Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 49 - Talk to me.
Sam's POV.
Roslin left and I was both turned on and trying to recover my own body from the experience. The fact that he could seem so calm and caring then just turn in the blink of an eye was hot. I loved him for it. He wasn't afraid of me and he knew very well how to put me back in line. He was right as well. I had lost my way. I was abusing my gifts and getting careless. I should have put more thought into the bank job. Or at the very least I should have dealt with the footage I left behind.
The problem wasn't about any mortals knowing what I had done, but my father and his master. That should be my top concern from here on out. My dad has his eyes everywhere in the middle east. Nothing goes by without his knowledge.
It took my head a moment to snap back into reality. I found myself on my knees. A position I would never be put into by anyone other than him.
"Fuck." I whispered to myself as I knew I was in the spot to pleasure him. I knew this hallway wouldn't have been the place for that, but it didn't matter to me. I was horny now and it was all thanks to him. Annoyed, I growled out as controlled as I could.
"Get back here asshole."
He was fucking with me. Both emotionally and mentally. If I would have been smarter back at the bank this wouldn't be happening right now to me.
Unable to do much for myself, I stood up and put my right hand on the side of my head. My skull was still thumping, but I had to start moving. I'd only feel worse just standing here. So slowly I began to walk my way around the bunker. It turned into more of a midnight stroll up until I neared the barracks where the uppers had their rooms. Just as I came up to the turn leading that way; my eyes caught the quick glance of Tika exiting her room.
We both stopped moving to begin staring at each other. I'm sure she was a little confused with what I was doing around here, but in all honesty I was just trying to walk this off. However she quickly changed her tune and shut her door before asking me in a soft voice.
"Something wrong Anpu? Why aren't you catching some shuteye?"
Thinking on my feet as she came to a stop directly in front of me, I replied back as best as I could.
"I got a headache. Well….more of a migraine if you want me to be specific. I'm just trying to walk it off. Can't sleep much otherwise."
Tika gave me an understanding look and proceeded to ask me.
"You want something that could help? I get them myself. Pretty frequently actually. Mostly after I get done having my ears beaten in by Sikes and his philosophical thoughts. Heheh." Tika was being surprisingly nice to me. I expected her to bash me for being out at this hour. Yet she was looking at me with such genuine happiness behind her smile it made me wonder what her intentions were, but I planned to play this out until she let me go back to the barracks. So taking my hand off my head, I replied to the bird kindly.
"If you wouldn't mind. I'd be grateful."
Reaching back for her door, Tika reopened it and invited me in. Surprisingly I was expecting to see the skulls of her enemies decorating the place, but instead I was greeted with an almost picture perfect bedroom that nearly resembled a study. Famous pieces of art covered her walls and her bed was a very warm blue with black pillows. She had bookcases lining the back wall nearest a desk that held a personal laptop. And for a bunker with concrete floors; she had a carpet almost the full size of the room covering most of it up. To my right was her wardrobe and a handful of weapons that were locked behind a cage.
I remained by the door as she approached the cage to begin undoing the masterlock she had been using to keep it closed. As she fiddled around with it, I said to her in some awe.
"Beautiful room you got. Not what I expected to be honest. Are you into art like that?"
By now she had the cage open and once she heard my question she turned back around to reply.
"I have a soft spot for the more cultured things out there. These are just a few of my favorite pieces. None of them are originals of course, but I don't care. Looking at them tends to help me relax after I'm done barking out orders for the day. What about you Anpu? Do you like art?"
"No, not really. I mean I don't have anything against it, but I just don't particularly find it relaxing. I meditate." I admitted as she had already turned back around to grab a bottle of pills out from one of the vests she had stored in the cage. Upon tossing it at me, she continued the conversation by stating back to me calmly.
"Sikes has been talking non-stop about that actually. Told me that you reintroduced it and as his exact words go…you changed his perspective. He's been a lot calmer than his usual self normally is. I don't know anything about that stuff, but that's a big statement coming from him. You should be proud. Take one or two of them and you'll see that migraine go away in no time."
I took one look at the bottle and that's all I had to do to figure out that what she was giving me was nothing more than some painkillers. The dose was massive for a bird her size. If she took one of these she'd be out cold for eight hours. Yet I popped two for myself and gently tossed it back at her before saying with both pills on my tongue.
"Thank you."
"No problem." She replied as she put them back and locked up once more.
As I got the pills down, I looked back at her to see she was looking me up and down with intent. Intent for something and I dared to wonder what. Coming back to my side she proceeded to ask me in a much quieter voice.
"Can I ask how old you are again, Anpu?"
Keeping my cool, I replied.
"Nineteen."
"How did you end up this way? Are both your parents jacked? Two trained killers? Two absolute…specimens like you? When I was your age my only concern in life was finding a girlfriend and getting good grades in my college courses. I barely had the time to work out and I know for a fact I had a lot less motivation to even attempt it in the first place. And training has been described to me by two very experienced soldiers we share a roof with. You gotta clue me in on how you came to be."
Holding my ground, I stuck to the same story I gave G.U.N when I signed up. Only difference I made was that I didn't tell her about joining them of course. I told her my mother and father had begun training me at a young age so I would be prepared in my life for anything.
"After they passed away, I didn't have anyone left to call my own. Well…..I had my dog Mocha, but she was killed when I tried to scam one of LA's crime families out of some money. This was early in my career. I hadn't done much in terms of contracts yet."
Losing her smile, Tika changed her tone to one that sounded more sincere before replying.
