Engraved in Flesh

Rations and a Talk

Mook yawned as he woke up. The sun wasn't up yet, but he was used to getting up before the sun. Rubbing his eyes, he looked around. He realized that he wasn't in the guest room at Xena's house. Sitting up, he stretched his arms and legs as he stood up.

"That's right......"

He was staying in Aru's brother's room. Mook and Xena had stayed late that night, so Aru's mother insisted on the two of them staying with them. Mook was put in the son's room for the night. Xena stayed with Aru in her room. This made Mook slightly jealous, but no one would know about that. Mook sighed as he examined the boy's room. The guy's name was Hyun, and he was Aru's older brother. These, however, were the only things he knew about him. He couldn't help but smile while seeing the photos of Hyun and Aru on the wall. They seemed to be having so much fun in every framed photo.

Before he could continue his examination, Mook heard creaks in the hall. Curious, he slowly opened the door. He peeked out just in time to see someone go downstairs. Worried it might be a burglar, he carefully followed it downstairs. He heard the front door creaking as it was being opened. He stood out in the openness of the living room for a minute, contemplating what to do. Should he go out there and see if the person was still there? If they were, them what? Mook shook his head and put on a brave face. He decided that above all else, he would see who had just left the house. Assuring himself that he would be okay, he began walking again. He opened the door and peeked outside, only to find Aru sitting on the bench, stretching her legs out onto the porch. When she saw him, she seemed surprised to find him dressed for the day.

"Mook? What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

He heard a slight chuckle come out of Aru, making his heart swell. He didn't get that much laughing or smiling from her, but that just made him appreciate the moments when she did. It was almost like finding a rare jewel in a mine every now and then.

"I like watching the sunrise, it's peaceful."

It was still dark, but Mook saw Aru pat the seat next to her. Not knowing what to say, Mook quietly sat next to her. He couldn't see past the porch in the darkness, but he was flabbergasted that he could see Aru perfectly. He wasn't sure if he was losing his mind being with his soulmate, or if she was literally part of a star. He felt himself stiffen, the hairs on his neck rising as Aru sighed and tilted her head towards his direction. He silently scolded himself for hoping that she would rest her head on his shoulder. Was he always this much of a sap? He was in the process of confusing himself when a warm light distracted him. He looked ahead to see sunlight pouring through the cracks of the main city and houses in front of their eyes. He looked at Aru, who had her eyes closed as she bathed in the light. She suddenly sat up straight and opened her eyes with a sigh.

"Yes, mom?"

"My, still sharp on your senses? Impressive."

Mook jumped as he quickly turned his head to see Mrs. Kim standing in the door frame. Before he could ask her anything, however, she spoke again.

"I need you to go get the rations for me, dear."

Aru nodded and went inside to fix her hair for the day. When she was gone from sight, Mrs. Kim turned to Mook.

"I would like you to accompany her, if you would. Most of the men who didn't join the war may be thugs, and I don't want any harm coming to her. Please?"

Mook's eyes practically lit up as he stumbled to his feet. He was finally able to see more of the city! He would also spend time with Aru while doing so! His mind went blank for a second. He was going to spend time with Aru...

...alone...

Frantic, he agreed to Mrs. Kim's request and ran to the bathroom to fix his hair. He silently cursed his limited time as he made his hair look decent. He hurried to the living room to find Aru waited for him. Her hair was straight with little curls at the end. She hummed as she turned to see him, giving him a nod. She motioned for him to follow her, said goodbye to her mother, and the two set off.

Mook was amazed with the structures and people who lived here. They were so different from his usual life, but he didn't feel left out. He did feel uncomfortable when he saw people, mainly women, give him strange looks. The looks increased when they reached the stand to collect rations.

"Aru, dear, who is this? I've never seen him before."

Mook gulped as he looked at the man running the stand. He didn't know how to respond. He was foreign, after all, and a soldier for the opposing side. All these American people would have his head! Cooly, Aru replies without hesitation.

"This is Mook, he's from China. He's my soulmate."

Mook internally released a breath of relief as the people around them seemed to believe the lie. He was amazed that she seemed to have everything planned. Using China as an excuse for him being there was perfect, especially since China was an ally of the United States.

"Soulmate?! GUYS

KIM HAS FOUND HER SOULMATE!!!"

Immediately, as if they appeared out of no where, hoards of people swarmed Aru and Mook. They each pushed past each other to try and congratulate Aru, as well as get a good look at Mook. It took half an hour before Mook and Aru were able to get away. The two sighed before making their way down the street. Aru led him to a street vendor and bought them snacks to share. They walked to a nearby park and sat under a tree.

"Sorry about that, Mook. I've grown up with all those people, so they got really excited when they heard you were my soulmate."

The two chatted the day away under that tree. Aru explained the many games that the children playing around them did. It was evening when they finally reached Aru's house. They handed Aru's mother the groceries before chatting some more.

It was sunset when Mook found Aru again. She was sitting on the steps of the back porch. Mook quietly sat down by her as the two watched the sun set below into the sea. The stars began to shine when the silence was finally broken.

"Mook...thank you."

Before he could question her, she laid her head on his shoulder. He stiffened for a second, but only a second. He relaxed and watched as her eyelids closed and she released all the tension in her body.

That night was perfect.