Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 23 - It's our time.
Raptor's POV, Two weeks later.
What should be a happy occasion somehow managed to turn out sour for me. About fifty people who were all close friends or family showed up for the wedding. Cody and Pepper were so happy despite Sam not being here and I had to wonder how? I wish I knew because I needed the help as I sat in the front row of spectators.
Zeta of course was one of the bride's maids and Peek was chosen to be the best man. I had no complaints. The venue they booked was beautiful. A very bright and open indoor ceremony at one of Iraq's best restaurants. The food was amazing and so was the cake they got. It reminded me of the one Alicia and I had all those years ago.
Once again I was barely able to focus on the things going on in front of me. Every thought went to that as the pastor announced.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
I was able to break the habit for a few seconds to watch as the two lovers kissed. Cheers all around and clapping around the tables as they took this moment in together. I even managed to smile from it, but who was I if I lied about what was on my mind?
It took only a few minutes for them to wrap up and get back in their seats at the head table. Zeta made herself busy by staying with her sister as I was left at a table by myself drinking white wine. I had to look miserable.
In time Zeta and a few friends began to bring up the presents and cards that had amassed since the beginning of the ceremony. Pepper was the one to start going through them as Zeta sat alongside to observe. Taking another sip from my glass, I looked back at my own table to find Char taking his seat. The wolf looked good in a suit that wasn't military ordered. Giving me a smile he asked me.
"How are you holding up? Beautiful ceremony."
"Yeah." I replied lightly as he picked up on the fact that I wasn't really aiming to have a conversation. Moving up a seat closer to me, Char leaned in to place his hand over my ear. I leaned in as he whispered.
"Everything is ready for her. Just let me know a good time to start setting up."
Smiling slightly, I said back to him.
"Thank you."
Now patting my side, Char replied.
"No problem. Enjoy the rest of the party. We'll talk later."
"Okay." I mumbled as I went back to drinking.
At least something was going right for me. I just needed to build up the courage now. God knows if I'll ever be able to go through with what I had planned for Zeta.
Royce's POV, Three months later, Fort Sorrow, Mississippi.
I was given permission to watch over Samantha as she completed her user's training and I'm happy I was because she was incredible. Damn near invincible it seemed when you saw her in action against other users and trained soldiers.
Her physical numbers were off the charts and the standards set for perfect users were already off on their own charts to begin with. So it came as a complete and utter shock to see it all put to shame by one woman.
Due to her rarity she was in a class by herself. Command wants her focused on solo building. No need for teamwork when you're gonna be by yourself at the end of this.
Beyond her physical scores, Sam was displaying a very solid grasp of the information being put in front of her. Her CQC was beyond anyone else. It didn't matter who we put in the ring; she always won. She was becoming a master of close quarters hand to hand fighting. Even her instructors were no match and they were the best instructors we offered. Two of which were men twice her size.
Her movement, speed, and reaction time was so good that I swear she has never even been touched by another person during sparring. She was so good at it that even her instructors were now trying to learn from her talent. I had no other words to describe her ability.
Her shooting was the same. No one has ever handled a rifle better than this girl. Damn near perfect accuracy and every course we had was easily toppled. Didn't even have to be a rifle. Her pistol marksmanship was world class. Don't even get me started on sniper rifles or shotguns. It was a joke at this point. So much so that she was attracting a lot of attention. So many dignified officers and politicians came to see her in action. No doubt everyone was planning to use her after her training. She was a perfect soldier and that's what they wanted.
But what amazed me the most was that she was somehow not looking beaten down or overwhelmed. She was embracing every second of every lesson. That's probably how she can be so good at whatever she does. She gives it her all without any fear. She was a genius in her own breed and it showed.
Currently she is undergoing tactical evasion. A class that makes S.T.T's final test look easy. She was dropped into the open wilderness with no food, no water, and no weapons. She had to stay hidden no matter what for two weeks straight. It was day three now and judging from the reports it looks like she hasn't even been detected yet.
