Dead in the Snowby Gates of HellChaptersChapter 1: Eight Miles Left To Moscow Chapter 2: Who Might You Be?Chapter3: Learning About New WorldsChapter 4: 60 Miles From MosocwChapter 1: Eight Miles Left To Moscow Author's Note Note: I do not support anything the Germans did in World War 2. I myself am part German and feel shame because of it due to WWII. Please enjoy this story and message me if you have complaints that ant be addressed through comments. Chapter 1: Eight Miles Left To Moscow November 5th, 1941 Armee Gruppe Center So close to the end. We just pushed past one of the last Russian defense belts around Moscow, thank god, and we’re only eight miles to the suburbs. It's been months of fast and easy progress and then Moscow just became the brick wall in our way, and we can't use a sledgehammer. Reason we can't use a sledgehammer, the fucking weather. Last night the temperature dropped yet again, and our Panzers wouldn't start for two hours. Since we had bad weather, our planes can't launch either, which means no Stukas. No Stukas means no sledgehammer, no sledgehammer means no breakthrough, no breakthrough means having to suck it up and go through the slog of a slow advance. The almighty and all knowing Fürher(who can go fuck himself)keeps demanding a fast and decisive breakthrough and capture of the Soviet capital. He doesn't know what we're going through right now, so he needs to shut his idiotic pie hole and let us do our job. I'm so cold. So cold, why didn't we bring winter clothes? We should've known from the start that the Russians weren't just gonna fall over. After all the success in the west, we had started to believe the invincibility bullshit. What a stupid belief. Time to move out. Fuck this war, Max ***** I finished my diary entry and groggily opened my tent. I was greeted with the usual; snow, ice, and biting cold. Shells were scattered everywhere in piles for the last push on the god forsaken city of Moscow. I was just a damn grunt who got drafted off the street and thrown to the Eastern Front. Snow piled on the Panzers and trenches, some poor guys had froze to death last night. They won’t get to see what's going to happen in the next few years I guess, so that's a plus. I don't even want to imagine it. I trudge my way to the field kitchen and see what's on the menu for today; steak, potatoes, and some chocolate. It's the same as always but the chocolate is new, must be the final push today. The chocolate ration didn't give me hope for my survival, as it was usually given before a battle not many would survive. I grab my tray and head for my friend Karl who is our division’s cooking officer and kitchen staff. With a bit irritation at the man in front of me who was slow as all hell, I reach Karl. “Well hello Karl, how's life been treating you these past few months?” “Fuck this I want to go home, that's how.” He replies with a chuckle. He starts to scoop steak and potatoes onto my tray and hands me a chocolate bar. He doesn't even look up when our artillery starts rumbling in the distance. A dull CLUNKUNT sound reaches my ear as Karl gives me the last of my food. I turn to him and say with no humor at all. “It's starting isn't it?” “Fraid’ so Max. It's looks like you'll be fighting soon. Get back in one piece alright? I need my friend with me right now.” “I'll do my damn best man.” I reply as we grip each other's right hand and hug the others left shoulder. I walk off with a determination to come out of this alive and be there for my friends and family. ***** Rifle in hand I get in a half track with twelve other men from my squad who I don't know very well. Still, I hope they make it out alright. The half track starts rolling down the frozen iced over road along with the Panzers. The CLUNKUNT of the artillery gets louder and louder the more we go down the road. I grip my clothes to around me to stave off the morning cold, 10 AM and it's still below freezing. The whistle of artillery fills my ears as we arrive on the front lines. Already I hear the screams of the dead and dying. One whistle is getting particularly close to my squad and the half track. “Incoming get the fuck out!” I jump out of the half track and dive into a trench, turning just in time to see the half track explode into twisted metal and flames. An officer jumps down next to me and pats me on the shoulder to get my attention. “You, man that 42 and watch for the Russians! They're going to charge soon so fire on their infantry, the anti tank guns will do the rest.” Just like that he's gone and I'm left to man a machine gun nest. Checking the ammo belt and box, I load the MG 42 and cock it. Now I just wait, son