Heroes of Stalingrad

The sound of gunfire echoes over the streets, mortals shells firing from across the city, falling as common as the snowfall. These noise has become normal for the man and woman of the red army. It’s been months since the battle of Stalingrad started and still no end in sight. Winter is coming and if it’s similar to last year then General Winter will be the true victor for this battle.

Artyom was still running through the streets. He was but a simple conscript ordered to march forward regardless of the enemy’s resistance. It didn’t matter to his superious if he saw his friends and comrades die by mortar shells, landmines and renegades bullets, his orders were to march on. Not one step back as the commander called it.

The conscript still remember what life was before the war. Staying with his mama in eastern Ukraine farming the land. All was good until the Germans advance into his homeland. He couldn’t believe it at first, especially since he was so far from the boarder but within a few months the fascist as arrived at his doorstep. It didn’t take long for the state to conscript him and force him in the front lines. He was given a Red Army uniformed and send to defend the motherland. No rifle, they never give him a gun. It was more important to get solders on the fronts then a weapon for them to fight with.

Now he was running in the streets of Stalingrad. Running form the mortar shell and snipers shots. He couldn’t remember for how long he started running but he knew better then to turn around. Under the enemy fire most of his comrades had run off back to the defending line, they have meet a more deadly fate. Orders forbid soldiers to retreat, and they were consider traitor if doing so. It didn’t long for the barrier troops to kill those that retreated while solders that didn’t continue to march on. It didn’t matter where he went, as long as he went forward, into enemy lines.

Artyom had enough of running and landed face first in the dirt and blood. So many as die for this city and they will continue to fight until the very last drop of Soviet blood landed in the streets. He didn’t even care for this patch of land anymore, but he did care for his life and with the ruthless commissar killing his own men if they do not meet his expectation, he had no intention to fall back.

However now he did feel a bit safer. He could still hear the sounds of combat firing in the distance but at least it was far enough for him. It wasn’t his problem anymore. If anything he found it relaxing, hearing the sound of death so far away now. He was all alone and didn’t need to worry about the war anymore. Even the cold was welcoming to him, enveloping him in its slow claws of death. It didn’t matter to him anymore, he was safe. This feeling didn’t last long.

Footsteps of soldiers could be heard from a distance. At first Ayton was relives, finally some friendly forces arriving, but then he heard the soldiers speaking german. He knew this was not going to turn well for him. Even if he had the element of surprise he couldn’t take advantage of it, he didn’t have a rifle to fire at them. Worse was if they keep him alive. He would have been label a traitor and he would have never seen his mama again. He almost wish that the german would kill him if they found him. At least it would save his mama the dishonor of having his son be called a traitor.

Artyom simply waited for the inventible. He waited for the fascist to come around and to hopefully kill him. They were becoming louder and louder and with the sound of footsteps the red soldier came to the conclusion that it wasn’t just a few soldiers, but full squads advancing towards him. He stood no chance.

The german soldiers had walk around the corner, it’s only a matter of time now. He took his hat to his face and waited for the worse as he blinded himself. He wanted but he soon realize that he was still left alone. Fearfully he dare himself to watch the coming soldiers. As they march on fire balls and lightning strikes fall on them as if God himself intervened. Quickly and swiftly the invading forces fall to impossible cause. The german had no time to respond to this attack and burned alive leaving nothing but cooked bodies.

The conscript couldn’t believe what he just saw. Somehow he was the only one standing against the opposition soldiers. Although he was grateful that he was still breathing, he was horrify by the sight he behold. Killing someone with a bullet was one thing, but burning them alive was inconceivable to Artyom. He never wished pain and suffering to even his worse of enemies but this was too much.

The conscript rose himself up to watch the burning smell of flesh. Although he had fought in the army for over six months, he had never gotten use to the smell of death. It’s still brought him an unpleasant feeling of dread and uncertainty. Ayton had not desire to end up as another casualty of war, never to return back to his family. But this time is was worse. He couldn’t recognize the bodies from each other. They were too burnt to even make a face of what they once were.

“It’s alright comrade, you’re safe now.” Said a voice behind Arytom. At first he was scared, thinking he was alone but they speak prefect russian, it couldn’t have been a fascist. At least that’s what Arytom hoped for.

