Free To Be

by Adam Lynch

  Yuuto smiles, and then bows to her. “Thank you for your understanding, Yumi, Kagami…” he pauses. “I know it’s still no excuse for not helping when my powers could have made a difference, but Taiyo has helped me find courage in taking a risk and stepping out.” He pauses to look at me. We both smile. “If it wasn’t for him, I never would have told you guys about me and offered my help.” He then bows to me. “Thank you, Taiyo… for demonstrating courage and inspiring me.” I want to smile, but I prevent myself. Do I really deserve to be honored right now? I don’t feel like I do.

  “Thank you guys for trusting us and offering your help,” says Kagami, bowing to us. I’m stunned.

  “Yeah…” says Yumi, facing the ground and thinking. “Thanks for reigniting hope in our hearts… with everything that’s happened, I’ve almost given up hope.” She lifts her eyes and faces us one at a time. “Thank you for risking yourselves for us… and for me… again.”

  “I should have done it sooner…” I say.

  “You’re doing it now, like Kagami said,” says Yumi. “And that’s what matters. And with your help—both of you—I believe we have a chance to win.”

  “And we have an advantage,” says Yuuto. “The Darkane don’t know Taiyo’s power exists.”

  “Really? They don’t? How do they know about yours?”

  “I’ll explain another time. I think right now, we should figure out something.”

  “We might have to wait a while. They’re starving me for two weeks, and Katsu and Sadao are intensely injured…”

  “I want to help, but I don’t know if I’ll make much of a difference…” says Kagami. “I’m not skilled or really good at anything. I’m not like my brother.”

  “No way!” I exclaim suddenly, reeling everyone’s attention. “I’ve seen you do incredible things—so many things like-” I stop myself, realizing how much of a stalker I’m about to sound.

  “Taiyo’s right,” Yuuto says to her. “You’re more talented than you think you are. I’m not just saying that either. I see it in your mind. Your skill in archery could be especially helpful.”

  “Archery?” She looks up to think about it and smiles. “Oh yeah… but I… I don’t know. I haven’t used a bow and arrow in such a long time.”

  “Trust yourself. Talent runs strong in your family. Confidence is all you need. Confidence is what makes Katsu so exceptional. He believes in himself. So, Kagami, believe in yourself.” She grins.

  “Now I see why you like talking to him so much, Taiyo,” Yumi says to me. I grin and face Yuuto. He grins back.

  “So what do we do?” Kagami asks.

  Yuuto faces Yumi. “Yumi is good at planning, so we’ll listen to what she comes up with.”

  She’s taken aback. “Me?” she scoffs. “Akio and Sadao are the planners.”

  “No, you’re good at planning, too. It’s just that you administer the task to them because you know they’re good at it. But you’re great at coming up with ideas. I see so in your mind.”

  As she thinks about it, she smiles. She aims to gaze at him silently a moment. Then, she giggles. He blushes. “Thanks… that’s so sweet of you to say…”

  He gulps. “Y-you’re welcome.”

  “Alright then. I’ll do my best.”

  #

  “You know…” I say, hesitating and pulling everyone’s attention after forming a plan. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea…”

  Yuuto places his hands on my shoulders. “Taiyo.” He waits until I raise my head to look at him. “Don’t doubt yourself. You’re more in control than you think. Nothing will go wrong when someone as cautious and careful as you is in command.”

  “Yeah, you got this, Taiyo,” says Yumi. “We believe in you.”

  “You can do this, Taiyo…” says Kagami. When I turn to look at her, and we meet eyes, I see that same look… that same look in her the last time we were alone together…

  It was the most amazing time of my life… a time before…

  Before…

  As the memory enters my mind… I think I spot something behind her... outside the cell bars hiding in the dark. I squint and focus my line of sight on it. When I see something there, my face flushes. Sweat runs down my face. I gasp and shudder. Kagami spins around. She tenses and pulls her arms close to her chest.

  “What? What is it?” asks Yumi. She and Yuuto spin around to look as well. Yumi gasps.