of bitch this is going to be a tough day. Still no air support to be found. Staring down the field I suddenly hear a massive roar as thousands of Russians pour out onto the field. I soon realize with horror that they're the charge I was told about. I take my aim and fire. Ratatatat, 50 gone. Ratatatat, another 20 gone. Just as I'm about to fire again the road of the anti tank guns starts. High explosive shells impact the ground, impacting the ground and leaving behind massive craters, leaving blood and organs in their wake. I keep firing. Ratatatat, more fall. Ratatatat, they just keep coming, they seem to have endless waves of men. As I'm about to fire again I realize I've run out of ammo and fumble to reload. Gun cocked and loaded I keep firing. ***** An hour later and the Russians retreat. Beyond me is a field of blood, bodies, and entrails as far the eye can see. I sigh, lean back and light a cigarette to wait and rest. It's 1 in the afternoon and we haven't even made our push yet, more delays command tells us. Just as I get comfortable I hear a whistle above me. “Fuck, artillery!” I scramble to get out of the trench just as the shell lands a few yards away, and I'm blown away into the field. Blackness coats my vision as I pass out. I come to and check my watch. It's 2:30 in the afternoon. As I get up I notice the corpse next to me missing his bottom half, which nearly causes me to vomit. I stumble back to the trench but then stop, noticing something in it. In the trench is a violet creature lying seemingly dead in the snow covered ground. Chapter 2: Who Might You Be?Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter3: Learning About New WorldsLuna wanted to know more about Earth, and I wanted to know more about Equestria. We decided to settle down in the tent to talk about our two different worlds. ***** “So, what do you want to know Luna?” I was lying down on my tent’s cot in the corner by the lantern. It was late, so everyone was settling in for the night, so my tent flap was shut tight against the cold. Luna was lying on the ground next to my cot and was casting a warming spell in the tent for us, which I greatly appreciated. “We wish to know why you are fighting, and what your species eats and its technology.” I thought for a moment on how best to word my response. “I'm fighting because I was drafted against my will and stuck in this hell of a world. I never wanted to fight, but because of my nation's politicians and insane leader, here I am. I actually wanted to open a bakery and help people with cakes and charity. As for my diet; I can eat fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and meat.” After I said meat, Luna looked as if she had seen a ghost. “You eat meat?!” I swear I have never before heard a voice go from calm to shrill that quickly. I had to roll my eyes before replying. “I'm not going to eat you Luna. Come on, I won't eat an intelligent creature. I eat meat from cows, pigs, chickens, and the like. Are you ok?” Though somewhat shaken, Luna quickly recovered and nodded. I could tell that she was afraid that I would eat her, so I fished some chocolate from my pack. “Have some chocolate, I didn't mean to scare you Luna.” “Thank you Max, we aren't used to meat eaters where we're from I pondered the thought of there being little to no meat eaters on Equestria, which didn't make much sense. How could a world evolve without predators? I decided to ask Luna. “So Luna, are there no predators on Equestria? On Earth there are thousands of them.” Luna once again looked pale. “Thousands, you must be joking!” At my serious no bullshit look, she continued. “There are predators on Equestria yes, but nowhere near the number of your planet. The Griffins and Dragons are the two major ones, but treaties prevent the hunting of herbivores of nations. Minor sub predators exist, but the total is only around 15 predator species. Would you tell us of your worlds technology now?” After thinking of where to start and where to go from there, I began. “First I'll start with guns. My rifle, the Kar98K, is a gun. The projectile it fires is made of a lead casing and tungsten core, which is in turn propelled by a self contained charge of smokeless gunpowder. The gunpowder allows the bullet to reach speeds of 760 meters a second.” Luna looked absolutely adorable just looking up at me while I explained my rifle to her. She looked like a child learning how to use a new toy or something, watching the adult with hawk like attention. I moved on to tanks. “On to tanks. The tank you'll see the most, is the Panzer III. It has a front armor of 50mm, a side armor of 20mm, and a rear armor of 15mm. It