Chickenwinner

In a world where magic is largely forbidden, young Akio Firenze struggles to understand the complexities of his reality. What once seemed like a simple and kind world reveals itself to be harsh and unjust. As Akio joins the rebels, he begins to uncover the truth about the regime that took control after the Great 200 years lasting War. Far from fairness, it hides darker secrets. It feels as though the world—or perhaps even fate itself—threatens him.

Threats of Fate

Akio lay in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. The cool sheets enveloped him while his thoughts circled endlessly around what had happened. He didn't know if he should feel guilty for hurting Kevin. How had he even managed to do it? None of it made sense. It felt as though someone else had taken control. The teacher must have been telling the truth. Teachers don't lie, do they?

The door opened, and Akio's mother entered. When she saw him in the bed, she rushed over to him.

Her eyes were wide, and her hands trembled slightly.

Kiyomi: "That's all you have to say?"

Akio: "The teacher probably told you everything."

Kiyomi: "I want to hear it from you."

Akio: "Why? It won't change anything."

Kiyomi: "It changes a lot for me! Why did you do it?"

Akio: "It feels like a dream, not a memory."

Kiyomi: "Tell me what you did in this dream."

(Akio hesitated, his eyes darting nervously around as if searching for the right words, unable to explain the pain.)

Kiyomi: "The school's surveillance saw it."

Akio: "What do you want me to say?"

Kiyomi: "We'll talk more at home. From what I hear, we'll have plenty of time for that..."

Akio: "Why aren't you yelling at me?"

(He looked down in confusion, his shoulders slumping.)

Akio: "The teacher said I'm suspended."

Kiyomi: "Yes, and you think I should yell at you for that?"

Akio: "Can't you just tell me never to do it again?"

Kiyomi: "Do you think that would make things better?"

Kiyomi: "You'll face your punishment, but I'm not going to yell at you. First, we'll focus on your recovery."

Akio: "Why aren't you angry? I did something awful!"

Akio: "Then why won't you hit me?"

Akio: "That doesn't make sense. If you're angry, then you hate me too!"

Kiyomi: "No, anger and hate aren't the same thing."

Kiyomi: "BECAUSE I WAS HIT MYSELF!!"

(A moment of silence followed as Akio stared at Kiyomi with wide eyes, unable to speak.)

Kiyomi: "It doesn't make anything better. I know what you're thinking because I thought the same way. It feels less guilty when you're punished, but it doesn't help. I can't hit you."

Kiyomi: "That's enough. Let's go home."

On the way home, Akio found himself thinking more clearly, and a frightening thought struck him.

Akio: "Mom, I think I know now whose voice it was."

Akio: "I think... it was my own voice."

The realization sent a shiver down his spine. If it truly was his own voice, it meant all that power lay dormant within him—a terrifying thought.

Loud Silence, Silent Scream