Alright, already. The Show Goes On...

Damn you, Lupe Fiasco!

But first, reviews:

Guest (Reviewed - 0422, 5 April): Top Gun is just one of the many pop-culture references to be made in this fic. Also, so far, there have been references to the World Cup, WWE, James Bond, Bruce Springsteen, M*A*S*H, NCIS, Full Metal Jacket, Frank Sinatra, Air Force One, etc. And I might include some references to The Expendables Later on. Also, the "Major Winters" thing... That's a Band of Brothers Reference and tribute to one of the greatest Officers of World War II.

Guest (Reviewed - 1046, 5 April): Glad you like it. I wasn't sure how to write Blaze's character until I talked to one of my cousins up in Georgia. I thought it would be a refreshing change (And funny) to write Blaze as a down-home good ol' boy instead of a sophisticated schmuck with a silver spoon stuck where the sun don't shine. And let''s not forget human as well. A portion of this chapter will be dedicated to showing that Jon (Blaze) is indeed human.

Anyway, on with the story.


'When history witnessed a great change, Razgriz reveals itself: First, as a Dark Demon. As a Demon, it uses its power to rain death upon the land, and then it dies. However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns.'

Sunday, February 12, 2017.

Early Morning.

Sand Island.

Kei's internal alarm clock woke her up at 0600, just like every other morning. Still semi-comatose, she reached for Jon, feeling only the sheets. Her eyes opened and she bolted up, looking around the room for Jon until she saw a note on his pillow.

Kei-

Too many nightmares during the night. Couldn't sleep. Went for a run, be back soon.

Love you,

Jon

Kei smiled and peered out the closest window, seeing Jon beating the stuffing out of a makeshift punching bag near the motor pool. She watched him for almost ten more minutes, and as his strikes became quicker and more erratic, she became more concerned. Finally, Kei pulled on her own PT Gear and headed out.

Jon was in his own world right now, taking his anger out on the makeshift heavy-bag. Nothing else mattered, not his guilt over Chopper's death, not his recent bouts with insomnia, and not the random flashbacks he'd been having for the last month. Finally, his anger boiled over, and with a Roundhouse kick that would make Chuck Norris cringe, Jon kicked the bag off its rope and it split in half. Upon catching sight of the contents coming out of the bag, Jon started remembering the Port St. Hewlett attack, and an intense wave of nausea attacked him. Too many painful memories were trying to fight their way to the surface, and he didn't want to deal with it. Turning away from what was left of the bag, he sat on the ground, drew his knees to his chest and completely zoned out.

"Jon." Kei had been observing her husband for the better part of the last half-hour, and when she saw him on the ground and not responding to her, she didn't know if he was just ignoring her (Which he sometimes did, claiming that it was "Out of love"), or if it was something more serious. "Jon."

Jon visibly jumped, but when he turned around and saw Kei, a look of relief spread across his face. "Hi, Kei. Nice morning, ain't it?"

Kei moved closer to Jon and sat down next to him. He didn't buck, which she took as a good sign. "It would be a better morning if I actually woke up next to my husband for once. You want to tell me what's going on?"

"The nightmares. They're getting worse, and that's not even half of it." Jon reached for Kei and drew her closer to him, and she could feel him trembling.

"What else has been happening?"

"Insomnia, guilt, hallucinations, random outbursts of anger," Jon pointed to the bag to illustrate this last point. "And for the past month or so, I've been having some bad flashbacks."

Kei's eyes widened. "Jon, if you're describing what I think you are-"

"I- I think so. And honestly, baby, I- I'm scared."

"Scared of what, sweetheart?" Kei's voice was soft, comforting even.

"I'm scared of what might happen to me, to us... I'm scared of what might happen to you. The one that woke me up this morning, the nightmare that pushed me out of bed, it was about you." Jon brought Kei's eyes up to meet his, and from the tears welling in his eyes, she knew what his nightmare was about and didn't bother asking. She was further surprised when he kissed her with more passion than either of them thought he possessed. "I love you, Kei."

