light for miles. The crew was gone. The lifeboats were missing – Sky presumed they had left on those.
The mast was ripped, with cracks in the wood. The ship was sinking. It had collided with a sharp rock, breaking a hole in its base. The enormous vessel began sinking rapidly.
Their last chance was jumping overboard. The blonde boy squinted through the rain, his gaze falling on her. Their eyes met one last time, and she leapt from the ship. The ocean caught her in its merciless grasp as waves crashed over her head. She heard the boy shouting, but as she disappeared underwater, his voice became a distorted noise.
She saw the water break before her. The boy had jumped in after her. Her head surfaced again. He was a few meters away, gesturing for her to follow and yelling something she couldn’t quite catch. He pushed through the churning water and reached a large rock protruding from the ocean. The sky was clearing as he dragged her onto the boulder. The sea was calming, returning to the serene landscape it was only minutes before. Moonlight broke through the fading clouds, bringing light back to the world. Thunder and lightning stopped abruptly, and the sky cleared, revealing star-lit heavens.
Sky felt her eyelids fluttering as she lay back on the rock. A cold, yet comforting darkness gripped her, as the ship finally disappeared under the gentle waves.