Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 217 - The first move.

Raptor's POV, The next morning.

I was right to think what happened last night would lead to more chaos among the people and the rebellion. In fact there were more than a few battles being fought right now. The rebellion was stretched thin trying to contain it all and more and more of Ying's men were getting killed because they were issuing beating over trying to talk anything out with the people. But plenty of people were armed and there were a lot of shootouts among the few congregations. I had an idea but the easiest thing would be to get right to the point and hit the capital itself. I knew who was in charge but killing him wasn't what I wanted to do. General Hoffer and myself were always on good terms. If I could talk to him I had a good feeling that I could convince him to stand down and turn back the control over to me. He hated Archer so at least that was on my side. The issue stood some of my men and Ying's. I would be targeted if I did this alone, but thankfully that wouldn't be much of a problem. There were already more than a few hundred people gathered at the capital in hopes of breaching the walls. I was gonna join them and hopefully end this today. It was risky but I knew I had the upper hand between the people there who support me and the powers I now possess. I can make my point clear and I had no issue fighting if it came to that. Zeta and the others were all geared up and waiting for the orders to be given. Tusk however was still begging to talk to me about what I did for him. I knew why he wanted to but it would have to wait. With Cody keeping a close distance with me in my kitchen, I continued to go over my gear. I wasn't going to dress for a war, but I wanted to be safe just in case. I got on my rebellion vest and harness and made sure my Glock was loaded and in it's holster at my hip. I loaded two extra clips along with it and began to focus on my rifle. Just another M4 I had in the basement but it was better than nothing. Attaching a sling to it and wrapping it over my shoulder, I let the rifle dangle over my chest and looked to Cody who asked.

"Ready?"

Nodding my head I replied.

"Yeah I'm all set. Come on."

As we walked back into the living room, the others looked at me. Looking from person to person I ordered.

"Zeta, Pepper, and Cody? You three are with me for this. Stay at my side and keep quiet. I'll do the talking. See any trouble and you deal with it. Blitz and Tusk, you guys are gonna stay here and watch the house with Raze. Just make sure nothing happens while we're gone and….feed my dog. Okay?"

"Yes sir." Blitz replied as I looked to Tusk who was focused on my eyes. Slowly he nodded and I did the same to look back at the girls.

"Let's do this. I'll drive since none of you know where the fuck to go."

The girls chuckled as I made my way for the door. Grabbing my car keys off the hook I opened the door as Raze urged us from the couch.

"Be safe you guys."

I smiled and all together we left the house shortly after. In seconds we piled into the car and began to exit the driveway. Once I had us on the road I turned the radio on to listen as the news was already set to play.

"Fighting still plagues the streets of Iran as rebellion forces struggle to maintain control over the more populated sections of the city. Reports are coming in that hundreds of people are gathering around the country's capital demanding entrance with the leader of the rebellion forces; a General Hoffer. General Hoffer has noted to the public this morning that he by no means wants or is going to abuse the people he believes are in the right during such a time of crisis. What that means is of no detail to us at the moment but it doesn't seem to have helped. Rebellion troops are holding their ground all around the capital and the city as we speak and many of the smaller gatherings around the city have resulted in deaths and shootouts. Mainly focused on the outsiders known as Ying PMC. Four of which soldiers were killed last night starting the said uprising to resume. Rumors are circulating that the original cause for the violence was brought on by none other than ex-rebellion commander Raptor Voltz. Witness reports claim he was ambushed and forced to handle the situation without the need for debates with the outsiders. Then he was seen making his way from the scene of the actions to an unknown location."

Zeta who sat next to me as I drove muffled under her mask.

"You were ambushed?"

Keeping my eyes on the road I replied.

"It was more like I waited for them and they decided it was in their best interest to bring me in."

Zeta nodded as the news went on.

"It's unclear what course of action will be taken by the rebellion at this moment, but Ying PMC is for sure being targeted as the enemy to the people. For both attacking ex commander Raptor Voltz and for their disregard for the well being of the middle east. The fires don't seem to be close at all to stopping and we are on site monitoring the situation as it unfolds. We will have more for you listeners as the information comes in. Stay safe middle east."

We would be nearing the capital in about twenty minutes but it was clear there were more than a few uprisings going on as we drove on through the city. The deeper we got the more dense the trouble. Gunshots were going off all around the city in almost all directions at one point or another. Bodies were resting on the sides of the roads and not all of them were of Ying troops. A lot were just people. People who lived in this city their whole lives. Riddled with holes and making my blood pressure rise by the second. I couldn't believe things have gotten this bad but I guess that's a mute point to make when I'm in this position now.

In time we came close to the capital itself and the news wasn't lying. There were hundreds if not thousands of people crowding the capital walls and filling the streets in all directions. Rocks, bottles, and just about anything was being tossed and thrown at the walls and the soldiers manning said walls. From time to time you hear gunshots and those soldiers ordering for a retreat. It wasn't going to happen. I had to park halfway down the street to even get out. It was that crowded. As I did however I heard from the backseat.

"Holy shit. That's a riot if I've ever seen one." Cody stated as I looked at all the chaos ensuing. With Pepper next to speak she wondered.

