"In my defense..." the author starts, hoping not to be shot down by furious readers. Joking aside xD I finished uni and passed everything. I will be graduating soon :) I thought I was going to manage to write the chapter however I was wrong. This chapter took me months to finish due to continuous engagements.

I just want to thank everyone for their reviews on their last chapter. Unfortunately, I don't have time ti reply to each and every one of you :/

Frostdire: I want to congratulate you on passing the entrance exam! You made it :3

Demon Of Dark NOBLE: Thanks for the review :) you are right, I was supposed to change it later in the sthe story and I forgot. I'll change the rating right away!

Everyone else: I love you and thank you!

Here we go :)

Spring was in full bloom in New York. The city was rebuilding itself slowly after the devastating attack months earlier. The flowers in bloom were reflecting Malloy's mood. She woke up joyful and full of life rather than the usual gloomy and depressing way. Maybe the medication was doing its part, or maybe it was because she had heard MacTavish's voice that night. It would have been better if he had called at a more decent hour so she would not have blabbered like an idiot. He probably did not take into consideration the time shift between London and New York.

She continued jogging along her usual route. She used to jog this route every morning at five o'clock before she entered into Basic to be fully prepared. She was never one of the fittest athletes but she was ok. With hard training and dedication, she became one of the fittest in her platoon.

Lost in her thoughts, she did not hear footsteps shuffling near her. She turned around and jolted when she saw Williams, Collins and Red joining her.

"You're too predictable," said Williams.

"I'm getting old," she replied. "Anyone else is trying to kill you?"

"No ma'am," said Collins. "More like the other way around."

Malloy was baffled by this statement.

"What the hell happened now?"

"They found Makarov, Lisa," said Williams.

"Ghost and Roach are preparing to join Price and Yuri."

"What do you want from me?" she asked quietly.

"We need to go with them and help them," responded Red.

Malloy stopped in her tracks and took a sip of water. She wiped the sweat from her face and neck and continued walking.

"God damn," she argued. "This isn't the first time it's happening. I don't know about you but I am in no shape to fight."

"Last time we did this was when we found Espinosa's location," said Williams stopping her. "And if I am not mistaken, we succeeded."

"We got lucky."

"It was not luck Lisa!" interjected red. "We are good at what we do."

"That, I have no doubt," she said. "Still…"

"You are supposed to be the one to convince us, not the other way around," said Williams annoyed.

"You forget that I am the only one down-to-earth and realistic enough to understand that not everything ends with a happy ending! We are all out of shape and it has been months since we picked up an assault rifle. This is my first jog in forever. "

"You're right ma'am," said Collins timidly, "but if we won't do it, who will? We can't let Price and the others do it alone."

Malloy looked doubtful. She thought for a minute and huffed, giving up. Collins had a point; they were the only one crazy enough to risk their lives to end this war.

"Fine, let's say I accept. Last time, we had Daniels as our eyes and ears inside the base and Mac provided us with weapons. Who is taking care of that?"

"Leave that to me."

They turned around and saw Captain Thompson wearing a cap and a pair of sunglasses. Malloy's mouth gaped open and remained speechless.

"So, the woman who was supposed to arrest us is helping us now?"

"I got weapons, equipment and transport," said Thompson.

Malloy pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.

"Fine. Let's do it," she said, determined.

MacTavish was sitting on his bed with the envelope between his fingers. He turned it over and opened it. He carefully opened the letter. Taking a deep breath, he started reading:

Dearest John,

You are currently sleeping peacefully near me, oblivious of what will happen in less than three hours. As I look at you, I remember all those blissful moments we have had together. I never knew that we would end up together. Having you as my boyfriend makes me the luckiest woman. You are the perfect man for me. As I caress your hair, I am remembering those intimate moments we shared together. Just perfect. The way your body feels against mine and your lips on mine leave me in frenzy. I simply get lost when you hold me and kiss me passionately.

Oh my love, I am so scared. I am frightened of what might happen. Right now I am doubtful of my decision but it is too late to go back. I know that by accepting this task, I have jeopardised our relationship. I hope that you will understand that I am doing it for our friends, family, everyone out there and above all, you. I might not come out of this alive. So whatever happens know that I have and always will love you.

I wish you all the best.

With love,

Lisa

MacTavish sat there with his mouth gaping open. He checked the date on the letter. It was dated six months ago, right around the time Malloy left for the Vaughn mission.

He cursed and grabbed his hair angrily. It dawned on him how he had acted like such a jerk to her. If only she had explained to him about the mission he would have understood. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. Why didn't she wake him that night? Why did she have to act so enigmatic? He cursed the policies and the CIA.