has 50mm gun, which fires a shell about twice the size of your hoof. The shell works like my bullets, but on a bigger scale. It's uses a petrol engine and caterpillar tracks to move around. The tracks, allow the tank to negotiate almost any terrain it may encounter.” “To close it all off with a bow, planes. A plane is a machine designed to fly at high altitude and attack ground targets. They take air in through an intake on the propeller housing, which allows the engine to burn fuel for flight. Weapons are mounted on the wings and propeller housing, such as machine guns and cannons. Dive bombers are designed for ground attack, fighters for air superiority, and bombers for city raids and infrastructure attacks. So, what technology do you have on your world Luna?” I looked down and saw Luna stammering to herself about how advanced humans were, which was fairly adorable. I decided to snap her out of it and ask the question again. “Luna *snap* are you ok?” “What?! Oh sorry Max, we didn't know humans were so advanced technologically. What your species has achieved is nothing short of amazing! My people can only dream of what humans have.” “Well, humans don't have magic so we focused on scientific advancement. Unfortunately, that technology is also used for war and destruction, which saddens me deeply. So, how does magic work anyway?” Luna smiled and began her explanation. “Well, my horn is like a sort of muscle. Magic that is generated in my body, is focused through my horn. This magic is in turn released as a spell. Depending on what I wish to do, the magic will take shape before being released.” I was absolutely fascinated by her explanation, and had an idea and request. “May I touch your wings?” At my question, Luna's cheeks turned a much darker violet color at my question. I felt like I had crossed a boundary, but her response dispelled that notion. “Of course Max, but be careful as they're sensitive.” I slowly moved my hand down to the tip of her left wing and touched it. It was amazingly soft, and felt like a pillowcase made of cloud. As I felt more of Luna’s wing, I heard a tiny squeak, because I must have hit a sensitive spot. I immediately withdrew my hand and apologized to Luna, who simply said it was fine and not to worry. I yawned heavily and realized how I tired I was, which must have caused Luna to as well. “Goodnight Luna, sweet dreams” “To you as well Max, goodnight.” As I drifted off, I noticed a faint odor in the tent. It was very faint, but there, and smelled like vanilla. I shrugged it off and went to sleep. Chapter 4: 60 Miles From MosocwOpening my eyes, I felt something next to me in my cot. I turned to look at what it was, and noticed Luna slumbering peacefully against my side. Checking my watch revealed it was 5:45 in the morning, 15 minutes before I had to officially get up. Still, I thought fuck it and got up anyway; and in turn bent down to wake Luna. “Hey Luna, come on get up.” “Hmm...five more minutes Tia, too early.” “Luna, it's 5:45, we've gotta get going.” “Nooooo...sleep.” Oh fuck it. I thought to myself. I bent down and poked Luna in the belly, causing her to bolt up and me to laugh like a banshee behind my hand. “Max, why would though do that?!” “Sorry Luna I just, *hicc* wanted you to, *hicc* get up.” “It's not funny!” Luna's pout as she said this nearly gave me diabetes. To save myself from a life of little sugar, which I adored, I decided to get us some breakfast. “So Luna, I'm going to see if Karl is up yet and get some breakfast. What do you eat exactly? I know you eat plants, but do you prefer them cooked, raw…?” “Cooked thank you.” “Alright, be back in a sec.” ***** I opened the tent flap and was slapped by a cold wind and snow. Of course, it couldn't be a warm summer afternoon huh? After my momentary temperature adjustment, I went to the mess to get breakfast. Karl was up early, which I enjoyed as I could talk with him. Walking up to the mess, I approached Karl to speak and grab whatever gruel was being given from the food rations. “Hey Karl, how are you?” “Oh, hey Max. I'm well, and yourself?” “Shitty. Yesterday's battle was horrible Karl. I killed at least 250 men, I know it's what we were trained for but still! It doesn't make it any easier...anyway what's on the menu?” Giving a quick glance of his ration booklet, Karl turned back to reply to me. “Let's see; cooked carrots and cabbage, chicken and eggs, and some sausage. For once, we have good breakfast food! Yesterday was ok, but eggs are divine! Best part, they aren't the powdered shit we usually have.” “No way! Real eggs?!” “Yep, got em’ in last night after 6:00. I tried to tell you, but your tent