Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 107 – Easy?

Raptor's POV.

The meeting was clearing out. Archer said much more then I expected him to and Linnen just laughed in his face. I can only imagine the amount of restraint it took for him to sit back down after that. With Archer and I assume to be Black and his men leaving the room, I focused on Linnen who just continued to remain seated alongside Hecan. As I did, Gorgon came up from behind him to whisper something into his ear.

I don't know if he could feel it, but I was burning a hole into him. My eyes couldn't help but stare as Gorgon said his piece. After which he pulled back to wait. Linnen on the other hand took this as his chance to stand back up. Hecan then said.

"I think it's best you make sure the Commander is escorted out of the city Drake. Without! Violence." He urged as Linnen just smiled.

"There will be time for plenty of that after you leave sir. Right now we should be focused on making sure you get home safe. I can imagine you want to get out as soon as possible. You and of course your men." He then said as he looked right at me.

Our eyes locked. Linnen slowly nodded his head as Hecan replied.

"My men will not be leaving with me Commander."

"Oh? Why's that?" He then wondered as Hecan looked to Pierce who stood alongside him.

"I'm heading right from here to Russia to meet with the president about some other matters of world peace. I already have more then enough men stationed there to provide ample protection for me. As for these men however, they will be leaving when your support from the States comes in tomorrow afternoon. So not to disturb the well earned time off they have achieved. Wouldn't want them missing a day away from their families because I dragged them to the other side of the planet, no would we?" He asked Linnen as he went silent.

"So they will catch a flight back then. Which reminds me Drake. Make sure you and your men are prepared tomorrow for it. I can't afford to send replacements after this. You in my opinion are already well staffed for a war. Now you are getting three more battalions along with a tank and a chopper division. I hope you are grateful those back home are willing to extend this much for a quite honestly put...a smaller war. You have to worry about how many of those rebels?" He asked as Linnen calmly replied.

"This may be seen as a smaller war sir, but since they have killed Monroe the rebellion has taken back the city in Iraq. Not to mention they already have a good foothold in Afghanistan since of course this is where it all started. If you want numbers as of right now? My intelligence team says we are dealing with at least anywhere between five to six thousand rebellion troops. Most being in Iraq right now, but none the less it's not a small number compared to my own. Plus they have access to Monroe's arsenal of attack vehicles. Leaving them with more then enough armor to handle what I can throw at them. So sir in my opinion this won't be a small war. It'll be a headbutt."

Hecan nodded his head then with a smile said.

"Then I suggest you gather your command and start to think of a way to get the advantage. After that outburst I doubt you have long now. But I have faith Drake. You're a smart man. Now is just the time to prove it."

Linnen was at a loss for words as Hecan was just making him rethink his life. Hecan just made this sound like a game. Linnen's life is on the line. As a man in that position right now I can bet the pressure is on. Linnen just needs to get his support. After that it's all in the trenches.

With Hecan tucking his chair in, he took one more look at Linnen to then say.

"Who knows...maybe if this all goes well I'll see you with another star under your name Commander."

Linnen just stared on as Hecan then looked to Pierce to order.

"Let's get going. Once we are at the airport you men can feel free to mingle till your ride back tomorrow."

With Hecan heading for the stairs Linnen immediately shouted.

"Sir!?"

Hecan stopped to look back at the wolf.

"My men are also going to escort you." Gorgon quickly nodded and with haste began to walk towards the end of the stage with his men. Hecan on the other hand wondered.

"Is it necessary Drake?"

Nodding Linnen replied.

Just in case sir. Can't be too careful these days."

"Alright then. Come along gentlemen." He urged as Scrotus walked right by me. Soon followed Tusk and Blitz. Each of them ignoring me as they tried to reach their commander. Linnen took one last look at me then walked his way towards the other end of the stage. Soon he was out of my sight, leaving me with Hecan and the others who were heading for the exit. As I walked my way behind them I caught a glance to the crowd.

Many followed Linnen who I assumed had another conference to catch. I'm sure he was busy after all this bullshit.

As we made our way through the halls, I caught up to Pierce who kept his pace with Hecan towards the front. As we neared the main entrance Gorgon who stood no more then feet behind me ordered.

"My men with me!"

Hecan looked over to him as Gorgon soon stated.

"We'll be leading the way sir. Just follow our truck."

"Thank you Major." He then replied as Gorgon pushed his way out to the front of us to get the door.

