AN

Well just a little over a month. That's an improvement. Here's hoping i can keep it up. This is mostly just a character development chapter.

Also changed the 'staff of death' to staff of light in this chapter. Looking back as cool as it sounded it actually wasn't as accurate as i originally thought.

Pained ragged breaths were all that broke the night's silence. Shephard worked in silence to remove the aperture tech on the second agent's feet. His mind still reeling from what he was told and trying to reign in his desire for blood, he focused on the task at hand to try and keep calm. Out of curiosity he removed the mask of the dead female agent with the boots and found out it was Lydia. While it wasn't much of a surprise he couldn't help but worry how Siesta would take this.

Louise watched him, her legs still noticeably shaking but her eyes held firm as she made sure he didn't try anything with the survivor. Her eyes also narrowed at the realization she had been holding his 'wand' this entire time. And he still used his magic. No doubt there would be questions about this.

And it turned out his suspicions they were discovered earlier were proven true when a figure came rushing at them from the darkness. It was none other than the red haired Kirche. Her eyes flicked to the bodies for a few seconds before finally landing on Louise.

"Louise!" She squealed before promptly glomping the stunned pinkette. Considering the three dead, and one mostly dead, bodies it was a bit surreal to suddenly see the girl who had just fought for her life suddenly in a very compromising position. Mainly in between the two melons she had criticized earlier.

"What is going on here?"

A figure emerged from the tree line and activated a light at the end of his staff and revealed the face of Jean Colbert. His eyes widened at the sight before him.

"Oh Louise, I'm so glad you're safe." Kirche said as she unknowingly made Louise surviving the ordeal a lost cause with every second she held on.

Colbert's gaze took in the bodies, and the still living one Shephard kneeled over.

The pinkette finally wrestled free of the hug and glared at the redhead.

"Shephard, Miss Vallière, what happened?"

It didn't take too long explain the fight and the guilty party was laid right out in front of them. Louise changed when Colbert and Kirche showed up though. She had gone from trembling to a puffed out chest and air of calmness. The way she still gripped his knife told him just how much of a mask it was. She seemed to be doing her best to appear strong. He held his breath in anticipation of her revealing his magic as a fraud, but strangely she said nothing about it.

And he found out that he was right in his suspicions. Kirche explained that she had sent her familiar, a fire salamander named Flame, to retrieve him. Why was a mystery, though Shephard didn't forget what Louise said about her. Apparently this Flame creature got in a fight with them and managed to retreat back to its master with some wounds.

Realizing Flame had stumbled into some miscreants Kirche set out to find out who was responsible. Along the way she ran into a certain maid who had explained that he and Louise ran off into the forest. Apparently she had a feeling just who was going to get into trouble and ran into the forest to help. Running into Colbert she just drug him along in a hurry.

It was a good thing they were caught. Black Ops didn't have time to be as tactical as they normally are.

Colbert was examining the bodies closely. And occasionally glancing back at Shephard. A pained gasp brought him into action. Kneeling by the sole survivor of the attackers he ordered Shephard to take back Kirche and Louise and get a water mage. Nodding Shephard made to do just that, while also collecting the two pairs of long fall boots. Colbert just spared a raised eyebrow bust said nothing.

The walk back was in silence with Shephard still thinking about what was said, Louise still putting on the 'everything's fine' act, and Kirche really not knowing what to say. For someone who thrived on finding new ways to tease the pink haired mage that was saying something.

Eventually they made it back to the Academy and Kirche left to get a water mage. It left the two alone. The silence eventually managing to become overbearing he finally decided to do something to break it up. He noticed Louise still held onto his bloodied knife with white knuckles. She didn't seem to notice as she stared off into space.

"Louise" he nudged her, and in an instant her head snapped around eyes locking on him and knife raised ever so slightly.

"My knife?" He said as he held out his hand.

Silently nodding she held out her hand and he his own, but she seemed reluctant to loosen her grip.

He didn't raise his voice. He just looked her straight in the eyes. "Louise." He soothed. The mage finally let the blooded knife drop looking at it with a mixture of worry and disgust, her hand opening and closing for a bit to loosen up her hand.

Making a note to get it cleaned off silence once again fell between them.

"Are you all right?"

She looked at him fully "I'm fine." She said in a way to suggested otherwise.

For the third time that night silence fell between Adrian Shephard and Louise.

In the darkness of her room Longueville paced. An attempted abduction of a duchess and duke's daughter would be sure to make her job more difficult. Security would be raised no doubt in order to make a good appearance.

But that wasn't all that was concerning her. It was the Outsider Shephard. She wasn't a fool. She knew better than to think he wouldn't be a problem. Not to mention his pets or his master. Dammit. If only she could just tell someone how dangerous he was. But sadly Colbert and Osmond seemed willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. If ony she were in charge during the ritual. She would have gutted him on sight.

And trying to convince them otherwise was out of the question. The 'staff of light 'was just too damn valuable to risk exposing herself. It was the lynchpin of their plans. But that still didn't change the fact that Shephard needed to be eliminated.

