Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 88 – Please.
Raptor's POV, Afghanistan Capital, 4 hours later.
The flight was full of silence. I managed to get a few hours of rest in between the trip. Hunter on the other hand was thinking about something. I had a feeling as to what it was about, but no point in asking her what she thinks about meeting Alicia. Sooner or later they would have to meet. Best get it out of the way now.
On the other hand I really just wanted to see Ghost. I knew Midnight was going to be happy to see me, but I wanted to see my son. See how the time without me has effected him, if any. Little rat probably still hates me if he's anything like me at that age. Regardless I can't wait to see them. It will fill a gap just knowing their all safe while I wage this war.
"Landing in two!" Shouted the pilot as we were nearing the capital.
With Black and his men getting ready after the long trip, I knew they were ready to make themselves known among the rebellion. The uniforms were designed to install fear in the hearts of everyone. In a way I want everyone to know not to try anything. I want them to fear me as I walk by. With Black and his men, I knew I could.
Gathering a small bag I packed just for the occasion. I wrapped it around my back and made sure I was set. I didn't plan on dealing with Mason for hours just yet. Family first.
With the helicopter coming in for a landing, I soon urged Black and his men.
"Remember what I said. Just cause we're in Afghanistan, doesn't mean we're any less in danger. I want a tight hold and keep your eyes out for anything, got it?"
"Yes Commander." Replied Black as the others nodded. Looking then to Hunter I urged.
"Relax. I just want her to see you. Nothing about what happened between us will leave my lips. I promise. Just wear a happy face and try to make a good impression will ya? You look like shit." I stated as I ran my thumb under her bottom lip to smile. Instantly Hunter pushed my hand aside to chuckle.
"Shut up. I am relaxed."
"Good. Then let's do this already."
Standing out of my seat, I shouted to the pilot.
"Open it up!"
"Yes sir!" He replied as the back door to the chopper opened.
With light beaming inside the helicopter, I adjusted my eyes to be met directly by Mason. No surprise there. His eyes instantly widened as Black was the first to approach him.
"Form up!" He ordered his men as they gathered around us. In utter confusion Mason asked.
"What's all this about Raptor?"
"Just a precaution Mason. I don't feel safe. Not even here. These men are my personal guards and will accompany me around the city. You already met Black." I stated as Black offered his hand. Mason couldn't even tell it was him because of the sheer magnitude of the armor and helmet. But trusting me he asked.
"How are you Black?"
"Better now that I'm on land."
"Good." Replied Mason as he looked back to me to wonder.
"Business first? Or...?"
"Alicia and my kids." I stated as I finished his sentenced. With a nod he replied.
"The kids are with her now in the mess hall. Let's go get them and we'll head somewhere less crowded. The mess is packed right about now."
Nodding I replied.
"Sounds good. Lead the way. It's been a while since I was last here. I need to collect my bearings as we go."
Mason understood and with ease he began to lead my small group down the helipad and towards the main entrance of the capital. Once again everyone stared as Black and his team clearly made a statement without words. I'm happy I decided to go ahead with the current gear.
Upon entering the capital I could already hear the men talking about me. Some even asked why I was here.
"Am I this big of a deal in Afghanistan?" I wondered as Mason and I walked side by side.
Nodding Mason replied.
"Don't act blind Raptor. A lot of my men here are veterans from the last war. Those men in particular know who you are and the things you did during the action. Most of them would kill to work with you now."
"And the others?" I asked in curiosity as he glanced to Black to reply.
"Some others are worried if your the right man for the job over in Iraq. A select few find you to be nothing more then another murderer who just knows how to talk to others."
Stopping in my tracks as we reached the mess hall entrance, Mason stopped to look back at me to urge.
"I'm just being honest. I know you are the man for the job Raptor. No one else is. We can't expect to get another Shadow Robotnik during this war. It just doesn't happen that way."
"I'm going to whatever I have too to win this war Mason."