Patrols were assigned to locate and take her down and those units were made up of ten or so trained users and other special forces. The patrols were constant. The men were hunting day and night. Sleep would become an issue and that was the point. I don't know how she plans to survive two weeks, but we will just have to wait and see. Someone will find her, they have to.
Zeta's POV, Iraq.
Raptor was acting strange. Stranger then he's been since Sam. Dragging me around the city all day. We went out for breakfast, had lunch, did some grocery shopping and now he was taking me out for a late night drive. I had to question him sooner or later so I took my chance to ask him as he drove.
"Where are we going?"
"Nowhere special. Just relax a little."
Chuckling, I fired back at the hedgehog.
"Well excuse me for wondering. I'm sorry but you've been acting weird. What's with all the activities today? Suddenly grow an interest in spending time with me?"
"I've always had an interest in you Zeta. Don't mistake my intentions."
"It feels like you're taking me out for my last ride to be honest. You plan on putting me down?"
"Furthest thing from it. Just relax. Please."
"Okay." I muttered back as we continued down the road.
Two hours later.
Now I was all worked up. We were in Afghanistan and without a doubt heading in a different direction from where the city itself would be. Despite that I held back my questions as we came to a stop in the middle of the road. Raptor shut off the engine to let out a sigh then he turned to look at me to wonder.
"You wanna take a walk with me?"
Unsure of what was going on in his head I questioned in all seriousness.
"A walk? Raptor, why are we here? You aren't….?"
"Shhhhh." He urged me as I gave him a small glare. Taking my hand he begged.
"Just trust me. Please? It's all gonna make sense soon."
Letting out a sigh, I decided to trust him. Undoing my seat belt, Raptor smiled and got out of the car well before I did. Once I had emerged and shut the door, he urged me.
"Come here. Take my hand."
"You're not helping me feel better about this situation." My words got him to laugh slightly. Once I held his hand he asked me.
"How's Pepper doing?"
"Good?" I replied in confusion.
"And Cody?"
"I don't know? Raptor, can you stop and tell me what this is about? Why are we in the middle of the fucking desert?"
Walking our way over a small hill, I widened my eyes when he replied.
"We're here because I love you and…..and I want to make this right."
"Make what right?" I asked him as he squeezed my hand.
Stopping at the top of the hill, Raptor turned to face me and took my other hand in his. He held them together and looked me right in the eyes to reply.
"Make "us" right. You know what you mean to me right? Like truly?"
"Of course I do."
"Do you think I'm funny?"
Giving him a weird look and another laugh I replied.
"Of course I don't. Your humor is stupid. Your favorite jokes are dad jokes. And your idea of humor comes in at the worst times."
"Like when? Can I have an example?" He asked me as he felt my arm.
"Of course you can. How about that time when you went after Hannon all by yourself in the middle of a warzone? Remember when I had to come save you? Hannon nearly took you out with him."
"Hehehe….I do. Not so good times."
"You think? I had to drag you into a humvee that was upside down to avoid a sandstorm. And you know how I feel about storms. I hate them. I was so scared Raptor."
"Were you?" He asked me as I chuckled and replied.
"Yes! Yet even with your head cracked open you somehow managed to make a joke of the whole situation! I wanted to strangle you!"
"I think you did." He chuckled back as I nodded and informed him rightly so.
"I should have squeezed harder back then. Maybe you would have taken me more seriously."
"I took you plenty serious Zeta." He mumbled back as I questioned.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah." He replied as all I could do from here was shake my head and look back into his stupid eyes.
"Come on." He urged me as he began to walk down the slope.
"Why?" I asked again as he let go of my hand to reply.
"Because I wanna show you something."
"What?" I chuckled as I followed him down.
The hedgehog began to pick up his pace. He was even starting to leave me behind. As he climbed another hill I shouted at him.
"Raptor! Raptor, wait up! I can't….?"
"Come on!" He yelled back as I saw he had stopped at the top again.
Using a good bit of my remaining energy to reach the top of the hill, I came to a stop to see what was waiting for me on the other side.
About ten meters out from the bottom of the hill we stood on; sat a very familiar upside down humvee. In front of it however lay a body and not just any body, but an even more familiar wolf who I barely recognized because of the getup. Raptor began to laugh as he saw the sight himself. All I could do was question in utter confusion for what I was seeing.