As he pressed his body against it, I looked to notice Shadow's gun resting at his hip. Gently in his holster. Just sitting there. Around the butt of the gun however was something more. I knew them in my sleep. My dog tags wrapped around the gun. Like a trophy. I wanted to do something so bad it hurt. But I knew I would have to wait. I'll get that gun back, and when I do I'll make sure to shoot him in the head with it. That's a promise. I told myself as I struggled not to stare at him as I had to walk right by him as he held the door.

Once outside I was directed to Hecan's Humvee. I got in next to Pierce as Hecan was secured alongside me.

"Well that went quite well if I do say so." Stated Hecan to me as Pierce wondered.

"You think anyone noticed you Commander?"

Unsure I replied.

"If they did they didn't say or do a thing about it. Which is perfect for right now."

Hecan quickly laughed to add.

"Well Drake looked right at you! Haha! Whoever did you're masking did a great job! Give them my regards! Hah!"

"That was Zeta sir."

Nodding he replied.

"No surprise there. A woman knows just how to bend the looks. Ether way it's a good thing. Can't imagine that going well if Linnen did notice something."

"He only saw me twice in his lifetime. Doubt a man with his amount of problems remembers everything he sees. As for Gorgon...I was so close to snapping."

"Soon son." Replied Hecan as I then asked.

"You sure we can win this war? Even with all that support coming in?"

Hecan placed his hand on my shoulder to look me right in the eyes with a smile.

"Shadow won with a third of your current army and the odds were highly not in his favor. All support stands down when the head dies. The war was over when Reacher died. The same rules apply today. If anything Raptor I would consider this...hmmmm...an even playing field."

Hecan then went silent, patting my side as I thought to myself for a second. After which I looked back to Pierce.

"What is your plan after this?"

Calmly he replied back.

"After Hecan is secured I'll be taking everyone to meet up with Juper. I believe he was in charge of getting us some new gear. Can't have anyone see what side we play for."

I nodded as he then said.

"After that we will meet you at the address Hecan gave us here."

Looking back to him, Hecan replied.

"It's a safe house G.U.N had for years during your father's time. It's been shut down ever since, but with some attention you can use it as a new base. Or at the least a place to hide from the public eye. But Raptor?"

Our eyes locked once more as he said with a careful tone.

"I recommend that after you deal with Gorgon, you decide how to handle Drake. The faster you can end this, the less people have to die. Understand?"

"Yes sir." I replied as he placed his hand on my leg to pat it. After which he refocused on the ride. Looking back to Pierce he said.

"We'll regroup with you probably within the hour. After that we can figure this mess out. Hopefully get you back where you need to be."

"Where's that?" I then asked as he calmly replied.

"Back home to Iraq. You're replacement talks a big game, but I doubt he can lead as well as you. If you want to win this war after Gorgon, they will need you."

"Yeah...?" I replied unsure of the truth behind that still.

Nearing the airport we heard from comms.

"Arriving shortly. All teams be ready. Once package is in the air we can breathe."

Gorgon's voice was strong. I couldn't wait to hear it break under my boot.

With the truck coming to a stop, Hecan put his hand back on the side of my leg. My eyes went right to his as he said.

"One last thing before I leave you Commander."

Gorgon and his team could be seen approaching the truck as Hecan said with a small grin.

"After this is all over. Make sure not to lose yourself. The world is going to need a man like you. I would hate to see you meet an early grave like Robotnik."

"I'll try my best sir." I replied as he reached for the door. Before opening it he said.

"And do your best to take care of Zeta. Knowing the situation she's in I can hardly imagine what comes next for her. Be there. Will ya?"

I kept silent as he opened the door to step out into Gorgon's arms who then began to guide him towards the main entrance to the airport. His men along with Pierce's, all crowded around as I was left in the truck unnoticed.

I sat there for a second. Hecan's words ringing in my ears. I never planned on ending up like Shadow. But I still wasn't fully adapted to the idea of wanting to die just yet. It's always been an urge, but now I don't know. I'm sure Shadow had the urges too. Hell I was there for one when he tried to get me to kill him. Yet it never happened. Not till the war was over. Why was that? I wondered as I began to feel odd just sitting here.

Looking out to the airport, I soon saw Gorgon and his men gone. Now was my time to leave.

Making my way out of the truck, I walked by one of Hecan's remaining guards who stayed to guard the trucks. With a smile he said.

"See you soon Commander."

I nodded my head as I proceeded to regroup with Zeta who I told to be waiting by the exit to this place. Thankfully she was in place for me. The car waited just outside the main gate. As I approached she got out of the car to ask.

