Title: Faraway
Author: A Paper Moon
Pairing: Narumi Ayumu/Yuizaki Hiyono
Fandom: Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna
Theme: #13—excessive chain
Rating: PG-13 (language, violence)
Disclaimer: All characters of Spiral are the property of Kyou Shirodaira; I allege no possession of said characters. I only request to take them to over-rowdy soccer games and force them to play at gunpoint. Please note this is an AU fic; using a bit of inspiration from The Pacific and WWII, just borrowing the characters from the anime and placing them in my own world (thought I hope it's historically accurate). :D
Summary: I would never lie to her, no matter the chain of events; always the truths.
Found this old thing in my document folder and thought I'd finish it. (Darn you The Pacific and your amazing story line!)
-o-
I saw her on a brilliantly sunny morning as she tied her maroon-colored apron around her waist, a pen slipping in to join her notepad. It was the Eighth of August, 1941 and many of my friends had enlisted in the United States military, some choosing the Air Force, others the Marines, and others still the Army. I, myself, was only seventeen at the time, too young to join, too old to not want to. Jack and Nolan, two of my friends, decided that before leaving, they wanted to check out the waitresses and food at Dicky's, a local diner. When we entered, we saw a dozen or so soldiers eating breakfast. Finding another friend of theirs, Jack and Nolan ran off to say hello. I was going to join them—I had seen Archie a year ago when we had English 101 together—but, then I saw her.
With long locks of honey-colored hair and large, expressive eyes, she was a vision of beauty, innocence, and grace wrapped up in a petite package. She spotted me and smiled. I, being a complete moron, gazed back, my expression unchanging.
She approached me, poking another waitress when she giggled, and cheerfully asked, "Can I help you?"
Work mouth! I remember yelling at myself. Here, a charming young woman was talking to me and the best I could do was nod my head stupidly.
She sat me down at a table, her hand poised and ready for my orders. Though the menu was filled with appetizing photos of egg and bacon and pancake combinations, I couldn't help but keep my eyes on her.
Just as I was about to say something, Jack came by and slapped me on the arm. "Heya bud, the boys are heading out for one more afternoon of good ol' fun. You know, with everyone shipping off tomorrow. Want to join us?"
I could see Nolan, Archie, Don, and Robert laughing by the door, their minds already set on a day of adventure.
"That's okay," I said. I knew I would be preoccupied by the waitress; I wouldn't be any fun. I mean, by tomorrow morning, they would all be thinking about the four days journey to England where they would begin training with the British Army. Come tomorrow, I would be the only one left, by myself, isolated from my friends by the expansive Atlantic Ocean, forgotten and lost, my only companion being my father's old radio and Franklin Roosevelt.
"Man, you're such a dud. Whatever. We'll be downtown if you change your mind." With a wink to the waitress and blown kiss to her dark-haired friend, he ran off to join the group.
They left in a flurry of motion and noise and before I knew it, it was just us and an older couple.
"So, how come you're not going with them?" It took me a minute to register that she was talking to me.
"Oh, well, I'm not sure."
She laughed, her voice like the sound of one thousand small, tinkering bells. I was mesmerized.
"Well now, you should be having fun. Aren't you leaving with the rest of the boys tomorrow?"
"No."
She looked confused. "Why not?"
"I'm seventeen," I explained. She understood.
"Still, it's such a lovely day. You should be out having a good time."
"Why?" I still can't remember why I had said that, but, a mischievous look crossed her feminine features at that word.
"'Why?' I can think of a few good reasons. One, you look like you never have fun."
"Me? No fun?"
"Yes," she chuckled.
Now I was intrigued.
"Why would you say that?"
"Honestly?"
"Of course."
"You look like an angry, old man." When my mouth hung open at her comment, she interjected, "I'm Hiyono, by the way. Yuizaki Hiyono."
Those seven words changed my life. No really, they did. Don't believe me? That afternoon, we walked along the beach and by the end of the night, she was my girl.
-.-.-
It turned out that Hiyono was also a second generation American from Japan, although her family was from Osaka and mine from Tokyo.
In the four months I had known her, I had this strong feeling that I'd end up marrying her. Don't ask why; it's just a guy thing. I promised her on our second date, that I would always tell her the truth; we wouldn't have any secrets between us. Yet, when Japan decided to bomb Pearl Harbor, I knew that my heart would yearn to protect both my country and my girl. So, when we graduated high school, I found the nearest base and signed up to ship out.