"God….I'm sorry."
I held up my wrist so she could see Mocha's collar. As her eyes saw it she gently held my hand to look at it closer. As she did I added on to my story.
"They tried to kill me too." I then used my other hand to point at the scars on my face. She now stared at me directly.
"They fucked up of course. I lived and once I was able, I killed that bastard and everyone working for him. Those who lived, ran. The other families learned about what I had done and pulled a meeting together. The goal was to give me immunity so I'd leave them all alone. As proof they had me inked."
Taking my hand away from her, I slowly took off my hoodie to show her the arm. However her eyes struggled to ignore the rest of my body as I now only had on a black tank top. But in a moment or so she refocused and took a look at my arm as I again offered it to her for examination.
"I'm marked by the criminal underworld in the states. No one can fuck with me now."
Tika held my arm and was looking it over from most angles. After a moment she questioned.
"Mainly because you killed them all right?" She smiled and so did I. Nodding my head I replied while putting my arm back down.
"I saw the money before anything else. The network had a contract on everyone in that room and I made out very well after the job was done."
"Any regrets?" She then asked which got me to think to myself for a moment before replying back calmly.
"No. None."
She began to chuckle again, but this time she said to me after doing so.
"Like I said, when I was your age I was looking for some dick and a good time. You though? Seems you went the whole other direction. Can't say I blame you. You have a knack at performing the impossible it seems. Made quite the name for yourself among my family and thanks to those skills; you've got our team out of last place. We're third now for the time being."
"Is that official?" I then asked her back as she looked me in my eyes to reply.
"Not till the end of the month. We have some time left to improve. Riley is ahead of us by a good amount, but we can easily get second if we play our cards right. Which actually makes this a perfect moment for you and I to talk about what I have in store. I was on my way to the war room. Would you wanna tag along?"
"Of course." I replied back respectfully as she smiled and guided our way back out into the hallway and off towards the location in question. As we entered the room she said to me with a small yawn backing her voice.
"I've given it a lot of thought over these last few days and I've got a handful of options, but I want your input before committing to any of them."
"Okay." I sighed as I decided to put my hoodie back on. Tika took a seat at the command table and once she had she encouraged me to do the same. Once I had found myself a spot she said confidently.
"The way I see it, you aren't much accustomed to working with groups. At least not ones of our size. You're effective on your own or at the least I can see you working well with a partner or a group of three. Much like the group who you first encountered back in Azerbaijan. Do you disagree?"
"No." I replied back which got her to go on and say.
"So being one of my guards is out of the question for you. You're much more useful in making our family profit. You clearly demonstrated that with the bank job you pulled with Byron and I haven't heard a peep leave the mouths of G.U.N or the M.E.A.F when it comes to the identity of who or how it was performed. Which means you're as silent as you are deadly. Two things I expect a contractor to have. Byron also refused to take any credit for the operation. Said you did it all on your own. Ace has also backed up this claim that you're well organized and confident in your abilities when it comes to tackling seemingly impossible tasks. Esteban proves that as well. You do know how wanted you are by the government? If they figure out it was you who killed a president of the M.E.A.F; you'll be hunted down by every PMC and contractor out there to date. Not including the military itself. You're the most dangerous woman in the business and I don't say that to provoke you. It's just true."
"I'm aware of the price that would be put on my head if anyone outside this group found out and I can assure you it won't ever come to that. My actions are always covered up. My contact in the network is making sure of that." I informed her back which earned me this question back from the bird as she kicked her legs up onto the table.
"Our family doesn't typically allow for contractors to get involved. But in your case I'd be willing to put my neck on the line to test you. I have a few things that I need resolved that only professionals can handle. Does that sound like you?"
"Absolutely." I replied as she nodded and proceeded to get blunt with me.
"These tasks aren't going to earn you a dime. This would be strictly for the family and I'll be one hundred with you Anpu. The tasks aren't for the faint of heart. I need and expect a stone cold killer. G.U.N? The M.E.A.F? Kids? They are all involved in the details. No one gets immunity from our blades. Understand what I'm saying? No hesitation."
"I've killed a kid before. I can do it again. As for the others? It doesn't matter what flag they wear. I'll burn it off them if need be. You have my word. Just tell me what you want and I'll get to work."
Tika was trying to read me now. She was trying to see if what I was saying was true or not and she didn't have to think about it for long because my voice showed the emotion. I wasn't in this business to have morals. My heart and all the morals I had left me when I killed Don Verno's daughter in that swimming pool. My heart was now closed to guilt. G.U.N though? I'm sure killing those soldiers would cause some problems among the people above me, but they'd have to suck it up and understand that this is a deep cover operation I was conducting. Earning my place among these men and women came at that price and well beyond."
Tika seemed convinced now that we had our staring contest. Licking her lips and sitting back up, she said to me carefully.
"If you clean up these loose ends for me, I'll one hundred percent back you and allow you to resume your business as a solo contractor, but it comes with a price. No contracting in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan. This also goes for the US. Everywhere else is fair game so long as you maintain your cover. You do not know us. You do not work for us. You know nothing about our existence and if you end up in the shit or captured by anyone, you keep your mouth shut. Take our existence to the grave. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am." I replied as she then added on a moment later.
"You're also going to forfeit a portion of your profits over to me. Any and all contracts you complete; I expect twenty percent minimum. You're more than welcome to give us more if you find it in your heart, but I understand that you want to make a living as well. The choice is yours."
I was thinking about this deeply and seeing that I was Tika shot me another small smile before again adding onto her list of terms.
