Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 85 – By Now We Are Family.

Black's POV, Pakistan border limits, Later that night.

Raptor drove as I kept an eye on our passengers. Ruby was still asleep and Jagger who rested next to her was covered by a bag over his face.

"Black?" I heard Raptor say under his breath as we drove into the country limits.

"Yes Commander?" I replied as he was clearly thinking about something.

With our headlights off to not attract attention, he asked as he pressed us forward.

"You know after we're done here things will need to change, right?"

Nodding my head as I looked forward, I replied.

"I had to figure as much. With Wreak gone we have even less troop morale and even less experienced hands to train the newbies." Raptor nodded his head as I went on to state.

"And after this, it won't be long till Gorgon comes. We'll be in trouble." Again nodding to my comments, Raptor slowly pulled us off the main road and out into the dunes. After a few silent minutes he pulled us up to a slow stop to gently look over at me.

"This war is making me question everything." He stated as I nodded back and relaxed in my seat.

Wiping his face gently, Raptor went on to admit.

"I don't know who to trust. My oldest friend Hannon. He was a General under Shadow's command back during the last war. Great man. He could have helped us."

"Is he dead?" I wondered as he shook his head to reply.

"He got bought out by Linnen. All he cares about is seeing my head on a spike." Going silent, I assured him.

"War can break even the strongest friendships Commander."

Now facing me directly Raptor replied.

"I know it can and that's what is killing me right now. Wreak is dead. He was the only one I felt safe around. Archer is a loose cannon and I'm surrounded by people I haven't met and people I have no time spent with. I...no offense. The only people protecting me are G.U.N."

I shut my eyes as Raptor said that. But going on he stated.

"Until proven otherwise I can't put faith in anyone. I'm making every choice on my own for now on. I don't care what anyone thinks. I need to get shit done and arguing about it isn't going to get shit done!"

"I understand." I replied as he bit his lip to sigh. After the pause he hit me with this.

"You are only here because I know about Amy. If I didn't know shit you would have killed me long ago."

With our eyes now locked, he went on to say in a strict tone.

"You and your men could kill me and just walk back to Linnen. Clean slate I bet. Hell with the spy running around back home and me not having a fucking clue about what is going on half the time, I could be fucked just sitting here with you. You know that?"

"You know I'm not a mole Raptor." I told him directly as he nodded.

"But I know you have the option to be. So this is what I suggest. I'm going to lay it all out for you. Right now. Let's see what kind of man you are. You ready?"

I was lost and confused as he pulled out his M1911. Taking out the mag and leaving one bullet in the chamber, he handed it to me to order.

"I won't fight you. Kill me whenever. But aim it at me. Now."

I hesitated but with force I pointed it at his head. Nodding, he started off so blunt.

"Your sister got Shadow killed. She was a fucking bitch who drove him insane and ruined this country's future in the process."

I felt my anger spike as he let out those words. In anger I questioned.

"What the hell are you talking about? She loved him, right?"

Staring at me Raptor replied.

"Loved him enough to give him kids. Loved him enough to help him through all his dark times. But what am saying she did was not known to her. Shadow only had one thing he ever cared about. That was her and that baby. He cared so much that he killed his friends in the process. I know the stories. I know them all cause he told them to me. But I won't get into all that. Bottom line is because of that love they shared and that madness that drove him to keep fighting for his family, it wound up killing him. I was there and that gun your holding took his life. Can you feel his blood on the grip?" He asked me as I looked to the gun itself.

"I will not and can not forgive your sister. If she would have just left him alone he would still be alive and we would not be going through all this shit!" He shouted at me as I looked back at him.

"Now this is where it gets good." Stated Raptor as I still held the gun at his head.

"When Amy died, I will admit, I never felt happier in all my life."

"You fucking...!" Pushing him into his door, I shoved the gun into his neck.

"I can't lie to you Black. I smiled when I heard the news." Stated Raptor as I let out a wild growl.

