Love Struck Delusion

Chapter 240 - Out of commission.

Marcus's POV.

"BANG!"

Everyone in the middle of this fight got scared shitless when a gun went off. Screaming took over, but people were still fighting. I was caught in the middle of this but my eyes caught the shooter's and so did over half the room of angry patrons. Leo had his M9 pointed at where Raptor was on top of Black and my eyes never moved so fast to confirm what had happened. Raptor was just flattened out on top of the other hedgehog and you could see the blood spilling out. Then it didn't take long for everyone and their mothers to jump to Leo who was in all honesty getting beaten to death as they struggled to get the gun away from him.

The immediate reality of what had happened was still just as unknown to most. Black had no care in the world for Raptor because I doubt he even knew what happened himself. He just punched him once in the face and pushed him aside. But the second Raptor didn't move and just rolled like a sack of potatoes was the moment it kicked in for him. He was able to question himself for a second before getting beaten back down by the other half of the crowd who was struggling to keep their commander safe.

I however was unsure of what to do now. I couldn't even get to Raptor at this point but I knew his condition.

Zeta's POV.

Pepper and I were mixed in with the people who were getting the shooter down, but once he was grounded did I look back to see Raptor on the floor not moving.

"Raptor?!" I shouted as Pepper heard me and turned back around to see for herself.

In confusion I ran down to his aid and stared at a small hole that was just placed in the very back corner of his head, just behind his right ear. At first my mind didn't understand what had happened, but it hit me like a truck and almost instantly I screamed.

"Medic!"

Pepper caught on and immediately got up to scream.

"Get a good damn doctor! Medic!"

The fighting was still going on and I began to shake as Raptor wasn't moving. He wasn't even breathing and at that point Cody managed to break free from all the fighting with a bloody nose and lip to shout.

"Oh fuck no!"

I wasn't sure what to do. The damage was done and no one was listening. Raptor got shot right in the fucking head and my sister had no choice but to run for help. Tears were breaking but no one could see them with the mask covering my face. Cody felt for any pulse during the time it took to get the Black under control. The crowd had him wrestled onto his stomach and at the same time they were still beating him up along with his two friends.

"Fuck!" Cody shouted as he looked up at me to state.

"Zeta he isn't breathing!"

"I know!" I screamed back as he went into his pocket to pull out a syringe of viper venom. My eyes watched as he gave it right to him by injecting it right into where his heart would be. After which he ordered the people around us.

"Give us room!"

Blood was covering a good portion of Raptor's quills and the venom wasn't doing a thing besides sealing the wound and preventing more from leaking out. Peek came from around my side to get down and order Cody.

"Try this!"

I looked up to see another syringe. Cody took it and got to work on the injection. At which point I asked.

"What is that!?"

The bird got right down next to me to reply.

"An experimental dose of venom! It's a mark two for short! I don't know if it will help but try!"

By then Cody had already given him the shot and still nothing was happening. I did my best not to start breaking down, but this was looking hopeless. Raptor was lifeless and just as I was ready to give up; I felt someone move in alongside me.

"Let me in!"

I looked over in confusion to rest my eyes on the same fox from before. Back when we were at Raptor's house and he was downstairs drinking. The same fox I interrogated and the same fox Raptor had told me was a god after the fact. At first I was unsure if this was real or not. The fox was dressed just like one of the rebellion officers and in all honesty he blended in perfectly with everyone else in the room. Cody looked up at him in confusion to question.

"Who are you!?"

At this point I stopped looking at Raptor and was solely focused on him. My mouth wide open as he replied to Cody.

"A friend! Just let me see him!"

Cody had no room to argue and we watched as he got his hands under Raptor's head where the bullet hole was. Just watching made me question my life as Pepper had finally returned with more than a handful of doctors. They struggled to get anywhere close to the scene and that might have been for the best; because Marcus quickly pulled the hand that was under Raptor's head away. With blood on him he handed me the bullet and urged me quickly.

"Just keep calm Zeta. I got him."