was locked up, I figured you had gone to bed, so I didn't want to barge in.” “Thanks Karl. Yeah I went to sleep early, battle took a lot out of me. Anyway, I'm hungry, I take my grub and go back to the tent if that be alright with you my good man.” I finished my sentence with a bow and shit eating grin. Karl just laughed and gave me my portion for breakfast. ***** I opened my tent and slipped inside, happy to be out of the biting and clawing cold. Luna was laying on the cot with her legs under her, I approached her and gave her the carrots I got. “Here you go; cooked carrots for you, and chicken, eggs, and sausage for me. The carrots are alright right? I can see about getting something else if not.” Luna looked at her meal and smiled. “No Max, this is fine thank you.” ***** POV: Luna As I took the first bite of my carrots, I realized I had been staring at Max for the last two minutes, luckily he hadn't noticed so I tore my gaze away. Why was I staring at him, and why do I feel warm? This is odd, I like this feeling, but it's still odd. POV: Max I noticed that Luna had been staring at me for the past two minutes, but I ignored it so as not to embarrass her. Karl has outdone himself on breakfast, I'll have to tell him. I Thought to myself as I ate my food. The eggs were cooked to perfection; with salt and pepper, while the chicken and sausage were sweetened with sugar. It was just then that I noticed Luna had nestled herself against my side, which I didn't mind. We sat together for 30 minutes in companionable silence, just enjoying the others presence. I heard a rustle outside and told Luna to hide, an officer walked in. I instantly jumped up and saluted “Greetings Heer Kommandant, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I had to hold back a sneer as I bullshit my way through the customary greeting. “At ease private, I've come to give you news. You are to be transferred to Army Group South for the push on the Caucasus. You will redeploy this June to the LVI Panzer Korps. To answer your next question, you have been promoted to a junior tank commander due to your bravery the past few days. Congratulations sir.” Just like that I was a tank commander. God damnit it. Luna made herself visible again and walked up next to me. “Tis good right? Getting a promotion and all.” “No, it's not good Luna, because I have to train for new equipment and I won't get leave due to training. In other words, I'm fucking stuck here.” I felt something rub against my shoulder. I turned and saw Luna standing by my left side with her head slightly raised, the oddest thing was her blush. “Luna...what are you doing?” “We're…we're, showing affection.” “Oh, like between friends.” “Yes...like between friends.” “Why are you blushing?” “No reason that should get you worried.” “Ok.” I was about to say more, but was cut short by a whistle and then explosion. I cursed under my breath before turning back to Luna. “Luna the Soviets are counter attacking, command said they were beat but...I didn't believe a word they said. I need to go outside to see if I can help, you can come if you want but keep yourself close to me and hidden.” Before getting a reply, I hoisted an MG-42 over my shoulder and sprinted to the nearest machine gun nest. I set up the gun and Karl jumped in next to me. “Max, I'll keep your ammo stocked! You just focus on keeping us alive got it?!” “No problem Karl, millions of men are attacking but I can totally repel them all.” “Oh shut up and keep us safe you son of a bitch!” “Heh, since you asked nicely.” With my gun cocked and loaded, aimed towards the field in front of me. I could move the gun nearly 90 degrees, so I could cover the front and flanks effectively. The explosion rang out around me as I fired into what was, simply put, a human wave. Round after round went out and more fell. In a few minutes I was out of ammo, but Karl fed me more ammo keeping me going. Another hundred gone, and another. I kept firing and firing, wondering when it would end. After 20 minutes, we had exhausted our ammunition, we simply waited for the end. Instead, an officer hoped into the nest and yelled at us to get in the fucking trucks. I yanked the 42 free and ran to the nearest truck to evacuate, Karl sat to my left in the canvas covered storage space. Once we were on the road, Luna who was invisible and next to me on the truck whispered into my ear. “Max don't worry, we're here with you. We’re unharmed and fine, we are getting out of here right?” I managed to choke out a strangled yes, before I leaned over to Karl and began sobbing. Several other men were sobbing as well. “Karl, I- I killed so many! Why did I have to be draf-drafted?! I never asked for this, I just want to go home!” “I know Max, I do too.”
