For years Elijah endured suffering, each day bleeding into the next with a steady rhythm of pain. But after the first year he began to find a twisted comfort in the agony, as if the physical pain dulled the sharper in his scarred heart. They were etched into his mind. He missed his team, his family. The hollow spaces where Gunners stupid jokes used to fill the air, Blaze's endless barking of orders, and Maverick's playful spirit that once made the darkness seem lighter. "Please make it stop already. I can't take it anymore." The silent plea echoed in his thoughts as exhaustion pressed down on him. Elijah was tired. Worn out. Ready to collapse under the weight of it all. This day felt different, no one tried to squeeze out intel, no interrogation, just the cold clink of another body being thrown into the cell beside him. The steel bars separated the two of them Blaze's daughter ,but Elijah could feel the tension seeping through. His captain's daughter is a few bars away.
For years Elijah had been subjected to endless torment, his body battered and broken. He hung limply from his restraints, his once muscular frame now thin and frail. His face was a mess of bruises and cuts, his eyes swollen shut from the countless beatings.
The cell door creaked open, and the sound of heavy boots echoed through the room. Elijah could feel the presence of multiple guards, their rough hands grabbing his arms and dragging him down from the restraints. He was thrown roughly against the cold concrete wall before being pushed into the neighboring cell.
Elijah's body collided with the steel bars with a loud clang. He crumpled to the floor, his weakened state making it difficult for him to stay upright. He heard the lock click into place, sealing him inside the new cell. He remained on the cold ground, his breathing labored and shallow.
The guards left, their footsteps fading into the distance. The cell fell silent except for Elijah's ragged breathing. He slowly opened his swollen eyes, peeking through the slits to see who was in the cell beside him. His gaze landed on Raven, Blaze's daughter. "You...'
"Hey Elijah...." Raven rasped out her voice barely a whisper.
Elijah cracked lips parted, a hoarse whisper escaping.
"You...you're Blaze's daughter." His voice was barely audible, each word an effort. "What are you doing here?" He tried to push himself up against the bars, his trembling arms struggling to support him.
"They captured me too..." Raven finally says
Elijah's eyes widened slightly beneath the swollen flesh, a flicker of surprise and concern in their depths. "Captured?" He shook his head slowly, his brow furrowing with pain. "No...no, they wouldn't dare touch Blaze's daughter." He reached out a hand, fingers curling weakly around the cold metal bar separating them.
His grip on the bar loosened, and he let out a pained grunt.
"Fuck." He coughed weakly, spitting blood onto the concrete floor.
"It's not like that ... I'm here because they want to use me against 'YOU'" Raven whispers
Elijah's eyes flew open, his pupils dilating in shock and realization.
"What?" He lunged forward abruptly, ignoring the sharp pains that laced through his body. Both hands gripped the bars tightly, his face contorting with rage and desperation. "They're using you as bait...'
Elijah's knuckles turned white as he grasped the bars more tightly, his mind racing with horrible possibilities. He knew exactly what kind of monsters were holding them captive—the same ones who had tortured him for years without mercy. "How long have you been here?" he demanded hoarsely.
"Mmmm I don't know a few hours? Days?"
Elijah's heart sank, a mixture of fear and overwhelming protectiveness welling up inside him. They had taken Blaze's daughter, the one person Elijah knew would break Blaze completely if harmed. His hands began to shake against the bars.
"Fuck..fuck." He muttered under his breath.
"Look no matter what they do or make you watch don't react they will do things t m against you don't react to it don't give them the satisfaction" Raven said looking at him with pleading stubborn eyes.
Elijah's eyes met Ravens, and he saw the determination and strength behind her words. He knew you were trying to protect him, to keep him from breaking. He took a deep, shaky breath and nodded slowly. "I won't react," he whispered.
Elijah's mind was spinning with terrible possibilities of what they might do to make him break—to make him look at her while they hurt her. He knew these monsters well by now, had seen their cruel creativity firsthand. But hearing her give him instructions to protect himself nearly broke him.