"They coming?"

Opening my side door to get in, I replied.

"In a few minutes yeah."

Zeta sensed my tone as I shut the door to take off the beret.

"You okay? How did it go? What happened?"

Keeping my eyes shut I replied.

"It went fine. Just do me a favor for right now and focus on driving. We can talk when this is over."

She instantly knew something was wrong. But without much trouble she obeyed and got in to wait with me. My mind was still trying to comprehend all that was going on. Between my many urges to kill Gorgon and the thoughts of when I might kill myself afterwords all boggled me down. Hecan reminded me of all I wish to have forgotten. But the truth behind why he said it spoke novels. I wonder if I'm going down the same path Shadow did. Between knowing Death and losing myself in a war I never should have took in the first place.

As time passed I began to put it all together. I really was heading down that path. And nothing seemed like it could stop the same end from happening to me. I already sold my soul. What more could I do to delay what Hecan called...an early grave? What more did I have to lose? I asked myself as I looked back to Zeta. Her eyes focused on the mirrors as she waited for Gorgon's truck.

From Julie...to Alicia...to Hunter...then to her. I had no idea what time I had left for love. Or if it even mattered at this point. Julie was dead. Alicia was dead. Hunter wants me dead. The only thing left was placing where my faith was now. Assuming I survive. What would I do? Would I go back to the rebellion and lead them to global peace with Hecan at my side? Live a government life? Would I somehow keep Zeta alive long enough to maybe again have a chance at being happy with someone after this was all over? Or would she die and I'd be left to choose between joining her or not? The same choice Shadow made for himself. Or maybe...just maybe...I could leave all this behind. Walk away and leave everything to chance. Maybe with Zeta or maybe without. Time would hold these answers. I just hope to god I get enough to see something through. Make at least one of those outcomes a reality.

With a tear leaving my left eye silently, I caught Zeta's glance. She quickly noticed my emotion. Upon wiping my face she said in concern.

"Raptor?"

It was almost a second after she said my name that I saw Gorgon's truck leaving through the gate. Zeta quickly refocused as I ordered.

"Follow him but keep back. I didn't come this far to be made now."

Zeta nodded and slowly began to pull out from our spot as the Humvee was soon a good distance ahead of us. This shouldn't be dangerous. This should be simple. Question now was how far was he going to take us? Where he is stationed will determine how bad it will be to get to him. I had confidence in Zeta to follow one truck. So putting my head back down I shut my eyes to try and breathe.

"What's wrong?" She asked as I quickly replied.

"Don't worry about it. Just focus...?!" Instantly she sent her right arm that was on the wheel into my chest with a solid thump using her fist. It caught my surprise as I looked right at her as she still had her eyes on the road.

"Don't tell me what to worry and not worry about. I choose what, when, and who I want to worry about Raptor. And right now that's you. So stop hiding shit. It doesn't make me feel any better watching you cry like a broken man right before my eyes."

"Zeta I...?" Zeta kept her pace of words and stated with force.

"I have enough money on my head to turn any friendship around. No matter how long I've grown to know the person. But you jumped head first to help me and haven't said a fucking word about it. I don't know weather to be scared half my time awake Raptor or to be running for my life. But I'm here right now to help you despite my fears. The least you can do is fucking pretend like I'm at least trying to help in some way while I'm still alive."

I went silent. Zeta's voice was breaking slightly. I knew this emotion was coming from her heart. But what she was saying was true.

"I could have ran. I could have tried to kill you if I thought you were here for money. But I didn't. I trusted you Raptor, and to be honest I feel like I've been more then open about my emotions to you up till now. And that's saying a lot coming from a Russian. All I'm asking is you return the favor. I don't know how open you were with your past wives but...?" My eyes widened as she even mentioned them. Even she looked at me now. Her tone changed as she said.

"I'm sorry. But you know what I am trying to say. I'm not them! I could die right now!" She shouted into my face as I just stared at her blankly.

She almost looked ready cry herself now as we came to a light stopping the car. Reaching over to take my hand she said.

"Just do this for me. Open up a little. Talk. This doesn't have to be an interrogation each time I want to know what's bothering you. So please...Raptor please."

"Okay." I replied as her ears went up slowly.

"But please Zeta. Later...okay?"

We locked eyes and slowly she nodded her head to reply.

"Okay."