The conscript turn around to see who was talking to him, or what he assumed to be. However, they were not what he expected them to be. Two inhuman creatures stood in front of Ayton. One of them appearing similar to a dragon from medieval stories however it was small in size. It was still capable to hold itself on two feet and was no teller then Artyom. What he did find interesting his is tail which seem to be on fire. The other creature was clearly a wolf, but it’s yellow and blue looking fur while sticking out like static made it the most unique wolf he have ever seen.

“Who are you?” Questioned Artyom to the two creatures. Although fear as overtaken the soldier, a certain sense of comfort cause him to hold his ground. He’s seen so many of his brothers in arms gotten killed by marksmans, mortars and landmines, all things that they never saw coming. Simply seeing what was coming for him even as scary as a dragon was more pleasing then the thought of blowing up in a million little pieces because he step on the wrong spot.

“We are just like you. Russians fighting for our homeland against an invading force.” Said the dragon in a clear voice. His muzzle doesn’t seem capable to speak a human language but it still manage to do so.

“Where is your squad?” Ask the yellow and blue wolf remaining to a distance from the red soldier still unwilling to move. “Surely you can’t be alone out here.”

“Most likely dead.” This answer did not satisfy the two. They quickly turn to each other whispering behind Ayton’s back. Most likely deciding his fate, for better or for worse.

However, their conversation is halted by a beeping sound. The dragon quickly takes out a small device and noise started to come out of it. It didn’t look like anything he’s ever seen before but the device quickly made words, like what a radio could do. Ayton couldn’t believe his eyes, a portable radio? How was that even possible, let alone having a dragon carrying one of those.

With the silent of the two creatures, Artyom would perfectly hear the small radio. “Calling all PRT Elites, repeat calling all PRT Elites, we have located a german counter-attack coming for the south headquarters, all members are to report to checkpoint Gamma immediately.”

“Well we better get going.” Replied the dragon as he walks away. The wolf wasn’t pleased with his decision and looked at the human fearing for soviet’s safety.

“Wait.” Said Ayton stopping the flaming dragon from continuing. “That’s where my base is. Where I’m station.”

“Well it looks like he could be of some use to us after all.” Smiled the yellow canine at his partner. The large lizard sighed at that comment and returned to the two, passing them and heading towards the burning bodies. There he pick up a rifles that wasn’t melted to its owner alongside an ammunition clip and came back with it, passing them to Artyom.  

“You know how to use this?” He ask giving him some ammunition as well.

“Point and shot, I know that much.” Replied Ayton. He had ever hold a gun before but now would be the time to learn how to use one. His comrades did teach him the basics of a gun and the german didn’t look too different form the standard russain model.

“Close enough.” They quickly started to march into the city, where Ayton was first running away from. But it was safe to assume that Ayton made it far enough to come back. They sneak around the broken streets and collapsed building, not wanted to get hit by a wild mortar a lonely marksman waiting for his next kill. It was clear to Artyom that even if they were creatures with supernatural abilities, a single bullet could have ended their life.

Soon the road stop with a building falling sideways into the street creating a small mountain of rumble. The first action the dragon was to fly over it, but he only rose form the ground by a few inches. The wolf quickly made its way to the top without any difficulties. The soldier had no other choice but to continue up the mountain. He took it slow and easy to the creature’s annoyance but still manage to get to the top without any major problems.

“Get down.” Ordered the dragon bring Ayton to the ground after just reaching the top. Soon there he realise why was needed to get down. A single German soldier was patrolling the center palace. However this wasn’t what caught Ayton attention. It was his guard dogs, both much bigger and more terrifying then normal dogs he’s seen. One of them was almost completely orange with black pattern similar to tiger. Not to forget the dog in question was larger then it’s owner, sniffing the ground and looking at for his master.

Although the other dog being much smaller in size, it still look horrifying. Bones and horns sticking out of its body as if it came from the depth of hell itself. The black and red fur made him think of the stories his mama used to tell him about demon dogs coming from hell to take the children don’t listen to their parents down with them.

“What are those?” Ask Artyom a bit scared to learn of the answer.

“Pokéumans. Just like us, but there not on our side. Better we stay hidden.” Whisper the flying lizard without even looking at Artyom.

“But Valdimir, the only other way to Gamma is by sniper alley.” Replied the wolf. The dragon simply sigh at this information. It was a certain death if they went though there.

“Here’s the plan, shoot the extinctionist out and we can take care of the rest.” It took a moment for Ayton to realise that he was being talk to.