Chapter 1: Eight Miles Left To Moscow Author's Note Note: I do not support anything the Germans did in World War 2. I myself am part German and feel shame because of it due to WWII. Please enjoy this story and message me if you have complaints that ant be addressed through comments. Chapter 1: Eight Miles Left To Moscow November 5th, 1941 Armee Gruppe Center So close to the end. We just pushed past one of the last Russian defense belts around Moscow, thank god, and we’re only eight miles to the suburbs. It's been months of fast and easy progress and then Moscow just became the brick wall in our way, and we can't use a sledgehammer. Reason we can't use a sledgehammer, the fucking weather. Last night the temperature dropped yet again, and our Panzers wouldn't start for two hours. Since we had bad weather, our planes can't launch either, which means no Stukas. No Stukas means no sledgehammer, no sledgehammer means no breakthrough, no breakthrough means having to suck it up and go through the slog of a slow advance. The almighty and all knowing Fürher(who can go fuck himself)keeps demanding a fast and decisive breakthrough and capture of the Soviet capital. He doesn't know what we're going through right now, so he needs to shut his idiotic pie hole and let us do our job. I'm so cold. So cold, why didn't we bring winter clothes? We should've known from the start that the Russians weren't just gonna fall over. After all the success in the west, we had started to believe the invincibility bullshit. What a stupid belief. Time to move out. Fuck this war, Max ***** I finished my diary entry and groggily opened my tent. I was greeted with the usual; snow, ice, and biting cold. Shells were scattered everywhere in piles for the last push on the god forsaken city of Moscow. I was just a damn grunt who got drafted off the street and thrown to the Eastern Front. Snow piled on the Panzers and trenches, some poor guys had froze to death last night. They won’t get to see what's going to happen in the next few years I guess, so that's a plus. I don't even want to imagine it. I trudge my way to the field kitchen and see what's on the menu for today; steak, potatoes, and some chocolate. It's the same as always but the chocolate is new, must be the final push today. The chocolate ration didn't give me hope for my survival, as it was usually given before a battle not many would survive. I grab my tray and head for my friend Karl who is our division’s cooking officer and kitchen staff. With a bit irritation at the man in front of me who was slow as all hell, I reach Karl. “Well hello Karl, how's life been treating you these past few months?” “Fuck this I want to go home, that's how.” He replies with a chuckle. He starts to scoop steak and potatoes onto my tray and hands me a chocolate bar. He doesn't even look up when our artillery starts rumbling in the distance. A dull CLUNKUNT sound reaches my ear as Karl gives me the last of my food. I turn to him and say with no humor at all. “It's starting isn't it?” “Fraid’ so Max. It's looks like you'll be fighting soon. Get back in one piece alright? I need my friend with me right now.” “I'll do my damn best man.” I reply as we grip each other's right hand and hug the others left shoulder. I walk off with a determination to come out of this alive and be there for my friends and family. ***** Rifle in hand I get in a half track with twelve other men from my squad who I don't know very well. Still, I hope they make it out alright. The half track starts rolling down the frozen iced over road along with the Panzers. The CLUNKUNT of the artillery gets louder and louder the more we go down the road. I grip my clothes to around me to stave off the morning cold, 10 AM and it's still below freezing. The whistle of artillery fills my ears as we arrive on the front lines. Already I hear the screams of the dead and dying. One whistle is getting particularly close to my squad and the half track. “Incoming get the fuck out!” I jump out of the half track and dive into a trench, turning just in time to see the half track explode into twisted metal and flames. An officer jumps down next to me and pats me on the shoulder to get my attention. “You, man that 42 and watch for the Russians! They're going to charge soon so fire on their infantry, the anti tank guns will do the rest.” Just like that he's gone and I'm left to man a machine gun nest. Checking the ammo belt and box, I load the MG 42 and cock it. Now I just wait, son of bitch this is going to be a tough day. Still no air support to be found. Staring