Raiden still had a personal conflict to deal with, Military Life or Retirement? Fluttershy or Rose?

Mei Ling had arrived shortly after the battle with Liquid Snake, and got everyone transported away and towards a Medical Facility at a Military Base. Snake & Otacon really needed treatment after getting shot, Raiden & Fluttershy didn't need as much treatment, they would be fine.

The doctors assured everyone that Snake & Otacon were expected to recover from their injuries, they were bad but treated in time. Huge sigh of relief for the other teammates.

Raiden & Fluttershy sat together in the base, both having bandaged up their wounds.

"Looks like we've won the war, we were able to defeat Liquid", Fluttershy said.

Raiden rubbed his head a bit, "It seems like it, such a close call too, wasn't sure if we were gonna make it"

"I told you that you didn't need your cyber suit, I like you better without it"

Raiden smiled to her, "Yeah, it can be a pain sometimes, but I go with what gets the job done better"

Fluttershy then went in and hugged Raiden, pressing her ear against his chest to listen to his heart, "This is how we met somewhat, you listened to my heartbeat, your heartbeat is so relaxing"

Raiden rubbed her mane, Fluttershy continued to speak, "Your heartbeat is also a reminder that you aren't to different than me, we're both living and breathing beings, and we're both capable of emotion, capable of love..."

Raiden felt a sense of happiness course through him; he looked to Fluttershy and pulled her in for a nice hug, a good way to wind down from the stress he's gone through recently.

Fluttershy nuzzled under his neck, "I love you Raiden, you're the main reason I never felt too scared in this world, because you were always there for me".

Raiden hugged her close, "I love you too Fluttershy, you bring out an old happiness I thought I lost, your kindness is greatly appreciated".

The two then engaged in an affectionate kiss, though things went to hell when Raiden noticed another person in the room with them, his spine shivered, "Oh no"

Fluttershy was concerned, "What is it?" she turned around and felt the same nervous state, "Oh no..."

Right there was Raiden's wife Rose, who looked very heartbroken at what she just saw, "Jack..."

Raiden looked like he was gonna panic, "Rose, wait, you don't undertand-"

Rose looked furious right now, "Oh I understand perfectly, you'd rather be with someone else right!? Cause she fights this silly war too!?"

Raiden got up, "Rose, wait, I'm sorry, I couldn't help it, things just happened!" Rose did a mock laugh, "Things like that don't 'just happen' Jack, you were willing and ready to move on, even after I decided to give you another chance!"

Raiden was at a loss for words right now, despite all his training and combat experience, this is a battle even he would have trouble with. Fluttershy felt a sense of guilt and flew over, "Please Rose, it's not his fault, it's mine, I'm the one who flirted with him, I made the first move, he tried to warn me, but I didn't listen!"

"Well he seemed really willing to kiss you, at that point, how long have you been planning this interspecies romance anyway!? How long have you been in love with him!?" Rose asked, kinda scaring Fluttershy.

"For a bit, I didn't know he was married though, I never would have flirted with him if I knew, and he was really stressed out from the fighting, now that the war is over maybe he can finally relax and be with you!" Fluttershy pleaded.

Raiden couldn't believe that Fluttershy was so willing to save his marriage, despite her loving Raiden herself, she truly was The Element of Kindness.

Rose however wasn't buying it, "It's never gonna be over, he's always gonna fight, and if you're gonna always be there to 'Relieve his Stress' then maybe it's better if you just take him for yourself", she removed her wedding ring, "I'm done".

Rose began to walk off, Raiden went after her, "Rose wait, let's talk this out!"

Rose glanced back at him, "There's nothing more to talk about, maybe this is for the best Raiden, if this problem has led to this then maybe we weren't meant to be, but it's my fault anyway, I never should have accepted that mission years ago, I was never supposed to fall in love with you, we're just too different after all".

This was breaking Raiden's heart, he never wanted things to go like this, but he knows he messed up really badly, "Rose, don't blame yourself, it's my fault, I never should have done this, but maybe you're right, you deserve better than me, you need a normal guy I guess, I can't fit that bill, and it's not fair to make you wait for me to stop fighting, you should be happy now".

Rose just glared at him, she was furious at him but had some appreciation for the fact that he was owning up to his mistake and no longer making excuses, "I appreciate you admitting your fault, but like I said, I was never supposed to fall in love with you, and our relationship was based off a lie, so maybe I wasn't fair to you either, you fell in love with me for the wrong reasons, I thought we could make this work, but we've been having these problems for years now, maybe you're right, we should move on, I don't know if I could love again, but I'll manage".

Raiden rubbed his head, this was still awkward, "For what it's worth, I did enjoy being with you, even the you that wasn't you".