"What….the…...hell?"
Char was just laying there in the sand. Wearing no such uniform. All his clothing was shredded and he looked to have blood all over him. In his right hand rested a grenade and without even looking further I shouted out in a loss for words.
"Char!?"
Looking back at Raptor I questioned.
"What the hell is going on?!"
Giving me a smile he replied.
"Just play along."
"Play? What? Raptor….?"
The man took his chance to leave me standing here in shock. He walked down the hill to where Char was laying to say to him.
"Ready?"
I saw the wolf spring to life not a moment later yelling at Raptor.
"You motherfucker! You think you're a hero killing me!? Huh!?"
This was embarrassing. I couldn't believe what I was seeing as Raptor replied.
"I think so. Yeah."
"Why shouldn't I be surprised!? You fucking traitor! Linnen killed you!"
"I'm glad he didn't. This way I can finally kill you for what you did to me…...Hannon." Raptor wasn't even trying to act. He barely could do anything other then smile as Char played his role perfectly.
"Do whatever you want to me, but at least I can die happy knowing I did the right thing!"
"The right thing?" Raptor questioned as I watched Char pull the pin on the grenade.
"Knowing I took you out with me!"
Char screamed that at the top of his lungs. I was so lost by this performance that I couldn't even speak. I was damn near about to laugh my ass off when all the sudden the grenade in his hand went off and out came a cloud of confetti.
"Oh my god." I said to myself as I couldn't help but get on one knee and watch as Raptor fell to the ground.
I just started to laugh. I couldn't help it. After a few seconds of it I heard Raptor call out to me.
"Zeta!"
"Yes!?" I laughed back as he begged me next.
"Help me! The storm is coming!"
There was no such thing. Raptor was….? I couldn't even think. I just stayed strong and laughed my way over to where him and Char were laying. Char didn't move but I could see him breathing the whole time as I watched Raptor reach out to me with both hands.
"Help." He begged again as I questioned.
"How? Do you expect me to…?"
I looked back at the humvee to put this all together. Looking back at the hedgehog I begged him back.
"Stop it! This isn't funny!"
"Zeta?" He groaned as I shook my head and reached down to start dragging him. Our eyes were locked on one another as I noticed this was the same humvee from before. Almost in shock I questioned.
"This is…? How did you find this?"
Raptor calmly replied as I opened the door.
"I know a guy in the army. What can I say?"
I just laughed as I pulled him inside the truck. Once there I shut the door and asked him as he remained laying on the floor.
"What are you doing? Why is Char out there pretending to be…..?"
"Zeta?" His voice came off soft and I stopped my sentence just to listen as he said to me.
"I love you. I love you more than anything. I'd die for you and I just want you to be happy."
"Raptor?" I muttered back in disappointment as he went on to say.
"Losing Sam and Mocha has made us both very bitter. Especially me. I lost so much in my life and the last thing I want to do apart from losing my daughter is to lose you. I love you."
"I love you too." I replied as his right hand went to his pocket. My eyes widened and my whole body went numb as he whispered.
"I don't know how to bring her back. I don't know what I can do differently. But I know that at the end of the day I want to make you happy. I want us to be happy. Zeta?"
My hands were covering my mouth as he pulled out a small black box. Very gently he opened it to expose a beautiful ring. It was so big I nearly felt myself faint as he asked me with all the hope in his heart.
"Will you marry me?"
Very slowly I somehow managed to reach for the hand that held the box. Raptor smiled as I took his hand and pushed it back towards his chest. With tears in my eyes I replied while leaning down towards his eyes.
"Yes! Of course I'll marry you!"
Raptor's arms opened up for me and without even thinking I mounted him properly from the other side. We kissed for what felt like ages and the embrace we gave one another felt almost magical. So much happiness was in my heart as I continued to kiss him. After a few moments he stopped me just long enough to slip on the ring. From there I hugged him as hard as I could. So hard that he groaned into my lips.
"You're killing me!"