"One last thing. After what you did with the bank on such short notice, I'm expecting a lot from you now that you'll be on your own and with more time to plan. Prove to the other uppers that bringing you into the family was simply not a mistake or a waste of time and talent. Every month you continue to pitch in. I'll be expecting that quarter of a million dollars to come in. No exceptions. That's the bottom line standard for a woman with your talents. Shouldn't be a problem, yes?"
I began to tap my fingers on my legs as I was really considering the choices I had. I had no problem making that kind of money on my own. Especially in a month. I could easily make millions if I picked the right targets. The issue was something else entirely. Looking back at Tika I asked her back curiously.
"What if I just decided to give you everything? I have enough cash to look after myself in the field and I've already paid for the majority of my gear. So most of my expenses are handled."
"That's up to you at the end of the day, Anpu. I'm not forcing you to pay me anything more than twenty percent. Of course I'd gladly accept more if you'd be that gracious, but I'm not forcing it. We need all the money we can get our hands on. If you knew how much we spent on a daily basis to maintain our operations it would boggle you. You want to give us more? Be my guest. Every dollar is appreciated, but I'd be very happy with you if you did. Very."
"I'll think about it. When can I start operating?"
Going into her pocket, I watched as she pulled out my cell phone. Carefully sliding it across the table to me, she replied.
"Whenever. You checked out."
"You know I'm gonna check this for a chip right?" I gave her a grin back as I put it back in my pocket.
"Figured you would. You won't find anything. We have trust in this family. You can be paranoid if you want, but sooner or later you'll see."
I stayed where I was seated as Tika went into her pocket to pull out a joint. I gave her a small chuckle as she proceeded to say to me.
"One last thing. I don't want you doing any of my tasks alone. You come up with the plan, but I want you to take someone with you as backup."
"Another observer?" I questioned as she nodded her head once while lighting her joint up.
"This time it's mostly about protection, but I would like someone there to see you work in person. You know? See how you work under pressure and among other things. Hm?" Offering me the joint, I smiled and took it from her to take a puff. As I did she reached over to a nearby cabinet to pull out a small black folder. Throwing it down in front of me as I smoked she said while sticking out her hand to get the weed back. Handing it off I looked over the folder.
Putting the joint in her mouth, Tika explained what was going to happen with this little favor she needed done.
"Despite what I said about operating in Iran, this loose end lives here with her brother. Her name is Jenny. She's been a reporter for the M.E.A.F long before the war ended. She's very close to Raptor Voltz himself. She gets a lot of her news directly from him. Your mission? Go to her place, kill everyone inside, but capture her alive. I wanna have a little chat with her. Bound to have a lot of good intel as well."
I knew this woman. I thought to myself as I looked at the picture Tika had of her inside the folder. Not just from the news. She was close to the family and she knew me. It's been a long time since I've seen her, but she's a very smart rabbit. She'd surely recognize me if I hadn't changed my fur color. Plus all the weight I put on and the scars might throw her off. If I'm lucky my cover won't be at risk thanks to my mask. Looking up at Tika, I asked her curiously.
"Any idea how many people she has living with her? Is it just her brother?"
Shaking her head, Tika exhaled her smoke before replying back.
"From what I know she lives with her brother and his two kids. That's all. Should be simple. No security as well, but it's an urban environment. They will have neighbors. So I'd recommend keeping the noise down if you can help it. The police here have a decent response time in the area. Might have five minutes to get out if you're made."
"Just so I'm clear about regulations around here. If heat does come down from this, I'm gonna assume I take the girl somewhere other than here, right?" Nodding Tika offered me the joint again. I took it back and took another smoke. Standing up from the table, Tika came right over to me to plant her ass down on top of the counter. Watching as I smoked she answered my question.
"Get out clean, you can bring her directly here. If the heat comes down or if you feel you're being tailed, you take her to one of our safehouses around the city. Whoever you decide to bring with you will know where they are. Have them give you the list as well so you're never without a safe place to bunker down."
"Any other loose ends?" I then asked as I blew my smoke between us and offered her it back.
"Just one, but I got no information on that until we have Jenny here and cracked. Once that happens you'll be my closing argument and your job after that will be complete. Assuming everything checks out after, you'll be let off the leash with my blessing. Sound fair to you?"
"Perfectly. I'll get it done. Might not move out for a day or two. I want time to plan this before I make any moves. Steak her place out for a night and learn the routines, examine the terrain, and maybe see what I can make happen to draw less attention. Can I leave the base?"
"Not without your partner. I want them to be a part of this. So make your choice wisely." Tika urged me as I then wondered out loud.
"Any recommendations?"
"Sikes is a solid choice. One of my best covert operators. Or maybe Mace. He's also good at keeping a low profile. Easy to work with as well. Won't be breathing down your neck the whole time."
"What about Dusk?" I then asked which got her to slightly choke on her next puff.
"Akk! Akk! Dusk? He's more suited as muscle, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to get him out of the house once in a while. He's always complaining he doesn't have something to do. But he's not a people person, Anpu. He can play nice, but I doubt he'll be accepting orders from you."
"I'd like some muscle for this maybe. Might give me a chance to break the ice with him. He's been cagey with me since I've entered the picture." I informed her back with a small sigh as she then encouraged me.
"Then by all means you can ask him to join you. It'll definitely be a good way to get to know each other better. The choice is yours though. I trust you can take care of this without issue."
"Yes ma'am. I will." I replied as she chuckled before ordering me nicely.
