Guardian Angel Trilogy

by John Davis

  And though, for the next few hours their group remained in cover; providing plenty of time to make love, they didn't. Jackson and Alicia simply kissed, but did so on a level that surpassed the intimacy of lovemaking.

  They each discovered a connection of souls that neither knew was possible, prior to the kiss. Lips tenderly feeling one another out, while the warmth of two bodies shared a single moment. Though it was a moment in which thousands of star-born murderers marched only yards away.

  “I trust you.” Alicia said, her voice soft and welcoming.

  “Good, because you're the only person here that I trust. And there will come a time not so long from now that our trust in each other will be put to the test.” he replied.

  Knowing she'd never get the information she needed, Alicia simply nodded her understanding back to the man who held her heart. A man she trusted completely.

  “Alright, we've no idea why a winning force would retreat from victory in battle. So we will move forward to find out. It's information we need to know.” Nadia said.

  You stupid bitch! Alicia thought, staring at the blonde with only the worst of intentions. If it's bad enough to push thousands of Ancient warriors back, I doubt a dozen of half-starved humans could put a dent in it.

  “Sounds fantastic to me.” Jackson said loudly.

  “It does? Are you an idiot?” Alicia replied under her breath to the man speaking out of his mind.

  “Trust me dear. Remember?” Jackson said.

  “Oh, that's right. Stick my neck out because you're a good kisser. I got it.”

  “Great kisser dear,” he replied with a smile, turning to calm her. “I'm a great kisser.”

  “Believe what you will Tonto.” Alicia replied with a childish grin of her own.

  “Alicia, you'll be on point with Preacher. I'll hang back and watch our flank with Jackson.” Nadia said.

  Oh, I'm getting so sick of this bitch being in charge. Alicia thought, though she simply replied with a nod.

  It was a very awkward exchange of looks as Alicia passed Nadia, singing a silent ballad of two lovers who nearly were. And, though Nadia burned with envy when it game to Alicia's affections, she never spoke of it. At least not to Alicia.

  “You know what you have is a limited thing, right?” Nadia said, joining Jackson at the rear of their group.

  “What, charm? I dunno, it's been with me for a while now.” Jackson replied.

  “Eventually Alicia will come to her senses and realize she belongs with me.” Nadia said.

  “Think so?” Jackson asked with a chuckle, continuing a slow march behind their group.

  “I hope so. For your sake. It'd be a shame to see you inadvertenly killed in battle by one of your own.” Nadia said, glaring eyes of madness toward him.

  “Well, if it comes down to that, don't miss. That's my advice. Because if you do,” Jackson said, stopping his march for a moment to get his words across with clarity. “I will kill you.”

  “Not me dear,” Nadia replied, beginning to laugh with little pause. “It could be any of the soldiers with us. They are, in fact, Germans. And loyal to me to say the least. I mean, even the sniper up front with your treasured lover could be the one to fire the shot. I'd stay sharp if I were you.” she added, brisking her pace a bit to catch up to the group.

  “Of course, it could be that you don't fear death.” Nadia said with a grin.

  “Could be.”

  “It could be that your emotional destruction comes from the death of a friend. A lover, perhaps.” Nadia said.

  “Go there. I dare you,” Jackson replied softly. “And you'll find out how truly dangerous I really am.

  It was at that very moment that Jackson trusted no one outside of Alicia. Had Nadia purposely marched them farther away from Wernigerode with an all-German detail of soldiers to execute him? Had the blonde bitch planned this the entire time?

  Jackson came to realize that he and Alicia were all alone, marching deeper into Ancient-occupied Berlin, while their only means of help more than likely planned to kill him. Calypso was gone, and the soldiers loyal to Alicia were still back at resistance camp.

  And still it didn't stop Jackson from grabbing a small beacon from the inside of his watch, throwing it down to the side of the deserted street before hustling a bit to catch up to Nadia.