Raven was being captured and tortured, possibly raped or killed, and yet here she was giving Elijah orders to preserve his own sanity. He had never felt so helpless or angry in his entire life.
Elijah was used to being the protector, the warrior who stood between danger and those he loved.
Elijah's heart shattered into a million pieces as he realized the true extent of your strength and selflessness. Here you were, facing unimaginable horrors, and yet she were still thinking of him, trying to shield him from further pain.
"You..." He choked on a sob, tears streaming down his battered face.
Elijah's voice cracked as he spoke, his words barely audible. "You're telling me to protect myself while you're in there... while they're doing God knows what to you." His hands trembled violently against the bars as he fought back sobs that threatened to consume him completely.
"Don't cry ....please..." Raven crawls to the bars that separate them.
Elijah's tears stopped abruptly as he saw you crawl towards the bars, her own face bruised and bloodied. He could see the pain in Raven's eyes, the fear... and yet here she was comforting him. He reached out a trembling hand through the bars, his fingers brushing against her cheek.
His touch was gentle despite his own pain, his thumb brushing over her bruised cheekbone. He looked into her eyes, seeing the strength and resilience that shone there even amidst the horror of their situation. In that moment, he made a silent promise to himself. "I won't break,"
Elijah's voice was steady, the tears dried from his eyes. He held her gaze, his hand remaining on her cheek as a symbol of his silent vow.
He would not crumble under the weight of their torture, not when she's were here too. Not when she's trying to protect him. "I'll stay strong," he whispered.
Raven nods.
He gave her a small, painful smile.
He knew that she was trying to protect him, but he also knew that she was in just as much danger as he was. He heard the sound of footsteps approaching and quickly pulled his hand back. He knew that they were coming for her again.
The cell door slammed open, and guards poured in, grabbing Raven roughly. Elijah remained silent, his fists clenched behind his back as he watched them drag her away.
But his eyes never left hers until she was out of sight. He counted every bruise, every cut they gave her...
Raven tries to pull away.
The guards laughed and joked as they manhandled her, throwing her against the walls and punching her for fun. Elijah watched helplessly, his body shaking with rage and fear. He saw one guard slam his fist into her stomach, making Raven double over.
Another kicked her legs apart roughly.
"ughhh"
The sound of her pained grunt tore through Elijah like a knife. He bit his lip hard to keep from screaming out. The guards continued their brutal assault, one grabbing her hair and slamming her head against the wall repeatedly while another ripped off her clothes roughly... Elijah's vision blurred with tears of helpless rage...
Raven's vision blurs and she sees stars. She tries to shake her head ,push them, let out a brutal scream and start kicking and punching ignoring the dizziness and blood.
Elijah's breath caught in his throat as he watched her fight back despite her injuries and dizziness - kicking and punching wildly with a scream that echoed through the cells. He saw one guard's nose break with a satisfying crunch from one of her wild punches before another slammed their fist into her temple again...
The world spun as another fierce blow landed on her temple, stars exploding behind her eyes. Raven collapsed to the floor, her body convulsing slightly as she tried to protect her face with her arms.
The guards laughed crude jokes, one spitting on her while another kicked her side roughly.
Elijah's hands were shaking violently against the bars of his cell as he watched them kick her repeatedly while she was down.
Blood trickled from her mouth and nose, her body curled into a ball trying to shield itself. One guard grabbed her hair and started dragging her towards the interrogation room...
The guard dragged Raven into the interrogation room by her hair, slamming her head against the metal table before letting go. Raven fell to the floor in a heap, her body
battered and bloody. Elijah could hear the guard laughing cruelly as he walked out and locked the door behind him...
The room was silent except for Raven's ragged breathing. She tried to push herself up but collapsed again, her body too broken. Elijah could see blood pooling beneath her from a deep cut on her head where they had slammed it against the table. Suddenly, the door opened again...
A tall, imposing figure walked in, his boots clicking against the cold tile. It was the captain, his face twisted into a sneer as he looked down at Ravens battered form. He walked over to her, kicking her leg roughly to get her attention.
