Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 129 – My Place.

Zeta's POV.

Opening my eyes I found myself under the covers to Raptor's bed with Molly tucked under my chin. I didn't want to move. I don't even think I could if I had too. As I laid here I looked up to see the tv on. Then without another second I felt a hand reach for my shoulder.

"You okay?" I was asked as I turned over to see Raptor laying there next to me this whole time.

I couldn't do anything but smile as I nodded my head softly to his touch. Raptor just smiled back as I reached out to feel his upper leg. With our eyes locked, I came out from the covers to crawl up the bed to his chest. Going against my last thoughts I managed to climb up to his side and rest my head just under his chin. Looking down at me he asked with a gentle voice.

"How was your bite?"

Running my hands on his stomach as I laid over top of him, I kept my smile and looked up to reply.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't one of the best rolls in the hay I've had in a long time."

Placing his hand around my back Raptor questioned.

"I wasn't too rough was I?"

Leaning up to kiss him, our tongues soon crossed and without another word I just kept him in my grasp. Raptor seemed not to mind not getting an answer to that question. I think ether way he knew the answer.

Running his hand along my back and stopping on the edge of my butt, Raptor pulled away to say.

"I got something to tell you Zeta."

Looking at him in confusion, I replied.

"What?"

"I talked with Mason earlier and I'm planning on stepping down as commander."

Now I was lost. Almost tongue tied I questioned.

"Why?"

Pulling his hand back up to my back, Raptor replied with emotion.

"I want to focus on me."

"What do you mean?" I then asked as he calmly replied.

"My best friend lost his mind to this war."

"Shadow?" I wondered as he nodded.

"He was such a caring person. At least up till the end of it. Regardless Shadow kept pushing and he kept pushing and eventually he lost who he was. Lost the ability to be the person he once was. Then he killed himself."

Looking back down to me, Raptor then stated.

"I don't want to end up that way Zeta."

I didn't know what to really say. Raptor was now looking at me like he was scared. Sensing my concern he then said.

"All these people are dying because of me. I started a war and it not only got my family killed, it got hundreds of others to meet the same fate. A man's soul can only handle so much and mine is on the verge of breaking I feel."

Looking over to his hand, I reached and grabbed it. Raptor just watched as I took it and brought it up between my chest. With his full attention I said.

"Raptor this isn't easy for me. Okay? This isn't my war. These aren't my people. This isn't even my home. But I'm here. Not just because there are people looking for me. But because I care about you. Right now it's just you and me. Okay?" I asked him as he stared at me blankly.

"I can't tell you what to do. But I know what it feels like to lose people. Okay maybe not to the extent you've come to terms with. But I do. Okay listen to me when I say this. This place might not mean anything to me, but I'm here because of you. Regardless of how you feel about it so are the people who stood up to fight alongside you. It's not easy to cope with death, but there isn't a way out of this one I think. It's just something you have to deal with."

"You think I can't escape it?" He asked as I felt his grip tighten.

"I think there are people who fight in your army for their own reasons. But one of those reasons is because of you. That's always gonna be there. Even if you run."

Raptor seemed to understand where I was coming from. But soon replied.

"I just want to be happy again Zeta." Raptor then shut his eyes. I could tell instantly he was struggling not to break down. I even saw some tears forming in his eyes as he reopened them to ask.

"Why can't I be happy? Every time I get just a little taste of it back, it gets stolen away. Every fucking time."

I had to sit up. Matching his height on the bed, I looked at him to reply.

"That's not your fault. What happened to you isn't because of you. It's because this world is on the verge of killing itself and your trapped in the one position to change it. There are people out there that don't want change Raptor. Those people will do anything to make sure it doesn't happen. Like Gorgon." I told him as it was clear he was starting to let out some emotion. A tear broke down his face as I was just starting to feel sad for him. What the hell could I do or say other then this? I asked myself as I retook his hand.

"I can't tell you what to do. All I can do is be here. Like all those people out there, all I can do is remain by your side and help you through this. Raptor you can't run and in my opinion I think you need to rethink stepping down. After Linnen is dead? Sure I'll let you walk off into the sunset. But not before. The country at least needs you till then. And who knows, maybe if you wait just a bit longer you might realize there is more to war then just depression. I know it's hard, but there are moments that can forever change you. For your friend Shadow those were what drove him down that path to take his life. But for you...just being here now...I know it won't be the same for you." I told him directly as I kept his hand close. Silence then came. Raptor just sat there quietly looking at me. His hand going limp almost as he asked.

"How can you be so sure?"

Keeping my stance, I replied.

"Cause I know you. Maybe not as well as your wife or your friend Archer. But I can see your not like any other man. Your special. And your strong willed. So I have faith. The only person who chooses to take their own life is the same person who chose to go down that dark path. That man was Shadow. That man is not you."

Suddenly a smile came to his face and gently he leaned his head into mine. Our foreheads touched and looking into my eyes he said.

"Thank you."

I just huffed and puffed and replied.

"Your welcome. Now stop crying." I said as I brought my hand up to wipe his tears.

"Can't have you breaking down after last night."

Chuckling he then replied.

"I think I was too rough. You passed out towards the end."

