Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 121- A personal score.

Raptor's POV, 1 hour later.

I've made it. After at least an hour of running through nothing but sand, I've made it at last. Night time had taken the land and with nothing but the light coming from inside, I saw the base resting a quarter mile away. Getting down on one knee, I got a good look for what I was dealing with.

The towers were manned. The gates were manned. Every building had guards positioned around the entrances. The place was secured by the looks of it.

Inside was a large single floored building. Likely the command post. That's where I'd fine Hannon. But before I could even think of getting to him I would have to first find a way in. Tripping the alarm would surely be a quick way to get me killed. Judging from the spot I had alone, I saw at least thirty men inside just the gates. Not even counting how many are left in the barracks or in the main building itself.

With my rifle on my side, I saw the main vehicle depot opened up. Almost everything in there was empty. Apart from a few humvees and a couple APCs. I could even spot a pair of sand drifters near the back. But more importantly I saw the main fuel line inside. I would place a bet that most of it was gone, but if there was still a decent amount left that would leave me with a big enough boom to draw some attention. Regardless of what happens, I can't afford for that old fuck to run if he escapes my grasp once I'm inside.

Checking my duffel I saw I had a few bricks of C4 left. Just one would be enough to send that depot up in smoke. But looking towards the east of it I saw two attack choppers being fitted. Only a few guards at them as it was clear they would be lifting off soon. Probably to support the front line. Might be a good idea to snuff that out before they can. Depends on how far along they are. Hopefully I could get there before they leave.

Everything else seemed standard. Just patrols and men watching the main road from the guard towers. But shifting focus to the barracks I soon spotted two men walking around. Large men in fact. I couldn't see from this far just what they were carrying but I saw what they were wearing. Heavy combat assault gear. Those sets of armor probably could eat a hundred rounds before they would give way.

"Shit." I mumbled to myself. I knew a fight with them would end badly. I'd ether have to avoid them, or get them separated. Taking one at a time might give me an edge. They probably wouldn't be able to move fast if confronted at close range. Still my issue was first getting inside the perimeter. After that I can worry about staying silent.

Going through the front would be a quick way to get spotted. But main focus was on the roads it seemed from most of the guards. Understandable since that's where any rebellion would come from. Doubt they expect someone to come from behind like this. Looking towards the back of the base, I saw that the vehicle depot had back gates. Most likely for the trucks or the drifters so they could just scout out in the desert away from the main roads. Chances are that's my best bet at getting inside. Can't imagine the gate being rigged or even electrified.

Nodding my head I knew this had to happen soon. My time clock wass running low and by now my adrenaline was running on empty from the running. I could still feel my open wounds under this vest. Thankfully the ones I took during the fighting proved easy to endure. This armor was indeed capable of keeping me safe. Still hit like a truck though when it hit. My eye on the other hand was healing. With what power I had left, but the scar was soon to follow.

Shifting off my pain, I refocused and stood up to face the base. Letting out a sigh, I looked back to listen. You could still hear the fight raging on. I knew if I was going to do this I would be alone. No one would be here for at least a few hours. G.U.N might be weak right now, but they still can fight. I still have confidence however. My men will push them back, and when they do I want this place leveled and Hannon dead by my hand.

Looking back to the base I started my approach. This was it. Everything rested on this last attack.

Zeta's POV.

"Ahhhhh...ahhhhh...ahhhh."

I was pushing my limits. I managed to break from the main assault. I've never seen war, but when I reached the gate back there I saw so many dead. The rebellion was fighting for every inch. Every centimeter. Part of me felt guilty for running, but I knew what I was running for. A mile out in enemy territory. I could still hear the fighting clear as day. All I knew was Raptor ran this way. I was following his tracks. Thanks to his friend Dom who I ran into he got me pointed in the right direction. And unlike Mason he wasn't concerned with who I was. He knew Raptor was going to need help. God I just hope I get there in time.

With my rifle bouncing around my side as I continued to run, I contemplated what I was even going to do. What if I was already to late?

Shaking my head I knew I had to ignore this question. I knew I was good enough. I knew I could catch up. I was going to catch up.

"God damn it Raptor!" I said as I ran with anger.