Taking my shoulder Mason replied.
"I know you will. And a lot of it will be bad. It's the sacrifice a leader makes for his men. That rule applies to a squad normally, but for you it applies for a nation. You can't expect everyone to fall in line."
"Those who don't, will be dealt with." I stated as he questioned.
"You say that like you plan on killing them."
Now we just stared at one another. Mason slowly began to nod his head.
"Okay. I get it. But everyone here is on the same side, opinions different or not. We are all fighting for the same goal Raptor. Leave the killing to the troops. There is no need to go looking for trouble yourself."
"I know that. But sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who will get the job done right."
Mason looked back at Black to reply.
"I feel the same way, but I'm still alive cause I learned to trust the men under my command. You should try to do the same."
I went silent as Mason then urged.
"Come on. Better not keep her waiting any longer."
Nodding my head as he got the door, Black and his men took the lead as we entered. Slowly I scanned around the large room for any sign of my wife or kids. But all I could see were hundreds of heads turn as I made my presence known. Without warning someone yelled.
Alicia's POV.
The room went silent for some reason. Looking around in confusion with Midnight and Ghost nearby, I widened my eyes as someone yelled.
"Commander on deck!"
Suddenly everyone got up to face the entrance. In confusion still, I grabbed Midnight's hand and guided us to the center to widen my eyes at what I saw.
"Daddy!" Midnight shouted as she ran out of my grip.
I was shocked. I know Midnight couldn't see what I saw, but something was wrong. Lost in my own train of thought, I ran after Midnight who was already at her dad's legs.
"Hey kiddo!" He shouted as he got down to grab her.
Slowly coming close to my husband, I began to feel worried as he had one of his men playing really close to his body. He almost stood between us it was that close.
With Raptor still embracing his daughter, I looked to my side as Ghost walked next to me. Raptor on the other hand took notice and ordered in a loud and strong voice.
"At ease!"
Everyone retook their seats as Raptor then looked back to me to smile. I smiled back as he then ordered the man in front of him.
"At ease Black. Let my wife and son through."
"Yes sir."
The helmet this soldier wore was something unknown to me. His voice sounded dark as he slowly walked a few feet away.
"How are you?" Raptor wondered as he put down Midnight.
"Tired. But what do you expect?" I replied as he chuckled and came in for a hug.
With my arms wrapping around him, I immediately panicked as I noticed his ear.
"What happened!?"
Midnight and Ghost didn't notice till now ether.
"Where's your ear daddy?" Wondered Midnight as it was clear he didn't want to talk about it here. Retaking his daughter, Raptor replied.
"Let's talk outside. Come on Ghost." He urged his son who hesitated to his father's command. But slowly he moved and began to follow us. As we walked I noticed another woman with him. She kept close to him as well. Who is she? I wondered as we soon got outside. With Raptor's men breaking off from us, Raptor turned around to face me.
"You wana tell us what happened?" I asked him as he felt his missing ear to reply.
"I ran into some trouble. But like you said, what do you expect?"
All I felt was disappointment. Raptor knew it too as he added.
"It's fine though. Marx sealed it all up and I can hear just as well as before. Forget about it."
"Then what about the rest of you? The bruises? The cuts? The protection? And sorry, but who is this bitch?" The female who kept close widened her eyes as Raptor looked at her and back to me really quick.
"Calm down Alicia." He urged me as I was getting fired up.
"Calm down?! I needed you here days ago! Did you know I almost died!" I yelled at him as Ghost urged.
"Stop mom."
Looking to my son I replied.
"I won't stop! Everything is changing and I'm forced to stay here and watch it all happen! Now you decide to grace us with your presence and in this condition!? Do you have any idea Raptor what is going on anymore!? Do you even care about us?!" I asked him as everyone around was watching.
Black's POV.
My men and I watched this go down. Raptor had to have known this wasn't going to be a picnic with his wife. She's right, but yelling at him isn't going to help anyone. Raptor on the other hand just stood there and took it. Mason who also watched and listened soon ordered.