And the four other Outsiders'… they had to be working for someone as well. Reqoncuista was the likely culprit. Only they would have any business sending spies. But why for a little girl? Just one more thing she needed to investigate. And she had to resist scowling. If only they could unite them and stop this pointless bloodshed. There was a true enemy to their existence that needed killing.

Sadly certain complications have prevented them from exposing the truth. But if they had to do it alone so be it. Exalt would be damned if they would let those imperialist bastards march over their homeland.

They would Secure any instances of Outsiders and their artifacts. They would Contain the invaders. They would Protect the rightful owners of this world from their evil.

You've done a lot of things you're going to regret Outsiders.

Grabbing a quill and paper she started writing a letter to Cinder. She needed some backup. She was sure to include the four other Outsiders, as well as the survivor. All infestations needed to be reported. After it was finished she began drawing Shephard's face. In the event he decided to run Exalt would be able to hunt him down. And a backup plan was forming in her head should they fail.

And as a caveat she left something very personal at the end of the letter as well.

She could only imagine the beaming smile Cinder would have.

Not long after Kirche left some of the water mages of the school went out to the survivor. Although Shephard personally wanted to oversee what was happening he knew Colbert could handle things.

Turned out he was right. They carried the survivor on a stretcher, not fully healed yet. Apparently Colbert wanted him somewhere more secure before they started to work their literal magic. He didn't know what they planned to do with the bodies but he was more concerned with the one that was still alive.

Breaking off from the group Colbert informed him that they would take him to the academy dungeon. At Shephard, and Louie's incredulous gaze, Colbert solemnly told them this wasn't always a place of learning.

"Rest assured miss Vallière, he will be kept under constant surveillance and will be moved to a more suitable location at the earliest convieance. I personally will take first watch."

Surprised at the declaration Shephard eyed him more carefully. He noticed that the professor had all sets of night vision goggles attached to his belt. He also noticed that Colbert eyed the spring heeled long fall boots under Shephard arm. Eyes meeting, they both knew this would come up later.

He turned back the Louise "Miss Vallière, are you sure you're all right?"

Raising her chin she projected an air of calmness. "Yes."

Which didn't fool Colbert for a second. He offered Louise to take tomorrow off to recuperate but to Shephard's surprise she refused. He knew she was trying to put on a show of being strong but the fanaticism was a bit concerning. Colbert however merely shook his head and looked to Shephard, giving him a 'take care of her' look. His eyes flashing to the spring heeled boot not going unnoticed by Shephard as he walked off. He knew he would be questioned about this sooner or later but for now saving Louise seemed to give him a bit of a reprieve.

Speaking of which, the girl was till visibly tense. Every muscle in her body seemed rigid. He tapped her shoulder again and as before she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Come on, let's go get cleaned up."

Not looking at the blood on her hand she tersely nodded.

Standing outside the girls bathhouse Shephard wiped away the blood that had rolled down his neck. The neck wound had thankfully not lasted long, his vest making sure of that, blood had still traveled down his neck and likely reaching his shirt. Good thing for Sparky. A second slower and he knew that knife would have been in his spine. His arm wound was also closed but just as he made to wipe it Siesta rounded the corner and quickly ran over.

Eyes filled with worry, and still in her nightgown,

"Shephard! I heard about the attack! Are you all right?" She asked clasping her hands together.

She took note of the blood on the towel and his arm and paled. He gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to bleed out." He said as he wiped away the last of the blood.

"Are you sure? Maybe we should have a water mage-"

"I appreciate the concern but really I'm fine." He said reassuringly.

Thankfully she seemed a bit more content now. But Shephard suddenly got a bad feeling in his gut. Lydia was one of the attackers. He knew Siesta wasn't in on it but what concerned him was how she would react to her death.

His smile faded. "Siesta… has anyone told you about Lydia?"

At that her expression changed from relived to confused. "What? What about her?"

He didn't say anything, but his expression became more uncomfortable.

Beginning to put the pieces together in her head the maid looked more worried now.

"What happened?" She asked in a low voice.

"She… was one of the attackers."

At that her eyes widened. "What?! Lydia? But she… No. No, she wouldn't do this." She finished softly.

Her expression tore at Shephard who lowered his head. "I'm sorry Siesta but I confirmed it was her. She's the one who gave this." He said gesturing to his arm wound.

Still dazed by this revelation she shook he head. "But why? Why would she do this?" She pleaded.

Seeing her eyes with the beginnings of tears in them making him cringe.

"I'm sorry, but I need to go." She left. Even Black Ops had loved one's it seemed. That actually made him think. The survivor mentioned someone named Tiff, saying that 'he killed her.' he couldn't help but wonder who he was talking about and what their story was.

Louise finished her bath and they silently walked back to her room and after changing into her nightgown simply sat on her bed.

Not long after though there was knock at the door. Opening up revealed the form of Kirche.

"Kirche. Something you needed?"

"Just wanted to make sure Louise was doing alright." She stated honestly.

Louise however didn't seem convinced. "I was treated to your 'concern' already Zerbst. One life threatening event was all I needed tonight." She stated sarcastically.

"Oh I don't know Louise. You DID hesitate to ah free yourself." She smirked.

