Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 53 - Prep work.
Yoga's POV, The next day.
So…..are you coming to the wedding? I asked Vacus as she was getting ready to leave the gym for her new assignment. With a water bottle in hand, she took a swig then replied to my question happily.
"Of course. I wouldn't miss the chance to show my support to those two. I owe Raptor my life. It's most certainly the least I can do for him in return."
Relieved that she was in fact coming, I widened my eyes slightly when she asked me back curiously.
"Why do you ask? You're typically not the guy to ask questions, Yoga."
Feeling the pit in my stomach vanish, I replied back as calmly as I could so as not to seem desperate or nervous.
"I'm only asking because I wanted to ask you if you think we could maybe…go together?" Vacus gave me a genuinely surprised look back as I went on stating as truthfully as I could.
"I like you. I don't know why to be honest, but I just feel like we vibe pretty well when we're together. And it's not like I'm seeing anyone and…..and I'm just trying my best to make this happen with what I can offer you. I'd like to have a chance. At least once, you know? Heheh. You don't have to say yes just because. I don't want to force you to do anything you're not comfortable doing. So please take your…..?"
"Sure. I'd like that. I'll text you when I get back."
"Huh?" I mumbled back as she walked her way out of the gym no less than a second later leaving me in disbelief that I wasn't just rejected. It took a moment to fully kick in but when it did I jumped in place while shouting out in excitement.
"Yes!"
"Went well?" I was then asked with a giggle by Maggie who was making her way over to where I was.
Basically shaking in place I replied.
"She said yes!"
I jumped up to quickly hug the wolf and was quickly embraced back with childish laughter. At the same time she said to me happily.
"That's great! If I were you I'd take an hour or two and trim yourself down a bit!"
Looking at my fur I questioned.
"What? Really?"
"You'd look so much better. I'm sure she'd agree." Maggie replied as I looked over at Raptor who was spending his time down on a bench lifting some weights. From across the room he shouted.
"She would!"
"But I don't have the time to do a full body trim. You know this now that you're working with me Maggie. Guarding him, when am I supposed to find the time?" I asked which is when Raptor shouted back.
"If I gave you the day to yourself would you go out and get it done?!"
"Absolutely!" I shouted back as he put the bar back and sat up to smile at me and say.
"Then consider yourself relieved."
"You serious?! Thank you Rap! Thank you!" I shouted out in joy as I ran for the door without a second thought.
Raptor's POV.
I've never seen someone run faster than that to get shaved, but I felt his emotion. Maggie came over to me and when she got within feet she asked me with a smile still on her face.
"Are you sure you wanna let him go?"
"Worried you can't protect me on your own pup?" I asked her back as I cleared a spot on the bench and urged her to sit next to me.
Maggie was such a sweet girl. You could see it in her face. Sitting down next to me, I gently put my left arm around her and began to scratch behind her ears.
"You got this. We're not going anywhere today. I just want to grab a shower then we can figure out something to do together that doesn't involve getting our hands dirty."
Just like Zeta, Maggie was in a small trance from being scratched. So I slowed down my efforts and listened closely as she said back to me in a really tired sounding voice.
"Actually…can we talk?"
Opening my eyes up slightly I replied.
"Yeah, of course. What about?"
"Sam." She now whispered which earned her my silence back for a second as I tried to process the request.
"What exactly is on your mind?" I had to ask her so I knew where this was going. Giving me back two caring eyes she replied.
"When are we gonna tell her? About me I mean. Did you or…..mom talk to her yet?"
Shaking my head I replied back calmly.
"We want it to be a surprise. We were gonna wait till the wedding." Maggie seemed a bit off so I now asked her a question.
"What's wrong?"
"I just don't know how she'll react. I'm worried she's gonna be upset."
"Upset about what? You and her were best friends." I informed her of this as she proceeded to shake her head back slowly to state.
"We haven't really talked. Not for a long time. We stopped back when I first joined bootcamp."
"Okay? That doesn't mean she's forgotten you. And I doubt she's upset about it. She had Teddy and she understood your situation. She wouldn't hold that against you. She's not that type of girl and you know that yourself."
"But you and mom didn't ask for her opinion about adopting me right?" She then asked me as I fell silent.
"No." I mumbled back as I did feel bad about not including Sam in that decision, but again I wanted it to be a surprise. This was going to be a good thing. Maybe Sam will consider coming back home once she finds out. That's all I want. I want my daughter back.
Looking back at Maggie, I smiled and said to her confidently.
"But it's okay. She loves you hun. You were her best friend growing up. It still has to mean something. Sam's always wanted a sister. I'm sure this will work out."
"Have you guys ever tried to have a second baby?" Maggie then asked me as I briefly considered the answer before replying.
"No. I'm sure we could handle it, but we were just happy to have Sam come to us as soon as she did. Of course though momma wolf has her instincts and wants a whole pack of kids, but I'm not ready for that. I don't know what I would do if I had to change diapers again."
The younger wolf smiled wide before looking off in the distance. It left me with enough time to go back to scratching her head. Leaning in an inch I then said to her happily.
"I'm perfectly content with the two kids I got now."
