Just One Bullet!

Everyone assembled at the bitter isolated base waiting, waiting anxiously for the deafening signal of unbearable battle, that could make them a prominent hero or just another failure.

Jack and the rest of the army sat in their camouflaged overalls and stared intensely at the loyal colours of their flag as it waved at them vigorously in the freezing uncontrollable wind. Most sat deeply in thought and contemplation, reflecting on their battle strategies. Others just shivered greatly at the thought of the dreadful atrocious war, which was unavoidably going to take place. There was no going back. All they could do now is wait for the inevitable.

This passionate battle would decide the fait of either team and the excruciatingly cold weather added to the dangers and troubles of the task in hand. Even the wolves were howling stridently as they retreated back to their dens subsequent to a harsh battering from the torrential rain.

There was now merely five minutes before the clash between the two conflicting tribes, positioned on each side of the dense unforgiving wood. The Tribes would enter the wood at their own peril as this mysterious area was unknown to the approaching teams of men. It was just seen as another little obstacle in their way.

Ruthless and merciless combat was impending ever closer when James, the proud audacious leader of Jack’s army, stood up clutching his gun tightly, and stared around the room at the tired depressing faces sitting in front of him. He paced sturdily up and down with satisfaction and pride, and had a beaming grin covering most of his dirty -blemished face. He was about to present the essential encouragement speech. This is a speech that all superior, influential leaders give previous to entering the battlefields. Obviously James was no exception.

“This is it. We’ve come this far and there’s no going back. Does everyone remember their roles?” There was a dawdling hesitant nod of heads from most boys, as others bellowed YES as the adrenalin was now pumping dynamically through their blood streams.

“Okay just remember keep your eyes open and your ears peeled because it takes just one bullet!” Jack advised his army seriously as he paced around pompously trying ineffectively to unearth more words of encouragement from his limited vocabulary.

Just before he could speak again the feared war whistle was sounded vociferously, and everyone charged ...

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Just before he could speak again the feared war whistle was sounded vociferously, and everyone charged hastily out of the freezing draughty hut and let out a great thunderous cry as they entered the merciless wood.

The war had begun.

The wood was an eerie, murky and desolate place, where James’ band of hardhearted killers were stealthily creeping around, dodging and weaving the trees as their branches waved ferociously in the irrepressible wind.

The wood was almost silent except for the chilling toot of the old wise bird, as it stood motionless on the prolonged arm of the gigantic great oak tree. These tall oak trees stood over the vigilant army creepily as they crept cautiously through the slender meandering path, avoiding the trees that could be hiding the malevolent enemy. The wind blew ferociously and howled deafeningly, as it brushed past the trees stripping it bare of its leaves. The never-ending heavens were a depressing black shade and even the brightest stars couldn’t be distinguished with the naked eye. The only source of luminosity was coming from the vivid dazzling lights of the torches, which were positioned on the army’s head protectors.

Jack was becoming more nervous by the second, and his heavy breathing started to generate condensation on the front of his mask.

Jack accompanied the leader, James, during the daunting and difficult terrain of the forest. Jack followed James like a helpless cub, pursuing its mother for protection against anything dangerous that might be lurking around the corner.

James stopped abruptly almost causing a collision with him and Jack. He turned around sharply and stared fiercely into Jack’s wide apprehensive eyes. He then raised his index finger and pressed it decisively against his firm dry lips, implying Jack to be quiet as something was in close proximity. They both crept silently towards the naked deciduous bushes. James pulled his gun gradually out of its small auburn pouch trying not to make a noise. He snatched the clip back carefully and pulled on the trigger. A little whimper was heard from the seemingly sinister undergrowth. Jack took a massive gulp. He froze in astonishment, as James peered curiously into the murky bushes. “Damn rabbit,” James muttered angrily as he forcefully thrusted his weapon into his little pouch and stormed off from the scene of the savage shooting.

Jack wiped the cold sweat of his brow with his quivering hand, relieved that it was just a rabbit and followed James closely through the dense mist.

It was now six in the morning and the beautiful shades of red coming from the intensifying sun lit up the skies, and overwhelmed the two soldiers. The scarlet sky was now alive and energetic with graceful song coming from the striking winged birds, as they perched blissfully on the soaring trees in their hundreds. The wonders of nature were currently at their climax. There were masses of scurrying squirrels selecting nuts to transport back to their home, ready for hibernation.

Both Jack and James stopped in bewilderment to take in this astonishing spectacular sight. The thought of the malicious war was erased from their momories for a few minutes, as they watched the environment around them intently. It was a remarkable sight.

Unexpectedly the view was suddenly interrupted by gunshots, and the cruel reality of the malevolent war had soon sunk in again. Their stunned desperate bodies dived into the green shrubbery for protection.

Jack was horrified. His body started shake immensely. He didn’t know what to do. He turned around to see James being his courageous brave self. He was pelting lethal bullets into distance where the gunshot was heard. Jack calmed himself down. He reassured himself that everything would be okay. He pulled himself up reluctantly and joined in shooting into the remote distance. Their bodies were now quivering with excitement and exhilaration.

After about a minute they both halted their fire. The wood was now silent except for the panting of the exhausted soldiers, as they tried to catch their breath speedily. You could now cut the atmosphere with a knife.

All of a sudden, the unbelievable happened. A single fatal bullet came darting out of the distance and hit James in the middle of his chest. “No!” screamed Jack emotionally as he darted rapidly to James’ side. Jack could see the crimson paint dripping down his throbbing chest. “Jack,” James managed to say while clutching his fatal wound. “Go, you can’t stay here.” Jack unwillingly left, leaving James to struggle through the pain.

Jack ran through the forest intent on being triumphant for the valiant and brave leader of his army. James’ death had bought out a new and innovative side of Jack. He was now more courageous and fearless of what lay ahead.

Jack had now thankfully come to the end of the merciless wood.

Here there was a great clearing, and the bright intense colour of the sun dazzled Jack momentarily. Jack chafed his eyes leisurely, and tried to adjust his eyesight to come to terms with the new brightness.

Jack had survived the most awful part of the strenuous journey, but now his expertise and capability would be put up to the test. He now had to assault the isolated deadly enemy cabin, situated in the middle of the vast clearing. Jack plucked up his courage and sprinted towards the cabin. The sheer adrenalin made him run increasingly faster than he ever had.

Jack could almost touch victory with his leading hand before it was cruelly taken away from him, with one fatal bullet into his open chest. He fell to the ground powerless in distress and agony. His face was screaming with agony and he revolved around the floor in pain and torture. He clutched his chest in anguish and he knew the game was over.

Back at James’ team hut the rest of the army were slumped depressed and miserable in their padded comfortable seats. They were exchanging opinions on how they could have thrashed the opposition team. James and Jack were absent from the conversation and people started to be concerned about their location. They started to consider the most appalling of feasible occurrences when James and Jack walked in!

“Great game of paint-balling lads.”