Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 20 – For I Am Just A Man.
Archer's POV, Hegal street.
Sitting in my car along the edge of the street, I awaited the sounds of combat.
"How do you guys wear this?" Asked Marx who was attempting to put on a vest.
Looking over to him I replied.
"It's real simple when it's on the right way."
Taking off his vest, I flipped it's direction and urged.
"Now just line it up with your shirt and tighten the straps. It will feel just like another piece of clothing."
Following my suggestion, Marx got the vest on right then asked.
"You think Wreak and Raptor will be able to outrun G.U.N?"
Looking out the window I replied.
"They'll be fine. I know Raptor. He can run with the best of them."
As things went silent after that, I reached into the backseat to pull up one of the guns in the back.
"Here." I said as I handed it to Marx who looked it over.
"What's this?" He asked in confusion as I grabbed my M416.
"It's called an UMP-9. A modified version of the UMP-45 that fires nine millimeters instead of forty five APCs. Comes standard with a forty round clip and is fairly good when aimed. Recoil should stay straight so long as you do. There is more I could say but for now just consider this weapon yours. It will be in charge of keeping you alive. Do you understand?"
Looking into my eyes as he rested it on his lap, Marx replied.
"I do Archer. Thanks."
Nodding my head as he looked back to the gun, I immediately looked out my window as an explosion could be heard a few blocks out.
Marx went still as I said.
"That's our signal. Let's go."
Following me out of the car, we both came to a stop as a G.U.N viper came flying right over us with soon to be a second on it's tail.
"Oh shit." I said in a worried tone as Marx asked.
"What's wrong? They'll be okay right?"
Following the choppers as they vanished from sight, I slowly replied.
"Raptor hasn't flown in nearly twelve years. And with a trained pilot on his ass I can only guess what's going to happen when they reach the border."
"They'll find a way right?" Wondered Marx as I nodded.
"Yeah. He always does. Let's just get going before G.U.N comes back."
Quickly making my way to the manhole, Marx stayed in line as I dropped down into the sewer.
"It should be this way. Stay close."
Now bursting out into a sprint, Marx struggled to stay on my tail as I lead us block by block towards the main fuel line. Soon to my surprise we came to the exit which was a ladder leading straight up. The only issue now was I had no clue where this ladder lead onto the base. We could open it right in front of a guard for Christ sake.
"Wait for an all clear, then come up." I ordered Marx as he watched me begin to go up the ladder.
Gently reaching the top, I pushed up on the grate to see where I was. Turns out we were behind one of the silos where G.U.N held all their gas. This would be quick and clean if we were lucky.
Looking down to Marx, I ordered.
"Let's go. It's all clear."
Carefully climbing up the ladder, Marx reached the top to ask.
"Are you sure Archer? It makes no sense for everyone to be gone just because there was an attack down the street."
Guarding our corners as he got to his feet, I replied.
"There is probably a guard or two yeah, but the main force has disbanded to pursue Raptor and Wreak. This is our chance to get this done without any trouble. Now follow me and watch my back. I'll plant the charges."
"Okay Archer." Said Marx in a worried tone as I approached the silo we were already at by it's base.
Reaching into my back pouch, I pulled out a single C4 charge. This would be more then enough to make this thing go bang.
After hooking it to a clacker, I looked to Marx to order.
"Stay close. Watch the corners. If you see a guard make sure to drop him. We can't afford a mistake here."
Nodding as we proceeded along the silos, Marx had my back tight as I got to planting charge two.
As I set it to the clacker, Marx and I heard someone whistling our way.
Grabbing Marx who stood beside me, I pulled him against the silo behind me to order.
"Shhhh. Let me handle this."
Marx's POV.
My heart was racing as footsteps could be heard coming our way. Archer seemed perfectly calm; as to me this was a matter of life and death. I've never been in combat before.
