Call of Freedom

Chapter Two

Both of them are dashing on the wet grass, so as not to leave footprints and patrolmen figure out somebody was there. The large steps and fast speed they have are the only things that keep them warm inside the forest. The large trees with the dense foliage make it difficult for the sunlight to hit the ground. No talk between them while the birds tweeting calm down Zion.

It's the truth that this Area is one of the most beautiful and peaceful ones. Green trees and bushes can be seen everywhere you look, the fauna is rich in both the forest and the lake which is from the west side of the Area. After a ten minute walk, the trees finally thin out. The little sandstone houses can be finally seen as well as the people walking to plenty directions.

An aura of peace and warmth seems like it surrounds it. Merida's home which she tries to get away from. No matter its beauty, it mostly feels like a prison.

As they make their way to it, a big label is hanging from two massive, wooden columns saying with carved letters 'Area21'. Passing by it they're now walking at normal speed on the 'Big Street' were the market is. Passengers stare at the boy with confused faces, probably wondering who that is, next to the leader's daughter.

She gives a short glance at the boy, who is looking down shyly and a line appears between her brows. How can this boy be so timid? The Army, the fire. Aren't they supposed to help residents instead of traumatizing them?

They finally reach the Big House where the leader lives. It is a square wooden house with pointed roof from where a blue flag hangs proudly. It indicates that this Area is acceptable against the rules of the Master. The man who she is so skeptical about.

She walks inside and Zion follows from behind. The first person she meets is her father eating some fruits. Opposite diet judging his round belly. As soon as he notices her figure, he approaches her, opening his arms for a hug.

"Deanna!"

His brown eyes enlight the atmosphere around him, only for it to fade away when his stare falls on the little boy. "Who is he?" Deanna chuckles and moves away from her father, grabbing a red apple from a plate as well.

"This kid has gone through a lot and I want to know why." Her voice stable and her eyes don't hold any emotions as her father turns to face her annoyed.

His body collapses on his throne, or else big chair, while murming something. With his head inside his palm, his eyes land on the picture beside him. It represents a painting of his wife and daughter years ago.

They look so much alike, the way their brown hair fall to their shoulders and their grey eyes show strenght. As well as their brain; the curiosity for everything and their free spirit. He would do anything for both of them, but there is only one of them across him. Letting out a big sigh of hesitation as he brushes his untrimmed beard with his fingers, he explains.

"Deanna, I know you have questions about the world. Are you aware of the danger you are putting yourself into by holding by your side an evader? What the Master may do to you?"

She shrugs it off, her eyes locked with the painting. The Master creates no feeling of fear to her. He is a human after all, probably coward since he has never showed his face. He only rules the whole world and makes decisions. Decisions that are daily disobeyed by her.

His eyes move from Deanna standing clumsily in front of him and then at the little boy. Completely disorientated trying to find a place to stand and feel safe. That place is behind his daughter's back.

"Okay..." His shoulders hang down in retreat. "But you are going to take care of him and if you want him to stay, he must learn our rules." A warning glint is in his eyes.

Rules? Hilarious, isn't he?

"Of course, father."

"I will gather our council this evening." A huge smile appears on her face and after giving a kiss to her father, she makes her way out, grabbing Zion's arm. Hanging him the apple, he stares at it for a while. The desirable red colour surrounds its irregular form. And then he devours it.

There is a lake there, its surface is a mirror of the surroundings and the blue sky. The water is crystal clear, like giving you invitation to fall in it and swim. Taking out from her bag a cup, she sinks it inside the cool water. While doing so, she feels Zion's eyes on her back as he takes a few steps forward.

"What is this?" He asks curious, a frowning expression on his round face. On one corner of his mouth there is a proof that an apple did exist.

"What do you think it is? A cup of water. Aren't you thirsty?" She hands him the cup and lays down on the grass throwing pebbles in the water. Shrugging his shoulders, he drinks it in one gulp and sits down as well, next to her.

"Thank you for helping me. I promise I will do whatever I can to pay back." Pure kidness is all that Deanna can she in this kid's face.

"Glad to hear that," a smile forms her face. "Because there is something you can do. Let's start by telling me what happened to your Area?"

Zion, after looking at the ground, he bites the inside of his cheek and stars talking.

"My Area was named Area4. It was far away from here and not as beautiful as yours, located in a mountain. We weren't trained for becoming warriors either and anything that involves violence was something unknown. The people were hard-workers and fair with each other. As far as I can remember, for ten years they hadn't visited the village until two months ago. They took everything we got, even my older friends for their Army.

"That's when our leader started collecting men and training them; everyone offered something to start a war against Him. I don't know details, but somehow the Master found out and obviously they attacked," he makes a small pause to wipe his tears and then continues.

"T-The Army after killing everyone I knew, put fire in the houses. That's what I remember."

Deanna taps Zion's back and asks him with a low voice: "How did you escape?"

"I found a tunnel that led me in the valley you found me."

"Lucky you," she winks, making Zion leaves a small desperate chuckle.

"Okay, buddy that's all I needed for today. Let's go get some rest, at noon we have the meeting."

"What exactly will happen there?"

Deanna considers that for a moment while walking slowly to the village. The reply to that question ends up being less pleasing than Zion probably wishes. After all, evaders as Zion aren't too acceptable by citizens. So she instead pretends not to listen as she walks away.