I was without words as his ability to heal superseded Raptor's. In seconds the hole was closed again and Raptor's stomach began to bulge with air. However he was unable to do anything as he finished.

Cody for a moment was unsure of what was going on and so was Peek. But Cody knew the tale Raptor told us about this man and in seconds realized what was going on and who this fox was. I wanted to laugh because the face Cody put on was one for the ages. Peek was left in utter loss for words as Marcus moved his hand back under his head. He was moving his hands like he was forming a clay pot. After a few passes he sat back up and gently rested Raptor back down. Giving me a quick glance he urged me.

"Not a word. He got fucked up from a bad hit to the head from behind and the gunshot was an accidental discharge that went off during the fighting."

Then the fox looked at Cody to ask.

"You hear me?"

Cody wasn't moving, but Marcus was. He got up and broke off for the exit and I watched as he had all the cover in the world to phase right through everyone and out the door. Pepper and the others got to us not more than a few moments later to get involved with what was left.

"Move!" One of the medics ordered me as I got up and out of their way.

Pepper got a hold over my side and pulled me away to ask.

"Is he alive?!"

Utterly lost I replied.

"Yeah?"

Cody came right on over to us and we all shifted our focus back to Raptor who was still out cold. The medics got him on a stretcher and managed to clear a path out of the chaos. Hoffer was just getting here and looking around to see us standing there he asked.

"What the hell happened?!"

I couldn't speak, so Cody did for me.

"Fight broke out between us and those pricks."

Hoffer looked to see Black and without anything holding him back Cody said.

"They attacked us and during the brawl a gun went off. Raptor got hit a few times in the head. He's breathing but thank god you guys got here in time to get him out of here. And thank the lord there are so many people here to help get those guys down. Who knows what else would have happened."

Cody was covering for the bullet Raptor took like Marcus intrusted and that same bullet was in my hand. Hoffer took his word as true however and ordered us.

"I want those three under control! You two make it happen!" He directed to Cody and Peek as he then looked to me and Pepper.

"You two go with the medics and make sure that Raptor is okay! I'm not losing anyone else!"

"Yes sir." Pepper replied as the general ran off to fix whatever he could.

Left with my sister, she asked me.

"What the fuck happened when I left?"

Showing her the bullet Marcus gave me I replied.

"I…..I…..Marcus he….he was here and he….I don't….?" She got the point and urged me.

"Come on, we got to go catch up with them. We can handle this after."

I was still stunned and with her help we got moving for the medical bay and to the room they had Raptor in. Marx was already getting to work and by the time we got there he told us calmly.

"He's out of it. The blunt force trauma must have knocked him out during the brawl. There's a small skull fracture right under his right ear. It's nothing to worry about. His body is already doing it's part. He just needs to be monitored and guarded till things around here cool down. Are you two staying here?" He asked as Pepper was of course in condition to answer.

"Yeah. Leave him to us, but do whatever you gotta do first."

Marx nodded and I listened close as one of the medics questioned.

"How the hell are his wounds healing so fast?"

Pepper and I were both unsure what to do at this point. This was out of control all the sudden and I was still unsure what really happened back in the mess hall that caused the fighting in the first place. With my sister grabbing my hand, she whispered into my side.

"We need to clear everyone out of this room once the cat is done doing what he's doing."

"What about Cody?"

"Let him handle the shit going down in the mess hall. We need to get this shit under control here. Starting with the doctor and those medics."

Widening my eyes, I watched as she let go of my hand and turned to face the bed where everyone was gathered. Looking to Marx she shouted.

"Hey! Cat!"

Marx was unsure at first who she was talking to, but quickly looked up to question.

"What? Me?"

Nodding Pepper replied.

"Yeah. You. We need to talk."

Now there were two other medics with us in the room and both of which were just normal soldiers. They were still focused on Raptor and it was clear they were more interested in his ability to heal over Pepper's voice. With Marx unsure of what was going on, I watched as my sister walked right on over to grab one of the medics by the back of his left arm. She spun him around and shouted.

"That includes you too!"

At first I wanted to say something to stop her, but once she had their attention she made her point for it perfectly clear.