  In the darkness standing behind the bars of the cell, is a man with crossed arms and a grin on his face—a Darkane soldier. “Please, don’t stop on my account,” he pauses. All of us are speechless. “Continue. Just pretend I’m not here.” Nobody responds. He laughs and pulls a scroll out of his satchel. He hums to himself as he unfolds it and reads. “Hmm, let’s see if I’m all caught up here. Hmm.” I feel my heart pounding out of my chest. My throat is so tense I feel I might croak if I try to speak. “Planning another rebellion. Planning to recruit the punished rebels for another rebellion.” He points to Yuuto. “This one is the mind-reader Fraisha has been looking for all this time.” He points to me. “And this one has a power the Darkane haven’t even heard of. I quote: Taiyo can talk to animals, the sun, the moon, the clouds, the stars, the trees, the flowers, and the earth beneath this stone ground. Not only can he talk to these things, but he can hear what they’re saying back to them. He can even tell them to do something for him and they’ll do it. Huh.” He folds the scroll and looks at us maliciously. “Well then, needless to say, you’ve given me enough information to make me a powerful man.” He pauses, smirking. “I told you to keep it down, didn’t I?” He pauses for our reactions. I knew it—he’s the soldier that tapped the cell door earlier tonight. “But since you all kept being so noisy, I thought I’d linger, and hear what the fuss was about. I’m glad I did. Who knew you’d spit out so much critical information.” He slaps the scroll in his hand and smirks. “I’m glad I wrote it all down. Be seeing ya.” At this, he cackles, strolls off, and whistles.

  My body is so numb I barely feel Yuuto shaking me and yelling my name. “Taiyo, Taiyo!” He touches my face and turns it towards his. “The purple viper! Tell it to bite the guard now!”

  I shake my head, blinking. “Wha-huh?”

  This time Yumi says it with him. “Command the snake to bite the guard.”

  “Do it now, Taiyo!” says Yuuto.

  “Hurry up, he’s getting away!” shouts Yumi.

  “But-but… won’t that kill him?”

  “He knows everything about us, Taiyo!” shouts Yuuto. “Stop him now. Don’t think. Do it.”

  As my brain shuts down, I visualize dark clouds enveloping me. I feel as if my feet are caught in a sinkhole, sucking me in. I can’t see. I can’t escape. I feel myself drowning in darkness. Am I going to die? What can I do? On one side, I see a man standing with a malicious smile. He says the only way he’ll pull me out is if I agree to do what he wants—though what he wants goes against everything I am... and want to be. Kill this man and you’ll be saved. His life for yours. Survival of the fittest. Survival of the fittest.

  Ah! I can’t think. I don’t have time. I’m not ordering the snake to kill him. I’m ordering the snake to bite him. Like the tiger-bears, what the animal does is not my responsibility… right?

  Shutting my eyes as tightly as I can, I shout at the purple viper, “Bite the soldier now!”

  Out from the dark corner, the snake slivers through the cell and past its bars, causing everyone seeing it to gasp and scream. The four of us sprint to the cell bars, clutch them, and watch as the viper chases down the guard. The viper raises up his head and pulls it back. He hisses so loudly that the soldier spins around with alarm. “Huh?!” The snake snaps at his heel, sinking his venomous teeth. The soldier screams, banging and shaking him off.

  The snake pulls off, and second later, the soldier’s body trembles. He loses the strength to stand and falls against the wall, sliding down on his butt. He eyes the snake with bulging eyes, his body still trembling. He shouts
slurs, but his voice quickly depletes volume. From a few feet away, the viper stares as his victim’s color fades.

  Upon witnessing this myself, I thought I’d feel guilt. I thought I’d feel remorse. But I don’t feel any of these things. Instead I feel... relief. It’s like I’m glad the man is dead.

  The viper turns around to face me. Even with dim lighting, I can see the blood on his fangs, and the devil in his eyes. Not long ago, I was having friendly conversation with an innocent life, peaceful in nature…

  But seconds later… and by my command… this peaceful, innocent life was forced to commit cold murder… and became a murderer… for my sake.

