Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 153 – Demi
Vacus's POV.
"Hmmmmmmmpphhh!" Pulling up with every last fiber in my upper body, I felt my chin tap the bar and at that exact moment I released my grip. Landing down only a few feet below the bar itself, I let out some heavy breaths and reached up with my right hand to feel my forehead. I was drenched in sweat at the moment. Even being dark out it was still pretty hot. Keeping bent over as I continued to breathe, I widened my eyes when I heard from behind me.
"Lieutenant Vacus?"
I knew that voice very well and I didn't need anyone to tell me otherwise. Looking back over my shoulder just out of shear confusion as to why that certain voice was here above all other places, I felt my heart stop as I stared right back into two purple eyes. At first I didn't know what to do. I just sat there in the same spot as his voice came back to my ears.
"You okay Lieutenant?"
Standing up straight and turning my focus fully towards him, I remained wide eyed as he just shot me a smile. In utter confusion I replied after it was becoming clear he was still waiting for any response.
"Yeah. I'm okay commander. Just getting in a little before I head to bed for the night. Is something wrong sir?"
Shaking his head as he stepped a foot closer, he replied back.
"No nothing. I just saw you out here and wanted to say thank you for earlier."
This dude was insane looking compared to me. I fully disregarded it up till now because before he wasn't really focused on getting close. Now he was no more then a foot or two away. Body in the shape of a Greek god and for a hedgehog his age; he confused me with looking like he was twenty. This dude was more built then some of the bigger wolves on the teams. His stance alone was intimidating and I knew right now he wasn't even trying to scare me. He was actually trying to just stand at ease and it was that intense. Maybe it was because I had no idea what this man even was after today. Everyone talked after he left the meeting. Not a single person knew what to say to what they saw and some were outright scared now of him. What the fuck is he? I asked myself as he said with a low voice.
"Not trying to inspect you Lieutenant. Just here to say thank you. You can take a breath." He told me as I broke out of my train of thought to question.
"What? That's not what I meant commander. I mean...?" I shut my mouth the second I tried to form the words. Commander Voltz knew I was about to say something, and redirecting my focus with his eyes he urged.
"Just say it."
Looking right into his eyes I replied.
"Everyone is lost right now. Even Captain Freemen and she's the toughest person I know. With what you did earlier. Commander you...what was that?"
Smiling he replied while reaching out for me.
"Nothing to be concerned about Lieutenant. Just showing you guys a thing or two before it's too late."
"But you...?" Cutting me off he asked.
"Are you confident in your ability to lead?"
Biting my tongue I replied.
"Yes sir."
"Are you though? Have you led in battle? Or are you like Mason and Commander Archer and you prefer to wait on the sidelines and watch as your people die for you?"
Instantly I got defensive and replied back.
"I've gladly put my own life before any of my women commander."
"I'm just asking cause I want to know. It's important I know my officers." He replied as I then had to ask.
"What's this about sir?"
Just giving me a smile he replied.
"It's about the future of the rebellion of course Lieutenant. It's always about the future. When my time comes; I need to know this army will not crumble. Instead they will have people like you bleeding on the sands alongside others who are taking a risk to fight for what they believe in." I just went silent as he placed his hand on my left shoulder to look me right in the eyes.
"I saw how I left you this morning Lieutenant. I'm sorry if I caused discomfort. But understand what I was trying to do. I want all of you to lead. To be real soldiers. That's all. People like Mason and Archer in Iraq lead from the desk. You see that too right?" He asked me as I slowly nodded.
"There is a great difference between men who fight wars from the shadows and others who fight on the front lines with their men. If there is one thing I want to happen, it's that when I go this army can still function without me as their leader. I need people who aren't afraid to get dirty and earn their bones. People like you and people like me. Shit won't get done if you leave it all up to chance Vacus. Sometimes you need to do it yourself."
Things went silent as I looked to his hand that was still on my shoulder. Slowly Raptor released it and went on to say.
"Listen all I really came over here for was to make sure I got through loud and clear with my message. I would ask your sister and Freemen as well, but they aren't here sadly. You're free to think about me as you want; along with the thousands of others Lieutenant. But regardless of what people think my duty to this country and it's people is to protect and earn our rights. To make sure we can live peacefully for generations to come. Without people like me; we'd be waiting on people like Mason and Archer to step up. And we both know men like that will take a long fucking time." He told me as I gulped to myself.
