Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 84 - A joint effort.
Raptor's POV, The States, Later that night.
"Did you tell him that we were coming?" Bodi asked me as we approached the white house on foot.
"Of course not." I chuckled back as he and Tegan had both been displaying signs of exhaustion. We haven't taken a break since leaving Iran and I had no intention of stopping until this was dealt with. The three of us have changed out of our uniforms to something a bit more professional. That and showing up here in full kit was a quick way to draw a lot of attention and we already stood out enough considering most of the world knew my face. Thankfully I wasn't being called out just yet, but as we neared the security guarding the front gate I reached back for my wallet.
"How's your day going gentlemen?" I asked as I handed my ID over to one of them.
"Good sir. Ahhhh…ohh….Mr. Voltz? With the M.E.A.F?" I was asked as I nodded my head to ask.
"Is Ajex in? I need to see him as soon as possible."
Looking over at my two friends he replied calmly.
"Should be, but I need to call this in first before anything. Do you mind waiting a moment?"
"Take your time." I urged him as we were left with the rest of the detail to wait for clearance. I'm sure Ajex would be scrambling once he heard I was here. Noticing Bodi taking a moment to yawn, I confidently said to him while looking around at the guards.
"You'll be in bed before you know it, kid. I'm sorry you've both had to spend the day in a plane."
"We're fine sir. What we're doing is worth losing some sleep over." Tegan stated which in turn got Bodi to chuckle before adding.
"Avoiding war? Yeah I think that's worth it."
I couldn't disagree with them if we were being honest and once we were cleared into the white house itself, it all became real when Ajex could be seen by the front door; now just waiting on me to reach him. As I came within touching distance he pulled me in close for a hug to ask nervously in my ear.
"What are you doing here?" Keeping him held close, I replied while patting his back.
"I need your help with Iran." I could instantly tell how he felt because all I sensed was more discomfort brewing up as he released me a second later to urge.
"Let's head up to my office then and talk about what it is I can do for you."
Together we walked side by side to his office and on the way I decided to ask him curiously.
"How have things been on your end since we last talked?"
"Not the best if you want my honest opinion, but I suppose that's most days right now. What about you? I see you've gotten yourself a few new scars since our last face to face."
Upon entering his office I urged both of my friends to remain outside and once we had our privacy I answered the question.
"A little dust up, but nothing to be concerned with."
Ajex was a lot more relaxed once we were somewhere we couldn't be watched. Leaning back on his desk he was contained enough to wonder.
"So Iran? I'm assuming all our hard work has begun burning down?" Giving him a crafty smile I replied.
"In a manner of sorts, but I got an idea to remedy it. Earlier this morning I had the pleasure of sitting down with Azat, Alston and Vulcan to address the problems Anpu and her people have given us."
"And knowing Azat I'd assume he's looking for just about any reason to break the treaty he signed." Ajex stated which is when I decided to correct him.
"Actually he's looking to expand. Starting with getting rid of me. He wants me to resign from office and abolish the M.E.A.F. In exchange he says he won't have to burn down all three of my major cities."
"What? Is he mad?" Ajex now questioned as I was quick to give him the answer.
"Mad at me for not being able to protect his people, but he's mainly looking at my territory and seeing the potential it gives him to rake in millions if he was to get his hands on the oil my deserts provide. Using that he's gonna expand Iran's borders and merge with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq."
"His people won't back him." Ajex then claimed confidently as I shrugged my shoulders before questioning.
"He doesn't rightly care what the people think. He's grown completely dependent on never being challenged and I'm sure no one outside his top brass knows him truly as a leader. He's not leading because he wants to. He's leading because it gives him access to everything in life he could ever want for himself. His people don't really even know what he's actually like. They haven't seen a hair of it in over fifty years. I'm sure if they did it would impact his image greatly."
Ajex was now going quiet on me as he was clearly trying to come up with something. After a few seconds of him gently pacing around the room, he proceeded to give me a concerned look to ask.
"So what exactly are you here for then?"
"Support?" I fired back which in turn had him question.
"Raptor I can't provide you with anything more than emotional support here. That and advice. Despite our friendship the government here operates very strictly. I don't really even get much of a say if we're being honest. If you are expecting troops or anything of that nature; it simply can't happen."
"Because you guys need Azat and his oil. Look, I get that, but listen to me for a second before you go blowing some gasket." I urged him now with a smile as he gave me one back to now give me his ear.
"The problem isn't Iran here. It's Azat and Alston. All we need to do is get rid of them. I know you well enough to know you'd rather have me in their place." Instantly the man let out a firm laugh before questioning.
"And how would you propose such a thing?" Getting close to the man, I lowered my voice to reply.
"Like I said before, I just got done having a meeting with Azat and his cronies. Both of which were under the assumption that they weren't being monitored since I did allow them to pick the location prior. They had security like no other, but hear this. You saw the good looking kid I brought with me? The morph?" Ajex nodded as I went on to state.
"His name is Bodi. He's been the XO of my security detail for a while now and has the quietest movements known to man. It's thanks to him that I was able to get the meeting all on camera. I want you to watch it for yourself first hand and after I want you to rethink your previous answer." Ajex was now looking at me with a new form of curiosity to him. I had him thinking and after he was settled I called Bodi into the office.
Bodi's POV.
"Lieutenant!" Breaking out of my habit of yawning, I widened my eyes and felt my heart jump as Voltz called for me. Tegan chuckled at my reaction so I just jabbed him before peeking my head into the office to see both Ajex and him staring at me like I was some form of eye candy. Finding my tongue I replied curiously.
"Ahhh yes sir?"
"Come here for a second and let me see your phone. Oh and shut the door please." Voltz ordered as I quickly came into the room while also checking to make sure I didn't embarrass myself by getting my fucking tail caught on the way in. Throwing it to my side while shutting the door, I caught a slight chuckle coming from Voltz himself and as I approached; Ajex asked me curiously.
"Who was who in your life Lieutenant? Your look is unique and quite interesting." Surprised the president of G.U.N would care, I replied as confidently as I could while also getting my phone out for the commander.
"Thank you sir. My mom was a cat and my dad was a snake."
"How long did it take for them to have you enter their lives? If you don't mind me asking." He then wondered as Voltz had now taken my phone from me.
"My pops told me it took…..ahhhh…I think like three years."
"Wow." He chuckled back which in turn made me relax a little. The tenison of being in this position was mind boggling to me still. I had no clue when I signed up that I'd be placed at Voltz's side. Let alone did I think I'd ever find my way into the oval office.
"Raptor here claims you got his meeting on camera. How'd you do that?" I looked to Voltz for permission and with a nod of his head I answered to the cat standing before me.
"I managed to slip through the ventilation that ran just above the room they were in at the time. We took an elevator to get there so I just climbed on top of the thing and fumbled my way into the nearest maintenance hole I could find. Thankfully it was a pretty high end hotel we were at and not some crappy one. Barely even a speck of dust up there."
"Can I see the video Raptor?" He then asked my commander who then handed over the phone.