"Please stop with the "yes ma'am" shit, Anpu. I'm not decrepit. I'm only thirty two. Just call me by my name. You play nice and I won't ever have to be a hardass with you. It's the others I keep a mean face on for. Hehehe." She continued to laugh and that made me happy to see. Seems she was pretty chill. Could be the weed, but I'm not going to argue.
I took my time to tuck the folder under my arm before getting up out of my chair. Once I did, Tika asked me in a much more quiet tone.
"Can I ask you something? Are you a user?"
Seeing this as my moment to drop some knowledge on her, I turned it on and watched as her expression completely changed.
"Yes. I am. Hehehe."
She was shocked. Much like my trainers were back at bootcamp. Except this time I turned my back and began to exit the room. The bird remained dumbfounded and upon using my powers I figured out quickly that every thought she had was on how I was indeed one of the very few and very rare; perfect users. I'm sure I just earned a lot of points with her, but for now my task was in front of me.
Jenny wasn't really family, so this shouldn't be much of an issue for me to handle. My actual family though? My dad? This was one of his better and much closer friends. I'd be hitting him directly and if he ever found out; I'm sure things would turn hostile.
The next morning.
Tika hasn't taken her eyes off me. In fact she's been following me. Keeping herself at a distance, but I knew she had a lot of things to ask me about what she saw last night. Was she a user? I wondered as I prepared myself to ask Dusk to join me on this endeavor.
The dog was in the gym working out with Byron and a few others. Hopefully he was in a decent mood for this. I thought to myself as I entered the gym to find him in the ring with Byron. They were sparring, but this wasn't normal. They were really fighting it out. As I approached the side of the ring where Mace was, I asked him as Byron was hitting the dog with more than enough swings to break through a normal man's guard.
"What's the rules for this?"
Patting my side the skink replied.
"Anpu! Good morning! First to hit the mat loses! Nothing serious!"
"Looks serious to me." I chuckled as Dusk went on the offensive now; taking Byron by the waist.
"Takedown! Takedown!" Mace shouted at Byron who tried to squirm his way out of the lock Dusk had over him.
It was then a matter of pure power and Dusk seemed to have a lot. I watched with intentful eyes as he lifted Byron up and power slammed him straight down onto his back. The dane quickly lost his breath as Mace shouted out.
"That's enough!"
Both men were breathing heavily, but Dusk managed to straighten himself out before offering Byron his hand.
"I told you he was strong Byron! You okay!?"
"I'm….I'm fine….ughhh fuck. Thanks." He grunted to Dusk who picked him back up to his feet.
With the two of them hugging it out; I shouted at the terrier.
"Hey Dusk!"
Both of them turned to look at me and it was an instant show of disgust from Dusk once he figured out who the voice belonged to. Seeing that he wasn't going to say much I said to him as calmly as I could.
"Tika gave me a little job to do and I need some backup. You wanna tag along?"
Now the big boy laughed at me and questioned.
"What? Are you fucking serious? Fuck off. I'm not working with you rat."
"Come on. I was told someone had to join me for this." I stated back to him which then got him to point at the other men surrounding the ring.
"You see how many other guys there are here? Ask someone else. Now fuck off before I get mad." He commanded as I was quickly whispered to by Mace.
"Leave it be, Anpu."
"Nah fuck that." I replied as I then asked the terrier directly.
"Clearly you don't like me. I get that, but we're on the same team now and that petty shit needs to fucking stop. I've let it go since we met, but the tough guy act is getting stale. So let's make a deal. How about you catch your breath and maybe get some water and once you're ready how about you and I fight? You win and I'll leave you alone. But if I win your ass is coming with me and you're gonna deal with it. How does that sound?"
Clearly no one was expecting me to challenge this man to one on one combat. Even Tika who was standing by the exit watching was now in awe at the event that was about to unfold. Dusk on the other hand seemed somewhat speechless, but soon replied with a sinister smile behind his intentions.
"You must be fucking crazy. You step a foot in this ring and I'll knock your lights out. You'll be spending the next week in medical with Dexter. Is that what you want?"
"No. Not at all. I just wanna shut you up." I replied back which got Mace and a few others to begin laughing out loud. Dusk was getting more angry, but enough was enough and he proceeded to order me in an aggressive voice.
"Then get your ass in here! I'm not gonna have a punk kid like you talk to me like I'm some fucking stump! Get in here!"
I threw off my vest and handed it over to Mace. At the same time I begged him.
"Take care of this for me for a minute, will ya?"
He nodded in disbelief that this was really about to happen. Tika even came closer and as I began to slide into the ring she ordered us.
"No killing each other! Keep it clean guys!"
Byron at this point had his gloves off and ready for me to take. Once I had them strapped over my fists I looked back at Dusk who looked bloodthirsty. I wasn't gonna let this fucking guy beat me. He stood no chance with the speed and the power I had as a demi and I planned to use some of it here and now to put him in his place. Getting to my corner, Mace shouted out.
"First to fall loses! Are you ready!?"
I nodded as Dusk growled towards me.
"You run your mouth a lot. Can't wait to see how you do with your teeth shoved down your throat."
"Just focus." I ordered him back as Mace rang the bell.
Dusk's POV.
I've been waiting to get a reason to kill this girl. Tika said not to kill her, but fuck that. She'll let it slide if I break the bitch's neck by accident. One good slam and I'll send her off in a box.
The second I heard the bell I ran at her swinging.