He glanced at the letter once more and observed the smooth, curves of her handwriting and it struck him like a powerful lightning; he loved her. However he tried to suppress the feeling, it always found a way to resurface. He loved her, always had and always will.

He dashed to his duffle bag and rummaged through to search for his mobile. His large fingers were pressing everything but the number he had wanted.

"Bloody hell," he groaned.

Finally, he dialled Malloy's number and waited.

The number you are trying to call cannot be reached. Please try again later.

He tried calling numerous times with the same reply greeting him each time. He resigned and sighed. What was she doing?

Price and Yuri were in the van preparing for the final assault. Makarov's men were ordering them to get out of the van but they ignored them. Yuri tried to move in the Juggernaut armour and looked sceptical.

"You sure this armour will protect us?" he asked.

"It'll buy us some time," replied Price. "Nikolai, are you patched into their system?"

"Working on it. My Arabic's a little rusty," said Nikolai.

"Just get on it."

The enemy got impatient and opened fire on the van. The metal dented inwards and Yuri looked amused.

Shrugging, he said, "Looks like they know we're here."

Price smiled slightly but his eyes looked focused. That was it. Makarov was there and he was going to end it. Failure was not an option. It never was in his book. Thinking of the mates he had worked with were lost because of him and Zakhaev, fuelled his determination and motivated him to burst out of the van, into the hotel and straight at Makarov. However, that was not the time for rash decisions.

At the top, right corner inside his helmet, Price saw a live feed being patched to him by Nikolai.

"I've tapped into their security feed," said Nikolai. "Makarov's in the atrium in the top floor."

"This is it. Makarov doesn't leave here alive." Price nudged his head at Yuri. "Get ready."

Yuri put on his helmet and gestured that he was good to go. Price checking his PKP Pechenek and Yuri his MK46, they burst the doors open and fired upon the Russians. The mercenaries immediately retreated to the hotel.

"We've got their attention," Price said. "Second wave of respondents will be coming soon."

Yuri was alert of his surroundings. He imagined the army had Makarov to protect his ass. The coward took pleasure in blood and despair.

Tires screeched and cars came swerving in front of them. There was no need for Price to order him to shot as he was already on it. Their bullets shredded the cars and the bodies into a pulp.

"Makarov's got a small army in there!" said Nikolai frantic.

Looking up at the sky they saw a Black Hawk hover over the hotel. Yuri and Price aimed their weapons at it and just before they depressed the trigger, soldiers started fast roping down. What caught their attention were their uniforms; they all wore black.

"Bravo 1 this is Bravo 2. Don't shoot at us."

"Ghost!" said Price, surprised. "You made it! Who's with you?"

"We managed to get backup. We'll meet you near the restaurant. Good luck."

"Roger that," replied Price. He turned to Yuri, "The cavalry has arrived. They're with us."

"Great. I hope they do not get killed. Until we arrive."

"Let's move."

As they entered the lobby, civilians rushed past them screaming. Mothers clutched their children close to them. Not all of them were lucky to escape. They cleared the few soldiers that remained. Hotel Oasis looked lavish with high-class decorating and mahogany furniture. The grand chandelier suffered partial collapse and glass shards littered the marble floor. The furniture was rearranged as protective barriers.

Price and Yuri walked up the escalator to the second floor. More civilians moved swiftly towards the escalators to escape that massacre. They covered them as best as they could and Price spotted the lifts on the far side.

"Nikolai, we need control of those lifts," said Price.

"Sending them to your floor," he replied.

They entered the glass lifts and Yuri looked outside. He felt serene looking at the marvellous panorama despite of the chaos that was happening in the hotel. Someday, he will take Alexandra somewhere luxurious. She deserves only the best.

"Makarov's moved to the restaurant, same floor! He's got a large security detail with him," said Nikolai, panicked.

"What kind of opposition is waiting for us?"

"Forty-plus foot mobiles! SMGs and Assault Rifles. Ghost and the others are managing."

"We'll reach them soon," said Yuri.

A whirring sound of the helicopter was approach and light blinded them.

"Enemy choppers closing on your position."

"One is heading for the roof, probably going for Makarov. Shoot it down!" Price roared.

They managed to hit the helicopter. However, the helo managed to damage the lift pretty badly.

"Nikolai, it's not going to hold much longer," said Price.

"Sending an elevator your way," said Nikolai, panicked. "Hold on."

"Ugh, the armour's shredded," groaned Yuri as he removed the juggernaut armour and helped Price remove his.

