Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 52 - The mask they fear.
Sam's POV, Libya, The next day.
You could see the complete difference in care this part of the world had over others like the US. Libya has been war torn for years. Long before even the rebellion wars started. Never a central power or just someone strong enough to keep the country under control. No one has lived long enough to claim change and currently my job was to find out what I would be dealing with. However the first thing that needed to happen was to locate myself somewhere to stay. Doubt I'll find somewhere nice. In fact, I might be better off living off the land this time around, but I had hope for now.
As we were in the process of landing, I finally decided to give Royce a call. He answered after a few rings.
"Sam? This you?"
Smiling to myself I replied.
"Of course it is. How are you?"
"I'm good. Very good now that I know you're still above ground. I assume you want to update me on your situation, yes? Where are you? What's happened over the last few weeks?"
"Well like I said the last time we spoke, I was getting the opportunity to work with these guys and so far it's been going exceptionally well. I've been welcomed into the group with open arms by my current group."
"How many groups are there? How are they organized?"
Taking a moment to adjust in my seat I replied.
"There are five groups in total. About twenty guys a piece and runned by one upper. So far there are five uppers and everyone else, including myself, is called a lower."
"Any name for the group itself that you've heard?" Royce wondered as I shook my head before saying back.
"It's strange. I've been with them for a few weeks and I've done some work here and there, but so far no one has said anything to that degree to me. Everyone seems to refer to the group as simply a family. For now I'd say that's the best we got when it comes to an overall callsign."
"Who's in charge of your group?"
"Her name is Tika. I've only heard of one other upper so far and that's a chick named Riley. From what I've heard she's the founder and a psycho."
"Wait, you said Tika right?" Royce questioned as I quickly replied.
"Yeah."
"I'm sending you a picture. Tell me if that's her." Royce instructed as I waited for it now. Once the picture came in I was stuck staring at the moment Tika and I were first entering the Forth and Cardinal. Again Royce asked.
"Is that her?"
"That's her." I replied as he sighed back.
"So it is true. Your group was responsible for the attack on the Forth and Cardinal resort. Did you know about it?" He then asked as I tried to find the words to tell him the truth. After a few seconds of silence Royce said in confusion.
"Sam? You there?"
"Yeah." I sighed back as he asked me back calmly.
"What?"
Trying my best to remain as calm as him, I finally replied back.
"I heard about it. I don't know why it happened, but I know it happened."
"Who's the other individual? Part of your group?"
Burying myself in lies to remain innocent to this man and to avoid a horrible response from G.U.N high command, I replied back.
"Part of one of the other teams. I don't know his name. Only saw him once. Before they left."
"These guys are fucking animals Sam. Are you okay?" Royce then asked me as I felt the plane hit the runway.
"I'm holding it together. Thankfully I've earned my spot among the group and I've now got a job to do to maintain my position. They have me out as a freelance contractor like we discussed in the past."
"Doing what? Are you still in contact with these people?"
"The process is slow and I'm working on gaining more trust before getting closer to the group. I'm gonna spend the next few months picking up contracts on my own. They expect two hundred and fifty thousand every month from my performance."
"Jesus christ. That's insane." Royce replied as I then decided to say to him.
"It's not so bad so long as I play my cards right. I have plans for how to get the money."
"I can speak with Fenning. G.U.N can front the bills so you're not risking your neck." His concerns now piqued my interests and I saw this as a chance to steal me some extra funds for myself. I wasn't going to sit back and relax like they planned. I wanted to keep working and I plan to see more of the world. Libya would be the first of many stops. However, despite my intentions, I said back to my handler.
"That would be a huge help if you think you can pull it off."
"Shouldn't be a problem. Just give me a few days and I'll contact you with the details. Till then you just keep your head down and focus on gathering more information. Speaking of which, have you learned where they are based yet?"
With the plane now stopped, I stood up and collected my two bags. As I did I replied back.
"Difficult to say. The five groups don't live together. I got introduced to mine after the shitshow in Azerbaijan. Met with Tika and her people after Ace and his friends got me out of the country. We flew to Syria and from there I met up with Tika and the rest of the group. After the introductions were made we spent a few days there and moved closer to Iran by crossing through Iraq. That's when Tika made that move on the resort. Heard it had something to do about her brother, but I wasn't exactly itching to ask around about it."
"Understood. What about the other groups?"
"No idea. From what I can tell they don't seem to have any presence in the middle east. Maybe they swing by to do shit like that, but I've been told to stay clear from anywhere the M.E.A.F is located now that I'm on my own again. Especially now that the resort got torched."
"Makes sense. Now you said you'd be working alone for the next few months. Where are you heading?"
"Not sure. Lots of places to choose. I'm taking a day or two to figure it out before making any moves. When we talk again I'll have something for ya." I told him with a small chuckle as I made my way out of the plane and into an airport the size of a cornfield. The whole fucking place looked rundown and lost to the jungle. Where the hell am I? I asked myself as I tried to find a spot to finish this call. Stopping a few meters off the runway, I finally heard from Royce.
"Okay that works for me. Fantastic work so far Sam. Keep me informed. I'll contact you about the money you'll need; so stay in reach of the phone."
"Yes sir." I replied as I hung up and began to look around the area.
Third world country if I've ever seen one in person. Hard to believe there is a city somewhere in this mess, but clearly I wasn't going to have the level of buildings that LA or Iraq had. My senses were picking up on a lot of people and just from the quick dip I had into my powers, I had to ask myself how out of place a girl like me had to be in a place like this. Now I doubt most people would try fucking with me just due to my size, but now that I'm on the ground I see no reason to not get armed.
Going into my bag, I pulled out my Luger and tucked it under my shirt. After that I proceeded on my way. Figured until I found a place to crash I'd use my powers to remain invisible to the public eye. I wasn't in the mood to deal with people right now and I doubt if I got into a scuffle with anyone local I'd have help. I'd probably end up fighting everyone and that isn't the plan. The plan was this.