"Agh!" Each fist I threw I had enough power behind it to knock her head off, but she was surprisingly agile. My first few attempts missed completely until I had her against the ropes. Then she raised her guard and I hit her with everything. It felt so fucking good. Yet her guard wasn't breaking and when I went to throw a body shot she hit me right in the side of my left eye with a quick hook that sent me a few feet back.
The fact that she hit me pissed me off so much that I could feel my blood boiling more every second. Shaking it off I proceeded to try and grab her, except when I got a hold over her she hit me from above with an elbow so powerful to my back that once I felt it make contact I lost all the air in my lungs and fell to my hands and knees.
"Come on Dusk! Get up!" Someone shouted out as Anpu decided not to follow up and instead just made her way back to her corner to allow me the time to get back up. As I did she asked me in a cocky voice.
"What's wrong? All bark and no bite?"
You fucking cunt! Get over here!" I ordered her as I demanded she get centered in the ring with me now.
Raising her arms to block, Anpu approached and with every fiber of my being I hit her with everything I had. Yet for some reason she was as solid as a rock. She wouldn't even budge and the punches I was connecting with were enough to drop Byron a moment ago when I fought him. What the fuck was going on? I asked myself as she suddenly interrupted my combo with a quick one of her own. I had to block, but unlike my punches she was hitting me with so much power it felt like someone was using a tree trunk to fight me. My arms were unable to stay straight and with each punch she threw I was nearly sent from one side to the other.
I refused to lose to this bitch. I gave it one more chance and went for her waist, but this time I managed to pin her in the corner. Then I went to work on delivering body shots. I even threw one at her head, but she saw it coming well before I could think of my next move and ducked out of the turnbuckle. Her speed caught me so off guard. She was so fast that she slipped out of the position I had her locked into and was behind my back before I knew what was happening.
"Agh!" I widened my eyes when all I felt was her boot hitting me in my lower back. I was kicked with so much force I slammed literally into the rail and by the time I turned back she was already hitting me with combos so fast my eyes couldn't keep up.
Tika's POV.
"This was unreal. How was she…?" Every thought left my head when Anpu's combos made contact with Dusk's face. She hit him twice and each time his head nearly left his shoulders. Spit could be seen exiting his mouth in each direction; up until she hit him with one last right hook that put him out. The whole room went silent in shock when Dusk's head snapped back and his body came falling down right in front of Anpu who exhaled deeply for a moment before taking a step back.
"That's enough! Holy shit!" Mace shouted as him and Byron got into the ring to tend to the man.
I watched from under the ropes as Dusk was motionless. Anpu came to my corner just to rest as the others made sure he was still alive. Looking up however at the wolf, I saw that she wasn't even using her venom. How the fuck is she that strong without it? I wondered as she took her gloves off.
Everyone was worried for Dusk. It was clear as day. After about thirty seconds of careful medical attention we saw his eyes begin to flutter. Once they had opened you could tell he had no idea where he was or what had happened.
I've never seen anyone beat him in a one on one fight. Especially after they made him mad like that. Maybe that's another reason why this ended the way it did. He wasn't thinking about anything other than hurting Anpu. I continued to watch in silence as Anpu suddenly began to make her way over to the dog to offer her support. Putting a hand out she asked him as nicely as she could.
"Are you okay?"
Everyone could see it in his eyes as they stared at each other. Dusk was lost and quite possibly impressed with what just happened. After some silence he managed to lift up his hand to meet hers. Carefully Anpu got him on his feet and back into the corner of the ring to calmly urge him.
"Take it easy for a few. Collect yourself. Can you hear me man?"
"Yeah." He mumbled, still completely unsure of where he even was.
Patting his arm Anpu, smiled and proceeded to instruct the other dog in a soft voice.
"When you're back on your feet, go get changed and meet me in the barracks. I'll let you in on what I have planned. Okay?"
Nodding despite his previous anger towards the girl, Dusk replied back as nicely as he could to show some respect.
"'Yeah, okay. I'll….I'll be there. Just…just let me catch my breath."
Anpu had won and to my surprise Dusk seemed willing to cooperate now that he had been knocked out in such a quick fashion. Anpu came back over to my side of the ring and as she rolled out she said to me in a whisper.
"Not how I wanted to break the ice, but it's too late now right? Heheh."
I couldn't help but stare at her as she walked out of the gym like nothing happened. When I looked back at Dusk I saw that he would be out of it for a good hour at least. Byron and Mace had to help him out of the ring and down into a chair.
By the time I looked back, Anpu was gone from my sight and I was left in even more confusion for what kind of woman she was. I've never met anyone with the full package before, but she indeed had it. How does a perfect user like her end up becoming a thing? More so, how did she become a user to begin with? Was it genetic? I know she said her mother was one back when she was in the military, but is that really a possibility? What are the odds? I had to wonder as I was left scratching my head from all this. I lucked out. The other teams were gonna be in for a rude awakening once they heard about her. No doubt the others would try to take her from me. Riley especially.
Sam's POV, An hour later.
Dusk approached me as I was busy looking over the folder Tika had given me. When he stopped at my bedside I looked up at him. Both of us had a weird chemistry going on at the moment. He didn't know what to say and I didn't know if I should apologize or not for knocking him out in front of all his friends. Yet he did look a little more humbled now so I started off by saying.
"How are you feeling?"
His eye was a little swollen, but besides that he looked okay. Rubbing his face he replied.
"I'm okay. Listen…..about the….?" Cutting him off I ordered.
"Don't apologize to me. I get it. I know where you're standing. Let's pretend it didn't happen and move on. We cool?"
