Love Struck Eternal

Chapter 73 - A clean slate.

Raptor's POV, Iraq capital.

Despite everything that has happened between us I somehow found my wife clinging to my back as we slept in our bed. She was a lot stronger than I was however. She's doing everything she can to ignore my mistakes. She had hope. I could barely sleep these days knowing what I do now. I tried though.

With my hands wrapped around Zeta's wrists, I held her close and began to drift asleep. Yet for some reason I swore I felt something and with my eyes opening up to stare right at the nightstand on my side of the bed, I looked to see my phone and my watch sitting there. Letting out a small sigh, I tried to shut my eyes again but this time I felt a small breeze. The moment I reopened them this time however I found my watch was missing. I was so tired I barely could tell, but the moment I did I bolted up in bed to begin looking around the room. Zeta however was alarmed by my sudden movement and with my heart racing I found my watch now sitting at the window. I was stuck in place as Zeta asked me in confusion.

"What's wrong? Nightmare?"

I didn't say a word. I just sat up and approached the window with my eyes focused on the watch. Picking it up and looking at the time, I realized it had been changed. Both hands pointed at twelve. That's when I realized what it meant and looked up.

"Hun?" Zeta called to me with concern backing her voice.

I was looking everywhere. All I could see was the main yard of the capital and the hundreds of buildings beyond our walls. That's when I began to look at the gates and my heart dropped when I found someone standing there, looking right up at me.

Dressed in nearly all black, I could only make out the shape of the mask they wore. Instantly I recognized that it was the same mask belonging to the terrorist I met face to face in Libya. The same person who stole my gun. That same person belongs to those who want me dead. A killer and a serious threat to me and my family.

I lowered my watch in shock that they were there at all. The balls on this person were beyond those of my own. The number one threat to the middle east was staring me down from outside my own safe haven. How did they manage to get this close? I had to ask myself as Zeta got up now to look out the window. I watched with laser focus as the terrorist began to walk out of sight and by the time Zeta looked in the right direction they were already gone. Clutching my fists, she asked me in confusion.

"What did you see?"

Unable to form words I began to shake slightly. Zeta noticed almost instantly and in confusion she reached for my shoulder for comfort. Instantly I shrugged away and went for our closet to pull out and equip my vest. Now on high alert she asked me.

"What the hell did you see? Raptor!" She shouted as I was scrambling for my M9 that rested in the draw of the nightstand. Making sure the gun was loaded and ready to go, I pushed past my wife to order.

"Stay here. Don't move. I'll be back."

I slammed the door behind me and instantly ran for the main lobby. My soldiers at the checkpoint to the entrance all were enjoying their night, but the second I appeared at the stairs to begin running down; they all began to panic and get their guns. Rushing for the door, I was asked by the officer in charge.

"Commander? What's…?!" He tried to get in my way so I ran right through him and stumbled out the door as a result.

"Open the gate!" I ordered the men at the entrance who were just as confused as the others who ran after me.

Obeying my commands the gate opened and quickly pointing in both directions I ordered my men.

"Clear the perimeter! We have an intruder! I want everything searched right now! Find them!"

"Who?!" The officer who I knocked over asked me as I turned to run in the direction I saw the terrorist walk off to.

"The terrorist with the anubis mask! Anpu! I saw her outside the gate! Your men are with me Captain! Go sound the alarm!"

I had my team and together we ran to begin our search for the intruder.

Zeta's POV.

The alarm to the capital began to go off and a few seconds later you heard the entirety of the building come to life in a panic thanks to my husband running off for god knows what reason.

Throwing on my nearby pair of blue jeans and a white tank top, I decided not to stay inside this room while things outside were going to shit. Raptor wouldn't react like this if he wasn't certain he had a reason to, but I still had no idea what was happening. Did anyone? I had to wonder as I reached over to my nightstand to grab onto my gun.

Placing the pistol behind my back, I took a breath and went for the door. I came out of the room with enough force that I didn't bother to look directly in front of me. I was so focused on turning to run for the stairs, but in a split second I ran head first into a full black combat rig.

I bounced back from the impact and immediately looked up to be greeted by an anubis mask staring right down at me. Fully covered in a black cloak and covering up all signs of their body, I tried to react by going for my gun.

"What the….?!" The second my hand went to go for the weapon I was punched right in the left side of my face with so much force it sent me falling back into the bedroom. I was seeing stars for nearly three whole seconds before I realized I was starting to taste my own blood. Reaching up in a panic to cover my bloody mouth, I again went for my gun which I had accidently lost my grip on and sent a few feet away.

Before I could even hope to reach it I was kicked right in my stomach.

"Aghhkkk! Wait!" I begged as I put up my hands in a desperate attempt to plead for my safety. Yet this person didn't care one bit and instead hit me one more time in my mouth. My head proceeded to hit the wood floor and when it did I lost my ability to comprehend my environment.

"Not a word." I was ordered from under the mask as they proceeded to shut the door behind them now that they had me where they wanted.

"Please stop….?" I begged as I tried to crawl towards the bed.

Any chance I had at fighting back was snuffed out from under me the moment I got knocked out from that last hit. As I crawled the next thing I knew they reached down to grab me by the back of my head using all of my hair.