Kei was speechless. Not because of what Jon said, but because of the passion behind his words. She was rendered even more speechless when Jon suddenly lifted her up and proceeded to carry her back to their quarters. She let slip a small giggle, which Jon pretended not to notice. When they arrived back at their quarters (Jon was still carrying Kei), Jon dropped Kei onto the bed and proceeded to help her out of her clothes. When she lay naked before him, he began kissing every part of her that he could. Working his way down, he finally settled between Kei's thighs. He let his tongue do the work, and Kei's ecstatic moans filled the small room, which pushed Jon to keep going. Kei's moans became louder and more frequent, until she was forced to push Jon off of her. Jon worked his way back up Kei, and she barrel-rolled him. Jon began his Dracula impersonation on Kei's neck, and she let out a barely audible gasp. She grabbed Jon and guided him into her, again letting a gasp escape her lips. Jon smirked and placed his hands on Kei's hips, watching her grind on him. For the better part of the next half-hour they made love, and afterward, they stayed wrapped in each others' arms. Until Jon got up and dressed. Kei had drifted back to sleep, so Jon took the opportunity to go take a shower.

...-_-...

Osean Airspace, 200 Miles from Sand Island.

1000 hours.

Osea was a nation at peace, yet the President's aircraft still flew with a fighter escort and an AWACS providing intelligence to the escort fighters and Presidential Pilots on aerial traffic within a 150-mile radius. Every other day, it was the same routine: The AWACS would always report no joy, the fighters would be sent high and away while the President's Aircraft (Re-named "Heartbreak One" at Bartlett's insistence) made its landing. But today wasn't every other day.

"This is AWACS Red-Eye! Unidentified aircraft are incoming. Halo Squadron, return to Combat Air Patrol Stations."

"Halo Flight to Red-Eye. Are they friendly?"

"Negative, Halo-"

"Red-Eye, this is Halo One! We are taking fire; request permission to engage!"

"Halo, this is Red-Eye. You are cleared to Engage!"

One of the enemy pilots managed to sneak in behind Heartbreak One, and he got a missile off. Fortunately, the massive plane's countermeasures deployed, and the missile was destroyed in a chaff burst.

"Shit! AWACS, Halo, this is HB1! We are taking fire!"

"Roger, Heartbreak One!" Red-Eye yelled. "I'm calling for additional Air Support!"

The same enemy plane that fired on Heartbreak One the first go-round fired again, and the pilots managed to evade the missile, but used up their last countermeasures, and Pilot and Co-Pilot shared a look.

"Get the President up here," the Pilot ordered his Co-Pilot.

"Yes, sir." The missile warning alarm went off again, and the Pilot started cursing like a Sailor.

"Shit! We've lost countermeasures! Repeat, we have lost countermeasures!" He started to turn and descend, hoping to evade the missile.

"This is Halo 2. They've lost countermeasures, I'm going in." Halo 2 flew in behind Heartbreak One and took the hit. His plane exploded, and the fragments destroyed the tail wing. Halo 1 locked onto the bandit and took a shot, killing the pilot that splashed her wingman.

"Red-Eye, this is Halo 1. Where are those additional fighters?" While waiting for an answer, Halo 1 splashed another fighter.

"Halo Flight, reinforcements are inbound! 10 minutes!"

"We may not be here in ten minutes!" A new voice snapped over the radio. "This is Heartbreak One. Halo lead, report!"

"This is Halo 1, Mr. President. I have lost two of my pilots and splashed three enemies." The final enemy pilot pulled in behind Halo 3 and shot him down. Halo 1 turned and pulled in behind him and prepared for a fight. The enemy pilot turned hard and came to the starboard side of Heartbreak One, opening fire on one of the engines. Bartlett got back on the mic and started cursing out Red-Eye.

"Goddammit! Red-Eye, this is Heartbreak One. Where the fuck are those reinforcements?!"

"Capital District Air Command is scrambling fighters from McNealy Air Base, sir."