As the lifts' glass started to crack, they started to get worried. However, Nikolai sent them another lift and swiftly, they jumped. They landed hard on the other lift's floor as the other one went tumbling down forty floors. Yuri expressed a sigh of relief and checked his rifle.

"Makarov's chopper just touched down," informed them Nikolai.

"He's not getting away."

The doors opened revealing multiple enemies taking cover behind improvised barricades made up of sofas, tables and anything solid they could get their hands on. On the other side, Yuri saw familiar red hair waving with every movement. He smiled slightly and informed Price.

"Why am I not surprised in seeing you here Lisa?" asked Price.

"Come on Price, you know I couldn't miss out all on the fun," she replied in her earpiece. "Besides, I was kinda forced into this…"

"Lisa is here because she is a good citizen and she cares about her country," said Williams, half-smiling as she took down the Russians with her M4A1.

"Can we please concentrate on the objective?" interjected Thompson. "Makarov!"

"Leave him to us," replied Price. "Just keep these Russians off our back."

"Got it."

Price and Yuri dashed through the restaurant when they caught a glimpse of Makarov.

"There he is!" roared Yuri.

They sprinted after him when the ceiling started to collapse. Concrete smashed wine and spirit bottles on the bar staining the wooden floor. Price fell on his back and to his right he saw a helo firing missiles into the same floor they were on. The floor started slanting and Price slid away from Yuri. He grabbed on to a wire and realised that there was no more floor underneath him. He pulled his body up with all the strength he could muster and managed to get back in the hotel. Flames were licking the furniture and Price felt a soft breeze on his face. He search for Yuri and saw that a metal rod had impaled his right shoulder. He went to help him but Yuri waved him off.

"Leave me!" he grunted. "Don't let him get away!"

Reluctantly, Price obeyed Yuri and continued pursuing Makarov. Red dashed near Yuri and observed his arm.

"Fox! Yuri needs medical assistance! Now!" she yelled.

"No! There is no time," he uttered, forcing himself to sit up. He stroked her hair and looked into her teary eyes.

"Never change Alexandra. I... just want to thank you for making me feel complete."

He pressed his lips upon hers and then got up.

"I'm going after Makarov. Cover me!"

"But Yuri!" she argued.

He winked at her and limped away while Red emptied her magazine in the enemy as tears flowed down her cheeks. She went into cover and felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Roach giving her a reassuring smile.

"Let's nail these bastards," he smirked.

"Roger that sergeant," she replied, eager to comply with Roach.

Price sprinted through the rubble and onto the roof of the hotel. Makarov entered the helicopter and it started to lift off.

This time you won't escape, thought Price.

He huffed as he reached the edge. He jumped and grabbed on the helo's landing skids. Pulling himself up, he punched the pilot in his face and grabbed him and threw him out. The co-pilot grabbed his sidearm and pointed it at Price but he was to slow. Price knocked the gun out of his hands not after firing a shot which hit the helicopter's controls. Swiftly, Price grabbed his knife and jammed it in the enemy's throat. Blood spurted everywhere but Price did not care. He nudged the co-pilot out of the helo as well and took control. The incessant beeping was giving him a migraine. There was fire and sparks shooting out of the mechanism. He tried his best to keep control of the chopper but it spun out of control.

Finally, the chopper hit the hotel roof and Price was thrown out forcefully. He moaned and opened his eyes. He got up putting his weight on his arms as he stared into his reflection on the glass roof. Looking up, there was Makarov stumbling out of the chopper holding his side. Both their eyes fell on the gun which stood in between them. Dragging himself, Price did his best to reach it first. In spite of reaching to it first, Makarov stomped his leg on his hand and grabbed the gun. He pointed it at Price's head and smirked.

"Goodbye, Captain Price."

As he was about to pull the trigger, fires were shot and it hit Makarov. Price turned his head to his left and saw Yuri firing his sidearm at Makarov. Nonetheless, Makarov got back on his feet and pointed the gun at Yuri. He fired and bullets pierced Yuri twice in his chest and once in his head. Price felt his blood boil and yelled on top of his lungs. He pounced on Makarov and grabbed his throat. He punched him continuously, lashing all of his fury out on him. Near his head, he noticed a rope. He grabbed it and wound it around his neck. He wrapped his fingers around his throat and slammed Makarov's head as hard as he could against the glass roof. The glass started to crack and finally it shattered. Clinging on, Price saw Makarov glaring at him as they freefell. Price fell hard on the floor. Everything was a blur but managed to see Makarov's lifeless body hanging and swinging from side to side.