"You might wanna take a seat. It's a few minutes long." Voltz urged him as I chuckled a little before asking him curiously.
"Should I leave sir?"
He had to give it some thought actually. I was expecting him to say yes, but after a moment he shook his head to reply.
"No. You're good here Lieutenant. I'll actually have a favor to ask of you once he's done listening to all that."
"Okay. Sure." I replied back with a hint of nervousness behind my voice. Giving me a gentle pat on the back, Voltz urged me with a smile.
"Relax." Suddenly I got hit with a strange feeling of warmth from his touch and it was almost immediate that my anxiety had gone completely away. It felt like it had been snatched from me and at first I was confused, but again I began to feel like everything was perfectly alright. Like nothing bad was even going to happen. When I looked back at Voltz I noticed an even stranger look in his eyes. It was surreal and right now I felt like he was beyond my understanding when it came to people all being different. He was somehow just able to install hope from within me with a single glance. It had to be a talent of some sort. That or he was just a legend in my eyes and maybe I was being blinded to see him differently.
Regardless, the feelings remained even after he took his hand off my back. Looking back at Ajex, I now took notice of his face. The words he was hearing and what he was seeing was making him as quiet as a church mouse. Having heard everything that was said I can assume he was shocked by how ruthless a guy like Azat was when behind closed doors. With minutes passing and his reaction only getting worse, I listened intently as Voltz asked him as soon as it finished.
"What do you think of that?" Handing me back my phone, Ajex replied calmly once he had recovered from what he just listened to.
"I think you're too smart for your own good. If this video gets made public Azat and Alston will both be put in a really bad place. Despite what you may think, Azat himself isn't one hundred percent in control of Iran. He holds a major part correct, but if he tries to go to war and this is made available, I'd be willing to bet a whole country would refuse action. Might even get him kicked out of office, but this has to be handled the right way Raptor if you want this to happen correctly."
"This doesn't involve just me here Ajex. You heard what was said about you and G.U.N. This video goes live and you will be in a prime position to capitalize. This shows the world that what we're doing is still the intended result." Voltz stated as I was curious myself on what he planned on doing now. Giving him another curious look, Ajex asked him back.
"What do you have in mind then?" Patting the man proudly on the shoulder, he replied carefully so we both could understand what he was thinking.
"First we figure out a way to get this video into the right hands and I'm thinking we use someone else to do it. Azat will call me out the instant this gets released without a proper source to back it. I want an Iranian reporter on this. Someone who doesn't give a shit about the risk. Make it look like this was obtained by them. I'm sure there are plenty of people over there who would take the risk themselves for personal gain, so we just have to find a good one who we can trust. Once that's done I'll start going public with my own people about the situation. We'd be going to war either way so I want them to be scared. My army is strong but the numbers are intimidating. No one would want to actually fight this battle. So I'll drive the fear home and once the video gets made public; you and your people can swoop in for what's right and back me up." Ajex is not yet convinced and Voltz could sense that because he quickly urged him.
"The people in Iran won't stand for Azat and his bullshit. That video will spark protest to a level Iran isn't used to. Disarray will be inevitable and when it's at its worst we can both take the city together. Not a shot needs to be fired from any side. We attack first before they can mount any sort of plan. That way when I show up I can simply take control."
"Why attack at all? We let this roll over naturally and neither of us will have to waste the effort it takes to move an army." Ajex questioned as Voltz was immediate with his next answer.
"And trust whoever takes their place to make the right choices? We can't risk the chance. This is an opportunity for both of us to advance. Think about it Ajex. Help me take Iran."
Ajex was starting to feel the heat and I was just mesmerized by Voltz's drive to take control. He had no fear at all when it came to Iran. He just knew he had a plan and was convinced he couldn't fail. If we take Iran it would change everything for the middle east. Ajex must have known that as well because next he asked him out of concern.
"You're asking for a lot. Iran has been an ally for nearly the last century. We've never had an issue nor a reason to fight each other. I'm worried my people won't see what you see. They might just see it in a negative way. What happens when you take Iran? What happens for me? For G.U.N?"
"What happens is this. You help me take Iran when they're at their weakest. If I'm in charge as your ally I can guarantee you whatever it is you currently have going on with them and more. After it's all settled I'll be able to have the resources needed to start fracking in my other borders. The oil we can bring in is fucking game changing to everyone Ajex. Azat isn't wrong about that and no offense but I've met enough G.U.N politicians and without a doubt I can say that once they hear the number they'll put everything into making sure it happens. Even if only to line their own pockets. Plus this looks so fucking good for you! You swoop in as a hero to my people and your own will look at you as if you're a god. A god of doing the right thing. The thing you promised that got you into office to begin with. You do this Ajex and you're guaranteed to be reelected for another term. Just like Hecan was after the rebellion wars."
Both Voltz and I knew that what he said really got to him. Ajex began to think more openly than ever and once he was convinced he asked calmly.
"How are you going to get this to Iran?" My eyes widened when suddenly I was being targeted and without skipping a beat Voltz replied while patting my arm.
"Using him."
"What?" I questioned back as he chuckled before restating his answer again.
"You heard me. You can do this with your eyes closed."
"What about Zandro? Surely he has an operator who is better suited for this kind of thing." I stumbled back as I felt his hand on my back grow warm again all the sudden. As I began to feel the same immensely soothing effect, I listened close as I was then told by the man himself.
"You're better than all of those guys. I know what you can do and your hands down the best infiltrator the M.E.A.F has. Even better than me when I was back in my prime." As I heard that, Ajex himself chuckled out.
"Wow that's one hell of a compliment coming from him Lieutenant. I'd feel honored, but I also agree with this plan. Sending a single person to do this is a lot safer than sending a whole team. Voltz can find you a way back into the city and once you're there I think you'll have very little issue finding a willing reporter. I can tell you're charming by just looking at you. Use that talent and do whatever you have too and make sure that neither my people or your own have to get hurt. If we can do this without having to kill anyone I'd say this is a perfect opportunity to make some things start going our way." Now being given commands by G.U.N of all people, I looked back to Voltz to hear him ask me.
"Can you do this for me?"
I'd be lying if I wasn't feeling just a little bit more confident all of the sudden and with a smile on my face I nodded my head gratefully to reply.
"Of course sir. I can do this. I won't fuck this up."
Voltz was very happy to see me agree to my situation and once that was settled he urged me while pointing towards the door.
"I know you won't. Head back out with Tegan for a few minutes. I need to finish talking to Ajex in private. Once we're all done we can figure out our next move. Till then can you do me one last favor? Ask around and see if we can find ourselves a place to crash for the night. We're all tired and I want to rest prior to getting on another plane."
I agreed with him one hundred percent and when I went to turn for the exit I heard Voltz then say to Ajex.
"Told you we don't have to worry. That's why he's my best." I would also be lying if I wasn't letting all his comments hype me up and make me happy as hell at the same time. He just had so much faith in me and that made my future assignment seem even easier.
Raptor's POV.