"Agghh! Stop!" I screamed as I was yanked up to my knees.

Sam's POV.

"Shut the fuck up." I ordered my mother as she had no clue what was happening.

Thanks to the technology behind my mask, I was able to speak freely thanks to a slight voice changer. It made my voice a tad bit deeper and darker. Just enough to make sure they would never catch on if I had to engage in confrontations like this.

Gripping her by the back of her head, I proceeded to toss her into the nearby dresser. When her back slammed into it, I proceeded to reach down and grab the gun she had managed to lose control of and pointed it directly at her head.

Instantly the wolf widened her eyes and locked up. She was staring at death, but unknown to her I had no plans on killing her just yet. Roslin told me not to make a scene but in reality I may have already gone too far. My father was easily baited outside and for now he was going to be busy looking for someone he had no clue had already slipped the net. This left me with ample time to handle my mother, but I felt like I had already done what I set out to accomplish. She was bleeding pretty good from a cracked lip and judging from her heart rate she was already convinced she was about to die. Leaving now should be enough to get a point across, but my mind had other plans as my mom asked me in fear.

"What do you want?!"

Keeping the gun pointed at her, I slowly decided to play a game. Using the barrel of the weapon I urged her to rise back to her feet. She soon understood my instructions and once she was back on two legs I took a second to come up with a plan. Keeping mom at gunpoint I replied.

"Your attention."

Staring at the barrel of the gun my mother begged me.

"Please don't shoot me! I have kids!"

"Oh I know." I replied as I slowly lowered the weapon and hit the mag release. My mom's eyes widened as the clip fell to the floor and I reached down to release the loaded round that was left in the chamber. Dropping the gun was my next step to showing her how little I intended to kill her. Clutching my fists then came natural as I felt my emotions beginning to resemble my old anger. I felt the same power I did when she first broke my trust. Then all I could see was red.

"I'm not here to kill anyone. I'm just here to send a message."

She wasn't going to fight back and I knew that the second I pulled my arm back to prepare the swing I had planned. Following through was all that mattered and I felt that she truly deserved another taste of my anger. So I swung with all I had. Just as my fist was about to connect, I was suddenly tackled from the side by my father. He grabbed me right from under my own chest and carried me into the nearby bed.

In confusion as to where he suddenly came from, I panicked and tussled with the old man until we managed to roll off the side of the bed. My head hit the nightstand, but my dad wasn't to be stopped at the moment. He began to swing at me with all he had and I took one to the chin before I managed to start blocking the others. As the fourth hammerfist came down on top of me my dad screamed towards my mother who crawled for her gun and the ammo.

"Zeta!"

I couldn't let this happen. When my dad started to scream her name I took my chance to retaliate and sent a right hook into the side of his face then threw him into the wall a foot to my left. Rushing back to my feet, I charged my mother who struggled to reload the weapon due to her fear. I tackled her cleanly to the ground and pushed the gun as far away as I could, but as I wrapped my hands around her neck I heard the sound of another weapon being drawn.

"Anpu!" My father shouted my name and as I looked back I now stared down the barrel of his gun.

"I'm only going to tell you once…get off of her! Now you motherfucker! Slowly!" He ordered me as I contemplated my next move. My mother was choking in my grip this whole time and it was literally the only thing that could be heard over the alarm.

For now I listened and very slowly rotated myself around while still keeping my mom pinned where she was. With my knee pushing her shoulder into the floor, I stared up at my dad who again ordered me with all his might.

"On your feet! Now!"

I took one last look down at my mom before looking back up at his gun. I knew what I had to do so I stood up now to face him. My mother then crawled towards him and once she was safely behind him did he then ask me.

"What the fuck are you doing!? Why are you here!?"

Chuckling under my mask, I replied to the man with a snicker of joy.

"I'm just here to send a message. Did I get your attention?"

"You fucked up." He informed me as he was an inch away from pulling that trigger.

"Did I?" I questioned as he then began to growl.

"I think I did exactly what I wanted to do and you're none the wiser."

"On your knees. Now." He ordered me as I stood up straight.

"I don't think so. I was just about to see myself out." I now laughed at him which I believe then broke his patience because the next thing I knew he fired his weapon and hit me in my right leg in the hopes it would force me to do his bidding. Reality struck him however as the bullet instantly broke apart thanks to my armor's shields. Widening his eyes my father dropped his guard and using all my speed I leaped forward to grab the barrel of his M9.

Soon enough I managed to disarm him and with his gun landing on top of the bed, my mother soon found herself grasping the handle. With my dad focused on holding me back, I sent my foot up at my mother just in time to connect with the barrel as it went off in the ceiling.

The gun was then lost to all of us and before I knew it I had my dad beginning to grow in strength. I was holding back up to this point as well, but to see him dip into his powers for myself was almost an honor to see. Yet my mother remained an annoyance and before he could make a move she decided to charge into us. Grabbing me by my shoulders and tackling me onto the floor, I swung up to punch her square in the jaw. Her head snapped from the hit and I think I knocked her out because the next thing I knew she was rolling off my side.