As the sounds drew closer, I widened my eyes as a G.U.N soldier came walking in between the silos. Archer slowly reached for a blade that was tucked in his boot as I debated what I was going to do if things went wrong.
To my lack of experience, I was caught off guard the second Archer bolted into the man's side, shoving the knife in his neck.
"Ughhh! Aukkk!" The soldier couldn't have been any older then me. Blood gagged up from his slit throat as Archer held strong on top of his draining body.
In a few seconds the man went cold and Archer took him by the arms to drag him behind the silo next to us.
In utter shock for what he did to him, I shook as he ripped out his knife to look back at me and ask.
"You good?"
Breaking out of my train of thought I nodded and replied.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
Patting my arm, Archer proceeded to the next silo to get planting the final charge. I remained by the second looking at the dead soldier beneath my feet. His eyes were wide open as Archer soon came back to urge.
"Let's get out of here. With this much fuel, the second this thing goes up it will take out anything within at least a quarter mile."
"But won't the capital be in the blast?"
Nodding he replied.
"That's the point. Hitting the capital will make G.U.N want war. It's what we need to do Marx. Now come on."
Following after my comrade, Archer let me head back first into the sewers. It was damp but I'd rather be here then caught top side in that blast to come.
"We get back to the car then blow the charges. We should be out of distance by then. Enough so we can watch at least." Stated Archer as I let him retake the lead once more.
As we now retraced our steps back through the tunnels and to the car, I asked out of curiosity.
"What's going to happen after this Archer?"
Looking back to me as we walked now, he replied.
"I'm guessing we'll mass recruit for the cause. Like it or not, we're not getting anywhere just between the four of us Marx. We need help. Everyone and anyone."
"Do you think Raptor will be okay with that?"
Nodding he replied.
"He'll have to be. We can't win a war against G.U.N just by doing drive-bys. We need the man power to hit them hard and he knows that. He'll make the right call. Don't worry about it."
"What about his family? You think he'll be able to handle them throughout all this?"
Coming to a stop, Archer got close to order.
"Don't even mention his family Marx. Right now Raptor needs to focus. Alicia knows what he is doing is right. She'll come around in time. And as far as his kids go, he'll do what he has too. We just need to make sure it doesn't get any worse."
"Okay Archer. I was just asking."
Nodding, he turned back around to continue the lead.
"Just focus on your job Marx. If anyone has to worry about Raptor it will be me. I know him better then anyone. Or at least anyone left alive."
Letting his words strike home, we soon made it back to the ladder leading up to our getaway. As soon as we were topside Archer got us in the car to pull up on his clacker.
"I'd hold on if I were you Marx." He heeded as I grabbed onto the door clutch.
Looking off in the distance, Archer squeezed in on the clacker. At first nothing happened, but after maybe three or more seconds there was something bigger then god to go off. The explosion was a mushroom cloud of death mixed with sand. It for a fact hit the capital. It was wide enough to maybe clear half of it if we were lucky. Thank god there were no real houses near that depot. Killing our own isn't our way. Or at least I hope it isn't.
As a cloud began to form above the darkened sky, Archer started the car to urge.
"Let's go home now. G.U.N is going to need time to think about what just happened. Hopefully the guys will be waiting there for us by now."
Nodding my head as he began to drive, we soon returned to the broken down HQ to get on inside. To our surprise Wreak and Raptor were no where in sight.
Archer was clearly concerned.
"Fuck, I hope they're okay."
Wreak's POV.
Getting through the boarder was too easy. Mainly because all the G.U.N troopers ran back to the capital after that blast. As I drove maybe a quarter mile into the city back towards the HQ, I pulled over to the side of the road to come to a complete stop. We can't bring this back with us. G.U.N will be able to trace it in a second once they realize their missing a ride.
As I stopped, I looked into the back to see the Major still bleeding out. His face was going pale, but he was still breathing.
Jumping out of my seat to get in the back next to him, I felt his face to feel how cold he was. He had maybe twenty minutes before he would go into shock.
