Summer in 1941

Trigger Warning: Any race or nationality involved in this story are only for writing and story part purposes. This is not a true history based story. Read at your own risk. Bang! Bang! Bang! Heads down! Heads down! Load the cannon! Faster! Faster! Fuego!!! Fuego!!! Fuego!!! That's what all I hear around me, if not shouting from the soldiers beside and behind me. Guns and cannon everywhere! The bullets above are like doves flying freely in the sky and when you got one you will see it's a vulture. "Ahh!! Dios mio!", as I scream loud on the top of my lungs. The soldier beside me lay down lifeless with one shot on his head with blood dripping on and wide eyes open. I suddenly crawled to the nearest sand bag barricade to shield myself. If I am going to die right now, let it more meaningful for me, for the love of God and for the love of my country. I stiffened when one soldier with full of blood from his head to his uniform down dive in front of me. "Cover your ears!", he said enough for me to hear before I heard a loud and big explosion. I closed my eyes as it continue. "Follow me, crawl faster!", he commanded. Silently crawling and following him until we reached a little tunnel. I looked at him while still on the ground while he dug up something and open it. My eyes widen he discarded it in front of me. A shotgun and the bullets. "I don't know how to- "You need it, I'll teach you we don't have time", he said firmly. "After that, aim it to the target", he said it finally and lend it to me. I shakely accept the shotgun on my hands while crying. I don't know if i can do this! It's either I will kill or I'll die! "You will head into the west and if you reach the falls search for one square stone and open it. We have a tunnel in there, you can rest and stay for the night. It's safe", he said while looking at me weakly. "Our soldier are getting tired of fighting, even American soldiers are retreating. Japanese are aggressive and we are not prepared when we attacked us. Right now fight for yourself, try to survive. Go now!", he firmly demanded as he distance himself to look in the battlefield. I looked at him and all I can clearly see is his hooded blue-gray eyes. I smiled at him. "Thank you soldier", I whisper as we looked at each other for the last time and then started to run headed to where he wants me safe. I ran as fast as I could even I heard a lot of gunshots and loud explosions. It's like following me from behind and then I will be dead in an instant. Finally, I reached the woods and looking around I don't know where to start. "West! West! Even I ran out of breathe I still manage to run fast heading to the west. This will be my life in the next days, months or years that will come. I don't know. If I survive or I wonder if I will survive. I hope so. Walk, run, hide and run again. I did it for almost two hours, hunger and thirst are my discouragement while being alive is my motivation. Getting lost twice in the track is a start over. Before the dark will took over I should find the tunnel and find the get some water. For food, maybe I can pick up some fruits hoping it's not poisonous. The sun is already setting when I head a splashing of water on my side and relieved and happiness is all over me. I did not hear a single gunshot by now. Just some dark smoke from above. I hurriedly drink some water on the falls and definitely washed my face and body. I looked round to find some bamboo so I could fill it with water and maybe some little fruits. Good to know that aside from the shotgun that the good soldiers gave me: a bolo knife. After filling the bamboo with water I looked to pick some fruits. Small fished and crabs are abundant in this but I don't know how to catch it, I'll settle for the fruits that I know. Luckily, I came across near in the lemony plant and get all of it. Now, time to search for the square stone so I can take a rest. Ten minutes had past and I found it near the bushes in the very end of the falls lining on it's big stones. It comoflage on the thick bushes and the algae. I pushed it harder to open and even my veins are already to give up and sweating like a fountain. I manage to open it and see lots of scattered bamboo and woods with the slight light going in. Before someone will see me I push back the stone to close it immediately. I let a heavy sign before stepping in and darkness is all over.. I needed to crawl to get the bamboo and woods for fire. Good thing they have it for civilians and soldiers who are unprepared for this kind of situation. I started to mill the two dried bamboo to make a fire, sweats from my forehead down to my neck are dripping and still smoke that comes out. Mosquitos and bugs make me their dinner instead. After a long hour of milling I finally get my little fire! I stared at my water in the bamboo and the fruity small lemon beside it, then to my hands that are still shaking in shock. My tears fall down immediately as it sink in to me what happened. And just this little fire giving me hope in this