Why was I doing this? For years I gave up on helping people. I gave up on friends. I knew this fucking guy for not even a week and he had me running through a war zone for him. I wasn't a believer when it came to relationships. But something was different with this. I had to reach him. I just had too. Maybe cause I wanted to punch him in the throat. But I knew at the least I had to do this because he saved me. I don't know how, but I needed answers and this guy was sure as shit going to live to give them to me. If he plays any games when I get to him, I'll drop him on his ass like I did Pierce.

"Ahhhh...ahhhhhh...ahhhhhhh!"

I could feel the sand picking up under my feet as I ran. But as I gained more distance on the trail, I stopped the second I heard a crack of what sounded like thunder coming from my left. As I stopped I widened my eyes at what I saw coming. Now in a panic I turned to sprint. I could feel my heart rate going up as I now knew the risks.

I'm coming Raptor. Just don't do anything stupid till I get there.

Hannon's POV.

"Well how many are left!?" I asked one of my men as he stood around the table from me.

"We lost the rest of the armor sir. Right now the lines are holding, but the rebellion forces seem to be taking the right flank. Once the armor was taken out they took the advantage and set up a firing line."

"So what's left!?" I asked as he pointed to the map on the table.

"We have more then enough men to hold them for at least another hour. That will buy the choppers enough time to get airborne. If we can get those up in the meantime, we can push them back."

"And if not!?" I then asked as him and a few others looked our way.

"Then we'll have to pull back till we can get reinforcements sir."

Looking down at the table I then asked.

"Who is in charge out there for the rebellion? Do we know?"

My men shook their heads.

"That prick Mason wouldn't be caught dead out in the field." I stated as I sat back down. Looking over the room I then ordered.

"Get those choppers up then and make sure the perimeter is secured."

"Yes sir." He replied as I placed my hands under my chin to think.

There was no way the rebellion was doing this just out of shear will. Someone was in charge. Mason is one thing, but these men are fighting like Shadow himself is out there with them. It didn't make sense.

Raptor's POV.

"Toof!"

Reaching the back gate proved easy. One guard watched it and without even looking my way I managed to drop him to the sand with one well placed head shot.

Grabbing his rifle off the ground, I lifted him by the back of his arms and began to drag him towards the depot. The warehouse was wide open, but I found some crates and stowed both myself and the body there out of sight.

"Okay." I said to myself as I took the clip out of his M4 to place it in my vest. Quickly taking another clip from his vest and a flashbang and giving it to my own, I soon refocused and peeked over the crates to see two men resting at a truck towards the back. They wouldn't be a problem since the main fuel line was near the back wall.

Going left of the crates, I aimed my rifle at both of them as I moved for the line. Reaching the edge of the large fuel dump, I saw the men moving. One began to walk over here as the other got the truck backing up.

"Shit." I whispered as I pinned myself to the back wall.

With the truck parking right up on the tank, I heard from the man walking.

"Let's get this thing fueled up. General Hannon wants it ready just in case."

My ears perked up as the driver got out to question.

"He planning on running?"

Raising my rifle, his friend replied.

"Don't know. Wouldn't be surprised if we all get moving soon. Bet your ass I won't be staying if the rebellion breaks the lines and gets here."

"Sure." He got back as I moved out to place my rifle at the back of his head.

"Toof!"

Blood splashed my face as I turned to see the driver panic at the sudden sound coming from the other side of the truck.

"What the fuck!?" He asked in confusion as I ducked and aimed through the truck windows to see his chest.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

The glass shattered and with my bullets going right through the other side the soldier was sent on his back.

Quickly aiming back outside, I widened my eyes as I saw those two big soldiers walking by. Thankfully far away, but they would still notice the bodies if I didn't move them.

Lowering my rifle, I ran around to grab the man I shot in the chest by the arms. Tossing him over my shoulders, I opened the back to the truck and tossed him inside. After which I went back around to move his friend to the rear of the truck. As I moved him I saw his brains leaking onto his back. Letting out a deep breath, I looked back around to the outside to see those two moving for the main gates.

Nodding to myself, I refocused and got out a brick of C4 placing it on the main line. Linking it up with the detonator, I soon retook my rifle and went left of the depot. This way I could hit the choppers.