"Relax Alicia! You're making a scene!"
"I will make a scene!" She replied as she got close to Raptor who still stood his ground.
"Do you have any idea what me or the kids are going through here without you?!"
Raptor remained silent as Alicia then asked.
"Do you even care about us?! Be honest!"
"Of course I care about you." Replied Raptor as Alicia began to cry.
"Do you!?"
"Alicia...baby I...?!"
Without warning, everyone widened their eyes as she sent a straight punch into his mouth. Immediately I jumped in between them to order.
"Stay back!"
Leo and Mason guided Raptor a few feet away as Hunter was now with the kids who were just as scared and confused as the rest of us. Alicia charged into my chest to yell at Raptor who wiped his mouth off of blood.
"Then just once I would like a god damn phone call or maybe a fucking letter at least you asshole! And if for one second you expect me to believe you were too busy to do ether, I'll have you know there is more where that came from!"
"I just came to see my wife and kids." Stated Raptor back as Alicia quickly replied.
"And you saw them! Congratulations! Now if that was all you wanted then please, by all means, get back on that helicopter and leave! Cause I'm done dealing with your bullshit Raptor!"
"Ya you've been done since I told you I was taking command of the rebellion. I knew that much already. You can't expect me to be able to do everything right now. I have thousands of people to train in Iraq. I have a spy leaking information to G.U.N. I had two assassins try to kill me while I was in a coma! And on top of it all Wreak is fucking dead!"
My eyes widened as Raptor raised his voice with that last sentence to approach his wife who was equally as shocked.
"I know it's been hard on you. But trust me, it's been twenty times harder on me. I'm sorry if I can't come at the flick of a wrist, but shit is difficult right now Alicia! Do you understand that!?" He asked as I noticed a tear coming down his face.
With a sad voice now, Alicia replied.
"I...I...I didn't know about Wreak. I...Raptor I...?" Cutting her off Raptor replied.
"I know better then you what kind of a man I am. I know that as a husband and as a father I failed at both! But I do not need you calling me a liar! As if I am some man who would just forget about what's important in his life!"
Alicia now shook in her place as Raptor shouted at her as loud as he could.
"I knew the moment I landed here that seeing you would only cause me more problems! But I did it regardless cause I fucking missed you! I wanted to see my fucking kids! And I wanted to know you were safe!"
"Raptor I...?"
"I'm done playing games with you Alicia! I knew from the moment I signed on as Commander you and me were bound to butt heads!" Pointing at his son Raptor yelled.
"I have a son who fucking hates me too!"
Ghost widened his eyes as Raptor now looked at him directly.
"Oh I know you hate me Ghost! And to be quite honest I don't fucking care! Cause at the end of the day I'm out here bleeding and suffering so that maybe in the future when you learn to grow the fuck up, you'll be able to go out and do whatever you dream of doing with your life! I'm losing every last bit of sanity I have just so you can raise a family of your own some day! Hate me all you want you spoiled brat, but one day you'll hate yourself for it! I promise you that! Wana know how I know that!? Cause your my son!"
Ghost began to cry as Raptor glanced at midnight.
"Our daughter is the only one who seems to care about me. You pretend with the best of them Alicia. Just like our son, I know you hate me just as much for leaving you alone. I'm sorry, but it's a sacrifice I have to make. So go on. Keep standing there and thinking you know everything. But I'll have you know I'm done with this. I came to the conclusion a long time ago I was bound to lose my family during this war. I wish it would have taken longer, but sooner is better then later right?" He asked Alicia as I tried to face him to urge.
"Don't Commander. It's not worth it."
Pushing me aside, Raptor got right in her face to say.
"I'm done trying for you. Go to hell. Both of you." He urged as he looked at Ghost as well with that statement.
Everyone was shocked, even the men who had no clue what was going on.