down the field I suddenly hear a massive roar as thousands of Russians pour out onto the field. I soon realize with horror that they're the charge I was told about. I take my aim and fire. Ratatatat, 50 gone. Ratatatat, another 20 gone. Just as I'm about to fire again the road of the anti tank guns starts. High explosive shells impact the ground, impacting the ground and leaving behind massive craters, leaving blood and organs in their wake. I keep firing. Ratatatat, more fall. Ratatatat, they just keep coming, they seem to have endless waves of men. As I'm about to fire again I realize I've run out of ammo and fumble to reload. Gun cocked and loaded I keep firing. ***** An hour later and the Russians retreat. Beyond me is a field of blood, bodies, and entrails as far the eye can see. I sigh, lean back and light a cigarette to wait and rest. It's 1 in the afternoon and we haven't even made our push yet, more delays command tells us. Just as I get comfortable I hear a whistle above me. “Fuck, artillery!” I scramble to get out of the trench just as the shell lands a few yards away, and I'm blown away into the field. Blackness coats my vision as I pass out. I come to and check my watch. It's 2:30 in the afternoon. As I get up I notice the corpse next to me missing his bottom half, which nearly causes me to vomit. I stumble back to the trench but then stop, noticing something in it. In the trench is a violet creature lying seemingly dead in the snow covered ground.
Chapter 2: Who Might You Be?Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter3: Learning About New WorldsLuna wanted to know more about Earth, and I wanted to know more about Equestria. We decided to settle down in the tent to talk about our two different worlds. ***** “So, what do you want to know Luna?” I was lying down on my tent’s cot in the corner by the lantern. It was late, so everyone was settling in for the night, so my tent flap was shut tight against the cold. Luna was lying on the ground next to my cot and was casting a warming spell in the tent for us, which I greatly appreciated. “We wish to know why you are fighting, and what your species eats and its technology.” I thought for a moment on how best to word my response. “I'm fighting because I was drafted against my will and stuck in this hell of a world. I never wanted to fight, but because of my nation's politicians and insane leader, here I am. I actually wanted to open a bakery and help people with cakes and charity. As for my diet; I can eat fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and meat.” After I said meat, Luna looked as if she had seen a ghost. “You eat meat?!” I swear I have never before heard a voice go from calm to shrill that quickly. I had to roll my eyes before replying. “I'm not going to eat you Luna. Come on, I won't eat an intelligent creature. I eat meat from cows, pigs, chickens, and the like. Are you ok?” Though somewhat shaken, Luna quickly recovered and nodded. I could tell that she was afraid that I would eat her, so I fished some chocolate from my pack. “Have some chocolate, I didn't mean to scare you Luna.” “Thank you Max, we aren't used to meat eaters where we're from I pondered the thought of there being little to no meat eaters on Equestria, which didn't make much sense. How could a world evolve without predators? I decided to ask Luna. “So Luna, are there no predators on Equestria? On Earth there are thousands of them.” Luna once again looked pale. “Thousands, you must be joking!” At my serious no bullshit look, she continued. “There are predators on Equestria yes, but nowhere near the number of your planet. The Griffins and Dragons are the two major ones, but treaties prevent the hunting of herbivores of nations. Minor sub predators exist, but the total is only around 15 predator species. Would you tell us of your worlds technology now?” After thinking of where to start and where to go from there, I began. “First I'll start with guns. My rifle, the Kar98K, is a gun. The projectile it fires is made of a lead casing and tungsten core, which is in turn propelled by a self contained charge of smokeless gunpowder. The gunpowder allows the bullet to reach speeds of 760 meters a second.” Luna looked absolutely adorable just looking up at me while I explained my rifle to her. She looked like a child learning how to use a new toy or something, watching the adult with hawk like attention. I moved on to tanks. “On to tanks. The tank you'll see the most, is the Panzer III. It has a front armor of 50mm, a side armor of 20mm, and a rear armor of 15mm. It has 50mm gun, which fires a shell about twice the size of your hoof. The shell works