Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 55 – But What Matters Right Now...?

Raptor's POV, Iraq Capital.

Following what I thought I just saw, I proceeded to where the new recruits were going. Besides the mess of bodies between me and it, I did my best catch up. Thankfully everyone had to stop to get assigned their new teams. So as I entered the room not too far behind, I managed to lock my eyes on a black hedgehog. From behind I saw a red quill going along his head, and as I approached from behind I heard him speak. My mind nearly stopped as the voice rang too many bells for me to handle.

"Bravo 4-2 sir." He stated to one of my recruiters as I now was within grabbing distance.

The soldier who he just addressed was about to continue the process, but as he went to reply he saw me and shouted.

"Commander present!"

Everyone in the room went still and silent as I now waited for the hedgehog to turn and face me. Slowly he did. My eyes stared at him in utter confusion. There is no way this was real.

Keeping himself silent, I asked.

"What's your name?"

Looking me dead in the eyes he replied.

"Shadow Verbeck."

I didn't know if this was some joke Archer and Wreak were playing on me. There was no way they would have let him through if they witnessed this. It had to be a joke. A sick fucking joke.

"Or Private Faker according to the Major sir." He added as I nodded and questioned.

"Where are you from...Shadow?"

Keeping himself relaxed in front of me, he replied.

"From Iraq sir."

"Do you have any family?"

"No sir." He replied as I then asked.

"How old are you?"

"Twenty five sir." He replied as I nodded to him slowly.

Looking around the room at the men and women all watching us I ordered.

"At ease! Go back to your business!" Everyone broke from the stillness as I looked back at the bad memory set before me.

"So the Major and Lieutenant both agreed to your acceptance?"

Nodding he replied.

"Yes sir."

"What role?" I asked as he replied perfectly.

"Infantry...sir"

This wasn't real. It had to be me again. My mind is playing with me.

Bringing my hand to his shoulder, I grew instantly lost in reality as he was touchable.

Shaking slightly I asked to be sure.

"Are you real?"

Giving me a confused look he replied.

"I'm real sir. I assure you."

Gulping, I pulled my hand off him to look back at my soldier who was witnessing the whole thing. Slowly I began to nod.

"Okay. Good. Carry on."

Carefully I began to back away. But as I did; he wouldn't take his eyes off me. Quickly I began to retreat to my office shutting the door behind me. Going to my desk in speed, I went to sit back down in my seat. Bringing my hands to my face, I breathed through my palms to whisper.

"It's okay. He's not really him. Shadow is dead. It's just a coincidence. There is no way."

Slamming my fist into the desk in sudden rage, I stood back up to say to myself.

"He sounds just like him. Maybe a little lighter of a tone, but there is no mistake. I know that voice too well. What's going on?" I wondered as I reached to my hip to grab my comm-link.

"Archer? Wreak? Report in. Now."

"Still out here dealing with the line Commander. What's wrong?" Wondered Wreak as Archer came through next to ask.

"You saw him right?"

Nodding to myself I ordered.

"After both of you are done I want you in my office. We need to talk."

"Understood." Replied Archer as Wreak replied.

"Yes sir."

Putting down my comm-link, I tried my best to relax and retake my seat.

Every bone in my body was shaking in one way or another. My mind didn't know what it just saw. It didn't know how to process it. But I knew one thing for sure. I know a lot of faces here in Iraq. And I know I never saw him before. I would know another man who looked like that. Even more so if he held that first name. Something wasn't right about this. Nothing made sense anymore.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I tried my best to regain focus. I can't be doing this at such a critical time.

Shadow's POV.

Watching as Voltz left, I knew immediately why Linnen sent me here. I saw it in his eyes. He was scared. He was emotionally unstable about Robotnik. I might have just demoralized him slightly. No doubt he was going to look into this after that. I would have to change course slightly. Prove I'm no joke. I might have his first name, I might look like him, but I'm not him. Truth is...I'm better.

