Soldier

Chapter 28: Alex

It's really hard to come to terms with myself over Delves death. But I have to do it right away. I can't just sulk on the past. I can't just let him die in vain. I-the only thing I can do is accept he's dead. Although, I guess I can say a lot of things have been going on lately that are hard to accept...

Delves gave me a chance to stay with Kairi. I can't mess that up again. I got too ahead of myself by trying to protect her a little too much. I guess I reacted like I did since I remembered what happened when she fell through the ice back at the orphanage. That's when I realized how fragile she is. The doctor did say her heart wasn't in the best shape. She was born with a slightly weaker heart then most, even if she doesn't feel any weaker. The cold could have killed her that day if I didn't jump in to save her. Guess I just freaked out when she started shivering and coughing like she had that day.

Heh, I'm pathetic aren't I. She's the only family I've got, and I don't want to lose her, so I go to extremes. I acted as if she was a flower. So fragile, yet so beautiful and perfect. She's a person... and she can handle herself, but I couldn't take it if I couldn't protect her like I couldn't protect Delves. Even if she gets mad at me. Or even if she slaps me like she had. I guess, I will just have to give her more room...

I pulled back the lever of the rifle I had in my hands, followed by a clicking sound as a bullet loaded into the chamber. It isn't that big of a rifle. It has brown wood for a stock, a scope on the top, and maybe about two and a half feet long. Though it's not like I'm going to measure it. But I think I can use it. Besides, if that fails I always have my sword. Kinda old school, but it works. Just like on the robotic wolf.

I looked around me to see everyone just about geared up. Willis is still talking with Mr. Reginald. Guess he was a teacher back at the academy. Just for some reason though, he bugs me. Not really for any particular reason, but because... well he just does.

Willis nodded his head about something and directed his attention toward everyone else. About all thirty- twenty nine people, I mean... Willis, in his loud commanding voice, gave out orders.

"All right then, all soldiers' line up in groups of six. Me and Mr. Reginald here will be in the front. Everyone else is to follow us. Earlier today me and Reginald were somehow able to contact the ship using the radio equipment brought by one of the landers. They have ordered us, as the only known active team in enemy territory, to scout ahead and find a way to send back any information we find. Which shows how desperate they are actually are for information. We are to give that information. Every group will be assigned a medic, a radioman, and four soldiers. Partners are to be in the same group. The group at the rear end of the line will watch our backs carefully. Those in the middle are to hold keep weapons ready at all times. If there is a problem have your group's radioman contact the lead and then we will decide our next course of action. Everyone understand?"

Everyone responded with a salute.

"YES SIR!"

Kairi grabbed onto my arm with hers out of nowhere. She is carrying a large backpack in her other hand and held it out to me. I grabbed it as she let it go. My arm was pulled down by the bag as it fell to the floor. It's heavy...

What the hell's in it anyway? Rocks?

Kairi looked at me with pleading eyes that are just too damn cute to resist. I picked up bag from the ground and slid onto my back. I trained to carry heavy bags with me... but this is a bit extreme...

Kairi kissed me on my cheek.

"Thanks Alex!"

She still hung onto my arm.

I realized Willis hadn't finished talking. The others already are walking up the rocky hill.

Kairi and I ran to the nearest group and fell in line as we heard only the last of Willis's speech.