Ajex and I were both happy to see Bodi accept his responsibilities and I was even more confident in our plan because of it. However once Bodi had left and shut the door I was asked by the cat.
"Your plan is relying heavily on that boy. I have faith in your choice to give this to him, but what I need help understanding further is your specific reason for going through with all this? If we pull this off and you and the M.E.A.F take Iran; what is your plan then? For after?"
"I plan to regain the ground we lost thanks to Anpu. If I can take Iran once and for all without any bloodshed and the people to back it, I can triple; if not quadruple my numbers. The M.E.A.F would be a force to think twice about before trying to go agonist. I'd have more control over the spots I think they could be using and I'd have the freedom and the manpower to sniff them out if they're hiding closeby. Plus I can take the proper steps needed to merge Iran into my network. No longer would it be neutral in all this. Iran would be my heart and with that piece connected I could finally unite the middle east all together. I might even be able to remove the primitive borders that Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq have all had since they're creation. Then and only then would the world see just how much good can come from our efforts. Among hundreds of other benefits." I stated confidently as Ajex seemed on board with everything that just came out of my mouth. Yet after a few moments of silence he gave me a concerned look and went on to say.
"Anpu has been the prime reason we're in as much trouble as we're in."
"What's wrong?" I then had to ask as I was now getting more worried.
"We've been in the dark for a while now, Raptor. The operator I had imbedded?"
"They got made?" I then bluntly asked which earned me a nod of his head before adding.
"Killed." Now lowering my head and letting out a sigh, I was soon told by the man in a more calm manner.
"Someway somehow something terrible happened. We hadn't had much contact due to how close they seemed to have gotten to the group, but not long after we received a tape. The tape was an execution."
"Shit. Alright….well fuck. Do we have anything to work with?" I then asked as he simply shook his head.
"What about you? I know things are rough right now with Iran, but have you managed to learn anything?" Ajex then asked me as I was convinced that we were simply out of options. Then all the sudden an idea came to my head and Ajex widened his eyes as he saw the spark come back to my eyes.
The next day, Pakistan.
Finally back at the capital after a long night, I jumped off my helicopter and proceeded to immediately notice the amount of looks I was being given. Tegan who came out behind me also noticed and proceeded to whisper as Bodi was last to leave.
"What do you want to do about this?"
I didn't need to even look at their faces considering I could simply feel the area around me as a whole. All of them were scared, worried, anxious or a combo of the three. I tried to keep it a secret that I was leaving the capital to talk about the potential of war with Iran, but somehow it seems like all of them knew and were now waiting for the answer to their fears.
"I need some time, but we'll go public shortly. For now you're free to head back to your unit Tegan. Thank you for your help."
"Anytime sir. Stay safe." Tegan urged me as he saluted before making his way down the ramp. Left with Bodi, I urged him calmly.
"Come with me for now son. We still have to make sure you get a way into Iran."
"Yes sir." He replied calmly as we soon began to follow Tegan the rest of the way down the ramp. In a few minutes I found myself back in my office and inside waited Zandro and Hoffer. Both stood up to the sight of me and not a second after I had the door shut did Hoffer ask.
"What happened?" Gently pulling Bodi forward, I urged him again while locking my eyes with Hoffer.
"Take a seat."
Once they were all together, I replied to Hoffer's concerns with the blunt truth.
"I did what I could, but Azat didn't want to hear it. He's fixated on eliminating the M.E.A.F. He's had enough and wants what we have and he's willing to go to war for it."
"He gave you nothing?" Zandro questioned as I shook my head once to reply.
"Not completely. He said we can avoid a war if I just surrender and resign. If I do that, he'll take Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq and form it all into a single country."
"He's strong-arming us." Hoffer claimed as I nodded my head to add.
"He wants the oil under our feet. It's worth the risk of killing all of the M.E.A.F for in his eyes."
"Raptor? We can't beat Azat. He has triple our numbers and we're spread thin across all three of our cities." Hoffer now bluntly informed me as I was quick to ask him back.
"Do you really think I don't know that? I have a plan that will not just avoid conflict, but it'll give us Iran and everything Azat has built." Hoffer and Zandro were now looking at me curiously as I rounded my desk to take a seat at the helm.
"If there is one thing I know I can do, it's plan. But this is going to require all of us to pull off. Mainly the three of you." I now directed to them as both Zandro and Hoffer looked at Bodi to wonder what he could do to help. Thankfully after this conversation I had faith in it all. It's just a matter of making sure we all know our roles and making sure nothing gets leaked. With my eyes looking over to the morph who held his tail in his lap as he sat and listened to every word, I asked him with a smile.
"You ready?"
He gave me a surprised but happy smile and as his phone hit the top of my desk, I pushed it towards Hoffer to urge him and Zandro both to watch and listen. Soon they'd be on board just like Ajex. G.U.N had my back on this and with that I was glad to be in this position for once. A war? This will be a joke by comparison to any real combat I saw in my prime.
Maggie's POV, Two hours later, Iraq.
It was strange to feel no pain still. I stopped hurting from my injuries about two days ago and so far it's been pretty tame with all things considered. Yoga and I were currently just laying on each other on the couch as a movie played in the background. We did our best to keep our focus on it, but the truth is I just enjoyed laying here with his arms wrapped around my sides. Nothing could truly get me to focus right now, but both him and I were suddenly hit with the sound of an amber alert taking over the TV. We both jumped a little and almost instantly after the first siren went off did I ask with some concern.
"Jesus. What the hell is going on?" With the screen just blank and the sound repeatedly going off we just sat and waited as in due time a message came online.
"State of emergency has been declared. All non-essential personnel are to remain in your homes until further instructed. All M.E.A.F personnel are to report to your commanding officer immediately. Anyone found outside they're homes are liable to be detained."
"Holy crap. What the fuck is going on?" Yoga asked as he got up and ran to look out the windows.
"Is there some crazy sandstorm rolling in that we don't know about?"
"I don't think they'd be requesting all M.E.A.F personnel if it was." I stated as the message I just read played on repeat for about another five minutes before switching to a new one.
"Live event in progress." I was confused but a moment later the screen went live and at the helm was my father. Alone behind a podium he stood there and took a series of deep breaths as he looked around at whatever room he was in.
"Are we live?" He asked as even his voice seemed disturbed. I had a strong feeling of what was going on now that he was here, but I kept silent as Yoga came around to put a hand on my shoulder. Together we watched as my dad soon started his speech by stating calmly.
"I was encouraged to stick to the script for this, but….well I can't do that with what we're going to be discussing here today. As all of you know we've been working non stop to try and see freedom brought to not just us, but the middle east as a whole. We've gone decades with little to no support from our neighbors. We've built every stone ourselves. Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan have all been transformed from the dirt we all grew up in. Dare I say, but before the rebellion wars you couldn't even keep a straight face if someone tried to tell you we even had a single city to our names. Now look at us. Look at the world and look at what we've done. G.U.N used to be our worst enemy. Now they're our biggest and only supporter. My biggest supporter." My dad stated as he looked down at his podium for a second to come up with his next set of words. You could even tell just how serious he was considering not a single noise other than cameras could be heard in the background. Not a soul interrupted him and after a few more moments he looked back at the camera.