"I had hoped with her dead he would have just moved on. But I was wrong."

"How did she die?!" I asked him in rage as he looked into my eyes to reply.

"Child birth. She died on the table after giving birth to Shadow's son."

Still panting, I looked away from Raptor but still held him in place as he didn't fight me back at all.

"It was painless if it makes you feel better about any of this." Stated Raptor as I looked back at him to ask.

"Why hate her then?"

"I never hated Amy. She was the spirit the rebellion needed back then." Stated Raptor as I widened my eyes.

"She lead not just Shadow, but everyone to want to fight. She did so much behind the scenes that even Shadow had no idea it wasn't really him driving the men forward. It was her." He said with a soft tone as I eased up my grip on his neck.

"She did so much for the rebellion, and I can't begin to thank her enough. But like I said I can't lie to you Black. My job back then was the same as yours now. I vowed to look after my Commander. I only saw her as a threat to his health back then and for good reason. But I had no choice in the matter of the course he took after the end of it all. I regret every moment thinking I could save him. Truth is, only your sister could have saved him. I was just too blind to see it." Stated Raptor as I began to calm down.

With our eyes still locked Raptor urged.

"That's where I stand. I love your sister for all she did. She did everything I couldn't. Everything Shadow couldn't. But I blame her for all this shit I'm going through now to earn back the freedom my Commander, and all my men and friends died to get! I fucking hate her for it and I will not forgive her. So I beg you, do what you feel is right and maybe make my life easier and just fucking end it now. Before I go just as insane as Shadow did."

With my mind at a calm sort of loss, I was caught off guard as I heard from my side.

"Go on Black. Fucking kill him." Looking over to find Ruby awake, I panicked inside as she added.

"You heard him. You can kill him now and we can take this ride back to Linnen. You can still walk away from this. You just need to pull the trigger and fucking kill him!"

"She's right." Stated Raptor as Ruby yelled.

"He's a fucking monster! He's not a leader! He's a murderer! A sadist like us! You let him live and all the men and women you signed on to protect and fight for will be at risk! So many people will die cause of him! You can be the one to stop it before its all too late Black!"

Looking back to Raptor who stared at me blankly, he said softly.

"I'm happy Amy is dead. I'm happy she is gone." Gripping the trigger tightly, I growled as he finished.

"But I will win this war for her. You just need to trust me."

"Shoot him Black!" Ordered Ruby as I shut my eyes to start screaming.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

"Shoot me!" Ordered Raptor as I continued to scream.

"Shoot him Black! Fucking kill him now!" Ordered Ruby.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Do it!" Urged Raptor as Ruby yelled back.

"Do it!"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Raptor's POV.

Shutting my eyes as I felt the steel in my neck, I panicked and shook in my seat as I heard the round go off.

"BANG!"

Breathing heavily, I opened my eyes to find Ruby shot in the head, and Black trying to catch his breath. Shutting his eyes and lowering the gun, he said through his cracking voice.

"I do trust you...Commander."

My eyes widened as Black looked back to me to state.

"I accept that my sister is dead. And I understand why you feel the way you do about her. But I know from what you said that you in the end cared about her. You cared about her and you appreciated the things she did for your cause. I can't be mad at you. Amy's dead...I know that. I just wish I would have seen her before she died. It would have made my life a lot easier."

"Black." I muttered as he handed me back the gun to urge.

"I trust you. I fully trust you Raptor. My men and I are here to finish what my sister started and died for. You have that much to believe in now when it comes to me. I will follow you through this hell. Even if it means I'll be dead at the end of it."

Reloading the clip into my gun, I put it away to keep on staring at Black. I guess I was wrong about him.

"Your job was to protect Shadow. I can see why you blame Amy. I would hate her too if I was in your shoes. But I can't change what my sister did. She took the risk and this is the price we all have to live with." Stated Black as I replied calmly.

"I understand the price."