like my bullets, but on a bigger scale. It's uses a petrol engine and caterpillar tracks to move around. The tracks, allow the tank to negotiate almost any terrain it may encounter.” “To close it all off with a bow, planes. A plane is a machine designed to fly at high altitude and attack ground targets. They take air in through an intake on the propeller housing, which allows the engine to burn fuel for flight. Weapons are mounted on the wings and propeller housing, such as machine guns and cannons. Dive bombers are designed for ground attack, fighters for air superiority, and bombers for city raids and infrastructure attacks. So, what technology do you have on your world Luna?” I looked down and saw Luna stammering to herself about how advanced humans were, which was fairly adorable. I decided to snap her out of it and ask the question again. “Luna *snap* are you ok?” “What?! Oh sorry Max, we didn't know humans were so advanced technologically. What your species has achieved is nothing short of amazing! My people can only dream of what humans have.” “Well, humans don't have magic so we focused on scientific advancement. Unfortunately, that technology is also used for war and destruction, which saddens me deeply. So, how does magic work anyway?” Luna smiled and began her explanation. “Well, my horn is like a sort of muscle. Magic that is generated in my body, is focused through my horn. This magic is in turn released as a spell. Depending on what I wish to do, the magic will take shape before being released.” I was absolutely fascinated by her explanation, and had an idea and request. “May I touch your wings?” At my question, Luna's cheeks turned a much darker violet color at my question. I felt like I had crossed a boundary, but her response dispelled that notion. “Of course Max, but be careful as they're sensitive.” I slowly moved my hand down to the tip of her left wing and touched it. It was amazingly soft, and felt like a pillowcase made of cloud. As I felt more of Luna’s wing, I heard a tiny squeak, because I must have hit a sensitive spot. I immediately withdrew my hand and apologized to Luna, who simply said it was fine and not to worry. I yawned heavily and realized how I tired I was, which must have caused Luna to as well. “Goodnight Luna, sweet dreams” “To you as well Max, goodnight.” As I drifted off, I noticed a faint odor in the tent. It was very faint, but there, and smelled like vanilla. I shrugged it off and went to sleep.
Chapter 4: 60 Miles From MosocwOpening my eyes, I felt something next to me in my cot. I turned to look at what it was, and noticed Luna slumbering peacefully against my side. Checking my watch revealed it was 5:45 in the morning, 15 minutes before I had to officially get up. Still, I thought fuck it and got up anyway; and in turn bent down to wake Luna. “Hey Luna, come on get up.” “Hmm...five more minutes Tia, too early.” “Luna, it's 5:45, we've gotta get going.” “Nooooo...sleep.” Oh fuck it. I thought to myself. I bent down and poked Luna in the belly, causing her to bolt up and me to laugh like a banshee behind my hand. “Max, why would though do that?!” “Sorry Luna I just, *hicc* wanted you to, *hicc* get up.” “It's not funny!” Luna's pout as she said this nearly gave me diabetes. To save myself from a life of little sugar, which I adored, I decided to get us some breakfast. “So Luna, I'm going to see if Karl is up yet and get some breakfast. What do you eat exactly? I know you eat plants, but do you prefer them cooked, raw…?” “Cooked thank you.” “Alright, be back in a sec.” ***** I opened the tent flap and was slapped by a cold wind and snow. Of course, it couldn't be a warm summer afternoon huh? After my momentary temperature adjustment, I went to the mess to get breakfast. Karl was up early, which I enjoyed as I could talk with him. Walking up to the mess, I approached Karl to speak and grab whatever gruel was being given from the food rations. “Hey Karl, how are you?” “Oh, hey Max. I'm well, and yourself?” “Shitty. Yesterday's battle was horrible Karl. I killed at least 250 men, I know it's what we were trained for but still! It doesn't make it any easier...anyway what's on the menu?” Giving a quick glance of his ration booklet, Karl turned back to reply to me. “Let's see; cooked carrots and cabbage, chicken and eggs, and some sausage. For once, we have good breakfast food! Yesterday was ok, but eggs are divine! Best part, they aren't the powdered shit we usually have.” “No way! Real eggs?!” “Yep, got em’ in last night after 6:00. I tried to tell you, but your tent was locked up, I figured you had gone to bed, so I didn't want to barge in.” “Thanks