"I never planned to be here right now leading again. In fact I shouldn't be here to begin with. Char should be. If he was then maybe we wouldn't be struggling like we are, but as you all know he was taken from us by a group of terrorists who are working behind the scenes to plot our downfall and despite everything we are no closer to finding them and stopping this shit storm they've brought upon us. This same group is responsible for all the terrible things that have happened to our neighbors in Iran. Thanks to them the M.E.A.F appears weak and because of that it makes me look weak. It makes what we're striving to achieve look impossible and childish. Our peace with Iran has officially come to an end. In fact, Iran and those overseeing it are convinced it's time to make a change. Yesterday I was invited to discuss these issues with Iran's council and despite my best efforts it would appear we have no room to negotiate."
"Oh fuck." Yoga mumbled as I felt my heart picking up pace. I already knew what this was about now that he said that and even Yoga was scared to accept it, but what choice did we have? I asked myself as my dad took a moment to collect himself for what he was about to say to his home.
"President Azat has asked for the immediate dismissal of all M.E.A.F forces, including my formal resignation. I have till the end of the month to give in to these demands otherwise Iranian troops will be coming in force to see to my dismissal personally. So…..I'm…?" My dad froze and immediately I stood up out of fear he was about to resign. Even Yoga begged verbally before he could say another word.
"Don't you fucking do it. I swear….?" Regaining his composure the world listened as my dad sighed.
"I want to resign. We're strong, but we don't have the numbers to survive an attack of this measure and…..and I can't force myself to get innocents killed. I care about every single person that's watching this. This has always been my home and my service to it has cost me everything."
Zeta's POV, Afghanistan.
Pepper, Cody and I were all watching as my ex-husband admitted his feelings to the place he called home and all the people he cared about, but I wasn't prepared for what came next as he looked right into the camera now to state.
"I shouldn't be coming public with this, but it's about time you all know who I am. I'm a broken man at this point in my life. I got nothing but my service record left. I've only ever been good at one thing and that's fighting for my life and those I love. Despite that though, I've never been good at keeping them. Recently my actions have cost me my marriage. My wife hates me and for very good reasons and I won't blame her for leaving. I get everyone close to me hurt or worse. Even my own daughter hates my guts. I've failed at being a father. I can't lie about that. My need to serve my country outweighed my obligations to my own flesh and blood. I should have done so much differently." He admitted as I clenched my fists.
"Sis?" Pepper was now at my side as I was mad he would go public with our divorce.
Suddenly Raptor bent forward to stare into the podium. You could hear him getting emotional and a moment later one of his men came up to check on him. It took him a minute but when he came back to look at the cameras you could see he was tearing up, but trying to come to terms with his feelings in the moment. Taking another moment to breathe, he soon said to us.
"All I got left is my home and the people who look to me to defend it, but right now I got the hardest choice in my life to make and I'm not able to make it. I want this to be the first time in history that we come together as a country to decide our next step. I need you to tell me what I should do. We got two choices. We can give Iran what they want. I can resign and abolish the M.E.A.F and relinquish all power to them. Everything from that point going forward will be forgotten. Azat will take over and do away with most, if not everything we've achieved in our generation and the generations before that, but no one will have to suffer. No one has to die." He stated as I was caught completely off guard by what he was doing.
Yoga's POV, Iraq.
Maggie and I were both motionless and silent as her father continued his speech.
"Or we can fight back. We can use everything in our power to see this through till the end. We pray that our allies can come to our aid and provide support for what is right. We're fighting for the freedom of everything and everyone. We're working towards world peace and unity. We're trying to change our ways and make the world a better place. Better than what our ancestors left us. Peace can become reality. G.U.N as our biggest supporter proves it. We wouldn't be here now without them and forty years ago they were our enemy!" He shouted as he wasted no time in continuing.
"It's because of heroes like Hecan Moore and Ajex Marano that we even have this opportunity. If we have to fight I want you all to understand my intentions, but I need all of you to do it. I need G.U.N to step up and show the world that they believe in what we're all here for. If we're given they're hand; we're going to not just defend our borders. We're going to defend what we believe in. As a species we need to come together and be better. We have to be better." He stated calmly as I glanced over to see the wolf fully absorbed. Even my heart was racing as Raptor went on to state.
"Everyone in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq will be given the chance to vote on which choice is best. If the majority wants me to stand down…..I will, but if you want me to fight? To lead this…..then I won't hesitate. I'll be the first one on that battlefield. I bleed by my men and my women. I'll bleed for every grain of sand under our feet and I'll die in it as well. The poll will be sent out over text, email, or you can simply come to your city's capital to cast your vote. Please do not hesitate. I love every single one of you. Goodbye."
Raptor slowly turned to walk off and then the cameras shut down to resume the same emergency alert we were at prior. A moment later both of our phones went off and together we pulled them up to see the very poll arrive by text. Maggie turned to look at me and she didn't have a thing to worry about because I casted my vote to fight almost instantly and watched with a smile as she did the exact same thing.
"We should get going. He needs us." She then said to me as I happily ran to grab the keys to the car.
Raptor's POV.
Exiting the stage and leaving the sight of all the cameras and people, I was greeted by Zandro who immediately got an arm around me and began to guide me back to the safety of my room. Zulu 2-7 currently guarded the entire second floor and as we reached my room, Zandro whispered to me.
"Bodi reported in. He's made it safely to the city."
Genuinely I was happy to hear the news because everything was currently riding on his shoulders. He might not understand that because he's young, but if he's successful he'll win this war for me. I had complete faith in his abilities and trusted his instincts perhaps more than my own.
"Commander?" Turning around before shutting the door, I was approached by Zulu 2-7's CO. A ridgeback that was twice my size, but just so happened to be a gem of a man and one of the few younger veterans of the rebellion wars. Back then he was new to my team, but proved himself to be unmovable and one of the few guarantees I had in life. His name was Skif. Giving me a heartfilled smile he asked me with concern yet comfort in his voice.
"Do you need anything from me right now?"
Offering him my hand to shake, I replied as he took it.
"Yes actually. Can you retrieve Maggie and Yoga? They should be heading to the capital in Iraq about now. I'd like them to be here for this." Nodding his head immediately, Skif replied while he leaned down to embrace a hug I forced him to give me.
"Consider it done."
"Thank you Skif. Come see me if your XO reports anything. I want to know everything. Even the smallest of details."
As we pulled away the large canine replied back in confidence.
"Yes sir."
Watching as Skif walked off, Zandro peeked back out at him to ask me curiously.
"Where did you find him? He's…intimidating yet…..easily approachable."
"Jealous?" I chuckled back as he even laughed about it.
"I know what you mean though. The man himself is a force of nature for his size yet when you know him for as long as I have you'll understand he's actually a gentle giant. Not only that but Skif has been through two wars much like myself and the entire time he's served under my command. Started out much like every new recruit and went through all the hardships it took to see a promotion early in his years. Halfway through the second rebellion war he was made into the XO and once Roz retired he was then made into the CO. He's proved himself a leader time and time again."
