Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 147 – The second set of twins.

Zeta's POV, Two hours later.

I stood alone in my room. Standing in front of the mirror to this bathroom and staring at myself. My eyes red and my body hot as I looked over my face. These past few days were a lot. Full of nothing but my emotions going off the handle and combat flashbacks from months ago. Back before all this I was running away from my problems. Now I planned to step towards it. My body was nearing it's end, but I had to push myself. This could be the moment my life could change. Or I could die. One thing was sure, something was going to happen.

Lifting up my right hand I placed my fingers just under my right eye. I pulled down the skin gently just to stare at the red in my pupils. My wounds up till now were under control. But ever since fighting Raptor out in front of all those people, I was starting to suffer again. I was never a perfect user like my sister. I coped much better then others and I was classified as perfect, but what that meant truly was that my body, and my organs, and my blood itself; down to my very DNA had adapted with it. I could produce my own venom. Then exert it on command. Ether to gain power or just simply mend wounds. But regardless of the user; it took energy. Energy I was never good at controlling. I could command my body to exert the venom, but when I got like this I was feral. I had a habit of wanting to just rip someone apart. I was still me but I was less human. Just a soldier who was trying to kill the enemy. I'm grateful I didn't hurt Raptor though. I don't think I could handle it if I had killed him somehow. Regardless I knew right now I was in control. Cause I wasn't angry. Raptor pushed me in that fight. Got me wild. Treated me like I was some novice in training. In front of hundreds of his troops. I gave him everything and he still outmatched me. It was like he knew what I was going to do before I even knew myself. But at this point, I was convinced he was a god. It was no surprise.

Letting my hand fall back down to the sink, I continued to stare at myself. Almost all my thoughts now on what was going to happen after this. Raptor was putting his life on the line. Putting his future on the line. He was going to fight one of the biggest PMC's in the world just to help me gain my freedom back. What the fuck else could I say to him other then what I did back in that cell? I asked myself as I looked down at the sink.

I was new to this emotion. For the first time in my life I said love. Love to a guy I only knew days ago. Was I mad? I wondered as I heard my door open. Keeping focus on the sink between my hands, I then went to my next thought.

What was my sister doing? Pepper was a completely different soldier then me. She was smart. She was powerful. She was a tech god and she was a perfect user. She knew everything. Knew how to fight anyone. Knew how to stay alive. Knew how to keep controlled. Her powers rivaled mine and maybe even would give Raptor a run for his money. She was the perfect person. But all I wanted to know was what had happened the night I left her. What the hell happened to her? How the fuck did this all happen?

Looking back up at the mirror I stared back at my eyes. This time however Raptor stood behind me. His purple orbs just staring at me as he asked calmly.

"You ready?"

Shutting my eyes I replied.

"Yeah."

Placing his hand on my shoulder, I reopened my eyes to see the gold had returned to my pupils. Raptor who just remained at my side said with confidence behind his voice.

"You'll be okay. Just trust me and trust your friends. After this is over; we pack to leave for Syria."

I nodded my head once and looked back down, as his hand remained on my shoulder.

"Come on." He urged me as I felt my body move on it's own. Heading out into the main room and towards the exit, I looked out into the hall to see Pierce and his men all waiting. All armed and all dressed in black as Raptor kept behind me. Stopping in front of Pierce, I said with a concerned voice.

"Try not to shoot me. Will ya?"

The wolf just nodded and Juper came to cuff up my wrists. With my hands behind my back Raptor ordered.

"Pierce have your men get in position by the time we get there. We can't afford to be late."

Pierce nodded and replied while looking to Juper.

"The Lieutenant will be there sir."

Juper smiled as Raptor nodded back. Looking to everyone else he then ordered.

"Dex, Rover, and Pierce are with Zeta and myself at the meeting. Kan, Pez, John, Jose, and Juper, you guys are on standby at the location we went over. Set up and don't be late. When the deal is up and these guys get going they will be coming at you fast. Make sure you stop them. But above all else; you don't shoot her." He stated as he put his hand back on my shoulder.

"Yes sir." Replied Juper as my eyes shifted to the back of the small group we had.

"What about me commander?" All eyes turned to see Blitz just standing there idly by. I was still against using his help, but Raptor thought differently still. Releasing my shoulder Raptor replied.