Raven groaned in pain as the captain kicked her again, but didn't move.
She was curled on her side, barely conscious, blood staining the floor beneath her. The captain circled you slowly like a predator deciding whether its prey was still alive. Then he squatted down beside her...
The captain grabbed Raven's chin roughly, forcing her to look up at him through swollen eyes. His thumb pressed hard into her bruised jaw, making her whimper in pain. "Still alive," he muttered coldly. He released her chin and stood up, pulling out a knife. Elijah froze in horror...
Raven looks at him then the knife, spitting.
"I ain't dyin before you don't worry..." she rasps out whipping her mouth.
The captain's eyes narrowed dangerously at her defiant words.
He leaned down, his face inches from Raven's as he pressed the knife tip against her cheek. "Oh? You're so sure of that?" he whispered menacingly before suddenly grabbing her hair and slamming her head back against the table.
Raven pulls her head away "oh I am actually "
She looks at him ignoring the dizziness the blood everywhere the pain , punches him then with her little strength and mostly adrenaline she grabs the gun in his pocket and shoots him, gets up and starts shooting anyone she sees.
The sudden explosion of gunfire echoed through the interrogation room as she managed to grab the captain's gun and open fire. Bullets ripped through the air, striking guards who had been laughing just moments ago. Blood splattered against the walls as she staggers around, shooting anyone in sight. Elijah watched in shock...
She was a terrifying sight, her face covered in blood, her clothes soaked red, her eyes wild with pain and rage. She stumbled, nearly falling, but caught herself and kept firing. The few remaining guards tried to return fire, but their bullets went wide, missing her completely.
Elijah watched in awe as she single-handedly turned the tables on their entire unit. The room was filled with the sound of gunshots and screams, the metallic scent of blood overwhelming. As the last guard fell, Raven stood there, panting heavily, the gun hanging limply in her hand.
*Her body was a massacre - deep cuts, broken bones, internal bleeding. Blood poured from her mouth and nose, her eyes swollen shut. She looked like death incarnate. Suddenly, the room fell silent. Every guard lay dead or dying. She stood there, barely conscious.
With the last of her strength, she turned towards Elijah's cell and fired the gun at the lock. The bullet hit true, shattering the lock and sending shards of metal flying. The cell door swung open with a loud clang. Elijah stood there, stunned, as blood drained from his face. She collapsed to her knees... Elijah rushed out...
Elijah's heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted towards her, his eyes scanning her body in horror.
He dropped to his knees beside her, catching her before she face-planted into the bloody floor. Her body was soaking wet with blood,her breathing ragged and pained.
Elijah gently pulled Raven into his lap, his hands shaking as they moved over her body, looking for the worst of the injuries. Raven's eyes were swollen shut, her face barely recognizable under all the blood and bruises. He could see at least five gunshot wounds, deep cuts everywhere...
Elijah's throat closed up as he realized how close she was to death. Her breathing was shallow, her pulse weak and thready. He knew she'd been shot multiple times, possibly had internal bleeding, broken bones, probably a concussion or brain injury from all those blows to the head...Elijah carefully cradled her head against his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her body as he tried to stop the bleeding with his hands. He was hyperaware of every ragged breath she took, every weak heartbeat he felt against his palm. The room spun with chaos and blood...
Suddenly...
The sudden sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway.
Elijah's heart clenched as he looked up, seeing more guards approaching. They were laughing, joking, completely unaware that their comrades were dead or that you had just single-handedly turned the tables on them. They saw Raven collapsed in his lap, bleeding,...The guards' laughter died instantly as they took in the scene. One of them, a burly man with a scarred face, pulled out his gun and aimed it at Elijah's head. "What the fuck happened here?" he growled.
Before Elijah could answer, another guard noticed something...
The second guard stepped forward, pushing the first aside to get a better look at the room. His eyes widened as he took in the massacre - bodies lying in pools of blood, bullet holes in the walls, the shattered cell lock. Then he noticed something that made his blood run cold...