When she asked, I told her that I wanted to be the one to say I helped end the war. She cried and yelled at me for a good twenty minutes, but, when I held her in my arms and tried my hardest to comfort her, she finally began to understand that this was something I wanted to do. There were no obligations.
I was to head out to training in three weeks. We made the best of the time we had.
I took her to the pier to watch the sun set. We danced on the beach, the stars and full moon our only witnesses. She laughed when I spun her around, her dress flowing about her creamy legs, her eyes wide with excitement. I couldn't help it; I lent down, kissed her, and told her I loved her. Deep down, though I didn't want to, I had to tell her the truth. I knew that there could be a chance of me not returning, but chances apart, I needed her to know.
A few days later, I met her parents; they told me I was a brave young man but, when her dad took me aside, he called me an "inconsiderate moron." Apparently, telling someone's daughter you love her before heading to war isn't the best way to earn brownie points from the father.
Parents be damned, I wouldn't change a thing.
Three weeks came and went and, with tears, hugs, kisses, and endearing calls, I left her standing there on the platform, her hands clutched to her chest. I felt anguish that I wouldn't be able to fight with Nolan and the others in Europe. I was being sent to a naval base in Southern California. From there, I would head wherever they sent me.
-.-.-
The heroic, patriotic nonsense they tell you about war is just that—nonsense. There is no glory in learning the proper way to silently kill a man. There is no honor in deciding when it's best to shoot an enemy in the head, or take him prisoner for future torture. No fame resides in choosing the opportune moment to slaughter an innocent civilian for the protection of a comrade. There is no grandeur about combat. No fanfare, no splendor, no praise. There is only pain, fear, bloodshed, panic, and the gut feeling deep in your stomach telling you to, "Shoot, dammit, shoot!"
-.-.-
As I run past the three mile marker, my mind wanders to that day twelve months ago, when I kissed Hiyono on the beach. A rush of regret fills me and my heart clenches; I should've asked her to marry me then. Now, I'm stuck at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Southern California running form my life as Master Sergeant Marbery screams at us to move our "scrawny asses."
When I had enlisted, I had felt a surge of pride. Now anxiety gripped at me. Tomorrow, under the rising sun, my regiment, the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, would be shipping out to Guadalcanal. According to James Yulley, our Corporal, the Japanese were preparing to use the island as an air base to cut the United States of from their allies, the British. It all seemed so confusing to me.
In school, I had been studying to become a police officer, my intended major being Criminal Justice. Now, I was being taught the proper way to hold, reload, and shoot an M12 Shotgun, how to pull and throw a Mk.2 Frag, and properly stand up and fire a M2 Mortar. I had never wielded a gun, thrown a grenade, or launched a mortar before. When I had told James that, he just laughed, "Well, you better damned well be ready, soldier." He and Steven and Johnny always get on my case about being "inexperienced." Even Shelby and Richard, two other newbies, one from New Jersey, the other from Arkansas, constantly nagged me about not knowing anything. Well, when we get to Guadalcanal, we'll see who knows what about warfare.
"All Right, stop!" Marbery yells. We do.
We line up, our chests heaving as our lungs try to suck in as much air as they can. Marbery stands before us, his feet shoulder-width apart, his arms folded behind his back.
"At ease, boys," he tells us. We comply.
"Well, it's been a blast, boys, but I'm sorry to say the fun is over. Tomorrow we head out. Let me tell you, you're in for one hell of a vacation, boys." We all know that Marbery would never lie to us; it's not his style. With a jagged scar marring the right side of his face, we understand that he's seen worse than Hell itself.
"Those Japs are ruthless killing machines. Don't, for a single second, drop your guard. They'll shoot your head off so damn fast, you'll never know what hit you."
It scares me to know that he's honest.
"There's not much I can say. Debriefing tomorrow, 0500 hours. Good luck, boys. I better not see your scrawny asses coming back here in a casket, you hear me? Best to you all." With that, he salutes us, we return the gesture, and the next thing I know, I'm on a carrier to Guadalcanal.
-.-.-
Everything Marbery said was right. It's Hell. That's all that can be said. There is gunfire, yelling, mortars exploding, carriers gliding through the waters, FM Wildcats screaming overhead. It's every man for himself as we dodge the oncoming bullets. Colonel Edson is shouting commands and we do our best to follow through with them. All I can think is: Get to land. Get the hell to land and meet up with the others.
From the corner of my eye I see Steven go down, a shot to his right shoulder. He clutches his arm in pain but I can't afford to stop and help him now. If there was one thing Marbery taught us well, it was that, in the middle of crossfire, one was never to stop for someone else. You continued with your mission and then, only if time permitted, you could check on the wounded. Assignment first, soldiers second. It was a sickening concept but one we were forced to uphold.