"Hmmm." Maggie moaned as she was enjoying herself.
"Things will be so much better once Sam comes back home. I just want to see my baby again and this time I just want to hold her and tell her how much she actually means to me. Then I'd like her to reconsider coming back home where she belongs. I worry too much about her safety every night."
"Me too." Maggie mumbled as I fell quiet now. Giving me a small look from the side of her eyes Maggie then asked me.
"What if she decides not to stay?"
Looking down between my legs I replied lightly.
"I suppose I don't really have much of a choice. I can't force her. It's not who I am. Not anymore. If she wants to go back to the US after the wedding then that's her choice to make. I fought to give her that right. I won't change my beliefs just because I have a lack of faith in her."
"You think she has a boyfriend? It's been over a year since you've seen her." Maggie chuckled as I took my hand off her head to reply.
"I doubt she's looking hun. Sam's never shown any interest in stuff like that."
"Yeah, but it's a question. What if?" She inched on.
"If she does then I'd like to meet him at some point, but I'd assume she's single."
"You never know. She's beautiful. Probably one of the prettiest girls I've ever known. I'm sure she's getting attention over there." Maggie stated which got me to suggest.
"Think of it this way hun. Even if she is getting all that attention, she's never cared enough to notice. Teddy for example? Well that big lug loves her more than life itself. I'm sure he still does. But he's asked her out I'm pretty sure at least twice before and she's played it off both times. She talked to her mother about it once and I know for a fact she came to Zeta asking for advice on how to let him down easily without hurting their friendship. Sam just doesn't know how to react when someone really loves her apart from her family of course. She's just intimidated I dare say and because of that I don't think she has plans to get together with someone anytime soon. Plus these are all questions we'll ask when she comes home. So let's just drop it for now. Okay?"
Maggie nodded and after that I asked her.
"Now on the other hand of things baby, what about you? Have you been looking around?"
Widening her eyes slightly she chuckled back nervously.
"For what? A boyfriend? No, of course not. I don't have that kind of time. I also don't think it's a good time for anything like that. I wanna focus on my military career before worrying about settling down."
"You don't have to "settle down" once you find someone." I said back which in turn got her to reply.
"I know, but I consider that to be the first step."
I nodded before looking back up at the ceiling. Maggie watched me as I took in a breath before saying to her with a smile.
"I know you don't see it and I know you haven't heard it enough, but you're just as beautiful as Sam. That attention you think she attracts? Well that applies to you as well baby. You may not be paying attention, but when you're out there working you demand more than a few wandering eyes from the men. Hell even some of the women. Hahaha."
Maggie blushed and gave me a gentle slap to my stomach before begging me.
"Please stop. You're so embarrassing."
"Hehe. I try." I replied as I leaned in to hug her side.
Sam's POV, Eight hours later, Al Kufrah.
I was being watched from all angles as I explored the surrounding area of Al Kufrah. Lots of people made this their home and it was clear to me by now that this was all run by Raspin from the shadows. Not a single man from The Wall's crew was here and I doubt they would live long otherwise, but I was demanding the silent stare.
My idea was to find a safe enough spot to rest my legs and just wait. Half of the eyes that were on me were all working for Raspin in one form or another. Soon enough someone would be coming to either kill me or talk to me. I'd assume talk considering I haven't been shot yet and that's a crazy thing to think about considering how common it was for people to be walking around with AKs.
As things progressed I came up to a market. It was one of those markets they had spanding down the street. Hundreds of people crammed together just bartering as Raspin's fighters kept watch. A few of those fighters saw me turn into the market and began to follow well behind to make sure I wasn't onto them. To bad for them I already knew I was a prime target, but they wouldn't try anything other than talk in such a crowded space. This might be the place I need.
Walking my way through the crowd, I came up to a spot where they had a bunch of benches so people could rest and eat from the local food stands they had only feet away. The food itself smelled pretty good, but I wasn't here to shop. If these guys wanted to talk to me then this would have to do in terms of meeting spots. They're less inclined to shoot if they have all these people around.
Stepping up to a bench that had three smaller female snakes eating their meals, I stared at them until they noticed and when they did all three of them slowly got up and moved.
"Thanks." I chuckled happily as I enjoyed the intimidation factor that came with my reputation.
By now I had four of Raspin's fighters watching me from all angles, so I went behind my cloak to take out my rifle and placed it down onto the table. Very calmly I began to perform maintenance. The men around me had to assume I knew of their presence by now because they were now only a few feet out from where I was just silently watching as the crowd of people just kept shopping and moving around us.
It was impressive to see how fast Raspin had his men in the loop. Clearly he had a very tight system going on when it came to communication. My only concern was how long would I have to sit here to finally get approached?
An hour later.
I had most of my rifle disassembled at this point. I was killing time for the most part but this was kinda helping my OCD. My rifle needed a good cleaning from the trip into the desert and by now I had more than a few of Raspin's men surrounding me. They did their best to keep attention at a minimum, but it didn't matter much to me. The public had no idea what was really happening and that's all they cared about.