dark tunnel. "How could this happen? The last thing I know we were happy and living a contented life? Why it happened to me? Of all people! This is unfair! I heard my own sobs in the whole place and it's echo. This is a cry of fear. I'm still all alone! What will happen to me tomorrow? Should I go out? If I stay here I will die in hunger and starvation and if I get out I don't know if I turn back here alive or surely before the night ends I will die! As I finished eating and drinking the water I stared at the woods that are slowly turning into it's ashes. Tonight I can sleep well and it's the safest place I can have. I tightly grip my shotgun placing on my stomach while looking at the ceiling of this tunnel before I decided to close my eyes. Bang! Bang! Bang! Boom! Boom! Bang! Bang! Bang! I immediately open my eyss and stand up with the shotgun on my hand. I feel dizzy at the moment. walking slowly and careful at the stone entrance to wait if they will open it or not. Exchanging gunshot near on my side, more and more and then it stops just the humming of birds and the water flowing. To ensure that it's safe to go out I take a long time to observe the silence. Carefully pushing the stone to peek outside and it is all clear. All of them are gone. I looked around and there were three bodies laying in the ground lifeless, two of them were American Soldiers and on the other side was one Japanese soldier. I gulped my own saliva looking at them bathing in their own blood. I need to think about what I should do! I grab their weapons, water bootle and I see some food in their bag going back to the tunnel. Relieved was on me when I was already inside even though it was a bit dark. Fortunately right now there is a bit of sunlight coming. Digging up on the bags that I get are some hard bread, biscuits plus a full water bottle. I can still make it for a day and stay here. It will be a long day for me because I know its still early in the morning and I won't risk my life for now. After I ate I did not know that I fell asleep for how long it was thinking of my situation and the people around me. Did they survive? Are they captured? This is not the life I wanted to be. A fugitive in our own land. You cannot walk freely. I sighed deeply when I heard footsteps of horses passing by, Tightly holding it when someone open it and there are gunshots again. "Please make it stop", I prayed silently. Until I heard it's going far and no noises even the horses. I don't know how long I did to stare to the door until I fell asleep again and heard the cracking of the stone door entrance. "s**t! What should I do?" F-ck where is my shotgun! I grab it and then position myself to shoot if they they will fully reveal. I'm sweating bullets and if this is my lucky day, this is my first time killing someone just to save myself! "C'mon don't be a coward if you want to live ", I whisper to myself. The stone is slightly half open now and I saw a silhouette of a man carrying a bag! Out of my instinct I fired and for God's sake I know in myself that I did not hit him! It hit on the stone and the impact of the shotgun is very strong It feels like my whole shoulder shake on it and before I can think again he jumped over me and covered my mouth in one hand I have a tight grip with my two hands so i can't move. The shotgun went off. s**t! "F-ck who are you?", he said in a deep voice. I manage to kick his balls and then I suddenly let go of him. But damn he grab my hair and I feel like my whole soul went away. "Ahh, let me go!", I said to him. "You're a girl?", he asked and then he loosen up his grip on my hair. "One soldier said this place is safe to stay away from the war", I answered shakely at him. He ran to the door stone and pushed it fast to close. It's more darker than earlier and it scares the hell out of me. "What are you doing?" Don't come near me", I said nervously. I started to grope the weapons and guns on the ground to protect myself again. I stoped when I heard him say. "I wont hurt you", he said calmly. And then he lit up a match in front of his face. I don't know if I feel relieve or what anytime soon I'm gonna pass out. When the match died I only heard his footstep and some bamboo. I never move to my place I am still on the ground. "It's me, the soldier. I'm glad you still alive", he said and then I hear the milling on bamboo. I sit up and wait for the fire to lit up and after a minute with a match he slid on. Instantly we have a fire and I looked at him long enough and clearly. I cleared my throat before I talk. "I'm sorry about what happened you almost got shot", I said sincerely at him. "Don't be sorry, I understand it. This tunnel was made by us so the only people who know tis place are the American - Filipino soldiers and the people where told by the soldiers to have place. Luckily, you are the only one who got in here", he said weakly while still looking at the fire. "What do you mean?", I frowned when I asked. "I told so many civilians to find this to have a safe place to hide and