"That's the point!" I replied as I rolled him around the humvee.
I was still in complete shock this was even happening. I had no idea marriage was even a thing on his mind during all this madness with Sam. I had no clue whatsoever.
With Raptor embracing me for all I was, we kissed some more and some more. I even had to take a moment to inspect the ring he was giving me. It was huge. Looking at him in awe I had to ask.
"How much was this?"
"Enough." He laughed as we heard a knock on the door. Both him and I jumped from it to recall the only person it could be. Char was just sitting there with fake blood all over his face. Opening the door he asked with a joyful expression.
"So?"
"She said yes." Raptor replied as I had to ask Char.
"What the hell did he pay you to do this Char!?"
"Nothing!" He replied happily.
"Your the fucking president! And you're out here lying in the middle of the desert for how long!?"
"Only a few hours!" He laughed back as he offered me a hand out of the truck.
Once I was back outside, I hugged the stupid wolf and thanked him.
"I can't believe this is happening! Thank you Char!"
"Hey! This was my idea!" Raptor shouted back in confusion as I went in to kiss him again. From there he held me tight and once we were done kissing he decided to put his focus back on Char. Letting me go and embracing his best friend, Raptor said to him.
"But really Char I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you for doing this. Your acting was priceless by the way."
Now blushing, the man replied.
"Oh please. I'm just glad we did this out here where no one could see. I can't imagine this being on the internet."
"You're the best." I informed him.
Char again smiled wide, but at the same time Raptor asked.
"You regret not telling Yoga?"
Char's face lit up to yell.
"Hell no! That guy would have a field day with this kind of thing! If he ever saw me like this, I'd be ruined."
"Hahaha." Raptor and I laughed together.
A moment came where we all just stopped to look at each other. Raptor came to me again and held me close in his arms. I couldn't describe the feeling in my heart, but the first thing that came to my mind was asking when this wedding would happen? And would my daughter be there to see it?
Royce's POV, Eleven days later.
This was a special moment to come. Samantha survived the two week exam and now it was time to call her back. To everyone's surprise, she went the two weeks unnoticed. We couldn't find her. I don't know how she did it, but we were hopefully gonna find out.
Going towards the entrance to the woods which G.U.N had fenced off to the public, I unlocked the alarm that was inside a glass display which was just right of the gate and pulled the handle down. In seconds the siren went off and I went to my radio to order.
"Times up Diskov. Head back to the main gate. We're waiting for ya."
"Yes sir." She replied moments later over the intercom.
Standing behind me were the officers in charge of the patrols that were tasked with finding her. About six of them in total who looked just as beaten down and tired as I expected after this training.
Now it took some time. We had no idea how deep she was in the forest, but after about thirty minutes she appeared out from behind a set of dense bushes to the east of the gate. My eyes opened up in awe as I laid my eyes on her.
Dressed in a standard G.U.N combat rig, the wolf was completely covered from head to toe in mud. Parts of it were dry as a bone. On her back hung a small bag she must have made out of hide from some kind of animal. It was as big as a standard backpack it seemed. As she got closer I smiled more; up until she reached me and the officers at the gate. Letting out a small cough she asked me.
"How did I do?"
I just chuckled and relayed the answer to be given by one of the officers. In a stumped manner he replied.
"You're a fucking ghost. That's how you did Diskov."
"How did you do it Sam?"
Lowering her bag she replied.
"To be honest it was all a matter of patience. More than once I was almost discovered. Mainly right at dawn. You guys were out heavy for a few hours and I hadn't got the chance to move."
"What's in the bag?" Another officer asked her as she widened her eyes to reply.
"Oh just some notes and maps I drew up. I had a lot of time to get familiar with the forest. Once I had a good chance to move; I would follow one of the patrols and write up their travel patterns. I figured every squad was tasked with a different sector so I needed to isolate the areas with the least amount of traffic time."
"Show us." I ordered as she got out a small pocket notepad from the bag. Coming over to the rest of the men, she began to flip through her notes. We were all shocked by how detailed it was. She really did learn the rotations and even where it was safe to look for food during what hours of the day. Pointing towards one of the sectors I asked her.