Price dragged himself over the glass shards and rested against the wall. He sighed as he grabbed his cigar and lighter from one of his pouches. He grinned as he lit up his cigar. That was his celebratory cigar; he promised himself that he would smoke it once that Makarov has been eliminated and the war was ended for good.

"Can I borrow your light?"

He looked up and saw Lisa taking a seat next to him. She lit up a cigarette and sighed. Her face was smeared with dirt and dried blood and her hair was matted and wet with sweat. Her M4A1 rested near her as she blew smoke in the air. Police sirens echoed in the air and Thompson and her team volunteered to deal with local enforcement.

Collins looked at Makarov's body swaying to and fro. She smiled and grabbed Roach who was standing next to her.

"What about that picnic you promised me about a year ago?" she asked with a beam.

"I'll bring the wine and the toffee," he winked and pecked her on the lips.

Williams was looking at Red who had just collapsed near Yuri's body. She was not crying or shaking, she simply sat there. She felt sorry for her. Red was not the type to show her emotions, she bottled everything up and the fact that she lost that someone whom she managed to confide into, was depressing.

"Hey," she heard from behind her.

She turned around and saw Ghost, with his mask in his hand and cigarette resting on his lower lip. He squeezed her arm and looked at Makarov.

"I feel sorry for Red," she muttered.

"Yeah…"

"We did all of this to prevent from losing any more people. Yet-"

"Charlene, with Price killing Makarov, there won't be any more deaths. However, losing our colleagues and friends to reach to this point was inevitable. It's the sacrifice all of us were willing to make."

"You're right."

"Come on. Let's go home and get some rest."

It was midnight in New York and Ghost was lying down near Charlene in bed wide awake. After all that excitement, he couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts whirled in his mind. First of all, they have to find a permanent residence. They can't use General Malloy's flat anymore. With Makarov dead, their lives can finally start anew. Charlene did not mind moving permanently to England as she claimed that she had nothing else in America but Ghost was doubtful about it. He felt uneasy taking Charlene away from her friends. One thing was decided; the wedding will take place in America and move afterwards.

His thoughts were interrupted by his mobile vibrating. Who was calling at this time?

"Yeah?" he answered whispering not to wake Charlene up.

"Ghost?"

He fell silent. He did not recognise the male voice on the other end. He had an American accent and a deep, gruff voice, probably over fifties. He walked outside the bedroom.

"Who's this?"

"It doesn't matter. We have Intel on Colonel Tamara Williams' location. Seeing that you have a personal connection to the person in question, we thought you would want in on this."

"Wow that is so kind of you. Thanks mate!" replied Ghost, sarcastically. "How do I know this is legit?"

The man on the other end ignored his jibe. "Just meet Alpha Squad at the following coordinates and they will supply you with anything you need for this mission. You'll be briefed en route. Any questions?"

"Wait, you said Alpha Squad?"

"Sounds familiar?" The man's voice changed to softer tone. "Get her out of there, son."

"Roger that."

Ghost fidgeted with his balaclava and observed the other soldiers. They were currently in a Chinook moving to an undisclosed location. The only thing he knew was that the Landing Zone was somewhere in Afghanistan. He wore a black uniform to blend in with the rest of the squad. A woman was sitting near him and couldn't get her eyes off of him and it was not in a good way.

"So, Ghost is it?"

"Yeah," he muttered.

"What are you doin' here?"

Her tone suggested that she was annoyed with him and Ghost had no patience to deal with her at that moment.

"I came to observe the scenery. I hear Afghanistan is lovely at this time of year," he replied with sarcasm.

"Wow. Are all Brits assholes like you are?" she asked.

"Are all Yanks bitches like you are?"

She huffed and moved to another seat. Ghost glared at her from behind his sunglasses and the Squad leader growled.

"Shut up, both of you!" ordered Gloom. "It's like we're in a damn elementary school."

Gloom raised his hand to his earpiece and looked like he was listening attentively.

"Listen up!" he yelled over the dinning noise. "Approaching the LZ in thirty seconds. Check your gear and weapons."

Gloom faced them and the team looked at him attentively.

"Colonel Williams have been captive for about a year now. The fact that the she is still alive in this case makes it more difficult. We do not know what we will find or what condition she is in. Either way, we bring her back home. Tamara always put her country first, it is high time that her country repaid her."

"Roger that sir!" they replied.

"Let's move!"

It's not the end don't worry :P I still have a lot in mind. I'll try my best to update asap. In the meantime, happy summer (or winter depending on where you're from) xxx