Dementor's Manipulation

May 10th 1940 (France)

It's been three months and eighteen days since I was drafted into the German Army. It has definitely been much more different than Hitler Youth, in its own way. Nothing interesting has happened since joining the Wehrmacht, except, well, joining it. I learned how to use different types of guns, and was readied up for what it may be like when in battle. Simple Army training, simply, it was. For instance, I was, on different occasions, given different weaponry. I was given a Gewehr 24 one day, in hope of learning the difference between a rifle and other guns. It had a 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge. Another day it was a Beretta Model 38/44 with a 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge. Although, my favourite weapon that had been used was the Kongsberg Colt with a 11.43x23 mm ACP cartridge. It was a small pistol that felt right in my grasp. I havent seen anyone that I used to know, either. I was surprised to not see Henry, I expected him to be here, but nonetheless, today was the day we were going to invade France, and a few other neighboring countries.

"Shape up, kid, it wont last long." General Reichenau told me, slapping my back before walking off. I barely even felt that slap because of the uniform I wore. It was nice that this uniform managed to fit me, but the material left me unaware of a lot of things. It was funny, though, it fit quite tightly on me. General knew how I felt about the war. How my best friend was shot in the invasion of Poland -- how I wasnt in favour of most of it. He was surprisingly helpful, though, he helped me and made me think somewhat straight. War was needed on occasion, and even if it caused death and most didnt want it to happen, eventually, it will end, and you'll have a pretty cool scar at the end. "Thank you," I quietly muttered to myself, although it was thanks for him. He truly has helped, and I like to believe that he and I are similar. We want to stay neutral, but we are forced to hide behind our mask.

Upon the awakening of the rest of our forces, I kept by Carl, Dierk, Fiete and Gunther. We came from the same place, and we pacted that we would stay together throughout this war, no matter what. The other two of our Scharfuhrer drafters were favoured by another bunch, therefore we never really saw the brothers anymore. Dierk and Fiete, along with I all got along well. Although, Fiete and I hadn't talked much. We understood eachother's fear, unlike Carl, who would constantly shame us for being pussies. Gunther was quiet, and I learned to only speak with him when he was in favour of speaking. He got angry fairly easily. All five of us had slowly gathered into a truck with three other men, the General, and two other men who were like us -- except they were older.

For a time, I felt Dierk tremble against my side, for his own was scrunched against mine. Dierk was always the most afraid, he didnt want to die. He wanted to be able to go home to his family, see his baby brother and his sister who was probably already nearing the age of seven at this point. I didnt blame him, wanting to return to his family, for they were there waiting for him to get back. I dont have anyone to be afraid to lose for. My mother and my unborn brother are probably dead or in some camp, Uri felt like family, and he's probably dead, too. Henry is who knows where, probably not caring for the life he left behind. The Campe's were merely friends. I dont think they'd appreciate having me back there anytime soon. I feared for myself and the things I may never experience. I had no fear of dying, just loss.

After driving for a bit, through different routes, routes we hadnt ever seen, we decided to continue the trek to invasion on foot. We were close enough to the point we were going to begin reign upon, so it was simple to continue on foot. We had very few trucks continue on, I carried a small Karabiner 98k rifle within my arms, for by now they have adjusted to it's harsh weight. As I walked beside the frightened Dierk and the manly Carl Beckenbauer, I thought. I would rather be here than be in a camp awaiting Death. Did I? This was similar. I was still awaiting death. I was surrounded by death. I probably smelled like Death at this point, as well. then.

"Adolf, I'm scared," Dierk softly whispered to me, when gaining closeness to me, by my side. "i dont want to do this. I dont want to be a Soldier -- I dont wanna die." In his heart, Dierk was pleading. He wanted me to join him on his runoff to safety, to throw away this lie I've built so tall upon my shoulders and live within the shadows of dying trees within the forest. "You wont die," I told him, looking towards him slowly. "i promise." I sighed. "No -- that's a lie -- I cant do this, Adolf." To think this once proud boy who stood tall was afraid for all he had and wanted to run away. "Im going," He scoffed, and dropped his weapons, took his heavy helmet off, and proceeded to dart backwards, to where we came from. I winced, and turned to look front. I knew what was to happen. And after listening to a gun go off, and a large piece of something hit the hard ground, I looked to my feet, sighing. "It was bound to happen, Swift," Carl told me, rubbing his hand on my shoulder for a second, before getting back into line as we all had been. I quietly nodded, and then looked up, no emotion upon my face, and no emotion within my soul. This was the first time I witnessed someone I dearly knew get shot. I no longer felt what I had in the beginnig.

And after that, everything started up. I guess our French friends heard the gunshot, and panic arose. We had to take quick action. I watched the others run before me, as I tried to keep up. This goddamned gun was weighing me down. I watched them, though, and I watched as they, without hesitation, begun attack. Everyone was alerted that we were coming. And in that moment I remembered when Poland was attacked. I remember the fear amongst us all. But I no longer felt it -- or simply felt for being attacked.

And then I joined my fellow army men. Carl looked so proud.