A Saving Light (English Translation)

Chapter One

I felt someone pick me up and run out. I've gotta admit. Until I was laid in the passenger's seat of that truck, I was terrified that one of those "Nazis" were taking me.

We sped out of the parking lot and rushed towards the Sharpclaw Hills. A forested hill and National Park, he lived there, for his dad is a park ranger.

I awoke about two hours later. I tried to ask what happened but I couldn't speak.

"Don't even try. I had to dislodge a few shards of glass from your vocal cords and the bullet tore your lung. Save your energy, Slitter."

I had lost a lot of blood. I could feel the drained feeling.

"We should be safe here for now. Humans never quit, do they?" He said with a frustrated sigh.

I could tell this wasn't going to be over soon. Soon the military would try and take it back. They would make that town a battlefield. I couldn't have said it better, Lunar. Humans never quit. They are driving this world to destruction and here I am, directly in the middle of it all.

I always loved going to his cabin. It always felt so connected to nature and, being a pagan, I enjoy that. It has always made me feel safe, compared to my house. I and Lunar had been friends since... I don't know... the third grade. Now we're both sophomores. And I must admit. I kinda have feelings for him...

I tried to stand and got on my feet for approximately 2.58 seconds before falling back down. Lunar immediately rushed over to me.

"H-Hey! C-Careful...! Y-You've lost a l-lot of blood and may tear out your stitches...!" He said picking me back up and sitting me back on the couch.

I still couldn't grasp what was happening. I nearly died, World War III just started. What IS happening?! I don't think I wanna know...

"We are gonna have to teach you how to shoot though, in case of emergency."

I don't exactly enjoy guns. They scare me. But now, fear leads to death. I guess I could try.

~~~~~~

I couldn't sleep that night. Between my thoughts and the gunshots and explosions, I couldn't even close my eyes. I kept seeing the first paratroopers land in my head and kept seeing the panic of my friends as they landed. It all haunted me. I just kept replaying that moment. That fear I felt. The pain... A loud explosion shocked me in fear.

The sound of helicopters overhead thundered as they rushed towards town. I made the painful struggle to stand and walk to the fridge. I needed food. I got to the kitchen before falling. Lunar was there faster than Life-Alert responders.

"I said take it easy. You should listen. You could hurt yourself." He said, "Be careful."

It felt so weird to not be able to speak. I say it in my head but I just can't get the words out. How do mute people do that so daily? It feels so weird to not be able to make a sound when you open your mouth to speak. Then, looking up from my thoughts, I could tell that Lunar was blushing. GOD! I just want to SPEAK my mind!

"You okay there? You look a little lost in thought."

I nodded instinctively. What could I do? Say "yes" or "no"? Yeah right. My vocal cords are too damaged. I couldn't talk if I wanted to. And believe me. I would REALLY like to talk right about now. Looks like it's time to make peace with this new and rather ... speechless... me. This paradox needs to let me free. I made my way back to the bed and managed to fall asleep. Ignoring the demons of everything I want to say.

I slept for days, due to the fatigue and pain. Lunar had started becoming rather worried I wouldn't wake up. I would be too. I slept for... fourteen days approximately. When I awoke, the world had gone the crap. The U.S. had completely lost the town. Heck, the U.S. lost half its states to the Brotherhood of the Lightning. This war isn't going to end well. AT ALL.

Then, Lunar noticed I was awake.

"S-Slitter!!!" He said, crying, as he came to hug me. Granted, I still couldn't talk.

I felt so sad seeing him like that. I wish none of this had EVER happened. Ever. I expected to be starving but I wasn't even peckish. I'm always hungry when I wake up! Hm... Oh well. "Free-Zone radio stations" had opened in an attempt to keep people sane. I mean, I guess it's better than that whole "Obey. You're worthless" broadcast.

I definitely felt weaker than I had been. It didn't hurt as much to stand or to breathe anymore though. When did society become so stupid though? Humans should have learned from WWI and WWII. But, someone always has to be that jerk who wants to be better than EVERYONE else.

Not me. I've always been an introvert. But, we furs will stand strong as we always have. I hope...

"I got you this, Slitter." he said as he handed me a notepad, "For you to speak."

I immediately took it and wrote,

"THANK YOU, LUNAR!!!"

A smile stretched across his face.

"No problem! I know you've been wanting to actually speak but, this is as close as I can get you right now."