Chapter 2
One year into his mission, Karma found himself wandering around a desert road just outside the settlement put up by the government. Thinking back about all the people and damages of the civil war puts a nasty taste on his mouth. He knew war was never a good thing, especially war made out of greed. He can never understand how far people could go just to satisfy their hunger for violence but he shrugged it off, thinking maybe it was similar to their bloodlust. The only difference is that assassination only aims to hurt the target, war do not select, it kills even the innocent.
Knowing his train of thoughts will not get him something done, he decided to review the new information he received from his former PE teacher about his mission. It was delivered by one of his classmates, one of the sniper duo who has taken the same mission for whatever reason. Knowing he can't judge the situation but just a bit perplexed that it was Hayami instead of Chiba.
2732.. Was it a code for a bomb? Nuclear? Karma mused as he recalled the information forwarded to him. No one knows its meaning but it's a tattoo that apparently, out of all the rebels, only their target has on its back. Their target was the main rebel army, a small group rallying the civilians to war. There's no way to tell who they are but he knows that as soon as they find their leader, it's all over.
It's not easy tracking their leader. He moved fast and concisely, like he knew the ins and outs of the military. Clues are being scattered around, it's almost as if he is playing a game of tag and Karma doesn't like the feeling of being played. Aside from the tattoo, the only solid lead they have is that the rebel leader never shows his face and commands are only given through writing. His trusted minions will then relay or carry out the command. This is the only information they can trust as it was relayed over the radio by one of their agents who was so close in making the kill, before he was found and got shot down in the head. His body was found the next day, crucified on one of the abandoned outposts. His family was given a large compensation for his efforts but that wouldn't stop the pain, he knew it wouldn't for a very long time. After his body was autopsied, it seems that aside from the gunshot and crucifixion and taking all other belongings, the rebel didn't really do anything to check the body out thoroughly. They were able to recover another lead which is a small plastic tucked inside his mouth, carefully wedged between his teeth and cheek. Inside is a paper folded hastily with written commands, presumably from the leader himself. Karma is not really interested in the commands written but on the handwriting of the man himself. At this point, he made sure to remember the handwriting by heart as he knows that this is something that will be useful in the future.
His train of thoughts were interrupted by a sound of groaning the moment he reached the foot of a hill not too far from the settlement. He approached the sound as silent as he can be only to see a wounded woman lying below the tree, bones seem to have been broken and knife slashes on her arms and legs. Karma wasted no time to help the woman with his first aid kit. Making sure that all potentially fatal injuries have been patched up, he runs back to the settlement with the woman on his back.
He knew he didn't need to stay, but he was curious, always has been. He wanted to know her story, why she was there, what had happened to her. He was always like that, looking out for others, for the weak, being strong for them. He smiled sadly remembering that it is his weakness his wife found quite endearing. He always gets pinched in his cheeks whenever he is putting himself in danger but what can he do, he always earns a kiss afterwards anyways. He misses her so much and he wishes that she will not serve him divorce papers when he gets back.
Leaning on the wall just outside the medical tent, Karma took a long drag from his cigarette. Smoking is something he took up during his internship, when the stress from his seniors and being betrayed gets to him and his video games are no longer working to relieve his stress.
"I've been looking for you." Rinka Hayami, their class sniper said, also leaning against the wall beside him. "I've heard what happened, it seems that we have a case of mugging.", she says nodding her head to the tent before she continued "She was a trader and was running around from shelter to shelter when she came across a group of scavengers. Fought back, got hurt and then you." She politely shook her head when offered a cigarette.
Karma nodded as he took the information in. "Didn't know you could speak that long". He tried joking.
Rinka just chuckled. "You haven't been to the class reunions, it's natural that you wouldn't know". She offered a sad smile. "Also, war can change people. I know, I have.". And he knew she did, seeing that aside from a sniper, she is now holding bandages and medical kits helping out on medical tents as much as she can, like she was trying to save as many lives as she takes. "You did too.".