“You want me to shot the what?”

“The extinctionist, he’s wearing a Wehrmacht uniformed. He’s not german I can guarantee that.” Questions when though Artyom’s mind but he though it was better to just do what the dragon ask, not wanted to anger it. Their position was already above the german and all Artyom need to do was to point and click, as he remembers his friends teaching him how to use a rifle.

The red soldier took up position, gaining a clear shot, there was nothing that could cause him to miss. The german was out in the open, no buildings, no wind, nothing that could mess this up.

He took the shot.

Nothing happened. The solder did not fall like he expected it too. It was then that Ayton realise his mistake. He recalled his comrades teaching and the very last thing he told them about guns were the bullet drops, in which he did not put into consideration.

As soon as the bullet fire, the Wehrmacht soldier scream to his guard dogs as they start chasing down at their position. The two PRT quickly went to plan B, taken the fight to them. They both jump down leaving Artyom alone in the rumble. They both make for a target and started their own battle, individual from each other. The dragon with the larger of the two while the wolf with bone coved one.

As the dragon took fight against the larger of the demon dogs, they quickly starting in a fire fight. It would have been an amazing lightshow if it wasn’t the fact that fire was so big and wild. Yet it never seem to go out of controlled, like they could controlled the element.

Although the fire dog was the larger of the two creatures, the flying lizard had the advantage. He was up in the air and making it almost impossible for the demon dog to do more than shooting fire balls, which only seem to be slightly effective again the mythical creature.

As the Wehrmacht soldier came out and taking aim, Artyom shot at him. He was shooting too chaotic and quickly to have single shot hitting his target. He had empty his clip by this technic. However, he saw the german gun was much different than anything else he had ever seen. It look more like a box with a handle then anything he’s ever seen, keeping a nice and clean feel to the weapon. It even as small lights on it and its almost plastic looking texture confusing Artyom. However when the german took the shot his expression turned into fear. It wasn’t what he expecting; a loud sound with some smoke coming out of the gun but instead a green beam of light shot out and went through the direction of the dragon.

The dragon, haven’t seem to have been hit, fly back down and force to fight the dog on the ground. Every time the flaming dragon would leave the ground another beam of light would force him back down. The german had no intention to have the dragon using his full power to stop this guard dogs. However he was also unwilling to fire lower then that, most likely afraid to hit his own pet.

Arytom slowly reloading his weapon, remembering bit by bit on how to do so. It was then that he realise that the yellow wolf was being pin down by the smaller of the demon dogs, he could not move or even do any real damage to his enemy. They were losing and Artyom wanted to help, however decided against shooting dogs, fearing that he would misfire on his allies. So he took a good deep breath and look down the sight.

The extinctionist was in his sight again. He was out of cover and Artyom had a shot on him. But this time he remember about the bullet drop and adjusted his gun accordingly. He didn’t hesitate to take the shot and fire it off. The pokéxtinctionist stop in his tracks and felled to the ground, dead. This was Artyom first kill of the war.

This allow the dragon to finally get off the ground and fly off, only to return and grab the large dog with him. He continued to fly up in the air until he let go of the orange canine and letting it free fall. The demon dog crashed into the ground and remained there, limbs dislocated and blood leaking out of him.

With one of the dogs down, the lizard went for the next and help his partner. With both of then teaming up on it they bone and spike dog tried to run away only to be caught by the two. They take him down and beating the dog up, until the dragon took a large rock and crushing the demon dog with it.

With the fighting over, the red soldier climb down the building and walk towards the creatures, still calm about the matter. As the flying lizard saw Artyom, he walk to the german soldier and rip off a badge on him. He swiftly returned with the badge in hand

“Good shot.” Said the dragon giving Arytom the badge. With a quick expection, the badge had an eagle and the swastika. The infamous symbol the fascist have on almost everything. He did not know the importance of such a symbol.

“Thanks.” Replied Artyom before they continued their way across the street. They did the same tactic while heading back by staying close to the side of the streets and staying low. They continued to march forward and within a quarter mile of walking, they arrive in an open area.

There Artyom saw multiple of those creature, but in all shape in size. Some smaller than a fox while others gigantic. Artyom lift his weapon up expecting another fight only to have the dragon lowered his weapons with his large, sharp claws.

“This time they are one of us.” He said to him relaxing the red soldier.