My father was as fast as he could be for his age without using his gifts to their potential and the second I hit my mom he came at me as I tried to stand up. Interrupting the process; he grabbed me by my chestpiece and pushed me back into the dresser with all he had. Now I had to fight back as one of his hands came to rest just under my mask. I knew what he was trying to do so I began to panic and threw a sturdy headbutt to the exact middle of his nose. I followed up with two more quick jabs, but was surprised when he suddenly intercepted my right hook and followed up with his own series of attacks.

I took nearly three or four good hits from him before I was taken again by my vest, but this time he spun me with him and before I knew it he had tossed me backfirst out the second floor window.

Raptor's POV.

The glass shattered all in one take as I threw Anpu out the window with all my might. I saw that masked assassin fall down and out of my sight, but didn't think much about it as I was more concerned with catching my breath. I haven't used my strength to that regard in a long time and with my adrenaline pumping I approached the window to look out at where I had seen Anpu fall.

"What?" I exhaled in confusion as their body wasn't anywhere to be seen. All that landed in the yard was glass and I was left to question how they got away.

Ten seconds later and the door to my room opened with security running in with weapons drawn. Yoga was at the head as he asked me in a panic of his own.

"We heard the gunshots! What happened!? Where is he!?"

I didn't know what to say so I just responded with a series of firm orders as I rushed my unconscious wife.

"I threw him out the window, but they got away! Search the entire building, the block even! I don't fucking care! Just find that motherfucker and get me and my wife out of here!"

Yoga was even quicker to hand out who was in charge of what and once the orders were received him and some men from Zandro's unit came to my aid to help me carry Zeta into the hallway.

"What's the plan man?" Yoga asked me as I was in a fight for my life and the safety of my entire family.

"We follow protocol. Get a helicopter spun up and get us to Pakistan. We're not safe until we're there. Please keep your wits about you."

Sam's POV.

Thanks to the glass and the distance I had from where my father stood when he threw me, I was able to fall just out of his line of sight to then teleport away to safety. Landing on my back on the roof of a neighboring building, I took a second to catch my breath as the alarm in the capital could be heard clear as day from probably blocks away.

"Not bad, old man." I chuckled to myself as I rolled over onto my side to look down at the capital's main yard. I could even see the window I got tossed out from and in its way stood my father who looked even more bewildered by the fact that he wasn't staring down at my body. A moment later he ran out of sight and I'd assume now was about the time he'd be tending to my mother who I had knocked out during our fighting.

"You're lucky I wasn't going all out." I again mumbled to myself as I soon managed to get back onto my own two feet.

Right about now my father and all of his men would be struggling to get him and my mother to safety. I'd assume getting attacked in the capital would be the last straw. Where they went after this? I don't really care. I just hope this buys enough time for Roslin and Lia to enjoy their own fight. I'm also going to hope that this incident doesn't get me into trouble with my own people. Right now I should be in bed resting. Not sending the M.E.A.F's president into lockdown and knocking out his first lady.

With a helicopter being spun up on the roof, I watched as you could physically see my dad and a few others boarding. Reaching up to lift up my mask, I licked around my lips for any blood and watched as they lifted off.

I was still convinced this was all worth it. Getting payback on that bitch felt good. I just wish I could have had her alone for a little bit longer. I had no idea my father was that sharp with his senses. He had to have sensed her pain and fear and knew she wouldn't be that way unless something was happening. Came back just in time. Lucky her. I thought to myself as I turned around to begin my jump back home.

Marcus's POV, Earlier, Afghanistan.

"When are we going to talk about this?" Jesse asked me for the third time.

"You know my thoughts on relationships. It's just a stupid title. It doesn't mean anything." I replied as she invited me over to her place for a movie night. With all the prepwork done, we found ourselves discussing our relationship before starting the movie. One topic I wished would stay buried, but Jesse was relentless. Almost as bad as Raptor. Looking me up and down she questioned not long after.

"We've been dating for nearly two decades Marcus. Two fucking decades and what do I have to show for it? You know everything about me and have been there for everything. Why can't we make it official? I love you. You know I do."

"More than anything. I know Jess, but it's complicated and trust me I'm only saying no because I want you to be safe. You don't understand." I sighed back as she reached over to grab my leg. Looking over and into her eyes she went on to ask.

"Of course I don't understand. What does being my husband change? Why is this always about my safety? Shit you won't even nut in me. Are you that worried about change?" Instantly I widened my eyes to shout back.

"Jesus you are a fucking blunt instrament Jesse! I'm not trying to knock you up!" Laughing right after I said that the woman replied back.

"And you don't love that about me? You're still dodging my question. Why? Why can't we take this a step forward? I'm ready. Why aren't you? What do I have to do to convince you?"

"It's not about you needing to convince me. It's not about our feelings. It's just about my life. My work would interfere with us if we took this any deeper." I informed her as she quickly fired back.

"Your work? I know a fuck ton of people in the M.E.A.F. All of them are married Marcus. Married and with kids, mind you. Living great lives. You're terrible at lying to me. Just come out and say what it is you mean to say."

"He can't." A voice called out from behind us.

