Scarlett War

CHAPTER THIRTEEN - REALIZATION

Wanda Maximoff - Private

In two days, we were in the forest, having to move quickly to keep up with the Germans.

We were clearing the forest, chopping down trees to get roadways in. But, with my help, it was easy.

All I had to do was aim for the base of the tree, fire a single shot, and it would fall over. The boys were less exhausted then they could've been, and thanked me more times then I could count.

I was getting somewhat confident in it, finding it amusing in away. The voice had given me advice, for whatever reason.

There was something else though, that I touched on in the city a week back. The odd sensation of part of me fading.

Well, it was more than a small part.

The feeling of an inevitable coming was raging, now. I knew that any day, something would arrive. It started so long ago, I wondered why it took so long to.

But I was getting stronger, now, and if it was a threat, I hope I could take it.

Getting back to the whole 'part of me being eaten away thing,' I realized one night that it wasn't just little things.

It was empathy towards my enemies.

I realized this when I blasted down some trees, and it became more pleasing when I thought of them as humans. Humans I could take over.

I guess the voice wanted me to become more ruthless. Less sympathetic and empathetic. Just to plow through people with no regard. Which, wasn't really a bad thing in battle.

But in everyday life?

And I had no choice but to comply.

But, if I had a voice, I think I would follow the order anyway.

"Hey, Soviet," Zussman said, and I turned to face him. "You can take a break, now. Clear about twenty trees already."

I nodded, feeling somewhat distant at the moment. I went away without another word, wanting some quiet.

I walked off, mind blank. I wasn't sure where I was going, but I kept walking anyway. I felt so odd, but couldn't pinpoint why.

Distantly, I heard Turner and Pierson arguing. It was getting worse, but I couldn't find the courage to ask Pierson why it was.

I chose not to listen in as I passed them, only a row of tents over, not really in the mood to hear it. I wasn't in the mood for anything anymore.

But then, I'd be the happiest camper here. It was constant and inconsistent mood swings, making me feel incredibly vulnerable. I had told Pierson about this, and he told me to come to him anytime it seemed to get worse.

I wondered if it all was because of me letting the voice gain control of me. Hopefully, like everything else, it was temporary and was just a side effect.

"Hey, Maximoff!" I turned my head to see none other than Perez, whom I hadn't seen for some time as he was in a different platoon, smiling and waving at me.

Instantly, a smile burst upon my face. "Perez!" I ran over, boots hitting the ground, and gave him a big hug. "How are you holding up?"

"How am I holding up? You've had the most news in the past three months than I've had my whole life!" I chuckled, smiling broadly.

"I'm alright. Surprised you even want to touch me."

"Ah, c'mon, I know you'd never hurt me." I smiled once more, but a small part of me felt doubt.