The Destiny of Ghost and Me

Chapter 25: After

As I woke up, my eyes felt heavy, and my throat was dry, but I could hear the monitor beeping. My head throbbed, and a nurse hurried to my side, checking my pupils and relaying something to the doctor before I lost consciousness again.

When I woke up once more, I felt better, likely due to the pain medication they had administered. I saw Price next to me, his head lowered, a bandage wrapped around his forehead. He looked exhausted. Suddenly, the memories of the events flooded back, and I became fully alert, trying to sit up.

Price looked at me with a mix of relief and surprise, exclaiming, "Yn!"

Tears streamed down my face, and I said, "Price, Soap and Rudolfo are dead, only us remaining."

He clenched his fists, looking down once more. I cried and cried, grief and sorrow overwhelming me.

Price stood up with a sad expression, gently touching my shoulder, and said, "You need to rest."

I held onto his arm, tears still streaming down my face, and asked with a trembling voice, "How long was I out?"

He replied, "Three days."

In shock, I continued, "And Zion?!"

His expression turned serious, and he said, "He's out there in the military yard, tied up, and everyone's throwing things at him. I saved him for you."

I nodded and let my head sink back against the pillow, saying, "Thank you."

Price nodded in return and walked away.

I was now alone with my thoughts. Why was my destiny so harsh and tragic? Only Price and I were left, and whether we'd survive long enough to capture Makarov and Shepherd was uncertain. I called for a nurse.

She came to me and asked, "Yes?"

I inquired, "How long do I have to stay here?"

She checked my medical records and replied with a serious tone, "At least one week."

Feeling impatient, I said, "I can't stay here that long!"

She looked at me, then down at my condition, and skeptically said, "You can leave earlier, but whether it's a good idea is another matter."

I attempted to stand up. It was painful, the sniper shot and the stab had taken their toll, but I could walk and move my arms.

She looked shocked and asked, "You want to leave now?"

I nodded and said, "Thank you for your service." I removed the IV from my arm and took some morphine and painkillers with me.

She screamed after me, "This is insane!"

With a sad voice, I replied, "I am insane." And then I left the infirmary, still wearing my black T-shirt and pants. As I walked towards the base, the soldiers looked at me as if I had returned from the dead.

I saw Zion tied up in the base, looking miserable. He had been pelted with feces, urine, expired food, and whatever else they could find. I knelt down next to him and said, "A well-deserved place, and don't think this is the only punishment I'll give you. Once I have Makarov, I'll torture you all to death, I promise."