Rose nodded, "Same, these years weren't a total waste, we had a lovely son together at least, and you did do your best to be a good husband...well besides this little affair, but we were technically separated so I can't fully fault you".

Fluttershy also felt some guilt, she believes she split them up, she hated that feeling, "Rose, I'm so sorry".

Rose turned to her, "It's fine, I'm a little unhappy right now, actually very unhappy, but we'll work things out later".

Raiden approached Rose with one final plea, "I'm truly sorry Rose, I wish this could have ended better". Rose nodded, "Same here", she sighed, "Well I guess I should leave now", she turned to Fluttershy, "Good-bye Fluttershy, maybe next time we can talk under better circumstances", she looked to Raiden, "Good-bye Jack, and good luck on your future".

Raiden felt a sting, she was being uncomfortably nice all of a sudden, "Good-bye Rose, I hope you can find a better happiness than I was able to offer".

Rose smiled a bit, "You offered what you could, let's talk later, finalize our split, but try to maintain a friendship". Raiden nodded and hugged Rose, a good-bye hug before she made her way out.

Fluttershy felt awful, "Raiden...this is all my fault". Raiden hugged her, "No, it's mine, I did this to myself, that's life unfortunately", he looked to her, "But maybe I can get a good second chance with you".

Fluttershy looked excited, "You mean it?"

Raiden nodded, "Yeah, for the record I'm not settling for you, I'm with you because I do love you, I just loved Rose too, so confusing for me, but I will say this", he looked into her eyes, "The fact that you were so selfless and kind to try to save my marriage despite you loving me means a lot, I do love you for that, and maybe we are meant to be".

Fluttershy blushed and kissed him, "I think so too, I love you Jack".

Raiden smiled at her, "You too 'Shy". He continued to hug her, though he still felt the sting of what happened between him and Rose, he was ready to move on and try to make things better.

Later on Raiden & Rose finalized their divorce, Rose kept the house and she had custody of their son, Raiden however was allowed to visit on occasion, which Rose was ok with. Raiden, Rose & Fluttershy talked afterwards, Raiden again apologizing for not being the best husband or father, Rose apologizing for putting Raiden in the uncomfortable situation while at war, and Fluttershy apologizing for getting mixed with this.

Despite everything that happened, Raiden & Rose still made peace with each other and agreed to remain friends, and Rose had forgiven Fluttershy, telling her she doesn't blame Fluttershy for loving Raiden, and only hopes Fluttershy has better luck with Raiden. Fluttershy also had a chance to meet Raiden's son, Little John, who looked confused at seeing her but thought she looked cool. Fluttershy liked him and gave her more hope to one day marry Raiden, for a chance to be Little John's Step Mother.

Snake had recovered and offered Raiden some encouraging words, "You're handling this well Raiden, this isn't a comfortable situation, but it takes a strong man to handle it". Raiden simply nodded, Snake continued, "Don't let this get to you, maybe things didn't work with Rose, but you're not replacing anyone, moving on is a lot different, as long as you make the right choices based on good thinking and good heart, you'll have nothing more to worry about".

Raiden nodded, "Thanks Snake, you're a life saver". The two did a friendly handshake into a hug and were ready to move on with everything.

Later on while on the Cargo plane, Snake & his allies still had one goal left, to fix the damage Liquid caused, it wouldn't be easy, but they could handle it.

However while on the plane, they heard an evil laugh fill the air, one that sent shivers down Fluttershy's spine, "Oh no, it's him..."

The others looked confused and heard the laugh again, Fluttershy trembled as Raiden comforted her, "Who is it?"

Fluttershy simply said two words, "King...Sombra". The laughter continued, scaring Fluttershy and putting the soldiers on edge.

"Your time is coming Fluttershy, Equestria is mine for the taking, but you won't live to see my reign, I will end you very soon".

Raiden growled, "Sombra! I don't know where you are but we will find a way to Equestria! And once we're there, I will kill you!"

Sombra chuckled, "I doubt that, you're only human, your species isn't that advanced".

This time Snake spoke, "You'd be surprised what we humans can do you so-called King, if anyone's days are numbered, it's yours".

"Hmph, we'll see about that", Sombra said as his voice faded.

Raiden comforted Fluttershy, "You helped us during our war, now we're gonna help you, we will get you home and defeat Sombra, count on that".

Fluttershy nodded, "I will...thank you", she looked around, "All of you".

The others nodded and saluted, except Johnny, "Wait I don't wanna fight that guy he sounds-OW!" he rubbed his side after being struck there by Snake, "Shut your mouth kid". Johnny grumbled at that.

The current war might be over, but there was still more fights left, which they were ready to handle.

This story had ended for now, their current war is over, a new one shall soon begin.