Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own them. General disclaimers apply. DDP wrote the plot.

Notes: This ties to comic issues 42 and 43. I decided to try something a bit different and write in the first person.

Alone

I can't believe this day ever came. I never thought it would. I always pictured it as me leaving you. Me dying as I saved you. I guess that makes me a bit of a chauvinist. Not that you didn't already know that. You saved me from certain death, all because I was too stubborn to listen to you. The entire time I headed towards Observation Point, I thought of us. I questioned what I was doing. I wanted to turn around but something kept me going forward.

I'm walking in a daze. I can still feel the warmth from your body leaving you as I cradle you in my arms. My shirt was soaked in your blood, and I screamed my anguish into the still night, vowing that someone was going to pay for this unnecessary act. Scarlett tried to comfort me, but she could not pry me away from you. She tried to stay strong for me but lost it when Snake Eyes showed up with Duke and the others. When the medics showed up, I gave them a bit of trouble. I didn't want to let you go. Duke and Snakes had to get physical with me. He is watching me though. Snake Eyes thinks I don't see him, but I do. He wants to be sure I don't do anything stupid. Duke already lectured me, warning me from heading out on a personal vendetta. I'll make sure I have backup, but I told them that I will be the one to bring down the head honcho.

Duke just left. He is pretty upset too. He always thought of you like a sister to him, just like I'm his brother. He asked me if he should stay. I told him I wanted to be alone…alone with you, in our house, with our memories. You are still here. I sense you. I just wish you would wrap those lovely arms around me and tell me that it was all a dream, all just a bad nightmare.

I miss you so much, Allie. I'm staring at our wedding picture. You are so beautiful. I'll never forget that day. It was picture perfect. I was the happiest man alive. I never thought anything could shake me to the core, but I was wrong. It's only been four hours, but it seems like a lifetime. How am I supposed to live without you by my side?

I meant it though. I am leaving the military. But first, I have a new mission. I'm going to get the Red Shadows for doing this. I swear this to you, Alison. You are my wife, forever and for always. I will avenge your death…….even if it makes me……just a man.