"Now it doesn't take the three of you to put your fucking heads together to figure out something is off about him. That something is classified and I'm planning to keep it that way."

Pepper lowered her rifle and just let it hang along her chest as Marx took a step back to listen to her tone change.

"His condition is to remain a secret. He'll be back on his feet soon and that last thing we need is the word getting out that he's a little…..different. So I'm gonna say this one more time so pay attention."

My eyes went to her hip as she grabbed onto her crossguard. Pulling it out, I watched as her other hand went into one of her belt pouches. Pulling out a small suppressor and screwing it onto her gun, she let it rest at her side and went on to order.

"Your mouths have to remain shut. I don't make a habit of giving anyone a second chance. You say a fucking word about anything you saw here today and I promise you I will come find you. I will come find your family. I will make you watch as I kill them in front of you. Then I'll kill you. Maybe shoot you. Make it quick."

The two men were wide eyed and scared as she lifted up her gun to point it at the nearest man's head.

"Or maybe…..I'll just stab you. Slice open your stomach and watch you squirm on the ground as you bleed out like a pig among the corpses of all you love. Do I make myself clear?"

Both men were silent and shaking and I was starting to look at Marx who at this point was shaking as well. He was trying to back away very carefully and after not getting much of an answer Pepper said.

"I must not have made myself clear enough."

With my body ready to move, I jumped when she moved her crossguard out of the guy's face in front of her and decided to aim at the man behind him. She lowered the pistol to his legs and without a warning she pulled the trigger.

"Toof!"

"Aghh!" The man she shot instantly let out a shocked gasp and got down to grab the spot she made contact with. The other man who was now the center of all her attention was shaking in his boots as she reached in to grab him by the neck with her left hand. I saw just how much power she was using to choke him and Marx at this moment was trying to leave. That's where I stepped in to intercept.

"Let me…!?" Grabbing the cat by the back of his coat, I dragged him back and threw him down in front of the bed to listen as Pepper whispered to the man within her grip.

"Are you going to make me repeat myself?"

Marx had his hands up to me in fear I was going to shoot him. The man Pepper was choking to death shook his head back and forth as fast as he could in denial to the question he was asked.

With the other medic now sitting on the ground in agony, Pepper eased up on her grip and tossed him right over to the same place to order.

"You better get this through to your heads. Not a fucking word. Now get the fuck out of here."

I've never seen someone so scared for their lives like these two. The guy who wasn't shot struggled to move as fast as humanly possible to help his comrade back up. In seconds they were stumbling out of the room and my eyes almost forgot about Marx who attempted to move from his spot. Pepper however was paying more attention then I was and the second she saw him move she stepped in to kick him back down using her boot to his shoulder. At the same time asking.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?"

Marx was scared shitless and it was clear to me just what kind of person he was. He wasn't a fighter at all. He was shaking still and having Pepper treat him like a punching bag wasn't helping him feel safe. Yet I remained where I was as he asked.

"What the hell are you doing!? Do you have any idea who I am!?"

Pepper let out this sigh of disbelief as Marx continued to throw his threats around at her.

"You just made a big mistake! Wait till Hoffer hears about this!"

Pepper gave me a look that I read perfectly. She was asking me silently for permission. Giving her a small nod she replied to the cat.

"Wait till who hears about what? Are you serious about that cat? Do you have any idea what we're doing?"

Marx was too scared to say anything and I knew Pepper had this. She was always good at throwing her weight around, so I just began to refocus on Raptor. Walking over to his side, I gently felt his face as he slept. By which point Pepper explained to the cat.

"You know what he is right? What he can do? Then you know how dangerous that is for everyone involved. The world is not ready for the truth. Take a second to see what telling everyone what he really is can do. Do you think the world would just let him live peacefully if they knew a god was among the mortal realm? Do you?"

Marx was choppy but replied with.

"I know what he is, yes! He told me everything when I asked and I promised I'd keep my mouth shut about it! But you can't expect people not to notice when shit like this happens! Do you know how hard it is to keep quiet about something like this; when I already have a handful of doctors breathing down my throat asking for an explanation of what he did to save your sister's life!?"