Find a place to lay low and figure out who runs the majority of the area. Once I get an idea as to who it is calling the shots, I'll see what the smart move is. Thankfully I ran this place by Minky on the flight over here and he had enough information to inform me that the country is undergoing its own civil war. So at the very least I had sides to choose from. It's all gonna come down to who it is leading the way forward and who can make me the most money.
A few days later.
It didn't take me long to figure out the situation this country faced. On one side you had the bad guys. A group of trained militants who many considered the military force of Libya. Wore attire as close to it as they could get and had thousands of troops on hand to combat the rebels who vowed to free the city from the cynical tyrant known as The Wall. Plastered propaganda hung all around the city showing this man in person.
A burly dark blue bear who also seemed part tiger. He had the teeth and claws and above all else he had the form. Massive in size and nothing but pure muscle, but he had the size of a bear to top it off with. Had to be easily seven foot and at least four hundred pounds. His name made sense once you witnessed him.
This man had no fear and was on the airwaves night and day ranting about his love for the country and its people. Telling everyone that the rebels would be dead soon. He however was very sadistic according to some rumors I've overheard from the locals. Killed just about anything that moved at least once in his lifetime and had no care for adding more to his long list. He killed to stay on top and he was doing that now. Executions were daily and everyone of them ended up the same. A hail of bullets from a short firing line. Not all of those who were killed were guilty. He did it to keep people in line from acting out and to prevent the rebels from getting more recruits. Yet I think it didn't really matter at this point. One way or the other there was going to be an uprising.
Now on the other side of things you had the leader of the civil movement. A guy named Raspin who no one sees according to the people I've asked. He takes his hideouts seriously. Especially when he's being hunted. His face is almost as popular as The Wall's. Major difference was that every picture of his had a wanted sign under it. The Wall was paying for any good information leading to his death and that seemed like a good way to get noticed if I wanted to join The Wall, which honestly appealed the most to me.
I wasn't here to help some rebels win a war and take over the land. I was here to make money and lots of it. Helping The Wall get his hands on this Raspin would be a good step going forward. I'm sure with enough effort I might even have a good shot at earning myself a favor or two from Libya in return. Yet what mattered right now was locating Raspin. My best move now would be to get some information and there wasn't a better place to go for that other than to The Wall himself.
I readied myself for a show and that meant making sure I was fully dressed for the part. My mask dawned my face as I walked the streets towards The Wall's headquarters which was located near the south end of the small city. He ran his operation out of a mansion which stood among poverty. It had the same setup the capital back in Iraq had. A huge barbed wire fence wrapped the entire property and behind that was a nearly two foot deep stone wall. And despite that the mansion itself was actually beautiful. Pure white in color and two stories tall with a small balcony overlooking the street below.
As I walked I had my rifle on my back just under my cloak. I kept a slow but focused pace on the front gate which had four armed jackals guarding it with AK's. I was maybe fifty feet out at this point, but I wasn't worried one bit. In fact everyone I passed looked at me in confusion and stopped to watch as I was soon sighted by the guards.
Every single one of them began to yell and scream at me with their guns pointed at my head. Coming to a stop just a few feet away, I was approached and asked by the nearest man.
"What the fuck is this?! Who do you think you are man?! Are you fucking mental wearing that?! Get on your knees!"
I shook my head no and once I did I replied to the gun in my face.
"I want to speak to The Wall. Is he home?"
"A woman? Even better. Didn't you fucking hear him?! Get on your knees bitch!" One of the others ordered as suddenly one of the men in the back came forward to put his gun to my chest. I just stared at him as he was hoping it was enough to scare me into doing what I was told. But that idea was cut when I didn't budge a single inch. Instead I said to the kid face to face.
"You should probably shoot. Might be the only chance you get."
The faces I got back from the four of them were all wild ones and to no surprise a fight broke out. I saw it coming a mile away and moved to the side just as the trigger was pulled. The round went off just above my right ear but I didn't hesitate.
Slamming the guy with a right to his face which forced him to step back a few feet, I refocused and went to quickly takedown the rest of the guards who stood no chance in a hand to hand fight against me. It happened so fast that no one was really expecting it. It took a handful of seconds to send three of the dogs to the ground while I was now left with the first guy I punched. He widened his eyes as I went to swing, but from above I stopped to the sound of a loud whistle.
Looking up to my left I found the man himself on his balcony looking down on us with two more men at his side. Seeing his gate crew laid out on the ground; I was asked in a surprisingly nice tone of voice.
"What the hell is going on out here?! Who are you!?"
Pulling away from punching this dude's lights out, I lowered my arms and turned to face him directly. With nothing but my mask for him to see, I replied with confidence.
"Anpu! I came to discuss potential business with you!"
That made him start to laugh. I remained quiet as he did and with a huge smile coming to his face I was then asked.
"You came to my home dressed like that for what? To make a point?"
"No! I made a point by beating four of your men, but I came here to talk! Truthfully!"
"Why would I want to talk to you!? Who are you working for?! Someone send you!?"
"I'm a contractor! I work alone! I'd like to believe that you and I could come to an agreement!"
"An agreement?! Agreement on what?! I have an army! I have no need for contractors here in Libya!"
"You may have an army, but clearly it's just a bunch of boys wearing uniforms that they haven't earned! Raspin!?" The Wall's ears twitched when I mentioned the name so I went on by saying to him as his men around me had recovered.
"I can find him! I just need some information! Help me and I'll help you get control over your home and its people! What do you say?!" His men now surrounded me once more, but this time we were all looking at him for the answer on how to proceed.
It took a few seconds, but soon he smiled again and this time ordered with a small laugh to his men.
"Haha! You got some balls! I like that! Let her inside! We'll talk face to face!" I nodded and just watched as The Wall exited the balcony. Once he was gone I was escorted inside the perimeter and into the building. Inside was just as gorgeous as the outside. Clearly this man was a dictator and had all the money his people needed to escape poverty all stashed away in this building.
