Fire Fury Freedom

by Amanda Rose

  Mack sighed. He flipped the pages and read to himself short sections. He continued to flip the pages, unable to find a satisfactory entry to read to everyone. “Here Mack go with the final one,” Jenko picked up the book and passed it to him. Mack grasped the book and opened it halfway, and after clearing his throat, he commenced once more:

  Book 3 Entry No. 672

  After our last trip General Kai appeared to have a great burden on his mind. He refused to divulge it to me at this time. He seems to be troubled by it. I am worried for my family…

  Everyone sat up with expressions of interest. “Bulls eye Mack!” Mei exclaimed. Mack flipped onward several pages. Thump, thump, thump! Masumi and Yu-Lee came down the stairs with trays in hand. They passed out coffee around the room. “Did I miss anything?” Yu-Lee asked pouring Mack his coffee from a copper kettle. “You’re just in time,” he replied picking up the cup and blowing on the hot liquid to cool it slightly. They fixed their drinks with sugar and cream as they desired before they continued onward into Nakazo’s documented excursions. Masumi sat with the group, next to Yu-Lee. “I’d like to hear too,” she said mildly. Mack reopened the book and embarked upon the pages once again:

  Book 3 Entry No. 680

  Today General Kai finally told me the concerns of his meetings. It seems there have been some politicians who have joined with the C.D.F.P. Company on the East Green Continent to make some profits. This has never been brought in question until now. Apparently, the company spreads death with its productivity. Kai is deeply disturbed by the movement of the political views. He is strongly against the movement.

  We have been trying to put a stop to our distant neighbours in general after discovering the negative infliction they’ve been causing. Talk of their possible growth is not a good tiding. General Kai is to go back in a few days to discuss with the council about the proceedings…

  Mack looked at the following page in silence. He took a sip of his coffee and rubbed his tired eyes. He flipped a few pages further:

  Book 3 Entry No. 686

  We just got back from a town meeting that Kai held. He explained the situation to citizens. We anonymously agreed as a community to rebel against the growing view of joining the C.D.F.P. Corporation. The continent is divided. General Kai announced that civil war was declared early yesterday morning when a city against the seemingly popular view attacked a politician on the road in an attempt to stop the C.D.F.P. from building one of their ‘reactors’ on the boarder of his city. The C.D.F.P.’s strong force took up arms and is now deploying against all rebelling groups.

  Book 3 Entry No. 687

  General Kai just received word that the East Green Continent has sent over troops to help “deal with malcontent nonconformists” as he put it. We have quite the war to fight. The odds are not in our favour…

  Mack closed the book. “I think we get the picture. This wasn’t swift, the dispute was growing till it got violent,” He placed the book on the table. “At least we’re not the only ones who want to see the C.D.F.P. stopped,” Jenko said with a slight bob of his head. Mack yawned. Masumi stood up. “I think you all need a good night’s sleep. You can talk in the morning. Rest now, I’ll be in my room upstairs on the second floor if you need anything. Good night,” she bid them farewell, bowed to them, and then took her leave.

  “She’s right. We’re all bushed,” Vince yawned. “Let’s call it a night Mack,” Jenko pulled the blanket over himself and lay back on the sofa. “Ok, everyone, rest up, we’ll discuss everything in the mornin’,” Mack followed their lead. He momentarily massaged his temples, trying to rest his busy mind, then got up and turned off the oil lamp. Only the gentle light coming from the fire kept the room alit and comfortably heated. The mild crackling of it lulled them off to sleep.

  The morning sun was rising, awakening them to see Masumi standing by the fireplace stirring a pot of cinnamon hinted oatmeal. Apparently, Mack and Jenko had gone outside temporarily, so Mack could have a cigar to ease his nerves. A red teapot with a gold rim steeped with rose leaf tea, and a matching set of teacups encircled the pot stationed by their bedsides. Mei sat up and placed her feet on the plush ivory carpet. She yawned and stretched her arms as she allowed herself to try and recall all of last nights discoveries.