Pepper kept her cool as Marx went on to state.

"Word is going to spread! It's just a matter of time, but I swear to you I'm not going to be the one to do it! I promised him!"

"You're a doctor. All you guys think you're above the shock and awe of all this. You're as crooked as any other. You're slimy and it's not a matter of you speaking up. You're smart enough to find a way to sell him out without putting yourself in the spotlight. It's a matter of time that I can agree with, but it's now a question of how long it will take you to turn into the snake you are."

"I'm not a snake! I swear to god! Zeta do something!" He begged me as I looked back at him to reply.

"She's not wrong Marx. It's just a matter of time till someone says something. We can't let that happen. Like you, we promised to keep his secrets safe and we owe him everything. I'm sorry but I can't say anything to help you out of this."

His eyes were showing nothing but fear for his life now as he questioned now in a lost tone.

"You can't just kill me. People will notice and Raptor wouldn't want this. You're just screwing yourselves. The rebellion won't just let you get away with this."

"Who said I was going to kill you?" Pepper questioned as Marx looked up to her in a loss for words.

I set my eyes back on Raptor as she put her gun away to say.

"No you're right about that cat. Killing you would cause too much trouble. But I know letting you leave this room won't cut it either. You'll just run for help."

"No…no I won't." Marx tried to tell her as I ordered through a calm sigh I let out.

"Just do it Pep. Shut him up."

Marx was at his breaking point and as he went to scream Pepper kicked him right in the stomach to shut him back down. The air left his lungs instantly and in pain he fell over and began to gag and cough.

"You listen good cat. This is your only chance. I don't know what Raptor said to you, but I'm gonna settle this once and for all."

Marx was still coughing on his own spit as she sent another kick over and into his already held gut.

"Aghhh!" Marx cried out as she said.

"You keep your mouth shut. I find out you told anyone and we'll be paying you a visit and for your sake I hope you cross borders before I find out. Otherwise I'll kick those pearly whites right out of your mouth. Am I clear!?" This time she kicked him right in the chest and almost unable to speak Marx gagged.

"Ye…..yes! Stop!"

"What was that? I couldn't hear you."

Pepper was toying with him now as I looked away from Raptor to watch as she kicked him again. This time the cat was in too much pain to go on. He rolled over the other side and facing away from my sister he begged.

"I understand! Just please stop hurting me!"

Pepper took a moment to let him breathe, and taking a step back she urged him.

"Get up. Come on now."

It took a long time for him to accomplish that, but when he did she pulled back out her crossguard to whisper.

"Don't test us. Otherwise you'll be the one in that bed. Or in the ground. You hear me?"

Marx nodded and replied.

"I hear you. Just…...just please put the weapon away."

Pepper gave him a few more seconds of staring at the barrel before taking his advice. As she put her gun back under her cloak; she ordered the cat who looked over to me as I had my eyes locked on his pain.

"Finish treating him. Then get out of my sight. Go on now."

Marx was scared beyond imagination, but he did as he was told. Then Pepper took a second to recover her sanity. After which moment she came to my side to watch. Marx's hands were shaking out of control as he still worked with a death gurgling cough to his breathing.

Tapping me on my tail, I gently looked back as she whispered.

"I'm gonna go check on Cody. Make sure nothing happens."

I nodded and Marx did his best to relax as she picked up her feet to leave the room. As the door shut Marx looked back at me to mutter.

"I promised him. I don't have it in me to break a promise. No matter what you two think, I won't be the one to do it. Raptor is my best friend. He's all I got left. Just….just take a moment to consider that Zeta."

I didn't know what to believe honestly and right now I was trying my best to remain calm. My heart was still aching for Raze and I wanted to cry just thinking about it. Now I almost lost everything I had left. Thanks to a miracle he's not leaving me. But Pepper made our intentions perfectly clear. The only question that remained was what Raptor himself would think once he finds out what happened just now.

mT Shadow.