"You're with Juper and the others at the strike location. Do whatever the Lieutenant wants you to. But I warn you Blitz. You fuck around or try anything I will come and kill you after I get Zeta here back to safety. You have my word."

Blitz gulped and kept still as Raptor nodded once to then order.

"Let's get moving. Lieutenant you take the trucks and get moving. I'll radio in when we get close to the meet."

"Yes sir." Juper replied as we made our way down the stairs.

At the moment everyone was watching us. My eyes shifted to the right to see Raze and Gord running our way. Raze got close, but with a smile I said to her as we passed one another.

"I'll be back. Keep Molly fed while I'm gone."

Her eyes were wide open in confusion as Raptor just nodded his head to my response. Leaving through the front door, we found our small convoy waiting. Raptor guided me to the lead car and got me in the back as Pierce and his two men filed in behind. Pierce in the front with Raptor who started the engine. With the lights coming on, he said with a calm tone to us all.

"When we get there you guys just let me do the talking. Keep you're guns ready cause I don't trust these guys for a second. Probably the same feeling towards us. If they make a move your orders remain the same. Get Zeta out of there. We'll regroup after."

"And if it goes well?" Wondered Dex as he had his rifle on his lap.

Looking back Raptor replied.

"Then we continue as planned. Understood?"

"Yes sir." He replied as he refocused and got us moving.

With my eyes on the road, I questioned the events to come. How many men did Ying still have left to track me down? Five? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? Would I even survive tonight to see my sister tomorrow? The way things are going and the way Raptor looked at me gave me hope. But beyond it all Raptor was still risking a lot. Rebellion forces were no where near the deal site. Because Raptor planned on keeping the army out of his way during this. Getting soldiers mixed up in this business was nothing but bad news. Pierce was G.U.N but he still offered his men and his life to help save mine. He had no reason to say yes to this plan. But he did. As for Raptor, he was just simply keeping his word. But I was worried if his word would get him into more trouble. What if the rebellion turns on him for some reason? What if Ying finds out it was him who got his men killed and stole his money in the process? Raptor wasn't worried but I was. His future was on the line here. Not just mine.

With my hands behind my back, I took a breath and shut my eyes. All I could hear was the wind coming through the window on my left as we went through the dimmed city streets and towards the desert beyond.

Pepper's POV, Syria.

"Bing...bing...bing...bing...?" The sound was almost soothing at this point in my life. Thanks to some lucky driving and some even luckier parking, I managed to locate a hotel to hunker down in. Of course I didn't walk through the front door asking for a room. With all the blood and the guns; I'm sure I would have stuck out.

With my eyes shut and my hands at work, I just continued to listen to my earpiece.

"Bing...bing...bing...bing...? Click!"

Opening my eyes, I heard the lock open. Grabbing onto my picks and the briefcase at my side, I entered the room quickly and quietly to shut the door behind me. After which I locked the door and let out a deep breath as someone walked by just a second after.

Turning around, I flicked on the lights and looked around. The room was nothing special. Just a single bed and small kitchen and a bathroom to boot. In the corner was a desk. Walking over, I lifted up the briefcase and placed it down on the top. As it laid flat, I took off my duffel then my backpack. Soon the desk was crowded and I was left feeling lighter then ever. As I looked at my belongings, I took notice to a mirror just to my left. Standing up straight, I walked over and just looked at myself. Blood all over me. A few patches on my arms and chest. The bottom of my shirt just simply covered from the blood I lost these last few hours. My legs also fairly covered and my blue jeans torn in almost ten different spots. My knee pads were scratched to hell and even my vest was filled with holes. As I stood there, I could feel the plate underneath broken in multiple locations. Even the one on my back as I lifted up my right hand to grab onto the lip of my hat. Gently I pulled it up and off. My black fur and my small orange streak dangling over my right eye. Pushing my hair to the side, I stared at the small splotch between my face.

"God damn birth marks." I thought to myself as I put my gray snap back down on the desk along with my briefcase.