Glaring at the redhead, and no small amount of blushing either. She retorted. "I did NOT hesitate, you just blindsided me!"

"Whatever you say dearie." She said driving Louise to actually start steaming. How that was physically possible Shephard chose to avoid thinking about.

Kirche just grinned at the fact she was able to get under the pinkette's skin. And for better or for worse she did managed to break through Louise's shock.

Rolling his eyes at the antics Shephard suddenly felt a hand on his arm. "In all seriousness though, look after her." She said with a sudden seriousness in her voice.

Nodding he made to close the door when the redhead stopped it. "Oh by the way, my room is actually next door and I was wondering… was all about 'shoving your hand in that things' blank?" She asked going back to an amused and yet genuinely perplexed expression.

The facepalm from Louise could not have been louder. "Goodnight Kirche." He said in a deadpan tone as he closed the door.

Finally they Louise and Shephard were alone.

Turning to said girl he found her still red and frowning at Kirche's comments.

"That Zerbst should mind her own business." Well for better or for worse Kirche did seem to bring Louise a little bit out of her shocked state.

Not completely though. He body still seemed tense; even with the bath she didn't seem truly relaxed yet. She didn't seem likely to fall asleep yet despite her exertion tonight. He guessed more than a few things were on her mind.

"So" he began uncertainly "I'm guessing you have questions about what was said."

Louise just looked at him.

She was silent for a moment. Then "So those guys really were from your world then?"

He nodded. "Yeah. You just had the displeasure to meet Black Operations soldiers. And in case if I hadn't made myself clear before, we are NOT friends."

She didn't doubt that.

"I still can't believe those damn throat slitters showed up here." He said remembering the derogatory term used for them in the military. At her confused look he began to tell her the story of Black Ops.

Out of all the branches in the military Black Operations soldiers were the most hated. Hell they were the only ones who could actually unite SEALS and Marines.

Nobody trusted them, and if forced to work together everyone always kept one eye on them. They always got the best gear too, as evidenced by the long fall boots. Hell Shephard had even heard they may have even gotten personal cloaking devices, but thank god he never actually encountered them using that technology. But either way the government always seemed to call them in at random to take care of what ever needed solving. And knowing what Shephard knew now it was always dirty. There was more than one story from fellow marines about how a group of Black Ops squads would just suddenly break off from the main group and go do… whatever they hell they did.

But what really earned everyone's ire was the Ranger's incident. Much like Black Mesa they were called in to work together on a mission at first but something happened. No one knows what but the results were known. Every Ranger was dead, killed in action was the official report. However every single Black Ops soldier managed to make it back unharmed. Naturally people assumed the worst. Nothing ever came of it but from that day forward Black Operations soldiers were always looked on with contempt. A younger and more naïve Shephard didn't believe that story.

Several dead men in Black Mesa changed his mind.

"That's dispeciaple! How could your government condone killing of its own soldiers?"

He just looked at her sadly. "Trust me Louise it's just one of many questions I have asked myself the past few days."

"But what did they want with me? Why did they try to kidnap me?"

He just shrugged cluelessly. "Don't know really. You can't think of a reason?"

She thought for a moment. "Well… I am the third daughter of the Vallière family. I suppose they thought they could leverage something from my mother and father if they got a hold of me." she gave a rather humorless chuckle" It's certainly not for my magic." She finished sourly

All things considered he found it VERY hard to believe that. It was the only plausible thing that was any importance of her. And now someone else had an interest in her.

Still despite his pragmatic mind cranking he wasn't deaf to the word 'thought' in that sentence. Sounded a bit foreboding to be honest.

However he was beginning to sick of her 'lack of magic'. She made explosions out of nothing dammit; it was certainly more magical than…

"At least I'm not the only one with no magic"

Shephard and his bullshit.

Despite himself Shephard got a sheepish look on his face at her matter of fact tone.

"So we finally come this?" Louise, despite not moving a muscle in her face, was giving him a very stern 'explain you asshole' look.

He sighed dramatically. "Looks like the gig is up Sparky. Why don't I properly introduce you two?"

With hat being said Sparky instantly became more animated, squeaking in joy at finally being able to stretch a little. Louise herself squeaked at the sight of the bug bracelet actually being a living bug. She shifted from her sitting position to a standing one in her surprise.

"Sparky, Louise Vallière. Louise, Sparky the shockroach." He introduced wile gesturing between the two.

"That thing was a bug this whole time?"

He nodded. In retrospect he was a bit perplexed at just how easy people accepted it was a bracelet. Oh well. It worked to his advantage and seeing at just how little that seemed to be happening he let it slide.

Louise managed to overcome her shock, and as he ignored that pun she made tentative first contact.

"Uh, hello?"

Sparky however just Squeaked indignantly and made Louise jump back.

"I think he's still mad at you for calling him ugly yesterday."

Glaring at the creature she realized they getting a bit off track.

"So that thing was responsible for your magic this whole time then."

"Yes Louise I am one hundred percent commoner. I'm just the guy works the shockroach."

He paused. "By the way… thanks for not saying anything about me back in the forest." He stated

He didn't know why she didn't. He thought she would have jumped at the chance considering their conversation mere minutes before the attack. A part of him wanted to question why but he decided to not look a gift horse in the mouth.