"That where you found the hide for this bag?"
Nodding, she replied.
"Yes sir. It took some effort, but after I had about five rabbits, I decided to stitch this together. You'd be surprised by how good this holds up when you're in the water or drenched in mud. Speaking of which, I had no clue you guys would be using thermal to find me. It's not a big deal, but do you have any idea how many times I had to cover myself like this?"
I just chuckled again as she looked back at the other men to question
"So what now?"
"Now we get you back to base and cleaned up. You've earned the day off. God damn amazing job Sam." I told her happily as she smiled and replied.
"Thank you sir."
"That goes for the rest of you. Get some well deserved rest." I ordered everyone else as I guided Sam back to my truck. Once we were on our way back to base, I decided it was best to inform the wolf sitting next to me.
"You're going well beyond expectations Sam. So much so that you're attracting a lot of attention. Good attention I mean. I wouldn't be shocked if you got pulled from training early after this."
"It's just an exercise sir. I still have a lot left to learn." She said back to me in all seriousness as we neared the base.
"That's true but you've proven you're capable of learning on the fly. I've never seen someone pick up a new trade and hone it in as fast as you can."
"Do you think I'll get assigned a team?" She then asked as I carefully gave it some thought. After about ten seconds I replied.
"You're gonna be an officer after training so it wouldn't surprise me if you get handed a team to manage, but judging from the courses you're taking and the way your instructors are teaching, I'd expect you to stay by yourself. G.U.N has a lot of work that would be easier to accomplish with just one person involved. Your special forces now Sam and in my opinion; you're one of if not the best to come. I'm sure there are some people already looking into how they can use you and your talents."
"Hmm." She mumbled to herself as we pulled up to the base. Turning off the truck, I urged her while getting out on my side.
"Head inside and go get all washed up. I'll figure out what command wants to do tomorrow with you."
"Yes sir. Thank you sir."
"I'm informal Sam. I've been calling you by your first name when not around anyone, so please try to do the same for me."
"Okay." She replied as I locked up the truck.
Sam's POV.
It felt kinda weird being back at the base. I grew accustomed to the forest, but if I wasn't excited about getting a shower I'd be lying. Once I was back at my room I decided to relax for a few minutes on the small twin bed I had. I even took the time to admire the mess I was covered in. Once I was ready I stood back up and began the short pace to the bathroom. I looked into the mirror to see my face and with it I let out a deep sigh and called for my friend to test the theory he gave me.
"Roslin?"
I shut my eyes for no longer than five or so seconds before I suddenly felt his presence. I could even smell him. My nose over the last few months has really been putting in the work. I knew I had my mother's talent for tracking and with all this training it's shown. Upon opening my eyes I found the echidna standing a few inches behind me with a small smile on his face. With his voice mellow and calm he asked me.
"Proof enough for you?"
I smiled back and nodded my head. Gently reaching up to grab onto my shoulder, Roslin then proceeded to ask.
"So what seems to be the problem? You don't look like you need help bathing this time."
Looking back at the man without turning around, I replied.
"I was curious if you could help me relax one more time?"
Striking one of his many interests, Roslin wondered.
"You've taken a liking to my powers Sam. Is the open clarity really worth it?"
Nodding my head I replied back indefinitely.
"Yes. I can't recall a time where I've been able to do so much. Not being distracted by my emotions or any other means has opened a door. One that I can walk through alone without fear holding me back. Please? I'm begging you. Just one more time."
His hand moved towards the back of my neck very slowly. I closed my eyes again to his warm touch and listened as he whispered into my ear.
"You don't have to beg Samantha. I told you once before I wanted you to have a clear mind when you went through this."
"I know, but I don't want you to think that I'm taking advantage of you. I don't want to upset you."
With his hand starting to warm up my head, I let out a small groan and began to bask in the bliss. During the process Roslin asked me.
"How do you plan to escape G.U.N once your training is complete?"
"I don't know yet. I'm taking this a step at a time."
"Going AWOL would be bad." He informed me as I nodded and quickly said to him back.