  “What’s on your mind Mack? Don’t say it’s nothing, I can see it in your eyes,” Jenko said pulling his jacket around himself. “He was at one of the council meetings Nakazo wrote about.,” Mack took a long inhalation on his cigar. “I see… Mack it’s time you let everyone know. You’ve held out long enough. They need to know. You know it’s important,” Jenko pushed him. “I know, I know…” Mack sighed. “I’ll tell them when we go back in,” he consented to comply. “Good, it’s better that way,” Jenko reassured.

  Mack and Jenko slowly came back into the den, and found the group sitting around eating their brown sugar sprinkled porridge and talking amongst themselves. Mack took his seat with a loud thud! that drew everyone’s attention to him. His face showed his mind’s preoccupation. Jenko sat between Yu-Lee and Suako. “What’s going on?” Suako whispered. “Just give him a minute. You’ll find out,” Jenko assured her, his eyes glued on Mack.

  “Listen up guys. There’s somethin’ you gotta hear. It’s the piece of the puzzle missing from the story I told you about when I used to work for the C.D.F.P.…” Mack started. “Wait, what?! You worked for the C.D.F.P.?” Yu-Lee exclaimed. “I used to work for their military brigade. To make a long story short, it went sour near the end when they asked me to destroy some documents on the pollutant effects of generators. It had an estimate of the earthly demise… anyway, like I said there’s more to the story then I told before,” Mack sighed. “What is it Mack?” Mei had a shroud of worry present in her voice. “I wasn’t the only one to see those disturbing documents…”

  “When I joined the Company military, I joined with a friend. His name was Kazuo, we’d been close since we were kids. He and I worked our way up the chain of command, and our services and skills were equally recognised. We worked well as a team and always got the job done; I watched his back, and he watched mine. When we went to work with Yoshida, it seemed perfect. For a while we worked as a unit, and if there was an important job to do, they’d get Me, Kazuo and Yoshida to do it.”

  “When we were assigned to destroy the incriminating documents, we feel apart. Yoshida didn’t want to question anything on the documents, he just wanted his promotion. That was all he cared about. Kazuo and I weren’t so easy going about it. Kazuo decided was going to talk to the leader of the C.D.F.P. about the records. The next day I heard, from a buddy I’d helped out in battle, that Kazuo was imprisoned and that they were searching for me. That’s when I faked my death and got the hell out of the Company. Like I said before, Yoshida never bought the cover. He knew I wouldn’t have been done in like that… He knew me too well…”

  “Well, this journey has been twofold. I’ve been searching for Kazuo ever since I heard he was taken away. I have no idea where he is, but he found more papers. He was taken before he got to show them to me. They must be important. None the less, I owe it to him to find him. He’s been imprisoned for years. The Company’s going to pay for what they did to him. So, now you know. That’s it. That’s all there is…” He shrugged, let out a huge sigh and searched for a distraction. He picked up his breakfast and started to eat.

  “Wow… ‘ey Mack, why didn’t ya tell us before?” Kato leaned forward. “No reason… Too hard to tell I guess,” Mack replied. “Don’t you worry Mack, we’ll find him,” Suako smiled. Masumi sat blank faced by the fire. "I guess this company has been causing a lot of pain for a lot of people… I never knew,” she said meekly. “They’ve killed lots of people. We’re trying to get back at them for what they’ve done to the people of East Green Continent... no, to the world. They’ve been killing the planet just as much as people, animals, and plants… We’re going to stop them,” Mei assured the girl. “Good,” was all Masumi did say; vengeance
was in her soft-spoken voice.

  “So, what’s next boss?” Kato asked after a simultaneous group pause. Mack looked up at him but gave no response. Yu-Lee scooted forward on the couch, “Before I came down to the town I saw the soldiers fleeing north-west up the other side of the crevice. It looked like they had quite a few wounded. They wouldn’t have gone too far before setting up camp. We could probably catch up to them,” she suggested, then leaned back. “Well if we follow them we could make it to their headquarters probably,” Vince put the idea forward. Murmurs and nodding heads sanctified the mutual agreement.