As time went on more and more of Raspin's men showed up and I think I was drawing the right kind of attention in that regard. Raspin would be coming to see me for himself. I'd bet my life on it. Him or one of his close friends. Regardless it was clear to me that Raspin had some peaceful intention involving me. Otherwise these goons would just be trying to kill me. If I had to guess this was his way of setting up some security for the meet and greet. Not that he wouldn't be bringing others. I'm sure those "animals" The Wall mentioned would be some of them.
FIve minutes. Ten minutes. About twenty minutes passed before my senses picked up on a large group of people coming in trucks. I didn't have to look behind me to see them pull up to the market's very end. I just knew they were coming and they were all armed. Nothing crazy that I'd have to watch out for in terms of equipment, but picking out who was a user and who wasn't was going to be the main problem.
I counted twenty four of them. They came in three trucks, which were left unmanned now that they were coming. In the middle of the group I could sense him. Now what kinda surprised me was the simple fact that no one was really making a fuss over this situation. There were just so many civilians around that no one really fucking cared I guess. This part of the world and I'd bet seeing a group of rebels was common for most people.
Getting within a few feet of where I sat with my back towards them, I was slowly approached by Raspin and soon surrounded by his friends. I kept my focus on rebuilding my rifle and that was enough to show them that I wasn't scared at all by this game they were playing.
"You know who I am?" I was asked by Raspin in a firm voice as I had my hands still on the base of my gun.
"I can guess." I replied which instantly gained me their surprised faces. A person my size, they must have thought I'd be a man under all of this. Somewhat impressed, Raspin said back to me as I grabbed my scope from the counter.
"Then you know why we're here."
"Vice versa." I mumbled as I made sure my sights were aligned.
Looking to his men Raspin ordered out calmly to them all.
"Set the perimeter." Looking back down he then said to me in the same tone.
"I'm gonna sit." I kept quiet as he did, but when he sat he also stated.
"You have me at a loss. I don't know why you're here or why you are getting involved with someone like The Wall, but I can tell you that you're doing what you're doing for the wrong reasons. We are not the enemy. Especially not yours. Why did you come?"
"Why else? Money." I replied which got him to quickly say back.
"The price he put on my head? That's all you care about?"
"Mhm." I mumbled as I moved on to my rifle's frame.
"You're a contractor. That's clear to anyone who looks at you, but you're also a wanted terrorist. The M.E.A.F are looking for that mask you wear. That attack on the resort? What was that all about? Why did you kill all those people?"
"Once again…..money. I work for whoever pays. The job wasn't mine to come up with. I was just offered enough to care." I replied as one of his men seemed entirely disgusted by me. He was snickering to himself in anger as Raspin went on to ask.
"Do you have no heart under that cloak?"
"Not really." I chuckled back.
"This is a waste of time Raspin. You want this kind of scum helping us? She doesn't give a shit about us." One of his men stated which got his attention away from me as I was nearly done with my rifle now.
"Yes, I do. Think about the opportunity."
"Opportunity? For what?" His friend asked back. Giving them another chuckle I answered for him.
"The Wall is expecting me to come back with his head. He'll let me get close. Close enough that you probably think I could try killing him instead. Right?" I asked as I looked directly at Raspin now for his response. Giving me a firm look back he replied.
"You wouldn't be alone. We could set this up perfectly. End everything in a blink of an eye."
"You'd just be ending him. Not your war." I said back bluntly.
"That's all that needs to happen for this country to have a chance at rebuilding. The Wall dies and I can rally the people. We can rebel in droves and retake the capital city in mere days. We'd be free a few weeks later. You can change everything for the better." Raspin then suggested which got me to calmly tell him back.
"I told you already. I don't work for free. The Wall has already paid me for your head. I have an obligation to uphold."
"No! You have an obligation towards the money. I'm sure he'll be paying you a lot more once you bring me to him. But I can pay more now. I can give you a fortune in stones. Millions in G.U.N currency. Life changing amounts. You might even be able to buy your freedom from the M.E.A.F. Think about it."
"I am, but you want me to believe you have that kind of money? Your rebels. In hiding." I smiled which is when he said back.
"We hit convoys all over the country. Rob The Wall at every turn. Trust me, we have the money."
I went silent and finished my rifle. Raspin too was quiet but kept his eyes on my face as I leaned back in my seat. After a moment he said.
"You may be locked and loaded with that fancy gun there, but look around. You aren't in any position to take my head."
I took a look up at his friends and the one who called me scum added once we crossed eyes.
"I'll kill you if you even think about raising that at him."
I kept my tongue in my mouth until I looked back at Raspin who was fully confident I'd cave. Yet I had time and I wanted to see if he was really telling me the truth about that payment he mentioned.
"I'll do it, but not until I get paid. So if you want my help you need to show me your hand. Get the stones. I'll wait."
Raspin knew I was serious when I ordered that at him. So with two calm eyes he ordered two of his men.
"Go get the contractor what she wants. We'll stay here until you're back."
He was genuine. He could have declined that and told me to go fuck myself considering he did mention the postion I was actually in, but for some reason he was going to give me what I wanted. I'd call that stupid. Not generous.
His men took one of the trucks and once they were gone Raspin asked me with his men still surrounding us.
"So what's your name?"