I knew he was right, but keeping my composure I replied back.

"I fell asleep. You got boring."

Now laughing Raptor ordered.

"Shut up." I just laughed with him and after some time he came in to kiss me again. After a few exchanges he said.

"What did I do to end up with something like you?"

Winking I replied.

"You gave me a bite."

Pushing him back into the pillow, I laid back on his chest. After which I starting to rub his chest. Not soon after he said.

"Zeta?"

Looking up at him I replied.

"Yeah?"

Our eyes met as he asked.

"Do you know if your still in danger? Even here with me?"

The question brought me to a new place. But I knew he would have to wonder sooner or later.

"They lost my tracks in Iraq. We flew to Pakistan and then came here. Right now if there is anyone looking for me, they are having a tough time figuring out where I went. Last place they would expect is for me to be cuddled up next to Raptor Voltz in the middle of a war zone." I told him as he nodded.

"I'm not going to lie to you about this like I did before. People will come. I just don't know who or when. But right now we are safe. I promise you that much."

"I'm going to get you out of this mess when the war is over." He told me as I smiled and looked back to the tv to reply.

"I know. But till then I need you to work with me. I have no problem being honest. But in the matter of being honest, my contract needs to remain a secret. Between just us. If word gets out I'm a terrorist worth millions of dollars, then I can't guarantee the time frame won't move up for the next group that decides to come knocking."

"Okay." He said calmly as I felt him relax. His hand came right back over to my ass as I enjoyed just knowing I could help him. Even if he doesn't take to my advice, I at least knew now that he was listening and for most of the guys in my life, that was a great start.

As we just laid here now with Molly coming between us to lay down. I wondered just how much better the night would have been if Raze decided to check in. I know I passed out last night, but after that wrestle I could only imagine what would have happened to her.

Raze's POV.

Everything was starting to go well for me. Even though it wasn't official, I was more or less becoming a doctor. That man Gord was really nice and he had no issue with me helping out. He was understaffed anyway so I think that played it's part as well. Regardless this was my dream. Just helping others.

Thankfully everything was calm. Mostly everyone apart from a few have been treated for their wounds and are back out there helping clean up the city. From what I knew it was going well. But there was still plenty to be done. As I ran a few tests, I widened my eyes as I heard something coming from the bed behind me. Looking back I saw the echidna moving his hands. Slowly I approached to see his eyes barely open. He looked to me as I looked him over. Gently I asked.

"Can you hear me?"

I got a nod back and without another word he asked.

"What happened?"

Pulling over a chair as he waited for an answer, I took a seat and rolled up next to him. Just by looking at him I could see he was calm. The pills I gave him must still be there. Hopefully he wasn't in any pain. Keeping my tone soft I replied.

"You were caught in a blast. A bad one. You passed out not soon after my friends found you. Right now your okay. We got you stable but you were hurt."

"Are you G.U.N?" He then asked as I shook my head.

"No."

"Shit...Aghh!"

Tusk tried to sit up but instantly feeling the pain he stopped and went back down to the bed. Getting up from my chair I ordered.

"You can't do that. You need to relax. Right now your safe. No one is going to hurt you. So don't try to move."

Looking back at me Tusk asked.

"You're with the rebellion right? Or is this a hospital?"

"I'm a doctor yes, but this isn't a hospital. I'm sorry but I can't tell you anything more. Other then your condition of course."

Tusk seemed to accept that and without another word he took a breath and asked.

"Which is what exactly?"

Grabbing some photos next to me I had set aside, I pulled them up for him to see. Showing him the main one I replied.

"Both your legs are broken. The people who got you to me said they were smashed by a large piece of rubble that fell on top of you. Now it's nothing too serious; they will heal in time, but for right now you can't leave that bed."

Tusk just kept quiet as I showed him the other photos.

"After getting a chance to look you over fully, you also have four broken ribs, a fractured right arm and your left wrist was also broken. Along with that your collar bone was also cracked. Again all of this will heal over time, but you can't leave this room. Lastly you had a lot of cuts and wounds from scraps that managed to pierce through your armor and cloths during the blast. I got it all out and patched up, but you lost a lot of blood. I was going to do a transfusion, but your body managed to stabilize itself. So there isn't a need. But you will be feeling lightheaded and weak. Tired more then anything."

Tusk kept his eyes on me and slowly he replied.

"Thank you. What's your name doctor?"

"Raze." I replied as I put the photos aside.

"Do you know what happened to my friends Raze?" He then asked as I nodded.

"Only one other person was found with you. A wolf."

"Blitz." He stated as I nodded.

"He wasn't hurt by the blast thankfully. Not to the extent you were. But he was knocked out by a piece of the rubble that came down. Thankfully he's okay."

Tusk let out a deep sigh as I heard the door open up behind me. Looking back I saw Juper there. Tusk couldn't lift his head up to see him, but carefully I stood up to approach Juper.

"He's awake."

"I'll go get him then." Replied Juper as I nodded and watched him turn to leave. Heading back for the bed, I sat down and looked back at Tusk to say.

"A friend of mine want's to talk to you. Is that okay?"

