The Battlefield

Chapter Four

Once they were inside and Mike had made sure the tent was shut, the general dropped his intimidating act as he walked up to him. The man scrunched his eyebrows in concern while he examined his old friend. “Are you alright? Have you gotten hurt yet? Has anyone been mean to you?” The fanatic questioning made Kyle giggle.

The boy smiled and let his nerves calm, “I'm perfectly fine Michael.” He blushed softly when two strong arms once again found their way around his waist. Another hug? No. Something different.

The two just stood in each other’s embrace. Eyes locked together. Faces both a deep crimson. Lips inches apart.

Michael's eyes flicked between meeting Kyle's eyes and staring at his red lips, almost in a questioning manner. This only made the boy go more red. He nodded softly and tilted his head as Mike pulled him closer. Michael was the first to lean forward. Kyle soon followed, having to get up on his tippy toes to do much.

BOOM

A loud gunshot rang through the air. It made the small boy jump and squeak in fear, ultimately ruining the sweet moment. The noise was followed by a deep, ‘Lights out!’ Kyle bit his lip and looked up at Michael. “I..I think I have to go..”

Michael nodded. Both were clearly disappointed but nevertheless the blonde gave a smile. He pecked the general’s cheek as he pulled away from him. “I'll see you tomorrow Michael.” He said softly. With that and a wave of his hand, he walked out of the tent to go to his own.

The next morning, at exactly five o’clock, Kyle was awoken by screaming drill sergeants. He jumped out of bed and was one of the first to go outside to line up in the middle of camp. Soon after having to drag many out of their bunks, the full camp was there.

“Listen up!,” snapped a familiar voice that made Kyle's face turn red, “You will eat breakfast then gather at the shooting rage for practice! Understood?”

The troop responded with a loud ‘Sir yes sir’ before breaking apart to go eat. The food wasn't the best. Mostly just stale bread and dry sausage but Kyle was incredibly hungry. He had missed dinner because of his little meeting with Michael. He quickly devoured the food before running off to the area sending a smile at the general as he passed.

Michael's heart fluttered as he followed. He didn't usually join for training but he decided today was a different story. Even if Kyle had assured to him he wasn't fragile. He knew for a fact the boy had never held something so powerful. Of course, he was nervous for a few reasons: One, the men were new and stupid. He remembered his troops first time shooting. They had to take a recruit to the doctor's tent for getting shot in the kidney. Two, Kyle was so, for lack of a better word, innocent. Michael had seen what giving power to innocent people could do. They would either get hurt or be devoured with the need for power. Both of which was not good for the blonde in Mike's opinion. Three: The sole fact that they were to be trained to kill. Not give mercy. Not help. They were to be machines killing and maiming all those whom they were ordered to. The general knew Kyle wouldn't have it in him. He couldn't even kill a butterfly.

A small blonde boy say on the grass. The ten year old was calmly picking wild flowers to put into a small bouquet. He giggled as he met eyes with his best friend. “Michael. Look! Look!”  The twelve year old looked down at the flowers that were being held out to him. “These are lovely Kyle.” He took them and gasped as a small butterfly flew around them. Kyle squealed and snuggled his face into Mike's chest. He didn't like bugs no matter how pretty they looked. Mike sighed as the butterfly landed on the ground. “Do you want me to kill it for you?” He softly asked as he ran his fingers through Kyle's golden locks.

Kyle shook his head and looked up at him. “Don't hurt it.” He whimpered, “No one deserves to die…”

A sudden yelp of fear pulled him out of his thoughts. “D-don't hurt yourself!,” squeaked a high pitched voice, “Please calm down.” Michael looked up. Everyone had a small pistol in their hands except for one. The male was about Mike's height with black hair and brown eyes. His gun was on the ground and by the smell of smoke in the air, followed by the noise, Michael had guessed he had shot it by accident.

Kyle had grabbed the shaking male's hands and muttered soft things to make him stop panicking. Once the blonde had successfully made the boy calm down a bit, he wrapped him in a comforting hug that made Mike's blood boil.

He didn't like how loving Private Wilson held into Kyle nor did he enjoy how big of a smile he had on his face. Michael was about to step in but another drill sergeant got to them first. The higher ranking person pulled the two apart. Both instantly went to attention, eyes widening as they were scolded in a loud yell.

Mike smirked and turned away to look at all his other soldiers. He didn't think anything of the disciplinary yelling until another voice let out a yelp as the sound of hand slapping skin rang through the air.

The general jerked his head around. Kyle was on the ground, cupping his cheek and obviously holding back tears. The other male only sneered and spit in his direction. The blonde in return silently stood up, wiped his eyes and continued to stand in attention after he picked his gun up off the grass. His pale cheek now had the harsh red imprint of hand that made Mike want to run over and help.

But...he did nothing. What could he do? It would ruin his reputation and people wouldn't respect him. He once again turned away to not have to look at the teary eyes of his companion. He could feel the blue eyes burn into his back as he looked anywhere but back at Kyle.

“Ready! Aim! Shoot!” An instructor yelled. The line of soldiers quickly aimed and shot their targets or...tired to shoot their targets. The instructor continued this pattern for three more shot before he walked down to look at the different targets. Ever so often, he would yell, “Until one of you idiots hit the target, you aren't going ba-” He was cut off as the man stared at Kyle's target. Four holes lay in the fabric. Kyle glared at the drill instructor as he forced his gun into his hand. “I'll be going back now.” The blonde murmured as he turned on his heel to go back to camp.