When I entered the building I could already see The Wall making his way down a set of stairs and towards where me and his men were. He brought about six more with him and as he approached he said to me happily.
"You know it's not everyday that I have someone as crazy as you enter my life. Do you have any idea who I am? Do you have any idea what I do? To come to my home like this and demand an audience is suicidal. What kind of contractor are you? Never even seen one who liked to dress up in a costume."
"I'm the kind of contractor who looks for opportunities."
"Opportunities? Ha! In Libya? There are no opportunities here for someone like you. Only ones that are for those who can get their hands dirty and you….well you look a little too clean." I was then informed as I looked him over to casually reply back.
"And for the dictator of Libya; you look a little too clean yourself. Especially for someone called The Wall. What's your real name? You already know mine."
His men were ready to attack me at any given moment. I could just feel it despite the nice talk I was having with their boss. So I made sure I was ready at all times just in case.
Hearing the question however made the bear in front of me reply.
"My name? I'm The Wall."
"Can't be." I quickly stated back which got him to state.
"I don't just tell anyone my name. That's information I only let people I trust know and so far I haven't met one who's earned it. Now answer a question I have. Why the mask? Hiding something?"
"Just my identity. In my line of work it's safest to have no image." I answered which then got him to urge me in a gentler voice.
"But I wish to see your face. So please…..take it off."
Shaking my head, I calmly replied back.
"I can't do that."
"Are you in a position to refuse my request?" I knew that was a small threat, but kept my head and pushed on by saying in return.
"It's a position of principle. Much like how you feel about the subject. I only show the people I know I can trust. And again like you, I haven't found there to be one yet."
My tone came off as slightly cocky, but surprisingly he liked that. I knew that before he even changed expressions. So when he did it came as no surprise. Breaking out into another small laugh the man who was easily twice my size shouted out.
"I can respect that. But this means neither you or I can trust one another. Not at least until we try and make a deal. Your interest in my country and Raspin? What is it? Why come here? Why risk your life by coming right to me about this? Where does all that confidence come from?"
"It comes from the simple fact that I'm the only contractor who's made a difference in global power. Are you aware of the assassination of Azerbaijan's president?" His eyes lit up a little as I went on to say to him.
"That was me. No one else. Just me."
"You? Killed a man like him?" The Wall questioned as I proceeded to nod my head in approval before stating to him bluntly and as a small threat of my own.
"Now I choose who I kill. I do it all for the thrill and the money. In this case it's about the money. Either you pay me to kill Raspin for you or I'll just take the pot standing right in front of me. I'm sure someone is willing to pay for your head as well. Maybe even Raspin." The second I said that all of his men aimed at me. Yet the bear himself didn't flinch for even a second. I was reading his thoughts and his emotions and right now he was a purebred alpha. He wasn't scared of me in the slightest and in fact he didn't really believe what I said about Esteban. Who can blame him? Anyone can claim to have done that. They never put a face on the assassin.
But he did like my reckless nature. Despite threatening to kill him just now he smiled and ordered his men calmly.
"Stand down. This one knows what they're about. Again….I like that."
The man reached forward to offer his hand. I looked at it for a moment before realizing I had struck a deal. Once I took his hand he proceeded to ask me curiously.
"You said your name was Anpu, right? Let's take a walk up to my office. My men will be joining us though since I have nothing to hide unlike you. We will discuss the details of the….."hiring" process." His accent was heavy. Made him all the more intimidating. Then again I suppose most dictators are.
Up close he was indeed a force to be reckoned with. He'd take a lot to take down in a straight up fist fight and I'm sure he could take a bullet or two if it came down to it. Hopefully if I played my cards right from here that wouldn't have to happen. He had himself an army for sure. The further we went into the building the more my mind got a handle on the situation. This place alone housed over a hundred of his mindless followers. All blood thirsty and some worse. Refocused on the path in front of me, I soon found myself ushered to a seat just before his desk.
Now this man's office was the size of my fucking condo back in Azerbaijin and he wasn't lacking in any department when it came to displaying his accomplishments. In one corner alone he had pictures of himself painted and all of them I would bet told a story. I could make out at least one of them before having to look back at the man and it depicted him standing in front of what looked to be this very building. Only difference in the painting was the fact that he was standing on the roof holding the Libya flag. All assumptions out there, but I'd be willing to bet that was the moment he took office. If you can really call a dictatorship that.
I stood next to the chair and now kept my eyes directly on the bear as he went around the desk. Once there he looked up at me with a smile to question.
"Would you not like to sit?"
"Raspin. Where is he?" I asked him bluntly which earned me another laugh. I kept quiet as he soon replied back with.
"You think if I knew the answer I'd just be sitting on my ass? No. If I knew where that man was I'd have his head by supper."
"Still a possibility. Just give me something to work with." I urged him as he sat down to reply.
"Where are you from Anpu?" I went silent from his question and that's because I was only interested in Raspin. I'm not coming off as soft or getting distracted by his ducking of the question.
"Your accent sounds familiar, but at the same time I'd assume your ancestors came from the east. Somewhere around Russia or maybe even the middle east. Am I right?"
He was, but that only got me to remain quiet as he went on confidently.
"Regardless of which place you hail from, I want to make one thing very clear to you. I'm not a politician. I'm a man. I'm a dangerous man and one that you don't want to make angry in his own home. And I can assume you're at the very least capable of being respectful or civilized when that is the case. You will not leave my house until we've become more acquainted. My men will make sure of that; if I'm not enough to snap your neck before you can draw. Keep the mask on all you want, but do respect me and take a seat. Once you do, we'll continue. Unless…..do you prefer that mask over my mantle?"
He was good with his words and my mortal side was kicking in. I wanted to listen and obey just because I was intimidated enough to question my own abilities to out-talk him. I was also a god, but clearly not in a place to abuse it and I'm sure if I went off script and decided to kill everyone here I'd make enough noise and draw the M.E.A.F to Libya. Something I'd like to avoid for now. So without another question, I listened to the man and slowly took my seat. He grinned happily and once my ass was planted he again asked me.