"What's the plan Raptor?"

Checking my M4 one last time I replied while turning off the safety.

"Like I said you guys are going to back me up. We need to push to the front of the line and get their attention."

Suddenly you heard my name being called from the crowd. I widened my eyes at the sound of it and Zeta calmly said.

"I think we won't have an issue getting their attention Raptor."

Nodding my head I replied.

"Guess we'll see. Remember though. Let me do the talking. Anyone gives us an issue feel free to open fire. But no shooting the civilians. Am I clear on that?"

"Yes sir." They all replied as I let out one more deep breath. Once it was out of my system I opened my door and ordered.

"Alright then. Let's do this."

The second I left the car things began to change. Besides the thick crowd of people in front of us there were plenty of them around and behind us. Everyone seemed to be gathering more and more by the second and the moment I made my face known I got more than a few stunned looks and happy screams. The people closest to me began to scream to the top of their lungs my name. A few even came in close to pat my shoulder and or back. I remained calm as Pepper who was behind me first quickly and carefully made it clear to the others not to touch me. Their masks and armor were more then enough to get them to understand the point as we began to walk with the crowd. My small protection detail was soon around my sides and rear. Cody at my back making sure no one snuck up on me and Zeta and Pepper defending my sides as I focused on going forward. I was forced to bring up my voice as it was soon made obvious I wouldn't be able to just walk my way to the front of the line.

"Make room!" I ordered as my voice carried a few yards. Some people heard me among the fighting but as soon as the order left my mouth the many of others who followed me close also began to scream for attention. Together people were starting to notice and soon we were having a more stable route being made to the capital's main gates which had more than a handful of rebellion troops guarding from the safety behind it's metal jaws.

Very quickly everyone began to notice me and cheers started to erupt by the second. I was even being flagged down by more then a few reporters who just so happened to be mixed into the crowd, but I did my best to keep moving while stating to the people as they got close with microphones in hand.

"I can't stop to talk right now!"

"Commander Voltz! Commander Voltz!"

Zeta did her part and got in their way as I got back to focusing on the task at hand.

I was shoulder to shoulder soon the crowd got so dense the closer I got. Then and only then did I order the people in front of me.

"Make room! Come on! Out of my way!"

My orders were obeyed without question by the people and as I became maybe twenty feet from the main gate did I stop to look at the walls. Rebellion soldiers all armed were just standing up there looking down at us. Most of them I remembered from the first week I ran this building after killing Monroe and many of them I knew were loyal to me and the true nature of the war and what we were fighting for. But among them were some Ying troops who were more than ready to start killing people.

As I got within a few meters from the gate itself, did I stop to look at the crowd. Many people were following me and many of which were shouting for the gates to be opened. Taking one last moment to prepare myself I let out a sigh and made the final push to the front where garbage and empty ammo casing littered the ground. The second I came out from the front I saw the looks of the troops at the gate change. Then the man in charge stepped forward to shout at me through the chaos.

"Commander Voltz!?"

Taking a chance I stepped forward and ordered him through the metal bars.

"Open the gate! I want to speak with Hoffer!"

Clearly there was a problem doing that because the officer began to look around at the crowd of angry citizens just feet behind me waiting to maul them to death if they did. Giving me this more than worried look he replied.

"I can't do that sir!"

Giving him this snicker I looked passed him for a second to see there were plenty of troops littering the grounds just waiting in case something happened to the walls. With the officer and I just looking back at one another his eyes switched from me and onto Zeta and Pepper who were soon through the crowd and back at my side. Cody then followed and got behind me. Once they were there I ordered him again.

"Open the fucking gate!"

I knew he was more concerned with his life than anything else. For a few moments we stared at one another and sensing I was getting tired of waiting he went to his comm to say into the speaker.

"General, we have a problem!"

In seconds Hoffer came on the horn to reply.

"Tell me about it son! We have a problem at every corner! What's yours?"

Looking back up at me he replied.

"Commander Voltz is at the gate requesting we open up! I don't know what to do sir!"

"Fucking let him in!" Hoffer quickly ordered as the officer replied.

"Sir have you seen the crowd out here!? I'm worried if I do they'll just push in and we won't have much of a perimeter to defend!"

I was losing my patience at this point and in time Hoffer shouted over the comms.

"I'm coming out there Lieutenant! Just keep Voltz there!"

"Yes sir!" He replied as I had the urge just to phase through it at this point. In time I could sense Hoffer coming and with my eyes looking to the capital's main doors, out came the man himself who was quickly power walking his way over to the gate. He took no time at all to push the Lieutenant out of the way and get the gate open just enough for myself to slip in. Looking back at him I stated.

"These three are with me! Let them through then shut the gate!"

Hoffer did just that and paid no mind as Zeta, Pepper, and Cody came walking in. However once they were through he quickly shut the gate and ordered the Lieutenant who was at awe looking at the two wolves and their getups.

"Make sure no one else gets through!"

"Yes sir!" He replied as the General refocused on me to urge with a hand to my back.

"Follow me inside and quick! I'm not looking to catch a rock to my head!"