"Anpu." I replied as I prepared myself mentally for what was about to happen once his friends got back. Roslin and I were going to try something new. I'd trust him to handle Raspin himself. The others? They'd be mine.
"Where are you from?" Raspin asked.
"I don't make a habit of talking about myself. We aren't friends. Guns surrounding me or not, that isn't going to change between us. I want my money and once I have it we can talk about The Wall. Until then how about we just remain quiet?"
Raspin's friend was more upset than him it seemed. He growled to himself which got me to then say to him firmly.
"What's your problem? Mad you can't act out on your own? Wanna put a bullet in me that bad? Too bad you can't. Looks like you need me and you'll just have to deal with it."
Even Raspin knew that fact as I took another jab at his friend.
"Is he even qualified to hold that weapon? You're barely able to stand up straight. I could kill you easily."
Immediately I got his gun put to my head. I just stared down the barrel as Raspin shouted at him.
"Kito! Lower the weapon! She's just trying to get in your head."
"No need to try. Looks like I'm already there. Hehehe." I chuckled as he kept the gun up until I came to halt with the laughter. Lowering the rifle, he growled and gave me the nastiest look. I didn't have much time to enjoy it because in a moment Roslin was at my side. They couldn't see him even if they wanted to. Putting his hand on the back of my left shoulder, I continued to look at Kito. With a straight face Roslin urged me.
"Breathe in."
I did it very calmly so as not to draw attention. Once I had a good breath held I heard him say.
"This is gonna feel weird for you. Just let me do the rest."
Like slipping into an ice bath, Roslin's body entered mine from behind. It was unreal how hard it was to keep my body straight where it was as soon I had no control over my own movements. Roslin was in control and I could physically feel him inside me. Like a worm. Yet the feeling of being in my body was nothing when I thought about the fact that I simply couldn't do anything with it anymore. He was doing my breathing for me. He was moving me himself and even the words he could speak would be his own. It was like my soul was on autopilot. I just had to ride this out.
I was worried Raspin would say something while we waited for his friends to come back, but thankfully he didn't. He just kept his eyes on me. After a while the truck came back with the two same guys. Approaching the table both of them pulled out two brown cloth bags that were about the same size you'd find a collectable coin hiding in. Raspin took them and looked back at me. Roslin looked at the bags and in my voice asked.
"Gonna hand them over?"
Raspin handed over one and replied.
"Half now. You'll get the rest once The Wall is dead."
Roslin waited a few seconds before taking the one bag from him. Once he did he said back.
"Fine. But you won't mind if I check these first, right?"
"Be my guest." He urged him back.
Roslin knew how to play this. He was doing good in keeping up my character. Opening the bag, our eyes stared at easily ten times what The Wall gave me. This alone was worth millions and if that second bag had the same then I'd have more money then I'd know what to do with. I'd be set for the rest of my life. Roslin sensed that everything was good on my end so he closed the bag up and put it in my front pocket.
"I told you we had the stones to back this up. After this you could probably retire."
"Assuming I live." Roslin chuckled back.
"You will. We're gonna make sure of it. We're gonna plan this out right and once we're ready we'll execute on it. There is no way we fuck this up. You're making the right choice by the way. I don't care how cold you think you are, helping him is gonna get thousands more killed and raped for the rest of your life. Each one you'd have to live with."
Roslin kept quiet and just allowed him to speak uncontested.
"We have a place not far from here that we can go to and plan this accordingly. Come now. I don't want to be outside for any longer than I have to."
"Lead the way then." Roslin replied as Raspin began to stand up from the bench. Seeing this as my chance to speak to my master, I urged him.
"Wait until we get into the crowd."
"I know." He said back to me internally as he began to pick me up and follow behind the man.
"Get ready." Roslin urged me now as I knew in a few moments I'd be killing them all. I could feel my excitement rising from the very thought.
Roslin had a lot to contend with in terms of getting into position. He had to be close to Raspin and with things still being tense his men made that kinda hard to do. Thankfully the crowd we had around us cut them away from his direct line of sight and once the opportunity came, Roslin made his move.
About two feet out from Raspin's back left side, he jolted forward and grabbed his arm. In a split second I felt both of them leave reality, leaving me to recover as I regained control over my body. I had to do this quickly or I'd risk the element of surprise. What I meant by that is that Raspin's kidnapping was so fast that no one would notice he was gone in this crowd for at least a few seconds. That gave me time to take the first shot.
With my ability to relax kicking in, I took a deep breath and raised my rifle.
Roslin's POV.
When I made the jump from that market to here it was instant. So fast that even Raspin must have thought he was still in the present moment. Because he kept trying to walk even after I let him go. It wasn't until he took three extra steps that he finally realized something happened. Stopping in confusion, the man looked back on himself. Now I wasn't going to show myself to him. He was much easier to handle in this state of mind. So in confusion he questioned out loud.
"What the hell? Where am I? Kito?!"
It didn't take long for him to figure out that I'd teleported us to the back of the truck Sam and I drove in on. Once he realized, he ran for the exit. However he wasn't going anywhere. Once he took a step past me, I reached out and took him into a chokehold. At the same time I brought him down with enough force that I shook the truck itself.