She was silent. Them talking seemed to be doing Louise some good as her body was notably less tense. She still seemed a bit twitchy though. Another question was on her mind however "Shephard… what did he mean… about fifteen years?"

Now that question was truly the biggest one on his mind. He could hardly believe it himself. Being in that place had felt like nothing to him. But seeing them in their older age had done a lot to convince him.

"He said it was fifteen years since Black Mesa. How could I have summoned you that long after them?"

He sighed, already having an excuse in his head. "I don't know Louise. I honestly don't know." Yes, truly a flawless one.

Sensing another question from the mage she seemed very hesitant to ask it."You said they were the reason Black Mesa was destroyed." She said, carefully avoiding an accusing tone.

"Yeah... they were. I tried to stop them. I failed. Next thing I know you summoned me." he sighed. "And now I found out it's been fifteen fucking years." He said through gritted teeth. Sadly the person it was meant for wasn't present.

Louise flinched at his tone.

"It's still a bit hard to know I've been gone that whole time."

Louise was silent for a while. "Do you have family?" She asked so quietly he almost didn't hear her.

He just numbly nodded. "Two parents and a little sister." He replied robotically.

His thoughts drifted to them. He wondered how long it took them to grieve for him. How long did his parents cry for him? How long did his sister? Christ she was eight by the time he left. Now she would be 23. Older than him for Christ sake! He put his face in his hand to rub his eyes.

Louise had mistaken the action for something else.

"…I'm sorry"

He nodded, barely registering her words. He muttered out a thanks.

"No, I mean I'm sorry that I summoned you!"

Surprised at her increase in volume he looked up and found her with a look of horror, tear streaks staining her cheeks. Whatever he said in this conversation must have finally broke down whatever wall she was holding.

It was his sister that did it. When he mentioned her he had unknowingly struck close to home with Louise and her own sister. What would it be like if she was just suddenly taken? Taken out of her life to some far off land possibly never to be seen again?

"I was just so desperate for a familiar! I didn't care who I might have taken you away from, I just wanted to move on. It wasn't until yesterday that I started thinking you might have family.

He listened to her, and while he didn't doubt the stress of the night made her so dramatic he could hear the honesty in her tone. He was silent.

"Louise didn't you hear anything I said before?"

"Huh?"

"I would have died if you didn't summon me. Black Mesa was going up in flames and there was nothing I could do about it. I was screwed. The time skip…" he trailed off sighing "Well there's nothing we can do about that. But I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for you."

"So… you're not mad at me?" resisting the urge to groan at the constant repeating of the same damn point he responded" No I'm not."

It was his choice after all.

Well after that little drama Shephard suggested going to bed. Louise tried but as luck would have it she couldn't. So they decided to continue talking for a bit.

In fact now was a good time to answer a question hat had been bugging him for a while.

"Those moves you used… back out there. Those weren't ordinary moves Louise. That was military, did someone train you?"

Louise hesitated before answering. "My mother."

Sensing his intrigue she continued "My mother was the former commander of the manticore knights. She's a square class mage and was known as 'the heavy wind. When my magic failed to form she insisted that I be taught how to defend myself."

Hm, a military parent. Adrian was the first of his family to join so he didn't have to deal with that. From the sound of things though Louise had some big shoes to fill.

"I think it paid off tonight."

She shook her head. "I'm a mage. I shouldn't have to resort to such brutish methods. If had proper magic I wouldn't have needed that knife."

Oh for the love of-

"Louise, there's nothing wrong with having a backup. And you do realize it was because of that training that it probably saved your life. The attackers thought you were defenseless without your wand, but you managed to catch that one guy off guard long enough to get your weapon out."

"…still." She muttered.

"And besides, I think your explosions proved their worth tonight."

She refused to comment. Stubborn girl.

He sighed at her pride, and the way people undervalue a good close quarter combat education and explosions.

"I don't think that was the only reason though. Cattleya said something happened when i was one year old that made mother want to train me."

Shephard raised an eyebrow

"Is she your sister?"

She nodded. "Yes. She's the middle one." Suddenly Louise did something that in the past two days he had known her he hadn't seen her do once. She smiled.

"She's the best big sis I could ever get. She's always been there for me when I needed her. She… really helped me through some times in my childhood. Sometimes I would pester her to read me a bedtime story. Even when she wasn't feeling well she always said yes."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong with her?"

Louise Shrugged. "She's always been a bit sickly but i think Father tends to exaggerate her condition. And for some reason she's always had an affinity with animals. It came in handy really. Since Father doesn't want her leaving the house often she's gotten quite a few to keep herself busy."

She thought for a moment."You know she has a bigger collection of animals than you Shephard. I think if she saw your pets she'd probably want to take them home with her." Her thoughts drifted to how Cattleya and Shephard would get along. She didn't know why but she got a slight blush at the thought.

Seeing her smiling while talking about how close she was to her sister made him grin as well.

"What about the other one?"

And in an instant her smile was gone. Her body tensed slightly and her shoulders hunched. He noticed she seem to, almost subconsciously, rub her cheek with her hand.

