Private Kiriya
Chapter 1
Whenthebulletsstartflying,it’sonlyamatteroftimebeforefearcatchesupwithasoldier.
Thereyouare,steeldeathwhizzingpastintheair.
Distantshellsthunderlowandmuddy,ahollowsoundyoufeelmorethanhear.Thecloseonesringhighandclear. Theyscreamwithavoicethatrattlesyourteeth,andyouknowthey’retheonesheadedforyou.Theycutdeepintotheground,throwingupaveilofdustthathangsthere,waitingforthenextroundtocomerippingthrough.
Thousandsofshells,burningthroughthesky-slicesofmetalnobiggerthanyourfinger-anditonlytakesonetokillyou.Onlytakesonetoturnyourbestbuddyintoasteamingsideofmeat.
Deathcomesquick,inthebeatofaheart,andheain’tpickyaboutwhohetakes.
Thesoldiershetakesquick-beforetheyknowwhathit’em-they’retheluckyones.Mostdieinagony,theirbonesshattered,theirorgansshredded,leakingaseaofbloodontotheground. TheywaitaloneinthemudforDeathtostealupbehindthemandwringoutthelastdropsoflifewithhisicyhands.
Ifthere’saheaven,it’sacoldplace.Adarkplace.Alonelyplace.
***
I’mterrified.
Igripthetriggerwithstifffingers;myarmsshakeasIsendarainofscorchingsteeldownontotheenemy.TheriflekicksasIfireit. Vunk.Vunk.Vunk.Abeatsteadierthanmyheart.Asoldier’sspiritisn’tinhisbody.It’sinhisweapon.Thebarrelwarmsuntilitglows,theheatturningfearintoanger.