Nodding once he replied.
"Yeah. We're cool. So ummm…..what's this thing Tika has you on?"
Handing him the folder I replied.
"A loose end she needs cleaned up. Look for yourself."
I watched happily as the dog read over the file. Once he had enough to go on he asked me.
"Must have something she wants if we're taking her alive. What about the others? Her brother and….two kids?"
"Dead." I said back bluntly which got him to again nod his head before replying.
"Okay. Do you got a plan?"
"Not yet. We're gonna spend the night watching her place. See exactly what we're working with before we rush in there. Our plan has to be tight and executed perfectly. If we falter in any field we'll have the cops on us in no time."
"So a quiet gig then. Only one question. Why me? Sikes or Mace are better suited for this." Dusk stated as I stood up to match his head.
"Tika said the same thing when I asked for her recommendation. Let's just say I wanted us to stop walking circles around each other. I have no problems with you and I don't want any. After this if you don't want to be my friend then we don't have to be friends. I'm not forcing that on you. I barely know you. But just stop avoiding me like I'm the plague. You do that at the least and I'll leave you the fuck alone with a smile."
I was surprised to see a smile come to his face after that, but there it was as he replied.
"I can work with that. Let's see how this goes first."
"Are you good to go?" I then asked him before collecting my bag.
"I'm ready. Just say when."
"When." I chuckled as I proceeded to walk past him and towards the exit.
The dog followed suit and once we were in the elevator he asked me curiously.
"Where did you learn to fight?"
"My father." I replied as he then wondered.
"G.U.N?"
"No. My father was just very well educated growing up. Taught me everything I know." My response earned me another question. This time it came up kinda bleak considering my story.
"Where are they now?"
"Dead." I sighed as we reached the surface. Dusk looked kinda sad for me but he felt even worse for asking.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"You're fine. Died when I was just a kid. Mother died of a drug overdose not long after."
"Jesus." Dusk exhaled as we seemed to just shrug it off to avoid talking anymore about it.
There was a car for us on the floor above where we exited the bunker and soon enough I had us on the main road and on the way to the location. During such time Dusk had the radio on and he was relaxing to some old rock music. My father listened to the same type of crap. Not to say it's all bad though.
By the time we got close I began to really keep any eye out for the place and a spot to watch them from. Tika was right about this being a residential location. Apartment complexes all around and nowhere to park. Yet I figured we could just go to the roof of the building across from her place and watch. So I parked us a little down the street. When we stopped I said to the terrier.
"This isn't gonna be easy. Lots of people around here and I bet all the walls are paper thin. What's even worse is that there isn't anywhere close to the place where I can park."
"How about this? I'll hang out here and wait till someone decides to leave. Assuming they get us closer to the place; we'll at least have a plan for that part of the problem covered. You can go get a closer look at the place's layout while we wait for a better spot. A little recon never hurts."
"Sounds good. I'll do my best to blend in. You got a phone on you? Take my number in case we need to talk." I urged him as I pulled out my cell phone.
Dusk got my number a moment later and once that was finished I was off to get a closer look at the apartment we would surely be hitting.
Dusk's POV.
I was being a little too nice I felt. A girl like that? Blend in? You'd be better off with a sign on you that says you're casing a joint. Despite that she was now gone and that gave me the time to collect myself and my emotions.
The bitch could fight. I had no doubts about that. But she just didn't add up in my head. It could just be paranoia, but I don't know. She was clearly emotional when I asked about her parents. Was it an act? Or was it legitimate? Again, I don't know.
Regardless, my job was to now wait for someone to leave so I could steal the space and get closer to the place we were gonna cause a crime scene at.
As time began to drag on I pulled out my glock and looked it over carefully in my lap.
I had no problem with killing. Killing has always been easy. Problem was that I wasn't used to killing kids still. Can someone ever be? I wondered as I then asked myself if Anpu even had it in her to do it? She put on a pretty face and sure looked like a merc, but was she cold blooded enough to do this? If she was a rat, she'll have to hesitate somewhere. Same goes if she was with the M.E.A.F, but thinking back to what Ace told me; what are the chances either of these groups would authorize an operation where they could politically get screwed up the ass? If the public ever found out about the shit they had one of their soldiers do, even if it was to help bring a terrorist cell to an end?
I'd have to see how this plays out. For now I'd keep playing nice. Prove me wrong Anpu.
Sam's POV, Thirty minutes later.
Things were working out pretty well thanks to Dusk deciding to stay with the car. I was able to use my powers freely and I knew right when I did that Jenny and her family weren't even home and that was perfect. Using my phasewalk, I walked right through the front door to the apartment. Immediately I was brought back to my house.
Pictures were mounted on every wall. There was no hiding just how much this family loved each other. The kids had school photos, some were of the brother, but one was of Jenny and she was standing right next to my dad shaking hands during one of his first interviews with her back before I was even born. Now that I see it, my dad really hasn't aged a bit.
Taking out my phone as I walked around the living room, I soon made a left into their small kitchen. There were the normal accessories, but they also had a fairly small table. I shouldn't be shocked considering they are rabbits. It didn't matter, I still took a seat and called Dusk who answered on the second ring.
"What's going on?" He asked me as I proceeded to state.
"No one's home. I'm inside the apartment. They must be out at the moment. Should make this a lot easier. Any luck getting closer?"
"One dude left about ten minutes ago. Didn't get me much. Probably a car or two closer. Still a long way to go."
