Backstage Pass to Mortal Kombat

Chapter 12 - Relaxation

Chapter 12 - Relaxation

Saturday; the day everyone was allowed to relax and do whatever the pleased. It was a blessing and a curse to me – a blessing because I wanted nothing more than to just let loose, but a curse because there was nothing to do to let loose. So far, the only thing I had planned for myself was to wash my own clothes, which could wait for tomorrow; chore day. I even contemplated asking Bo’ what he had planned for today, since I figured he would have the most interesting day out of all of us. Johnny and I were sitting on the side of the beach, suggesting things to each other. “We could go for a walk? Maybe find other things around here?” He asked.

I let out a huge groan, “Please, nothing that has to do with walking too much; my legs still haven’t recovered from Thursday.”

Johnny gave an understanding nod before looking out to the water. We were both at a loss for a plan. What in the world was there to do around here? Train – maybe train some more? I didn’t want to move too much; even walking to this point on the beach made my knees buckle and give out. We were supposed to walk even further, but I couldn’t make it. I regretted doing the task, but then knew it was for a good cause; I must have gained a lot of muscle from it. “I guess I’ll just read.” I sighed, standing up – clumsily – and turned to make my way to my hut. Suddenly, I stopped and hissed under my breath.

“What’s wrong?” Johnny asked, standing to join me.

“I forgot my book at our dorms. How could I be so dumb? I put it on my bed to read it on the way, but I just left it there. God damn it!”

“It’s okay, I’m sure we can get you another book–”

“No, you don’t understand; Keanu gave me that book. When my parents died he tracked down my favorite book. It took him months, since he had to scrape up enough money for the shipping.” I shook my head; I treasured that book like it was made of pure gold. It had so much meaning to me. It wasn’t the book that was so amazing – in fact, I didn’t even like the book itself that much; I simply loved the gesture of it, and every time I read it, it made me smile. I wonder what Keanu would think if he found out… Would the cleaning ladies in the dorms throw it away? Would they mail it to my aunt, back home, along with that letter…?

I crossed my arms and thought deeply, trying to remember the lines of the book alone. I’ve read it hundreds of times…

“Well, I’m going to lunch. You want me to bring you back something, so you don’t have to walk there?” Johnny asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. Not hungry, I shook my head, and listened as his footsteps walked away, padding on the sand.

As Johnny’s footsteps faded, others grew from the left. I listened, still thinking about the book, but didn’t think to look up. And since I didn’t, I jumped nearly a foot off the ground when a hand reached out and tapped my shoulder. “Ah! …Hanzo, can you not?” I shrieked.

His full lips smirked lazily, “Sorry, I was just making sure you didn’t freeze – your muscles could have locked up.”

“I feel like they will.” I rolled my eyes, slowly rolling my shoulders. With every movement, they ached, but in a comforting way. I suppose it was comforting to know they still moved. “Every muscle in my body aches – even my abs; how does that happen? I didn’t even have a weight or anything on my waist!”

“Every part of the body has a reaction to any kind of movement. I mean look at you now; just talking to me causes your neck to move, which moves your shoulders, which moves your back and chest. It’s like a domino effect.” Without warning, he reached out and began rubbing my shoulders, causing me to wince in pain. “Your body wasn’t ready for that kind of exertion; why were you doing that anyway?” He asked.