Tracing Memories

32: T o g e t h e r

Day by day the countdown to the Holy Road Tournament grew shorter and shorter. Everyone was holding their breath anticipating as it all came down to winning this tournament to bring an end to managed soccer. A lot was at stake but I had no doubt that you, along with Team Resistance led by Endou and Kidou, would definitely succeed and end our nightmare once and for all. I was quietly cheering for you because that was all I could do for you but I tried to help the resistance team in my way by sharing any information I could find which was of value. I thought the sooner it could all be over the sooner everything would return to normal and along with it, you.

For this purpose I worked hard and got myself promoted so that I could find more valuable info to get to the Resistance. I knew the risk was high but my motivation to help was just as strong.

One day I was staying after working hours, looking through files and thinking what would make a beneficial piece of information. I had my own little office now secluded from the cubicles where I used to work previously. All was quiet and serene in this otherwise evil place. Suddenly, you entered my office ripping through the calm and before I could understand anything you pulled me out of my chair by my arm, making the papers in my hand fall and scatter on the floor. I stumbled a little but regained my balance quickly.

“What the hell do you think you are doing, Kira?!” You asked, visibly annoyed.

“What do you mean?” I asked in return, surprised at your outburst.

“You’re giving out information to the Resistance?” You asked in a hushed but intense tone after looking around cautiously.

“Yes. What about it?” I answered without caring to dial down the volume.

“Don't you know how risky that is? Who told you to do that?” You crossed your arms in annoyance.

“No one told me to do that!” I exclaimed in a slightly louder voice, “I just wanted to help you and everyone else.”

You sighed in defeat and rubbed your forehead in frustration, “ Why do you keep getting further into this mess?” You looked at me again.

“Of course because I want to help you. What is the point of being here and not doing anything?”

“Don’t do this. You don’t need to.” You urged.

“How did you find out about it anyway?” I asked not paying attention to your warnings.

“ I figured.” You only gave a half-hearted reply, “Tell me you won’t do this again.” Your tone was urgent again.

“I will.” I replied without hesitation.

“Kira, please! You don’t understand.” You slammed your hand on my desk in exasperation.

“No you don’t understand!” I exclaimed, “We could do this together. Don't try to stop me. We could end this soon.” I urged resting my hands on your face.

You got out of hold, still agitated, “If you got caught…” Your face dripped with worry as if you could see the result of it.  

“You don't have to worry about that. Trust me. “ I assured.

You made an expression of dissatisfaction, you wanted to protest some more but I consoled you before you could speak.

“Trust. Me.” I emphasized each word as I held your face once again.

“I have to go. “ You said, unrest still visible on your face and in your voice and with that you turned and left without missing a beat.  

I sat down on my chair again, head in my hands, trying to make sense of what just happened.