"Do you?" Questioned Black as I nodded and replied.

"Like I said a million times. I will die for the freedom Shadow died for. Even if it means in the end this is all for nothing and G.U.N retakes the country."

"Then for my sister and for this cause, I'll die too." Replied Black as I smiled slightly.

Everything went silent for a minute as we both retook our places in the Humvee. Black had his eyes shut in deep thought as I put Shadow's gun away. After some time did he ask.

"What are we doing with the bodies?"

Glancing back at the two dead assassins, I replied.

"Leaving a message for Gorgon and Linnen."

"Linnen doesn't give two shits if Jagger and Ruby are dead. You'll just be pissing off Gorgon."

"What's the deal with Linnen and Gorgon?" I wondered as he let out a sigh to reply.

"Before Linnen became the guy you know him as today, he was a part of Gorgon's team." Stated Black as I widened my eyes to question.

"Really? Was he that good?"

Shaking his head Black replied.

"Linnen started off as a scout in the 23rd infantry division during the last war. He never saw action due to the fact he was working overseas in Africa. They stopped some sort of war lord and ended a big civil war. I don't know the facts because it was kept under wraps after it was all said in done."

"So Linnen is a User then? Just like you?"

Nodding Black replied.

"He's one of the better Users in fact. Probably better then me and closer to Gorgon's level."

"So what got between them?" I asked as I looked at Ruby to see blood oozing out of her head and onto Jagger's lap.

"Shadow Robotnik did." Stated Black as I immediately questioned.

"How? If they weren't in the middle east during the war, how did Shadow have any effect towards this?"

Looking me in the eyes Black replied with a soft tone.

"When Shadow killed Commander Reacher, G.U.N was out a Commander. I'm not saying it was right after, but when G.U.N had plans to retake the Middle East they needed a new leader for the troops. Hecan asked among the most battle tested leaders he had under his command. No one from Gorgon's team dared to break the friendship they had for a desk job, but Linnen did. He saw it as a chance to take charge and more importantly, control Gorgon who undermined him during their time together over the years. Needless to say, Gorgon never forgave him and Linnen just has a power seat where he can't be touched. It's perfect for him."

"If Gorgon is as good as you say he is, then why doesn't he just off Linnen?" I wondered as he quickly replied.

"Cause Gorgon is a traitor."

My eyes widened as Black went on to explain.

"I don't know the exact details, but I do know it happened during one of their last missions together before Linnen was promoted. Gorgon's team was being commanded by a Commander Ash Lore. You wouldn't know the name, since he had no place in the Middle East at the time. But I know something went wrong during the mission. I think it had to have been an order Ash gave to Gorgon. Regardless, Gorgon rebelled against it and took his chance to silence Ash. The team agreed to go with the story that he was killed in combat. But Linnen knows the truth and due to his new position he can't be touched liked I said. If Gorgon was to kill Linnen, G.U.N would find out about Ash. As a result, the whole team would be cut loose and hunted down. Gorgon can't have that happen, so he plays by the rules. For how long? I don't know. But with the way things are with Jagger and Ruby dead he won't be playing by them for too much longer I assume. It's only a matter of time before Gorgon makes his own moves."

With Black taking his chance to look at Ruby and Jagger for himself, he suddenly ask.

"Enough about Linnen and Gorgon. We'll be dealing with them soon enough. What's the plan?"

Letting out a sigh I replied.

"Help me get them outside."

Nodding Black and I both got out of the car to open the back doors. I took the dead snake while he grabbed the sadist bitch.

"Just lay them out here and hand me the communicator I have in the bag in the back." Obeying, Black gently tossed me the comm and watched as I set the channel.

"Since Linnen won't give a shit then I guess I'll just call out Gorgon. You think he'll answer an open channel?"

Nodding Black replied.