"I'm sure just by looking at him, but can I ask what you plan on doing now that you got everyone voting out there? What's the point in it?" Zandro proceeded to ask me as I postponed my rest to answer him properly.
"There isn't a point to it. What I said out there was the truth. What the end result of the poll will show doesn't really make much of a difference to me. If Bodi can complete his assignment then no matter what outcome we face we'll win regardless because that video will ruin Iran's leadership."
"So what then? You really can't just force yourself to let go of this?" He then asked as he scratched at his face. Taking a seat on the side of my bed, I replied back truthfully while loosening my collar.
"No, I can't just let go. I feel like what I'm doing is truly making things better, but I won't know that if I don't ask the people actually living here for they're honest opinions. If I'm blind and I'm actually hurting the middle east like some think, then I want them to tell me. I'll have no qualms retiring if that's the case. It'll provide me a reason to quit."
Zandro for a moment began to think to himself peacefully about what that meant and with it came his curiosity and a question I knew to expect.
"Assume they want you to retire, what will you do next? I can't see you ever truly settling down. Not unless you plan on trying to patch things up with Zeta."
"Zeta would prefer if I stayed away after all the fucked up shit I've let happen between us. Personally I hope she can be happy now that she's gone. Maybe even…..maybe find someone else." Genuinely looking back at me with some concern written across his face Zandro urged me as gently as he could.
"Hey, let's try not to talk like that. Everything that is happening is fresh right now. Don't just write her off. Things can still work out in the future. At the very least you should try to find some even ground with her. You still got two girls to look out for and I doubt either want you two to remain enemies."
I nodded to myself silently as Zandro took in the blank look coming to my eyes. I didn't know how to do any of that. I knew only how to look out for one of them and that was Maggie who I knew would be looking to get back at my side now that a war was inbound in her eyes. If everything works out from this moment going forward then this war wouldn't put her or anyone I care about at risk.
Bodi's POV, Iran, Two hours since arrival.
God was it hot out here today. Iran never got any breaks when it came to the weather. It probably also didn't help that this city was completely covered in glass and reflective surfaces. If I took my shoes off I bet my feet would start burning from the ground alone. Despite all of that I was still here on business and it was still making me nervous to consider just what kind of role I had been entrusted with.
War with Voltz hasn't reached any local media and I had a feeling it would stay that way until the end of the month like Azat said. If that was the case then I had a few days to make this work out right. I just had to keep my head down and find out where I could find someone willing to take such a risk for the sake of what's right. I doubt Azat would be able to combat whoever I chose considering that video would probably end him up in a sea of shit. He might even get arrested or worse. Iran may be a super city, but crime and punishments were still handled the old fashioned way. Only death penalty Iran knew was either a bullet or a rope. Which is again what had me feeling nervous. If I get into any trouble; I was fucked. I can't get caught and I most certainly can't let anyone know I'm with the M.E.A.F. Having the evidence linked back to us would ruin a fuck ton.
I had to work myself back down in terms of fear. I wasn't thinking clearly yet. I had a feeling I'd be rushing if I didn't catch myself; so that's exactly what I did as I looked for a potential spot to crash for the day. I'm better off doing some research of my own before making any serious moves involving this video. There had to be hundreds of reporters in this city that wanted dibs on this kind of scoop, but even if I found someone who was hungry, that didn't mean they'd be cool under the pressure it came with. I need someone who just doesn't care about shit. Someone reckless enough to take the risk. If I could find that then I'd have no issue getting this solved. Voltz was going to guarantee safety for whoever I trusted with this. The second it airs me and whoever it is are going to leave town right the fuck away.
Raptor's POV, Later that night.
Hoffer sat with me in my office as we waited for the final count of the poll to come in. As we did I was usually deep in thought. So many different things were on my mind and I had no idea where to start thinking. I was overwhelmed and despite my best face I knew a few select people who could always tell. Hoffer was one of them. Being the oldest service member the M.E.A.F has; he was everything, including wise. Swirling a small glass of whiskey, he asked me in a serene voice.
"You ever just stop and look at your life?"
"All the time." I answered as he was then curious enough to wonder.
"You regret a lot of things?"
"It would be easier to tell you about the things I don't regret." Again I answered truthfully as he took a sip.
"Do you regret Zeta?" My attention got redirected now as the question itself was one I'd been wondering for a long time. With him waiting for another answer, I replied back as calmly as I could.
"No. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have Sam."
"Do you regret Sam then?"
"Absolutely not. She's everything I've ever wanted to give the world and the world has her. If anything Hoffer, I regret being a bad father and an even stupider husband." My words made the old man stop his questions and for once he just started to consider my point of view. After a few seconds he looked back at me to say.
"I don't believe you're either."
Genuinely convinced he was joking, I let out a quick chuckle. Giving me a firmer voice now he proceeded to state.
"I'm being serious."
"How though? I've been trying to convince myself otherwise for the last few years and I'm still not able to see a reason."
"Let's look at you being a husband for starters. I've been married for over forty years. Emily is no stranger to danger, but Zeta fails when compared to normal women who seek a life of love and wonder like my Emily. A woman like her needs a lot of attention. Attention people like us struggle to give since all we know is the rebellion and the wars. Emily has told me thousands of times to lighten up my duties, but I still refuse to let this life go. It's what I'm good at. It's all I know and despite that she's remained loyal and at my side. Through all the good and bad life has given us. She knows who and what I am and still stays regardless. I don't know what she sees in me if we're being honest, but I can see my situation and yours being the same thing." Hoffer stated as I was now giving him my complete attention.
"Zeta has always been a small spark of hellfire. When I first met her I could tell from day one that she was just like my Emily. At least when Emily was her age anyhow. Things may be bad. She may be lashing out at you and she might hate you, but right now I bet she's rethinking a lot of the things she's said."
"I think you're crazier than me Hoffer. Zeta doesn't just hate me. I broke her heart. It's not the same thing. She's always been the strongest woman I've ever known, but she's soft inside and I was the only person ever able to get that close to see it. She blessed me with her love and a child and I proceeded to fuck that up and throw it all away. All of this? Her leaving me? Sam leaving? What do they both have in common?" I asked him now as he just stared at me curiously as I sat back up in my chair.
"They're both smart enough to know what I am and they're most definitely smart enough to leave before it gets any worse. Zeta just unfortunately had to bite her tongue for longer before being able to do what she's always wanted."
"I doubt she always wanted to run away Raptor. I think you just need to give her time. If the poll goes the other way, I really do think you should leave and focus on yourself for once." Hoffer now stated which honestly got me thinking more about the situation. As I started to consider it, Hoffer sat up to put his glass down on top of my desk. As he did he asked me respectfully.
"Can I be honest?"
"Please." I urged him back as he now prepared himself to say whatever it was he was about to say.