Nodding my head, I then suggested.
"I got a plan then. I want you to stay with the car and keep doing what you're doing, but I need you to keep an eye out for them coming home. If you see them coming, get yourself moving and follow them in. I'm ready to go and this way we'll have the jump on them without causing too much trouble. How does that work for you?"
"Works for me. I'll call you when I see them so you can be ready."
"The kids could be a problem." I informed him.
"Shouldn't be an issue. By the time they reach the door, I'll be right on top of them. I'll make sure everyone gets inside without panicking too much."
"I can handle Jenny and the brother, but once everyone is controlled we need to do this slow. Get them inside and we'll sit them down. We'll introduce ourselves and make sure they cooperate. Also when you move make sure you grab my bag. I left it in the seat. I packed cable ties and some tape. We'll bag and tag them then we'll figure out what happens next. Hopefully you'll also be a little closer with the car. No telling when they'll get home though." I sighed as I went behind my back to pull out my Luger. Once I had it on the table I added to the plan.
"If her brother shows up with just the kids you should still follow them in. We'll wrap them tight and wait for the main course to arrive."
"What if Jenny shows up by herself?" Dusk wondered as I quickly replied without really having to think it over.
"I'll handle her and we'll wait. Once they get home we'll kill them and leave. The plan works both ways."
"Alright. Well I'll be in touch when I see them pull up. Just be ready on your end." Dusk urged me as I nodded to myself before hanging up the phone.
Three hours later.
The time was now. I could sense them coming. Only issue we had was Jenny herself. She wasn't with them, but Dusk called me all the same. I picked up on the first ring to hear him say.
"You got the kids and the brother coming to you. They just got out of the car. I'm making my move."
"See you soon." I replied as he cut the call.
With my Luger ready, I stood up and waited by the front door for the family to approach. Raising my arm, I readied myself and the moment I heard the key turn in the lock; I swung hitting the rabbit square in the side of his head. And just like that we were off.
Dusk swooped in from the hallway making sure to grab both the kids from behind. They couldn't have been any older than ten and once they felt this massive terrier grab them by their mouths; they began to try to kick and scream for help.
"Shut the door." I ordered Dusk who used his right leg to kick it shut as he held a firm grip over the screaming siblings.
With their screams muffled, I made quick work of the brother who couldn't have been any taller than Jari. He was nearly knocked out from the force he got clubbed with so my job was made easier as Dusk finished smothering the kids unconscious.
"Bag." I then ordered him as he dumped both of them on the couch.
Throwing me the duffel, I quickly unzipped and got my hands on some cable ties.
"What's happening?! Who are you!? Jason! Marcie!" The brother shouted which got me to hit him once more in the back of his skull. This time I knocked him out and finished the job of getting him wrapped. Tossing the bag back at Dusk, I refocused and moved the brother to the couch; where he then sat with his children in deep slumber.
"Check the hall. Make sure no one's snooping." I ordered Dusk as I tied up the two kids.
Once I was done taping off their mouths, I let out a small sigh of relief.
"Good work. Now we wait for Jenny."
Once he was positive no one was onto us, Dusk returned to my side. Giving him a small smile I asked him.
"How close is the car?"
Fixing his shirt he replied back.
"Not far. Maybe three spots down from the door."
"Okay, good. We're gonna wait now for her to get home. Once she opens that door I'll pacify her and we'll finish off the others." I stated which got him to question.
"Why not now?"
"Why not? Because I want her to see it happen. She'll break a lot easier with that kind of stress put on her. Tika can get her to talk a lot easier that way." Dusk was aware of that so he didn't argue. I knew his only concern was seeing if I could kill the kids. In time he'd see for himself just how far I've come since Claire.
An hour later.
It's been an hour and by now everyone had woken up. Thanks to the tape and the binds they weren't any trouble to control. Jenny's brother was the most vocal, but the kids wouldn't stop fucking crying. Dusk was being the brute he was known for being and constantly had to keep them quiet. They were lucky he didn't choke them out again.
I had pulled up one of the kitchen chairs and sat myself down across from them all with my Luger at the ready as my senses finally picked up on Jenny. Looking at Dusk I stood up and prepared. Her brother wasn't fighting our wishes. We asked him when she would be home and he didn't lie. She was right on time.
"Watch them." I ordered Dusk as I stood right in front of the door.
It took her about a minute and a half to reach the door and once I heard the lock moving I aimed my gun at her height and watched as she opened the door with her eyes looking down at the ground. However that all changed when she took a step inside and looked right back up at the barrel of my gun. Her ears went right back as I whispered to her.
"Shhhh. Shut the door."
She was shaking harder than her family was. She was clearly not accustomed to violence. Obeying my command, Jenny shut the door and asked back.
"What's going on?" I didn't answer because she had yet to see her family. Once her eyes located them on the couch she widened her eyes and went to shout out something. It didn't matter because the second I saw her mouth open I hit her right in the nose with the butt of my gun. She tumbled back into the door with a lot of force. The kids began to scream under their taped mouths and the brother tried to get up from the couch. Dusk sat him right back down as I went to work.
"Get up." I ordered the rabbit who now had a broken nose and was bleeding profusely in tears.
"What is this about?! I didn't…!" Jenny widened her eyes as I kneed her right in the mouth and ordered with a growl.
"Shut up."
This time she couldn't get back up on her own. I used a little too much power with that. So with another growl I leaned down to grab her by the ears and dragged her to the couch. Once she sat in front of her family, I said to her in a very demanding tone of voice.