"So where are you from?"
Telling the truth I replied.
"Iraq." Instantly he smiled wide and announced.
"Ha! I knew it! Very good English you possess for being from there. Are both your parents native to the area?"
I shook my head once to then reply.
"My father is, but my mother is from Russia. Moved to Iraq when she was in her twenties."
"What do they do for a living?" The Wall then wondered out loud.
"Politics." I simply stated back which earned me a slow nod of approval from the half breed.
"I can relate. My father was a lawyer who grew up in Algeria, while my mother was a history teacher who came from the US. Politics were a common theme in my life as it must have been for you." The man before me said calmly as he reached under his desk to pull up a box of cigars he had. Taking one out and putting it in his mouth, I decided to ask him back out of curiosity.
"So how'd the son of a lawyer and a history teacher end up here?"
He chuckled with the cigar in his mouth and as he began to light it he said back to me happily enough.
"I took an early interest in my father's perspective of our world. I mean that in terms of our homeland. We moved to Libya when I was about six months old. Algeria wasn't in a good place back then. Not fit to raise a family."
"And this is?" I questioned which got him to quickly reply.
"Libya was once a better place than what you see now. Once upon a time we had a good thing going here. Imports and exports, frequent foreign travelers like yourself, and a city that didn't look like a sewer. We had good schools, promised security and carefree living. Libya was once a place where people wanted to live. Raspin? The man you have such an interest in ruined that."
"How long has he been a problem?" I then asked him as he took a big puff of his cigar.
As he blew out the smoke I watched patiently in silence until he was ready to respond. Once he had the cigar back in his mouth he replied to my question.
"For around three years now."
"Three years and you haven't found him?" I then questioned which quickly earned me back a rebuttal.
"Oh no I've found him more times then I can count. Saw him last week actually. Hahaha!"
The Wall was vibrant in nature. Reminded me of Ted's father the more I thought about it. This version was overly confident to a max degree. With twelve guys huddled around me with itchy trigger fingers, I would be too I suppose. Taking one more puff of his cigar, The Wall blew the smoke my way before continuing.
"The man is slippier than an eel. He's also a pretty good fighter despite my hatred for him."
"Can't be as simple as that. One man can't evade an army for this long without some secrets under his belt." My statement was greeted with a muffled chuckle from behind the cigar. With his firmly planted in his mouth he grunted back.
"He's got a knack for using his mouth. He's also got quite a following of loyal men and women backing him and his operations. He's never alone when he attacks my country. But don't let the man talk you into anything he has planned. He cannot be trusted."
"You said he was a good fighter. How good? Do you know anything about his background?"
Now shaking his head and putting the cigar down on the desk, the bear replied.
"He used to be one of my country's proud fighters. Ran a security team for most of his service before turning away on the ones he vowed to protect. Got good people killed. He's also what the Americans call a user."
"Called something different here?" I quickly asked him.
"They are called what they are. Animals. Freaks of nature who use drugs to topple their enemies. And Raspin? Well that man has a pack of them. You find him and I'm sure you won't be in for a fair fight. Out here? Well let me tell you this contractor, it's a jungle, and we've learned to adapt to it. Guerrilla warfare. Dirty and unfair."
I kept my mouth shut as he leaned in a few inches to ask me a question of his own.
"But let me not get ahead of myself. I don't know you, but you put on a good display outside with my men. You aren't a pushover in a fight I'd be willing to bet on. So where are you when I put you agonist Raspin and his pack? Do you stand a chance?"
I knew he was inquiring about what training I had, so I didn't hold back much going forward with lying a little to get ahead.
"I served in the M.E.A.F. First force recon. Went AWOL about a year ago."
"Had to run? The M.E.A.F doesn't take kindly to traitors themselves. Seems you and my enemy have something in common. First force recon though? You must be your own animal. Is that something you also have in common?"
"It takes an animal to stop an animal. "
The Wall just stared into my mask with dark intent. My voice had lowered to a growl and for some reason he decided to look out from around his desk to get a look at my side. Looking me up and down before coming back to his seat, I was somewhat impressed when he asked me back.
"Eastern wolf? Animal in two ways it would seem. Can you track? I knew an Eastern wolf once. Could track a man for miles, but wasn't too good at tracking landmines. Hehehehe."
Now I was barely giving him much to look at with the cloak I had on. For him to come to an accurate conclusion as fast as he did from a few short ganders made me question if I was even covering up at all. In confusion I asked him curiously.
"How did you know that? What gave it away?"
"Honest?" He asked back which in turn gave him a nod of my head.
"Your smell. That and your ears. But honest, that was it. I also have a natural talent for these sorts of things. Hehehe."
I couldn't help but chuckle from under my mask as he continued his own. Taking my chance to set forward once more I answered his last question.
"I can track. Landmines too."
"That's good. You'll need to be aware of your surroundings around here. One wrong step could be your last." I took his advice before asking him once again for the answer to why I was here.
"Do you have anything to go on? Any clue where he could be right now? If you had to even guess."
"Not within the city. That much I'm sure of." The Wall replied as he picked back up his cigar. This whole time for some reason I was thinking about my father. A man like this and my father would never get along. It goes against his principles. Yet with me I could see the potential. The Wall seemed like a trustworthy fellow despite being a dictator. I just had a good feeling in my gut that he wasn't going to bullshit me about anything. Probably didn't see a reason to. I'm gonna make this work. I always have a backup plan in case it doesn't though. In case my gut is wrong.
Taking another puff the brute of a man went on to state.
"Raspin knows to stay away from here. We outnumber him thirty to one. His people like to hit my patrols and convoys whenever they get the opportunity. The last big thing they pulled off was a raid on one of my storehouses just last month."
"What did they take?" I asked him.
"Everything that wasn't nailed down. Up until then, Raspin and his people were a lot more creative with how they attacked me. Now they have all the firepower they need to support a fight and they haven't been shy. Open conflict wherever they go. No fear. Even the animals he has watching his back are starting to get bold. They need to be put down. Otherwise I'm considering a mobilization of my army. A last resort but one that will guarantee victory."
