A Writer's Time Capsule

Chapter 3 - Innocence

Journal Entry #27

26th day of Cassvar, 2561

I believe that every youth, every child has this spark of innocence, an innocence that only children could have. No matter what they've learnt, what they've seen or what they've been through and experienced it stays with them. It might slowly disappear as they grow up or it could continue to manifest until it becomes one half of them. This innocence, as I like to think, is what makes a child, a child. A little part of them that causes immaturity, what allows them to smile so gleefully in the ways only the youth can. This purity has few perks it also triggers ignorance and naivety. Every child has this innocence, some more than others but it's still there.

I want to have faith in this innocence, believe that it is the key to be able to continue living in this already messed up world, but I can't I just can't. It's good they say we need to have a positive attitude a nice look on life a reason to keep on going have dreams and hopes and belive the world can be great again and it all starts with the next generation. Bullshit! The world can never turn back from the hell hole its become. All this stupid purity does is get in the way , causes doubt and fear to block the senses of ignorant children, they are merely a burden now. A burden I have carried for too long ... a burden I don't want to lose...

"I don't think you understand. No.. I know you don't understand"

Kaya's grip on the sword's leather handle tightened. Her jaw clenched opening only to speak once more.

"It doesn't matter what we do! It doesn't matter if we win the revolution, it doesn't matter if we over throw the capital because nothing will change. We aren't free. We never have and never will be free, so get rid of your childish fantasies of dancing plums and dew drops cause it ain't happening!"

Tears welled up in the corners of Sophia's eyes, the glassy orbs cracking with every word Kaya shot. "We could ummm I," Sophia stammered, attempting to piece together a sentence that could possibly sway Kaya. "We can hope that may-" 

"NO, we can't!" Kaya abruptly cut off Sophia. Kaya's sky blue eyes was swirling with storm clouds and crackled with lightning. 

Sophia whimpered, she clutched a stuffed rabbit to her chest, nestling her tear streaked face into the fabric of its head as she quietly sobbed.

"This is the real world. If you can't handle it, then why come with us on missions at all? You only get in the way, so just stay at the base where you'll be safe and out of harm's way. Actual people are dying out here. This is a war! We don't get the luxury to pick and choose who lives and who dies. We are fighting for a life that's less fucked-" Sophia flinched upon hearing the cuss word "-up than what we currently have!" 

"But I want to help! I want to make everyone happy so we can all be free of the bad people," She regretted the words the moment she saw the withering glare Kaya directed at her. 

"That is a selfish, and, naïve thing to wish for," Kaya said with gritted teeth, "unless you can bring yourself to kill you aren't any help to anyone"

Kaya walked up to a trembling Sophia, kicking rocks out of her path as she went. With calloused hands she gently grabbed Sophia's small hands and placed them onto her chest, right above the heart. The storm in Kaya's eyes softened to light rains as she looked deep into tear-filled ones. 

"None of us want you to stain your heart with the weight of murder. You're still just a child so leave it to us. Okay? We might never be free but we'll keep fighting for those we love, for the hope that still lives inside of you," Kaya's voice was hoarse but somehow still had a soft edge of kindness and understanding. Suddenly, she felt small arms wrap around her waist pulling her into a hug, the teddy trapped between them. Sophia was sobbing into Kaya's shoulder as Kaya soothed her by rubbing circles into her back.

The embrace only lasted for a moment, but it gave some form of closure for the two girls knowing they could find comfort in one another. Kaya knew she had something to protect. Sophia knows there is someone to protect her. In that moment, both girls were oblivious to the decaying world around them. 

A/N Dam... I updated this book twice in a month now that's productive. Well, for me it is. At first, this was going to end up just being the journal entry but with more written but then I got a great idea for a one-shot and it just fit with the theme of the original chapter so I mashed them together and voila. I hope you enjoy! I just really wanted to write something.