Karl. Yeah I went to sleep early, battle took a lot out of me. Anyway, I'm hungry, I take my grub and go back to the tent if that be alright with you my good man.” I finished my sentence with a bow and shit eating grin. Karl just laughed and gave me my portion for breakfast. ***** I opened my tent and slipped inside, happy to be out of the biting and clawing cold. Luna was laying on the cot with her legs under her, I approached her and gave her the carrots I got. “Here you go; cooked carrots for you, and chicken, eggs, and sausage for me. The carrots are alright right? I can see about getting something else if not.” Luna looked at her meal and smiled. “No Max, this is fine thank you.” ***** POV: Luna As I took the first bite of my carrots, I realized I had been staring at Max for the last two minutes, luckily he hadn't noticed so I tore my gaze away. Why was I staring at him, and why do I feel warm? This is odd, I like this feeling, but it's still odd. POV: Max I noticed that Luna had been staring at me for the past two minutes, but I ignored it so as not to embarrass her. Karl has outdone himself on breakfast, I'll have to tell him. I Thought to myself as I ate my food. The eggs were cooked to perfection; with salt and pepper, while the chicken and sausage were sweetened with sugar. It was just then that I noticed Luna had nestled herself against my side, which I didn't mind. We sat together for 30 minutes in companionable silence, just enjoying the others presence. I heard a rustle outside and told Luna to hide, an officer walked in. I instantly jumped up and saluted “Greetings Heer Kommandant, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I had to hold back a sneer as I bullshit my way through the customary greeting. “At ease private, I've come to give you news. You are to be transferred to Army Group South for the push on the Caucasus. You will redeploy this June to the LVI Panzer Korps. To answer your next question, you have been promoted to a junior tank commander due to your bravery the past few days. Congratulations sir.” Just like that I was a tank commander. God damnit it. Luna made herself visible again and walked up next to me. “Tis good right? Getting a promotion and all.” “No, it's not good Luna, because I have to train for new equipment and I won't get leave due to training. In other words, I'm fucking stuck here.” I felt something rub against my shoulder. I turned and saw Luna standing by my left side with her head slightly raised, the oddest thing was her blush. “Luna...what are you doing?” “We're…we're, showing affection.” “Oh, like between friends.” “Yes...like between friends.” “Why are you blushing?” “No reason that should get you worried.” “Ok.” I was about to say more, but was cut short by a whistle and then explosion. I cursed under my breath before turning back to Luna. “Luna the Soviets are counter attacking, command said they were beat but...I didn't believe a word they said. I need to go outside to see if I can help, you can come if you want but keep yourself close to me and hidden.” Before getting a reply, I hoisted an MG-42 over my shoulder and sprinted to the nearest machine gun nest. I set up the gun and Karl jumped in next to me. “Max, I'll keep your ammo stocked! You just focus on keeping us alive got it?!” “No problem Karl, millions of men are attacking but I can totally repel them all.” “Oh shut up and keep us safe you son of a bitch!” “Heh, since you asked nicely.” With my gun cocked and loaded, aimed towards the field in front of me. I could move the gun nearly 90 degrees, so I could cover the front and flanks effectively. The explosion rang out around me as I fired into what was, simply put, a human wave. Round after round went out and more fell. In a few minutes I was out of ammo, but Karl fed me more ammo keeping me going. Another hundred gone, and another. I kept firing and firing, wondering when it would end. After 20 minutes, we had exhausted our ammunition, we simply waited for the end. Instead, an officer hoped into the nest and yelled at us to get in the fucking trucks. I yanked the 42 free and ran to the nearest truck to evacuate, Karl sat to my left in the canvas covered storage space. Once we were on the road, Luna who was invisible and next to me on the truck whispered into my ear. “Max don't worry, we're here with you. We’re unharmed and fine, we are getting out of here right?” I managed to choke out a strangled yes, before I leaned over to Karl and began sobbing. Several other men were sobbing as well. “Karl, I- I killed so many! Why did I have to be draf-drafted?! I never asked for this, I just want to go home!” “I know Max, I do too.”