rest. I am hoping that many of you will make it even though the situation outside is getting worst and worst but - ", he did not even continue on what he wants to say. And I know where should lead. I understand and hoping for thier soul in peace or maybe until now they are still surviving and finding this place. It is safer to think. But I know it's not like that. "Where did you get this?", he asked while looking at the bad and the guns I gathered early in the morning. "There is an encountered early in the morning and I think its just outside this tunnel.Then when i know it's done and already gone I went outside and get their guns and some food", I explained it to him. "That's good then", he pursed his lips and then looked at me. "Thank you for saving my life, thank you for giving me this place", I finally said while looking straight into his eyes. "It's my duty to save all the people that are affected by the war. I'm a soldier much more give this country freedom and peace", he answered back. A few moments of silence is all over us. I don't want to speak at all too and maybe he wants a silent sorrundings. He must be tired fighting outside. "Have you eaten?", he carefully asked. I shook my head for the answer. He opened the bag he carried earlier and open a one big can. "Here, eat this", he scooped and put it on a small metal plate. He handed it to me. It's canned pork and beans! He just eat in the can silently while seriously looking at the fire. He must be thinking so deeply. "I have a bread", I said while handling two pieces to him. He gave me a small smile before getting it and eat. I did not speak until I finished my food and drink my water. "Do you want to save more lives?", he suddenly asked me. "If you want, you can come with me tomorrow before the sun rises will go and find some survivors to take here. what do you think?", he asked. I fell silent at the moment and think about it. If that's the only way I contribute in the people and our country so be it. Rather to stay her and wait for my time to die. "Okay, I will try my best", I said firmly. "Let's take a rest so we can get u early", he said. He get one wood to dig up something on the lest side and there is a box. I saw some blankets and pillows. Really? "Take this", as he throw it to me. "Don't worry, I won't do anything to you", he added. I just nod at him although I trust him but I must be cautious, he is still a man. "Thank you", I said softly. I am preparing my self when I glanced at him already laying with his bag as his pillow and he did get a blanket on himself. "You don't have a blanket, It's a bit cold", I said. "Don't worry about me, I'm used to it", he glanced at me and added two firewoods on the little bonfire before he closed his eyes and face the ceiling of this tunnel. I sighed have a shotgun beside me and closed my eyes. Hoping I can sleep immediately and peacefully. I woke up with a tap on my shoulders. "Wake up now", I heard a husky voice before I open my eyes and sat down. There is a little fire on the bonfire as I stared in his face for a while. "Take a few more minutes and then we will go", he said. "Or do you want to eat first", he added. "I'm not hungry and I don't feel like eating, just some water", I answered him. After a minute of silence I get up and grab my shotgun, one pistol gun and my bolo knife. We left the tunnel immediately and I silently followed him. Whatever his hand sign I followed. The sun is already rising and I clearly saw our sorrundings. We heard the footsteps of horses nearing us. "Crouch", he whispered. We crouch and we saw the horses with two Japanese soldiers on it. They are searching just near us. We wait for them to go away and went to the other direction. We are still walking silently when we hear a crackle, we looked at each other and bow down observing where is it. And I feel like it's freaking just behind us or in our side. Then, fast as the lightning someone shoved him and they are in the ground fighting already. I froze on my place. Unable what to do. He manage to tuck down and the one who attacked stops. "You're alone?", I heard him asking the attacker. "I'm with my two bothers and my little sister. My parents are already dead. They killed them mercilessly. I thought you were the Japanese soldiers that were chasing us", he said shaking and tears flowing in his eyes. "Where are they?", he asked again. The boy pointed at the big tree with thick bushes around it. "I hid them there", he said while walking towards the tree. And when we reached the tree, we saw his brothers and sister crying and so frightened. "Brother!", said the little girl while crying and hugging his legs. "We are safe now, don't cry", he said softly. "We take you to the tunnel, you are safe there. Don't make any noise when you are inside", he instructed them. We walked them near the falls to make sure they will go in the right track and after securely they are near in the stone door we immediately walked back to the forest. After silently walking for how many minutes, I