As I got back outside the depot I saw the men working on them. The pad was combined and both choppers were a good thirty feet apart, but they each had at least four working on them. I counted eight in total. Getting into a firefight wasn't going to cut it. I had to keep this quiet.

Approaching the back stairs leading up to the pad, I got a look under to see the pad had at least five feet off the ground under it.

Looking back onto the pad, I saw the men were focused on their jobs. Tossing my rifle onto my back, I got on my front and began to crawl under. Thankfully there was nothing but sand under here. But I had no clue how to figure out where exactly I was. I would just have to guess and try and sound this out. Grabbing onto my duffel, I pulled out the last two bricks of C4 I had. Once empty I left the bag and got to placing them. As I tried to figure out just where to put them, I softly could hear feet walking above. I knew I had to be close.

Strapping the first brick down under the pad, I knew from here I would just need to crawl more left. Using all what knowledge I had on the position to the last chopper, I placed the last brick and made my way back for the stairs. My arms felt like they were ripping to shreds from all this crawling, but I knew I had to suck it up.

Once back to the stairs, I crawled out and grabbed my rifle from off my back. No all that was left was to find a way inside the main building. I wasn't going to waste time with the barracks if I din't have too. My hopes were they were empty. But time would tell.

Going behind the depot again, I ran the trail and looked out the other side to see the main building just a short jog away. I didn't have anywhere to hide. I would just have to hope no one was watching.

"Okay okay." I said to myself as I prepared to send it.

After a few seconds of prep, I just turned the corner and ran for it. As I ran I looked to my left and right to see no one looking from what I could tell. Those men were still working on the choppers, and the nearest patrol was now just reaching the front door to this place. Reaching the building's side walls, I quickly ran for the back. I wasn't about to test the front. Keeping my rifle up, I widened my eyes as I neared the turn and a soldier came walking out from the side.

Grabbing the barrel to his M4, I pulled it out of his hands and watched as he turned to look at me.

"What...?!" Sending the butt of my rifle into his nose, I pushed him back a few feet and tackled him to the ground. With blood leaving his nose, I turned my rifle around and sent the edge of the gun back into his mouth.

"Ughh!" The kid let out a loud grunt as I sent it again and again.

"Smack! Smack! Smack!"

After the fifth hit the kid's head was caved in and he stopped moving. With blood covering my rifle, I sat up and let out a deep breath. Looking around I saw a back door. Stepping off the body, I went to try it. Of course it was locked. Looking back to the body I went to grab him and his rifle from off the ground. Dragging him to the door, I then aimed at the doorknob.

"Toof!"

The knob came off in an instant and kicking through I aimed forward to see another soldier inside. His rifle was already up as I kicked in to pull the trigger.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

Thankfully I was faster and the man slid along the wall face first as I looked back outside to see no one around. Dragging the body inside, I tossed him into the other and shut the back door. After which I unloaded my clip and reached down to grab the magazine out of one of the rifles. Loading the fresh clip, I turned into the hallway to get moving. Now I just had to find Hannon.

As I moved quietly through the back halls, I soon approached what appeared to be a main lobby. Men littered the area. At least ten as I back up to think. Looking to my detonator I knew only one way to get their attention. If and when this works, I'll get my chance to move. But I knew if I pulled this it would be over for my sneaking. This base would be going up. But what choice did I have? I asked myself as I heard someone coming from behind me.

Hearing heavy footsteps, I looked back to see one of the heavy soldiers round the corner. Taking my chances I pulled the switch.

Zeta's POV.

"Ahhhh! Ahhhh! Ahhh!"

Reaching the top of another dune, I widened my eyes to see the base at last. I was running on empty. How the fuck is that old hedgehog running this much at his age? I asked myself as I looked at the base closely to see two choppers spinning up on a large pad below.

"Where the hell did he go?" I asked myself as I saw his tracks heading down further towards the base.

Men manned the main gate so he couldn't have gone there. Did he...?!

As I tried to piece this all together, I jumped as I saw the back of the base go up in flames.

"What the fuck!?" I asked as I then saw the pad the choppers were resting on explode out from under them. The choppers themselves quickly fell nose first under the pads and my eyes watched as they crossed their blades and went up into two big fireballs.

"Holy shit!" I shouted as I grabbed my rifle from off my side.