Instantly I swung my head around to be greeted by a man I thought I had ended decades prior. Standing at around six foot and maybe two hundred pounds stood a firm yet playfully happy human. My mouth was glued shut from shock, fear, and confusion as the man looked me right in my eyes to ask.

"Isn't this a surprise? Marcus is dating a mortal woman. Must be very special to you."

This man was no other than my last demi. His name was Jackie and he was korean. Before we parted Jackie was one of the most twisted individuals I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Jackie himself was much like Raptor was. He came to me after doing something horrible and begged for the ability to forget what he had done. I gave him that and so much more, but above all else, he should be dead and lost in the fabric of the underworld. How the hell was he here now? Why was he here? What was going on? I had to ask myself as I slowly stood up while reaching over to grab Jesse by the hand.

"Who are you? How did you get into my house?" She asked him out of fear as it was clear Jackie wasn't a friend.

Pulling Jesse till she had gotten fully behind me, I kept quiet as Jackie sensed fear among the both of us.

"Hahaha! Where are my manors? I'm sorry. I'm Jackie. An old friend of Marcus's. Has he ever talked about me?"

"Don't answer him. Just stay behind me." I urged my girlfriend who was beginning to pick up her heart rate. Giving me a wicked smile Jackie questioned.

"Don't answer who? Me? Your old friend? My my Marcus, I remember when we used to talk for hours. What's changed?"

"You shouldn't be here." I replied which is again when he started to laugh.

"Oh yeah? Why's that? Because I was going to do your job for you? Better than you?"

"Jesse? I need you to stay calm." I urged her as she reached back to grab my hand. Jackie noticed her affection and decided to ask.

"What kind of story has he sung for you darling? I know him. He's definitely been lying to you about what and who he is."

"Shut up Jackie!" I ordered him with a firm growl behind my voice as Jesse was quick to ask me from behind in a worried tone of voice.

"What is he talking about?"

"Don't listen to him! He's…he's just saying whatever he wants! You're supposed to be dead Jackie!" I shouted back at the man as he eyed me up and down before questioning.

"Well I'm not. Thanks to someone who actually sees my potential."

Instantly my thoughts came to rest on Lia and with that in mind I asked him in disbelief.

"Who?! Lia!?" Jackie's face said everything a few moments later so I went on to yell.

"Lia doesn't believe in anyone who isn't part of the attrition! She's a manipulator! She plays with souls for fun!"

"And what the fuck do you do!?" Jackie shouted right back as I decided to take a step back. Jesse held onto my hand yet remained silent even as Jackie stepped forward to yell at me.

"We were partners! That used to mean something to you! Then you grew cold feet and had me banished! Well now I'm here to take what was rightfully mine and thanks to Lia's support, you and your little….girlfriend?! You're both going to die!"

"What did she promise you Jackie?" I asked him back now in fear for Jesse's safety now that he made his intentions clear. Giving me another wicked smile and a laugh he replied.

"My freedom. If I can't rule the realm then at the very least I can get revenge by killing you once and for all. Now accept that."

"You can't kill me Jackie. Don't make me do this. Especially not in front of her." My eyes went back quickly to look at Jesse's. She was scared and rightfully so. Jackie on the other hand decided to say.

"You don't give a shit about killing me in front of your bitch Marcus. You care about continuing that lie you've been spinning. All that bullshit comes to an end right here. I've already made that choice for you."

I had to think of something and fast. Jackie was forcing my hand and ruining nearly two decades of work I had on Jesse. If she knew what I was she wouldn't love me like she does. I'm sure of that. With my hand being taken by her, I had to decide what mattered most right now. Jackie doesn't give a fuck about Jesse at the end of the day. He will kill her just out of spite of me. I have to get her to safety then deal with him, but doing so would cost me. Thinking about her getting hurt right now was the only thing that brought me over the edge. I had to take a chance. So with everything to lose I pulled her close to my side while staring Jackie down as he took another step forward.

"Marcus, do something." She begged me as I knew what I had to do. Holding her as tightly as I could with my right arm, I calmly replied back.

"Don't worry. I will. Don't let go of me." I then urged her as Jackie was quick to question.

"You're really that worried I'll hurt her. Aren't you? Don't tell me you plan on running."

"She's not part of this. Once she's safe I'll be coming back for you."

"You can't run away from me this time Marcus. I'll follow you anywhere you go." Jackie informed me as I then begged him.

"Then let my girlfriend go. You want to kill me? Fine, but let her walk out of here first. You can have your revenge after she's out of sight." Shaking his head Jackie then went on to chuckle.

"And let her go get help? I don't think so."

"Please!" I shouted now which only made him laugh harder.

This wasn't going to work. I had no other choice. Looking back at Jesse, I gently said to her.

"I'm sorry. I gotta do this. For both of our sakes. Please don't be scared." Her face meant everything to me right now and right now she was scared and very lost for what I was trying to say. It didn't matter much at this moment, but again, I had no other options.

Looking back at Jackie as he cracked his neck, I phased my hand free from Jesse's grasp and proceeded to ready myself. In fact Jackie himself seemed surprised I just did that and with another quick chuckle proceeded to grunt at me.

"Good. Then let's not waste anymore time."