"I'm not gonna risk that kind of trouble. I have a feeling I'll be let loose after training. Captain Royce thinks G.U.N brass will want me running solo for the most part. I'd assume once that happens I'd have more room to work with when it comes to Cora."
"Let's hope you're right. I'd hate to see this dragged out longer than it has to be." Roslin stated as I again let out a small moan as he was nearly finished with me.
After about a minute more he released my neck and allowed me some time to adjust back to normal. During that process I turned around completely to face him. Standing right in front of me I wondered.
"I never really asked you this because it doesn't really make sense, but do you think killing Cora will change how I feel inside? My father for instance avenged his family by killing those responsible for their deaths, but he told me that when he did it never really mattered. Sure they were all dead for their crimes, but my dad? I can't imagine that filling the hole in his heart and cleansing the anger he had built up over time. I imagine he never truly got closure. What do you think of it?"
Roslin looked back at me with genuine eyes to state in awe.
"I think you have a better understanding than most who pursue that kind of retribution. Everyone who seeks revenge never truly thinks about how they feel after. Your dad was one of them."
"But does that mean someone can change? Can I feel something more after this?" I asked him as he carefully considered his next sentence. I was ready for it and to be honest not shocked by what I was told.
"It's my belief that anyone who looks for revenge like yourself; they won't feel any better once they are done. You should expect that hole in your heart to stay. You shouldn't be shocked when you look back on all you've done and somehow manage to feel bad despite the accomplishment of it all."
I lowered my gaze as he went on to urge me.
"Don't expect anything to change in your heart by killing Cora for what he's done. It won't ever bring her back. You're forever stuck with the guilt and the what ifs."
"Then what's the point?" I questioned as he looked to his hand to see it covered in dry mud.
Giving me a small smile, the echidna got alongside me to use the sink. I watched as he began to wash his hands.
"What the point of it all varies from person to person. For your father? It was about proving a point to himself. He lost so much throughout his life and never really faced his demons. After the loss of Alicia and his kids? Well he broke and went on his warpath to kill those who did it. He wanted vengeance and he didn't care who stood in his way. If you stood between him and those responsible; you were dead. I think he knew he would feel no different after the fact. It's probably why he managed to go on with his life."
Turning off the water and looking back at me, Roslin nudged his head towards a nearby towel. I understood that he wanted it and quickly got it without question. He smiled and thanked me and once he was dry he said to me.
"I have my expectations for you Samantha. I already know how you'll feel after he and those standing between you have been dealt with. I've been there myself a long time ago believe it or not. If you're looking for advice? I'd look at your dad. Don't expect anything good to come from it. Just…..move on. You'll have freedom again once you're done. The freedom to take the next step forward without fear. And don't worry, I'll still be at your side."
"What am I to you Roslin?"
The question I thought was obvious to ask and the answer I had theories on, but I had to know more about him. Why did he care? Almost chuckling as he spoke; the man replied while reaching for my neck once more.
"What are you to me?"
I shut my eyes for a moment to the feeling of his touch going under my ear. Caressing his mark with his index finger he muttered remarkably.
"You're my demi. You're my chance to make things right."
My head began to burn inside. After a moment I let out a small gasp at which point he stopped and said to me.
"I'm sorry. You're not able to handle that much yet. Your body is rejecting it. Are you okay?"
"Yes sir." I replied as he again smiled towards my respect.
"So formal. I won't lie…..I like that about you. You know where you stand and there aren't a lot of people like that these days. Especially at your age."
"How old are you?" I proceeded to ask him.
Giving me another faint chuckle, the echidna quickly replied.
"Does it matter? You've again managed to push more information then I wanted out of me with this little face to face."
"I want to know more about you though. I have a genuine interest in you. Is it unfair to be curious about the person who owns me?"
"Owns?" He mumbled to himself slyly as I nodded.
Looking me up and down he replied.
"You've accepted your place. Ten times faster than those before you. It took your dad years to see he belonged to Marcus. Even to this day I think your dad still believes he has no ties."
"I'm not my father. I've told you that."
