Warning: Everything in this chapter is my imagination. I am sorry for the grammatical mistakes. Thank you so much for your comments and votes. 

Check out the song and Pic of Avalina on the side>>

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 Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. 

I was unchained from the bed, it felt refreshing and thrilling to hold my rifle again; in my combat suit with the cap on just to shade my eyes from the furious rays of the sun. I patrolled, inspected everything, and made certain to provide refugees what they wished from me.

The weather got chillier with the days that passed. My favorite season was soon to arrive. I sauntered around the camps and kept an eye on everything. My mind went back to what occurred yesterday, I talked to Maya. They heard I was shot and she wanted to know if I was safe, or alive. She had nothing to worry about, right? Maya, man, I missed her so much. God knows when this will be over so that I could see her: even my old man.

My thought lingered on my family as I passed a tent and halted when I heard low, anxious sobs. Instantly I worked on my instincts and followed the voice and they led me around the tent that I just passed. The soldier in me kicked in so I hid my body behind the tent, stretched my neck a little, and peeked to see a boy, the kid had his small arms wrapped around a girl who seemed to be crying.

It wasn't hard for me to recognize who it was. Her small body was curled in a ball, I noticed her long black hair that fell gracefully on her shoulders. However, something was wrong, she was crying.

I couldn't help myself so I made my way to them, gradually, aware of the deep frown that appeared on my face. The little guy was one of the other refugees we had saved along with Avalina. His tiny fingers stroked her hair soothingly and she allowed him.

They spoke silently with each other in a language I could not comprehend. I guess it was the main language of Empana. I tried to catch some words but could not, except for one word "Papa", and that single word did it for me. The boy looked up at my approach but the girl was lost in her own world of desolation.

"What are you doing here?" the young man growled. I looked at him gently as I attempted to assure him I meant no harm.

"Is there any problem?" I questioned in a serene tone.

"Yeah there is, and that is you so get away from here," the boy snapped. Seriously he did piss me off but it was not him that I cared about. I silenced him with a nod and looked closely at Avalina.

I don't know what I am supposed to do in this situation, never had any experience with crying teenagers. Still, I worked on instincts once again, I crouched down in front of Avalina, disregarding the boy who glared at me. Avalina looked up at me, when she saw who it was a sob broke in her throat, and to my astonishment, Avalina cried even more. I bit the inner wall of my cheek, and wondered what the hell am I going to do now? She looked so vulnerable. I was afraid a touch of mine would hurt her. Her hiccup tugged on my heart and I held the growl that threatened to escape my throat.

"You are making her cry," the boy hissed. I raised an eyebrow at him, confused. "I was trying to make her stop for an hour," he spat and hugged Avalina again.

Well way to go, Blade.

"Ava, don't cry," begged the little man desperately. All I did was watch, I thought I could stop her but why did Avalina cry even more?

They always say girls were utterly complicated and I never believed that, but now, here, meeting Avalina they sure are. It's freaking tough to comprehend their intricate temperament. We, men, only use one hemisphere of our brain, and things are pretty clear. I don't get why God allowed women to use both of them? This makes it complicated for us to understand them.

It is more than obvious that we are enticed to women and every dude wants to understand his girl, but I don't think there is any man on the face of the earth who gets his woman completely. Can you blame me now? I don't think so.

"You need to be strong Ma'am," I grit my teeth not wanting to be so formal with her but I had to. "Stay strong for the sake of your family. I am certain they wouldn't want you to fall apart," I consoled her. A moment later I sat in front of her, in an uncomfortable position, with all the things I wore it was crazy of me to sit crossed legs on the ground.

Avalina shook her head, as more salty tears escaped those beautiful eyes. I watched focused as it ran down her cheek.

Focus Blade.

"Papa made an oath that he would never leave me! He lied, all of them did. I told them to flee but no one listened. They had to go against them and look where it got them. They killed them." Avalina blurted angrily. She wiped the tears with the back of her hands, and her lips trembled as a gentle but bitter breeze danced around us, making her hair wrap itself around her neck.

Once again, the young man talked to her in their language and I stared. This was the first time in my life, that I, Blade Devin West, could not commit anything. When it comes to battleground I was able to do something, or in any other matter, I was able to turn things around but here, with this girl all my luck and charm went to stick itself up a cow's back. It frustrated me but at the same time challenged me.

Looking at them, talking in their language, constricted my heart. The boy ran his hand on her hand to calm her. Ironically it worked, I guess he was some sort of a friend.

Reluctantly, I rose to my feet and looked down at them, "I hope you stay strong." were my wise words before I turned around and marched away from her, with a scowl on my face, and fists clenched.

The rest of my day was boring as hell. All I did was saunter around, with a rifle in hand, and kept an eye like a damn hawk. We, myself and some other soldiers, helped fix more camps around the camp as many other refugees were brought here. I was not allowed to lift heavy things because my wound was still in the process of healing. So all I did was pass stuff, lift small materials and walk half a kilometer every now and then.