"If that's so clear to you then why haven't you already done it?" I then wondered which got him to ask me back.
"Do you think I want to roll my tanks through the city and every neighboring village? Have my men comb and search every house, turn over every rock, and kill anyone who just looks like a rebel? Imagine the problems I'd have after the fact. It would take years to recover politically with my people."
"Then it sounds like you could use someone to handle this for you. I can do that. For a price." I told him back calmly now as he seemed aware of the situation. Yet he didn't budge for a second. Giving me a big grin with that cigar still in his mouth, he replied.
"You know my mother used to tell me that every person in the world was different. That there wasn't one such thing we all shared in common apart from our forms. But I've come to the conclusion that she was wrong. Everyone has something in common and you are the proof."
"So what's that?" I then wondered as he breathlessly replied with smoke leaving his mouth.
"A price."
Things went silent now as he took a moment to put back down the cigar. Once he had he looked back at me to state.
"Here in Libya we do not deal in money the way you and the Americans do. You won't see a single bill during your stay. What you will see is this."
My eyes watched as he went into his desk to pull out a small black pouch. He effortlessly opened it and very gently poured out a pile of small diamonds onto the desk about a foot between us. They weren't massive. Probably could make perfect jewelry. Pulling back with the pouch, the halfbreed smiled.
"We trade in stones."
"May I?" I asked him as I wanted to touch them. Nodding his head in silence, I picked one of them up from the desk and began to closely examine the stone. It was indeed pure. Pure and beautiful. I could flip these easily with Minky's help. Watching as I looked it all over, I was soon asked by The Wall.
"Do you like?"
Putting the stone back down I replied.
"Very."
"Then consider those a kind gesture. Payment for the entertainment you brought to my home." Widening my eyes slightly I questioned.
"Are you sure?"
"Take them. Go on. I'm not as bad as Raspin makes me out to be. Surely you can see that for yourself after having come all this way to talk to me. Now let's talk about what you're offering me in return."
The bear stood up from the desk now and proceeded to walk towards the balcony from where he first called down to me from. I remained where I sat as I offered him up my proposal.
"I'll promise you Raspin's head. Along with anyone else he may have at his side."
"I want Raspin alive preferably, but I can't expect that coming from what I know about him. He doesn't give up. He won't allow himself to be taken easily. As for the animals he has with him, I want them all dead. No exceptions. Anyone who remotely looks involved should be killed for their crimes against my people. If you do this I'll be sure you're looked after. I'll promise you that in return. I'm good to those who prove useful. But…I have my doubts about you contractor. You are only one. My enemies outnumber you. The men outside of this city will look to kill you on sight just to get a shot at your costume. Some have worse intentions in mind, so that means you are not safe here. Not for a second."
"Can't you do something?" I asked him as he took a few steps back towards me to reply.
"Not until you prove yourself."
I now just stated at him as he went on to say.
"I enjoyed watching you fight and I also enjoyed your company."
"And Raspin?" I again asked which earned me a devilish glare from the man. He was just trying to remain intimidating, so I powered through it long enough to hear him say from under his thick accent.
"I'd go to Al Kufrah. Many of my people are ambushed there in the hills. Or Tmassah. That's where Raspin was born and no doubt where a lot of his followers come from. Might be able to learn a thing or two if you're lucky enough to get close. Regardless of what you do, nowhere is safe from these animals and the people who cling to their beliefs."
The Wall now just examined me as I took in the locations he suggested. After a few seconds I got up from the chair and said back to him calmly.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. You still have to come back alive. Hahahah!" The Wall laughed as I turned to begin my walk out of his office. His men followed me up until The Wall shouted from the balcony.
"Oh and contractor!" Looking back at him, I listened briefly as he shouted in happiness.
"Watch out for those landmines! Hahaha!"
I gave the man a brief and low growl before turning my back.
Raspin's POV, A few hours later, Al Kufrah.
"Yo Rasp?" Looking over my shoulder I found Kito rushing into my room with a piece of paper in hand.
Kito was one of my closest friends and he himself understood my pain. He's been here since the beginning and despite his size he was a valiant soldier. A dark red ferret with a long black stripe running down his back. Stopping himself right behind me, I hummed back which got him to urge me as he handed me the paper.
"Read this. It's from Birdie and Gus."
Taking the paper from his hands, I calmly opened it to begin reading what it said in detail.
"It's Birdie and Gus. Running this message to the metro then hopefully to Kito. We've been watching the tyrant's home for the last month and haven't seen much in terms of enemy advancement. Everything seemed normal till this morning." Engaged with this now; I put the paper closer to my face before continuing.
"An unknown approached the tyrant on foot and proceeded to attack his gate guards in hand to hand combat. Gus and I haven't ever seen anything like it. It was over in a flash. We don't know who this person is, but they were clearly trying to get his attention. Before the fight got any more out of hand he invited them into his home to talk. No clue what was said there, but after twenty minutes the same unknown came back out from the building like nothing happened. The same guys that just got done getting their asses beat didn't say a word as they left the area. We aren't going to take any chances with this one. They're professional and our guess is a contractor of some kind or another. We managed to get a good photo with the camera from where we were, so please take a look for yourself as who this is." That was when Kito handed me the picture from behind. My eyes widened at the sight of him. Birdie and Gus were absolutely correct with their guess. Who the fuck was this? I asked myself as Kito saw my confusion and concern for the matter.
"Right? Look at that motherfucker. Tell me that isn't the fucking devil coming for us." The scariest part about this person was the mask they wore. It fully covered their head with a downright demonic twist on the Egyptian god Anubis. The dark cloak and the body to match. Had to be six feet or taller and easily thirty pounds more than me and I was at one ninety myself.
Looking back to the last part of the note, I read aloud.