In a matter of seconds I heard an alarm and feeling my heart pumping; I watched as soldiers came running out from the main building in a panic. Even the guards from the main gates got off their positions and made their way towards the depot and the pad. If I was going to get in there now was my only chance. But what stopped me was the fact that I didn't know what just happened. Or even where Raptor was in all that mess. Going in might be pointless if he's already dead, but getting into a firefight with all those troops isn't good ether.

"Fuck!" I screamed as I didn't know what to do.

"Crack!"

Looking to my left I saw it getting closer. I didn't have time. But I didn't know what to do ether.

As my mind was running from place to place, I looked back to the fire to see the men running back to the main building weapons ready. Something happened. If Raptor was in there going for Hannon I knew he was going to be outnumbered. I need to help. I had to chance it.

Running down the dune, I ran for the main gate. No one was watching as all attention was on the main building.

Hannon's POV.

I felt my seat rumble as it was clear something blew up from outside. Standing up from my desk, I looked to my men to order.

"Get out there and figure out what just happened! I want the rest of you to secure the building!"

What soldiers I had ran out of the war room in speed. Leaving me with two other officers who stated.

"General if the site has been breached we need to get you out of here!"

Shaking my head I replied.

"I'm not leaving this room till I get confirmation this was even an attack Lieutenant!"

Refocusing on the main table, I grabbed onto my nearby glock and sat back down.

There was no way someone got in, and even if they did I had faith my men could handle it. I wasn't done yet.

Raptor's POV.

The ground shook and using the chance to move, I ran down the hall at the heavy trooper who was caught off guard by the sudden disturbance. Struggling to stay on his feet, I came in head first to tackle him back into the wall. Grabbing me by the waist he shouted.

"Why you little...?!" Sending my knee up into his chest, I stood up straight to jab his helmet. The armor was too thick to break, but it gave me time to grab onto his arm and force his rifle out of his hand.

As soon as it hit the ground, the trooper sent a hook down at my head.

Taking it to my back, I ducked down and looked left to see his partner coming in with his rifle up. Widening my eyes I quickly switched sides with the trooper I had on the wall and grabbed him by the waist. Using all I had, I lifted him a foot off the ground and ran for his partner who opened fire.

"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!"

The rounds went right into his friend's back as I slammed him into the other forcing both to tumble back outside.

Getting up as fast as I could, I saw the man I tackled struggling to move from the rounds. But looking to the other he was already trying to reaim his rifle.

"Fuck!" Sending my boot into his head, I kicked him back down to shout.

"You!"

With both troopers now down, I reached behind my back to grab onto my last rocket. Backing up into the hallway, I undid the safety and got on a knee. With both troopers now getting to their feet, I took aim and watched as it was clear they saw what was coming. Sending the rocket out and down the hall, I watched as the man in front took it to the chest. His friend I lost in the explosion as the back door and the ceiling fell in.

Tossing the rocket to the ground, I grabbed back onto my M4 and went back to the lobby to find soldiers running in from outside the main door. Taking aim, I opened up on the nearest two I could find.

"Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof!"

As fast as they went down, another couple came in all at once to open fire my direction.

"BANG! BANG!"

Catching two rounds to my chest, I pulled back around the wall to let out a short but painful cough. Blood left my mouth as I could only feel the pain coming from inside my body.

Unable to move, I just decided to fight this. Emerging back out from the corner, I opened fire dropping two more guys who had just reached the center of the room. Four more came in just as fast from outside as I jumped into the lobby and towards a nearby desk.

"Light it up!" I heard one shout as I ducked my head into my lap to hear and feel the bullets coming through the wood desk. It felt like the gunfire would never stop as my position was laid into so hard. At least five men were firing and as I sat here with nowhere to go I soon flinched in pain as some bullets finally managed to find my back through the wood. I felt four even thumps to my armor and it forced me to fall forward as I heard a break in the fire.

Rolling onto my side, I reached for my belt to grab onto a flashbang. Pulling the pin, I tossed it over the desk and went for my cover as it went off on the other side with a loud bang.

I heard someone screaming out in pain as I aimed out of cover to fire at a soldier who was close to my position.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

Dropping him to the ground I stood up to see two others just getting readjusted to the light.

"Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Click!"

Managing to drop them before my clip ran dry, I looked to see even more coming from outside. This wasn't where I wanted to be. Getting back into cover, I unloaded my rifle and loaded another clip into the chamber. After which I widened my eyes as a grenade dropped on top of the desk above me.

"Oh shit!" I shouted as I picked up my legs and ran to the open.

Before the grenade went off the men near the door opened up and I tripped as a bullet caught my left leg. But as I slid down into the neighboring hall I heard it go off and the desk itself was gone. The room fell apart from the blast and even a chunk of the ceiling came down as I got on my back to aim up at the corner to where I came from. Hearing running as I did.

With two more soldiers rounding the corner, I emptied half my clip and sent them back into the pile of wood and rubble from the desk.

Quickly crawling around and back up to my legs, I peeked out to see another guy through some of the smoke.

"Toof! Toof!"

Dropping him with a neck and head shot, I looked to my backside to see the main lobby had two big doors resting at the other end. Running out from cover, I heard more gunfire coming but I just ran as fast as I could for the doors. Charging them with everything I had, I shoulder bashed my way inside to see two men aiming rifles at me. Widening my eyes, I jumped left to take cover behind a small set of computers and another desk.

"Run!" I heard one of them shout as I peeked up to fire.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

With one of the soldiers falling back onto the main table, I ducked and peeked right to see the other trying to wrap around me.

"Toof! Toof!"

My rounds went right through his chest and I looked on as they went out the other side of his back to smash into another set of computers. They went up with sparks as he tumbled over a chair.

"BANG! BANG!"

Ducking as two rounds came very close to my head, I soon heard a familiar voice shout.

"You think you can just come in here and kill me!?"

I knew that voice in my sleep. Looking up from over cover carefully, I saw Hannon running for a back door.

"Fat chance!" He yelled as he left the room.

Standing up, I panicked as a solider came in from behind me. Sending my rifle as fast as I could into his gut with the barrel pointed at his stomach, I pulled the trigger and watched as him and his body fell back out the door.

Catching a look, I saw three more coming from outside. But I had to get that fucker. Taking my chance, I ran as fast as I could where Hannon had ran. Charging back out into a new hallway, I widened my eyes as I saw the old prick running right and down another corner.

My leg kept me from sprinting, but I did the best I could. Following till we reached a door that lead back outside. Looking right, I saw where my rocket had went off to see Hannon crawling over some rubble and heading for the depot.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

My eyes widened as one of my rounds caught his left arm as he ran.

"Aghhh!" He screamed as he just kept running.

Lowering my rifle, I chased after. As I reached the rubble I heard Hannon yell.

"Kill him!"

Looking right, I saw two soldiers aiming my way. Ducking as I returned fire, I slipped their rounds and dropped them with the rest of my clip. With my rifle empty, I tossed the empty magazine aside and tossed my rifle around my back using my sling. Reaching for my glock, I looked back left to see Hannon made it to the depot. Getting in the truck those men were trying to refuel, I watched as he drove it out and at me.

"Toof! Toof!"

Placing two rounds at the windshield, I was forced to jump to the side to avoid being run over, and with Hannon going for the main gate, I got back up to head into the depot and towards the nearest vehicle. Flames were everywhere from the gas line being blown in two, but I managed to duck and turn through it all. Seeing the sand drifters as my only option, I jumped on one and hit the gas. After which, I drove out and after Hannon who was already on the main road.

Zeta's POV.

Reaching the main gate, I widened my eyes as a truck came screaming passed me. In confusion I looked inside the base to see three soldiers running out from the main building, taking aim towards the depot.

Widening my eyes I saw someone on a sand drifter speeding our way. It had to be him. Taking aim at the troops in his path, I opened fire.

"Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof! Toof!"

The three of them fell down as I got their backs. But as they hit the dirt, I panicked as Raptor drove right by me.

"Raptor!" I shouted as he was going after the truck.

"Fuck!" I screamed as I looked around for anything.