"Unacceptable! We are one hundred and fifty miles North of Sand Island! Make a call, scramble the Razgriz!"

...-_-...

Sand Island.

The P.A. clicked on and the following announcement echoed through the base: "Razgriz, report to briefing immediately!"

Briefing:

Osean Presidential Aircraft Heartbreak One has been ambushed about two hundred mile north by fighters of unknown origin. Heartbreak One has sustained heavy damage but is still flying. The President's Halo Escort Fighters have been all but destroyed. Razgriz, your mission is to provide air cover and escort for Heartbreak One. More enemy planes may be inbound, and tensions are running high. If you witness a hostile act, you will return fire.

Good hunting. Dismissed!

...-_-...

Razgriz went supersonic and arrived on-scene in about thirty seconds.

"Razgriz, this is AWACS Red-Eye. Welcome to the party."

"Roger that, AWACS," Blaze replied. "Heartbreak One, what do you say?"

"Kid, if you crack one joke," Bartlett said threateningly.

"Alright, alright. How's the plane? Can you land it?"

"We've lost two engines, our six is shot, we've lost tail flaps, and we can barely keep this bird in the air, Kid. You have any ideas?"

Blaze thought for a second. "Just one, but it's kind of risky. Red-Eye, isn't there a para-rescue team nearby?"

"What are you thinking, Kid?"

"The Para-Rescue team I'm talking about was training for something like this. I say we give it a go. Red-Eye, can you raise them?"

"Roger. Stand by, Razgriz. Attention. This is AWACS, call-sign 'Red-Eye' to Voodoo Para-Rescue team. Do you copy?"

"Red-Eye, this is Voodoo 1-3. What's going on?"

"Stand by. I'm patching you into the Razgriz."

"Red-Eye, is it live?" Blaze asked.

"Razgriz 1, you are a go," Red-Eye replied.

"Thank you. Voodoo, this is Razgriz. We have a situation a few clicks south of you. Heartbreak One has taken serious damage and we need to get everyone out before they go down."

"Razgriz, this is Voodoo 1-3. How bad is the damage?"

"Minus two engines and a tail rudder. They can't land it."

"We're five minutes away, Razgriz. Can they hold it for that long?"

"Stand by. Heartbreak One, this is Blaze. Can y'all hold it in the air for five minutes?"

"I think that's all we've got, Kid," Bartlett replied.

"Roger. Voodoo, they can hold, but you better double-double-time. You trackin'?"

"We copy, Razgriz."

"Good. Heartbreak One, where's your last Halo?"

"Staying high for now, Kid. Why?"

"Red-Eye, check your radar. I'm picking something up that wasn't there two seconds ago."

"Radars are clear, Blaze," Red-Eye replied.

"Razgriz, I want radars checked. Halo Pilot, if you heard that, it goes for you as well. Check 'em, and check 'em again."

All radars came back clear, and after another agonizing couple of minutes, Voodoo team arrived on-scene.

"Heartbreak One, this is Voodoo 1-3. If you can hear us, please acknowledge."

"We've got you loud and clear," Bartlett replied. "Let's get this over with."

"Roger. First Jumper is on the way."

Razgriz, Red-Eye and Halo 1 watched as the first jumper left the C-130. While there was a cable attached to him, Blaze still had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He watched as one of HB1's doors flew off, creating an entrance for the jumper. He made it to the entrance and was pulled inside by two Secret Service Agents. He detached the cable from his person and hooked it to a D-Link before attaching that to the door-frame. The pilots watched with their breath held as the rescue began. And just when Blaze thought that they were in the clear, they got a bit of bad news.

"Razgriz, Halo, we have unknown aircraft approaching from Vector 0-1-5," Red-Eye said. "Intercept and shoot them down."

"Razgriz, roger," Blaze replied. "Halo, how are you suited on weapons?"

"Uh, full guns, four AMRAAM missiles and one Sidewinder," Halo replied.