Two seconds after he said that I was rushed in an instant. Jackie's power level back when he was my demi was pretty much at the same place Raptor's was when he was in his prime, but I still held every advantage. Managing to dodge his blind first attempt at attacking me, I followed up by trying to swing on him. Jackie however ducked and immediately lunged into my gut to pick me up and run me back into the wall. Jesse let out a loud scream as I threw down three of four good elbows onto the back of his neck to earn my release.

"Agghhhh!" I let out a scream of my own as I decided to headbutt him square on the nose. Jackie stumbled back two feet from the hit and before he could react I sent my right foot forward and sent him back into the couch, knocking him and it over in the process.

Flinging my head to look over at my girlfriend, I ordered her sternly to stay down. By then Jackie had noticed my distraction and teleported right back into my face to hit me evenly in my right cheek. He then followed up with a small combo and ended it by kicking me now backwards and into the wall.

The wall itself couldn't hold up to our strength when I slammed into it and I physically found myself a near foot through it. Jackie however didn't give me any time to react and with all his force he came running at me until he had again kicked me square in my chest. This time I went through the wall and into the kitchen. I rolled backward until I slammed backfirst into the kitchen sink.

"Ughh." That actually hurt pretty bad. My back wasn't ready for such an impact so I struggled to get up as Jackie walked his way through the wall to ask.

"You don't look good. What's wrong Marcus? Holding back still? That's fine, I'll kill you either way. Makes no difference to me!" He proceeded to claim as he swung at me.

Blocking all his attacks, I phased through his body and latched a hand onto the back of his jacket. Using my power, I threw him into the fridge and followed up with two jabs, hitting him both times in the face. Jackie absorbed most of the hits before he decided to teleport behind once again. This time he grabbed me by my right arm and dragged me back to where the dinner table was. Before I knew it he had slammed my head into the counter twice before throwing me over it and into the chairs just beyond.

Reaching up to feel my face, I looked down quickly to notice some blood leaving my mouth. Jackie was quick to throw the table to the side to get at me again, but this time I teleported out of the way and ran at him from the side. Tackling him to the floor I swung down with an elbow but was immediately rolled off by the bigger human. With him now on top he hit me in the side of the head with an elbow of his own. You could hear my skull cracking from the impact and I nearly lost consciousness from the first one. The second one did in fact knock me out. I let my arms fall to my sides and faded into the dark just as he wound up a third one with full intent on caving in my head.

"Stop!" Jesse screamed as she came out from my left side to jump on the man. Jackie was caught off guard by the sudden intervention and was down right unprepared as my girlfriend soon found herself stabbing the man with a small knife she had gotten from the nearby clutter that wound up on the floor from him throwing the table. It went deep into his shoulder.

"Aghh! You fucking bitch!" Jackie shouted as he struggled to get her off. Rolling her onto her back I watched in fear as he decided enough was enough and hit her right in the face with a right hook. Jesse instantly lost her advantage as I was struck with anger from watching her head bounce off the wood floor.

"Get off her!" I yelled as I ran at him just as he got his hands on the knife that was lodged in his shoulder. Just as I got into contact with him; he somehow managed to get the knife out of him and pointed right at my gut. My eyes widened as I ran right into it. Jackie just smiled widely and laughed as I pinned myself into him on the floor. I could feel blood leaving my stomach as he decided to twist it slightly.

"Hahah!" He continued to laugh as I felt my power surge up to my fists. Giving him one solid jab to the mouth to shut him up, he managed to also release the knife. That's when I took every chance I had and started to try and beat him down. Three or four good hits connected but the others were blocked before he suddenly got a foot on my bleeding stomach.

"Back off!" He ordered me with a growl and a sturdy kick which sent me flying back towards the sink which I hit backfirst for the second time.

Unable to feel my legs, I looked up in fear as Jackie focused on healing his wounds. Jesse struggled to move away from him, but soon found herself looking over at me in awe of my state. Using my abilities to quickly work on my guts, I decided that there had to be a limit to how much Jackie could do. Even when he was alive his strength was immense, but he had limits. Teleporting and phasing was never his strong suit. With any luck he would be running out of energy soon. I just had to outlast him.

"Run Jesse!" I begged her as she had another chance to get away from this. She had to get away from this. Jackie would kill her otherwise. She struggled but got to her feet just in time to be stopped by the human who had more than enough time to act once he heard my order.

"You aren't going anywhere bitch." He informed her as he rushed her and got a firm grip over her right arm.

"Stop!" I screamed at him as I got up from my downed state to run.

Before I could reach my girlfriend, Jackie used every fiber of his being to throw her at the basement door which was just left after exiting the kitchen. The smaller fox went right through the wooden door as I came in to punch Jackie as hard as I could which even managed to knock him off his feet.

Grabbing him by the neck, I pulled him up and off his feet to begin choking him. Jackie kicked at me in the hope that I would let him go, but before he could get a good one on me I channeled my power and squeezed his throat with all I had. Jackie stared right into my soul as I crushed his windpipe in a mere heartbeat. That's when I caught a foot to my chin and released him.