Raptor slowly stepped back and ordered.
"Let's go."
Everyone stayed where they were as Raptor walked for the capital. Once through the door and gone did I look to see his family broken into pieces. Alicia was just upset. Everyone knew why. It's not anyone's fault. She was just not in control of her emotions. And there was no call for yelling at his kid like that.
With Alicia in tears and her kids sobbing, I ordered my men.
"Come on. We need to find him."
Leo, Gabe, and Tap all agreed and began to follow me as I lead us after Raptor.
Hunter's POV.
I had no words to describe what I was feeling right now. With Raptor's wife barely able to stand and his kids trying not to break down, I slowly approached the female wolf to urge.
"Just give him some time. Raptor has been through a lot the past few days. He just overreacted."
Shaking her head, Alicia replied.
"No he didn't. I know my husband better then anyone ever will. I know the tone he uses when he means what he says. But is he right? Are we bound to just break apart like this? That can't be true. No matter how bad things are me and the kids are suppose to be the one thing he has left to cling to in this cruel world. The one thing he can count on in life for anything. There isn't any way he can just drop us. It's not who he is."
"That's why he's wrong. He didn't mean what he said. You need to stop questioning that and just know for a fact he'll be back. I'm telling you now he will be back. Cause your right, it's not in his blood to just forget about the good things in his life. Especially when he doesn't have many left." I stated with a smile as she now stared at me in confusion.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Hunter. I saved your husband's life back in Iraq. Since then I've been working with him. I know it hasn't been long, but I can see it in him. He's a good man."
"You saved his life?" Wondered Alicia as I nodded with a smile to reply.
"Yeah."
Everything in my mind snapped as she then urged.
"Next time, do me and my kids a favor and just let him die. Hell, you'll probably just be helping everyone by doing that."
With my mind and eyes opened in utter shock of her words, I watched as she gathered her kids. Slowly and still crying, they walked off for the capital. Mason who was left with me slowly approached to grab me by the shoulder. In utter loss for words I asked.
"Did you hear her?"
Nodding he replied.
"I did. But there is no point in arguing about it Hunter. Alicia and Raptor are two completely different people. But if there is one thing I learned it's that if it's meant to keep going, Raptor will come around."
"And if it's not?" I wondered as Mason looked away in thought of the answer. After letting out a sigh he looked back into my eyes to reply.
"It'll be one less thing on his mind to worry about. And if and when it comes to that, Alicia will find a way to move on. She always has. With or without Raptor."
Slowly Mason began to walk back to the capital leaving me in utter confusion.
I thought this was going to be a good thing. Seeing his family I mean. But the only thing that's come out from it is pain and sadness. I may not know or understand Raptor as good as she thinks she does, but I do know he won't just drop his family. It's not the man he is. Raptor will come back around. He has too. Right?
Commander Drake Linnen's POV, Pakistan Capital.
I just got word from my men in Afghanistan. Voltz was there. With the order already in affect, I watched as Gorgon got on his gear.
"You make sure you bring him in alive." I said to him as he glanced up at me to reply.
"I'll do what is necessary. Voltz will not just hand himself over."
"With his wife and kids at gunpoint, he'll do anything. If he hesitates you have permission to use force. Don't hold back."
"Just worry about taking back Iraq after he's in our hands. We can't afford to mess this up now." Stated Gorgon as he grabbed his rifle to head for the exit.
"I'll be back. When I do, me and you are settling things once and for all."
"You get Voltz and we'll not have another problem when it comes to Lore. You have my word." I replied as I watched him leave my sight.
With the door shutting behind him, I refocused and went back to my office. It's just a matter of time now. No matter how tough he thinks he is. Voltz will fold his hand here and now. I'm sure of it.
Raptor's POV, Afghanistan capital.
Mason stared at me from across his desk as I stayed silent in bitter anger. Black and his men converged around the desk as Mason wondered.
"Are you okay Raptor?"