"Ugkk! Aghhh! Ahhhh!" Raspin wasn't going to be allowed any air. I just continued to choke him until he passed out. Once he did I made sure he would stay asleep thanks to my own form of power. Just like I handled that rabbit Sam was working with. He wouldn't wake up until I wanted him to.
Letting the man fall to the floor, I very calmly took a breath and reached under his vest to grab onto the second bag of stones he was going to pay Sam for The Wall's death. Putting the satchel in my pocket, I now waited for her. I knew she would be a little. The amount of gunshots I began to hear was a sure sign that this fight would take a minute to complete. She may be outnumbered, but these punks are just rebels. Users or not, she'd come out on top.
Zeta's POV, Iraq.
"What do you think?" I asked my sister as we were going over the catering for the wedding. With the amount of people we'd have there the food alone was going to cost us well over ten grand. We had to have something for everyone and that was made difficult considering both her and I were carnivores. We weren't too sure on what to do for anyone who wasn't. Apart from salad.
"I think we need to go ask someone for a third opinion. I don't want to fuck this up. People will be pissed if the food sucks."
"I'll give the catering company a call. I'm sure they can come up with something."
Going to my side for my phone, I widened my eyes when I saw it was gone from the table. In confusion I looked at Pepper to ask her.
"Did you take my phone?"
She gave me an equally confused look back as I turned around in my chair to find Marcus standing behind us a few feet with my phone in his hand and a small smile on his face as he stared at us.
"Found it." He chuckled as he handed it to me from where he stood.
In all honesty both Pepper and I jumped in our seats the second we saw him and as I snatched my phone back I said to him.
"Jesus Christ Marcus. You can't be doing that shit to me. Do you want me to die from a heart attack before the wedding?"
"When did you get here?" Pepper asked him also.
"Just a moment ago."
"Why are you here?" I then had to ask him as this was something we weren't graced with enough. Marcus rarely was seen outside of being with Raptor. This had to be important.
Giving us a somewhat embarrassed look back, the fox struggled to find the answer. The words were tough to locate, but after a few stumbles and a lack of eye contact, he looked back at me to reply.
"I need some advice. From a woman preferably."
Both Pepper and I shot our ears up at the idea of giving him of all people advice. Or at the very least we were excited now to hear what his issue was that required a female's touch.
"Really? What happened?" I asked him back as he twirled his fingers together.
"Nothing yet, but I think something might." He stated. Marcus for once seemed emotional. He had some form of care behind his voice and that made me wonder. After a moment he went on to explain.
"So I don't know if you know this, but I've been seeing someone for a while now. We started off as friends a long time ago. This was just before you had your daughter, Zeta. We've been friends for that whole time."
"Friends? Good friends? Or fuck buddies?" Pepper asked him as I smiled and added.
"You've been seeing someone? Oh my god. I never would have thought. I'm so happy for you, but is that allowed?"
Shaking his head the god replied.
"It's not, but I've been taking the risk because I really do think I like her. Plus no one like me will ever find out. It's a safer risk to take if I'm being honest."
"Didn't answer my question." Pepper hummed back with a smile which got the man to blush slightly before answering.
"We've done it a few times, but that doesn't make us fuck buddies like your thinking. I really consider us good friends more than anything."
"So then what's your issue?" I then asked him.
"Issue is I think she wants more and….and….I can't really do that. I'm taking a risk like I said and I think she wants to date me or something. I can't date."
Pepper was grinning from ear to ear as she listened. Giving the fox a curious look back I asked him.
"What do you mean? Like you can't date her? Or do you mean you just suck at it?"
"I meant it more in that regard. I've never dated before. Not back when I was alive. A relationship like that was never in my mindset. So I just don't really know what to do about it."
"Does she know your…you know?" I then asked him which got him to shake his head.
"No."
"What does she think you do then? What did you tell her?" I asked him curiously as my sister questioned.
"Can I also just mention that you've known this chick for as long as Sam's been alive and you've just picked up on this now? How the fuck?" Pepper chuckled as I noticed Marcus had a smudge on his face. Licking my finger, I stood up and reached for him. He widened his eyes as I began to wipe it off.
"Don't mind me. You got a smudge on you. Keep talking."
Stunned by my actions, the fox did his best to do as I requested.
"She thinks I work for your idiot. Been with the M.E.A.F for most of my young life."
"I mean it's not a complete lie." I smiled back as I let him go now. Reaching up to wipe his face Marcus then asked.
"What do you think I should do? I wanna do what's best for her but I just don't know if I can handle the pressure."
"You want my honest answer?" I asked him back which earned me another nod . Giving him my most caring sounding voice, I said to him bluntly.
"If she's been with you for this long then she clearly knows what she wants by now. If she likes you like that and wants to take it a step further because she cares, then it's not going to backfire on you. She probably loves you and that means there isn't any pressure to worry about. You can't fuck this up. Take a chance and I bet you'll quickly realize you had no need to fear anything. I would also recommend not lying to her about what you do, but what you do isn't something anyone else does and it should remain a secret for everyone's sakes. Just don't lie about your feelings."