I was to get only six hours of rest and that was done at night. I shared the tent with other soldiers who were assigned to patrol here as well. Some of them were assigned to night patrolling. I guess Colonel went soft on me because of my injured arm. Well, I thought the enraged bull had no heart, I was wrong.

**

"Blade, wake up man," called a voice and I opened my eyes to see Hassan, another soldier who had the same duty as me.

I stretched my body and rubbed my hands down my face. "What time is it?" I asked, sitting up on the cot and setting my feet on the ground. Cots were the only thing we could sleep on other than bunks beds, which were only provided back at the base, but here we had to live with cots.

"Five in the morning. Now get up man, we gotta roll. You are one of the best snipers we have but man, you can't kill your sleep," Hassan teased. 

"I'm up, I'm up." I looked up at him; he gave my shoulder a pat and walked away.

Getting out of the tent I was greeted by the dark sky and dark beautiful clouds, and they brought the message of rain. Soon the clouds would cry and spread the world in their beautiful tears. I smiled and walked toward the washroom. When I was done with the necessaries, I wore my combat suit, and rifle and headed out of the tent once again and saw Hassan waiting for me.

 "Where ya been dude? Ya are late," he raised an eyebrow.

"I have been doing exactly what people do when they wake up man," I chuckled. He shook his head. Hassan was one hell of an awesome man. Being in this boring atmosphere he was the one who cheered me up and hell I loved his company. Losing Mason was a huge shock and I remember him every day. His body was sent back home and they did a funeral in his honor. I wished for days that I had been there.

"So what we gotta do is keep an eye on the hill today. Ya gotta keep an eye down while I'll look around the top. These, my man, are orders from Papi," Hassan smirked. Papi was his little title for Lieutenant. Hassan was filled with humor. There were no chances of being bored with him for just about two seconds. I just met him on the second day here. He was a good man. He had to have a name for everyone, I am pretty sure he had one for me but he wasn't going to say it. 

As we kept walking, I looked up. Almost two hundred tents were set on the hill. It was beautiful but when it rained the weather sucked the air from your lungs. Today, I am more than sure it's going to rain and while I am on duty I should make sure to stay alive.

Following Hassan, I stood at the hill slope. 

"See ya soon, sharpshooter," he gave my shoulder another pat with a smirk and started walking up. Sharpshoot really? I guess that was my nickname.

With a deep breath, I brought my rifle closer to my chest, turned around, and got down to business. There was no chair for me to sit on, all I had was the grasses, but right now I wasn't in the mood for sitting. As though getting the hint, my stomach demanded some food. I grabbed my meal packet and took out crackers. Man, they tasted like heaven.

Once eating some of the crackers, I placed the meal packet back in my backpack and stood in attention. Every now and then my radio would crack and orders would be showered at me and my reply as always was "Roger that." Standing here for about two hours, my feet started to feel numb a little, so I paced slowly back and forth, looking at everything, even keeping an eye on the wind every time it blew making the tall grasses sway in the direction of the wind.

Something caught my attention, or should I say, someone. I narrowed my eyes and waited for the person to come near. When they were in view a smile spread on my lips. It was Avalina carrying two buckets of what seemed like water, but what is she doing coming here? Her tent is not on the hill?

I jogged towards her. Can you seriously blame me? The damn buckets had made her bent and I could see her struggling. "Ma'am let me help you," I said and slung my rifle over my shoulder. Avalina looked at me confused, and uncomfortable, " With them Ma'am," I pressed pointing at the buckets, she nodded and that was my cue. Taking the buckets from her hand, I looked at her sideways as she sighed and I smiled guess these half-filled buckets were too much for her delicate body.

"Ma'am, where should I take them?" I asked her, and she pushed a strand of her hair roughly and said.

"There is a couple at the top of the hill they needed water. I will show you the way," with that Avalina started to walk and I followed behind. It wasn't like I was running away from my duty, helping the refugees was one of my duty as well, hell I helped a mother calm her wailing child so of course, I will help her!

Walking side by side with her was amazing. There was a slight grin on my lips showing how much I was enjoying this. Time to start a conversation Blade, the top of this hill is a long way you gotta be smooth. 

"How are you today Ma'am?" I interrogated referring to yesterday.

"I am fine, thank you," She simply answered in a small voice as her cheeks colored a bit and my grin turned wider.

"How is your little friend?" I tighten my grip on the buckets preventing the water to splash.

"Aden? He is fine," Avalina answered looking up at me. I stole a quick glance at her and nodded.

The spot where we were to go was nearing and I frowned not taking note of the stone in front of me, of course realizing it when I stumbled over it. Working on quick reflexes I tighten my grip on the buckets and pressed my feet harder on the ground and stood to my full height. My frown deepened. I literally stopped myself from cursing in front of Avalina. Looking up I was shocked to see a ghost of a smile playing on her lips and I gulped, something tightened in my stomach as I stared at her for a few good seconds.

"Be careful, Sir," Avalina said the smile growing a little more now. I grinned as well loving the way the wind made her hair clung to her face, and her eyes sparkled just from the small smile. What else could I wish for?