  “Good theory Vince, if the C.D.F.P. started its dirty roots from here there’s no doubt in my mind that the same kind of people are in power here. If we can follow them…” Mack began. “Wait, wait, wait!” Masumi protested, cutting Mack off mid-sentence, “If you want to go to Tomakomai I will take you there. I may only be sixteen but I am no child. I wish to avenge my parents. Take me with you,” her voice was firm, not allowing ‘no’ as an answer. Mack looked into her eyes. They burned with an unwavering determination. “Tomakomai is the capitol then?” he said, his eyes agreeing to take her on their travels. “Yes, my father took me with him once to go and visit the massive city. Let me prepare my things so we can go,” she said, and hurried out of the room. “Right, everyone, we leave at dawn tomorrow,” Mack said.

  The day went quickly, and Masumi did her best to pack her valuables up. She took a picture from it’s frame off the mantel downstairs and put it within a cubby in her bag. “Masumi?” Vince inspected her pack. “What is it?” She asked. “Is that… oh what did grandfather call it… um… l, leather?” Vince inquired. She looked confused, between the bag and Vince, “Uh, yes. What, you’ve never seen leather?” she laughed. Vince blushed and her laughter abruptly ceased, “You’ve never seen leather?” Masumi was astonished, “What kind of place is this ‘East Green Continent’ of yours?” “It’s a barren wasteland of what used to be a glorious land. The C.D.F.P. spreads disease and destruction like a plague,” He explained. “I never knew it…” her voice trailed off, then changed entirely, “Come with me. I need you’re help carrying some things”

  Masumi handed Vince a coat, once belonging to her father, he put it on, and they went out into the street. The day was sunny, as well as crisp and cold, with no wind. It was like the calm after the storm syndrome upon the town; people were in the streets cleaning the wreckage the armed force had inflicted yesterday. They saw Kairu helping a family to fix the hole in their burnt roof. The town was in shambles.

  Ring! The door chimed a bell as they entered a store. All the buildings were the same residential looking throughout the town, so the only distinction to indicate it was anything other than another home was the sign that hung outside that read: Convenience Store. They entered and caught a whiff of delectable chocolate. A lovely wooden counter stretched horizontally across the room toward the back. Pine shelves were lined with goods; bags of flour, sugar, jars of jams, apple and cherry preserves, bottles of fine aged wine, and much more. A shelf to the left was graced with fresh breads, scones, croissants, cinnamon buns and other freshly baked goods. To the right, there were some odd looking devices Vince had never before seen.

  Crinkle! A young man stood up from behind the counter, and Masumi waltzed over to him. “Oh Masumi, hello!” he welcomed, with a cheery grin. “Hi Kyoto, good to see you’re safe,” she said. “Same with you. My store miraculously survived without anything but a few stolen goods. I figured it’d be most helpful to be open today for everyone in town. Bread is free today, and everything else is on sale,” he informed them, then looked at Vince, “Who’s your friend?” Masumi smiled, “Oh, that’s Vince. He was just passing by yesterday when everything was happening, he helped save my house.” “Ha! He could’ve picked a better time,” Kyoto shook his head and laughed as her wiped the counter, “Thanks for helping Masumi,” he said to Vince. “So, where’s your mum an’ pop today? Fixin’ up the home?” he asked. Masumi’s expression faded and she began to jitter and shake. “Mom and dad… they didn’t make it,” she fought back her tears. “Oh no… Oh Masumi, I’m so sorry,” He circled the counter and gave her a hug.

  Masumi shook off the emotional purge before tears could come, “Thanks Kyoto but I’m fine.” “You’re a tough nut to crack Masumi… Would you two care for a cup of hot chocolate? It will help ease your mind,” he offered walking back behind the counter to a large brick oven. “That’d be great Kyoto,” Masumi smiled. “What about you Vince?” Kyoto asked. “Yes, thank you,” Vince said, scanning his eyes over the immense supply of unusual items before him.

  Making his way slowly up to the counter, Vince couldn’t help his eyes moving frivolously around. Kyoto retrieved three porcelain cups and set them on the counter. Then he pulled a steaming pot from then stove and poured each cup full of the rich brown brew. Vince reached the counter and smelled the sweet drink. “I haven’t had hot chocolate since I was just a boy…” he fondly recalled his uncle coming over to his home with a small bar of chocolate, at which point they melted it in water and poured the drinks. Chocolate was rare on the east Green Continent after the C.D.F.P.’s radiation incident. This drink looked different, the liquid was not as dark, and looked to be a softer brown. He sipped it and the creamy drink pleasantly tingled as it burned down his throat. “Not since you were a kid? You must be from down south. Must be nice to be warm down there huh?” Kyoto took a drink from his cup. Vince just nodded along with the assumption.