"Won't matter this close to the city. The open channels are monitored. The second you say something I'm willing to bet G.U.N will be on their way to find you. Our luck, Gen Sec will be the closest to respond. But we'll have time to get away before they can trace it."

"Good cause I hope they trace it. Hand me the bag."

Taking it out of the back Black wondered.

"What you thinking?"

Knelt down in between the bodies, I replied while reaching into the bag.

"As far as I see it. These two killed some of my men and took the life of my best friend. I think...?" Black widened his eyes as I pulled out a few chunks of C4.

"We get even. Just a little."

Chuckling to myself, I locked eyes with Black as he smiled and replied.

"I'll start the engine."

With him restarting the Humvee, I placed the bricks under the sand and sat down under it. Still with a smile; I hit the button on the side of the comm link.

Commander Drake Linnen's POV, Pakistan Capital.

"I don't care what you need to do. Just get it done man." I said to one of my officers as he explained a small problem going on in the city against the remaining rebellion roaming the back allies of my turf.

Letting out a sigh from behind my desk, the officer looked to me to wonder.

"So should I just go and...!"

My eyes and ears flickered in utter confusion as we heard our comms go off.

"Yooohoooo."

"What the fuck?" I questioned as me and the officer glanced back and forth between one another.

"I know your listening Commander." The voice stated as I stood up slowly to state.

"I know that voice."

"Who is it?" Asked my officer as I looked to the door leading into my office. Instantly Gorgon and his men came running in to shout.

"Linnen its...!"

"You think killing me is as simple as raiding my home, huh Linnen?" Everyone went silent as it was clear Voltz was the voice behind the comm.

"As good as you think they were, sending two people to kill me isn't going to cut it now. You hurt me Linnen, and I will admit it hurts a lot. I haven't been this roughed up in a long time. It's too bad I can't return the favor."

Gorgon stood by the door with his men as I replied using my own comm.

"What's stopping you Voltz? You think I'm dumb? I know you got to be close to be on my channel."

"So you are there." Stated Raptor as I replied quickly.

"Ya I'm here and you know where to find me, so how about you just stop hiding and show yourself?" I urged him as Tusk questioned.

"Where's Ruby and Jagger? They just let Voltz get this close to the city without telling us?" Gorgon stood there in confusion of the situation. Tusk had a good point. Those two would have reported to me if Voltz was heading this way. There is no reason why they wouldn't.

"As tempting as that sounds I'll stay where I am, since I won't be staying too much longer. Which reminds me, I got to make this quick. I hear from one of your old men that a fellow named Gorgon is under your command. Can I speak to him real quick?"

Looking to Gorgon I ordered.

"Delay him as long as you can. I'll have a team track his signal."

Gorgon kept composed and with a strong tone he replied to Voltz.

"What do you want?"

Instantly Raptor replied.

"So your the guy I heard so much about in only a few hours. Tell you what Gorgon, I hear your quite the soldier. I respect that."

Gorgon went silent as Voltz added on.

"Such a decorated record and such a skilled team, it reminds me of my special forces team back in the last war. But of course I never had the skills you and your men have with that little enhancer you guys use to get an edge in battle. I won't hold it against you. Everyone needs an advantage these days in war. Don't you agree?"

"Get to the point." Ordered Gorgon as Voltz went silent for a second.

With another team rushing into my office, I was given a nod. Just as I was about to give the order Voltz said

"Getting to the point is exactly what your men did wrong. And they paid the price in full."

Gorgon and his men looked at each other in confusion.

"What are you talking about?" Asked Gorgon in an angry tone.

With everyone silent, I widened my eyes as Voltz replied.

"Ruby and Jagger are dead."

Tusk, Blitz, Scrotus and Gorgon all stood there in shock as I shut my eyes.

"For top of the line assassins they didn't last long and they only managed to cause a small amount of damage. Which included killing one of my friends. I won't blame you, I know Linnen sent them as a team. Things might have played out differently if you were there, but too late for any of that, right?" He asked as Gorgon asked in rage.