I kept silent. Gently Black grabbed my shoulder.
"Commander?"
I haven't felt this much rage in a long time. It was all around my head and I was unable to put together the words needed to talk back. If I could it would be nothing more then yelling.
With Black still holding me, Mason said in a soft tone.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat things for you Raptor. What's happening between you and Alicia should be kept personal. Try not to let it cloud your mind now. Everyone is counting on you to make the right calls. Save it for the enemy. Both of you said what you had to say. You each have a valid point to be made. You won't get anywhere further by telling them to fuck off. Hell you can't afford another loss Raptor. Especially as one as big as your kids."
Instantly I began to cry silently. Everyone saw my tears. And with them rolling down my face, I began to growl. Black held my shoulder tighter as I said as controlled as possible.
"I know."
Mason was now trying to be careful as he urged.
"Focus on the rebellion. There is too much work to be done still. Alicia loves you. You love her. The two of you will work this out. You always have. Just take time now to collect yourself. It's probably what she is doing right now as well."
As he said that the door leading into the office open. Hunter slowly came walking in to shut it behind her. Looking back at her to see something was wrong, I asked.
"What happened?"
Everyone looked to her as she panicked and replied.
"Nothing happened."
I knew she was lying. Nodding my head I replied with a sarcastic smile.
"Sure. Leave it unsaid. Probably better that way."
Hunter knew I read her lie. She lowered her head and ears as Black urged.
"Leave it alone Commander. Mason is right. We have too much on the line now to get sidetracked."
Looking to Mason Black asked.
"What's the situation here?"
Instantly Mason replied.
"Don't worry about my rebellion here in Afghanistan. Iraq is of the first concern. We can deal with Afghanistan later."
Shaking his head Black urged.
"Sooner or later we are going to have to handle things here. Just give us a quick run down so at least we know what to expect Mason."
Mason let out a sigh then looked back to me. Slowly I ordered.
"Tell him."
Nodding Mason looked back to Black to reply.
"Afghanistan is a split country right now. G.U.N is located throughout the city. The rebellion controls the borders and the capital, but they get to run the laws and protect the civilians in case of war. As of right now I have no authority to fight them. The same goes for them. Until war is declared we are at a standstill."
"There has to be more going on. Who is in charge? Linnen has to have someone here controlling the operations." Stated Leo as Mason nodded very carefully.
I knew I wasn't being told something. Sensing that Mason was hiding it I asked personally.
"From what I remember Mason, Linnen had a General in charge of the forces here. From what I know that man was sent back to the states the second I took over Iraq. From there Linnen was to assign the position to someone else. Who is it?" Mason gulped and leveled himself in the chair to reply softly.
"I think it's best we wait to discuss this Raptor."
"What's the problem? We're just asking for a name here Mason." Stated Black as Leo wondered.
"How bad can it be?"
Mason kept silent as I now looked into his eyes.
"Sooner or later we will need to handle this country. Mason I don't know who it is, but I want to know. Who is it? Who did Linnen put in charge of the G.U.N forces?"
"Raptor I...!?"
"Who?!" I now asked with a commanding tone as the room went silent.
With our eyes locked on one another, I felt my heart skip a beat as he replied.
"Hannon."
I felt everything from my head to my heart stop. With wide open eyes of confusion and shock I questioned.
"Who?"
"Hannon." He replied again as Black immediately asked.
"Hannon? The guy you told me about who was a General for the Rebellion back during when Shadow Robotnik was in charge? How the fuck did he get the position?"
"Linnen bought him out early on before all this." Stated Mason as Tap instantly questioned.
"He killed G.U.N! How does a guy like that get a position among his very enemy!?"
Mason stood his ground and replied.