I nodded and together we walked to the main building. Everyone was looking at me and my protection and once through the main doors, I walked head first into Marx who widened his eyes to shout in shock.

"Raptor!? What the….!?"

"Move Marx!" Hoffer ordered as we didn't waste any time to go upstairs. Once there we went into the office where there were more than a few officers present and waiting. All of them were older veterans such as myself and some were young like Cody, but regardless they all showed some form of respect as I entered and ordered Cody who was last in.

"Shut the door."

Cody did just that and once we were locked in I heard from Hoffer who remained standing now just behind the desk.

"You know of all the fucking things I've had to deal with; I've never thought this would be one of them. Do you know how many people have died today Raptor from this mess?"

"More than we should have ever allowed Hoffer. These people are our family. They are the reason we fight in the first place. None of them should be getting killed for expressing their rights."

Giving me this dumbfounded look Hoffer replied in confusion.

"Do you think I wanted this? This is all because of Archer and because of him I have the city going nuts and no help from Ying and his fucking men. Now all the sudden I hear you got into a fight with them last night and got this all started up again."

"It wasn't my intention Hoffer. Ying and Archer want me fucking dead. I was defending myself and now I'm here to help you get this shit together. If you'll have me."

Smiling he replied.

"You walked head first into this Raptor. You know where I stand on this subject. But shit isn't that simple. You can't just come back and fix something like this and technically if I'm obeying the rules I should have you brought in and your friends here killed."

I went silent as Hoffer added while taking a seat.

"Where the hell have you been? What the fuck are you doing with G.U.N and what are you doing now?"

"I've been trying to stay alive ever since I left the rebellion in Archer's hands. Hence why these three are with me now. G.U.N isn't our enemy. Archer is and every one of you in this room knows that right? Do you think for a second I'd be supporting that kind of behavior? Do you think I'm the problem and the enemy here?"

No one dared to say a word as I then asked.

"You support a dictator like that? Huh?"

Hoffer was just staring at me as I shouted.

"This was supposed to be an army! This rebellion was my rebellion and this rebellion was supposed to work alongside the people! Not fucking kill them Hoffer!" My voice was as scary as ever as some of the officers were shaking. Heading over to one of them I grabbed him by the vest to ask.

"Who's blood is that on your hands!?"

The kid was stumped as I shouted into his face.

"Who's!?"

Pushing him a foot back I looked back at Hoffer to state.

"We're killing our own and you all still think this is about G.U.N being the fucking problem!? I left to clear my mind and regain some of my sanity after my family was murdered! I trusted Archer to lead you all and make the right fucking choices and all I got back was a dictator and men who followed by his example! Every one of you is at fault here just as much as me! But if you were real rebellion soldiers you'd know what you're doing right now is not what Shadow or myself had in mind for a brighter middle east and don't get me started on these PMC mercenaries you're working with Hoffer!"

"That was Archer's idea Raptor! Not mine!" He replied as I approached the desk to slam my fist down and shout back.

"It doesn't fucking matter! This war is now a civil war! G.U.N is probably two seconds away from bombing the city and you can't see that as a good enough reason to make things right!?"

"What the fuck do you want from me Raptor!? You want me to disobey my commander?!"

"I want you to do what's fucking right and I know you of all people know what that is! Archer has no fucking power here unless you give it to him! And like it or not Hoffer we were never a real military force! We're just rebels! How many of you believe Archer is right?!"

None of the officer's raised their hands as I then asked.

"How many of you are just following orders because you're scared!? Show of hands!"

Hoffer watched as slowly all of them raised hands. Upon looking back at him I urged with a heavy tone.

"You know Archer isn't rebellion anymore and you know anyone who follows those beliefs are just as bad as Ying and his men. Archer wants to rule the middle east. He's willing to kill anyone who gets in his way and he knows I'm his biggest problem. G.U.N is over in Pakistan supplying aid to everyone over there without power. If they were truly the enemy they wouldn't give two fucks about any of us. If they were the problem Hoffer; they would have given up weeks ago on trying to help. We need to work together and we need to handle Archer. Starting with this fucking city! My home!"

Hoffer switched his gaze down onto the top of his desk as I took a moment to calm down and look at the others. After a moment one of the officers stated to Hoffer.

"He's right sir."

Hoffer looked up as the man went on to state.

"All of my men are disobeying orders to shoot the people on sight. Even those manning the walls getting hit with rocks and bottles won't open fire. None of us want to do this. We're just scared of the repercussions of Commander Archer and Ying."

Raising a hand I told the man.

"Ying has no power here in our world. His men are limited and they have no right being involved in this war. Archer is only with them because Ying made him some kind of deal he couldn't refuse. These men are terrorists and they need to be dealt with as such."

Then I looked back to Hoffer to urge him directly.

"We own our country at the end of the day. Same as our actions. We need to start making things right and that starts with getting Ying out of Iraq. Give the order and have it done. One way or the other Hoffer. We can fix this and Archer has no power here if we do. He even steps a foot in this country again and we can bring him down. You know I'm right."

Hoffer took his time to think. The officers stared at him all waiting as I sensed his thoughts coming in waves to soon stop on one question. Looking up at me he asked.

"What do you want to do?"

mT Shadow.