"Go trail; you're flying Archer's wing. Archer, tilt your right wing up a bit." Blaze waited until Halo was in position before continuing. "Good. From here on, you'll be known as Razgriz 4, understood?"

"Yes, sir," Halo replied.

"Good. Red-Eye, how far to visual contact?"

"Twelve miles."

"Roger." Blaze kept his eyes flickering between his radar and his HUD. His radar showed only one hit, but he wasn't holding his breath. His radar beeped again, and eight signatures appeared. And that's when he made visual contact. "Shit! There's eight of them!"

"J-20's!" Edge shouted. "Nobody's been this close before!"

"Lead them away from Bartlett! Engage!"

"Razgriz 2, roger."

"Razgriz 3, roger."

"Razgriz 4, roger."

"Break formation!" Blaze broke off and went after the lead two bandits, activating his AMRAAM's. He watched as Halo downed one, and Edge and Archer each downed one as well. Not wanting to be outdone, Blaze pulled back on his throttle, lined up his shot, and fired. Two AMRAAM's left his missile bay, but only one hit its target. The second fizzled out after firing, and Blaze started swearing. "Voodoo, how's it going?"

"They just lost another engine! North Point's PM is secure."

"Goddammit! You're running out of time!"

"GET THE PRESIDENT OUT OF THERE!" Red-Eye yelled, as loud as he could.

Edge splashed another bandit, but another quickly latched onto her. "Blaze, I've got one on my tail!"

"I gotcha," Blaze replied, pulling in behind the J-20. "Kei, on three, I want you to break right. 1... 2... 3! BREAK! Got my shot! Razgriz 1, Fox 3!" Blaze fired the AMRAAM and it went right up the Port engine. The J-20 exploded as Heartbreak One fell into the Ocean.

"Voodoo 1-3, do you have the President?" Red-Eye asked.

"Stand by," came the frantic reply.

Blaze looked toward the sky and did (silently) something he hadn't done in almost seven years: Prayed.

"Voodoo 1-3, do you have the President?" Red-Eye asked.

"We got him! Voodoo 1-3 is changing call-signs! Voodoo 1-3 is now Heartbreak One!"

Cheers rang out across the entire frequency as the Razgriz formed back up.

"Razgriz 1 to Razgriz 2," Blaze suddenly said. "Edge, you read me?"

"This is Edge, I read you. What's up?"

"Remind me to kiss you after we land. Blaze, out."

The Razgriz took up escort positions around the C-130, until Red-Eye issued a new warning. "Incoming anti-air attack. All aircraft, descend below two thousand feet. Ten seconds to impact. Eight... Seven... Six... Five... Four... Three... Two... One... Impact!"

Blaze watched the air above his canopy distort and bend into different shapes as the attack happened. "Razgriz 1 to all aircraft. Stay below two thousand. We don't know when that thing's gonna hit again."

Sand Island quickly came into view, and the Razgriz broke off, allowing the behemoth C-130 to land first. Halo landed next, followed by Archer, then Edge, and lastly, Blaze. The entire base had been listening to the radio frequency broadcast of the rescue and subsequent dogfight, and a mob of medics and Intelligence officers quickly surrounded the Razgriz and Voodoo crews.

Halo and the crew & passengers from Heartbreak One were taken to the base infirmary, while the intelligence officers questioned the Razgriz about the J-20's. Jon ignored the questions while he tried to pull off his helmet. As soon as he took a step toward Kei, however, everything went black. He dropped like a rock and hit the ground hard. Luckily, though, his helmet had decided to be difficult, and he avoided a major head injury. The last thing he heard before he blacked out was Kei screaming for a medic.


*More ominous music* What happened to Blaze? Did everything finally get to him? Who's behind the attack on HB1? Will 'Halo' be permanently assigned to Razgriz? Who is 'Halo'? *Ominous music ends* All that and more will be discussed in the next few chapters. And whoever guesses what Blaze and Nagase were talking about in the beginning of the chapter gets a cookie. (::) Review, follow & fave, please! Toda!