"Gus is gonna stay here to man the post while I'll be shadowing the target. Already sent word to the other groups. The second this person leaves the city we'll engage and get you their head. In case something happens you need to send word to everyone. Make sure they can't move. No matter how good they are, we'll outnumber them in the end. Keep fighting."
The letter stopped and once I lowered the paper and got back to staring at the photo, I was asked by Kito who stood motionless behind me.
"Birdie is a good soldier, but if this person manages to kill him and the others when they attack, what should we do?"
I didn't normally act this way, but the second I saw who they were talking about I knew I had to get the chance to speak to them one on one. Looking back at my friend I soon replied.
"We need to make contact with them. That's what."
"Huh? Why?" I was asked back as I handed him back the picture.
"Does that mask not ring a bell? You and I both saw the news this morning. What was the headline everyone was talking about?"
Kito quickly realized and widened his eyes as a response. Seeing that face happen, I proceeded to say to him.
"That's the terrorist the M.E.A.F are after. The one who killed all those people in that fancy hotel in Iran. If they are here now then that means they are on the run and looking for safe refuge from the middle east. We have a war to win. A person like this? Contractors work for money and we have no shortage of that to offer in return for their services."
"You think that's smart? Whoever this person is went right to the top. The Wall can offer them security we can not. In return that man probably asked for our heads. More so they wouldn't turn their backs for just more money." Kito bluntly assumed which got me to suggest.
"Or perhaps they can be swayed by doing the right thing for Libya itself. I speak for this country and everyone in it. I can surely have them change their tunes given enough time."
"They have no clue where to find us." Kito added.
"That's why we'll find them. Send word to everyone that this person is to be monitored and reported on. Make copies of the photo and attach it as well so they know what to look out for. Once we have their location you, me, and the rest of us will reach out. We'll make sure nothing can happen to me while we're at it. Professional or not, they won't be convinced that they stand a chance alone against us. But once we get talking I know they will see reason."
"And what about Birdie?" Kito then wondered as I took a moment to look back at the photo before replying confidently.
"What do you expect me to do? Stop him? Chances are he's already dead. Leave it at that and let's prepare for the future."
"No confidence?" Kito questioned as I sighed before informing him of how I felt.
"Very little. He manages to kill this contractor? This….terrorist? Well I'll be more than impressed with his quick decision to attack. But until he comes to me with that mask in his hands, I won't be holding my breath Kito. Now please, go gather the others and make sure they are aware of what's going on. If everything goes well, we'll have ourselves a very valuable ally."
Sam's POV, An hour later.
I collected my things and made sure I was set to travel. I didn't have a ride though so the trip would be made on foot. I had a long road to travel, but my instincts were tasking me with going to Al Kufrah first. I didn't have much to go on other than guesswork. So hopefully I will be right. I'd hate to travel all that way to find out Raspin is on the other side of the country.
Normally walking through this kind of desert would kill after a day, but thanks to being a demi I would have no fear. The only thing I would have to deal with would be the heat. Not that it would kill me now. My body doesn't work the way it should. It was now just a minor inconvenience and thankfully as far as inconveniences go, this one I grew up to tolerate in Iraq. I still brought some water just in case I wanted it, but again I didn't need it. It was still nice to have on me considering the circumstances.
I was still in my combat gear and that wouldn't be changing for a while. I was not looking forward to the sweat or the way my fur would react to being outside that long, but I suppose that again was the least of my concerns. Not like Jari was here anymore. No reason to keep tame.
Taking one last chance to make sure my rifle was perfectly clean and loaded with rounds, I let out a long sigh before throwing it around my back. The cloak covered it perfectly, but the same couldn't be said for my Luger or anything else I had on me. I was a walking threat and I had to be ready to fight if needed. Even The Wall's men would be targets. I'd do my best to remain in my phasewalking state at least until I made it to the desert. After that I wouldn't have to worry about onlookers.
Ready as I'll ever be, I got myself up from the chair I was in and walked to the door leading out into the hallway of this crappy hotel. Engaging my phasewalking state, I took a step through the door itself and began my journey.
Roslin's POV, Four hours later.
The second I decided to make myself known to my demi, I had to ask her this as she appeared unphased so far by this ridiculous trip across the desert.
"Why are you doing this?"
Not stopping for a second, she replied back as the wind was picking up.
"I was being tailed back in the city. I don't know why or by who just yet, but ever since I left that mansion I had eyes on me. Being a demi now, I can make a trip like this without the fear of dehydration or starvation. It's a fucking long walk and I agree with you about that, but whoever was tailing me isn't going to follow me out like this. Chances are they have no idea I left that hotel. I phasewalked the whole way."
"How's your energy after such a long trip?" I asked her as she just seemed focused on marching further and further.
"Still okay. Phasewalking isn't straining anymore on its own. If anything it's a minor pull from my reserves, but nothing more than that."
Nodding my head, I went silent, but continued to walk with my demi. After maybe another minute I said to myself out loud for her to hear.
"Never liked this amount of heat."
"It'll drop once the sun goes down." Sam informed me of as I sighed.
"What's the plan with this Raspin guy you're after?"
"Gonna kill him. What else? It's what I was paid to do. She said in a way that truly showed me how much of a hired gun she was and how much of a villain she had become."
"Not even gonna consider helping the guy? Surely after you talked with that dictator you can see that Raspin and his people are the good guys in all this. You think helping The Wall is gonna make this country better?"
"The country getting better isn't why I'm here. It's not why I'm doing this. I don't care about this fucking place. I'm here to make money and more of a name for myself among my people. I have a job and a cover to maintain and all at the same time. I don't have room to be the peacemaker or the judge. I'm just the executioner in all this. The Wall also paid me a little ahead of time and I'm not about to turn my back on him after that. Do you have any idea how much these diamonds are worth?"
I shook my head because I truly didn't know the answer.
"G.U.N is gonna loan me all the money I need to maintain my quarter of a million dollars deal for Tika. That means every dollar I make now will go straight into my bank account. I'm not turning away a chance to make millions." She stated.
"As you should, but have you considered your actions after the fact?"