Seeing another bike all the way at the depot, I took that as my chance and ran into the base. As I ran by the main building I saw the bodies inside. Taking a mental note, I kept running and soon reached the depot to get on the bike. Tossing my rifle on my back, I started the engine and drove after them. Time was getting slim as I soon found myself on the main road leaving Afghanistan. Looking to my left as I tried to keep up, I soon only felt fear as this was going to reach it's climax in a matter of seconds.

Raptor's POV.

That truck was slow. The tires must have taken some hits in the blast cause you could hear the rims screaming on the pavement. I was gaining. Soon only feet away, I reached for my glock and aimed for the back left tire that hung on by only a thread.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

I could see my bullets connecting but it wasn't enough.

"Toof! Toof! Toof!"

With wide eyes, I saw the tire pop and in almost an instant Hannon spun the truck around. But what I didn't see coming was the truck itself stopping as he turned. Unable to do anything, I braced as soon the front of my bike had collided with the side of the humvee. But as I did the truck also turned over on it's side. Both me and Hannon went off the side of the road in a matter of seconds. His truck doing at least five flips and rolls, and my body slamming first the very edge of the concrete road and then the sand below.

My glock flew feet apart from me as I felt my arm and skull take the first hit from the road. Then I just rolled the rest of the way on the sand. Unable to move when I came to a stop, I looked on as Hannon's truck was totaled. Not a movement from inside as I struggled to get up.

My skull had cracked. I felt my brain thumping with each breath I took. My arm had to have broke.

"God damn it!" I mumbled to myself in pain as I felt the bullet in my left leg dragging me down more.

Barely able to get on my right knee, I soon widened my eyes as the driver's door to the truck slowly opened. Hannon was covered in blood as he crawled out on his back. With my anger soon taking over, I forced myself onto my feet and over to my glock. Hannon was unable to move. I could hear him coughing as I picked it up to look back.

Nearly tripping over myself as I took a step towards him, I heard.

"You motherfucker! Aghhhh! Aukk! Fuck!"

Keeping my slow pace, I watched as he slowly rolled over to ask.

"You think your a hero killing me!? Huh!?"

Now only maybe twenty feet apart, I replied.

"You took something from me! Hannon you old fuck you! Look at me!" I ordered him as he got onto his belly to look up. The second our eyes locked he shouted.

"Why shouldn't I be surprised!? Aguuk! You fucking traitor! Aghhhhh! Linnen killed you! How are you alive!? Ughhhhk!" He asked as he tried to position himself on his ass for some leverage.

"I'm glad he didn't! This way I can finally kill you for what you did to me!"

"Did to you!?" Questioned Hannon as he coughed up a chunk of blood onto the sound.

"You started all this! Everything! This is all your fault Raptor!"

"You sold me out! Got Alicia and my kids killed!" I told him as he then chuckled.

"You did that to yourself Raptor! What did you think was going to happen!? You think you were just going to win this war and have them sit on the sidelines for your return!? Fuck you Raptor! You got them killed yourself and you know it! I was just trying to protect my country!"

Taking a few feet more to get closer, I questioned.

"Protect the country!? Hannon you turned your back on us!"

"Oh fuck off!" He replied as he got on his knees.

With my glock at my side, I watched as Hannon fell down onto his ass alongside the driver's door.

"You got what was coming to you! My only regret is that I didn't kill you all that time ago! None of this would have happened if you would have just stopped! Alicia and the others would still be alive that way!" Hannon was near his end. I could hear it in his voice. Getting closer, I soon stopped no more then three feet away. Our eyes locked as I saw his hand fall down under his jacket and rest on his side. Aiming my gun at his head I said.

"We both know that's not true!"

"G.U.N was going to make this country great again Raptor. Now look what you have gone and done to it." He urged me as I heard an engine coming from the road.

Keeping my gun aimed in, I listened as Hannon said.

"At least I can die happy. Knowing I did the right thing."

In confusion I asked.

"Right thing?"

"Raptor!" Turning my head to the right, I saw Zeta on the road with a sand drifter. She got off immediately as I noticed her.

"Click!"

Turning my head back to Hannon at the sound. I widened my eyes as he smiled and shouted.

"Knowing I took you out with me!"

The second his words came to my ears, a grenade dropped to the ground from out from under his jacket.

Pulling the trigger to my glock, I watched as Hannon's head hit the door to the truck and the grenade went off not a moment after.

mT Shadow.