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The next morning, the landscape was beautiful and calm as usual, the usual group of kids were playing. The echoes of kids chuckling in joy surrounded the village. Amongst the innocent sets of eyes, a familiar face joined the group - Arai. His pitch-black eyes showcased maturity, his training-toughened body showed his potential vividly. He enjoyed the group’s company, who knew nothing of the outside world. The cries of joy originated from the village hub, where the kids were talking, trying to decide on what to play today.

“We should probably invite Mika,” one kid said. Arai nodded.

“I’ll go,” he agreed, strolling towards her house.

“Okay, meet us with her at the usual place!”

He was a brisk kid, showing no signs of fatigue from yesterday’s fight. “Mika, it’s Arai. Let’s play, open up!” He knocked on the wooden door. It creaked open, with Akemi peeking through it. Her ash-pale skin glimmered with the morning shine. She looked gorgeous in her cherry-red dress. He was glad to know such a person like her. His proud parents of heavy military background screamed at him with all their will because he wasn’t good enough. Akemi’s presence was where he felt safe. It felt—different around her. Her frail voice warmed his heart with hope. Saying that he doesn’t have to be a good fighter or a good general or a saviour to be human—and that was what mattered most, and he took it to his heart.

“Hello, Arai! How are you today?”

“Good morning, Mrs Seechii! I’m fine. Is Mika here?”

“Yes, Mr Arai,” she chucked faintly, bowing down playfully. “Why do you sound so formal today? She’s sleeping inside. Come in, Arai.” She opened the door and moved aside. Mika’s house was way smaller than his. He could look at every corner of the place right from the doorstep. He gleamed at the lady, stepping inside and following her lead to the cot, where they slept together every night. His eyes worked up at the sight—he never cuddled with his mother. Mika was dead asleep.

Akemi sat down on the small cot and slowly bent over her, and placed her hand on Mika’s stiff shoulders and shook it slowly. “Hey, little flower bud! Arai is here. Wakey, wakey,” she hushed under her breath. Her sweet whispers rocked her awake. She opened her eyes to the sight of her mother and her part-rival-part-friend standing beside the cot.

“Huh? Don’t we have training today?” Mika asked, rubbing her eyes. Her mother fixed her wrinkled sleeve and wiped her face.

He gawked. “No, since we had major training yesterday, we have a day off. We are about to play—uhm—join us?”

“Yeah sure. I’ll get ready and meet you outside,” she responded. He nodded and walked out. Her focus shifted on to her mother.

“Mom, aren’t you going to Kai’s field to work on the harvest today? You’re sick. I’m not letting you work in the fields alone. I can send him away. I’ll help you instead,” she insisted. Akemi, who was getting some warm water for her to wash her sleepy face with—froze, staring at the ground with gloomy eyes.

She looked back at her kid. “No, no, go play with your friends. I’ve informed Kai already. I will not work today,” she smiled, bringing the hot pot of water to the cot. Mika jumped off the bed and rinsed her face in the pot. The faint lady placed the pot down and dried her child’s face with a towel. “Now my little baby should go out to play and enjoy,” she chimed, her face lit up in a genuine smile, yet watery eyes.

“You sure?”

“Yes, but don’t forget to get the rations. Today’s the distribution day.”

“Shouldn't you come with me? If you don’t come, they won’t give us the rations for the both of us if they don’t see you as well.”

“Don’t worry, the usual distribution lieutenant knows us well,” she added and picked Mika off the ground, spinning around, and walked to the door. “See? I can lift you, I’m not weak—” She fumbled, compromising her balance yet held the kid tight. Her back shivered in pain when she dropped to her knees.

Mika leaped out of her arms and hugged her to help her. “There’s no way I’m leaving you—” Akemi interrupted Mika by putting her finger on Mika’s lips.

“Shssss... I'm fine. You should go play with them. I’m sure that I’ll be alright. Trust me. It’s fine.” Akemi caressed her left cheek, rubbing it with her thumb, staring at her eyes till she calmed down.

“Fine! I know you won’t budge at your point. Take care, mom,” she hugged her mom and helped her stand and placed her on the cot and headed to the door. Looking back, Akemi was waving at her. “Bye mom!” She waved back.

Mika closed the door after her—Arai greeted her. They walked together. “We are playing near that tree on the outskirts of the village,” he said.

She slumped her shoulders and avoided eye contact. “Not again...”

“Huh? By the way, what happened with the Elder yesterday?”

“Nothing much; he told us the story of the deities—you know, the usual.”

“That’s it? He has probably said a million times. The kids stopped at Tamashi, right?"

“Yeah. I mean, everyone likes him.” They passed the neighbourhoods, the surrounding landscape was flat.

“You can't blame them. Tamashi is a hero indeed, but nowhere near Tere. He is the best.” His eyes widened. He is passionate… But who isn’t?

She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Everyone is a fan,” she said. They could see the other kids in the distance, standing a few hundred metres from the tree. He ran to the group joyfully while she followed slowly, staring at the ground.

“Can't we play somewhere else? Just—not the tree,” she pleaded to the giggling kids while he stood silent and in confusion. The laughter calmed down when they saw her face blush red with embarrassment.

“Fine, let's go to the market then,” the kids shrugged and marched back into the village.

She hopped behind them, beside her rival. But—she felt something weird. Her heart was suddenly pumping faster; an icy breeze swept her back, and her senses tingled behind her, tempted her to look back. She stopped dead in her tracks and jolted backwards. The sprawling empty landscape of green with the ancient tree as the centrepiece; the sweet smell of black hemlock swept through her face. Something twitched at the foot! Her eyes narrowed to clear he blurry sight of what looked like a person leant behind the tree. The flaky, dried trunk was hiding someone behind it. But why? Why was she feeling so tempted for this? How did that stranger get there suddenly? They weren't there a moment before, right? Her lips parted and her vision darted, leaning forward to get a better view. I have to check on that stranger. Who was that person?