"She works at Oriz Magic Academy. But I haven't seen her in a while so i don't know what she's been doing."

Short descriptions, nowhere near as loving as the last sister, and a reluctance to continue talking about her. He was beginning to get a suspicion that some aspects of her home life wasn't exactly the best.

"What's your sister like?" She asked.

"Well Jane was eight years old when I saw her last. So I guess she's 23 by now. She and I were the only kids my parents had." he smirked. "We were always close. I always tried to look out for her." He said smiling at fond memories.

"You sound like a good big brother."

His smile faltered. "Not always..."

Thankfully Louise had the sense to change subjects.

"You've mentioned this 'Black Mesa Reasearch facility' a lot. What can you tell me about it?"

He shrugged. "Well as the name suggests its where they did research and development. Until i went there all i really knew about the place was that it was old Cold War complex turned research complex that was under DOD contract." Seeing the drool starting at all the unfamiliar jargon he realized he needed to simplify. "Basically they made stuff for our military. Like this." he said rapping his vest.

"Did they make those boots as well?"

"No actually, that would be their rivals Aperture Science. Aperture however is more... eccentric."

Hesitant but curious nonetheless she asked him to explain their story.

"Well for starters they actually started out selling shower curtain rings to all branches of the military. Once they were well funded enough they decided to switch to the scientific field. From there they grew into a scientific rival of Black Mesa." They used be kings in the field too. It was considered a privilege to be one of the people used to try their products. Things kinda fell apart though. Word got around about the increasing number of disappearances. And since it was usually people who were publicly well known Aperture's reputation just plain tanked.

It death kneeled when one of their rockets disappeared during a test they were running. They claimed it was because of the solar eclipse that had occurred at the time but it was what was needed for their critics to laugh them into humiliation. They rarely had any products come afterword. They were and old hat when he was on earth last.

He could only imagine their jubilation when Black Mesa was wiped out.

"Well the boots prove they do make useful inventions but for the most part they rarely put anything out." He remembered some time ago they apparently made animatronics for a kids pizza resraunt. Around 85 he believed. Though per usual something happened. During 87 if he recalled. He didn't remember what though.

"What do those boots do?"

"These? Something about transferring all force into the ground... I dunno, I'm not a scientist. All i know is if your wearing them you can fall from any height and survive."

Louise just stared at them. She didn't know if any magic went into them or not but regardless it was impressive. Shephard's people certainly were advanced. Between the vest and now the boots, and now hearing about those two reasearch facilities she shuddered to think what else they were capable of.

"All right I think that's enough questions Louise. You need to sleep."

It was only when she yawned that she was forced to admit that yes. She needed sleep.

He watched her as she settled in.

"I'll be staying up a bit longer Louise. Get some shut eye."

As she laid in bed she looked at her familiar in a completely new light. While she knew he was a soldier with his mostly stoic nature and mild mannerisms she honestly didn't picture him as a man who could kill so easily.

The way he almost took pleasure in those kills, that smirk he wore, and that feral look in his eyes when she kicked him shattered that delusion. He had a core of frighting rage in him.

And yet she couldn't deny the feeling of safety with him standing watch now. Oh she was nervous about him now, make no mistake. There was still much she didn't know about him, like who those people he mentioned back in the forest. She knew better than to pry though.

She looked back at how she tried to order hima round. Three new things considered maybe it wasn't the best option. She decided she needed to approach this situation differently. Maybe as a way to make ammends she would buy him a sword?

He was a soldier after all, and he seemed to prefer melee weapons anyway.

When the events of the day caught up to her fully she fell asleep within seconds.

Louise's breathing became softer indicating she had fallen asleep. So now it was just him and his thoughts.

He walked over to the window, though being careful to avoid being in the wide open.

"Fifteen years..." he muttered. No matter how many times he repeated it to himself it still unnerved him. Fifteen years and he hadn't aged a day. While everyone else did. Didn't that technically make him 37?

His thoughts began to drift. If by some miracle he got home what would everyone's reactions be? How would they take his sudden reappearance with him not looking a day older? Hell how would he take seeing his little sister now being older than him?

These thoughts and more were on his mind for a quite a while before with some effort he shook them away. It was time to stop moping. Stop moping on what was lost and focus on what he could do. Gman was still out there and unless he freed himself everything else was moot anyway.

A plan was forming in head as he looked at Louise. He meant it when he said he wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for her. It was because of her he had this chance. It was a small chance, hell everything about this was small, but he was going to take it. Determination swelled within in him. He would free himself of Gman. Somehow.

Before he want to sleep however he mused on the more disturbing implications of the Black Ops presence. It seemed he found out where at least some of the teleported material went. Just what else from the incident made it through to here? Had any aliens made the trip? Then again considering he was able to fool people about the origins of his pets maybe not. That and they weren under any enslavement was a good sign too. Huh. Oddly selective telepotation events weren't they?

And who else knew just what was so damn special about her? Someone obviously did. The things were going it seemed like he was the only one who didn't know.

With a frustrated sigh at the increasing complications he laid down on the hay pile. He fell asleep not long after.