Reaching for my vest I snapped off the straps and pulled it up over my head and slowly rested it back onto the ground. Placing it on the edge of the desk, I stood back up and looked over my chest. My gray plaid shirt was ruined. Blood everywhere just thrown across it. Rips and tears all along the sleeves and some holes from the bullets that punched deep enough through my kevlar. Undoing the top button, I whispered to myself.

"One of my favorite shirts."

Carefully taking it off and exposing the black tank top I had under, I looked myself over again to see it too was covered in blood. Leaning in to sniff, I shut my eyes at the stench and muttered while lifting it over my arms.

"Holy shit I reek."

Tossing the tank top on the ground, I shook my torso and my head all together. My fur was dirty and my whole body was now aware to me. I was a fucking mess and I smelled like death. I can't even remember the last time I washed. Slipping out of my black sports bra I again let it fall and just looked down to my legs.

"Shit." I said out loud as I took a step back to sit down on the bed. My whole mind went soft to the comfy feeling I instantly got from my ass resting on something nice for the first time in a month. I knew I could just lay down and pass out, but I had shit to do first. Not taking any chances this time.

Looking down passed my tits, I leaned in and began to undo my knee pads. When they were both off I undid the top button to my jeans and stood back up to pull them down between my legs. The second I stepped out of them, I began to shut my eyes to the feeling of the cold air going through my legs. In a second I refocused and walked over to my duffel bag. Opening the thing that I considered my field pillow at this point in my life, I reached in to grab onto one of the breaching shells I had tucked on top. Pulling it out and switching it to my offhand, I then pulled out some wire and turned to head for the door.

"Hope room service doesn't come through." I said to myself letting out a small chuckle as I placed the shell on the frame. Getting down on one knee, I then ran the wire to the knob and tied it in place. Anyone who opened this baby would soon be greeted by a blast of powder and an explosion hard enough to send them down the hallway beyond. Letting a smile pass my lips as I finished. I stood back up gently and checked the rest of the room real fast. Thankfully the door was the only way in, but regardless I knew I was taking a chance anyway staying here. Even with the door rigged I had only one way out if someone came through. After a quick search, I just let out a sigh and walked back to the door to shut off the lights. No need drawing attention. After which I went into the bathroom and shut the door behind me. Turning on those lights, I widened my eyes at a walk in shower just feet beyond against the wall.

"Oh the small things in life." I said to myself as I walked over to open the glass door and turn on the hot water. Keeping my right hand in to make sure it was the right temperature, I soon breathed in steam and watched as dry blood started to come off from my fingers. After a few seconds, I pulled it out and looked back down at my legs. Wearing only a thin black thong that matched my fur almost perfectly, I carefully slipped out of it and dangled it in my left hand. Just smiling as I knew I was free for this, I leaned in and sniffed. Instantly I nodded and tossed it into the sink over to my left; back by the door.

"Yeah the small things." I said again as I actually tried to now put thought into how long its been since I bathed. Actually how long has it been since I changed underwear? I was scared to think to be honest.

Smiling as the steam from the shower soon hit me, I threw caution to the wind and my body moved on it's own need to feel something good after being without for so long. The second my head hit the water was the second the world for once in my life felt right.

Thirty minutes later.

"Mmmmmm." Letting out probably one of the most satisfying breaths of my life. I stepped out of the shower and grabbed onto a nearby towel. First thing I did was dry my head. I don't give two shits if I leave this place a wreak. I don't plan on staying much longer anyway so fuck it. Once my head was under control, I walked back into the main room and took a seat back on the bed. This time however mixed with the relaxation of the warm water and the mist still leaving the bathroom, I instantly felt my eyes go heavy. I wanted to lay down and just sleep, but I knew I couldn't. Last time I did I woke up with a gun pointed at my head. Even with that door over there rigged to blow I wasn't going to chance that again. Not when I have Maxwell only blocks away.

Opening my eyes, I gazed over to the desk with all my remaining gear. I knew I had to make a move soon. God knows when anyone else will try to get involved. So if I was smart, which I know I am. I should try to leave this city as soon as possible. Resting the towel between my legs, I leaned in and just tried to think. I wasn't flying. Too much attention and anyone after me probably was expecting that kind of a move. No I would have to drive. Or run on foot. The city is a maze. Outside the main border was even more of maze. Small towns and even more people. Mostly tourists and to be honest that was probably good for me. I can blend in if I'm lucky. But even knowing this I knew I had to go somewhere else after getting out. The question was where?