The commander was nothing sort of a great conversationalist. It was no wonder he was still leading to this very day. He talked like he understood and regardless of his condition his morals never changed. Relaxing myself as he just smiled again, I asked one more time. This time carefully as I looked back at his eyes.
"Commander what are you?"
His smile remained as I asked bluntly. I was dying to know. Cause up till this morning he was considered just another soldier like all of us. After killing that G.U.N general by himself and coming back in one piece he's become a hero. But the question was now focused on how he did what he did back at the demonstration. How he healed himself like he did in front of us all. How he put his body forward without a second thought just to show us how to mend some wounds. To teach us something he deemed necessary. As we stared at one another I began to worry. He wasn't saying a word and at this point in the night I was starting to get a headache. I overexerted during training. Just to prove a point. To maybe prove to myself what he hoped I could be. A soldier. A leader. With time continuing to pass, I widened my eyes as Raptor reached out with his left hand. This time he got it alongside my face and wondered.
"May I?"
I was startled to say the least, but who was I to say no to this man? Just nodding my head once Raptor placed his hand along the very edge of my head. Resting his palm alongside my right ear and down to my cheek. At first I was just staring at him, but in maybe a second I felt a rush of heat enter through his touch and into my skull. I felt my right leg buckle and with that Raptor came in close to urge.
"Relax Lieutenant. It's okay."
Catching myself from falling as he held me there, I gazed back up to his eyes. His touch was enough to put me to sleep. Whatever the hell he was doing wiped away any thought of fear I had these past few minutes of him. My whole body and mind was at peace and if near a bed I would gladly fall over. After maybe ten more seconds, Raptor took his hand away. Almost unable to move, I listened as he stated quietly into my ear.
"You should get to bed Lieutenant. We have a rough day tomorrow. Okay?"
"Yes...yes sir." I replied as he gently released my side. Matching height with the hedgehog, I gave him another long stare. At which point he said while keeping his smile.
"Can't have a headache keep you up."
It was at that moment I knew I had been talking to something different. Or something out of this fucking world. It was the only thing that made sense. From his body, all the way to his touch, he was something different. He had to be. Right then and there he almost put me to sleep with just a touch of his hand. And regardless of how I felt now; my headache was gone. Like he knew my problem all along. Taking a step back the commander waved and turned to leave. I was left just standing there in disarray. Reaching up to my head where he had touched me, I shut my eyes to the sudden warmth reemerging. Opening my eyes again I saw he was gone. Collecting my head as I back up, I asked myself out loud.
"What the fuck just happened?"
Pierce's POV, Thirty minutes later.
Juper remained behind with Dex and Rover to finish up the body count and cleanup. The rest of us were already on the way back. However we had two rides. Pez was the only other person with me and the others were only a few feet back in the other car. Zeta sat in the backseat as Pez focused on driving. I couldn't help but keep looking back at her as she had her head leaned out the side of the window. Her eyes were shut and the wind had her hair pushed to her side as it was clear to me she was in her own world. I gave her my vest to cover up the shirt she barely had on. Didn't need anyone seeing her in this condition. As time passed, I was worried about her mentally. After what happened...god only knows what she's thinking and feeling.
"Zeta?" I said back to her as she kept her eyes shut. As I looked her over from where I was, I noticed she she had her right arm resting on her lap. Her fingers were spread open which gave me the idea that maybe she was resting. But I knew she needed help. Looking to Pez I said quietly.
"Keep it straight."
He nodded his head as I turned around in my seat to face the wolf in the back. Very carefully I went over and hopped in the seat next to her. Now close I knew for a fact she was asleep.
Reaching to my belt I opened up my venom case and pulled out a shot. With it in my hand, I looked back to Zeta and gently put my hand on her shoulder. With my fingers wrapping over, I gave her a soft shake. It didn't take long for her to wake back up and look over her side to see me there with a smile on my face.
"What?" She mumbled in confusion as I put the hand that held the shot forward for her to see. Her eyes locked on it, but still remained hazy almost as I urged.
"You need to have some. The symptoms aren't good ones when your in that condition. Come on. Real quick. One two done." I told her as she very slowly took the shot out of my hand and to her neck. I watched carefully as she did it. The whole thing went in and with her eyes shutting she let out a soft moan. After which she pulled out the needle and lowered her hand back down to mine. The needle traded between us as she rested her head back out the window. Patting her back, I climbed back up to the front seat. Retaking my position I asked Pez.
"How long you think?"
Glancing over he replied.
"Hour or so sir."