"You're without a doubt one of mankind's greatest leaders. Of our age and all those before. Hell you probably won't be beat for hundreds of years, but despite that it came at the cost of you and who you really are. I know how you feel about him, but Bishop? Your father played a big role in who you turned out to be. You wouldn't be here without him. Nothing you've done would have ever happened if he hadn't raised you the way he did. Now I doubt this was ever his intention, but you were raised to be a loner. You were raised to find family in just about anyone or anything you could come across in life that wasn't. It's how you have so many people at your back. It's why you're the man you are and I have a theory that your daughter will be hearing these exact same words one day when she's older. She's going to do so many great things because of you and how she was raised to look out for herself. Even if it's out of spite we wouldn't have a Samantha Voltz if it wasn't for Raptor Voltz and there wouldn't be a Zeta Voltz without a Raptor either."
Hoffer was making a lot of good points, but the mention of my father really got to me here. Taking in my reaction, Hoffer just allowed me the processing time I needed to consider a path forward. With my mind stuck on my old man, I asked him with an open heart.
"You knew my father better than anyone. Be honest. If he was still alive do you think we'd still be fighting?"
Hoffer was now deeply considering the answer. I could tell he really was thinking this over so I gave him the same amount of time he had given me. Once he was ready he replied.
"No. I think we'd have lost."
"What? Really?" I questioned almost instantly back as I was stunned he would even think this way at all. Nodding his head, he looked at me with a straight face to explain.
"Your old man was a one of a kind leader. A born patriot. I saw it in his work. You saw it by his neglect. He had a vision of our world and I can most certainly tell you it never involved going into business with Hecan Moore or G.U.N in general. Your dad wanted nothing to do with anyone and he had a simple one track mind. He knew what he wanted to do and he would go do it. Same as you I suppose, but the thing about him was he wasn't ever able to look outside the middle east. Everything had to be done here. Produced here. He wanted sustainability and we both know that just isn't possible without Iran or G.U.N. He was a lot like Logan was. Or even Archer. Minus all the senseless slaughter."
Adjusting in his chair the old man looked at me with a gentle smile.
"I loved your dad, but if he was here he'd have gotten the rebellion killed decades ago. Back then we could barely compete with G.U.N, but your pops would have just kept pushing. It didn't matter for how long. He was just stubborn and would never be able to accept or even think of needing help. The man could barely be talked to when it came to another option. He was a great leader, but just that."
Lowering my gaze, Hoffer took notice and quickly added.
"If he was here now though I think he'd still be proud of you. He'd have no other choice."
His words were comforting, but he didn't know the truth behind my dad's death. Barely anyone did. So with some remorse in my tone I mumbled back.
"I don't think "proud" would come to mind first."
Hoffer knew when to let me sulk and chose not to say anything else. Instead he just leaned back in his seat to retake his whiskey and began enjoying himself another sip. Halfway through it a knock came to my door.
"It's open!" I shouted back which is when my eyes were greeted to the sight of my daughter who came running into the room with a smile on her face. Hoffer watched happily as I got right out of my seat to match her excitement. Jumping into my arms, I began to feel myself getting emotional as she sighed into my ear.
"I missed you!"
"I missed you too! How was the trip in? Did Skif find you alright?" I asked her as the big man himself came walking in through the door with a soft smile on him to reply.
"Hard to miss her Commander. No issues coming in. Yoga is checking in with security and getting himself caught up to speed. Do you need anything else from me?"
"No Skif. Thank you again for doing this. Go get some rest."
"Yes sir. I'll see you in the morning."
With him turning to leave, I refocused on Maggie who proceeded to ask me now with her ever curious appetite.
'How are you doing?"
"I'm good. Just stressing a little over everything, you know? Are you sure you want to do this again?" My question was immediately shrugged off by the wolf who intently informed me back.
"I'm positive. I'm not going to quit this time. I can handle it. I won't let you down."
Bringing her in for another hug, I smiled warmly because it was one of the rare times I truly felt bliss. Having her at my side meant the world to me and seeing her confidence back at full strength was amazing to see. Knowing this meant the same to her, I proceeded to say back to her while disconnecting our hug.
"That's wonderful because I actually have a good first job for you. Don't worry it's nothing dangerous. I wouldn't put you in harm's way. You'll still be close by, but I have a friend I need you to help train."
"Huh? Train? Me? What can I teach anyone?" She asked back curiously as I was quick to urge her.
"Oh shut it. You're a smart girl and a talented fighter if I remember correctly from our spars. Even Yoga would attest to that if he were here."
"You want me to train someone to fight? Like CQC?" She now asked to be sure as I nodded my head.
"Who would I be working with?" Taking her by the arm and leading her to the door, I replied.
"Give me a few minutes to finish up here with the General. I got a room all cleaned up and ready for you down the corridor. Get yourself comfortable. Take a few minutes to relax and collect your bearings, then come back here. I should be good to introduce you by then."
"Okay. I'll be back as soon as I change clothes. Am I starting now?" She now asked me as I chuckled and replied back.
"Only if you want to." Giving me a happy smile back, she shouted while making her way towards the officer's quarters.
"I'll get into something light then! I'll see you soon! Love you!"
The two men who guarded my office both chuckled happily towards the happy moment as I just continued to feel the weight she had lifted off my shoulders.
"Love you too." I replied as I slowly closed myself back in with Hoffer who now said to me softly.
"See? All isn't lost. That young woman is your reason to remain strong in this life Raptor. Never take that for granted. You can't forge a love like it."
"She's pretty much all I have left. I don't care if it makes me look weak. I'm not going to fail this child. I won't."
Hoffer came up behind me now and I was truly absorbed by my emotions. I was actually caught off guard when I felt him gently spin me around by my right shoulder. Giving me a hug of his own, he whispered into my ear.
"No matter what happens. Live your life. You've done all a man can do for his country and himself. Be proud of that son."
Hugging the man back, I replied while feeling a wave of sadness setting in.
"Thank you!"
A second later and I was left to enjoy the few moments of peace and silence I had.
Maggie's POV. Five minutes later.
On my way back to the office, I approached to find my dad already waiting for me.
"Come with me." He urged as we began to head downstairs. Sticking close to his side, I listened and kept my eyes out for anything as he proceeded to say to me.
"Officer's have their own gym here inside that they can use. I think it's the perfect place to practice and get yourself back up to speed; while also helping me personally. I would normally do this kind of thing myself, but with Iran and all the…..?" Nodding my head, I urged him mid sentence.
"All the crap. I know. Don't worry about this then. I can handle it. I'm ready to get back into the swing of things. A little one on one training is the perfect way to flow back into this."
"It's one on one sure hun, but I promise this isn't going to exactly be easy. I need you to actually show off your talent. Every single movement needs to be explained and you can't get upset if it doesn't get across the first few times. Hell, you need to accept failure if you want to be a good teacher. Keep your mind in the game and above all else; keep yourself friendly and understanding." He now explained as we entered the gym to find no one around. I wasn't all too shocked considering it was the end of the night, but who was I going to be working with? In confusion I began to look around and after a second I questioned.
