AN: Hey everyone! This is the first fic in this category, I'm so exited! Anyways, this is a joint effort between myself and Liana Secret. I don't know how we'll manage to finish it seeing as it took us all day just to agree on the color of Ray's eyes, but hopefully this will be done by the end of the week. So, ladies and gentleman, may I present to you "THE STORY THAT WE STILL HAVN"T THOUGHT OF A NAME FOR AND IF YOU HAVE ANY SUJESTIONS THAT WOULD BE AWSOME" story;)

Chapter One

North Korea never got along with South Korea after the Cold War when they split into two separate countries. The demilitarized zone prevented movement between the two counties, but still wild rumors ran rampant. Since nothing could be proved, it was taken to be fact and tension and hate grew. Then, when North Korea started developing nuclear weapons, the world got worried. South Korea followed North Korea's example, and other countries began stockpiling their own weaponry and building up their armies. The world was preparing for World War III.

My father, one of the top military commanders of our rather large Berman army, wasn't sure whether to side with the U.S.A backed South Korea, or the Communist North Korea. Both were promising large quantities of money and allegiances to our country. He often turned to me when he was unsure of something, to ask my opinion. But I didn't have a clue either; I didn't know much about politics, and this was a very important decision that I didn't want to mess up.

I paced in my small tent, back and forth, back and forth. How was I supposed to get more information? We were encamped on a small island in the middle of a river raging with the floods of spring. Father picked this spot for our small regiment because it was secluded and very difficult to reach. No one would think to look for us here. Sighing in exasperation, I found the small opening in the mosquito netting around my bed and threw myself on the lumpy mattress with a thump. I felt something digging into my back. When I pulled it out from under me I realized it was Elephant Run, a book Father gave to me for my fifteenth birthday last week. I opened it up to my spot, but couldn't concentrate on the words.

I was interrupted from my failed attempt at reading by the entrance of Father via the tent entrance, which scared the bejeezes out of me. I gave a little yelp before I realized who it was. Embarrassment made heat flood all the way to the roots of my long black hair and set of the green in my unusual blue-green eyes. My father gave me an exhausted smile. I always thought of my Father as a strong person, able to handle anything, but lately he seemed older. His black hair was streaked through with grey and his dark tan skin had fine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. But he still had a radiant smile for me, even if it was a little worn out.

"Hello Sarae," he said tiredly. I untangled myself from the mosquito netting to give him a hug.

"How are things going with the mines? Have you found any more? ", I asked. During the last war between Burma and Japan, mines had been scattered throughout the jungle in an attempt to flush out remaining Japanese troops. Most of the mines had been dug up and neutralized by the Burmese government, but there were still some mines scattered around some of the more remote areas. One of our regiment's soldiers had almost stepped on one two days ago, and ever since Father and some of the men had been searching for others. So far he'd found about five, last time I'd check.

"We haven't located any more, but there is still the threat that one is buried beneath the soil. If we drive one of the Jeeps over one, it might explode. So-"

"Be careful where you walk and stay near the camp if at all possible, I know Father," I said immediately, having had the information pounded into my brain. His face broke into a wide grin.

"And tell that American boy that I let into the army on your recommendation to be careful as well. I know what it would do to you if he were to get hurt." He said gruffly.

"His name is James, Father. And he's sixteen; he can take care of himself. He's older than most of the new army recruits"

"I know, I know" He sighed. Father was angry about the new recruiting age. He said fourteen was much too young and that, "In my time, you had to be at least eighteen, a real man, not a boy." He was one of the only Generals who had opposed the new law's passing.

"At least he has the sense he was born with, unlike that other new recruit, what's his name…?" Dad's light eyes, the same color as mine, crinkled in confusion. I rolled my own eyes.

"I think I should make name tags for everyone. That way you wouldn't have to ask me all the time!"

"Don't be a smart aleck, Ray!"

"I'm just saying!" I scurried out of the tent before he could mess up my hair, a favorite tactic of his. I really hate it when he does that.