"Where are they!?"

"Like I said, dead." Replied Voltz as Gorgon growled.

"I made sure they suffered. You want to hurt my family? You want to try and kill me? You want to end any hope of freedom again for this country? I'll have you know I will kill anyone you send after me and just like Jagger and Ruby I will make them beg. But have no fear Gorgon. I have a feeling our time will come, and when it does I want you to know this is personal now."

"Where are you Voltz!?" Asked Gorgon with a shout as Raptor replied lightly.

"Heading back home. It was nice talking to you."

"You son of bitch! You stay where you are and let's settle this like men!" Ordered Gorgon as Raptor replied slowly.

"I won't. For one reason, I'm not a man anymore. I'm a monster of my own creation, and just like any monster I will be in any place you don't want me to be in. I will hunt you all down and I will kill every last one of you. Goodbye Gorgon."

With Raptor's end going silent, I ordered.

"Get out there and catch that asshole! I want choppers in the air searching the city and the main roads leaving out of town! When you find him, you stop him at all costs! You understand!?"

Gorgon nodded and ran out with his men. Retaking my seat as they left, I felt a slight chuckle coming. Did he really kill those two?

Black's POV, Dune outside Pakistan border.

With the Raptor tossing the comm next to the bodies and me in the driver's seat, I nodded my head as he ordered.

"Back to Iraq. We have work to do."

"The C4?" I wondered as he walked around to the passenger side to hop in. With the detonator in his hand he replied.

"Don't worry about that. Just get us going."

Nodding, I started our drive back. Gen Sec was probably on the way. Hitting full speed soon, I got us back on the road. With Raptor silent next to me I asked.

"You know what your getting into with Gorgon right?"

Looking over he replied.

"I'm not scared of anyone Black. In the end he's just a man. And I've killed my fair share of heroes."

"He's no hero." I stated back as he then smiled to reply.

"Then it'll be even easier."

Nodding my head, I refocused on the road. With Raptor going to his comm, he turned it on and waited.

"When we get back I want you to escort me to my office. I have something I want to give you."

I kept silent as we soon heard some noise coming from his comm link.

Gorgon's POV.

"He was this close?! How come Gen Sec didn't spot him!?" Asked Tusk as I ordered.

"Shut the fuck up and be ready! I want this asshole dead!"

With everyone at the ready, we parked up near the edge of the dune. By now Gen Sec decided to respond and they were already at the site. Jumping out in front, I led the way to see them moving what appeared to be two bodies.

"Stop!" I ordered them as they looked at me from where they were. With my men and I getting close, they lowered the bodies back on the ground. Coming to a stop, I let out a panicked gasp as I rested my eyes on Ruby first. The others came behind me and widened their eyes as they saw she was shot in the head.

"Holy shit Ruby. Jagger?" Said Tusk as I looked to the other body to see the face was covered by a black bag. I already knew it was Jagger by the rest of the body, but I had to be sure. Undoing the bag I pulled it off to see his face.

"What the fuck!?" Questioned Scrotus as I had to look away. Jagger's entire face looked like it was cut off. The skin was gone and it was nothing but interior tissues and muscles.

"I'm going to fucking kill him Gorgon!" Stated Blitz as I nodded and looked up to the men from Gen Sec to ask.

"Where did they go?"

Looking off in the distance, the leader of the team replied.

"Back to the main road it looks like."

"Fuck!" I shouted in anger as I approached where my two men were once laid out before being moved by these useless fucks.

With my men looking at me from where they were I ordered.

"We're going after them! Back to the Humvee and...?"

"BOOM!"

Black's POV.

We could hear the explosion. It sounded like thunder in the distance but we could hear it none the less.

Glancing over to Raptor, I saw him smiling slightly.

"Consider that payback." He said with a heavy breath as he shut his eyes in his seat.

Looking back, all I could see was a small smoke cloud.

mT Shadow.