Not really giving me a response, he replied softly.

"Not like I'm going anywhere."

I nodded my head and waited. God knows what will happen when he gets here.

Raptor's POV.

"Knock! Knock!"

Zeta and I looked up as someone knocked on the door. Taking my arm away from the wolf on my chest, I urged.

"I'll be right back."

Zeta just smiled as I got up to approach the door. After a second, I opened the door to see Juper standing there.

"Hey commander you busy?" Stepping out into the hallway to shut the door, I replied.

"No. What's going on Lieutenant?"

Juper smiled and replied.

"Nice cut. Looks clean."

"Thank you." I replied as he then said.

"Tusk just woke up. Raze is with him. Figured I would come get you."

Nodding my head I replied.

"Okay good. Let's go then. I need to speak to him."

Juper agreed and together we walked back to the medical bay where Raze was. As I entered the room she looked my way and remained in her seat. Juper stayed by the door as I approached the bed. Tusk slowly looked at me and instantly he chuckled.

"I should have known. Hehe! It explains a lot. Ahhh!" He stated in pain as I just stared at him.

"Raptor Voltz right?" He asked next as I kept my posture.

Keeping his smile on, Tusk said.

"I don't know how Gorgon didn't manage to kill you that night, but believe me when I tell you I'm truly sorry for what happened to your family. Judging by those scars though I can bet your after him right? After all of us? It explains why Scrotus was taken so easily. It would also explain why he's now dead."

"I'm after Gorgon." I told him as he nodded.

"Well I could have guessed that much. Tell me. What happened when you found us?"

Looking to Raze I urged her to move with my eyes. She picked it up quickly and getting out of the chair I retook her place to look at Tusk directly.

"My men took you and your friend Blitz in. Right now he's safe and alive. Of course I have him somewhere else. Unlike you Blitz can cause trouble. And unlike him, you needed our help. Raze over there saved your life. Without her you would have died."

"What about Gorgon?" He then asked as I looked to Juper who shut the door. Looking back to the echidna I replied.

"Linnen handed him over. He's locked up in a cell waiting."

Tusk let out a deep breath to state.

"So that's it then. You got him right? Then why keep me and Blitz alive? We were involved in your family's murder. You going to kill us too? Like Scrotus?"

"I have not decided yet. Right now my focus is keeping you alive."

"For what? What could a guy like me offer in this position?"

"Scrotus told me a lot that night. Including Linnen's defense at the capital. He told me all about the gas charges he has rigged in case of an attack. I was also informed you were the man behind them and that you could disarm them."

Tusk just stared at me as I went on to say.

"I know you are bomb expert and a world class tech and engineer. One of the best if not the best. I want your help freeing my people. In return, I don't kill you like I did Scrotus. Which I'll say right now I am not sorry for. You and your team took everything from me that night. But I am well aware that it was Gorgon and Linnen's idea in the first place to involve my family at all. Which is why you have a choice here. You help and I guarantee your safety. If all goes well you'll earn freedom when this is over."

"What about Gorgon and Blitz?" He then asked as I calmly replied.

"Gorgon is going to pay for what he did to me. Blitz I have yet to speak with. But knowing the state which he is in, I probably can guess he won't be willing to help. So the choice is up to you."

"What if I say no?" He then wondered as I looked him in the eyes to reply.

"Then you'll go home in a box."

Silence took us as Raze was clearly out of place here. Pointing to her, I said to Tusk.

"Regardless of your choice she is the only person keeping you alive. You refuse and she walks out that door and never comes back. You'll stay here and rot with no one to help. But if you say yes I promise you'll be unharmed and treated fairly. Cause looking at you right now I can see your a smart man."

Tusk remained silent as I stood up to look at my watch.

"You have till tomorrow morning to decide. Understood?"

Tusk nodded as I turned to look back at Raze.

"Stay with him tonight. You too Juper."

"Yes sir." He replied as Tusk watched me leave.

Once back out into the hall, I made my way back to my room. Mason was coming out of his office as I passed. He just watched me as it was clear things were getting to a rough point for all of us. Once back in my room Zeta asked.

"What happened?"

"Tusk is awake."

Her eyes widened as she stood up from the bed to reach for her underwear.

"He has till tomorrow to make a choice. He helps or he dies."

As Zeta got back on her pants she looked at me to ask.

"Can I go see him?"

Nodding I replied.

"If you want. But why?"

Handing her back her shirt, I listened as she replied calmly.

"Believe it or not we were friends back when G.U.N picked us to help with those bombs I told you about. Tusk was one of the few others to be successful. He was a friend to me. I need to ask him something."

"You want me to come?"

Shaking her head she replied.

"I'll be okay. We can talk about it later tonight. Okay?" She asked as she approached me to stop in front of my face. Smiling I leaned in to kiss her. She kissed back but I sensed she was rushing. She quickly pulled away to head for the door. As she opened it I urged.

"Just be careful."

"I will." She replied as she left the room.

Taking a seat back on my bed, I let out a sigh and refocused. Now I just had to worry about tomorrow. I hope if Zeta really knows him, Tusk will make the right choice. I'd hate to kill another person who has a future.

mT Shadow.