  “Great ass though, I'll give you that,” he said with military charm. “Now if you're ever in the mood for a menage tau, we may just be available.”

  Nadia turned to stare at him with building rage.

  “It's American for threesome. You know, sex?” Jackson said, trying to provoke her further.

  “It's French actually, and I'd be a bit more concerned about living to see tomorrow if I were you.” she replied.

  “No concerns here. You just be sure you don't miss now, 'ya hear?” Jackson asked sarcastically. “Bitch.”

  “I think it is my duty, though you don't want to hear it,” Preacher said, walking beside Alicia at the front of the group. “I've been watching Jackson. I don't trust him, he's up to something.”

  Alicia didn't respond, instead turning to the sniper to offer her full attention.

  “He's been off to himself quite a bit, seemingly charting this area in his head, and I'm not sure how a pilot would know some of the things he's asking.”

  “What types of things?” Alicia asked, taken completely by surprise.

  “He's been asking a lot of questions when it comes to the positioning of Ancient forces in Berlin. Things like their command posts, armories and how the Ancient chain of command works.” Preacher replied.

  “I'm not sure why any of that should be viewed as a problem?” Alicia replied, defending her lover.

  “None of it is relevant to our cause,” Preacher said before pausing. “Plus, he asks as though he already knows. As though he's quizzing me about it,” he added. “I only fear that your eyes have grown blind because of your feelings for him.”

  Alicia didn't reply, but found herself wandering away from Preacher a bit in hopes of escaping the whole conversation.

  She began to play out scenarios in her head. Remembering every time that Jackson asked more about the Ancients than he should have. Every time he had voluntarily scouted the area ahead, or stayed behind when it wasn't needed.

  In all honesty, he had seemed very preoccupied with things he shouldn't have. Alicia began to remember small things, like his need to look through binoculars when he normally wouldn't have. And though she hated to admit it, Preacher was right. At least to a degree. Jackson was acting strange.

  “You would be wise to keep your eyes on him. Believe me.” Preacher said.

  “Don't worry, I'll have my eyes open.” she replied. They'll be wide open from this point forward.

  Berlin had effectively become a wasteland, bombed out buildings crumbling to the ground the new signature of such a once-proud city.

  And though the group moved with extreme caution, most of them felt as though there was no need. The faction which had nearly overtaken Berlin was long gone, marching what remained of their ranks away with haste.

  Meanwhile, a steady pouring of ships continued to land from the sky above in the far distant, as did a hammering rain, which only added to their cover.

  As I look around at such destruction, I often wonder why? Is the cost of war truly worth such loss for any race of beings?

  I see the lifeless bodies of so many, each of them nearly screaming from the grave of death to me. Knowing nothing beyond an eternal sleep in which I have eluded for so long.

  Am I really worth saving? Why have the Gods above allowed me to cheat an eternal sleep for so long now?

  I feel as though I am undeserving, at least to a degree. I've no family, yet so many warriors have fallen before my own eyes, most of them leaving behind those they love. Grieving children crying out for a mother or father who is never to return.

  It is times like this I begin to wonder about myself. Truly wonder if I've cheated my own d
ay of mortality for far too long?

  It would be so much easier to take the matter into my own hands. To choose the option which forced death upon me, all while ending the worst years humanity has ever known. At least for me. I know a single bullet would end my constant struggle; end the bitter mixture of grief, sadness and feeling of no hope. I find that I've become tired of all of the killing. Tired of escaping my own death, while bringing it onto members of another race. Bringing it onto warriors who possibly have loved ones of their own.

  I realize it is not the warriors I slay that will feel the effects of my resolve. My will to live. The ones who love them are the ones who ultimately carry the burden. And I have started to search deep within myself, wondering if bringing such sorrow onto others is a burden I want to continue to carry. I truly don't know why I should continue on.

  As Alicia's mind continued to dig deep within itself, her hand logging the thoughts into a small journal, she quickly closed it to address other concerns.