"I wouldn't. But what should I do?" He was genuinely curious so I suggested it.
"Go out to eat. Or go to the movies. Or just go to her place and hang out. It's not complicated. Ask her what she wants to do if you want. Regardless of what you do you'll both be happy. "
Giving me a small smile back Marcus replied.
"Okay. I'll give it a shot then. You could be right."
"I know I'm right, silly. You're talking to a mother. We all give good advice. Oh and since you've decided to stop in and ask us for advice, how about we get some of yours? Look at this menu and tell us what you think would work for the vegetarians at the wedding. We need some opinions and I'd like to have yours."
Pepper handed me the menu and I handed it to him. He took it from me and questioned.
"What? Really?"
"Of course really. You're the only reason my idiot is still alive. You earned the right to at least help us plan our wedding. Oh and speaking of that I better see you there. You're invited and so help me god if you show up dressed like this I'll drag your ass back to hell and bury you there. You hear me?"
The fox widened his eyes and immediately replied with concern.
"What? What the fuck do you mean I have to go? I don't….?!"
"Ahh! Shut your mouth and do what I tell you. After your done fucking around with your soon to be girlfriend, you march your butt to a tailor and get yourself a tux."
"But…?!"
"No excuses!" I shouted back at him as my sister couldn't help herself from laughing.
Marcus took his lumps and calmly exhaled before replying back.
"Fine. But I'm only showing myself to the people who know me. And before you ask, no I'm not going to make a speech for you two."
"That's fine. I wasn't going to ask you to do that anyway. You suck at talking."
"Excuse me?" He questioned as my sister reminded him of why he was now here.
"Answer the question though. What should be one of the dishes?"
Giving us a huff back the fox took another look at the menu. We both waited for his answer now.
Sam's POV, Libya.
Throwing myself at the only remaining user on Raspin's team, I smacked the gun out of his hands and sent the butt of my rifle into the left side of his mouth. Kito was all that was left and by this point I had him running from me. The market itself was abandoned and bodies littered the street. Some of them were Raspin's comrades, but plenty of civilians got involved once things kicked off. I had to kill them all and now after a few explosions; the market was empty. Kito was now crawling away and reaching up to take off my mask I felt the venom and the adrenaline taking over my body completely. I felt feral and that made this even easier to do.
"You wanted to fucking kill me back there?! Huh, you piece of shit!?" Kicking him in the ribs with all I had, I easily broke him in two.
"Aghhhh!" You heard his bones breaking from the impact and once he had fully turned over I locked my eyes with his. All I saw was his raw fear of me as I threw my rifle to the ground to bare my fangs.
"Stop! Wait!" He begged me as he raised his hands to begin pleading.
The moment I saw his hands go up, I lunged forward clamping my entire mouth onto his left arm's wrist. Then I tasted his blood and I went to immediately begin trying to rip it off.
"Aghh! Let go! Let go! Aghhhh!"
He began to punch me as hard as he could but I didn't care. It was coming off now that I had it in my mouth.
Reaching in to put my left hand on his face, I pushed and pinned him to the ground. He had no chance in hell of escaping so with no remorse I bit down as hard as I could. Soon we began to hear more bones breaking and I tasted more and more blood. It just fueled me further and with one last good jerk of my head, I pulled his hand off. The wrist broke and Kito began to scream loud enough for god to hear him from heaven.
Spitting his hand out of my mouth, I watched with a red smile and he spasmed in place.
"Aghhhhhhhh!"
"Does that hurt!?" I asked him as he continued to scream as loudly as he could.
I could only take it for a few more seconds before lunging down at his neck. Kito widened his eyes completely as I cut off his voice in a mere second flat. Then I did the same thing I did to his wrist and began to jerk my head till I managed to rip something out of him. Soon he was without a throat and once I had spit it back out I stopped to see him staring up at me dead.
My body was shaking as I took in what I had just done. Was that all from my venom? Or was I really just this mental now? I was absolutely caked in warm blood. My entire body was at a loss for what to do now that this was over. My shields just came back online and upon looking down I saw the damage I took during the fight. I let myself get sloppy back there. If I was paying better attention I wouldn't have gotten this fucked up in the first place. I got to get better at multitasking.
My natural ability to heal took care of it all in a matter of seconds, but I still looked like shit. My armor took another beating. I'd have my work cut out for me the next time I had the chance to go over my gear in detail. For now I had to get moving. Roslin was waiting for me back at the truck and despite the market being empty for now; my senses were picking up on a crowd of people coming and knowing this town it was every person who lived here coming to kill me with whatever weapons they had to their names.
Collecting my rifle and putting my mask back on, I used what energy I had to teleport my way towards the truck. It was about two blocks from the market and due to my lack of skill I only managed to move half a block from where I once was. I'd have to walk the rest of the way.
In a matter of minutes, I reached the spot where I had left it and took a look in the back to see both Raspin and Roslin in there waiting for me. Raspin was out cold it seemed and Roslin just looked at me blankly as he saw all the blood and damage I had on me.
"Are you okay?" He asked me as I nodded and replied while going for the driver's seat.
"I'm good. Let's get out of here now. Was he okay?"
