The Might of the Sun and Man

Let's get Ink'd

“Ok, both of you take a seat. Here we tattoo and register your unique identifier to you. You will use this to access your quarters, access areas you’re permitted to enter, activate vehicles, and read your personal files. It’s a password that nobody else can access.” Lexi and Jackson’s eyes glowed. “That’s really cool. Just don't give me anything dumb.” Aero shook his head. “You choose it. I enter what you want and it generates an image that nobody else has. I then tattoo it on your forearm.” They both seemed giddy. “Um, you first I don't know what I want yet. I want to do one that honors you Dad.” Aero couldn't hold back his pride but his modesty quickly took over. “Don’t get crazy on me, do something that reflects you.” Jackson smiled. Lexi thought for a second then nodded. “I want an Australian Pine Flower.” Jackson looked confused. “What kind of flower?” Aero smiled “Ironwood. It’s a tree with wood as hard as metal. The flower that blooms is rare, considering it’s a pine tree, but when it does it’s indescribable. Lexi’s mother planted one in her backyard, despite the state of the soil, the tree on the verge of death, and the climate of the area was way too hot for a tree like that to grow effectively. But every time I came to her house, that little tree grew a little more each time. When I got Lexi today, it was flowering, as if the tree was blossoming hope when there was none to be had. It just proves that despite what happens, what situation you’ve found yourself in, or when everything is working against you, with enough love and determination, you can grow and learn. Become a better person. I believe that fits you perfectly, my dear.” Lexi smiled at how much this tattoo is going to mean. “I think I’m going to do this one by hand and just scan it in. This means a lot to me too.” he hugged Lexi “Your mom, my sister was an amazing woman and you meant everything to her. You’re what kept her going for so long. Your father was strong and was a damn good brother. You were his world and everything he did was for you and your mother. I know it’s confusing. I know this isn’t an ideal situation and you deserve an explanation. Your mother and father spent years keeping those raiders from hurting you or your house. They did some pretty awful things. I’ll let you decide for yourself what that means. They were tortured often. A lot of times they went without food just for you to be able to eat. They went through tough times. But don’t think for a second they wouldn’t do it again…they would do it a thousand more times to make sure you were safe. They…came to a compromise when they fell ill with their aggressive radiation sickness. When they die, the house and everything in it is theirs minus the graves and the tree and I will take you.” Lexi shook her head in disbelief “But aren’t you like this badass that can take out entire bandit encampments just by looking at them?” Aero nodded. “You are correct. But this particular raider camp was led by Morrison. He used to be my best Commander. He was damn good too. I trusted him with my life, he was an asshole but never gave me a reason to distrust him. Turns out he was very good at hiding his true intentions. He wanted my spot. And he tried to kill me for it. He was piloting a plane that was supposed to be taking Kenna to be buried. But he crashed it and I lost her body in the wreckage. I should’ve killed him that night but part of me wanted to give him a second chance. To change, to come back and be my right-hand man. But he betrayed me once again by going after my family. And for the longest time I was none the wiser. Until one day, Gary, er your dad, was being beaten. I just so happened to be bringing y’all supplies when it was happening. I beat the hell out of his assailants until I saw Morrison come out of nowhere. He told me that it was payback for what I did to him that he wanted me to suffer like he did. I almost killed him that day too but as it turns out he leaked a bunch of our secrets to the rest of his squad and said that if I killed him, his squad would lead an all-out assault against our base. These secrets forced me to stand down because if I didn't, all of our technology, work, and chances of defeating Flare would go up in flames.” Aero chuckled at the cheesy joke but continued, “So, that’s when we struck the deal. I knew and still know he won’t keep his end of the bargain. Eventually he will attack, but I have made the proper preparations to ensure everyone’s safety. In fact, that’s what Luger, Peep, and the other Captains are doing right now. And Morrison will be expecting it, so they’re being extra careful. And make no mistake. I will kill him, the rest of his gang, and any other person with evil, harmful intent. All I can say to you Lexi, is I’m sorry.” Lexi nodded with tears in her eyes, “You shouldn’t apologize, you’re doing right by them. I should be the one who’s sorry. I thought I was gonna hate you. I thought you were a bad person and didn’t love anyone. Just an asshole looking to dump me off at your earliest convenience. But you’ve proved me so wrong. You’re like a light in this dark, evil world. Your love for others is so great, it spreads to those who need it. You’re jovial and kind. You’re patient and understanding. And despite the torment and pain that you hide in your eyes, you always manage to put other’s problems before your own, despite the personal cost. I know you’re going to take care of me. Thank you, Uncle Aero.” Aero was in tears as well, “No, thank you for giving me a reason to keep fighting.” Jackson was crying too, the love his father radiated was stronger than any caustic waste dump in this desolate world. “I think I know what I want, if you’ll do it by hand as well.” Aero nodded “I want a heartagram, I had a friend, Devon, who had one on her chest. She was the only one that got me out of the house and taught me the way of the wastes too but my, well James, killed her because he saw that I was happy hanging out with someone I cared about. So I want the one she had. It was made of rose thorns.” Aero thought for a second, then stood up. “I think I can do that but I’ll need to grab something real quick. Stay right there.” When he left the room, an awkward tension hung in the air. Jackson spoke up, “Today has been insane, huh?” Lexi nodded. “My mom is gone, I’m readying to fight an invasion, I broke the machine that scanned me, and now we're getting tattoos. Insane is definitely the word for it." Jackson smiled, "Yea but...we got a pretty cool dad/uncle out of it. One that's...for a lack of a better word, a hero. Saving everyone." Lexi smiled, "Guess we did, huh?