"What do you mean?" She asked me back as I calmly went on to suggest.
"I mean what are you going to do after you've killed him?"
"I'll be staying to see how things play out between me and The Wall. I'm a hundred percent sure that he doesn't believe in me for a second to pull this off. I come back with Raspin's head and he'll have to change his tune. Maybe he'll even offer me more work. Work I'll gladly take if he's paying in stones. Having a dictator like him in my corner could even come with some benefits." Sam was determined to believe herself and her logic. I had no room to really change her mind, so instead I asked her this.
"People out here don't kill like you do. They don't often get a quick death and a man like that has plenty of innocent people to slaughter to get his point across still. That doesn't include all the other shit his soldiers do before killing them. They rape the woman they come across, castrate the men, and drag the kids back for slave labor in the military. Are those things you can come to accept being the pawn you're choosing to be?"
"Yes." She replied back quickly which got me to wonder how true that would come to be. Sam acts like nothing bothers her, but she has yet to experience the world of war like her father has. Maybe in time she can prove me wrong, but until then she seemed prepared to try.
As we walked further and further into the desert towards her goal we both stopped when we felt our senses go off. Looking at each other I asked her curiously.
"You feel that?"
"Company?" She wondered as she went under her cloak to pull out her rifle.
Both of us were now looking towards where we sensed them and in time it became clear to us both that these were not going to be friendly faces.
"Gotta give it to them for tracking you down. I wonder how they figured it out."
"Probably grew impatient watching that hotel and decided to kick my door down instead. Found out I wasn't home and began to search the exits. I can hide my body but nothing is stopping them from finding and following my trail of footprints. Probably think I'm crazy walking out here all alone."
"You want my help?" I asked her as she got down on her stomach. Looking at her in confusion, I listened as she replied with curiosity.
"Can I use you as bait?" I gave her a sharp chuckle before replying back.
"How would you expect that to go?"
"Pretty well. You use your big legs and kick this trail we made a few dozen meters back. Once you're a good distance away you just lay there and look dead. Chances are they'll let their guards down when they see a body in the sand. Probably think it'll be me and by the time they realize it's not, I'll have killed them from here."
"I like it, but I don't trust them to look at me from any distance and think I'm you. So I got a little something up my sleeve to make that fear go away. Just…..just don't make any comments about it."
Sam's POV.
"About what?" I questioned as I looked out into the desert to see if I could spot them yet. Roslin however went silent. I was expecting him to say something back by now and I was about to look back on my own before suddenly hearing my own voice respond.
"About this."
I dropped my entire guard when I heard my own voice and before my mind could register it I was already looking back to find Roslin gone and an exact copy of myself standing above me where he just was. I had to put up my mask just so he could see my face. Giving me my own smile now back, I went to open my mouth but was immediately interrupted by my own voice once again.
"Don't say a word until we're done with these guys. Oh and please don't let me…yourself down."
Roslin was me. What the fuck? I asked myself as I couldn't do much other than lay here and watch as my body double progressively moved back down the hill, destroying the trail until he was twenty or twenty five meters away. By now I had my mask back on and was too busy looking at myself as Roslin took his position in the sand. Face down in the desert, I tried to refocus for this encounter.
Whoever it was that was tracking me had a truckload coming our way. Eight guys all armed with AKs. None of them were members of The Wall's militia. This had to be some of Raspin's guys.
Quickly burying myself in the sand to hide my dark body, I aimed down my gun's sights and just aimed in the direction they were coming from. You heard the truck coming from a mile out and once I saw headlights I whispered to Roslin through my head.
"Don't move a muscle. I got ya."
"Are you sure?" He asked back as they were now about a hundred meters out.
"Trust me master. I wouldn't let you down now." I smiled after saying that but in truth I planned to keep one of these guys alive to answer a few questions of mine. I want to confirm I'm heading the right way.
Roslin's POV.
The one nice thing about this mask was the protection I was getting right now with my head in the sand. But fuck me if it wasn't hot as hell wearing all this shit she had on. Please make this fast Sam. I don't want to have to interfere.
With my senses giving me all the information I needed, I just monitored the truck as it came to a slow halt about twenty meters back from where I was. You heard every foot that was in the truck hit the sand and like the animals they were some of them came running while others marched slowly. In about thirty seconds three of them were on top of me. One of them asking to the others.
"Is this the guy Birdie?!"
Soon the entire group was on top of me and with my face still in the sand, I remained playing dead as a strong hand came into contact with my right shoulder, pulling me onto my back to display my face.
The dirty muskrat who touched me was quick to laugh.
"Hahah! What a fucking slip you gave us! Too bad you were a fucking moron! Stupid asshole! That's what you get wearing all that shit out here!"
I was itching to kill them all right about now, but I was doing my best to stay in character.
"Grab the mask. I want it. The rest you guys can split." The muskrat ordered forth. With one of the other guys reaching in for my face, I prepared myself for the reveal. But right when he was about to reach me I was splashed in the face with his blood.
A silent gunshot came out of nowhere hitting him right in the back of the head. I widened my eyes because then the body had nowhere else to go but on top of me. By then however Sam was already killing the others. They couldn't do much but blindly shoot back at the dunes. I rolled my head to watch as the muskrat making the calls was now trying to reach the truck.
"Sam?" I hummed out as a bullet soon could be seen and heard going into the guy's back left leg.
"Agh!" You heard him shout as he fell down a moment later and began to crawl to the truck.
Tossing the body off me, I sat up to find most everyone dead. One guy remained and when my eyes locked onto him I saw three bullets hit him in the chest and arm. He went down and that's when I looked back for muskrat. He was at the truck now and just hiding as he bled out.
"Want me to handle him?" I asked Sam as I watched her get up from the hilltop from underneath a pile of sand. Walking down the hill she replied.
"No. I got him."
With the situation rectified, I stood up and proceeded to walk towards the truck. The guy hiding took one look at me to widen his eyes in disbelief. He then scrambled for his AK and the moment his hands got a hold over it he was clocked in the side of his head by Sam who teleported her way over for the interception.
