Challenge [261]: Adrenaline Rush
Title: Adrenaline Rush
Challenge: [261] Disobey
Word Count: 595
Notes: Every child has their moment of adventure behind their parents' back.
Little Ienzo was the one who set fire to the old shrubbery. He knows because he was there to see it.
Granted, there were two other kids who had fed him the idea in the first place, then pressured him to go through with it, but it had been Ienzo who held the box of matches and did as he was told without fighting them harder. And when the poor old bush went up in a burst of red and orange and a lot of smoke, Ienzo had bolted - he did not stop until he was just outside the castle, and through his hyperventilating looked like he couldn't decide between fainting and throwing up. But there in his usually dull, inexpressive eyes was a spark of something new.
Being disobedient had been exciting.
He sees that excitement twinkle in lighter tones within the eyes of his fellow apprentices as they talk in low urgent voices amongst one another over the new theories they have drawn up, the new possibilities that have surfaced. What great secret must lie just beyond their reach, they all wonder, and how easy it would be to get it if only they could just go ahead with it.
No, he says. We should let the Master know - surely he will give us his blessing.
The others quieten down and seem less certain. Even is the one to speak up again, to tell him that the Master would approve anyway once they have succeeded.
It's not right to do this without his permission, he insists.
You've already mentioned this to him before, Ienzo is the one to persuade him this time - those light blue eyes are now a little bit darker in the dimly lit room. Maybe we already have his approval.
Maybe.
He goes to the Master anyway.
When he arrives, he finds the Master speaking with that small mouse who is King to another world. He pauses to bow, and then he asks.
“Master Ansem, regarding the experiment I presented the other day … With your permission, I'd like to proceed-”
“I forbid it!”
He feels something strike at him - a familiar feeling of irritation … of frustration, that he has been deemed unworthy.
“Forget this talk of doors, and the heart of all worlds. That place must not be defiled!”
“But, Master Ansem! I've been thinking-!”
Once more he is rejected.
“Xehanort, those thoughts are best forgotten.”
It is useless. No matter how he argues, the old man just will not see his way. But he is right …! He knows he is right, if only that stubborn man would just listen to him.
Do it anyway. His heart's voice whispers to him. If the old fool will not listen, then let him SEE that you are right.
For a brief moment, it strikes a fear in him that renders him silent, prevents him from further words of protest or persuasion. Instead he composes himself and bows again, implying that he understands.
When he straightens to meet their eyes again, the Master won't look his way but the mouse … the way that mouse watches him - as though he knows …
He closes the door and retreats down the hall. By now his heart is pounding painfully against his chest.
He can't stop you. The others won't stop you. They will help you. You don't need the old fool.
Do it.
Do it quickly before he finds out.
His steps are faster, matching the furious pace of his heart.
He is afraid, so very afraid.
He is … excited.
Challenge: [261] Disobey
Word Count: 595
Notes: Every child has their moment of adventure behind their parents' back.
Little Ienzo was the one who set fire to the old shrubbery. He knows because he was there to see it.
Granted, there were two other kids who had fed him the idea in the first place, then pressured him to go through with it, but it had been Ienzo who held the box of matches and did as he was told without fighting them harder. And when the poor old bush went up in a burst of red and orange and a lot of smoke, Ienzo had bolted - he did not stop until he was just outside the castle, and through his hyperventilating looked like he couldn't decide between fainting and throwing up. But there in his usually dull, inexpressive eyes was a spark of something new.
Being disobedient had been exciting.
He sees that excitement twinkle in lighter tones within the eyes of his fellow apprentices as they talk in low urgent voices amongst one another over the new theories they have drawn up, the new possibilities that have surfaced. What great secret must lie just beyond their reach, they all wonder, and how easy it would be to get it if only they could just go ahead with it.
No, he says. We should let the Master know - surely he will give us his blessing.
The others quieten down and seem less certain. Even is the one to speak up again, to tell him that the Master would approve anyway once they have succeeded.
It's not right to do this without his permission, he insists.
You've already mentioned this to him before, Ienzo is the one to persuade him this time - those light blue eyes are now a little bit darker in the dimly lit room. Maybe we already have his approval.
Maybe.
He goes to the Master anyway.
When he arrives, he finds the Master speaking with that small mouse who is King to another world. He pauses to bow, and then he asks.
“Master Ansem, regarding the experiment I presented the other day … With your permission, I'd like to proceed-”
“I forbid it!”
He feels something strike at him - a familiar feeling of irritation … of frustration, that he has been deemed unworthy.
“Forget this talk of doors, and the heart of all worlds. That place must not be defiled!”
“But, Master Ansem! I've been thinking-!”
Once more he is rejected.
“Xehanort, those thoughts are best forgotten.”
It is useless. No matter how he argues, the old man just will not see his way. But he is right …! He knows he is right, if only that stubborn man would just listen to him.
Do it anyway. His heart's voice whispers to him. If the old fool will not listen, then let him SEE that you are right.
For a brief moment, it strikes a fear in him that renders him silent, prevents him from further words of protest or persuasion. Instead he composes himself and bows again, implying that he understands.
When he straightens to meet their eyes again, the Master won't look his way but the mouse … the way that mouse watches him - as though he knows …
He closes the door and retreats down the hall. By now his heart is pounding painfully against his chest.
He can't stop you. The others won't stop you. They will help you. You don't need the old fool.
Do it.
Do it quickly before he finds out.
His steps are faster, matching the furious pace of his heart.
He is afraid, so very afraid.
He is … excited.