Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 93 – Why?
Linnen's POV, Pakistan Capital.
Gorgon and his remaining men stood in front of me as I looked at Raptor's tags that were on top of my desk. With a growl I yelled at Gorgon.
"I wanted him alive!"
"I wanted him dead." He replied back as we locked eyes.
"You broke a direct order." I stated as he quickly snapped back to say into my face with force.
"Fuck your orders Drake. What does it matter if he's alive or dead? Ether way his head was going to roll and the rebellion would devolve after time."
"It was a bargaining chip to have him here. Hecan would have no issue letting me finish the war the way I planned to end it."
"But it still doesn't matter Commander." Stated Scrotus as I looked over to him.
"He's dead. He's gone. The rebellion will die out in a matter of months."
"And what if they don't?" I asked him as he looked to Gorgon to reply.
"We would handle it. Without Voltz they have no solid leadership. Any attack they could try would be executed poorly and given enough time we would snuff them out regardless. The war is ours to win ether way we look at it. And besides the clear hate you two have for each other, we need to look forward right now. What is done is done. We can't rewind time."
Gorgon took a step back and added.
"It's over. The war will be won. All that is left to do is wait. See how the rebellion reacts and if you want offer them a way out so we don't have to destroy all of Iraq forcing them to stand down."
Part of me wanted to go off on him again, but nodding my head I ordered.
"Go rest up for now. All of you. I need time to think things over."
Gorgon quickly turned to leave with his men. But not after taking Raptor's tag with him. It was probably a prize for him at this point. After all he lost Jagger and Ruby to that prick.
As they left I retook my place behind my desk and contemplated what to do next.
Even though I hate to admit it. Gorgon was right. The war is bound to end in a matter of time.
Hunter's POV, Iraq Capital, That same night.
The whole building was full of life right now. Raptor was going to live. Not more the an hour ago the rebellion was heartbroken. Now it's as if there is a fire building and it was just about to reach it's peak.
Archer had everyone that wanted to celebrate outside. That way Raptor could sleep in peace. Marx and myself kept to his room however. I wasn't going to leave his side till I had my chance to see him awake once more.
"Here." Urged Marx as he came up to me with a roll of bandages.
Looking to Raptor he said.
"Help me cover the wounds."
With seconds passing as we covered up the stitches on his chest. I took a look at his forehead. Marx caught my eyes and said in a soft tone.
"I hope he'll wake up again soon. I hope the bullet didn't cause any internal damage as well. There is no telling what it might have knocked around."
"Do you think he'll be okay though?" I wondered as he just let out a sigh to reply.
"He'll be alive...but when it really hits him about what happened to his family, I'm honestly worried. I know Raptor. I knew him for years. He's always been a tough son of a bitch, but now that their dead I don't know if he can handle the pain. Not again."
"Again?" I said in confusion as he nodded his head.
"A long time ago he had a wife and a daughter. This was well before the first war with Shadow Robotnik. G.U.N targeted him and raided his home one night. They both were killed before his eyes."
My eyes opened up as Marx just shook his head.
"He lost himself that day and was never the same person he use to be. He might not be able to go through this again."
"You think he'll hurt himself?" I asked in a serious tone as he replied.
"Yes."
We both fell silent at that moment. After some time we got the last bandage on and took our time to relax for now. Sounds of the party outside could be heard. I hope Raptor knows how many people love and care for him. It might be the only thing that saves him if what Marx says is true.
Raptor's POV.
Opening my eyes I wondered where and what had happened since I last saw Marx. I know I passed out, but where am I now? I wondered as I looked around my area. Nothing made much sense. It was pitch dark but I could still see. Nothing made noise alongside my breathing. Getting comfortable with the position I soon began to hear footsteps coming from behind me. Slowly I turned to see that fox making his way towards me slowly.
"Who are you?" I asked as he stopped no more then a few feet away to smile and reply.
"You can't be serious right?"
Part of me wasn't in the mood. His tone sounded like he thought I was an idiot for asking that question. But soon figuring out I was serious he stated.
"Guess I shouldn't be shocked. After all I stopped visiting you after the first time this happened."
"After what happened?" I questioned as he calmly urged.
"Take a seat Raptor."
In confusion I looked behind me to see a small chair like the one I had in my office behind me no more then a foot away. Looking back to his dark eyes I took a chance and sat down slowly. After I was placed he asked.
"Do you remember anything from before? Back when you were just starting out in the rebellion? Back when you had your daughter Abbey? Back when you shot her?"
Instantly I tried to lunged at him but for some reason I felt myself pinned to the seat. Nothing restrained me but I was forced to stay as he nodded his head to my reaction.
"Ya I would say you do remember that much at least."
"Your not real!" I shouted as he just smiled.
"You keep saying that, but I am. You just don't remember."
I just growled now. It's all I could really do as he took his chance to get up on me. I could feel his breath. It was so cold. But keeping his smile he said with a fogyish tone.
