Chapter 6: Aftermath(2)
"Mmm, this tastes great," Yamoshi said, savoring the soup.
"That's right," Toren replied with a proud grin before his expression turned serious. "Now, let me ask you the real question... How did you manage to beat those wolves?"
Yamoshi paused, staring into his bowl. "Well, I hope Mother told you how I ran into the wolves and why I had to fight them," he began, his voice quiet, as though reflecting on the events. "It was strange… like that time when I was younger. That aura… the one you've talked about before."
Toren's brow furrowed. "So, it happened again, huh?" he said, his tone laced with worry. He wasn't afraid of Yamoshi himself but of what that strange power might bring upon his son.
Yamoshi nodded. "Yeah… I got frustrated. I was angry about what was happening and my... fate, I guess. But then I remembered Mom's words, and I just let it all out. That's when it happened. Suddenly, I didn't feel pain or sadness anymore. I was faster, stronger... clearer." He glanced at the scars on his arm, the memories of the battle still fresh.
Toren leaned back, thoughtful. "Hmm… It's likely tied to your emotions. But you didn't lose control, did you?"
"No," Yamoshi said quickly, his tone firm. "If anything, I was more focused. I could think faster, and I wasn't afraid. That's the only reason I managed to beat those wolves. If I'd hesitated even for a second, they would've killed me."
"Good," Toren said, nodding. He stood and began clearing the table. "Now, while we figure this out, help me clean up."
"Alright." Yamoshi joined him, collecting the bowls and placing them on the counter.
"Hurry up, you two!" Elvira called from the kitchen. "Clear the table and sit down so we can talk while I make this tea."
"We're on it!" Toren and Yamoshi said in unison, earning a small laugh from Elvira.
As they sat back down, Toren leaned forward, his tone thoughtful. "Alright, let's think. We don't fully understand your power, but we do know this much—it seems tied to emotions. Perhaps sadness or anger," he mused.
Yamoshi nodded. "I think so, too. I've felt so many emotions: fear, sadness, anger… but when it happens, it feels like everything sharpens."
"Then here's what we'll do," Toren said, his tone growing resolute. "From tomorrow, you'll start training with me and the village's force. That way, you can grow stronger. If the villagers see you working hard and in control of your power, they might stop fearing you. Maybe, just maybe, they'll start to see you differently."
"Really?!" Yamoshi's face lit up with joy as he jumped from his seat. "If I train hard, the villagers will like me, right? This is amazing!"
Toren couldn't help but smile, though his thoughts were somber. He's not excited about the training itself… he just wants to be accepted. He's just a lonely kid after all.
"Yamoshi," Toren said, his voice turning serious, "listen carefully. You will face judgment, glares, and harsh words from many—maybe everyone. But your mother and I will always support you. Promise me this: no matter what they say, you won't let their words sway you, and you will never harm them in anger."
Yamoshi's excitement dimmed, replaced by a calm resolve. He met his father's gaze and nodded. "I understand. I won't let it get to me."
"Good." Toren stood and joined Elvira, helping her bring the tea to the table.
As they all settled down, Toren handed Yamoshi a cup. "Now, let's talk about that forest. What pushed you to go there?"
Elvira chimed in, curiosity and concern in her voice. "Yes, Yamoshi, we want to understand. Why did you wander into such a dangerous place?"
"Well… I felt lonely and puzzled," Yamoshi began, his voice trembling, on the verge of tears. "I keep asking myself, like I always do… Why don't they accept me? I'm just a kid. I just want to play with the others…"
"Yamo—" Elvira started, but Toren gently placed a hand on her arm, shaking his head. He silently urged her to let Yamoshi speak his heart.
Yamoshi took a deep breath, his eyes glistening. "The only place where I can feel… okay… is in the forest. It's so beautiful there. The colors, the flowers… everything feels alive. And they're all so different, but none of them judge each other. They just… exist together, in harmony." His gaze dropped to the table. "I guess I got lost in it… I kept going deeper and deeper, captivated by it all. I never even thought there could be wolves. I wasn't that far in…"
Elvira's eyes filled with tears, but she stayed quiet, her fingers gripping the edge of her cup.
Yamoshi kept going, as though a dam had burst. He talked about his struggles, his feelings, his endless questions about why he was different and why people treated him the way they did. It was a long, emotional night—one filled with truths that had been bottled up for far too long.
As Yamoshi poured his heart out, his parents listened intently, sharing their own fears, hopes, and regrets. They spoke about the love they had for him, their constant worry, and their helplessness in shielding him from the cruelty of the world.
The night wasn't about answers or solutions. It was about finally letting the cup overflow, releasing what couldn't be held in any longer.
For the first time in a long while, Yamoshi felt lighter. He didn't have all the answers, but he felt heard. And to him, that was more precious than any solution.
______________________________________________
If you want advanced chapters and support me further check out my Patreon:
patreon.com/PureParadox