"I can do that, no problem, but ahhh…..is this dude not here?"
Patting my arm my father smiled softly before replying.
"He'll be here in a second. I just gotta call him. Are you sure you're ready?"
"Yes sir." I replied back as I watched a proud look overcome his face. It made me happy as hell to see again, but as time passed he proceeded to shut his eyes for a moment. A second later a gush of cold air brushed my tail and in confusion I turned to be met by a pitch black fox with green eyes and an innocent look about him.
"There he is!" My dad chuckled now as I was quick to look him over.
This dude looked roughly my age, but something was off about his aura. It was intimidating for no reason. He wore a simple brown shirt and a pair of M.E.A.F sweatpants. With fur that looked almost too clean; I kept my mouth shut as his eyes looked up at me. The moment he locked on he asked my father curiously.
"What's going on here?" Offering him my hand I replied.
"Sorry, my name is Maggie. I'm…?"
"You're his daughter. I know. What I meant to ask was why are you here?" His question came off blunt enough as my dad went on to confidently state back.
"Maggie is going to be the one teaching you the ropes. I've got too much going on right now to see to it myself, but she's more than capable of filling in for me. In fact, I want her to be the one to do it.
"What? Why? Raptor this isn't what I agreed to." The fox claimed as I was lost by what was going on. Getting in between us my dad went on to kindly and calmly say back.
"It's fine. Trust me. She's actually a better trainer than me. If I try to do this, I'll lose my mind and wind up yelling at you with how stubborn you can be. With her she knows what to expect and she won't let you down. By the time you get to everything you'll be ten times more confident in fighting than you are now. Now stop being rude and introduce yourself."
He was hesitant to say the least as he gave my dad a pretty rare look. One that looked dismissive, but with a moment of silence coming between all of us he soon stuck out a hand to say.
"Marcus." I went to take his hand almost instantly to show my respect, but all the sudden something clicked in my head about that name and once I had recalled where I had heard it from I threw my head to the side to look at my dad with an outright shocked reaction. He just chuckled as I took Marcus's hand softly to question in disbelief.
"Wait! You're….? You're his best friend?" Now the fox laughed as my dad was quick to correct me.
"Partner! He's my partner. Let's not get his ego somewhere it shouldn't."
"More than a partner if you ask me considering our association. I'm going to assume you've talked to her?" He now directed the question to my dad who calmly replied back while forcibly separating our hands.
"I've mentioned you before, yes, but I don't think it's fully sunk in. Maggie? Marcus is the man who gave me my…..gifts. He's the god in charge of our reality." He then whispered as I had fully now realized what the actual fuck was going on. Looking at my dad in dead shock, I quickly asked him to make sure he was being real with me.
"Are you serious? You're….?" My eyes now went back to the fox and now I was actually intimidated. This dude was a god? Like the actual god who made my dad what he is today? As my questions were being asked exclusively inside my own head, I was again brought to a staggering halt as the fox before me nodded his head halfway through to reply.
"Yeah I'm actually that guy." My dad just started to laugh as I now widened my eyes and felt my heart stop to question.
"You can read my mind?!" The fox just smiled and chuckled to himself as my dad was quick to inform me with a gentle tug of my hand.
"That's why you gotta be understanding hun. Marcus doesn't know a thing about self defense."
"Not true!" He shouted back at us as I was then taken a few feet away to avoid his sensitive ears.
"They aren't sensitive!"
"Ignore him." My dad urged me with another chuckle as I soon joined him to question.
"You can't just drop something like this on me. That dude is an actual god?" Nodding his head I proceeded to try and talk my way out of this because I was absolutely nervous about working with him.
"He's not just some dude. He's what? All powerful? He can't fight at all? How am I supposed to cope with this dad? Doesn't he have to avoid other people? Can he just be here like this in the open?" Ignoring all my questions my dad dragged me down into his arms by the back of my head. Resting just over my shoulder he whispered to me.
"Stop worrying about this. I wouldn't put you in this position if I didn't trust you could handle the job." Inching back from my shoulder and looking me right in my eyes he smiled and proceeded to say with all the intent and purposes of making me feel better.
"He knows how to behave and he knows what you mean to me. Trust me. Everything is gonna be fine. Hell you might end up actually getting along. He's a bit stubborn as you can tell, but he's easy to work with once he feels comfortable. Just play to your natural ability to look innocent and do what I know you can do. Just start with something basic with him."
"What do I do if someone decides to come in here? Does he have some kind of cover?" Nodding his head my dad replied back truthfully.
"Of course. I made sure he was made official. Now it's not public knowledge, but all his paperwork and passes are good to go. He even has an ID. Don't worry about anything. Despite his talent for being stubborn he's good at bullshitting for himself. Just watch what you say. Don't mention who or what he is. Keep it tame and we won't have any problems. Alright?" He was giving me this sincere look and I couldn't help but feel better. I was still concerned about how to go about this. Gently rubbing my shoulder, I leaned in to hug him one more time.
"I'll try my best then."
"I know you will. Now I have to get heading back. Spend like an hour or something with him then get yourself to bed. We got a long day ahead of us."
"Yes sir." I replied back with a chuckle as he proceeded to turn back around to lock eyes with the fox who I couldn't help but stare at now. This dude was a god. A fucking god and I had to be the one to teach him. How does a dude like this not know how to fight? He's how old? I wondered as my dad shouted at the man with a smile.
"Alright! So I'm off! Remember what I said, this is just an introduction."
"Yeah. Yeah. I know." He sighed back with a bit of a huff behind his tone. Gently my dad punched him in the side of his arm before disappearing from the gym. As he shut the door behind him and left me with the fox, I felt my head shut down as he turned to look at me curiously.
It was clear we were both feeling weird at this moment. How the fuck do I break the ice? I asked myself as he was now looking at me with some concern. A second later he asked.
"Ahhh….so what should we do now that he's gone?"
Gently reaching up to scratch at my ears, I replied back while looking over his figure.
"Ummm well I suppose I should ask this first. What do you actually know? Has my dad helped you at all?"
Clearly he was concerned with his tone and responses because I could tell he was thinking about how to talk to me. I'd have to assume he's been only really talking to my dad, so potentially this could be new for him and I was kinda scared to push him. Giving me an innocent enough look, he sighed before stating.
"God damn it."
"What's wrong?" I then asked him as he struggled to keep eye contact with me. I was damn near twice his size.
"I just…I'm not used to dealing with anyone other than him. I'm not good at talking to other people. You're also….a lot different from him."
"In a good way?" I now asked him back with a small chuckle in the hopes he would smile or something. Gently rubbing the back of his head, he replied to my curiosity.
"You're just….I don't know how to say it. Clean? You're just clean."
"Clean? Well I've been called a lot worse. Hehe." Marcus now gave me a small smile from the corner of his eye before explaining his choice of words to describe me.
"I wasn't trying to use it as an insult. You're just…..pure. I can tell just from looking at you that you aren't from his bloodline. You'd be a lot different."