Refocusing on the soldier in front of me, I opened my arms as he handed me a uniform. It was nothing more then what I was told the Rebellion was use to wearing in the field. Brown cargo BDU, a black long sleeve thermal, and sprayed on brown combat vest.

This it? I asked as the soldier looked to me to reply.

Any extra protection is provided by the wearer. That's all for now. Continue forward, find your squad and get familiar with them. This is your new family.

Yes sir. I replied as I made my way onward.

Keeping myself on my toes, I clearly could tell as I walked past old veterans they saw me for what Voltz and the other big wigs did. I was drawing a lot of unneeded attention. But I just had to ignore it. I'm not Shadow Robotnik.

Entering the next room I saw a large wolf waiting for me. He looked older. Had to be another one of those veterans. Cause as I came up to him he stated with a smile.

Wow. You are no joke. What's your name?

Shadow Verbeck sir.

Giving me a smile the wolf laughed.

You even rock the first name?! Hahahahaha! You his long lost kid or something?!

No sir. I assure you I'm not Shadow Robotnik by any means.

Is that so? He wondered as he looked me over. After a long look he put out his hand to state.

Sergeant Rockwell. I'm your squad leader here on in. Nice to meet you.

Taking his hand I replied.

Nice to meet you too sir. Where is everyone else?

Still in line outside I would assume. For now just relax a while and wait with me. We have four more men to find.

Yes sir. I replied as I made my way over to a comfortable spot.

Sitting down on the floor near the corner, I kicked up my feet to let out a sigh. Sergeant Rockwell still looked at me sideways as I followed my first order.

Wait.

Black's POV.

Laying down on the bed with Vector hanging on my side, I asked.

You okay?

Giving me a smile he replied.

Doc gave me some stitches. It's nothing Captain. But how about you?

Looking to my left to see the cat Marx still examining Leo's condition I replied with a whisper.

I'm tired. I shouldn't have taken it.

Shaking his head Vector replied.

You would have died otherwise. You had no choice.

Maybe. I replied as I looked back at the cat to ask.

How is he? Will he make it?

Slowly looking over to me he replied.

Your friend is in really bad shape I'm sad to say.

I didn't want to hear any bad news, and nether did Vector.

Tell me he'll live doc. Begged Vector as Marx looked back at our comrade.

He's lost a lot of blood. The bullet is lodge deep in his chest. My guess some fragments broke off on entry. Judging from what I can see I'm almost positive some of them are near his heart. It would be a huge risk cutting in there.

But what if you got them out? Would he live then? Asked Vector as Gabe glanced over from the opposite side of the cat.

If I got them out, there is no guarantee. The damage could already be done. Plus he would need a blood transfusion. And I mean a lot of blood. The donor would be risking his life as well.

We all had the same idea. Vector went to voice first, but I caught him by his chest to urged.

Use me. You get those bullets out and I'll do the transfusion.

Marx widened his eyes and questioned.

Are you sure? Are you even the same blood type?

We all are. That's one of the reasons we are all part of the same team. We all have matching blood just in case something like this was to happen in the field. I'm sure.

Approaching me Marx replied.

If that's true then I'll be honest with you. You lost a lot of blood too. Hell you can barely stand if I got you out of that bed. It would be safer if I got someone else to do it.

No! I shouted getting him to stop in his tracks. Vector and Gabe stared at me as I stated.

This happened to him because of me. I won't sit here and watch him die for my dumb mistake. I'm doing this. I'd gladly die for any of my men.

Marx let out a breath as Vector added.

He's never made a gamble he hasn't won Marx. Trust him.

Locking eyes with the doctor, I stared right back at him as he slowly began to nod.

Okay. Let's do this then. The more time we waste the worse his chances are.

That's what I wanted to hear cat. Thank you.

Thank me after the two of you wake up together. Ordered Marx as I let out a smirk to look back at Vector and order.

Watch over us. You hear me?

You got it boss. He replied as Marx got his gear out to begin.

I shall have another chapter on soon I promise. Please let me know what you think and thank you for standing by me as always.

mT Shadow.