He nodded and watched as people came and went inside the medical tent. There were lots of patients inside, wounded and ill alike. As many people as he killed, he tried saving as much, even more as possible during the war. But it's not like he can atone for his sins, for all the killings, he knew he can't. "I've received a package." He heard her muttering so silently. "It was from him. I'm… I'm not ready to open it yet.". She continued. "I was wondering if you could… no, nevermind.".
An eyebrow shot up at his female companion. He looked up at the moon, almost whole again then he ruffled her head messing her already untamed hair. "You want me to be there? I mean, sure.. Why not?". Although it hurts him a lot that Rinka arrived just a few months prior but she is already getting something from him. He couldn't bring himself to be bitter about it though, since he's the one who insisted on being there. Heck, he didn't even know if his wife knew where he was. "We only have each other out here, remember?". He shrugged.
"Thank you.". She smiled at him and as confident that he is that the wounded woman is already out of trouble, they walked to the bunkers. No more words were exchanged until they got inside, Karma disposing the last of his cigarette down the nearby trash bin.
There were two packages in the middle of the room. One smaller on top of the table and another larger one sitting by the foot of the chair. They shared a room, one bed on each adjacent wall. Something that can be considered a luxury because of their positions and contribution, courtesy of Karasuma. "Whoo! Looks like someone gets overboard with the care package.". He whistled and took a glass of water, drinking to remove the after taste of his smoking.
"Oh, that wasn't for me. That's for you from Manami..". He accidentally spit his drink, looking at her in disbelief. "I guess.. I forgot to mention it? Sorry". She laughed softly at his reaction as he slowly walked to inspect the packages. They sat down knowing that they would need the support of a chair. Being far from home for too long has taken too much from them.
"Okay.." Karma took a deep breath. "Ladies' first.". He pointed at her package on top of the table.
"No. You go first. You've been waiting for this for a long time. I've been here for only 5 months." She countered.
He just shook his head. "Don't wanna." He tried sounding aloof about it but he's not so sure himself as well. "You go first..." with a silent plea, she understood.
He was afraid, afraid that his wife would be moving on without him for good. That a document needed his signature will be included. They have been each other's support for a few months and Rinka can already tell that he is internally shaking. She decided to open her package first to save him from the troubles.
When she opened it though, she saw something she never expected. She saw pictures, lots and lots of pictures of her cat with some kittens. She realized then that her cat already started her own family, something that she is running away from. Biting back a sob, she saw more and more pictures of the kittens' activities while they were growing up, but her favorite is a selfie of Ryunosuke with the cats on his office table, sleeping on top of what seems to be a new project.
They laid down all the pictures on the table, laughing here and there. Reading some notes behind the pictures that was added to give further context. Further inspecting the box, they saw some clothes, snacks and a letter that she decided to read a bit later. Smiling at her boyfriend's thoughtfulness, she started packing everything away again making room for Karma's package.
Karma's hope has been renewed seeing Rinka's package. Maybe it's not too late nor too bad for him. But he decided to stop the what ifs as he doesn't want any false hope. He reached for his package with only a nod of encouragement from his companion. Carefully poking the tape of the package, he slowly lifted the flap, his heart stopping at seeing an enveloped document on top of the package. The document feels heavy in his hands as lifts it from the box, dreading its contents. He has an idea on what it was and he peeled off its seal dreading the official documents inside, Rinka coming back from putting her package away, seeing the sweat forming on her companion's forehead.
She never liked suspense or being surprised. She knew that Karma would take forever in opening the document so deciding to take the matter, he snatched the envelope, tearing the seal mercilessly. 'The damn thing doesn't need any care if it's about divorce. We are risking our lives here to be receiving these notices. If this shi.. Eh?' Rinka stops her train of thoughts when she sees the documents. Instead of divorce papers, they seem to be.. Research papers?
Seeing Karma slumped on his chair, sadness is visible on his face, a rare sight for him, she decided to wake him up from his stupor. "I don't know how to say this but this doesn't look like it's for you." She offered. "The document that is.".
