Chapter 86 - Eiji POV The Calm (pt3) (1/2)

They woke with hangovers and half the day gone. Sean relished the rare luxury of being able to peacefully sleep-in during the war.

When he groggily sat up, he saw Eiji's futon empty. He scrambled out of bed and got up to look for him.

Eiji was sitting on the front porch, patting Tama near his legs.

They were enjoying the view of a calm river sprinkled with mellow daylight. It ran alongside a lush bank of wild green grass, yellowing weeds and various daisy clusters that swayed with the breeze. Small creatures were tiny movements amongst the grass.

Tama had her head and ears perked up with interest, but she wasn't showing signs of budging from the pats Eiji lavished on her.

The cicadas' rhythmic droning soothed their heart rates in a calming pace. A moist breeze stroked their skin (and fur), warming their bodies.

”So, what's next?” Eiji asked Sean, keeping his eyes towards the river view.

Sean sighed as he sat next to Eiji.

”After the drop?”

”Yes. What's after that?”

Sean shrugged his shoulders. It was obvious from that kenpei spy that they were on their own after this task. This fact made him slightly nervous.

Eiji glanced to Sean. His words were deep and serious. ”Your country is planning to drop a bomb on mine. It's obvious with all these detailed maps being placed into US hands.”

”No. We don't know that Eiji. It's likely another air strike or ground invasion.” Sean instantly defended his country's honour.

Eiji thought back to the information they had gathered from Keiko and the locals at Saka. His heart raced with both fear and confirmation at the sight of Nagasaki and Kyushu Islands regions on the map he had peeked at while Tyne was asleep.

”Then why is the US interested in knowing more about certain areas.” Eiji's eyes glistened with tears that he held back.

Sean sighed deeply. ”We're at a time of war Eiji. It's only natural to know more about your enemy.

”Is that what my friendship is to you? Knowing more about the enemy.” Eiji responded coldly.

He yelped at the sudden pain to his good arm.

Sean frowned. His face showing obvious distress to Eiji's accusation.

”You can never be my enemy.”

Eiji gulped. He resumed his gaze out to the pleasant view of the Enko River. Feeling his heart race erratically, as his mind lapsed into an inner turmoil.

Tama nipped his hand when she felt his pat was too rough. She hopped off the porch and went to forage in the fields.

”I honestly don't know.” Sean lowered his head towards his dangling feet.

”If my country was going to drop a bomb. No. We're soldiers. Not butchers. No soldier wants to harm a civilian. What's the point of fighting?” He convinced himself.

Tyne sighed from the eaves of the opened shoji door after hearing their speculation of the map's purpose.

”One thing is for certain. US is planning an assault on the mainland,” he said when he entered the conversation.

Sean and Eiji turned about to faced him. Tyne shuffled onto the spot next to Eiji.

”The map is another detailed version of Japan. It's a topological map. Perfect to know what places an air strike would be effective.” Tyne soberly commented.

He elaborated to reassure Eiji that the places circled in red, on the map, were isolated regions.

Eiji frowned. ”Can I see the map?”

Tyne paused before getting up and going inside to retrieve the large brown envelope next to his futon.