Nodding my head, I glanced back to Zeta who once again had her eyes shut. I knew she was more emotionally drained then physically. The venom will do it's job on her body, but I doubt it will do a fucking thing for the scars she now has. She's a tough woman I can see it, but god knows how she will be after some much earned rest.
As I let out a breath, I could only stare at the blood covering her fur. Covering her lips and basically everything from the mouth down. I'm still trying to get the image of her ripping that poor kid's arm off. I've heard of users that would become prone to losing their minds like that if pushed in the right direction. But god damn was I worried we might have lost her. The way she looked at me when I got close had me scared. Last thing I need is to lose my neck.
Lastly was my concern for Raptor these next few days. He told me his little plan about going after Zeta's sister. Of course I gave him my two cents but his plan is pretty solid. Fucked up but solid none the less. After it was all said and out there, I knew right then and there what meant more to a man like him. His friends or his beliefs. Regardless of the outcome this country will be okay. So long as a guy like him is willing to make these kinds of choices. But soon I'd need to report to Hecan. Might just do it when I get back. I'm sure he would like to have some words with Raptor before he risks everything. But I won't know till I get back.
With the road passing on and on, I took one more look to Zeta. What the hell do I tell Raptor?
Gorgon's POV, Thirty minutes later.
I sat here motionless as Raptor stared into my eyes. Two purple orbs just gazing into my soul. A coat of black quills that I could barely comprehend and a body that looked better then when I first tried to kill him. I had no clue what happened. Not a fucking idea as to what was going on. This man had changed into something. Something dark and as I stared right back at him; I noticed a white haze along the pupils he had. In utter loss for words I asked him directly.
"What are you Voltz?"
Up till now we had been talking about the past. More screaming then I could handle and more fear then I could take as it was clear to me I broke him somewhere. He was psychically perfect, but mentally he was off the charts to me now. Giving me a small chuckle; he replied while grabbing my neck with his right hand.
"Something you don't need to worry about Gorgon. Now just let me ask you something. Okay?" He asked as I held onto my breath. Keeping his grip tight, Raptor came an inch closer to wonder.
"You like being alive?"
Instantly I replied.
"Yes."
Raptor just nodded to my response and with that he brought his left hand up to my face. He had me held like I was some sort of toy at this point. And to be honest, I basically was. I wasn't going anywhere. I couldn't move a muscle at this point in my captivity. I was losing energy and I hadn't eaten in two days. Even with venom in my blood, I knew I was getting to the point of starving soon. Keeping his tone low he then said with careful guidance.
"I'm leaving soon. Going away for a few days to help someone close to me. I know I know. How is that possible Raptor? You may ask. Seeing as you killed almost everyone I had left in my life that I cared about." Lowering his left hand but keeping his grip Raptor went on to say.
"Point is Gorgon I'm going to be leaving the country for a bit. Which means I have two options. Kill you now before I go, or let you stay and deal with it when I get back. Chances are that might not even happen depending on how things play out. But regardless I chose to let you live a little longer. So all I need from you right now is to listen. Okay?"
I nodded my head to the man as he released my neck. Our lips were almost touching he came that close. Pulling away gently he urged.
"Chances are Mason or someone else will want to come talk to you at some point. Ask some questions. See what you know about me or what happened to get you into this point of your life. Regardless of the person and regardless of the questions asked Gorgon, I need you to keep your mouth shut. Maybe even refuse to talk. Maybe even go a step further and tell them you'll only talk to me. Or make some shit up, I don't really care. But point is I know for a fact the others around this base will have you tossed into the general public of the prison only a few doors down, or they will just look to kill you if you prove useless. So for both our best interests you need to keep yourself together and hold out till I come back. If your lucky I'll leave them a note. Make it easier for you. But for that I need you to tell me something."
"What?" I asked him as he just looked at me directly to ask.
"There is a kid back in Iraq. Joined my army first day in after killing that fat fuck Monroe. Looks a lot like you." He stated as I widened my eyes. Raptor started to smile and went on to say.
"Looks a whole lot like you for a matter of fact. Also has the name of my best friend. Shadow."
"Raptor...?" Cutting me off he said.
"Shadow Verbeck was his name. Now I doubt that's his real name right? Probably some kind of stage name Linnen gave him before he came to my doorstep as a rat. As an informant. He's also probably the reason my friend Wreak got shot by your man Jagger. Probably the same reason I almost got killed alongside my friend Char flying over here to see my fucking wife!" He shouted as I shut my eyes to the power behind his voice.