My old demi, despite his severe injury, was mad enough to try and tackle me again. We collided and together fell backwards until we were both rolling for control over one another. Blood from his mouth dripped onto my face as I knew by now he was getting desperate. Unable to speak his shit, I widened my eyes when suddenly he managed to retrieve the knife that was just off to my right side. Sending it down at my face, I grabbed both his wrists and fought back his immense power. Slowly however he was getting closer to my neck and in time I began to doubt myself. It became even worse when the tip could be felt brushing through my fur. I began to scream in fear I was about to be killed but was quickly silenced by the sound of a gunshot.

Jackie's head snapped as the bullet went through the left side of his skull and out the right. The knife was released from his grip and I stared into his blank eyes as he fell on top of me as nothing more than dead weight. Unsure of what happened, I looked to my left side to find Jesse at the top of the basement steps with a small revolver in her left hand. Smoke could be seen leaving the barrel as I was too focused on her condition. Blood was running down the right side of her head and judging from her position she could barely stand from being sent down a flight of stairs and through a door.

"Are you alright?" She asked me as I was in complete shock that she had saved me. Throwing Jackie off of my body, I stopped to see if he was dead for real this time.

I could sense that he was still there somehow and trying to recover and I wasn't about to let him this time. This time he was going to stay dead. So with my hand going to his chest I decided to steal his soul for myself this time. This time I was going to make sure he stayed in hell. I could feel his energy coming up my arms and after a few moments his body went cold and I could feel him screaming from inside my head. For now though it was over.

Letting my hand leave his chest, I looked back at Jesse to reply.

"Yeah. I'm…ughh….I'm alright. Just….shaky."

Healing myself to the point where I could move freely again, I stood back up and got to the top of the steps to help her move.

"I think my leg is broken." She informed me as I reached down to wrap her arm around my neck. Dragging her up the last step, I laid her out and took a look over her head which was still bleeding pretty good.

"Hold still. I got you." I said to her calmly as I realized there was no point to try and hide what I was anymore. She stared at my eyes as I focused my efforts on healing her. The moment I began to close the gash on her head she asked me in confusion.

"What are you doing? Marcus I…?" Putting my other hand to her mouth, I whispered.

"Shush. I need to focus. Trust me please."

She nodded and went quiet as I soon had her skull repaired and went to set her leg back in place. As I fused her bones back together; she let out a pained groan until I had finished. Then she let out a deep breath and put her head back down on the ground.

"Can you move it?" I asked her as she was stunned by what I had done. Flexing her leg very carefully the young woman replied.

"Yeah. Marcus? What did you do? Who was that asshole?" We both looked at Jackie's dead body and as my mind settled I replied.

"An old friend. He should have been dead."

Reaching out to put a hand over my leg, she then wondered while taking another deep breath.

"Is he gonna stay dead this time?" She gave me a small smile which in turn made me chuckle and reply.

"Yeah. This time he's gonna stay that way. I'll make make sure of it."

"What are you Marcus?" Jesse then asked me as I thought of the words I'd try to use to describe such a thing to her with.

"A liar first and foremost." I admitted as I reached out to take the gun from her. Putting it to the side, I went on to say.

"I don't even know where to start to be honest, but I'm not normal much like you can see now that this is over. I'm not really mortal. I never age. I don't really die. I'm actually the one who decides things like death."

"What do you mean?" She then asked me curiously as I sensed no fear in her now. It made me more comfortable to admit more to her. I feared I'd sound stupid saying this.

"I'm a god Jesse. As dumb and as unbelievable as that sounds, I'm not lying to you this time."

"He's not." I heard a familiar voice state which instantly got me to turn around to find Lia and Roslin both standing before me. Before I could even react Roslin punched me square in the mouth.

Jesse instantly went for the gun and before she could get it Roslin had already kicked it away. Looking up at him in fear, the small fox asked as I struggled to sit back up from the hit.

"Who are you people!? What do you want!?"

Instinctively I got between her and Roslin to beg him.

"Please don't touch her Roslin." Lia began to chuckle as my old master just stared a hole through my head.

"Looks like Jackie wasn't much of a match for you, huh Marcus?" Lia then wondered innocently as I decided to question.

"Why would you use him against me?"

"Why? To get you moving. As you can see, we are both very inpatient. You've been given a warning once already and I'm tired of seeing no results. Hell you aren't even trying to be better. What else can I do?" She asked me now as I knew I had no position to speak back.

With my eyes going back to Roslin's, I asked him curiously.

"How long have you been waiting to hit me?"

He was content with giving me the nastiest looking glare of all time and before answering he decided to hit me again. I nearly fell back over as he went on to state.

"You're lucky it's just a mild beating. You should be dead already for everything you've done to ruin the realm. Lucky for you, Lia talked me out of killing you for right now. So if I were you I'd listen to what she has to say and if you're smart you might actually do something other than disobey the attrition."

"Go fuck yourself Roslin. You never cared about the attrition, but now that a member is standing at your back, watching your every move; you sing a different tune. Like a lap dog." I chuckled, which is when I received a third punch. Jesse begged him to stop but she didn't know Roslin. Roslin would do whatever he thought was needed to cement his position. Beating me like this is no different. This was all a choice.

"Another mortal who doesn't understand what she's found herself in." Lia said with a sigh as she took a few steps closer to where we were just to look at her scared state as I crawled back onto my hands and knees.