Standing up gently from the bed I walked over to the desk to open my backpack and pull out my laptop. Turning it on brought up my contract instantly. I had this set as my home page so I could keep up to date if and when something changes. But I also had something else I was watching. Flipping through to another window, I pulled up the same site but another contract. My eyes went soft as a picture of her came up first.

"Where are you?" I asked myself as I began to look through the content.

With everything going on I knew my sister was alive. She had to be. Her contract has been up for the past year and I've just hit my eight month mark. Only difference is; she's been making a whole lot more noise then me up till now. Last I saw she was in this city. But nobody knew a fucking thing. Just that she was worth millions and keeping herself low. Up till now the plan was to try and find her. Try and just figure out what the fuck she's been doing these past months. Last time I saw her face was the same night I got shot. Almost lost my right arm that night. When we got to the Russian border, G.U.N and our own comrades were waiting. I got shipped to a hospital and Zeta went somewhere else. No one told me a fucking thing. But I had a feeling she went to see Hecan Moore. It's all that made sense after that night. Probably the only other reason Russia didn't convict me once they found out I worked with G.U.N making that fucking bomb. I suppose I have her to thank for that. But after that night I never saw her again. One day I was in Russia, then next I was sent back to the army. Flown to the other side of the country then put back to work making bombs for our own. Even when I asked to see her the military refused to discharge any information. They were hiding shit and up till this day I still don't know what. But I know they put out the word to have me brought in once I went AWOL. It was bullshit I wasn't told anything about her after the night we got back and I don't regret what I did. The one thing I know is I don't have regrets. Not a fucking one. I plan to keep it that way by figuring this shit out. But for that to happen I need to find her. Cause I know she has to know I'm alive too. She's smart. A fucking whip. She's has to know I'm out here. Wanted just like her. Maybe it was fate and we just kept missing each other by a single step. Or maybe it was something else keeping us apart, but I was a firm believer in my sister. If Zeta wanted to find me, she could have. What the fuck happened? And why was she in the middle east right now? I asked myself as I saw her location was updated a few days ago. I already knew she was in the middle east before this, but this whole trip here was to gather more information as to why she was getting further away. She was last spotted in Iraq and from there she flew. But where? I wondered as I began to look around her contract further to see only Ying was searching for her. Guess that confirms that I was the main priority right now then. Something I already knew, but at least I knew for sure now.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I asked out loud as I went back to looking at her pictures. They were so old. Just gave me a smile to see her face.

Letting out a sigh, I refocused and went back to thinking for the game plan ahead. If she was in Iraq then I would need to get there and pop some questions. Maybe that fox was still alive. That shaky doctor working underground as a G.U.N medic. Raze? I wondered as I questioned the name. It's been years since I've seen her and her shaky hands. Last time she touched me; she fucked up my stitches. Can't say I'll ever forget her face after that. I thought to myself as I then had to come up with a way to avoid the war going on there. Rebellion and G.U.N were going at it last time I checked. Getting mixed up in a war that wasn't my own wasn't the plan this time around. If I just keep low and find Raze or somebody that can help, I can make this work. I had too at this point. Zeta was getting further away and I was only steps behind. But I knew getting there was going to be hard. It was a good two days worth of driving straight just to get there. If I go soon while Maxwell is busy cleaning up there shit; I might get a head start just big enough for me to get distance.

Shutting my laptop, I went back to my duffel and began to get my last set of fresh cloths out. Another pair of blue skin tight jeans and a clean brown tank top. Problem I had was I was out of underwear and down to my last black bra. Wouldn't be the first time I had to go commando since this started. So I just grabbed my bra and slipped into it slowly, but once dressed I reached in to pull out another plaid shirt. My gray was fucked and that left me with a faded red and black one instead. I wasn't one for bright colors, but it wasn't an option to go without long sleeves. I'm always fucking cold so the more layers the better.

The whole time I got it buttoned up I kept looking to the door. I was expecting someone to barge in just based off my luck up till this point. Thankfully it wasn't happening yet.