With the light going green we continued after Gorgon. Nor me or her said a word to one another as it was clear Gorgon was becoming a fair distance away from the capital. Soon we seemed to be in a larger residential area of sorts. Houses much like my own covered the grounds. Block by block we kept going till Gorgon's truck began to pull into what I remembered being the rebellion's old recruitment station. It's been years since I've been here, but now it was crawling with G.U.N troops. The building was fairly large from what I knew. We built it up from an old unfinished strip mall. Outside had enough parking to keep hundreds of vehicles, and that's what they were doing. Dozens of trucks and armored transports. Even some tanks and choppers. This had to be where Linnen kept most of his toys. It would make sense to have Gorgon here. Protects his assets more or less. Not like you could get in anyway with conventional means. I know the fence is electrified and judging by what I could see now security was up on all ends of the lots. Smaller towers then what we have at the capital, but it was high enough to see over the fence in case of an attack. Along with that were the dozens of cameras and patrols that walked the lots probably all day. I can only imagine if they did anything inside the building since I last was here. Place is like a fortress.

Zeta sat back in her seat to let out a sigh as I just kept looking around.

"Guess we found the place. That's a lot of trouble Raptor." She stated as I then said back.

"There has to be a way in that doesn't involve alerting the whole place. Given time we can make something out of this. Maybe Pierce and his men know something about the area. Probably know what the inside is like too. We can do this."

Zeta kept watching with me for a few minutes more. Once I had my fill I urged her to get us moving. No point in sitting here just yet. Step one was done. Now to regroup. With Zeta starting the drive towards the address Hecan left us with, I let out another sigh.

"At least we know now." She stated as I nodded my head.

I really wasn't in the mood to talk. I was trying to figure out a way to make this work. I already had ideas. Zeta however took my silence as a bad thing and asked.

"Are you mad at me?"

In confusion I looked to her to question.

"Why would I be mad at you? Because of what you said about my wives?"

Zeta bit her tongue as I knew I hit the nail on the head. Keeping myself calm, I said with careful execution.

"It's fine. The past is in the past. Hecan made that all clear to me last night. But to answer your question no I really never talked openly to ether of them." Zeta seemed to be caught off guard as I even brought this up this far for her to hear.

"Julie was my first love. Gave me my first baby girl...her name was Abbey. I loved both of them more then anything I had in the world around that time. And that's not saying much. You heard what I had to say about my past. You heard what happened. I only knew her for a little over a year. We fell for each other so fast. I barely had enough time to get to know her before really letting her get to know me. We hardly knew each other in all aspects now that I think about it."

"I'm sorry." Replied Zeta as I shook my head.

"Don't be. It's my fault they died the way they did."

"G.U.N killed them. I know." She stated back as I nodded.

"They killed Julie. Not Abbey. No...I did that all on my own." I said with a low tone as Zeta looked back to me to question.

"What do you mean?"

"It was only three men that came to kill us that night. They killed Julie before I could save her. The last man held Abbey as a hostage. I...I...was so mad at what happened. All I saw was red and I just...I just shoot right through her to get to him. I killed my daughter because I couldn't control myself. She would still be alive if I hadn't been such a...such a monster. A demon that night."

Zeta had her eyes wide as we neared the address.

"I'm no father Zeta. The same thing happened to my daughter Midnight when Gorgon killed Alicia and made me shoot my son. I lost everything. I broke. I had her in my arms and all I could do was make sure Gorgon didn't get his hands on her after he killed me. So what did I do?" I went silent as Zeta didn't have to hear the words. She just replied.

"Stop Raptor. Please."

"You wanted to know what's bothering me?" I asked her as she carefully looked back at me. Staring into her eyes as hard as I could I replied.

"That's just the surface of what you wanted to hear. It's just two of many reasons I don't think I'll be around much longer. Even after, if I somehow survive this war. A monster like me shouldn't be alive Zeta. If I decide to pull the trigger after this is through. Promise you won't try to stop me. It'll hurt less knowing you didn't try." I told her as we reached the place.

Zeta pulled us into the driveway to stop the car. Her eyes now looked to the steering wheel as I got the door. Before stepping out I said to her.

"We both are responsible for thousands of deaths. We both are monsters Zeta. But the difference between me and you is that I'm a demon. You still at least have a chance to keep your sanity. You have a chance to change. To see the light I can't."

Getting out, I shut the door and let out a sigh of sadness from within. Zeta kept to the car as I walked forward towards my new home.

Zeta's POV.

Raptor left me. I had no idea how to react or even what to say to his words. I felt like I was making progress. But now I just don't know. The only question that really bothered me was this.

How far till I'm a demon myself?

mT Shadow.