  “The screaming came from over here,” someone shouts from down the hall. “This way.”

  “The scroll! They’ll find it!” shouts Yumi pointing at it in the guard’s satchel.

  Yuuto slaps his hands on my shoulders, stealing my attention from my thoughts. “Taiyo. Tell the viper to take the scroll and flee. Quickly!”

  Shaking myself out of my daze, I do as he says. Upon given command, the snake picks up the scroll with his mouth, and races down the hall for an exit.

  “Whoa, watch out for that snake.” shouts one soldier’s voice echoing down the hall.

  “Where?”

  “It dashed right past your foot. You didn’t see it? It was huge and had something in its mouth.”

  “Whoa!” a soldier shouts upon sighting the dead soldier.

  “Is he dead?” They check his pulse and examine his body.

  “Look at this,” one says, noticing the bite marks. “It was that snake that just past us. Damn—was it venomous. We’re lucky it didn’t bite us.”

  “What kind of snake was it?”

  “A purple viper.” Shuddering from the sound of Judan’s voice, our eyes expand as we spot him approaching. He eyes the four of us as he encloses the body. We immediately disperse from the bars and hide in the cell.

  “Sir? But I thought they weren’t aggressive?”

  Facing the body, he kneels and examines the bite. “They’re not.”

  “How could this happen?”

  He aims to face us. Though we’ve split up in the cell to hide, his eyes find us. I’m the last one he finds and once he does, he holds his gaze on me. I gulp, daring to look back at him. “That is a question I’ve been asking myself a lot lately…”

  The Courage to Be

  T

  hey caved us in our cells the rest of the night after the incident with Akio and the others, and then the entirety of the next day. We keep quiet after the incident with the guard, and avoid provoking additional suspicion from the already suspecting Judan. After all… everything’s been planned already… everything is set to go after I used our time in the cell to set everything up with the sky and the animals. The time is approaching fast… a little too fast. I’m insanely nervous. I just hope I can do this when the time comes...

  The Darkane escort us out of our cells and assemble us in the courtyard. I close my eyes and face the sun. It’s wonderful to feel on my skin again. It’s a beautiful day. It gives me hope that God will come through for us—make happen what we cannot. Please… we need a miracle. I don’t want to imagine what will happen if we fail. Though, I wish I could stop thinking about it. I’m so nervous I could vomit.

  Are we being hasty? Is there no one else more capable to do this? Am I the only choice? Shouldn’t we wait and see if better options arrive? My powers they’re… they’re too colossal. I’m still new at understanding them, and worry I’ll lose control. What if I do? What if I destroy the world? What if I kill someone? What if I kill everyone? What if I kill someone important to me? Yuuto… Kagami...

  I-I don’t know… maybe… maybe this whole thing isn’t a good idea… I don’t know if I can do this…

  They said they believe in me, but… I don’t know. I just don’t know…

  Don’t screw it up, Taiyo.

  I hope I can do this… I really do… I just wish it wasn’t all up to me...

  A Darkane soldier escorts me to Fraisha and Talden. On the way there, I scan for Yuuto and Kagami. I find them with Valida and a few others not far.

  First, I look at Yuuto… my first real friend—the first to understand me… to believe in me… to never give up on me. Yuuto, I love you. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks for seeing me… for noticing me… and even in spite of this, still wanting to associate with me.

  Then, I look at Kagami. Even from here, I see the vibrant color in her eyes in view of the sun, and the freckles on her nose. Her skin reflects the light like a mirror. I think about the night we spent together. I want so many more like that with her… but even if it’s the only one we’ll have, I’m glad. It’s more than I deserve. But I’m happy I got see her one last time before we’re given assignments and this day begins… just in case...

  I wish I was close enough to hear her voice… her motherly-soothing alto voice. Kagami… I was just getting to know you. There’s so much I want to know. What are your dreams? What are your interests—I mean beyond what I’ve already observed? Who are you, really? What kind of soul lives inside a vessel like yours? I want to know you… more than anything… I just hope I’ll still get that chance. Please God… one more chance…

  “Any updates on the Starlights?” Fraisha asks Talden.