"Drop it." She growled as she aimed her Luger at his head.
The man was defeated and when he raised his head back up to see what was going on he found two copies of the same person he had been hunting in front of him. In confusion he questioned.
"A fucking woman and there's two of you? Since when?"
I was expecting Sam to say something back but instead she kicked this dude square in the stomach then proceeded to step on the spot where he had been shot.
"Aghhhhhhh! "He screamed as she kept her boot on his leg.
"Stop! Stop! Please! I'm not fighting!" He groaned out as the wolf was quick to ask.
"Who are you? Who do you work for? Raspin?"
The muskrat nodded his head as quickly as he could as Sam again pushed down on his wound.
"Aghhhhhh! Stop it! Stop it please! I'll tell you anything! Just stop fucking hurting me!"
Sam stepped off his leg in time for him to admit.
"I'm Birdie. I'm a scout."
"Why were you following me?" She then asked as she had her hand on her Luger now. Seeing that he was clearly without help, he replied truthfully.
"We saw you go to The Wall's home earlier in the morning. My friends and I were tasked with keeping an eye on the area in case that man ever decides to mount an offensive against our people. We saw you go there and we saw what you did to his men. I was shocked you weren't shot right then and there, but it seems you got his attention and once you were invited inside I assumed the worst and decided to…aghh fuck. I decided to make sure you couldn't become a problem for us. Mainly Raspin. You're a contractor right? You went there to see if there was any work to be done for that tyrant. He must have told you about us and probably mentioned the price on Raspin's head. Am I wrong?" He asked as I glanced over at Sam to keep listening.
"No. You're not." She said back calmly which then got the man to beg.
"Please don't kill me like you did the others. I'm not a threat. I can talk to Raspin about this. He already knows you're after him."
"How?" She then asked as I took a look around for a moment to admire the dead bodies littering the sand.
"I sent him a report with my intentions not long after you left The Wall's home. Our couriers are the fastest people alive." Birdie claimed as things went awkwardly silent for a few seconds before he begged again.
"Don't do this. Raspin is reasonable. He'll listen to me if you just let me help you now. He'll probably pay you to help us."
"Help you? Help you do what? Kill The Wall? No." Sam muttered as she flexed the fingers that gripped her Luger. Birdie knew his fate now.
"I'm not here to be the good guy. I'm not here to start a war. I'm here to end one. One that you and your friends started. The Wall has already paid me for my services and I plan on keeping to my end of the contract. Now make this simple for me. Where is Raspin?"
Getting a bit more aggressive now, Birdie replied back.
"A war we started? Your a fucking idiot if you think we had any hand in starting this. The Wall has been murdering our people for years! He started this! Not us!"
I chuckled as Sam proceeded to shoot him now in the same leg. The moment she did Birdie let out another howl of a scream from the pain. Falling onto his back completely the man growled.
"Ohhhhh you motherfucker! You sick son of bitch!"
"Where is Raspin?" Sam asked again as Birdie was still grunting in agony from the second bullet hole he now had in him.
"You'll never get to him." Birdie exhaled out as he seemed at a loss now. Looking back up at us he proceeded to say with a confident tone of voice behind him.
"He's got an army between him and you."
"I don't care. Where? Last chance or we do this the hard way." Sam informed him of back as I was prepared to do my part now if he declined to tell us once more.
The man went quiet and in the end replied.
"Go fuck yourself. I'm not saying another word. Kill me. I'll be seeing you in hell once Raspin and my buddies get done with you."
Sam was about ready to grant this man his request, but she held herself back. Giving us a sinister smirk Birdie then said to her aggressively.
"Oh yeah. You and your fucking friend here. Both of you will be screaming for death once we get our hands on you. Oh yeah, you fucking bitch. I hope once you get what is coming; they make it last before they kill you. I hope they rape you both till your nothing but fucking….?!"
Sending my boot forward, I kicked him square in the head. Instantly he was knocked out and that's when Sam ordered me in the same calm voice she had.
"Get me a location. Once you know where they're hiding out we'll get out of here."
"Just give me a minute to do my thing." I then urged her back as I got down to place a hand on his shoulder.
Sam's POV.
I watched as Roslin worked and within a minute he came back to me stating confidently.
"Al Kufrah. He's not sure where exactly, but there are a number of safehouses there he could be. All of them are guarded by easily three times this number of shooters. It won't be easy getting the right one."
"I'll figure it out." I replied as I aimed my Luger.
Not hesitating, I put a round right into the guy's face.
"Let's just get out of here." I urged him as he then asked me curiously.
"We taking the truck?"
"Of course." I smiled back as I took a small walk around to the driverside to hop in. Following suit, Roslin got in the passenger's seat and made himself comfortable. Once he did he lifted up my mask and that's when I saw my own face. He gave me a confused look but quickly chuckled.
"Oh! My bad. Let me fix that. No need for disguises anymore."
"Hold on!" I begged him which earned me a quick look back of confusion from my master.
Putting my mask up as well, I stared into my own eyes and decided to lean forward. Roslin quickly understood what I was about to do and embraced it as I pressed our lips together. It was strange to say the least about it, but in a way it felt so fucking right. Feeling a copy of my own tongue enter my mouth got me so hot and bothered I debated about doing more to myself then just this, but decided against it for now. When I pulled away, Roslin changed his form back to normal, but still wore a sinister smile. At the same time I smiled back, he asked me.
"Couldn't help but see how it feels to kiss yourself? Can't say I blame you. You got a fucked up mind though."
"I know, but that's why you like me." I replied as he chuckled before switching the subject in the other direction.
"I'll tell you one thing though about what I just did. I've never changed my gender doing that trick. So for me to be you? Well I'm not used to that at all. Just having boobs was kinda throwing me off. Not to mention not having my junk. And the underwear? I don't know how you can wear that. Feels like a string is going up my ass."
I couldn't help but laugh at him as I got the truck moving.
mT Shadow.