Steven sees me hesitate and waves me on with his good arm.
Johnny is yelling at me and I join him in a life-or-death sprint to the forest, one of the only places we can try to find cover. This is Hell, I'm sure of it.
-.-.-
Guadalcanal, August 1942
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment
I miss you so much. It's difficult to go on when I think of you, by yourself and alone. We stormed onto the island today. I think we lost Steven, but I'm not sure. Shelby might have gone back for him. The weather is horrendously hot, but don't worry; we've got plenty of water and the trees give us decent enough shade.
How are things back home? I hope this letter gets to you soon. It's dark out now so it's a bit cooler but Johnny and I are going to try and find some of the others in a few minutes. It's bad to be separated.
All my love.
-.-.-
I get a reply from Hiyono two weeks later. I rip it open with such ferocity that even Johnny laughs at me.
San Francisco, California
September 1, 1942
My love,
I hope you are doing well. I'm sorry to hear about Steven. I'm thinking about joining the Red Cross; they say they could always use more nurses. It's terrible waiting here by the radio, waiting for more news about what's going on. There is talk that all Japanese civilians will be taken to camps. I'm not sure why; I'm American now.
Everything is fine here. There is tons of support for you and the other boys. Did you know they're letting women into engineering? It's amazing. Ruth and Betty are getting on a train to Everett, Washington to help Boeing build more fighters and bombers.
I feel useless here, but enough of that.
I love you with all of my heart and then some. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Even Papa and Mama are praying for you and trust me, that's big. I was thinking about it; you and I are looking at the same sky, the same sun, the same moon. Tonight, when I watch the stars, know I'm thinking about you. If you have a chance, please look too.
Be safe. Please, please be safe. I need you. I miss you. I love you.
It breaks my heart. I can't stand this ridiculous war anymore.
-.-.-
Months go by and we finally gain control of the island. Steven is gone, dead to infection. Johnny and I eventually find the rest of the gang, but, as soon as we do, we're briefly torn apart as an ambush forces us to separate and regroup. The days are sluggishly slow; I don't even know what month it is anymore. Colonel says we're heading back to Base. Thank God. I miss Hiyono terribly and I can't wait to see her again.
-.-.-
I feel like I'm in love for the first time. I await Hiyono's letters with something akin to a child on Christmas morning. Yes, the guys make fun of me for it.
Guadalcanal, January 1943
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment
It's driving me mad. I have my picture of you with me at all times, but when I can't look at it, I feel like I will go crazy. The days are becoming longer, slower, and more unbearable. You would think that winter would bring some relief from the heat, but it doesn't. This heat is starting to make everyone paranoid. Bert, one of our newest recruits from Oregon, almost shot Richard. Though we were all startled when it happened, we still make fun of Richard for jumping like a small girl. It's weird to think of it but, it's been a whole five months since I've seen you.
We were talking about home the other day and I brought you up and showed everyone your picture. Big mistake. Now everyone from James to Richard to even little Jonas are after you. Yes, you are that desirable. Don't tell anyone I said that.
I love you so much.
-.-.-
So that whole thing about heading home? A blatant lie. We all glare at Colonel now. He knows we don't like him. Well, it's a change of plans. It's off to New Guinea to protect a base there. Grunt duty, I know. It beats shooting Japs though. I was thinking about it recently, and it makes me sad to think that I'm shooting my own people. Sure, I was born American, but I'm full Japanese. Is it betrayal? Would Hiyono think less of me because of it? I ask that of Hiyono in my next letter and she tells me no, it isn't and no, she couldn't never think of me that way. I'm protecting my country now; protecting her. It makes sense.
San Francisco, California
April 15, 1943
When are you coming home? That man, Jack—the one that was with you when we first met—he's home now. How come he gets to come home and you don't? I don't think it's very fair, but who am I to judge. I had a talk with Arnold today. You remember him? The man from the government?
He said there may be a chance that I have to go to one of these camps. He says he'll try and fight for me but Mama and Papa have to go. It makes me so angry to see them cart my parents away. There is not point in this nonsense. Do not feel shame for killing others. I know it sounds odd but think of it this way: The more men you take out of the battle, the less there are to harm us. I had a talk with Papa last week and he said that he's honored to have you fighting. Honored, Ayumu. Can you believe it? Well, I can. Please, don't worry. I could never think badly of you. You are my knight in shining armor, no matter how clichéd that sounds.