"I'm a specter simply said. I follow wherever death takes me. I'm attracted to it you could say. Hell I may even be death himself. But I'll let you figure that out. What you need to understand is I love death. I love the people that cause it and I love people who are prone to it. Like your old buddy Shadow."
My eyes stuck to his as he nodded his head.
"What a man. Kills hundreds. Kills loved ones. Kills himself at the end of it all. And I was there the whole way. He probably told you about me. I think I remember a very certain scene with you two on a rooftop together. Any bells yet?" He asked as I was lost for words. This didn't make any sense.
"How about when you were tied to a chair in Linnen's base? Remember talking to your buddy Shadow? I do. You told him to fuck off if I remember correctly. Well me...you told me to fuck off."
"That was you?" I asked in confusion as he just smiled and replied.
"I've been with you before Raptor. You drove yourself mad when Abbey died. You almost went with her. But I made you forget the pain. You moved on. And now what? Alicia and the kids are dead. You shot Ghost and murdered Midnight. Here I thought you were a good father."
He knew just how to push me the right way. I was boiling inside as he urged with a hand to my side.
"Calm down. It's done and over with. And you're still alive. Which reminds me. You owe me. I said no more second chances the last time we talked. Now you owe me." He stated as I growled.
"Your not real. I don't owe you shit."
"God I wish you were more reasonable. It would make this so much easier."
"You don't know me. You have no idea what I've been through."
Shaking his head he replied.
"I know everything."
"Prove it then." I urged him as he smiled again to question.
"Are you sure about that? You already forgot once."
"Try me." I ordered him as he placed his hand on my face to reply.
"Fine. Have it your way."
In a split second everything went white.
Marx's POV.
Hunter wasn't going to leave his side. I don't blame her. I probably wasn't ether. I had to be around the next time he wakes up. I just had to.
"Marx?" Said Hunter in concern as I looked at her to see she was staring at Raptor. He was shivering. In confusion I came over to place my hand on his head. He was freezing. How?
"Is he okay?" Wondered Hunter as I took notice to the fact he was sweating at the top of his forehead.
"I don't know." I replied in a loss for words.
It was at least seventy five degrees in this room alone. How could he be cold? I wondered as he suddenly stopped shaking. Hunter then took his hand in hers to urge.
"That's it. Calm down Raptor."
"I didn't know what just happened. But it couldn't have been normal for a man in his condition. He should be sleeping normally thanks to the shot I gave him earlier."
With Raptor now calming down, I looked to Hunter to wonder.
"You want something to eat? I'm starving."
Nodding she replied.
"Sure. I'm going to stay here if that's alright."
"I'll be back." I stated as she kept her eyes on him.
Taking my chance I left the room to see the halls empty. The party outside was still going to no ones surprise. I'd assume the mess to be empty as well. As I made my way into the room I found Black and his friends at a table. Instantly Black shouted.
"Marx!"
Heading his way I replied.
"Hey. You're not out with Archer and the others?"
"Between us I don't think Archer and me should hang out. We still don't really see eye to eye. That and we just aren't the party types." Stated Black as I then asked.
"You okay?"
Giving me a strange look he replied.
"How is he alive?"
Quickly I looked away as he applied on the pressure to a question I had no answer for.
"He was dead. I felt it. I saw it. Marx?"
"I don't know." I replied as he went quiet.
"He was dead. That I understand. When we got his body back here I ran every test I knew to see if he was just a little bit alive in there somewhere. But I got nothing. No response. Then the second I'm about to clean him up for a funeral he jumps back to life out of no where. I don't know how. And I should be happy for him. And don't get me wrong I am. But I don't know Black. Miracle is the only word I have that comes close to his case." I stated as Tap then chimed in to wonder.
"Regardless he lost everything last night. What are we gonna do when he wakes up again? There is no way he'll just spring back to work."
Nodding I then said in response.
"I wana be there with him when that time comes. I need to know what I'm dealing with it."
Tap took my answer and looked back to Black to ask.
"And the war?"
Black calmly replied.
"Linnen won't attack. Not yet. Not as soon as you think. As far as I am concerned he was behind it. He knows or thinks Raptor died last night. We need...?" Cutting him of I said carefully.
"When Raptor first came through he said Gorgon was the man who killed him and his family. He made him shoot his son and daughter."
The mood shifted as I said in response.
"If there is one thing I know for sure. It's that Raptor will want to go find him. I can't picture him standing still."
"We need him though. That's more important." Stated Gabe as I shook my head to reply.
"It's rebellion important. But Raptor might think otherwise. If all he sees is red when he wakes up I don't think we can stop him from making some rough calls just hoping he will lure Gorgon and his men out for a chance at revenge."
"Raptor isn't dumb. But we cant assume his feelings right now." Stated Black as I nodded.
"When he wakes up we need to be there for him. We need to help him through this. I might not understand him the best, but I saw that he cared about his family. That he loved them more then he led on. Revenge is an option. But right now we need to see what Linnen does."
"What about that kid?" Wondered Tap as we all widened our eyes to remember.