"That's because he's my adopted father. My biological father….he…he passed."
"Oh." Marcus widened his eyes as he suddenly looked at me like I was different now after admitting that.
"I'm sorry. I used to keep tabs on Raptor's life, but a lot has been going on. I knew he adopted you, but I'm sorry about your dad. I didn't know."
"Didn't know? Aren't you like…the god of death? That's how he described you to me when we talked about what he is." I asked him back innocently which in turn earned me an honest answer.
"Yeah….I guess that's how he would describe me." I could tell he was being open with his responses, but despite how weird this situation was now that my dad was gone I still had a job to do and I was gonna try my hardest to help him seeing as this was clearly important for my dad to even consider. Wanting to retract from the conversation a little, I decided to try and redirect our focus by asking him again.
"I'll stop asking so many questions. I'm sorry for not being focused. This is just….different then what I was expecting to do once I got here. Do you know how to fight? I mean like legitimately?"
"Not really." He replied back awkwardly as he still avoided eye contact mostly with me. Giving him another smile, I took a step forward to say to him.
"It's gonna come down to practice, but I can show you how to do a lot. Most of this you can practice on your own time; so if you don't wanna do this kind of thing again I won't blame you."
"It's fine. Really." He replied back bluntly as I decided to reach out to take his wrists. Almost instantly I pulled my hands back to question.
"You're freezing. Is that normal?"
Marcus nodded but that wouldn't stop me from settling back down to try and take his wrists again. Dragging him towards the mats, I gently urged him while taking a second to put my hair back in a ponytail.
"It's no big deal either way. I just wasn't expecting it. How about we just get a feel for one another? I'll start by just trying to make contact with you. I won't actually hit you though. All I want to see is how good your reaction time is to an attack. It's gonna be a straight jab. Nothing fancy. Just put your head back when you think it's coming."
The fox just stared right at me as I readied myself. In fact he seemed like he wasn't even trying to prepare. For now I didn't bother to question it. If I made any sort of contact then maybe he would switch up. I thought to myself as I threw out the jab in question.
The split second I even went to move for it I was suddenly surprised by his instant reaction to back up his head. In fact I think I was the slow one because his head had moved all the way back before I had even fully extended. Widening my eyes, I question with a hint of laughter.
"Holy shit. You got sharp eyes. Hahaha."
Giving me the faintest grin back he replied back causally.
"It's not my eyes that know when you're about to attack. You could throw a combination and I'd have no issue avoiding it. Don't take that as an insult by the way. It's just that a mortal has no chance at touching me if I don't want them to. No matter how good you are, I can predict every outcome of your intentions. Not that yours are violent."
Stepping back to think, I looked him over closely to gauge that statement. His voice didn't ring any alarms in my head when it came to exaggeration or cockiness. He was being real and I swear I could even smell it coming off his aura. Giving him another small smile, I proceeded to suggest.
"If that's the case then I should have reason to question your abilities. How about we just work on some forms and basic combos I've learned early in my service? It's all basic training and I'm sure you'll catch on quickly. You don't strike me as slow, but can you do me a favor and maybe move at my speed? It'll help me gauge your form. That and I don't wanna disappoint my father. I promised I'd make this work and I'll promise you that by the time we're done you'll be more confident in yourself."
"What makes you think I'm not confident?" He then asked me curiously as I noticed his demeanor change to that of a concerned child. Giving him a small chuckle, I replied while approaching his smaller frame.
"It's all in the eyes. Yours are….different. You know you could probably kill me in an instant yet you're intimidated by me. I can smell it coming off you."
"What? You can smell it?" Nodding my head I replied.
"Canines like me have good noses. In fact we use it all the time to get a good read on those around us. Kinda like you; I can read your mood. Yours is scared. Nervous. Can I do anything different to help you feel comfortable?"
Marcus's POV.
She had the purest look on her face and for some reason I was brought to remember my older sister. A woman I hadn't thought about for nearly four centuries. It made my heart open up and inside I was soon overwhelmed by a feeling of genuine warmth. Her words made me feel something completely lost to all the time I've spent in wallow. Even with Jesse who's been working her hardest at getting me to smile more on a consistent basis. This was still somehow on a different plain from all of that. For a second I even managed to convince myself that the woman standing in front of me was that very same relative. Even her physical image had shifted to match the memories I was all getting back because of this and just like the image, Maggie had shifted to a white fox with two different colored eyes. One blue and one brown. The second I fully registered her I felt my body override all my senses and for some reason I ran to embrace her.
"Rena!" I shouted as I wrapped both my arms around her to fully embrace the hold. With my face buried in her neck I just felt my body cave in to the realization. It felt even better when she hugged me back and for a few moments I felt tears coming to my eyes, but once they started to roll down my face everything came back to me and the reality of the situation had just set in all at once. Feeling my heart jump back out of my chest, I threw myself back in shock from the wolf who I expected to be horrified. In actuality she was giving me the sweetest smile back, but with my body shaking I stuttered out.
"I…I….I….I'm so so sorry! I didn't… I don't know what came over me! I…I…?" Slapping me gently across the face she giggled back.
"Don't be. Hehehe."
I was visibly shaking in front of this woman yet her response to my actions severed the severity of the outcome I was expecting to receive. Now fully embarrassed and I had no choice but to shut down as she proceeded to ask me curiously.
"Who's Rena?" Unable to keep my eyes on hers, I looked towards the side of the room to reply nervously.
"My older sister. She….she's been gone for a very long time." Now looking sad she questioned.
"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't know. Was it something I did?"
"No! You just…you have her eyes. She…she was always kind and….?"
"Hey?" She interrupted as she saw my struggle to form the proper words to describe her.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of. Your sister must have been a good person to leave this kind of lasting impression on you. I can only imagine how it must feel to have a sibling that is this close to you. We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. I can see that it weighs a lot on you." She stated which was pretty much right on the money. Feeling vulnerable after hundreds of years like this is scary on its own and despite my status as a god I was finding myself weak in the face of this wolf. I couldn't accept the situation and had no words to give. Seeing that, she calmly told me while lowering her guard further.
"It's okay. I'm not going to judge you. It's honestly great that you reacted that way. You must miss her, right?"
"It's not just that. I forgot all about her till now. A memory I must have buried, but I don't know why?" I claimed as I was indeed at a loss for how to come back from this. Yet as I was lost in my own head, I widened my eyes when she came in for a hug of her own to whisper over my shoulder.
"You're okay. I think we should just try this again tomorrow. Okay?" I was frozen, but found my arms coming up to hug her back. A second later another set of tears came to me and I couldn't continue to stand her like the mess I knew I was. So after we parted I told her as nicely as I could.
"I think that's a good idea."
"Same time?" She then asked me with a smile as I soon found myself giving one back to reply happily.
"Same time."
Maggie's POV.
Marcus vanished much like my father did before. Left alone in this gym, I took a long look at what just happened. Everything changed in that moment.
They're had to be a story behind what happened to his sister and I was now curious if my dad might know. I'd have to ask him next time he's free.
mT Shadow.