"Never stood a chance." He replied back in a cocky way as I started the engine.
All I could taste was the blood left in my mouth as I got us on the road. After we had gotten back into the desert my master came to my side to ask me.
"Are you hurt at all? Don't lie."
"No. I'm good. I swear."
"Let me see your face Sam." He ordered as I kept driving. Letting out a small sigh I reached and took my mask back off. The moment I turned to look at him he asked me.
"What happened to you?"
Unsure of how to respond I replied.
"I lost myself out there. I got out of hand."
Roslin didn't have to ask anymore questions to assume what I did to get this much blood on me. Instead he nodded and said back calmly.
"You know your mother did a similar thing a long time ago."
"What? Really?" I questioned.
"Long time ago. Her emotions took over during a traumatic event. She killed with her bare fangs. It's nothing to be concerned with. It's part of your DNA. Embrace it."
"That's the problem. I think I did." I said back to him as I licked my lips and shot him an intense look back.
"It's who you are." He then said to me as I slowly put my mask back down.
Later that night.
Making it back to the capital city was easy enough. The drive allowed me time to clear my head, but now I had to prepare myself for what was soon to come. Roslin remained in the back of the truck with Raspin who he kept asleep. A few minutes out from The Wall's home, I asked my master.
"I forgot to ask you, but did you take the other half of the payment he was gonna give me?"
Nodding the echidna reached into his pocket and pulled out the second bag of stones. Tossing it at me he replied.
"I did. Here."
Catching it with my right hand, I calmly put it with the other satchel I had tucked inside one of my vest's pockets. Once they were secure I refocused on the road until we came to a stop outside the mansion. The gate guard looked ready for a fight, but they dropped their weapons the second I hopped out from the driver's seat to look at them.
They saw all the blood on me and kept silent as I asked in an aggressive tone.
"Is he home?"
By now Roslin was gone from sight and I was left to drag Raspin out from the back of the truck by myself. I had him by the back of his vest and the second these animals saw him they came running to confirm his identity. One attempted to take him from me, but that's when I ordered with a growl.
"Hands off!"
They quickly obeyed and with the same growl I ordered them.
"Let me through. I told your boss I'd get him and I want my money."
"Follow me then." I was then instructed by one of the jackals who guided me inside the building in a moment's notice.
"Where is he?" I asked the soldier as we approached the stairs.
"In the office."
Making my way past the guard, I dragged Raspin up the stairs and up to the office door. Using my shoulder, I barged in and found The Wall standing at his desk with a few of his men. They were all laughing and smoking cigars, but that came to a sudden halt when I proceeded to throw the man at their feet. The looks I was given were profound enough to draw silence. Proceeding to stand up straight, I said to the bear.
"I kept to my side of the deal. There he is."
The Wall was the most surprised by this. He took his cigar out of his mouth to then look from me to Raspin. Using his boot he put it against the left side of Raspin's head to gently push him so that he could fully see his face. Giving it a good look, he asked me in awe.
"How did you get him alive? He is breathing, yes?"
Nodding my head once, I replied.
"He's breathing."
Taking his boot of Raspin, The Wall now looked back at me. The moment our eyes made contact he smiled and began to laugh. His men joined in soon enough as I was left waiting for my stones. After a few long seconds The Wall asked me in joy.
"What of his men?!"
"All of them are dead. I made sure of it. Killed a few others who were in my way, but it wasn't an issue to say the least."
Immediately the bear approached and with his finger going into my chest he questioned.
"I knew you were an animal! Who's blood is this on you? Are you not injured?"
"I'm fine. The blood was from one of his animals."
"I see it got personal." The Wall chuckled as he had to know I was acting serious by now. I wasn't saying a word or moving an inch. Doing his part to join back in, The Wall then said to me seriously.
"I will not lie. I had my doubts I'd see again. Especially not this soon and with who you promised, alive at that. You've more than proven me wrong and that rarely is the case. What you bring me is going to change this land. At long last things can get back on track. From me and all the people…..thank you."
"You're welcome." I replied back as he then ordered his men.
"Take him. No one is to lay a hand on him until he wakes up. I want to have a little chat."
"You're not going to kill him now?" I asked him in confusion. Looking back at me the large male replied.
"He doesn't get off that easily. He still has plenty of allies and I want them to see his death. But I also want the people to know that this war ends. A public execution for everyone to see."
I took a good look at Raspin. I was picturing the event to come and maybe after ten seconds The Wall then ordered another of his men.
"Now I will also keep to my end. Go get the contractor her stones as promised. Add the bonus on top of it and add a little extra for being so quick with her promised results."
I watched the man run by me a second after being issued the command. It was then they began to drag Raspin out of the room. Soon left with The Wall and a few others I was asked by the bear in a polite voice.
"I'd like to extend a small offer to you, Anpu. You've done as promised and once you get your money I'd like it if you stayed closeby. Maybe stay until the execution. I'm sure you could take some time to relax with good company. Rest up in a proper bed and get yourself at the very least; cleaned up. What do you think?"
