We swear to face everything, even Death.

"From the moment we start on this journey we swear to face what ever comes our way. Be it peace, be it war, be it love or hate. What ever it is we face it, without complaint or command. Even if it is death that rolls along the path, we stand our ground and fight. What are we? We are Soldiers, We are the Army!" 1

The generals words rang still in my mind from the moment we had arrived until now in enemy territory. The boys would return to us soon, and off we would go searching out 'Rodents' as Sargent Malone so pleasantly nicknamed them. My gun in hand I shift, and in that moment everything happens at once. I hear screams of agony, blasting shells, and see bits of shrapnel flying thirty feet in the air at speeds unimaginable and falling just as fast. Then somethings is on top of me, a warm body, breathing heavily, and arms wrapped protectively around me. I am curled into his chest. I know all ready who it is, Private Armstead, my self imposed body guard. 2

"Stay quiet, Maggot. Don't move." 3

He whispers roughly in my ear his breathe warm against the icy air of the late night. Then everything falls quiet, except in the background I hear the whispering of machine gun fire. He moves and then it all starts again but this time something changes, his form doesn't return to wrap around me, instead it crumples at my side and blood spatters across my chest and on my face. I crumple as well, and wait...it seems like an eternity but his body is lying next to me on the ground. Tears stream away from my eyes staining my cheeks. 4

"James...-cough- James...."5

"Armstead?"6

"James...-cough-"7

"Armstead are you...alive?"8

I shift hearing his voice, he has moved now and is laying on his side, my blond hair ruffles and I move leaning over him. His brown eyes stare blankly up at me lacking the sunshiny gleam and happiness they held just hours ago. 9

"James....don't...leave me...."10

"Micheal...I won't...I won't leave..."11

"James....I...I...love you..."12

And then his eyes close, his voice fades, and breathing ceases. He is gone to the angels. 13

"No! Micheal! Micheal Please! I love you too man! Please..."14

I fall on him, my eyes clenching shut as the tears overflow, I lay on him and though his body lacks the warmth. I feel hole again...I let my world fade around me...I am with him.

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 5 of 5

  • WritersEffigy gold member
    August 9, 2008

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    Thanks for entering, a few corrections.
    Beginning of paragraph two it should be "general's" with the apostrophe, it is spelled "sergeant", and in the final paragraph I think you mean "whole".


  • Stegofreak
    July 5, 2008

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    I must agree with the other comments on this piece. While it is a great bit of writing and the plot draws you in, it ends so quick. There is definately room for something more substantial and I look forward to reading it.


  • Violet Moodswing Greeters member
    June 11, 2008
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    Thanks for your entry into my contest. I enjoyed the story though there were a couple of spots I got a bit confused. I have a feeling that was intended though since the story seems it could expand and grow. Obviously it peaked my interest.

    Best of luck in the contest.


  • Tarja
    June 10, 2008

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    Damn you! This was really great... but I just... really really wish it had a bit... more... something... ... depth I suppose... Like.. why did Michael love James so much to be his 'self-imposed body guard.' What's the story between those two?? MORE!! I think that this was really fantastic and has the ... potential for something much more! Well done!! If there is more to this please let me know where I can find it! You're lured me in! Thanks for entering and good luck.


    • Forgotten Tink.
      June 10, 2008
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      More...eh?

      I haven't put the rest of it up here, but I plan too. I plan to make the rest as detailed as this one...and of course it will include the reasons for Micheal's love.

1 - 5 of 5