  “What are you doing dear?” Jackson asked, sliding down into her tarp-covered foxhole as the rain showered down around them.

  “I, uh,” she replied with hesitation. “It's a journal that I've been keeping up with for nearly a year. Just a way to vent my frustrations I guess.”

  “Well, I happen to know of another way.” Jackson said with a devious grin.

  “Oh my God, really college stud?” Alicia replied with a short laugh.

  “Hey. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, not abstinence.” he said with a chuckle.

  “That is the worst line I've ever heard,” Alicia responded, changing her tune to one of seriousness. “Besides, we need to talk.”

  “Wait, am I dreaming? How did this just happen? How did our conversation go from one of us having sex to a sit-down we need to talk interrogation?”

  “It's not going to be an interrogation,” she replied with a laugh. “Besides, we weren't about to have sex.”

  “We weren't?” Jackson asked, jokingly disappointed.

  “Preacher asked me to keep an eye on you. Says you have been acting very strange.” Alicia said.

  “Oh, I can explain that one in ten words or less,” Jackson replied quickly. “Nadia wants to kill me.”

  “Huh?”

  “You know. Blonde hair, nice ass? Turns out she can hold one hell of a grudge too.” Jackson said.

  “Nice ass?” Alicia asked with investigation.

  “I hear anyway. Let's get back to the part where she wants to kill me.” Jackson said.

  “That's ridiculous. Why would she want you dead?”

  Alicia's question was simply answered with a gaze that provided her with a introduction to the obvious.

  “Well she's just upset. Some of the soldiers more than likely misunderstood her and made it out to be far worse than it actually is.” Alicia said.

  “Dear,” Jackson said as if to brace her. “Nadia said I'm going to kill you. It may not be me that takes the shot, but someone is going to. Watch yourself.”

  “That can't be.” Alicia said, dealing with a statement she knew in her heart to be the truth.

  “Dear, I don't kid around prior to having sex.” Jackson boldly stated.

  “Huh? Oh God! We're not having sex right now, what are you, captain of the football team or something?” Alicia asked in disbelief.

  He responded to her question with a long stare of seduction, eventually winking into her direction.

  “Alright, I'll admit. The wink got me. And under normal circumstances it would be enough to pull me into the sack. But Jackson, these aren't normal circumstances. These people are going to try and kill you!” Alicia said, concern for her flirtatious lover draped across her face.

  “I know that. Why do you think I'm in your foxhole? Aside from the possibility of steamy sex, of course.”

  “What are we going to do?” Alicia asked.

  “Well, once they figure out their attempt to play you against me isn't working, there's a good chance that both of us will be marked targets.” Jackson said.

  “Dear God. And we're surrounded by German soldiers loyal to her.” Alicia said.

  “I'm still working on a fix for our situation, but in the meantime, just watch your own ass. I'll watch it too.” Jackson said with a smile.

  Alicia smirked at his cleverness, before standing to her feet slowly.

  “I need to walk for a few minutes. Get outside and clear my thoughts.” she said.

  “Be careful.” Jackson replied.

  As Alicia's perfectly-shaped body slowly pulled from the foxhole, the thick mud of a day of hard rain surrounding them, she began to walk away from the six foxholes and toward an abandoned building nearby.

  It had been shelled during the recent fighting, but stood firm, though much of it had indeed caved in.

  “Did he give you any information?” Nadia asked.

  “Not really, but I see what you mean. He is acting very strange. I known Jackson, and he's not himself.” Alicia replied in a hushed voice.

  “Just stay close to him, and be careful. If anything were to happen to you...” Nadia said, her words cut short by a kissing of lips.

  “But I want to be close to you.” Alicia said, once again wrapping her arms around the German woman's neck as they exchanged tongue through the trembling of lips. “Thank you for warning me. For keeping me safe.”

