War of Hearts

Chapter Twenty-Four - Freedom Fighter

Six hours later

"As soon as Makarov escaped, he mobilized his army on multiple fronts. Konni Group PMC's hit the Urzikstan Port before sunrise, and converged on a nuclear power plant in Urzikstan before the afternoon." Laswell addressed the room as they all prepped to head out.

"Bloody hell," Gaz muttered. "Konni's got their own missiles, now they've got two more and enough sarin gas to take out an entire country." 

Price's voice was grave. "Right now, it's in Farah's backyard. We need to get there, now."

They were wheels up within minutes, Price wasting no time to help his friend and put a stop to whatever Makarov was planning. Hex and Gaz each swallowed before stepping into the helicopter, a shiver running through them from their recent accidents, but she took his hand, and they entered together. Despite the dire situation that was worsening by the hour, Hex couldn't help but feel a sense of lightness. She was getting stronger, still sparring with Ghost when they found the time, and things between them were calm, happy even. The bond that had solidified  between them the day they left Las Almas was holding strong, despite Ghost still trying to keep her at an arm's length. Though her progress wasn't always linear, it was still progress. Price's words allowing her to embrace imperfection set her free. Her hidden rage that caused explosions in her heart and mind was slowly becoming a steady furnace that she could tap into when she needed, and leave to simmer when she didn't; a true force of Nature, just as Laswell had described.

Nikolai had them to Urzikstan in no time, and Farah welcomed them to her Liberation Force Base, immediately ushering Price and Laswell somewhere to the side. The rest of them made their way further into the base to wait for debrief. The encampment was full of life. Soldiers and rebels were around every corner, and every single one of them moved with a sense of family and home. No corner of the base was without personal touches; pictures, paintings, lights, and mementos were everywhere. They didn't have much, but everything they had, they shared with the 141 without hesitation. Soap and Gaz were making friendly efforts towards those who welcomed them, Hex's heart was soaring with a familiarity of her time deployed to places like these, and Ghost was trying not to get overwhelmed with all the activity. They finished their introductions and tossed a few of their belongings into the barracks before getting the call to regroup with Price.

They made their way to a larger tent that functioned as their meeting room. Gaz, Soap, Ghost, and Hex all filed in, but Hex turned her head back as she was hit with sand while moving through the dust-covered flaps. It clouded her vision and she tried to blink it away as a familiar silhouette entered her peripheral from behind her. A tall, blonde man with tattoos running down his arms and with a styled mustache was making his way towards the tent behind her. She squinted enough to recognize an American flag patch on his vest and his kind blue eyes staring at her in disbelief.

"...Alex?"

At her voice, Ghost and Soap whipped around. The man stepped a bit closer and came fully into focus. Alex Keller smiled wide, eyebrows raised in shock. "Sabrina?"

"ALEX!" She shouted his name and rushed towards him. He returned the gesture and ran to her, dropping the bag he was holding and scooping her into his arms with a spin. The two of them were laughing through happy tears, and began to speak over each other trying to make sense of what they were both doing here.

"I thought you were- "

"How did you- ?"

"What are you doing here?"

"It's so good to see you!"

They finally released the embrace and looked at each other, beaming. Ghost narrowed his eyes slightly, still in the doorway, and Soap shouted from behind him, smiling at seeing her so happy, "Hex! You gonna introduce us to your friend?"