"I think that's a pretty good offer. So long as your men stay away. I don't take kindly to noise when I'm not working." I informed him of which got him to smile and reply
"You won't be bothered. In fact you'll be upstairs with me in the master suites. I hope that's not a problem."
I was tempted to think he was now only offering this because he planned to sleep with me, but thanks to my power to read emotions I knew he was being serious and not after a piece of ass. So without any regret behind it I replied at last.
"Not a problem at all."
"Then we are now officially friends. I promised to look after you if you did what you offered. Consider yourself a friend to all of Libya. If there is anything you need in the future just ask. You will have my support, Anpu."
"I'll have to keep it in mind if I'm ever in a jam I can't solve. Thank you." I replied as we were soon greeted by the man who left to get my payment. It came in the form of one much bigger satchel. I widened my eyes when I saw it and once I felt its weight I was damn near turned on. The Wall noticed my sudden state and with one big smile he said.
"Worth a fortune in American dollars. You can have everything you've ever wanted now, Anpu. If I were you I'd buy an island in the Caribbean and just live out my final days."
"I might have to." I replied, which got him to laugh loudly over my shoulder.
"Hahah! How about I show you to your room now that you've been properly paid for your services? Come with me, Anpu. Allow me to show you what it's like to be on top of the world."
He said that sentence with every intention of believing it. That made me curious now so I followed him closely.
His penthouse was a paradise. The entire room was the third floor and the walls were nothing but glass windows looking down on the outside world. The bed was twice the size of a king and he had such a big living room it made my condo look small. The entire inside of the penthouse was pure white with marble floors. All the furniture was red and so was the bed sheets. Still as joyish as ever, The Wall turned to look at me and shout.
"Welcome to my home! Officially. By all means get comfortable. Enjoy yourself. I'd recommend visiting the bathroom as one of your first stops. The shower is impeccable and you'll find no lack of hot water. Take as long as you need to get yourself cleaned up. I'll have the servants prepare you something to eat. I'm sure you could use a proper meal."
"Thank you, but I have a call to make before any of that and I have to go get my belongings."
"Not an issue. You will be allowed to come and go as you please. My men will be informed and so will the rest of the army. But I'd hate to have you waiting on a meal once you get back, so tell me, what do you eat?"
I gave it some thought before replying back nicely enough.
"I'll take any steak you have." Smiling The Wall chuckled out.
"Oh we'll get ya a steak. Trust me, I eat well. You won't be disappointed."
I hoped he was right as I turned and began to make my way back downstairs and to the main entrance. With Roslin entering my mind he asked me curiously.
"For a dictator he really doesn't seem that bad. What do you make of him now that he's warmed up?"
"I think he's just trying to be nice so I'll stay around long enough for him to get more use out of me." I replied bluntly as I walked back outside and began my small walk back to where I had my gear stored. Once out of sight from the compound Roslin appeared in person to say calmly.
"You could be right, but I'm getting a different feeling from him."
"What do you think then?" Giving me two mellow eyes he replied not soon after.
"He wants you. As a trophy. Probably plans to treat you like a queen now that you've done what his army could not. He wants your body. Wants you for you. Not your personality."
Keeping my eyes forward I questioned.
"I didn't pick up on any of that. A man like him wants me? He doesn't even know what I look like under all this."
"He might not have to. He figured out your breed and where you came from in a matter of a few sentences of meeting you. You and I have godly powers. It's easy for us, but a man like him? He might just have a gift and he might not need to see under all that to know your one of the most beautiful women his eyes will ever have the chance to see."
That compliment was something different. I've been called beautiful before by plenty of people, but coming from my master; it meant more somehow. Blushing somewhat under my mask, I laughed back nervously.
"Shut up."
Roslin smiled and chuckled alongside me as we got up to my room. Once inside I asked him curiously.
"Does that bother you at all? He doesn't look like he'll be the passive type if he wants to fuck me at the end of all that flaterily."
I knew he was worried. I already knew he cared too much about me to just let someone like The Wall get his hands on me. Especially in the sexual sense. I mean even if he didn't care; I'd be hesitating at having sex with a man that size. God knows what he's packing. Doubt I'd be able to take something that big. Roslin overheard that thought and immediately retorted.
"Well you aren't even going to attempt it because if he even tries, god help me I'll kill him without a second thought."
Sensing his emotions leaking through his normally tough exterior, I took off my mask and got right in front of him to reply.
"I wouldn't let him. But can you do me a favor? If he really does try to push his presidential powers you can't kill him. No matter how much he deserves it or you want to. I need him alive. If he dies it'll draw way too much attention. Okay?"
Roslin hesitated to respond, so I came in for a kiss. That's when he widened his eyes and put his hands on my shoulders to hold me back from coming any closer.
"Absolutely not!"
"What?!" I shouted back with a smile.
I knew it was because I just got done ripping a dude's throat out with my mouth. So obeying his request as he remained silent, I again asked him.
"You can't kill him. Alright?" He kept his silence until I put my mask back on.
"Fine. I'll settle for knocking him out."
"Good boy." I chuckled as I reached up to tickle his chin with my claws.
"Excuse me?" He asked back in shock as I made my way for the exit after collecting my bag.
"I'm kidding."
mT Shadow.