  “Nothing will happen to you my love, you have my word.” Nadia replied, slowly easing her hand down to the heart shape of Alicia's backside.

  Rather than resist Nadia's advances however, Alicia slid her own hand back to guide Nadia to the sweet spot, in turn letting the blonde know her advances were welcomed.

  “This has went on for far too long with no payoff. Plus, I want to prove to you how truly sorry I am for everything. I'm committed to you, and I don't know of any better way to prove it.” Alicia commented, heavy breathing accompanying her words.

  “Are you sure?” Nadia asked.

  “I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life.” Alicia replied, slowly opening the front of her pants while easing them down to her ankles.

  Rather than reply, Nadia eased herself down with them, settling into position and preparing for a long session of lovemaking to follow.

  “It's time to get up dear,” Jackson said, easing his hand across her back. “Are you alright?”

  “It was just a long night.” Alicia replied, sitting up a bit as the soreness of her body worked against her.

  Having found a deserted dirt road on the outskirts of Berlin, the group had dug in for the night, shoveling foxholes into the rain-drenched ground, while keeping themselves dry by way of tarps. It had provided a decent night of sleep for most, given the circumstances. With a single exception.

  “I didn't sleep at all.” Jackson said, helping Alicia locate her weaponry and supplies for the day ahead.

  “Not at all?” she replied, holstering her combat pistol before checking the maintenance on her rifle.

  “Not a wink,” Jackson replied. “Something about everyone around us wanting me dead.”

  “Understandable.” she replied.

  “I mean, it's gotten to the point of not even knowing why we march forward. What other purpose could there be, other than marching me far away from the soldiers loyal to us in order to execute us?” Jackson asked.

  “You dear,” Alicia said, stocking her rifle with a fresh clip of rounds. “Execute you.”

  “Not funny.” he replied, though a look of concern quickly covered his face as he watched Alicia ease herself out of the foxhole.

  He began to wonder if Alicia had strayed. Her loyalty, possibly even her heart.

  “Good morning.” Preacher said, extending his arm to help Alicia pull herself free of the makeshift sleeping hole.

  “Morning.” she replied with a nod.

  As Jackson began to follow her out, everyone in the group seemed to slow to a pause, including Preacher, who stood directly above him but offered no assistance.
/>
  Not that the former pilot needed it.

  As his hands pushed roughly into the mud, the hardened body of such a soldier was quickly able to hoist himself to a standing position. Immediately, Jackson picked up on the stares of most. He felt a universal despise toward him, knowing he was indeed unwanted.

  What surprised him however, was the lack of attention being broadcast from Alicia. His lover had seemingly been changed overnight, as though the Germans had programmed her into no longer wanting to feel his warmth. He felt truly alone, surrounded by Germans who wanted him dead, and worse, would more than likely attempt to kill him.

  He didn't know which reality had more sting to it. The fact that he'd likely be the target of an execution soon, or the fact that the woman he loved had changed so drastically.

  Jackson wanted to pull Alicia from the group and plead his heart to her. Find out exactly what she was thinking. But as a solider he knew every bit of energy needed to be used in order to remain alive.

  “It's time to move forward.” Nadia said, gathering the group close to deliver her orders.

  “Move forward to what, if you don't mind my asking?” Jackson spouted off loudly.

  “Why Berlin of course.” Nadia replied with a grin.

  Several of the German soldiers laughed a bit, Jackson's question striking a chord with them. But it was Alicia's response, or lack thereof, that worried him the most. Silence. No defense of her lover, not even the slightest hesitation in moving forward with the group.

  “Why?” he asked in challenging fashion.

  “I have my reasoning.” Nadia replied, this time with stern tone as she looked harshly onto him.

  Seeing no reason to challenge her further, knowing everyone in the group pledged loyalty to Nadia, Jackson simply directed his stare to Alicia. Their eyes connected for a moment, Jackson's broadcasting a look of disappointment as Alicia quickly turned away.