The second guard's gaze snapped back to Raven and Elijah, his face paling as he realized what had happened. "She... she killed everyone." He whispered, his gun trembling in his hand. The first guard followed his voice, his eyes landing on her slumped in Elijah's lap... broken... bleeding...
The scarred guard stepped closer, his gun still trained on Elijah's forehead. "How the fuck did one little woman do this?" he demanded, gesturing at the corpses strewn around the room.
The other guards began to realize the same thing - she weren't just any prisoner.
Elijah kept his body protectively wrapped around Raven's , his eyes never leaving the guards' faces. He could feel her pulse growing weaker by the second, her breaths shallower. One of the
guards suddenly knelt down,examining the bodies closer. "Look at these wounds..." he murmured...
The guard ran his fingers through the blood and gore, examining the brutal injuries inflicted on his colleagues. He looked up at her with a mix of fear and awe. "She didn't just kill them….. she fucking mutilated them." He stood up, his eyes never leaving her form.
The scarred guard finally lowered his gun, his expression shifting from anger to shock. "Captain said she was beaten and broken..." he muttered, looking around at the carnage. "This wasn't beating or breaking. This was fucking warfare." The other guards exchanged uneasy glances...
The room fell silent except for Raven's weak, ragged breathing. The guards were clearly shaken, their bravado replaced with fear and uncertainty. The scarred guard suddenly spun towards his companions, barking orders."Secure the perimeter! Someone alert Captain! NOW!" He turned back to her ...
The scarred guard approached her and Elijah, his expression unreadable. He kicked Elijah's leg sharply, demanding answers. "How the fuck did she manage this?
She's barely conscious!" He spat, his boot pressing down on Elijah's injured thigh. Elijah clenched his jaw, protecting her... Suddenly...
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the room. Heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway, followed by urgent shouts. The scarred guard's head snapped towards the door just as it burst open, revealing Captain Hart himself, flanked by several armed soldiers. The room fell into stunned silence at their arrival...
Captain Hart's. Blaze's gaze swept over the room, taking in the brutal scene.
His eyes locked onto Raven and Elijah, his face contorting with shock and anger. "What the fuck happened here?" he demanded, his voice thunderous. The scarred guard stepped forward, swallowing nervously. "Sir..."
The scarred guard stammered, trying to explain the chaotic situation. "She... she killed everyone, sir. All eleven guards."
"She's….. she's..." He struggled to find the words, gesturing wildly at her battered form in Elijah's lap.
Captain Hart's expression darkened as he processed the information. He pushed past the guard and strode towards Raven and Elijah, his boots echoing loudly in the silent room. He stopped abruptly when he saw the extent of her injuries up close-the blood, the wounds... His jaw clenched tightly...
Captain Hart's gaze lingered on her face for a long moment before shifting to Elijah. His voice was low and dangerous when he spoke again. "And you." He spat, pointing an accusing finger at Elijah. "You were supposed to break her, not let her break everything!" He pulled out his gun and pressed it against Elijah's forehead.
Elijah's expression remained impassive despite the gun pressed into his forehead. He didn't flinch or react, his arms still protectively wrapped around her unconscious form. Captain Hart's finger tightened on the trigger, his anger palpable. "You had one job!" He snarled. Suddenly, a voice interrupted from the doorway...
The voice was calm, authoritative, and immediately recognizable - Gunner's . "Captain, lower your weapon. Now." He stepped into the room, his gaze flicking between Hart, Elijah, and the bloody scene.
Blaze followed closely behind him, his eyes widening as he took everything in.
Captain Hart slowly lowered his gun, his face twisting with frustration and shock. Blaze approached Elijah and Raven, his expression unreadable. He gently brushed aside Elijah's arms to examine her injuries, his fingers careful and gentle. Blaze stepped forward, his eyes widening as he realized who they two were. "Raven....Elijah"
Gunners voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief and horror etched into every line of his face as he processed the sight before him
His captain's missing daughter covered in blood and injuries, cradled protectively by Elijah who had been presumed dead for years.