And as he slept he began to dream.

He just stood there, he wasn't sure for how long, in front of the line of bodies. Staring at what his own military did. To the people they swore to protect.

His survival instinct was the only thing not numb at the scene before him. Within a few minutes he walked away. He put it behind him. He had to. He wasn't sure how much time he wasted already.

He continued on through the halls of Black Mesa, his hands and legs still sore and greasy from climbing up an elevator cable. Tiles were loose from the ceiling, random pools of blood, sometimes with bodies and sometimes without. He had encountered some more survivors… they didn't care for him much. Once he saw the execution line just ahead of them he fully understood. Looking back he was lucky Phillips and company were isolated and were not aware of the marine's mission. Adrian likely would have had a knife in his throat otherwise. After shaking away another pang of guilt he pressed onward.

He didn't know how deep he was but it was close enough to the surface that he could still hear the sound of aircraft evacuating. As he traveled however more often it was the roar of the manta rays usually followed by crashes. Looked like he was walking out of here then.

Eventually he came to an area that led to an elevator. Sadly a large steel door was blocking his way and he was fresh out of explosives. It didn't look like there was a lock he could simply shoot and no discernible hinges either. Just one mass of metal blocking his route. Great.

A sudden cackle of a lone radio brought his attention to a barricaded position a little ways off to the left. He suspected it once belonged to one's responsible for the massacre down the hallway.

"Hey!"

The sudden noise made him spin around and raise his Glock in reflex. Scanning the area he saw a face peering from a gap in some rubble in a ruined hallway.

The relief and weariness was evident in the speakers voice."I'll be dammed. I was beginning to think we were the only marines left! Stand back we're gonna blow this wall." With that he and presumably his partner began their work. Taking the advice Shephard backed up and crouched behind the barricade and covered his ears.

The explosion sent chunks of wall and metal flying, the din reverberating in the underground hallway.

Checking the scene the two marines emerged from the new doorway scanning the area for threats. Finding none they stepped out of the dust cloud allowing Shephard to see them fully.

One was a dark skinned man, his blowtorch equipment on his back signifying him an engineer. His hair and fatigues were caked with sand and sweat indicating he was outside not too long ago. The other was in a similar state but he looked younger, his short blonde hair adding to his youth. His eyes seemed more frantic, constantly switching positions until he was sure the area was clear.

The engineer spoke up. "Man you are a sight for sore eyes. Private first class Ethan Cole." The man, Ethan, said as he held out his hand. Despite his wariness Shephard took the hand and shook. So far they had not done anything to provoke him.

"This here is corps man Eric Forbes." Cole said gesturing to the second man.

Forbes gave a small nod.

"Corporal Adrian Shephard." He finally introduced.

A few moments silence followed, the two arrivals clearly grateful to have found some form of friendly life in the underground labyrinth. He wished he could share their joy.

The group had decided to rest before heading any further. With the extra company Shephard felt marginally safer. Marginally. He did not forget the last marines he met pointing guns at his head. Still though he decided to take advantage of the lull and rest. All kept their weapons close and an eye on the hallways for any sign of movement. Shephard however was getting signs of caution around him however. Like they didn't fully trust him either. The silence starting to get to him he asked them about their tale.

They both seemed a little unsure but relented.

"What was the surface like?"

"Bad." The weariness of that statement made him wince.

"We were some of the first to arrive. It actually wasn't too bad at first. Just shoot the red eyed things before they can fry your ass. But they just kept coming, then those manta ray things started messing with our air support. THEN their goddamned big brothers join the party along and to top it all off they ALWAYS drop right in the most strategic locations." He shook his wearily, as if just explaining the battle sapped his energy.

"You sure it wasn't just random?"

Eric shook his head vigorously. "No way. It's too fucking coincidental for me to buy. I saw an Abrams tank get flattened when this huge red eyed one eyed gargantuan thing teleport in right over it and let gravity do the work. Bastard flipped another one over and punted one off a cliff before we were able to put him down. Not before he was able to burn at least ten men alive." He seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

Eric seemed to be trying to shake the images away. Ethan placed a hand on his shoulder. It seemed to help.

"I think something was guiding them. Putting them in spots where they could do the most damage."

"Then why didn't just send the whole damn army over at once and crush us?" Ethan questioned.

Eric thought for a moment. "Don't know really. Maybe whatever it is just isn't strong enough, or something else is keeping it busy. Cause it sure as shit ain't us anymore."

Shephard himself pondered about that. Now that the main force pulled out the aliens could afford to track down small groups like this one. He was beginning to think they should keep moving.

"So you really don't know?"

They took his confused look as a yes.

"How the hell do you NOT know?"

"Maybe something to do with the fact my Osprey got shot down and I was knocked out."

"For two whole days?"

"… didn't know it was that long… "

With the group rested, they explained more. Apparently they were part of a mutiny. When some of the marines found out about the orders to kill the civilians they defied them and actually tried rescuing the them. Sadly they only managed to get a few out on helios before the rest of the forces turned on them.

From what they said most of them might have retreated underground. If they could find them Shephard would certainly feel better about their odds of getting out of here. His thoughts went to his own squad and if they received and followed the orders.