Once fully dressed, I reached down to pull back up my vest. This thing was simple. Standard bulletproof harness I got back in the army. Stole it back from the armory before I left. This thing was beat up, but I had the talent to make this work. Putting it up on the desk; I unzipped the sides and pulled out the shards of broken kevlar. Almost five shards alone came out from the front. Another three from the back plate. Reaching in to my duffel, I took out my last set of replacements. These were the best I could find since leaving Russia. Inch thick kevlar plating that promised me almost zero penetration. Still hurt like a motherfucker, but for now I was confident I wasn't going to get shot without some trouble beforehand.

After I got finished zipping the vest back up, I strapped it back on over my plaid shirt and made sure it was tight. Snug like a bug in a rug, I looked back to the duffel and reached in to grab onto a small black case and an even bigger silver one. The black one was my remaining venom tablets and the silver was my own concoction that allowed me to keep my powers under control. A few vials of pure viper venom and tranquillizers I mixed together using some classic chemistry I knew. A few different methods to get the tranquillizers was used, but it didn't matter at this point in what I was using to stay alive. So long as it kept me alive. Going back to into my backpack, I pulled out my three injectors and began to refill them all. I wasn't leaving this building without them ready to go. Once that was out of the way, I strapped one on the belt to my vest and put the other two back in my bag. The tablets I just put in one of the front pouches and with that I took a breath and looked over to the large briefcase I kept. This thing took up half the fucking table, but for a good reason. Popping the locks after some sensual looks, I opened it up and just stared at the contents inside. Letting out a soft moan I said to myself while reaching in.

"Last time we part again. Not taking anymore chances."

Pulling out my custom AK-47, I put it down on my lap and took out it's attachments one at a time. Fitting each of them on as I was almost getting absorbed by the shear memories this baby gave me. A clean one point five holographic zoomed sight, a tapered silencer I handcrafted using nothing but the best I could get my hands on. A two way laser and flashlight rig I had under the main rail, a vertical grip with custom finger grooves, and a collapsible padded stock just to give my firing arm it's much need comfort when shooting this perfectly tuned killing tool. The wood I spray painted a darker orange and the metal I had dipped in black. This thing was my baby. I loved it like one anyway. Loading a clip in the rifle, I readied the chamber and looked back to the case to grab the rest of my ammo. I kept this thing treated well. With the ammo lined out on the desk, I pulled out a larger combat ammo harness. Pulling it over and around my vest, I began to fill it with magazines. Three full clips on my left side and another three on my right. They snapped in place with the harness and after it was done I reached in to grab my combat ammo belt and filled that with what I had left for my crossguard. At the end I had two clips for my pistol strapped near my left leg and another two towards the right. Making sure everything was together, I then reached back into the case to grab onto what I had left for tactical. Two flashbangs and three hand grenades. They fit right in place next to the ammo for my pistol I had along my belt. Soon as they were set up in place, I nodded to myself and reached back to my duffel.

"Guess I shouldn't waste anymore time." I said to myself as I pulled out a long brown duster. Carefully tossing that on to cover up all the gear I had I then finished by making sure I had everything I needed. Sending my rifle under the duster and leaving it covered next to my right side. I then grabbed my hat back up and put it on over my head. Then lastly I moved my hair out of my eyes and gave a soft nod to close my briefcase. But as I watched the lid go down, I pulled out a smaller necklace case I had set in the far corner. With that I just put it in my backpack and got the duffel back over my shoulder.

This whole time I was ready to just sleep. But a plan was a plan. If I wasted anymore time I knew Zeta could just wind up running further away or getting killed. So with that I grabbed my backpack and tossed the strap over my other arm. Then made a break for the door. Very slowly I opened it and ducked under my wire to get back out into the hallway. No one was around so now is the perfect time to run for it.

Making haste down the hall I reached to my ear and reactivated my earpiece.

"Bing...bing...bing...bing."

Ready to make this trip, I soon found myself back outside and at the van I drove here in. Quickly tossing the duffel in and getting in the driver's seat alongside it. I then started the engine and looked back at hotel. I was ready to do this again. I just hope this time I'm not a step behind.

With my mind refocusing, I then widened my eyes as a loud boom could be heard from inside the hotel itself. I just let out a chuckle and said to myself still laughing inside.

"Should have knocked."

mT Shadow.