"Fuck!" I shouted under my breath as I tried to come up with an idea.
I had no way to know if Archer and Marx were going to be back yet, but that's my only chance. Problem was getting us there in time. Maybe the locals would help.
Opening up the back of the Humvee, I looked outside to see we were maybe a block from Ron's. I'm sure he would give us a ride.
Gently stepping out onto the street, I pulled on the Major's arm to urge.
"Gentle Major. We can't have you dying on us now."
Placing my body under his limp arm, I used my spare to hold his wound down and carefully lower him onto his feet. With no presence in his body, I had to drag him down the street. As we neared Ron's bar, some of the local drinkers took notice to mine and Raptor's gear. We were wanted men by G.U.N but saviors to them. The Rebellion was king in Iraq, and I bet any other place where G.U.N is hated.
One kind man got the door as I lead my leader through and inside.
With everyone looking to us, I looked behind the bar to Ron who was cleaning a glass.
"Ron!"
Catching his attention near immediately, Ron asked.
"Jesus Christ Wreak. What the hell happened? And why are you wearing that? Didn't you hear the explosion?"
"Yeah I did! That's because we caused it! Now I don't mean to rush you but Raptor's bleeding out! He doesn't have long! We need a ride! Can we borrow your car!?"
In a loss for words, Ron slowly replied.
"I'd gladly give it to you but my car is in the shop."
"Fuck!" I shouted as I quickly heard from my left.
"I'll drive you guys. Anything to help the rebellion."
Bringing my eyes to the voice, I was caught off guard as it was a tall and beautiful female hedgehog. She had a nice gray coat of quills and short hair, with hazel eyes and an old set of brown cargos and a tight black tee.
Taking the Major under his other arm I asked around the room.
"Anyone else want to come along?! The rebellion is taking back Iraq! We need everyone and anyone!" Many looked like they wanted to, but remained quiet as Ron urged.
"I'd get going Wreak. He doesn't look good."
Taking notice, I replied and ordered.
"We'll take care of him! Ron I need you to do me a huge favor! If anyone in this place wants to join us you give them my number! But listen everyone!" I shouted as I looked to the crowd of people.
"The rebellion isn't dead! And any true citizen of the middle east knows Commander Shadow Robotnik didn't die to let G.U.N come back and take what we and your families have fought and died for away! Don't stand by! Do your part! Let's go!" I shouted to my helper as she nodded quickly to help me get the Major out the door.
As soon as we were outside, the hedgehog said.
"My car is across the street. Let me get the back door."
Letting go of Raptor to get the locks opened, the woman ordered.
"You drive. I'll hold his wound till we get there."
Letting her take my leader into the backseat, I got in the drivers seat to hear her dangle her keys next to my head. After taking them, I started the engine and began our drive back.
"What's you name?" I asked the woman as she held Raptor's side tightly.
"Hunter." She replied as I floored the gas.
Keeping her grip strong, I stated.
"I can't thank you enough for this. Your probably the only reason he'll live."
Smiling as I made a sharp left, she replied.
"Don't worry about it. I owe you more then you think. Everyone does. What the rebellion is doing is for the better of our country. The least I can do is offer a hand."
Raptor's POV.
I heard voices. I felt pain. I felt cold.
Slowly trying to open my eyes, I took notice to a soft hand on my wound. And through all the blur, I saw a pretty face looking into mine. A face of an angel.
"Still. I owe you. We both do." I heard Wreak say from the front seat of the car we were in.
Looking to him, the stranger replied.
"I said don't worry about it. Keeping him alive is all that matters."
Slowly she looked back into my barely open eyes.
Wreak's POV.
The HQ was up ahead and I saw Archer's car. Thank god.
Pulling up to the building, I looked to Hunter to order.
"Help me get him inside. I have a doctor waiting."
"Okay." She replied as I got out to get the door.
Carefully getting the Major back on his feet, Hunter and I rushed the front door to run head first into Archer who immediately asked.