Cole and Forbes seemed to trust him a bit more now that they knew he had no grudge against them. It was good to hear there were still people who deserved to be called marines. They way things had been going, Shephard could do with some more good news.

Cole began his work on the door, using his torch to make an entryway to the elevator.

Cole yelled over the sound of the blowtorch "The only scientist that should be shot is Freeman. Bastard killed a lot of people today. Not to mention brining in an alien invasion."

"Forget about Freeman. As much as I hate to admit we're better off not facing that psycho. I hear he has a gun that shoots lighting. Took out a helio and a tank with it." Forbes stated.

"Oh not this again..."

"Hey aliens were bullshit until two days ago! You know these guys have been doing top secret stuff. Why is a lighting gun so hard to believe?"

While the fully grown marines continued to bicker over a gun a sudden signal on his vest radio caught his attention. It was weak and garbled but close.

Finishing his work Cole kicked the piece of metal down.

That was until a series of gunshots rang out below them. All three snapped to attention. They drew their weapons and and back out of the hallway leading to elevator. They kept them trained on the elevator shaft.

They listened to gunfire and screams from below. Occasionally they could hear roaring. Then one by one the gunfire died down until it was quit.

Shephard's radio cackled to life, though still mostly garbled with static.

"…perimeter… overrun… inside…. Help me." It went quite although he was certain he could still make out sounds of… something. Sounded like someone was chewing on something.

Then the elevator started.

The doors dinged and revealed a macabre sight. The elevator was filled with gore, the ceilings and walls were coated with recently spilled blood. The sole occupant was a hulking form, which Shephard vaguely noted wore torn urban camo fatigues, with a pulsing headcrab attached to its head. Blood dripped from its foot long claws, joining the collecting pool on the floor. It held the vivisected corpse of a marine in one of its enlarged hands. It turned towards than and Shephard could see a chewed on arm sticking out of a hole in its stomach, which Shephard recalled served as the creature's maw.

The last thing he had time to take note of was that it was wearing a split PCV vest before it threw the corpse at them forcing them to get out of the way. The brief seconds was all it needed. It closed the gap between them almost instantly, this creature being far spryer than the other headcrab hosts. Having the sense to move they all jumped from away from charging foe. Forbes jumped to the left and Cole and Shephard off to the right.

The creature burst forth, quickly looking between the marines and choosing its victims. Namely Shephard and Cole. Closing the small gap between them it stabbed its dirty bloodied claws through the engineers ankle. Screaming in pain Cole brought his weapon to bear, as did Shephard, but the creature reacted and wrapped its second hand around his wrists and lifted him up with no trouble dangling him. Cole however was unobstructed and he let loose a hail of lead right into he monsters stomach, or mouth in this case.

All it did was anger the beast. It response a sickly green liquid was spat from its mouth, coating the engineer's arms as he brought them up to protect himself.

Forbes managed to get off some shots of his own. Sadly they impacted the apparently still functional vest, it stopping any damage from being done. Apparently more than a little ticked off that his group wasn't dying as easily as the last the creature spun around, dragging Cole with its claws still impaled, and flung Cole into Forbes and Shephard into a corner.

It decided to ignore Shephard in favor of the other two. His Glock was lost in the throw and his desert eagle was out of ammo. It was almost on top of them. He needed to act. Getting to his feet he sprinted and leapt on the monsters back. Knife in hand he stabbed the parasite atop its head. Apparently he didn't hit any vital organs because it smashed him into the wall in an attempt to loosen him. Then it grabbed him by the leg and threw him off. Unfortantly for it Shephard managed to grab one of the parasites hind legs and the momentum was more than enough to rip the creature from its host, the former screeching all the way.

Said host dropped instantly with its puppeteer gone and the headcrab squirmed disgustingly in his hand. With one final stab it went still.

It may have been a strange thought but he hoped this was the last time he would have to use his knife more than is gun.

After confirming it was dead he immediately ran over to the other two. After donning rubber gloves Forbes went to work.

Reaching into his belt he procured a small container of a green liquid and a syringe.

"Why didn't they just stick with this medical technology? Why? They could have just stuck with this and lived like kings. Instead we're up to our necks in aliens!"

He injected the healing liquid into the wounds. It was one of the more useful products to come out of here. All he knew it promoted rapid healing for wounds. He didn't know exactly how they came up with it but a part of Shephard told him he just might find out.

While Cole was being tended to Shephard eventually located his Glock. Keeping his weapon trained on it just in case he approached. As he did Shephard could make out more details on it. It's face was still intact, save for the fractured skull exposing the brain. Chunks of flesh were ripped off it's forehead when the headcrab was forcibly removed. The creature seemed bigger than a normal human should be, it's pant legs torn not from wear and tear but from it's legs enlarging. Same for the arms. And those claws... while it made sense for them to grow, if you needed a host you might as well make it combat ready, other headcrab hosts mutations have never been this extensive. Unless...

"Big bastard aint he?" Forbes asked coming up to stand beside him.