With that, Karma leaped from his chair to read through the documents, becoming as confused as her in every page. He can't even understand some of the terms, only those that he can remember whenever his wife is telling him about her research. He always listens, then dozes off at the sound of her voice. "Why would she send me this?" Checking the date, it was sent three months prior. The label was off though as it was addressed to his previous senior. He further inspected the envelope when he saw a note at the bottom stating:
I have a copy of this at home, burn this please when you're done with the contents? Nishigima-san told me that you need to be the one to submit and have this approved instead of him. He will be holding on to your position until you get back.
~Your wife
"My what?!". He stated out loud, startling Rinka who is currently helping him unpack the contents of his package onto the table.
She took out another document and handed it over to him. She already helps herself with the contents to avoid any unnecessary drama. "Looks like you got yourself a job offer just a month after you left.". She grinned, knowing that the reason why he was there was because he needed a job to provide for him and his wife. It sparked a fight between them when Karma told Manami that he doesn't want to be useless and she insisted that it's fine and he can stay home as long as he wants. Him taking the offer negatively of course, ending with him joining the mission. A fight that almost cost him everything, similar to hers. She silently thanked God they both have an understanding partner.
Scanning through the document and the accompanying letter, Karma learns that the old man Nishigima had to get his position back as his successor got involved in a bribery scandal, making Karma his next best option. Karma was always his best option, but tenure has to get in the way. Karma, of course, being a threat to the position was then removed by the scum.
He laughed because at the end of his letter, he noted that Manami came to him asking for their drug to be approved as soon as possible so she could follow him. While the drug is ready to be approved and to be out in the market, the old man wouldn't just approve it because knowing the couple personally, she would really go and follow him. Karma was elated due to his seniors' thoughtfulness. "Are you thinking of going back now?".
He shook his head, grinning at her. "No way, I won't be able to face gramps if I do.", he answered, putting the documents away. "And I told you, I'm going to see this through no matter what. It may be peaceful there right now but there's no telling that this war will not reach them.". His face suddenly turned dark. He pushed away any dark thoughts though as he wanted to go through the whole package with a clear mind.
Scanning through the items on top of the table, he saw a stack of letters, sweaters, blankets, his handheld video game console, medicines and lots and lots of snacks and strawberry milk. His sweat drops realizing why the package is too big. Reaching for the stack of letters, he can't help but feel disappointed that he did not get any pictures but that would be unlike her to send some anyways. He opened the most recent letter and another grin found its way on his face. He gestured to Rinka to help herself with the snacks and she gladly took some while he continued with the letter.
My dear husband,
It has come to my attention that none of my letters were reaching you because someone is blocking them. I'm talking about you Karasuma-san, as well as the medicines I am sending your way because they are thought to be explosive (that someone could have asked me the first time! Can you believe it?!). They said they were kept well in good condition but insisted that it needs further documentation first which took months. I hope you get them this time though.
Karma was already laughing hysterically because of this. He forgets how blunt she can be sometimes. It does make sense though, that packages being sent here are to be inspected to avoid any breach. He'll just have to make sure to annoy their previous sensei for giving his wife a hard time.
Like my previous letters, I will not ask you to come back. I know you wanted to finish this as you already started and I wouldn't want you coming back to me with regrets. Just promise me that you will be safe until you can go back to me. Until then, I will always be waiting.
~Your wife, always and forever.
It may sound cheesy to some but it makes his heart ache at her last message. Knowing he still has a wife to go back to and a job nonetheless, he can go home anytime but he doesn't want to, he can't. No, not until this is over. Not until the rebel leader has been disposed of. He exchanged smiles with Rinka as they continued going through his snacks, chatting excitedly at this new development. At least now they know that there's still hope for them when they get back.
A/N:
Re-uploaded because this site hates me.
Karma's internship reference was Korotan D? Not sure though, it was when he got duped by a colleauge with glasses. Trusted the guy because he reminds him of another person with glass (we already know who this is) that he really liked. His words, not mine.
Anyways, open for critism, suggestions and violent reactions. LOL
See your next Chapter!