"You keep your voice down or I'll gladly gag you like them. One more time and I'll put a bullet through your eyes. Am I clear?"
She was so fucking scared. The fear was genuine as she quickly nodded her back to listen as I went on to say.
"Who we are and who we work for doesn't matter. All you need to know right now Jen is that our boss wants a word with you. So we have orders to take you to her."
"Who?" She cried in confusion.
"I just said that it didn't matter. What matters is that you cooperate."
"I'll do whatever you want. Just let them go." She begged me as I quickly smiled and chuckled out.
"Oh no. Can't do that. They've already seen too much. That and we have our orders." I was going to show Dusk just how cold I was. So as I said that to the rabbit I pulled up my Luger and shot one of the kids in the head. Blood splashed them and without a second thought the father got up to be immediately sat back down by Dusk who got him in a headlock.
Keeping my eyes and smile directly focused at Jenny who was now staring at the scene in utter and complete shock; I stated.
"They have to die."
"Marice….Marice?" Jen called for her but it was a hopeless endeavor.
"I hope you understand Jen, that this is all on you." Taking my time I pointed my gun at the other kid to pull the trigger.
"Toof!"
Jason was dead in an instant and both of the remaining rabbits had to endure that. Dusk kept a firm hold over the man as I had completely broken Jen. She started to hyperventilate and I knew very well that she would be unable to form words for the time being.
"Your work got them killed and now it's gonna get him killed." Jen looked right at her brother the moment she saw my gun go back up. As I went to pull the trigger I saw a tear run down his face. Dusk moved just far enough away, but held him in place as my bullet went in one ear and out the other. Blood was everywhere and Jen was now finished herself. She couldn't stay on the chair and with Dusk pushing her dead brother to the ground, I tucked my gun behind my back and added on to my abuse.
"You have nothing left. The M.E.A.F won't be saving their favorite anchor. Now get on your feet."
Jen couldn't. I knew it and Dusk knew it, but I still commanded her again in a much more scary voice.
"Up! On! Your! Feet!"
She was beyond scared of me and that got through to her. She looked right at me and struggled to find her legs, but soon she was on them and with my right hand I grabbed her by the shoulder and ordered.
"You're gonna get walking now. Back outside and into the car. You make one false move and I'll make sure when we get to where we're going; you'll die a much slower death then them. Now….move. Grab her bag too." I ordered Dusk, who was in the process of taking my bag as well.
Jen's entire body was shaking as she struggled to take her first few steps past the bodies, but in time she was obeying at a good pace as Dusk led the way to the car. What was good for us was that it was getting late and there weren't many people outside to give us a good look. Going into my bag, I forced a rag into Jenny's hands to help her control her nose from bleeding out. She kept it pressed to her face as I got the back door open for her to get in. Once she was inside, Dusk followed in after and I got driving. I took one look in the mirror to urge my partner while handing him my gun.
"Don't let her do anything stupid."
Dusk took my weapon and I watched through the mirror as he leaned back and casually put her in his sights. Jen was crying her eyes out now as I just focused on driving back to the bunker.
Tika's POV, A few minutes later.
Anpu and Dusk came walking into the war room with a familiar looking rabbit. I got right out of my chair to smile and ask the girl.
"There's my girl! Do you know who I am?"
They fucked her up. She was bleeding pretty badly as Anpu pushed her from behind to force a response to my question.
"No?" I was soon told which got me to smile and reply.
"Well you're about to find out then. Jax! Get her prepped!"
"Gladly." He replied as he came over to grab Jenny by the back of her neck to begin leading her out of the room. With my eyes going back to Anpu and Dusk, I asked curiously.
"So….how'd it go?"
"Went well." Anpu replied as Dusk nodded his head back to add.
"Had no problems for once. The kids and her brother are dead as well. Anpu made sure of that." Dusk said that the way he did for a reason. He was worse than I when it came to trust. He had to consider Anpu to be another rat like Webber, but she must have proved him wrong with how she handled the rest of the bunch. That made me more confident as well since part of the reason I sent her to do this was to see how she would handle killing kids and bystanders like Jen's brother.
"Good. How did you two get along now?" I asked them both as they looked at one another. My eyes caught Anpu's first as she replied.
"I think we tolerated each other and did a good job as a team. Might even say we got along."
Dusk chuckled a tiny bit before urging the wolf.
"Let's not jump the gun on that just yet. I want a rematch."
Widening my eyes I questioned and urged him.
"Are you crazy? She plowed you Dusk. Accept that and just admit you like her so we can move on to the next task at hand."
Anpu gave him a funny smile and in time Dusk replied with a smile of his own.
"Only a little. Now fuck off. Both of you."
"Heheh." I chuckled as I soon had to refocus. I had some questions for that rabbit and once we were done I said to them both.
"Well now that we're a little more acquainted, I have a job to do. Once I'm done we'll dispose of the rabbit and move on once I've had time to plan. Till then you two can take a break or come watch me work."
"I'm gonna go eat something." Dusk replied as he walked off leaving me with Anpu who replied calmly.
"Sure. I'll tag along. I don't like leaving a job half finished. I wanna stay till the end."
Giving her a wide smile, I then urged her.
"Well then be my guest. Hopefully she'll just talk and we won't have to hurt her anymore then she is now. At least not till we're done talking. Do you want the honors?"
She was thinking the offer over, but it took only a few seconds for her to make up her mind and reply.
"Why not?"
"Let's go then. I'm sure Jax has her ready by now."
mT Shadow.