"I'm not going to hold your hand honey. Marcus is a big lying jerk. Probably has been lying his way throughout your relationship."

"That's not true." I interjected as Jesse kept her eyes focused on the smaller fox.

"He's not a mortal. He's not an M.E.A.F officer and he's surely not friends with Raptor Voltz. Marcus is nothing more than a god. That much of what he said is true. He's a god of death and destruction. His only task is to make sure people keep naturally dying. That alone should be a simple task, but he struggles these days with other things that distract him. Things like you." Lia had an intention and I was scared she'd act upon it, but to my surprise she held back and went on to say.

"In the beginning he was only allowed to interact with one mortal. A person he thinks could continue on in his stead. A demi. Well he has one and since then has given himself away to nearly a dozen other people. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but trust me when I say that even one is enough to have him killed and this reality replaced. We don't like it when our rules are broken. You however are a bit more…..involved. You're sleeping with the man for god's sake."

"And I was told that we can't go further because what he does affects my safety. I can understand why he's been hiding it now." Jesse sighed which only made me feel more shitty.

"I'm not dumb. I have to die now right? Me and everyone else who's seen your faces?" Jesse then asked Lia bluntly which seemed to impress her. Getting all giddy, Lia replied back a moment after.

"Normally that would be the case, but seeing as you are now aware of his situation, I'm going to instead allow you to carry on. My hope is that you'll be able to convince him to continue his old line of work in a way that is satisfactory to me and my people. If the person he holds dearest can't do that, then yes, I'll be back once again to make sure you and him are both erased from reality. Does that sound fair?" She then asked me as her whole body refocused on my position.

Without skipping a beat, Jesse chimed back in to ask the goddess unexpectedly.

"How many people does he have to kill for you and anization?" Lia was surprised to hear the question and took it as a good sign. So turning back to look at her she replied.

"Oh honey I'm so sorry to inform you, but Marcus needs a war to satisfy our needs. A war he knows would fuck a lot of things up. Friendships included. Normally that wouldn't matter, but he's grown awfully attached over the last few decades and we know that alone would tear him apart from the inside out."

Lia was content with just now observing my girlfriend. Jesse held her ground despite feeling hopeless in their presence. Keeping her eyes trained on her, she went on to ask.

"Nearly a hundred and fifty thousand people die daily. How is that not enough?"

"It's not about the number. It's about the chaos. A war prevents peace. This realm is coming to a point where peace will be forever. That can't be allowed to happen. Marcus needs to get back on track or else you and him will both be dead. You and your entire reality. I'm sure a girl like you even has a family to care about. Don't you want them to stay alive?" Jesse went and stayed quiet now as Lia nodded her head.

"Fail me one more time Marcus. Fail the attrition and next time we see each other I'll have Roslin finish the job Jackie started. Am I clear this time?"

"Yes ma'am." I replied as she chuckled and looked back at Roslin to ask.

"Satisfied?" Looking right at me he replied.

"He's still breathing. So no, not really."

"He refuses to act again and you'll be the one cutting off that breath. For now just relax. These two have a lot to discuss."

Jesse reached out to grab onto my hand and together we both watched as the two of them vanished. Instantly I fell onto my back and just let out a deep exhale. Jesse did the same and for a minute we just collected ourselves. More so myself than her. She had more questions than answers and I'd be the one answering them all. However I was curious about something, so I decided to ask her while covering my eyes with both hands.

"Do you hate me yet?"

She gave me a small smile before replying back.

"No. I'd never hate you. My head hurts from everything that just happened and I need some time to calm down before we talk about it. I know we both just got fucked up, but can we just lay here for a little longer?"

Using my senses to feel around the area, I had worries someone would report the gunshot from earlier. Lowering my hands and looking back at her beautiful face, I sighed back.

"We should try to clean up the mess. I'm sure someone heard that gunshot and knowing your neighbors I wouldn't be shocked if the M.E.A.F stops by. Let's come up with a story before that happens so we don't get into any more trouble."

"Probably a good idea." She replied as I squeezed her hand one last time before drifting back into my thoughts.

The rest of this night would be spent trying to settle years of lies. If she hadn't shot Jackie's head off I'd probably be in a really bad state right about now. In fact I had the idea to call for Raptor's help, but even if I did I doubt he would have helped me after everything. Regardless, I think my time was nearing an end. I couldn't compete with actual fighters. I was outmatched despite my powers. Jackie had me good and if I planned to do nothing for any longer I'm sure Roslin would beat me to death thanks to Lia giving him back his. I had to do something…..actually I had to do a lot. Once this was all done and settled I'd start with trying to talk to my demi. We could figure this out somehow. We had too.

Sam's POV.

On arrival, I found both Roslin and Lia waiting for me at the base of the same sand dune we once were fighting at. Both of them looked like polar opposites at this moment. Lia was bubbly and happy while Roslin seemed firm and serious. Coming to a stop at Lia's side I asked curiously.

"So how did it go?"

"I was actually disappointed! Thanks for asking!" She replied back with a smile as Roslin added.

"Makes two of us. Jackie was killed."

