Love KIA (Damon Baird x Reader)

Chapter 2: Its Always Wretches

The ride to our destination felt alot longer than it probably was. Maybe it was the silence that loomed over everyone, save for Doms occassional remark at the scenery, reminiscing in how everything used to look. I did hear Baird grumble every once in awhile too. When we arrived, the Raven landed a good few clicks away from our actual destination, in case the area was actually inhabited, hostiles or locals. Once we were off, the Raven took off.

"Alright. Their last known location isnt far from here. Keep an eye out, and dont let your guard down. We have no idea what's out here." Marcus stated, already walking ahead of everyone.

As we all began following him, I spoke up, "Why is Delta so small?" I asked, curious, "Every other group I've been in had at least 10 squad mates."

"Well, we have other members," Dom began, "But they dont run out on missions. They mostly stay behind for intel. Originally, Baird and Cole werent even with Delta, they were with Alpha. They kinda just transferred over. We did have other members, though. Kim, Carmine.. They didn't make it, though."

"Oh.. Sorry to hear that." I sighed.

I knew about Carmine. His name was Anthony, if I remembered correctly. Him and almost all his brothers were enlisted, save for the youngest, who was trying to be recruited in. Carmine's death was.. not so much a heroes death, but it was still heartbreaking nonetheless. But that's what happens in war... you either survive, or you dont. No in between.

As we made our way to our destination, I took note of the surroundings. It was hard to believe that this was once a bustling town, filled with hopeful people, all with their own hopes and aspirations. I wonder how many actually survived... How many were part of the COG now... and how many sacrificed their lives to the war. I hated thinking about it, but it was hard not to. The torn town buildings, the dried blood still on the concrete. Something caught my eye in some debris not far from us. I walked closer, and found it was a small teddy bear. Its left eye was missing, and it had a cute little pink bow around its neck... and blood splattered on its chest. No matter how long you've been fighting.. you never quite get used to reality as it really is.

"(L/n)!" Marcus called out, "Let's go."

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Once we arrived at our destination, it was already evident something bad had happened here. A COG member was laying on the steps leading the the entrance, his head and chest ripped apart. Fresh blood still dripping from every wound, trickling down the concrete stairs.

"Shit.. Bloods fresh." Marcus noted

"The others might still be alive. The doors cracked open, they might've gone inside." Dom said, kneeling down to remove the dead soldiers COG tags.

"Its a two story building. Lots of ground to cover. Heres what we'll do." Marcus began, "Cole and I will take the lower level. Dom, Baird.. you and (L/n) take the upstairs. Cover every last square foot of this place, and we'll meet back up at the entrance once we're done. If anyone finds anything, contact us over coms."

With that, and a quick "be safe" from Cole, we separated. Given the state of the rest of the town, this building was pretty in tact. From the looks of it, it seemed to be the remains of a simple buisness office.. but sure as hell didnt smell like one. The air was rank, and it was hard to breathe without wanting to gag. Dom ended up taking point, Baird and I staying close behind.

"Why do we always get sent on the rescue missions?" Baird asked, "and why is it that we always get stuck with the rookies?"

"I'm not a rookie. I've been in this for over 7 years." I replied.

"Baird, stop complaining. Figure you would be happy having a new face around." Dom stated, looking at us over his shoulder, "Besides, we-"

Before Dom could finish his statement, we heard a loud scratching in the ceiling. We all stopped in our tracks, staying as quiet ass possible, guns at the ready. After a few moments, Dom put a finger to his lips, then motioned for us to follow. Stepping quietly, we made our way from room to room, finding no signs of the missing team. That was, until we went to the very last room. Inside, was the remaining 4 members... or at least what was left of them. Limbs torn off, chests ripped open.. blood splattering all four corners off the room, dripping from the ceiling. The only way we could identify them, was by the names on their COG tags. Baird grimaced, looking from the bodies, to the rest of the room.

"Damn... guess we were too late.." Baird sighed, looking away from the mess.

Dom turned on his communicator, "Marcus.. We found em. Least.. what's left of them."

"Copy that.. Grab their tags and meet us downstairs, and be careful. Theres something still in the building."

"Got it. Dom, out." Dom turned to us, "Let's go. Tread lightly."

We grabbed the members tags, and made our way out of the room. Halfway down the hall, the ceiling caved in, crashing down between us. Dom quickly leapt forward, while Baird grabbed my arm and dragged me back. The debris between us made it impossible to follow Dom... and then that's when we heard it. An all too familiar, ear piercing screech. Wretches.

"Dammit! Baird, (L/n), find a way around! There should be a way out from your end, we'll meet up outside! Hurry!" Dom yelled.

As he said that, Wretches began climbing out of the ceiling, on Doms end and on ours. Dom ran off, firing behind him as three of the creepy bastards chased after him. Now Baird and I had our own to deal with.

"I think I saw a doorway leading to the roof! Come on!" Baird exclaimed.

We quickly turned around and ran off, away from the debris, shooting at the Wretches in tow. As they shambled towards us, screeching that guttural cry of theirs, I couldnt help but feel a tad bit calm. I've been in this situation before. This wasnt anything new, but deep inside there was that fear.. What if I died here? What if-

"Hey snap out of it! Help me get this door open, its jammed!" Baird cried out, kicking on the door to roof access.

I joined in on kicking the door, shooting at any Wretch that got too close for comfort. When the door wouldnt open, we began slowly backing into the nearest room. Baird quickly looked around, trying to find a way out. That's when he spotted the window.

"Oh this is gonna be dumb.." He mumbled.

He turned his fire to the door frame, and directed me to do the same. A few shots later, and the entire door frame, along with some of its ceiling, collapsed, blocking us inside.

"Oh great, Baird, now what?!" I yelled, backing away as the Wretches tried digging their way through our mess.

"Well, we either stand here and fight, or we take a risk. Now I dont know about you, but there are way too many of those bastards out there, and this is only a two story building. And from the looks of it.." He said, glancing out the window, "Theres a nice little garden below to soften the fall."

"The fall? Oh no. No, Baird, you're insane!"

"Better than being sane." He stated.

With that, Baird had grabbed me and jumped out the window, holding me against him. Within seconds, we were on the ground below in what used to be a pleasant little flower garden. Baird was right.. it did soften the fall, but it still hurt like hell. I made sure nothing on me was broken, and pushed myself up, glaring at Baird, who lay there laughing.

"God damn..! Its always wretches!"