In The Company of Your Shadows || Phillip Graves x OFC

21 - Rewind

April 6th 2019

Verdanks, Kastovia

"All shadows, listen up," Graves's voice cut through the rumbling of the airplane, filling the cabin with a sense of urgency. "Shepherd has sent us here to assist while Bravo Team goes in to clear out the threat. Don't fuck up, and let's get this done, yeah?"

"Yup-Yup!"

The tension in the air was palpable as we prepared for the mission ahead. I glanced at Leen beside me, her nervousness evident in the tight grip of her hand.

"You okay?" I asked, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm good," she replied breathlessly, her grip tightening in return. "Just a bit nervous."

"It's going to be fine," I reassured her, my thumb rubbing soothing circles on her hand. "Just stick close to me, and I'll keep you safe. I promise."

A soft smile touched Leen's lips, gratitude evident in her eyes as she looked at me. "Thanks, Selene."

I nodded, releasing her hand before turning my gaze to the window, where the city of Verdansk stretched below us. The city was bustling with life, unaware of the danger lurking in its midst.

There had been a threat of attack on the International Airport by Vladimir Makarov and the Inner Circle. However, it turned out to be a diversion; they had tricked us all and targeted the Verdansk Stadium instead.

General Shepherd had dispatched Bravo Team, comprised of Captain John Price, Johnny 'Soap' MacTavish, and Burns, to stop the attack. And as Shepherd's private army, Shadow Company had been called in to provide much-needed backup.

The military aircraft touched down on an open space amidst the chaos emanating from the stadium. Civilians ran in panic, cars collided in the streets as they fought to escape the mayhem.

We swiftly assessed the situation and entered the stadium, weapons drawn, moving cautiously as we urged civilians to evacuate.

"Gold Eagle to Shadow 0-1, security confirms gunfire and at least one explosion in the stadium with multiple injuries, over," Shepherd informed us through comms.

"Copy, entering the stadium," Graves responded, his voice resolute.

"Where's medical?" I inquired through comms as I surveyed the devastation, witnessing piles of bodies and wounded individuals scattered across the ground.

"First responders will not enter until the scene is clear. Your job is to assist Bravo Team as they find Makarov and take him into custody," Shepherd replied.

"Roger that."

Graves, Lerch and Oz led their teams to different areas of the stadium, leaving me and my men to cover the left side of the expansive venue. I glanced back at Leen, who had taken cover behind me, her rifle at the ready.

"Stay close, okay?" I instructed.

She nodded, her expression determined, and with that, my team emerged from hiding, swiftly dispatching a few terrorists as we pressed forward through the corridors.

"Move," I commanded, leading the charge as we continued to clear the halls.

As I rounded the corner, tension knotted in my stomach as I trained my rifle on the group of men surrounding a figure on a stretcher. Relief washed over me as I realized they were emergency responders, causing me to lower my weapon.

But my senses remained on high alert, a nagging feeling of unease lingering.

"Y'all good there?" Chris, one of my men, cautiously approached the group to assess the situation.