Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Freedom
Kohaku clung to Kirara's ruff as she soared upwards, refusing to look back. Sango had given him her blessing, at the end, but he still feared that, if he saw her still crying, he would be tempted to turn back. He didn't want to hurt her, but he couldn't stay.
Kirara leveled off at last, having climbed to a height she rarely went. Kohaku felt some of the tension running out of his body. He had done it, he realized. He had made his choice and held to it, against his sister's wishes. He was free to find his own path in the world.
He felt a jolt, deep within, as the truth struck him. For the first time in his life, he was completely free. No father frowning at him, watching him, criticizing him, scorning him for being less capable than his older sister. No Naraku enslaving his mind and heart. No sister, wanting to pretend that they could return to something that had been lost. No villagers, imprisoning him within their ignorance and their expectations.
He was free to do what he wanted, when he wanted, how he wanted. Kirara would take him anywhere he wanted. No expectations. No boundaries. No limitations.
Kohaku laughed. It came out of him without warning, a single gust, almost a shout. Kirara twitched one black ear, and rumbled a question.
"I'm free!" he shouted to her, another laugh jolting out of his throat, though his eyes were watering. Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around her neck. "Kirara, I'm free!"
Author's Note: This piece was written for prompt "Truth", for the LiveJournal community i-b-4-y. It was originally posted on May 2, 2011. It tied for second.