"But the message was still sent Roslin! Marcus wasn't being deceitful at all! He's down to no more chances! We'll see a change from him soon enough!"

Roslin rolled his eyes before stating back at the fox who was half his size.

"You're putting too much faith in him Lia."

"He loves that girl of his though Roslin. We both felt that coming off him when I got too close to her. He'll figure out a way to try to impress me. He's not going to just lay down and let her die. Give him a little more time. Remember what I told you. If he does not improve you'll be the one putting him down next time. So look forward to that if you're that confident he'll remain useless." Lia gave him ample time to respond, but Roslin went and stayed quiet as her attention soon shifted back on me to ask.

"Now what about you? How did your…..interruption go?"

"I think it worked out. My father is running to god knows where and I got a little revenge on a certain someone."

"Fantastic!" Lia proceeded to shout in excitement as I then heard from Roslin.

"Are any issues going to arise from your intervention?"

Roslin and I were not going to see eye to eye during this time. We both were thinking about other things. I just wanted to prove a point and beat his ass a little while I was at it. Him though? He was in his own head.

"None for the three of us. But I wouldn't be surprised if my father calls out Anpu to the world after what I just did to buy his time. My people will be questioning everything and I won't have an answer to give."

"You lie to them." Roslin ordered me as I was quick to question.

"How? What the fuck do I say?"

"I'm going to assume you physically stood with your father, face to face, but you had enough common sense to remain off the cameras right? You phased the entire time, yes?" I nodded.

"It's only been twenty or so minutes since we came together to do this. Go back to where your people are and find someone conscious enough to be your alibi. Start waking people up if you have to. But your dad probably fled to Pakistan which is at most a nine hour flight. Even fucking longer if he drove. My point is no matter what time he accuses you of attacking him; you'll be able to say it was impossible since you were in Iran with your friends. Go now and you won't have any problems from them. Worst comes to worst, they'll be looking into a reason why they think he'd accuse you of something like this out of the blue."

Roslin was right and I hated that I was about to listen to another one of his commands. Looking back at Lia, I asked her calmly before parting.

"When can we hang out again?" She was really surprised by that question. Roslin was annoyed by it though so it made it worth asking. Quickly realizing my question was genuine she replied back with another happy tune.

"Give me a day. I'll come find you. I should have plenty of free time now that this is all settled."

"Okay. I'll see you soon then." I informed her back with a smile as my eyes soon looked back at Roslin. Neither of us said a word as I jumped back to the bunker in Iran.

Immediately stripping out of my gear and stowing it all away in my bag, I took a good look around the barracks to make sure everyone was really asleep before revealing myself.

Honestly it was kinda overwhelming sneaking back into the barracks after something like this. I was nervous for no reason and all the fucking snoring was driving me up a wall. With all of the groups together like this it was impossible to ignore. How does anyone sleep through this? I wondered as I decided it was best to check back in with the doctor to make sure he was still out of it.

Walking up to the med bay, I found Dexter right where I left him. That fucking crack in the wall was sure to raise a question, but I'd bullshit something when the time came. What mattered now was waking someone up to talk to. My first idea went right to Tika so that's exactly where I went. Gently knocking on her door, I waited as I heard from within.

"Who is it?"

"It's me." I replied as I knew she knew my voice by heart at this point.

Instantly she got up and scrambled for the door. Upon opening it to look me right in my eyes she came out half naked while questioning.

"What are you doing out of bed? Dexter said you'd be out all night."

My eyes took in the pantless bird and I calmly managed to reply.

"You think a bullet to the head would send me to sleep for the night? Come on." Tika smiled and even began to chuckle as I decided to lay on the pressure by asking.

"Can I come sleep with you for the night? I went by the barracks on the way over and there is no way in god I'm going to suffer through all that snoring after today."

Instantly she pushed open her door and took a step to the side to reply.

"Of course you can. After today you deserve a medal."

"How about a small shoulder massage instead? I'm very tense right now. My upper should be looking out for me." I informed her as she playfully kicked me in my ass as I walked by.

"Get comfortable first you psychotic bitch."

"Still not over the needle?" I questioned back as I got out of my jeans a second later.

"Literally no one would be over that. You can't just shoot me up and expect me not to lose my shit." Flopping onto her bed, I let out a heavy exhale before looking back over at her to reply.

"I think the risk was worth the reward."

"Still doesn't make it right." She informed me as she got in bed to look me right in my eyes before ordering.

"Flip over." Widening my eyes, I questioned while doing so.

"You're actually going to rub my shoulders?" Getting right up behind me a moment after Tika whispered back into my ear.

"I'd do so much more, but we're sitting in between Lane and Cal. I'm not giving either of them a show."

"To be honest I don't think I have the energy right now for your antics. Probably for the best we behave." I now whispered back as she was quick to question.

"Antics? Last time I checked you were the one melting to pieces when we first fooled around. Seemed more like you had a craving."

"Hmm….maybe they aren't antics, but we should still try to sleep. No telling what tomorrow could bring."

"Just do me a favor?" Tika then mumbled back as I looked over my shoulder and into her eyes.

"Don't hog the covers. I'm the one with feathers."

All I could do was giggle as she went about rubbing my shoulders.

mT Shadow.