heard a gunshot and the target is us! "Run!", I heard him said then grab my hand to follow him. "s**t!", as we run fast but the bullets keeps chasing us. "Bow down!", he said as we stop on root of the big tree. "I think they are too many for the two of us", I said. "This is the death of me", I added then looking at the sky while in the bushes. He just looked at me frowning. "You did survive the first day and today you save four lives, is it enough for you to be strong and fight?", he said while loading his gun. "No matter how many they are just fight but if you know you can't take retreat, take a rest and the fight again. Ready yourself, you are already in the warzone. Fight like a soldier and promis me you will make it by the end of the day", he said firmly. "Ready?", he said. "Ready!", I swallow hard and make my voive firm. At the the count of three.... Bang! On your side! Bang! Bang! Run and hide! Shoot him! I am catching my breathe as I load my shotgun. I killed two people as of now and I will be adding it more to survive. Crackle and footsteps coming of my way and I need to be alert. I saw one of the Japanese soldier back. Aimed my gun and shoot. Got it! One down gain. Running to the other side to hide. "Are you okay?", I startled when I heard his voice from behind. "Yes, I killed three enemy. How about you?", I said hoarsly. I think my throat is dry to speak by now. "I'm good, I did not count it", he said weakly to me. I saw him with a lots of blood on this uniform and even in his face down to his neck. He fight hand in hand combat. Unlike me just the dirty from the ground and dried leaves on my clothes. He winced when he lift up his shoulder. "Oh my god! You are bleeding! You got shot?", I said then I saw it's bleeding. "I slightly got stab but it's not that fatal", he said while torn the cloth of his pants. "Let me", as I volunteer to wrap it on it's bleeding shoulder. "Aww, its too tight", he protested. "Sorry", I said as I loosen it a bit. "Thank you! C'mon, we got to the north. I think they spread out already.Are you tired? Hungry? Thirsty?", he asked as he slightly crouch. I followed him while looking around. We peacefully got in the north without encountering Japanese soldier on the way. We got to eat and drink when we reached a destroyed and burned American barracks. I saw lots of soldiers laying on the ground lifeless and some of them are burned inside the barracks. Seems that even one of they survived! I saw him collecting gund and food again the in a dusted duffel bag. "Here! Get some weapon and food or water that can still be eaten. Make it fast, maybe they try to come back here", he said. I get some guns and food that I can strongly carry. When we are done, we got to another barracks that is already burned and bombered by the Japanese. "We will be heading back to the tunnel to rest. It's still early. Come now", he said. And after a long walk, we reached the falls and went inside the tunnel. Relieved that the four siblings safely got in. He lift the match and mill the bamboo. "You got stab?", said the oldest. "Don't worry about it, I just wash it with water outside and get some firewoods. You can guard me if you want", he said seriously as he unwrap the cloth. "I'll come with you", I said to him. He nod at me. "Get off the weapons and food in the bag. Did you eat already?", he added. All of them shook their head. I feel pity for this four souls. "We just drink your water", the oldest answered shyly as he looked at the empty metal water bottle. "You can eat now, we bring lots of food today", He shuffled and smiled at him. "Let's go outside", he commanded. The two of us followed. He slightly peek on before going outside. He immediately wash off some the dirt and some blood stains on this body. I did wash my face and my arms too after that I get some woods just near and gather it inside while the teenaage boy got some some leaves or its a guava leaves. We carried lots of firewood, dried bamboos and leaves. After we are all settle we got back to the tunnel . "You did not eat yet?", I asked when I saw some bread and can that are not open yet. "We are waiting for all of you", said the little girl. "My name is Cecelia", the little girl introduce herself. "I'm Amos", said the third one. "And I'm David", the second brother. "Anton", said the oldest one. Before I can speak we heard the sound of the stomach of Cecelia. "I'm already hungry", she said shyly at us. The soldier laugh a bit and it was motion bybhis brothers. I just smiled at him sweetly. We open three cans of pork and beans again and one pack of bread. They hurriedly eat as if they did not eat for a year. "Slow down and be careful", he said to the siblings. They looked apologeticly to us as they slowly eat their food. I saw Anton cleaning the can and put some water on to have it in the fire. He stood up and get the guava leaves after he saw it boiling already. "I'll clean your wound so it will dry and healed immediately. Thank you for saving our lives and for the food and the place to