I looked into the Red Cross and they said that all I need to do is take a basic first aid class and then they'll be more than happy to have me. What do you think? I love you.
-.-.-
One of the younger soldiers, Eric, was shot yesterday. He looked so lost and I felt like I let him down. Jimmie, one of the Privates, says it isn't. I can't help but feel otherwise.
New Guinea, October 1943
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment
How is everything at home? New Guinea is different from Guadalcanal in that every moment isn't life or death related. I just wanted you to know that I love you and I don't want it to appear as if I'm pressuring you but please, don't enlist in the Red Cross. I know you're a tough girl but I don't want you to have to see the things I've seen. Please, for my sake, don't enlist and please don't be angry with me.
Other good news. I've been promoted. You are now speaking to Narumi Ayumu Infantry Private First Class US Marines. Yes, that's right. You should show respect.
I love you.
-.-.-
I receive Hiyono's letter a month and a half later. She isn't angry. Thank God. She is overly pleased at my promotion. Wonderful. We're moving out again, to a small island known as Peleliu. It is now our duty to take down the Japanese defenses. I pray that night that we can do it. Please Lord, give us strength. We need it, Lord. It's all I ask of you. That, and take care of Hiyono. Thank you. Amen.
-.-.-
Peleliu, September 1944
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment
I hope this letter finds you well. I'm so worried about you. Here you are, all alone, and I can't even be there for you. I'm supposed to be the one protecting you. This stupid war is taking good men away from their wives and homes. I hope it ends soon.
Things are getting getting more and more difficult. The heat is beginning to agitate even the toughest of the Corporals. These people just aren't falling back as fast as most of us thought. Yesterday was a disaster. Erikson and the 1st Marines were supposed to land on the southwestern side of Peleliu, but that didn't go how everyone thought it would. Shots rang out and they went down pretty fast. Johnson and the 7th had better luck but it was still nasty. Luckily, by the time we got there, most of the enemy fire was aimed towards the western flanks.
Right now, the sun's gone but we can't sleep yet. Every once and a while, a mortar goes off and everyone jumps for their rifles. Poor Jonas. You remember him, right? That little, scrawny kid from Tennessee? Yeah, he's so scared. He keeps staring around waiting for some crazy soldier to jump out and slit his throat. It's his first tour so he's a bit nervous.
I miss you so much. Everyone here has a picture of their girls back home. I show you to them and they get all rowdy. I guess you're just so cute, they can't help themselves. Jimmie and Bert keep arguing about who's got the cutest girl but I tell them not to waste their breath; I'd win any day.
How's everything where you are? I'm sorry things got so out of hand. It's not fair that just because we're Japanese, they think we're with those animals. I sent a letter to Arnold explaining everything so if he gives you any trouble, let me know. Well, Corporal is saying we're supposed to be ready at 0430 for a charge. We'll see how it goes. I love you.
-.-.-
Peleliu is worse than Guadalcanal. Probably the worse battle I've ever been in. Johnny is dead; mortar. Shelby was wounded a week or so ago, sent back to Australia to be patched up. I haven't seen Richard since part of our hideout was shot at. I'm exhausted and ready to go home. I haven't received a letter from Hiyono in almost a month and I'm aching to hear how she's doing. I hear from others that the European front is having its ups and downs and I can only hope that it will all be over soon.
-.-.-
It's dark and windy the night I'm shot. Jimmie, Bert and I are camped out, waiting to flush a group of Japanese infantrymen from their hideout on the other side of the slowly trickling stream. Jonas is shivering next to me and I give him a comforting nudge. He grins at me the best he can and, after a strangely human-sounding bird call echos around us, we're off, guns in hand. That's when I see him—the man that shoots me.
He has wild red hair and cat-like eyes. His gun is held at a ninety degree angle from his body and I can tell by his posture that he is poised to attack. I hear another Japanese man yell something that sounds like, "Shoot, Kousuke."
So, Kousuke is his name? I wonder if he realizes I'm Japanese too.
"Oi, Narumi! Get your ass in gear!" I hear Bert scold as his rolls behind a tree, avoiding a near bullet. Jonas has scrambled up a gradual hill and is hiding behind a boulder, his M1819 Browning going off every once and a while hoping he gets something. Jimmie is behind Jonas, his hands grasping at a grenade. He pulls the pin and chucks the small explosive into the underbrush and the detonation causes the ground to shake.
