The sun had long set over the war-torn landscape, casting long shadows across the debris-strewn streets of Verdansk. Y/N crouched behind a crumbling wall, her heart racing as she prepared for the next phase of her mission. Taskforce 141 had received intel that the notorious arms dealer, Makarov, was in the area, orchestrating a weapons deal that could tip the balance of power in the region. It was up to her and her team to put a stop to it.
As she adjusted her scope, her mind wandered to the enemy they were up against. Makarov was ruthless, a man whose name sent shivers down the spines of soldiers and civilians alike. His cunning and charisma had drawn many to his side, making him a formidable foe. Y/N had seen the aftermath of his actions — the destruction, the loss, the chaos — and she was determined to bring him down.
“Y/N, do you copy?” Price’s voice crackled through her earpiece, pulling her back to the present.
“Loud and clear, Captain,” she replied, her focus sharpening. “I’m in position.”
“Good. Ghost and Soap are moving in on the left flank. You’re our eyes on the target. Keep us updated.”
“Copy that,” she responded, peering through the scope again.
Minutes felt like hours as she watched the scene unfold in the distance. A group of men gathered around a table laden with weapons, the low glow of lights illuminating their faces. Her pulse quickened; Makarov was there. He stood at the center of the group, his voice smooth and commanding as he discussed terms with his buyers.
Y/N focused her scope on him, but just as she was about to pull the trigger, a glint caught her eye. A sharp instinct made her lower her rifle, and she quickly scrambled back behind cover just as bullets whizzed past her.
“Y/N, status report!” Price barked through the comms.
“I’m pinned down,” she said, breathless. “I think I was spotted.”
“Hold tight! We’re coming to you!” Soap’s voice chimed in, but Y/N knew the odds were stacked against them.
As she readied herself for an escape, she heard a familiar voice break through the chaos.
“Y/N! Get out of there!” It was Gaz. She could hear the urgency in his tone.
“Not without you guys!” she shouted back, her heart pounding.
But just then, the unmistakable figure of Makarov moved through the chaos. He was coming her way, the flicker of a dangerous smile on his lips as he noticed her hiding place. Y/N’s breath hitched as she prepared to fight.
“Interesting choice of hiding spot, isn’t it?” Makarov said, his voice smooth and taunting as he stepped closer. “You’re quite the brave little soldier, aren’t you?”
“Bravery has nothing to do with it,” Y/N replied, raising her weapon, ready to pull the trigger. But before she could, he raised a hand, stopping her in her tracks.
“Now, now,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Would you really shoot me? We could do so much more together.”
“Together? I’d rather die,” she spat, though inside, she felt a flicker of uncertainty. There was something about Makarov that unnerved her. He was charismatic, intelligent, and his confidence was both captivating and terrifying.
“Such spirit!” he replied, his smile widening. “But I promise, I can offer you power beyond your wildest dreams. You’re wasting your talent with that pathetic group of misfits.”
“Misfits that are going to stop you,” she shot back, trying to project strength even as her heart raced.
“Is that so?” Makarov stepped closer, his gaze piercing. “And how do you think that will end for you? With glory? Or perhaps death? Join me, and I can ensure your survival… and your ascension.”
“Why would I trust you?” she challenged, but as she met his gaze, she felt an inexplicable pull. He was everything she had been trained to resist, yet something about his words was tempting.
“Because I see your potential, Y/N. You’re wasted on the righteous. The world is not black and white, and you know that. Together, we could change it.”
Just as she was about to respond, the sound of gunfire erupted nearby, shaking her from her thoughts. Y/N took a step back, her instincts kicking in. Makarov hadn’t moved, but his expression shifted slightly — a glimmer of respect mixed with annoyance.
“You’re clever, Y/N,” he said, his voice low. “But I won’t let you leave here unscathed.”
Before she could react, he lunged at her, knocking her weapon from her hands. They struggled, the two of them grappling as he tried to pin her down. In the chaos, Y/N managed to twist free and landed a kick to his midsection, sending him stumbling back.
“Y/N! Where are you?” Price’s voice broke through her earpiece again.
“I’m okay!” she yelled, scrambling for her weapon.
But Makarov was already on the move, faster than she anticipated. He lunged again, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. Their faces were mere inches apart, his eyes locked onto hers with a dangerous intensity.
“Do you think this is over?” he hissed. “You’re playing a dangerous game, and I’m not finished with you yet.”
With a swift motion, he pushed her away, causing her to stumble back. Just as she regained her balance, Gaz and Soap burst into the fray, taking down the remaining enemies around them.
“Y/N, we need to go!” Gaz shouted, scanning the area. His eyes met hers, filled with concern and urgency.
Makarov smirked, retreating into the shadows as he sensed his moment slipping away. “This isn’t over, Y/N. I’ll be watching.”
“Don’t think this is the last you’ll see of me,” she shot back, anger bubbling within her.
“Let’s move!” Gaz said, pulling her along as they sprinted toward the extraction point.
They burst through the doors, the night air hitting them like a cold wave. As they reached the rendezvous point, Y/N couldn’t shake the encounter from her mind. Makarov had gotten under her skin in a way she hadn’t expected.
Back at base, the adrenaline began to fade, and the reality of what had just happened settled in. Y/N leaned against a wall, trying to catch her breath. Gaz approached her, concern etched on his face.
“Hey, you alright?” he asked, placing a hand on her shoulder. “What happened back there?”
“Just a little chat with Makarov,” she replied, her voice steady but her heart racing. “He almost got me.”
“Yeah, I noticed. You had me worried there for a second.” Gaz’s brow furrowed, his gaze intense. “You shouldn’t have gone off on your own like that.”
“Don’t start with me, Gaz,” Y/N said, shaking her head. “I know what I’m doing.”
“I know you do,” he replied softly, stepping closer. “But I can’t lose you to someone like him. He’s dangerous.”
Y/N met his gaze, feeling a mixture of gratitude and something deeper. “I know. But there was something about him… something I can’t shake.”
“That’s what he wants, Y/N. He’s good at getting into your head,” Gaz warned, his tone serious. “But you can’t let him.”
“Trust me, I won’t,” she said, though uncertainty lingered in her chest.
For a moment, they stood there, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging in the air. Gaz’s hand lingered on her shoulder, a reminder of their bond forged in the fires of conflict.
“Just… promise me you’ll be careful,” he said, his voice low. “I can’t protect you if you’re not.”
Y/N nodded, feeling a rush of warmth at his concern. “I promise.”
As they locked eyes, the world around them faded away. In that moment, they understood each other in a way that words couldn’t capture. It was a moment of connection amid the chaos, a flicker of hope in a world steeped in darkness.
But in the shadows, Makarov watched, his smile still lingering. The game was far from over, and he knew he’d be back for Y/N — whether she wanted it or not.
