TBC Publishing Pride Month Flash Fiction Challenge, 15 of 30

TBC Publishing Pride Month Flash Fiction Challenge, 15 of 30

Title: Freedom Day

Author: R. Scott Tyler

Genre: Fantasy

Word count (500 max): 485

Harp lounged at the pool, his tail fin splashing in the water.

His carer, designation G1M2004c, said, “Would you like a drink, Harp? Or maybe a macaroon?”

Macaroons were MerPeople’s favorite snack, primarily because of the coconut, but some thought it might also be because of the chocolate covering.

“No thanks, G1M (he pronounced it Jim),” Harp answered. “I think it’s almost time for you to put on your swimming gear.”

“Oh. I do remember you mentioning a trip in the ocean a while ago, but I thought you forgot about it because you never asked me to prepare anything,” Jim said, confused.

“We don’t need anything, just get your wetsuit and your mask,” Harp replied. “Don’t worry, I’ll hold you the entire trip. We’re going to my Iialim Tubig. Where my family’s city is.”

Jim stood in shock. In all his years with Harp, he had never mentioned his family home. Harp and Jim were matched at birth. They were the same age and had grown up together. Jim was his human brother, but more correctly, his butler. Born into servitude to care for and protect the master race of MerPeople that controlled the ocean, and thusly, the world.

Harp was visited once a year by his parents, who treated Jim with respect. They were always thankful for his care of their son, but nothing was ever said about the great places beyond the land, under the water.

In the last few years, there were many conflicts between humans and merpeople. Harp read the news and, for the most part, shared it with Jim. But they were very secluded on this beautiful island, and his parents were raising him on it.

Jim came back out with his wetsuit and mask and followed Harp down the beach. Harp pulled Jim to his chest and said, “Today is the day that all your kind are to be treated as equals to my kind. My parents have been working toward this for years. Today, it is an official decree.”

Jim just stood in Harp’s embrace. A moment later, his response came, “But I don’t want anything more than I have. I have you, I’ve never wanted anything else.”

“Jim, I want you to see my city of birth, and then you can decide,” Harp answered, looking Jim straight in the eyes.

“Decide what?” Jim said.

“Whether you want to stay with me forever, as my mate, or whether you want to have your freedom and go live on the land that is now yours,” Harp said.

Jim looked scared when he answered, “If you aren’t there, the land is not for me.”

So they both continued into the ocean. When the water came to his chest, Harp reached out for Jim’s hand, and as soon as he had a grip, dove down to the ocean floor and started swimming with powerful tail movements towards their new home.

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The Fool tarot card. Freedom and new beginnings.