Its funny, you know? Here I am, surrounded by gunfire and explosives and the only thing I can do is stare at that man like I've seen him before. I know I have but I can't place him. Then, it hits me. Steven. He's the man that shot at Steven. How the hell did he get to the same island?
I am so confused that I don't realize Kousuke has his gun raised, his finger delicately steadied on the trigger like the most minute movement will set the gun off. Then, suddenly, it does.
There's a rip of sound and instantaneously, my chest hurts. I fall back from the impact, my head hitting the ground with such force, it boggles my brain. My helmet clatters against a rock and my arms flop to my sides, useless. My mind is foggy; what the hell just happened?
I hear screaming from Jonas, screaming to Jonas from Jimmie, and Bert just screaming. I'm tired, sore, and ready for a nap. I think I'll take one.
-.-.-
By Direct Wire From Western Union=
RX MG 27 TWS Govt. Sept 8 3:45P=
Mrs. Hiyono Narumi=
15 Willow Drive (San Fran, Cal.)=
The Marines Department deeply regrets to inform you that your husband, Ayumu Narumi, Infantry Private First Class US Marines was killed in action while in the performance of his duties and service of his country. Due to exigencies of war, burial on land was necessary. Further details not now available but will be communicated to you promptly when received. To prevent possible aid to our enemies please do not divulge the name of his platoon or higher ranking officers.
Master Sergeant J W Marbery Commandant US Marines
-.-.-
I hear the sounds of women's voices and the panicked calls of soldiers. Please God, don't tell me Heaven is just like Peleliu. Please.
"Narumi Ayumu?"
Oh God, they know my name. Please, don't let it be true.
"Sir, please hold still."
I am.
"Sir."
I am.
There is a pricking sensation in my arm and my eyes open wide. Jerking forward, I see two worried faces; both women.
"It's all right, Sir. You're okay now," one says gently.
"Wha—"
"Shh," she soothes. Dark eyes regard me tentatively before she finishes poking my arm.
"Everything is okay," the other murmurs.
"Where am I?" I finally manage to ask.
"Southern California, Sir."
"Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton," the blonde finishes.
It's all rushing back to me now. The fight, the redheaded man, getting shot, loosing consciousness, worried voices.
"Jonas, grab his other arm!"
"Okay."
"On the count of three. One, two—"
The rustling of leaves. A comforting voice, "It's gonna be all right, man."
So they brought me back here?
"Sir?"
"Hmm?"
"There's someone here to see you."
They finish hooking up my IV and when I turn to see who has come to visit, I almost jump up and yank the needle back out. Hiyono!
She looks tired and worried but I can see the sparkle behind her eyes as she comes running to my bedside. She throws herself at me but stops a bit short making sure to only hover inches from my stitched up chest. It's all a haze as our hands find each other's and her lips kiss my cheeks, forehead, and eyelids. Forget it; if this is Heaven, it's alright with me.
"Ayumu!" she cries and my left hand rushes to brush away the falling tears.
I'm sure that those pretty ladies knocked me up with some grade A morphine because I can only manage to mumble "I love you." over and over again. She nods and kisses my mouth and then she's asked to step away as the nurses finish cleaning up my station. I fall into deep sleep immediately after.
-.-.-
When I awake later, I find out that I've been asleep for two days. Two whole days! Where the hell did that time go? I'm still at the base in the springy cot but having Hiyono by my side makes it all the more bearable. She shows me the telegraph she received from Marbery and I laugh for two reasons.
One: That bastard thought I died. What nerve!
And two: They called her Mrs. Hiyono Narumi. And you know what? I think that name sounds lovely. So I turn my head to see her and she tells me that it's silly for them to make such a mistake.
That's when I tell that when I get out of here, we're going to make sure that her name is permanently made that way. She's going to be Mrs. Hiyono Narumi for the rest of her life and silently, I thank God for putting me in the Marines, having me shot, and brought back here because if it wasn't for that bizarre chain of events, I know I wouldn't have ever met such a fine woman.
-.-.-
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Proudly Announces the Marriage of Narumi Ayumu and Yuizaki Hiyono on the Fifth of April, this Current Year. Both parties hope you'll join them for the festivities.
Thank you all so much for continuing to read. I sent out reviewer replies so I hope y'all got them :) I hope this small bit of fluff was enough to satisfy after those long, melodramatic deals. By the way, if you haven't checked out The Pacific, you'd better! It's an amazing, true story miniseries that follows five-ish man through the Pacific theater of WWII. It completely inspired this and I take my hat off to anyone who is or is related to a veteran of that war. That was some tough shit.
Well, you know what to do :)