"It's not like they have many options. Hannon went to Pakistan for a while and asked Linnen for the job. Linnen wasn't about to deny an expendable asset. Especially one with Hannon's background. As far as I know Linnen covered the tracks and Hannon's past crimes have been forgiven. Not even the men under his command know he was a rebellion General. And from what I have heard Hannon is out for blood. He's doing everything he can to prepare for the war. I'm positive that not too long after it is all set and ready to go, he'll act fast in retaking the capital here."
I was lost in all words right now. I never would have thought Hannon would go this far to see me dead. But I guess it's his only way to turn things around between him and G.U.N.
"Where is he?" I asked Mason as he shook his head to reply.
"If I had to guess he's at the G.U.N base just north of the city. Its the same base Shadow killed the first G.U.N Commander at. They rebuilt the place and now it's more then able to fight back. And from what I know it's the main storage facility for most of the hardware they got here."
"Does he have anyone good under his command?" Asked Black as Mason nodded.
"He has some black ops troopers and a shit load of ground forces. Easily a few hundred stationed there. No Users from what I know, but last time I was there I did see some guys in red uniforms walking around. Maybe personal protection, but they looked too clean. Could be transfers from the states."
"Red uniforms?" Said Gabe in confusion as Leo wondered.
"Special forces?"
Black shook his head and replied.
"Only guys that wear red that I know of are the G.U.N special service operatives. But that can't be them. They operate under Hecan Moore's command. Why would they be working for a guy like Hannon?"
With my mind racing around the block, I jumped in to urge.
"Fuck it Black. Let's just refocus on the current issue at hand. Hannon needs to be dealt with."
Mason instantly replied.
"Not till war. Anything before could jeopardize a treaty in the future. We need to let them start it first before making a move like that."
Nodding my head I replied.
"Fine. But when the time comes and I'm ready, I will be going after him Mason. No question about it."
"I won't stop you." Stated Mason as Hunter then asked.
"What about Iraq?"
Looking to her Mason replied.
"The troops there need to finish training. Along with that, Raptor you have to deal with getting everything ready for when war comes. Everything you have needs to be at the ready."
"It will be." I replied as he nodded.
As we went silent once more, my head began to thump again. It hurt trying to understand Hannon and his actions. So much pain was in my heart; and fucking up again with Alicia doesn't help one bit. But I won't take back what I said. I'm done trying to fix this between us. And I'm done with Ghost acting like I'm doing nothing for him. The pair of them are going to be the thing that kills me. I swear.
Slowly standing up from my seat, I said with a lost tone.
"I need to get some rest Mason. I can't think anymore about all this shit."
Nodding Mason replied.
"I have a room in the officer's barracks, but I don't know if you'll want to rest there."
"Why not?" I asked in confusion as he replied.
"It's Shadow's old room. Before he became the Commander. I don't know I might be over thinking it, but I just...?" Nodding I replied.
"I'll be fine."
"And us Commander?" Wondered Black as I ordered.
"Go get some rest. I wana go out tomorrow and look around the city. Maybe visit the cemetery."
Black nodded and Mason urged.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"I'll be fine Mason. I...I promise."
Slowly Mason let me off with that and I was able to leave. Hunter followed as I shut the door behind us.
"You okay?" She asked as we now walked towards the officer's barracks together.
"I just need time to think Hunter. I'll be fine."
"Want me to wake you in the morning?" She then asked as I nodded.
"Yeah. I don't wana sleep in passed seven."
"I'll be there. Just don't draw a gun on me if I kick open the door." She urged me with a smile as I smiled back to reply.
"No promises."
"Night Raptor." She said as she stopped following.
"Night." I replied with a small smile as I now walked alone.
With everything at it's peak I knew now was my time to let go.
Approaching Shadow's old room, I slowly opened the door to look inside. It was like nothing in here had been touched since that time.
Heading for the bed after locking the door behind me, I laid down to let out a heavy sigh.
"I can't fucking believe this." I said to myself as I placed my phone down next to me to then shut my eyes.
With my head still thumping, I tried to focus on sleeping. Who knows how long till I can rest again.
mT Shadow.