stay", he said while putting the leaves on the hot water. "I learned this form my grandmother", he added. Weare just watching them. Anton is seriosly cleaning it with a soft cloth and the hot water with the leaves simmer on it. I think he is good on treating people with wound while the soldier is looking frowning at his wound like it's a puzzle. Finally, Anton wrap the leaves arounfd the would with a dry cloth. "It doesn't bleed anymore", Anton said as he finished. "Thank you! You have a great hand. You will be a good doctor in the future if you want", the soldier commented. Aton smiled and get back to his seat together with his siblings. He make Cecelia sit on his lap. "I will be going back to one of the barracks in the east. I check it if the Japanese soldier did not attacked or bomb them yet. You will just stay here, before the night comes I will go back", he said while looking at us like soldiers. "I want to go too", I said hoarsly to him. He looked at me and asked. "Are you sure?" "Yes!", I said loudly. He nod at me and looked at the four people beside him. "Okay, prepare your weapons. Anton come here, I'll teach you this", as he held the gun in him. "Amos and David", as he told they what to do. "Anton take care of your siblings, you know what to do. We'll go now. We will be back before the night", he promised as we went out in the tunnel. I looked at them once before we run away. We clearly see a black smoke in the sky when we are nearing in the east barracks. We heard heard some gunshots everywhere and cannon bombs. We are patiently crawling when we saw the barracks half burned and some soldiers exchanging shots and canoon bomb. Others are running on the side to survive with the still full forces of Japanese soldiers. He aimed his shot gun and bulleys eyes. He got one Japanese soldier down. "We just stay here and maintain our distance. No one will see us here, make a shot", he encourage me. And I did. Unfornutely, I did not hit even once. "Sucks!", I whisper to myself. I saw him crawling on the other side to get nearer and have a great view. I followed him but I never take any shots anymore. I am just amaze how good at him in shooting. Maybe he is one of the best marksman! "Nice shot!", I said as I am really rooting for him. He looked at me and smirked. I feel shy at the moment. After a long time of targeting some near Japanese soldier, we decided to move on the other side again. "They decided to spread out and chase those who retreat", he informed me. "What should we do?", I asked him. "Stay here for a while, we cannot exchange shots they are too many and they still have canoon bo- ", he did not finished on what he said when I herd him cursed. "s**t! F-cking Japanese! Cover your head!". he said and folowed him. I heard a two planes bringing down bombs near us. Soils and dust wre flocked on us. I even saw a huge whole on the ground when I open my eyes. They keep on flying above and puting down bombs. Surely no one will survive if you stay here. "We need to get out of here", he said immediately. He held my hand and we ran off the bushes immediately. We crouch when we heard horses and large footsteps. "Don't move", he said being alert. I grip my gun tightly. "Follow me! Over there! He peek and shot one soldier on the back while looking around and before the last soldier can shoot him. He got him bullseye. He shot in the head! "Run! Faster! We run and hide. Exchange gunshot and then run again. "Keep quite", as he signed me. The crackle infront of us is nearly visible. He let out his knife and when he appeared in front of us. He stabbed him in his stomach. I am able to get my bolo knife and stab him again on his nect. Blood flows on his neck down to his stomach. His body fell on the ground. "Let's go now", he held my hand and we run. They are here! We heard gunshots behind us and when I saw our back they are running after us. And they are so many! "They are so many!", I yelled at him. "f**k, we don't have a better place to hide anymore!, he said. "Face on the left side, If you see it's a Japanese soldier. Shoot him", he said then he face on the right side. I swallowed hard and nod at him. We heard a nearing footstep and my eyes widen when I saw him looking around and now going to my direction. And when he saw me I quickly fired and hit him in the stomach. Closing my eyes then fired again. I see his body lifeless on the ground. That is for destroying my country and killing my countrymen! On the left side! I heard a scream and then get back to my senses. "Let's go!", as he held my hand again and run. Over here! They are running! "F-ck!", as he cursed and exchange gunshots. We ran as fast as we could and they keep chasing us and thier bullets. Until we reached the dead end. The cliff with blue green water below. A paradise indeed. He looked at me and I know what to do. He held my hand tightly. "I did not get your name yet", he said. "I'm Beata, My name is Beata", I whisper enough for him to hear. "Captain Bedford", he said. Then we closed our eyes and jumped.