Gently I reached out to touch his right hand which was at his side. The man didn't even look away as I carefully curled my first two fingers around his palm. My eyes however were staring at the ground as I said to him quietly.
"You saved me. Saved me from death. Saved me from myself. Gave me this?"
I went to strike him with my gift of speed, but it was like he already knew it was coming. I went for his neck and without even blinking he snatched my wrist and used his other palm to grab me by the throat. I shut my eyes to the grip he had over me and without a care he tripped me with his feet and pinned me right down onto the bathroom floor with his hands still holding me firmly in place.
However he knew I wasn't aiming to cause harm. In fact I think he knew my intentions. I wanted to see him in action, even if it was just a little. I wanted to see the power of a god for myself and with the same smile he gave me everywhere; he whispered back.
"I gave you barely the tip of my power. You're special, yes, but you're still my demi and you won't ever escape that."
I showed my teeth out of the small pain I felt coming from his choke hold. Roslin saw that and proceeded to urge me justly so.
"You're barely able to withstand this kind of treatment Sam. Don't push your limits too soon."
I nodded once but he still asked me out of curiosity.
"Now I'm not dumb, nor blind to what you are. I know you're young and full of passion and energy. I know you seek this kind of strength. I know how your body and mind react to it. And I know you like it."
"Ahhhh….mmmmm…..aahhhh." I groaned as he saw through me.
"You're still weak. And I can't accept you for that. You need to be strong. Stronger than those who came before. You want more? You want more power? Prove you can handle it and kill Cora and those he loves. Only then will I give you what you seek. Am I clear?"
"Yes!" I replied back as he gently released my neck and offered me a hand back up. Once I stood before him again; did he say to me.
"Don't try to test me Sam. You won't get anywhere close."
I kept my mouth shut this time. I understood my place like he said. I knew what I was to him and I knew I had no other reason to waste his time further. Giving me one last smile he said to me before leaving my sight.
"Make me proud Samantha. Stay the course and we'll meet again before the time comes."
"Yes sir." I replied even though he was already long gone.
Letting out another sigh and gathering my body, I looked back at the mirror to see myself. All those thoughts and all the worries I had before this were again gone from my mind. I felt complete and I now had to focus on another goal. I wanted to make him happy. I wanted to make him proud.
Royce's POV, Three months later.
It was official. Samantha made it through training. She was damn near perfect in everything we threw at her. She even made new records for G.U.N's physical scores and shooting scores. Hell throughout training she's been setting the pace and without question she was cool headed the whole time about it. Never seemed worried or afraid and I have zero idea how she could seem so relaxed. I wish I had her talent. I thought to myself as I watched her take on three other fighting instructors at once.
The men in charge of fighting were no match. Sam was just too quick and despite her frame she was extremely durable and strong. No doubts about it; she was the best. Her ability to fight outnumbered showed with each passing second. All they had to do was knock her down and they couldn't even do that. Every time one of them went to make a move she would counter it and send them down to the matts. Once she had them all down and staying put, I shouted to her.
"Incredible!"
Sam smiled at my voice as she got herself down to pick everyone back up. Once they were all brushed off she went to get some water which left me in charge of the next exercise.
"She's a fucking beast." One of the instructors claimed. Letting out a laugh I replied.
That's what we were aiming for this whole time. G.U.N wants her to be the beast and with god as my witness she was the best at being one. Once the wolf in question came back to me, I informed her.
"It's almost time Sam. Get yourself dry and let's get heading back with the others."
"Yes sir." She replied as I collected my belongings.
Sam's POV.
I rode once more with Royce as we went back to base. When we arrived I got out and proceeded to head for my room to get another shower. I had roughly twenty minutes to get myself all together, because we had a small meeting with the commanding officer to attend to. Royce assured me it was to go over my results and what I would expect after my short leave. However I wasn't planning any vacations.
Collecting my uniform which consisted of a standard training blouse and a pair of black and blue checkered combat cargos. For a moment I looked to my wrist to stare at Mocha's collar. I didn't feel anger for once. All I felt was excitement. The time had come and I knew where I stood now. I was confident I could do this. I had faith everything would work out. I had the right frame of mind to do something like this. Even if I'd be killing more than just Cora.
