The Sniper’s Curse.(Short story)

*(Note: Has nothing to do with main story) 

The Sniper’s CurseBy: Anthony Lopez 

On a dark fall night, everything in that dark empty deserted city was still. It had been a long time since I had been in battle, but I was as sharp as ever. It was still unsafe to move about the city, there were probably still enemy snipers posted. There was also the threat of the infantry soldiers still patrolling the city; neither were anything I wanted to deal with. I had to keep myself awake. If I had fallen asleep there, I probably would never have woken up. Suddenly, in the corner of my eye, I saw movement. I immediately picked up my rifle and looked. Most snipers had to use night-vision scopes; oddly, I never did, I could always see perfectly in the dark. I saw the enemy in my scope; I centered my reticle upon his head. Just as I was to pull the trigger he turned in my direction. He seemed as if he was staring right at me, which should have been impossible for him in this darkness. It was only then that I recognized who he was…my brother, Karase…and that was my last thought that night.

I awoke the next morning in a prison cell. Alone, I knew why, because of what I am. I knew that if I was to survive I‘d have to escape. The only problem was that there was no opening in the cell other than the door, which was solid steel. I knew there was only one way to get out. So I took two steps back; as I was going to blow open the door I realized my things were missing. The CARDS were missing. “So that’s what they were after” I thought to myself. I repositioned myself and shot two blasts toward the door, blowing it off its hinges. It was only a matter of seconds before guards came running. I didn’t think about how loud it was going to be. I ran until I was clear of the prison; until I could no longer see it. I wondered why they didn’t take anything but the cards. I still had my rifle, with only shot however, and my side arm, a .360 ACP PPK/S, again with only one shot. I realized that if they wanted me for the CARDS, then they were going to find Haddad, who held the BRUSH, the key to the CARDS. I found my way to his house. When I got there I saw that I was too late. They had already been there. I entered his home to see what had happened and to gather supplies and ammo as well. I returned to the city where my story began. I took my time moving around the city. Karase was also a sniper. He was a patient man, never rushed, ever waiting, however, when his target was in sight, he was fast on the trigger. He never missed his mark. I share most of those traits. There would be no sense in killing Karase if I had no idea where the items were. I just watched Karase from my scope among his soldiers. Karase walked in a slow manner, but not too arrogant. Soldiers left and right showing their respect towards him. He never looked back, the future, what was ahead of him was what to look for…he drew his pistol and aimed right at me and fired three shots. One of them hit me in my arm. It was nothing I couldn’t handle. I ducked down behind cover. I bandaged my arm and drew my PPK/S and returned fire. When I looked at him I saw he was carrying the objects I wanted. My mag was empty so I ran, figuring it wouldn’t be smart to reload there. I remained hidden ‘till dark, thus rendering the threat of enemy snipers…that is, of course, except Karase.  Karase was an enigmatic person; you never knew what he was thinking, that’s why he made the perfect sniper.

I reached for my rifle. I knew then that there was only way that this was going to end; one of us was going to die. “This is going to be a long night.” I said to myself. For hours Karase and I fired at each other, changed vantage points and fired again.

We were both equally matched; he shares my curse as well. After what seemed like forever, and probably was, I had a clear shot at him and he did not see me. As I pulled the trigger he immediately moved and my bullet missed his head. It appeared that I got his leg. It was a hit but not a kill. I tried to fire again, but I realized that that was my last bullet. He couldn’t run now, I figured that I could find and kill him with my pistol. I loaded clip into my pistol and proceeded to look for him. I found where I shot him, but he was not there. I found him around the corner, but he was waiting for me, pistol drawn and ready. The moment I peeked around the corner he fired. Luckily he missed by an inch and hit the wall. I subtly threw an empty magazine around the corner to distract him, the moment I heard it touch the ground I turned the corner and fired. I hit my mark square in the chest. I walked up to him to retrieve the objects which he stole. “My brother, Karase, I’m sorry.” I told him. “I’m not your brother,” he said removing his helmet, “Karase died this morning. He was shot in the head by a sniper.” He told me. “What?” I said shocked. The man died soon after. This man did have the objects Karase stole from me though. I would never now what had happened to my brother. All that mattered now was that I was alive. The next day I retired from the military, I told myself I would never kill again.