Glancing over, Shephard saw Cole on his feet now, his wounds no longer bleeding. Though they way he was avoiding putting too much pressure on his leg told him it probably still hurt like a bitch.

"Yeah but why? Why did this guy decide to go Pseudo Hulk?" Cole asked.

"It's the vest." Feeling their questioning stares he continued. "I ran into another one of these things earlier. It was wearing a PCV like this one."

Forbes was leaning to inspect the body closer. He started poking it with his gloved hand.

"Hm. Doesn't look like it's rotted much. Not like the other hosts. I think you're right. All those chemicals and nanites from the vest must preserve it." He paused, glancing at the hosts stomach and the acidic liquid coming out of it. "Among other mutations." He muttered, still unsure just how this parasite was able to accomplish all this.

Shephard did as well. Between all the drugs, nanites, and slightly invasive fusing system he could see why people were a bist hesitant to give this vest a try. Just as well. Even with lopping off the arms and leg armour it still cost quite a bit to produce. And even with the miracle healing drug it wasnt a cure all. For major or internal injuries it was ment for keeping you alive long enough to get proper treatment. So far Shephard didn't have to trust it to patch up any major injuries and he planned on keeping that way.

Shephard spoke up. "I think it's time we got moving."

"Yeah, let's get the fuck out of-" Suddenly the area around them started rumbling. Shephard could feel the sudden energy in the air.

"Ah shit not again!" Cole said as he looked around worryingly.

Suddenly a searing green light erupted from down the hallway where the two marines had originated from. The sound of electricity cackling, and concret and metal straining was all he could make out. And then in a flash it was gone. Everything was back to normal.

Except for the now missing hallway.

Aftaer waiting a few seconds they all made their way over. They examined the scene.

"Damn. That's third time that's almost happened to us. Sure glad we werent in there."

"This happened before?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Every once in a while for whatever reason this"he gestured to the gone hallway" happens. And we havent even seen the worst of it. I hear an entire building disappeared."

"Not to mention it works in reverse too. I shit you not i've seen alien trampolines been brought over."

While Cole looked at him for the absudity of that statement Shephard could only shake his head. It seemed Black Mesa was indeed making up for that rather large lull in time they had. What the hell else could happen?

And then Shephard heard voices. With a look of horror he realized they were coming from the hallway he had arrived from. The one with the execution line. The echoing was getting closer and he could make out a blue uniform as it rounded the corner. The look of absolute and undying hatred was most definitely felt.

"In the elevator now!" He trained his weapon on the guard. He didn't want to have to make another choice but if it came down to it he would.

Thankfully the two didn't hesitate and they all managed to duck into the hallway when bullets started flying there way.

He heard more voices shouting. "There they are!

"Murderers!"

They were out for blood.

Cole and Forbes rushed inside the gore filled elevator, Shephard hot on their heels.

He smashed the down button the doors closing and providing them relief from the vengeful security guards.

Shephard made a note to destroy the elevator buttons so they couldn't be followed. For now though silence reigned.

It was a rather awkward silence, especially considering they were standing in the gore of dead marines. Shephard was thankful again for the gas mask. Cole and Frobes looked like they were about to hurl.

He took in a breath. Then suddenly a sharp pain coursed through Shephard's body. He fell to his knees Cole and Forbes started talking, not noticing his pain.

His runes were ablaze... wait... runes?

Another pain assaulted him, this time his brain more than anything. He could feel the power in the runes scorching him from the inside. Suddenyl aware this was just a memory it began falling away from him. And suddenly he was somewhere else.

Shephard saw nothing. Nothing but an endless expanse of darkness. And something was here... he could feel it's presence. It was everywhere. Surrounding him, crushing him. Every fiber of his being ached and burned.

And then a voice heavy with power and authority spoke.

"Gand..fr

Through the pain Shephard could sense something. It sounded forced. Pained. Like the mere task on focusing on what was being said took monumental effort.

"I know...

What?

"False face... always watching...

Before Shephard could even imagine looking stupefied some invisible force let him go and the infinite darkness consumed him.

His eyes shot open, the pain from the dream from the dream following him and catching his voice. The pain coursed through his body,his mind. Every inch of his body screamed. Rolling off the pile and writhing in agony he noticed his runes were ablaze. And then as if a switch had been flipped it was gone. The light, the pain, all gone.

Covered in cold sweat and still breathless he shakily got to his feet. It was then he heard Louise.

Looking at her he could tell she was having the same dream. Her hands were white as she clung to a pillow she had grabbed in her sleep, cold sweat covering her body. She was breathing heavy and trembling. And then just like with him the pain seemed to stop for her and she relaxed, almost as if it never happened. She was breathing normally again.

He debated waking her up but she seemed to be sleeping peacefully again.

Sparky piped up concerned. He just patted him reassuringly.

He had no idea what just fucking happened. But the last sentence was the one that him think.

'False Face'.

Something else was out there. Something that could rival the Gman in strength.

It was certainly an interesting development.

Chapter 7. And I've finally hit 100 and 100 for the faves and follows! yeah!

And i really can't wait until Exalt becomes more prominent in this story. They are going to be so much fun to write.

As always constructive criticism is appreciated and a big thanks to all who read this.