"Look at me." He said with anger as I kept my head to the side.
"SMACK! Look at me!" He ordered with a heavy swing of his left hand along my face. Grabbing me back by the cheeks he steadied my head and looked me right back into my eyes.
"You're the best G.U.N has to offer. The perfect soldier. Venom in your veins. A super fucking soldier and look at you now." He urged me as I kept myself as relaxed as possible.
"Only reason your weak now is because I have you by the balls. Locked with all these chains and starving to death slowly. You want that to start changing you answer me right now. Who is he?"
Everything went silent as Raptor waited for an answer. I tried to shake him off but immediately he squeezed my head with all he had. Instantly I stopped moving and after some time he shouted.
"Who is he?!"
"Stop!" I begged him as he kept me by the head. Uncaring Raptor squeezed me again. My eyes were going to pop at this rate.
"Who!?" He asked as he had me on the verge of snapping in two. Unable to fight back I shouted.
"He's my boy!"
Raptor quickly sent my head down and let me go as he went silent to my answer. With blood starting to come out from my nose I carefully whispered.
"He's my son. He's...he's my son Raptor and his name really is Shadow. Not Verbeck or whatever the fuck that is. He's Shadow Zetes. My son."
With my head going blank, I didn't fight back when I felt his hand go under my chin. Lifting my head up I matched his gaze one more time. Without any sign of being shocked Raptor asked.
"Your son?"
Nodding once I replied.
"He enlisted when he was eighteen. He's been with G.U.N for seven years now. I didn't know he was here till Linnen mentioned something a long time ago."
"But you knew." He accused me as I replied back.
"I didn't know shit. Linnen had me by the balls and never confirmed it. Part of me thought he was just saying that to get on my nerves. But... but I guess he wasn't lying after all. Is he really here?" I asked him as he just stared at me to reply.
"He's in Iraq working for my army. Had him pegged as a mole the second he walked up to my door. Looked just like Shadow Robotnik and with some time it was easy enough to zone him out from the others."
"But you didn't act? Why?" I asked in confusion as he just smiled.
"Thought I could use him some day. Had one of my own men framed as the mole to give him confidence he was safe among the ranks. So far it's worked. And as far as I know he's still in Iraq feeding Linnen whatever information he can get his hands on. But I'll be honest I'm glad I didn't kill him." He stated as I widened my eyes.
"Cause now that I put two and two together I can make this a lot more fun."
"Raptor please. Don't hurt my boy. He's just doing his job and serving his country for what he believes in."
"Bullshit." He replied back as I bit my tongue. Adjusting his spot in front of me Raptor asked.
"How old your then? Kid is twenty five. Makes you what? Forty three?"
I nodded as he then stated.
"That venom is some crazy shit. You look twenty yourself, but your older then me."
"Fuck off." I urged him as he chuckled and went on to say.
"Your boy is following daddy's footsteps in all this. Playing with a whole lot of fucking fire. Does the kid know your in country as well dad?"
I went silent to his change of tone, but he knew the answer and said.
"Maybe when I get back we can have some fun together. Just you and him and me of course."
"Leave my son alone. I'll do whatever you want Raptor just leave him alone. He's a good kid."
"So was my boy Gorgon. Where did that get him? At least you got twenty five years with him in your life. I only got ten." He said back to me as I felt everything in the room grow cold again.
Slowly Raptor stood up to say.
"Right now I plan to leave him alone. But if you want things to remain that way you better be here when I get back."
"You'll still kill us you fuck!" I shouted out as he chuckled and replied.
"Yeah probably. But at least buy yourself some time to see him again dad. Cause we both know if you don't you'll end up dead one way or the other. Hell to be honest I'll be surprised if Archer doesn't kill you himself."
With that Raptor went to the door. Once there he opened it and looked back one more time to say with a smile.
"I'll hopefully be back within a week or two. Depends on what happens. You want this to work out? Better use that training of yours and make something happen. Cause right now your on your own. But like I promised I'll leave the others a note. Not saying it will help, but it might who knows? Ether way Gorgon I will be seeing you soon. You can count on that."
"Fuck you!" I screamed at him as he chuckled and left shutting the door behind him.
As I fell back down to my ass, I instantly thought about Shadow. There was no reason for Raptor to not kill him. I got my son into this shit and I knew damn well I was going to lose him because of it. Please god give me something. Let my boy walk out of this with his life. I don't care if I lose mine. Just please don't let that monster have him.
mT Shadow.