  “They’re still heading our direction, but veering more west now.”

  He huffs. “If they veer back our way last minute, it’ll be too late to flee. We can’t fight them. Even with my new power, I’m no match for an army—an army of Starlights none the less. We should gather everything and flee until they pass through the country. It’s better to flee than to sit and risk fighting them if they aim back towards the fort.”

  “Let’s not be hasty. We don’t know if there’s anywhere to run. We know what’s coming northwest of us, but that’s it. We haven’t scouted the east, west, and south sides of Leferia enough to determine if they’re safe to march our whole army through. We could run into armies more powerful than the Starlights—we don’t need a repeat of that other day. Let’s sit where we know it’s safe and watch the Starlights for another day before making a decision. So far, they’re veering southwest. If they continue on this path, we won’t have to do a thing.”

  “You don’t think they’re confiscating Leferia, do you?”

  “No way. Leferia is a small land that’s dense with mountains and forests. The Starlights like open lands, where it’s easy to plant their massive numbers. They’ll pass through Leferia to get to the vast southern lands.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “While we’re watching them, let’s take the boy and a small party out in search of more animals. We found a kitsune the other day, and those tiger-bears are still out there. Maybe we’ll find more legendary animals in the area? Who knew there were any in the first place? We should work on building our military while we wait. Your new powers will help us capture the animals. And with your powers and deadly beasts trained to fight for us, we can become a more secure force.”

  “It would take thousands of animals to be any match for the Starlights.”

  “I’m speaking generally, brother.”

  “Fine. Then where is he? Where’s Taiyo?”

  “I’ve summoned him. He’s behind you.”

  He turns around and finds me with a soldier escort. His glowing eyes pierce me with terror—I have to look away. “You heard what we’re doing today, Taiyo?”

  I gulp and nod.

  “Good. Then, let’s be on our way. It’ll be me, you, and ten soldiers to help carry the unconscious animals.” He turns to address the courtyard, raising his voice. “Everyone else stays close to the fort today. Watch the cliffs. Keep an eye out for any surprises.” Then, he faces me again. “Let’s go, Taiyo.”

  He heads towards the gate, and I follow behind. My body shivers with anticipation. I breathe heavier. This is it. We’re approaching the gate. They’re going to open it. It’s almost time...
>
  I gaze up at the sky. There, I spot several birds flapping about, cawing. The presence of birds is something that hasn’t been seen for a while in the land, and several soldiers notice it, commenting. The birds tell me they’re ready, and are standing by for my command.

  There are no clouds, but I see a storm approaching from a distance. It will arrive soon, very soon. It’s a big one—one I had asked the sun to summon.

  By now, I’m sure all the animals outside the gate have assembled together and are ready to charge. Everything seems to be going according to plan… I just hope nothing goes wrong.

  I turn to face Yuuto and Kagami who watch as I approach the gate. They’re nervous and scared, but they look ready… am I ready?

  I take a deep breath as we get closer to the gate. Soldiers watch as we approach, awaiting Fraisha’s command to open it.

  I turn to my right when I hear a loud vibrating growl. When I aim to face her, I shudder and almost gasp… I… I can’t believe I almost forgot about her, and even almost passed by without noticing. It’s her… the kitsune. Her body still and focused, she fixates on me so intentionally I’m worried if the Darkane will notice and become suspicious.

  Her three tails wave slowly in the air, touching the ground every now and then. She stands on all fours, though her limbs are chained to the wall. Everyone keeps a safe distance from her as they pass, turning their heads in fear that the large beast might somehow break free and lung at them. But she doesn’t acknowledge a single one of them, because she’s too fixated on me. I’d tell her to stop, but I can’t speak to her in the open like this, and next to two officers.

  “I am ready, Taiyo,” she says with her powerful bass voice that vibrates off the walls. “Free me, and you won’t need the other animals. I’ll eradicate this weak army myself.” I can’t reply, but honestly, I’m hoping the animals I’ve summoned will be enough—hopefully, we won’t need to worry about freeing the kitsune at all… at least until it’s over.