All his men would stand in my way. Every last resource he had would be there to keep him alive. But I knew I had the element of surprise. Cora thinks I'm dead. He'd soon regret not making sure.
Leaving the room and going for where I was told to meet Royce, I found him and a few other officers waiting for me. Most of them I knew by now on a first name basis. Even the General himself, which was this surprisingly little fox. He looked three times my age, but I picked up on him fast enough to realize he was going to be honest with me. That's all I wanted and it became clear when the same man urged our small group.
"Let's get this over with. Take a seat everyone. Diskov? Come stand next to me for this."
"Yes sir." I replied as I entered the conference room with everyone else.
The General's name was Keith Benington. In front of him stood a stack of vanilla folders which contained all my results during the last six months. Everyone alongside myself kept quiet as Benington went over the folders one at a time. Halfway through his journey he stopped to say to me.
"It looks to me like you've been putting in the work Diskov. All of your scores are perfect. Even the written courses you took last month. How do you feel right now? Was the training as draining as I feared?"
"It was manageable sir. I admit it took some getting used to, but I have great instructors who helped me keep on track. Without them I wouldn't have been able to do this. Especially you Captain." I directed to Royce who sat a few chairs down from the General. Sitting up he replied to my comment.
"It's been a pleasure, but please don't avoid giving yourself most of the credit. You went through these last six months with a cool head and determination. Without yourself you couldn't have done it and that's the real truth that should be heard."
Nodding his head as he listened, General Benington cut in to state.
"You're a very special case indeed. So much so that I have some of the best in this army looking to work with you from this moment going forward. Now this brings me to the most important thing about this meeting, Diskov. I understand that it's your dream to fight for what you believe in. Correct?"
"Yes sir." I replied back as he nodded and went on to say.
"Well before we can pursue that further; I must tell you that you've earned yourself a small break. I'm giving you two weeks to rest up and do whatever it is you need to do. After those two weeks Captain Royce will give you your first assignment."
"Is it okay sir if I ask what it is I may be doing?" I wondered as he nodded back and replied.
"That's not for me to say. Perfect users with your scores will probably be assigned outside my jurisdiction. If it's fighting you wanted I'm sure someone will provide it for you based on how badly some people want you. Captain Royce will keep you updated with any further information."
I went silent now as the General looked me over with a small smile to state with confidence.
"However it is within my power to promote you now that you're done training. It's a promotion you earned. So from here on out you're an officer Lieutenant. I'll make it official as soon as we are wrapped up here."
"Thank you sir." I replied as he nodded and asked around the room.
"Does anyone here have something they wish to add?"
Everyone kept quiet. No one disagreed with the results and most certainly they all respected my results. So once some time had passed the fox ordered.
"Then this is settled. Diskov? You're free to go. Enjoy your time off."
"Yes sir." I replied again.
In about a minute everyone but Royce had left the room. Letting out a small sigh of relief, he said to me.
"Told you it wouldn't be bad. Congratulations Samantha. Or should I refer to you as a Lieutenant now?"
Chuckling, I replied.
"You don't have to. Thank you again for sticking with me throughout this. It means a lot knowing someone has my back."
"You were never alone Sam. This army is family. Everyone knows the bigger picture and with it comes respect and your proper amount of brothers and sisters."
"Yeah." I mumbled as he then came in close to offer his hand. Once I took it he urged me.
"Go on then. Get out of here. I'll be in touch."
"Okay." I replied as we shook.
From there we parted ways and I prepared myself to leave the base for the first time in a few months. Now I had a plan. I first had to get back to LA. Then I'd handle the rest.
In about twenty minutes I had recollected my things and checked my phone to see nearly a hundred missed calls and nearly a thousand text messages from my family. It took a lot to ignore it all, but I managed and started my path towards the airport thanks to a cab on base.
The whole time after I couldn't focus on anything other than Cora. His time was up and I planned on how I would kill him when we met again. I wanted to see the look on his face when I had a gun to his head.
mT Shadow.