"We should get going. Wouldn't want the couple to wait for their water, now do we?" I joked, Avalina nodded and we started to walk back again with my heart beating a little faster in my chest.

"This way," Avalina guided crisscrossing the tents and at last, reaching the tent where an old couple lived. She was helping an old couple. How very thoughtful. Seeing her doing this created more respect in my heart for her. The couple passed us with a smile as I placed the buckets in front of them. Then once again, we turned around and made our way down the hill I walked beside Avalina, a little closer this time, noticing how very short she is, an easy access to place a kiss on her forehead. Damn you Blade!

"Can I ask something?" surprisingly it was her who spoke this time. I noticed her nervousness about whatever she was planning on asking. I nodded, encouragingly. She didn't ask at once but waited for a while, thinking.

"How's your hand?" for some reason I knew that that wasn't the first question she had in mind. I looked at her trying to hide the way her caring had made me feel. She stared at me back and waited for an answer.

"Yeah," I nodded again. "It's fine, much better now. Thanks for asking." I replied. She kept silent as we walked further down the hill.

"Can I ask you something else?" she spoke again making me smile. I hope she would ask me what she had thought of earlier.

"Well, you already did." I glanced at her as she looked down at the ground, shy. My reply silenced her, which was something I hadn't intended. She might have thought that I didn't want her to ask questions, if so then she was wrong.

"I am sorry. Yes please, go ahead." I apologized. I still looked at her as she looked away and stared at the fields around us. I noticed the shining sun falling on her hair making it shine like a diamond.

Turning again at me she sighed and began: "Is he gone?" she didn't need to say who it was. I already knew. It was no surprise she would still be thinking about him. My body went rigid and I clenched my fists as Lee's face flashed before my eyes, the walls of protection I had let down around her for a few seconds came up with more bricks and strength in them.

"Yeah, he's gone away. Far, far away. He can never come back." I noticed as she shivered, and I couldn't help but think of engulfing her in my arms and shielding her from this moron of a world with my shield. She is too young to see and go through this. There's lots of pain in her emerald eyes that I hate. I want to take it away from her. Take it all away. Darn it! Blade! What's happened to you? She's just another girl. Nah.. she's anything but another ordinary girl. There's something about her that attracts me to her. The air that I breathe around her, it's different.

The silence lengthened as we walked our way back to the camps.

 "I...You have been helping me from the very first time, and I am very thankful for that," the sincerity in her voice echoed in my heart.

"It's my duty Ma'am," I replied slowing my pace. She nodded and bit her lip. Did she want to hear something else? 

More peaceful silence as we saw a group of kids running up the hill, both Avalina and I moved to the side for them to pass. I looked over my shoulder at the little girls and boys who played without care on their faces and I liked it, that's when I heard a sigh, turning my head to the source, I scowled.

Avalina held her cotton shirt in hand, well, the torn cotton shirt, the hem of her shirt had caught with the dried wild bushes and the shirt was torn in her attempts of freeing the fiber from the bushes. It was the same shirt she wore when I saw her in the hospital.I watched as she clenched her small fists around the fiber, bit her lip and sniffed. "This was the only shirt I had," I heard her whisper, more to herself than to me.

"Avalina," I called her by her name for the first time, it just slipped from my mouth seeing her like this. She raised her head and I saw those tears in her enchanting eyes, it was unbearable and my protective instincts kicked in.

"I-I have t-to go," Avalina spoke, looking down still biting her lip. Before she could move, I spoke up.

"No. Just wait here for a minute. I will be back soon." I stopped. Her confused eyes stared at me, I gave a nod and darted towards the tent I used to rest.

I ran as fast as I could, not forgetting to pass smiles so that people won't get it wrong. Or think something is going on. I quickly opened the tent flap and rushed in, stealing a glance around to see many of my other soldier friends were resting on cots, ignoring them and trying not to make any noise I tiptoed to my cot.

 I bent down, opened the zip of my knapsack and grabbed my favorite shirt. The shirt which Maya had gifted me. It was a black t-shirt  with long sleeves and was perfect for why I needed it. Quickly I turned and ran out of there towards where I had left Avalina waiting for me.

While running, I huffed as the cold wind hit my skin. The clouds have spread their wings and soon were to shed tears. I kept running only to slow my pace when I caught sight of Avalina waiting for me, with her head bowed looking down at her shirt, her hair blowing dramatically with the cold wind. Standing in the field looking like an innocent angel.

I stopped in front of her and now she raised her head to look straight in my eyes. "Here take this," I said my chest heaving. Avalina glanced down, blinked then looked at me again.

"No. I can't take that," her small voice was loud and clear for me.

I shook my head. "It's getting colder here with every passing day, and we don't want you to catch a cold," I pressed. Slowly as though going over a mental fight with herself, she grabbed the shirt from my hands. And I grinned.

"Thank you, I-I have to go," She whispered, I gave her a short nod, and watched her as she walked away, well aware of my heart blossoming in my chest.

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