“Who is this Vladimir?” As one of the creatures, seemingly holding a higher power of authority to the others. He wasn’t that tall either but he look like a bipedal rhinoceros with skin matching the concrete they walk on.

“He help us get here. He saved our life as we saved his.”

“That’s good to know that they Red isn’t completely made of us scared little boys.” Artyom didn’t know how to respond to that. Sure most of his squad mate and comrades were conscripts and nothing more although he did though the statement was a bit unfair to the man and woman that died here. Granted he wasn’t going too argued with someone that as a horn that big on his nose.

“I guess this is where we split ways now.” Said the fire dragon smiling at Artyom. “Your base should less than a few streets from here.”

“Thank you.” Replied the red soldier show his sign of appreciation with a smile.

“No, thank you comrade. You were more helpful then I could ever hope for and I wish you good health.” Artyom nodded from the complement and started to head down at his base, glade to have alive. It may not have been what he expected to see out here but he’s happy to see his headquarters again. Even if they weren’t human they were still russians, still soviets and on the same side that Artyom, which was all he could care for.

Within a ten minute walk he arrive at the base, fully guarded and ready for a counter-attack. Although with those creature taking the flank, Artyom didn’t see the need to be prepare. Some of the guards quickly draw their weapons upon Artyom but it didn’t take long before they realise that he was a simple Red Army soldier. One of the guards, a barrier trooper as Artyom recognise, moved forward and meet up from Artyom face to face.

“Where have you been?” Ask a barrier troop looking at him suspicious. The trooper hasn’t acting in a treating matter yet but Artyom knew that if the commissar give the order, he could be shot for leaving his post.

“I’m back form the attack. I couldn’t find any more germans.”

“Ah yes, you were part of that attack. How about the rest of your squard?”

“They all died.” The barrier troop took a moment examined the soldier until he started to fixate on his rifle.

“This that a german rifle?”

“Yes, pick it up during combat.” Answered Artyom with a little tune of pride in his voice.

“I guess this is good for you then. Glade to know that you made it. Now come, they are making stew and you must be starving.” Said the barrier trooper while taking him around Artyom’s shoulder and bringing him back to base. After all of that, it was a nice though to have a warm meal waiting for him.

---

It’s been a few days since Artyoms adventure. Now there was a break in the fighting and he was enjoying a good game of cards against his friend Hector. They started with some small talk but Artyom couldn’t help himself and told his friend the story still fresh in Artyom’s mind. When Artyom was finish with his tale, Hector began to laugh loudly.

“I’m telling you Hector, this is what happened.” Replied Artyom a bit discouraged. He hope that at least Hector would believe his tale.

“I think you took a shot of Volka too many Artyom.”

“Come on, why would I lie to you?”

“Is something the matter?” Both soldiers look behind them to see the commissar, standing in front of the door.

“Oh Artyom here is just telling me the most ridiculous story I’ve ever heard. Something about pokamans, no wait how did you call them again? Pokeumans, that’s what you called them.” While Hector was continueing to laugh, the commissar quickly gained an expression of disbelief. He did not hesitate to take out his pistol and aiming it at Hector.

“Wait what are you…” Hector didn’t have time to finish his sentence until a bullet when though his head. His brain matter splatted across the room. Immediately Artyom jump out of his chair with the commissar pointing his weapon on him.

“You should have keep your mouth shut.” Was the final words Artyom heard before a bullet when though him, killing him on the spot.

The commissar holster his pistol, looking at the mess. He though of how great a soldier Artyom could of been with his willingness to follow orders but if he had simply kept his silence, none of this would have happened. Direct orders from Stalin dictated to not only keep the moral of his soldier though fear and leadership, but to keep the pokéumans and their activities secret to the rest of the Soviet Union.

“What happened here sir?” Yelled another soldier, a barrier trooper, a soldier directly under the commissar command.

“Both of those man have committed treason and I want their squad to be executed on the spot.”

“Treason of what sir?”

“Are you questioning my order?” The commissar reach for his pistol, but keeping it on its holster.

“No, of course not sir.”

“Then go get squad that those two man were and kill them.”

“Yes sir.” He ran off leaving the commissar to pounder. He didn’t truly understand why he needed to keep the pokéumans a secret but they were direct orders from Stalin, and he was none the wiser to argue with his leader. The commissar left the tent leaving the two bodies to rot.