"He's a spy. Right now he could be telling Linnen he survived. It's not like the boys out there are keeping it a secret."
"Black if Linnen finds out...?" Nodding Black replied in speed.
"Char was informed about him. He has him stationed outside the border doing patrol duty daily with his squad. That way he can't be here listening in."
"He will find out though." I replied as he then stated in force.
"He won't be a problem. Raptor said to leave him alone. But his whole team knows he's the spy. And his leader isn't dumb. He won't find out. And if he does somehow he can't get away from us. It will expose his cover. Linnen won't find out. I'm sure of it."
Looking me in the eyes Black said.
"And if for whatever reason he still finds a way to relay the information. I'll go kill him. You have my word."
The table went silent once more and taking my time to collect my thoughts I soon urged.
"I need to get back to him. I just came to pick up something to eat for Hunter."
Black and his men understood and with a calm tone now Black said.
"Just focus on Raptor. Leave the rest to us. What's important right now is making sure he's safe."
After those words I proceeded to get food. After which I went back to Raptor's room. Hunter jumped at the sign of food and I took my time to eat mine as well. I was going to need it after today.
Death's POV.
Raptor now stood in absolute silence. His eyes wide open and not a word about what just happened coming from his mouth. All I could do was watch as he tried to piece it all together. Taking action I said to the motionless man.
"You told me to prove it. You told me I wasn't real. Now what do you have to say?"
In an instant he fell to his ass and replied in a crippling voice.
"Why? How?"
Letting out an understanding sigh I replied.
"You asked me to help you forget. Abbey was the bargaining chip for that. The chip you laid down on this table yourself back then. But I don't have to say that anymore. You saw what you did. You saw what happened to your mother. You saw what you did to your father. You saw it all. And when you offered your daughter up to me, I made sure you forgot."
Tears began to come out of his eyes as I stated.
"You killed Midnight. There isn't a way out this time from it all."
"He was lost now knowing the truth. But he did ask for it."
"Why did you save me this time?"
Widening my eyes to the question I replied.
"What?"
"I died. Why did you stop that from happening? I gave you Abbey. Why save me now? I'm useless."
"I wouldn't say useless Raptor. You still have a lot to do with your life." I replied as he then questioned.
"Like what?"
Approaching him, I knelt down in front to say into his eyes.
"Win the war? Free your people? Avenge Alicia and Ghost? Does that not still interest you?"
With our eyes locked he went silent. Placing my hand on his arm I said with a caring tone.
"The world still needs you. And even if the war is no longer a concern, I know you want him dead. And I can help you."
"How?" He asked in confusion as I smiled.
"By offering you strength you clearly are out of. The war will be over soon. And G.U.N will win without you. Gorgon and his men will be back in the states not long after. I can give you the chance to prevent all of that from happening. You just need to offer me something else."
Watching as my hand went down to his chest he replied.
"I have nothing to offer."
"Yes you do." I stated as he watched my hand land on his heart.
"When it came to Shadow he offered me his life. In return he won the war and accomplished so much else. In the end he got what he wanted and so did I. You offer me that, and together we can do even more."
"But I'll be dead." Replied Raptor as I nodded.
"Only when I want you to be. You have every chance to change that. I'll give you the power needed to see this through. So how about it?"
Looking back into my eyes. I watched with a smile as he showed me a new look. This one looked good. Without any other words he replied.
"Fine. You want me that bad?"
"Oh I do." I replied as he nodded his head.
"You can have me then. Just make sure you hang on to your end of the bargain."
"I never lie Raptor. And just like Shadow...you made the right choice."
Raptor looked determined as I began to focus on his chest once more. In an instant he let out a jab of pain.
"Your mine now." I stated as I pulled my hand off to see his eyes dart down to where it use to be. Widening his eyes he questioned.
"What now?"
Standing up I replied.
"Now you go home. You do whatever you think is best."
"What about you?"
"I'll be watching. I always am." I stated as he began to watch me walk away.
Raptor's POV.
I could feel my eyes opening. In a few seconds I noticed I was back to the real world. Hunter was sitting next to me and without a sudden movement I moved my hand that was under the covers I was in up to my chest. I could feel it.
All of the sudden I was hit with another burst of exhaustion.
Shutting my eyes again I tried to focus on sleep. And it wasn't long till I got it. Last thing I saw was Marx entering the room.
Marx's POV.
"How is he?" I asked Hunter as I shut the door.
Looking to Raptor she replied.
"Not a peep."
Offering her the food I smiled as she said.
"Thank you."
"No problem." I replied as she began to eat.
Placing down my tray, I took my time to approach the bed. Slowly I got towards Raptor's other side and proceeded to place my hand on his forehead. He was freezing again.
In confusion I looked to Hunter and said.
"I'm going to go get another blanket."
Nodding she replied.
"I'll be here."
Standing up from the bedside I made haste back into the hall.
"Please wake up Raptor." I begged as I was getting worried.
mT Shadow.