The Story Of Soldiers

Chapter 11

Warning(s): murder, vomit, blood, (in the last part), self-dislike

It was one of those days, one of the ones where the fire teams were lead out into the surrounding forest for whatever reason.
They were each given a little panflet with dozens of plants and herbs on them.

They were told to try and find atleast three of the plants, and wandered around the area for a bit.
Kamlyn finished quite quickly, circling all three of the ones he'd found and then going to help Kahsbi, who was far less observant than the other.

"How do you tell them all apart!?" Kahsbi asked, flabbergasted by how her friend was capable of finding the smallest of details.
"Look," Kamlyn said softly, "This one has three leaves. The other had four."

"How do you see that!?" Kahsbi insisted, eyes wide as she looked at the boy in disbelief.
Kamlyn shrugged. "I dunno. Just sorta comes naturally, it's easier for me than others I guess."

Jay was wandering around the forest, as he'd also just finished his assignment.
He gasped gently and jumped backwards with a scream. His blue eyes were wide, peering into the bushes he'd just backed away from.

"What's wrong?" Kira asked, coming forward to stand next to him, veiling their concern behind her emotionless facade.
Jay was breathing a bit heavily, but didn't seem scared like before. He looked curious.

He pointed into the bushes. "Look."
Others also began to gather around, the outburst having caught the majority of peoples attention. They looked deep into the bush, some squinting to try and see.

"Oh!" Kaze said as if shocked, though it was hardly past an act. He was a bit surprised, but not as much as he was pretending to be.
The boy went forward and crouched down in front of the bush, reaching out a pale hand.

Some people gasped as a kitten came from the bushes. He was limping slightly, his minty green eyes shining.
His brown fur was splotched with honey-colored spots, and a bit messy and ruffled from the bushes.

There was a small bee on the kittens ears, which didn't fly away even as the kitten flicked his ear.
"Hi," Kaze smiled softly as the kitten placed it's paw on top of the boys finger, sniffing curiously.

The kitten tilted it's head and tried to bite through the material of Kaze's finger, but the material was too tough.
The kitten purred and pressed up against Kaze, rolling around on the ground on his back.

Amber came and sat beside Kaze, reaching over to gently scratch the cat behind his ears.
She smiled, "Quite the cute little thing. Isn't he?"
Kaze nodded in agreement.

Kira was looking over Kaze's shoulder, eyeing the kitten. The kit purred and patted over yo her.
He pressed into their leg, blinking his big eyes up at her, the bee coming to land on his back again.

Kira smiled and reached down to stroke a hand through brown fur, a feeling of comfort coming with it.
Jay looked at her, eyes a bit surprised and his head tilted to the side. It seemed like he was studying their face.

Odd, he thought, She's smiling. But it's not her usual smile. She looks happy.
Kira looked happy. She was smiling, she felt happiness. She was scared. So terrified of the joy she felt, and they were close to tears, eyes clouded and unfocused.

Kira was snapped harshly back to reality by the kittens soft mewl, and she became aware of her hands tightening around the small creature. She was hurting it. She felt like vomiting.
Before she could throw the kitten to the ground in a fit of self-disgust, she forced herself to gently put it down.

The kitten made a happy noise and turned away from the girl, bounding up playfully to Amber and curled around her legs.
Amber laughed and crouched to his leg, allowing the kitten to nuzzle her on the nose.