  After a nice time of petty talk, and simply enjoying their drinks, Masumi got right down to business, “We need climbing equipment. Your best stuff, show it to me Kyoto.” “A-alright. This way,” he led her over to the wall of awkward looking instruments. She picked up several funny looking metal instruments, as well as some sturdy looking rope, a few gun like machine’s, among other unfamiliar things.

  Masumi told Vince, who adamantly was looking over foods he’d never seen before, that he could pick up whatever he wanted. He was modest, and only chose a few items. He brought a jar of cherries, a bar of chocolate and a tiny bag of maple sugar candies up to the counter. Masumi smiled. “Ok now help me with the regular rations. We’ll need canned goods, a loaf of bread…. Maybe two, uh… what else?…” They gathered everything they needed and made two trips back to her house in order to carry everything back.

  Everyone else from the group looked onward at the mountain climbing gear with sceptical eyes as it was placed in the center of the room. Masumi explained it to them, “… So, you see, this helps people to be able to climb rock walls. We need these so we can climb the Snowy Peaks in order to get to Tomakomai. Now let me show you how to use everything… this is a type of gun that will bolt these metal hinges,” she held it up so everyone could see, “… directly into the rock face. Then you can tie some rope from your harness to it and that way if you fall you wont die… next we have…” she went through everything. Bit by bit they got the layout of these foreign devices and the concepts behind them. Her father had been a professional mountain climber in his profession with the local politician, General Kai, so he’d needed to learn very well how to manoeuvre through the mountains. In turn he taught Masumi everything he knew, and she was a sufficient climber. Now they were set to go, and Masumi was their lifeline of information.

  Masumi pulled, from a cedar chest, many furs. They were left over from the animals that had their lives taken in order to feed her family, friends and neighbours. The soft plush hair felt heavenly on their callous fingertips. “You need to line your boots and clothing with it. I have parkas you can have instead of those jackets you’re wearing, you’d freeze to death in them,” and so, she dealt out needle and thread around the room. Long hours passed which they worked away in preparation.

  As day turned to night snow began to fall from the sky. They watched and anticipated the worst; the hike would be hard and long enough without a storm to slow them down. None the less time was against them and they’d have to leave the n
ext morning regardless. All they could do was watch, hope, and wait to see what would become of it.

  One does not require many years to their credit to be wise.

  Chapter 14: The Long Trip

  Orange tinted the top of the eastern hill as the sun began to rise the next day. The snow had been brief and barely dusted a new coat of snow on top of that already there. They were grateful that the snowfall hadn’t come to cause them any grief. They bundled up in the furs Masumi offered them. The temperature had dropped dramatically and hurt to walk out into. As they walked through the streets, up the town, they saw ladders tilted against homes for repairs, blood stained snow, and other remnants of the not so long ago battle. They crept through the sleeping town with only the soft sound of the compressing snow beneath their feet to signal their presence. Masumi turned and said goodbye to her home, and her innocence.

  They trudged up the steep hill. It was tiring, but the party from the East Green Continent found it to be somewhat of a lesser challenge with the fresh air to bless them. The cold air nipped at their exposed skin. Each of them felt the burn of their legs as they pushed upward, tired muscles from the cold ached agonisingly with each little movement.

  When they had reached the top of the top of the hill they were in for quite a treat. “Oh my god… Vince, look at that!” Suako exclaimed. “Suako that’s incredible! Everyone you have to see this! Hurry up!” Vince called down to the others. “What is it? What’s all the fuss… about… wow…” Mei looked on in awe. They all peered outward, standing still, as if to hope time would do the same. “I have to come back here and draw this…” Vince said wishing he’d had the time to do so then. Kairu inhaled the mint air and was reminded fondly of the mountain paths of Ryoko.