"What the fuck happened!? And who is this!?"
Hunter ignored him as I replied.
"I'll explain later! Just help us! Marx!? Get out here!" I shouted as he came from the kitchen to see the situation before him.
Rushing to Raptor's aid he asked.
"Is he alive!?"
"Yes he's alive!" I replied as I got him up on an empty table.
"The round went through clean! But it must have clipped something important on the way out! Do something!"
Looking for his nearby medical bag, Marx replied while getting it opened.
"Okay, but I need space! Stand back and let me figure out what's wrong!"
Grabbing me by the shoulder, Hunter pulled me away as Archer came up to ask once more.
"Who's she Wreak?"
Looking into his eyes, I was unable to respond to the question as she answered it for herself in record time.
"My name is Hunter. Your friends came into Ron's bar asking for help and I just so happened to offer them a ride."
Nodding I added.
"The Major would be dead without her Archer. Ease up." I urged him as he then asked.
"Well what happened after the first explosion? I saw a viper on your tail."
Looking to Hunter who I knew was out of the loop, I replied.
"We had some trouble taking it down. But long story short, a round from the minigun went through the cockpit and got him. After it hit we finished off the enemy bird and ejected about a mile out from the border."
"G.U.N came right?" Wondered Archer as I nodded.
"We almost didn't get away. Thankfully your blast drew them away. We then took a Humvee and made it back in. I left it near Ron's. Hunter drove us back the rest of the way. We owe her."
"Stop it." She said with such grace as Archer calmly asked.
"Why would you help us anyway? It's not like this is any of your concern."
Looking to him, she quickly questioned.
"Not of my concern? As far as I see it Iraq and the Middle East is my concern. For it is my home. It's everyone's home. And in my opinion you guys shouldn't be alone in this effort. I want to help."
"Have you ever killed anyone before?" Asked Archer as I looked to Hunter as she contemplated the answer.
Slowly and after some thought, she replied.
"I have. Yes."
Nodding to show his acceptance, Archer then asked.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty six."
"Ever fight G.U.N?" Wondered Archer as she nodded.
"On a few occasions I have."
"Military background?"
Looking to me she replied.
"No. Self taught."
Archer then went silent as he looked back to Marx who was already in Raptor's chest with a scalpel.
Calmly looking back to her, Archer raised his finger to order.
"You aren't allowed to leave till he's awake."
"Don't trust me?" She asked with a small smile as Archer replied.
"Yeah. Not while my friend is dying. You aren't leaving my sight. Not till you prove otherwise."
"Fine." Replied Hunter as I decided to get away from this conversation and back to my friend who was bleeding on a table.
"How does it look Marx?" I asked as he looked up to me from his spot over his chest.
"The bullet sliced one of his forward arteries. I'm trying to clamp the wound shut now."
"Is he okay then?" I asked to be sure as he nodded.
"He'll be out for a while but he'll be okay. And I recommend he gets a bed to rest on after I'm done here. The couch is too loose."
"Alright. I'll go find something. Just watch him for me will ya?"
Nodding Marx replied.
"Don't worry about it. He'll be back with us before you know it."
Smiling, I made my way for the door to state to Archer.
"I'll be back."
Nodding, he watched as I left through the front door.
Raptor's POV, six hours later.
I awoke to find I was laying on an old mattress in the back room of the HQ. With my body facing the wall, I painfully rolled over to hear.
"Be careful."
Looking to the front of the bed, I found that hedgehog from before watching over me. With a smile she continued.
"You shouldn't push yourself after taking a hit like that. You'll just extend your recovery."
With my mouth shut in utter silence, the hedgehog approached my side to state.
"My name is Hunter."
Sorry this was so delayed. I had some old business to finish with my ex and you all know what drama can do to a person and his time. Anyway I'll have more chapters up soon and a chapter for kingdom to come tomorrow. So please review and let me know what you think.
mT Shadow.