I boldly go forward, restricted to only take one step at a time. Black and white battlefield is all my world has ever been. I only look straight ahead, to strike or be struck down, such is the game of my life. Duty-bound, I’m a soldier marching forward… one step at a time.

I wonder if she knows me. I wonder if she can tell me apart from the other 7 just like me. I wonder if she even cares about my existence. I know she keeps company of those higher up the order. I wonder if she knows I’m falling in love with her.

The battle starts, and I make the first move.

Two steps forward, awaiting the sword that might strike me down, making me the first sacrifice. Now that I’ve cleared her path, she sweeps forward, dancing elegantly back and forth on the battlefield, striking down those who threaten our sovereignty.

One step forward, I now come face to face with the enemy. With diagonal slash of my sword, I win this battle, and can live on for a few more moves, if only to see her. I am unafraid to die, but my only sadness is that I would give my life to defend her, but she would give hers to defend him.

I just feel I can be anything
That I might ever wish to be

I’m on my way!
Out on my own again
I’m on my way
Out on the road again!

7.45 PM on a chilly winter evening. Zipping through the streets on my bike; earphones plugged deep inside my ears. All I hear is the music in my ears. Like the conductor of a symphony, I direct the traffic to my will. Together as one – ride and rider. Together we dance through the maze of cars and bikes. I pass faceless people, all insignificant in comparison to the beauty of this feeling of freedom. The wind in my face is my only traffic signal, and it’s light is currently mirthful green.

* * *

Lyrics by Iron Maiden – “Wildest Dreams”