War of the World, book 1: A Great War, a PJO/HOO AU (Discontinued)

Chapter 4

Chapter 5: Digging & Entrenching (Race To The Sea)

'Why must we wait for the Germans to reach the sea? Can't we just, land men on the beaches and tell them to connect?'
That is exactly what is on Frank's mind. The army (A/N: He is on the same battalion as Percy and Jason) is trying to outrun the Germans from reaching the sea. 'As if,' Frank thought. 'As if the Germans would be defeated easily,' Frank thought. The army is building a long trench network, from the border of Switzerland to the sea. Frank, Percy and Jason are currently working hard, building part of the trench. Not far, across a field of craters and barbed wire, German soldiers are also digging. Of course, they maintained a distance from each other. Sometimes artillery barrages struck both sides, trying to slow the other's progress. 'So that's why it is called Race to the Sea,' Percy thought.

Percy's PoV
December 1914

The trenches have been finished, and it is already winter. Winter in the trenches is not fun. Cold, wet, and dangerous. Some people got trench feet, which is disgusting. We only eat Iron Rations (tin of bully beef) and slept on the floor. The Scots are playing the bagpipes, the French doing whatever they are doing. Last month the battle at Ypres (read: [ˈiːpr(ə), French ipr) we have to hop over the bags and fight German attacks. I still remember my first encounter with an enemy raid.

Flashbacks
I was on sentry duty when I saw shells falling out of the sky. I sounded the alarm, then prepared my rifle. Frank came and stood with me in my post. Jason goes to his post on a machinegun. 'Phwwwwwht!' I heard a whistle. Then I saw the Germans hopping over the top. 'Start shooting mate, I don't wanna die yet,' I said to Frank while shooting my rifle. I kept shooting my rifle until they were closer. I took a Lewis Gun and set it up, then starts shooting with Frank reloading. I saw some Germans hiding in shell craters, some hid behind bodies. I kept shooting until I saw a grenade, which destroyed the barbed wire. I took out my Trench Knife, Frank with his trenching shovel, others used a large variety of weapons. I stabbed a German who jumped in front of me. Then I saw more Germans coming into the trench. The others are fighting one-to-one. I fought a German who is using trench raiding clubs. I swiped towards his leg, he blocked, then I tried to cut his sword hand, only causing a deep gash on his shoulder. He then tried to hit my face, but I dodged, and then I swiped towards his stomach, causing his entrails to pour out. I fought somebody who almost killed me, but luckily Jason hit him in the head. We managed to defend the trench.
Flashback Ends

That day is still fresh in my mind. It had been 3 months ever since, so I still can't forget it. Doesn't matter. I am freezing in the cold ground of the Trench, just days before Christmas.

I missed home. I missed my parents and the warmth of my flat. But as long as my friends are safe, and with me, I'll- Uhh. You know what, brain? Let's just sleep. Think about the war later, think about my friends later...

562 words (with the chapter title)

This is more like a filler chapter. Sorry, it's very short. Next will be about life in the trenches. And probably an English raid. Some more fighting.