Chapter 23 - Love is a Losing Game

"Come in" I said, throwing my cigarette in the ashtray.

"Captain." Jake greeted me.

"I need you to start preparing our troops. We're heading for Adamante City." I ordered

"May I know why?" Jake asked, knowing I can't withhold information from him.

"Colonel Stallone has been requesting back up for the past 2 months. And now that the majority of the towns within this vicinity has been searched. We are being sent there."

"What sort of thing is he requesting back up for, captain?"

"Apparently there's a creature within adamante City that's able to withstand normal machinery and gunfire. So the only way they can keep it from leaving is by using the 'snow globe'."

"And as you know-"

"It can only work as long as a person inputs their internal energy." Jake finished for him

"They're running out of men...that's why they need our help"

"Yes, so please get our men ready. We're leaving tomorrow and it's going to be a long journey." The captain said, lighting a new cigarette.

"Yes, Captain"

***

It's been about 2 months since the three of us have lived here with the soldiers. George joined my training along with Jason, 5 days after I started.

Jason said something along the lines of George begging him to become a soldier and George said that if I will become a soldier, he will too, since that's what best friends do.

Cheesy, but heartwarming.

After 2 months, while there was no major improvement to their physiques. Their strength was still very adamant. George was really strong in hand to hand combat, probably thanks to his delinquent past. And Jason was really fast in everything, from taking his gun out of his pocket to climbing the 5 story building.

And for myself, while my stamina and physical abilities have increased. What's really incredible is my perception. My body was able to sense any attack from behind, I was even able to tell when someone was behind me without looking.

Right now, I was with Jasmine. She was examining my body

"So how am I, Doc?" I asked, pinching my nose

"Well other than being a talking rabbit, there's nothing wrong with you" She said with a charming smile.

"I really am amazed by your body." She then said

"In just two months, your body has increased so much in strength and agility."

"Well what'd you expect from Jake's torture. I mean training."

"Ha, but to have the body of a veteran fighter..."

"That's something no training can do in just 2 months" She finished

"Oh, I see. You must have spent a lot free time, looking at naked men" I said in a teasing manner

"Jealous?" She smiled

"A little. But, I'm sure you've done much more with me than you did with them" I retorted

Her face turned a bit red. Before going back to normal, ignoring me.

I won't deny that I felt a bit sad, I mean, to have the girl you like treat you like a child. Worse! Only as a friend, it's the shittiest feeling in the world.

"It's time for me to go. I'll see you later" I said.

She nodded without turning her head

Sighing, I left.

"..." Jasmine turned her head to look at his departing back, sighing, she returned to doing her work.

I got to my tent where George was lying on his bed. It was 8:00 currently. Most of the soldiers are eating at the 'cafeteria' right now.

"Yo!"

"Yo." I said curtly

"Any improvements?" George asked me

"No, maybe I'm pushing too hard" I said to him

"Perseverance man, just don't give up and you'll get her." He consoled

"I hope so..." I lied down on my mattress, ready to sleep.

It was going to be a long day tomorrow.

***

It was 7:00AM, we were packing our things and getting on to the moving trucks

I saw Maria talking to the captain, it's been a while since I've seen her.

She got up on her own moving truck. She must've felt my stare as she turned her head to look at me.

When we first met I felt that her stare was very intimidating and familiar. And seeing her again after 2 months made me remember these odd feelings.

As I was about get up on a truck.

"Mark" I heard Jasmine's voice

"Hm? What's wrong Jasmine?" I asked after turning around

"I... I'll be returning to one of our bases. So I won't be able to see you for a while." She said

"Oh...I see." I answered.

We peered into each other's eyes for a few seconds.

Letting out a small smile "Thank you Jasmine, for... everything, really."

I turned around and was about to get up, when

"Mark!" Jasmine grabbed my long sleeve.

"I..." She stared into my eyes

"...Stay safe." She then said, letting go.

Staring at her, I really wanted to embrace her here and now. But I knew I'd probably just get a nasty slap.

Nodding, I got inside the truck.

I sat next to George, watching her leave.

"Should've kissed her bro" He whistled

"Shut up" I said annoyed

"He's right, you know"

"Pussy"

"That's why he's still a virgin"

I heard others agree with George, which made me embarrassed and pissed off that not only him but everyone there overheard my conversation.

"No bitches!" I heard Jason suddenly shout making everyone laugh.

"JASON!" Jason's taunting was the straw that broke the camel's back. My back. Wait, that sounded wrong.

In anger and embarrassment, I started gunning for Jason. Didn't last long as I suddenly fell back when the truck started moving. Making everyone laugh again.

Didn't help that George was holding back his laughter while helping me up.

'Love really is a losing game...' I thought to myself