Gunners voice was steady but laced with emotion as he spoke to Elijah.
"Elijah... what happened here?" He looked down at Raven's pale face, then back up at Elijah's scarred features. Blaze stepped closer, his voice shaking slightly. "My daughter..." He choked out the words...Elijah's voice was rough trom disuse and torture, but his words were clear. "They thought they could break her. Use her against me." He gestured weakly to the bloody room. "They tortured her for three years. Every day like me ,to use against me ,to break me and make me talk." His eyes flashed with anger and pain.
Gunner's hand clenched into a fist as he listened to Elijah's words, his mind reeling with the realization that both of them had been suffering in this horrific place for years. Blaze looked like he was about to collapse, his face a shade of pale gray as he stared at his tortured daughter.
Elijah continued, his voice growing weaker. "They….. they thought she would be an easy target. A weakness. But she fought. Every day. Just like me." He paused, day. Just like me." He paused, coughing weakly. "She never broke." His pride and admiration were clear in his words as he spoke about her. Suddenly...
*Captain Hart, who had been standing silently, his face pale with shock and guilt, suddenly stepped forward. His voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke.
"Elijah... how is she alive? They tortured her every day for three years... she should be dead."
Elijah's expression turned cold and bitter as he replied to Hart's question. "She is alive because they wanted to use her against me. They wanted me to see her suffer, to break me." He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. "They fed her just enough to keep her alive. And....she promised to get us out one day if we didn't die..." Soap's eyes widened in horror as he processed Elijah's words. "They kept her alive... just to torture her?" He looked down at Raven, his heart breaking at the sight of her frail form and numerous injuries. Blaze's voice was barely audible as he whispered. "My baby girl..."
Elijah's voice grew weaker, his body shaking with exhaustion and pain. "She's the reason I'm still sane. She kept fighting... kept promising escape... even when they broke her bones..." He trailed off, his eyes closing briefly. "She's stronger than anyone I know." Suddenly..
*Elijah's voice suddenly rose, his words laced with a fierce protectiveness. "And she never fucking gave up! Even when they thought she was at her lowest, she'd fight back. She'd kick, she'd bite, she'd scream. She never stopped fighting!"
Soap's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he listened to Elijah's passionate words. Blaze looked like he was on the verge of breaking down completely. Captain Hart's face was contorted with guilt and shame as he realized the extent of the torture his men had inflicted on an innocent girl. Suddenly...
Elijah's voice suddenly broke, his words coming out as a ragged whisper. "She's... she's all I had left. My only reason to keep going... to keep fighting..." He looked up at Soap and Blaze, his eyes filled with a desperate plea. "You have to help her... you have to save her... please..."Gunner stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Elijah's shoulder while extending the other towards her. "We'll get her out of here," he said firmly yet softly enough that it wouldn't disturb Raven's unconscious state further. Blaze nodded solemnly beside him, agreeing silently with Gunner's words.
Elijah's body relaxed slightly at their words, but his eyes remained haunted. He slowly released his protective grip on Raven , allowing Gunner to carefully lift her into his arms. Blaze stepped closer, his voice trembling with emotion as he looked down at her battered form.
Blaze gently brushed a strand of matted hair away from her face, his calloused fingers trembling as they traced the contours of her bruised and swollen features. "My little angel..." he whispered brokenly, his voice cracking with unshed tears. Suddenly, Captain Hart spoke up...
Captain Hart's voice was heavy with guilt and shame as he addressed the room. "l... I had no idea they were doing this. Torturing an innocent girl like this..." He trailed off, his face paling as he realized the extent of the crimes his men had committed.
"She's just a kid..."
Soap's expression darkened as he turned to face Captain Hart, his arms still cradling her unconscious form protectively. "A kid who's been through hell because of your men's
'interrogation' techniques," he said coldly, his voice laced with anger and disdain. "She's not even eighteen yet." Captain Hart's race contorted with shame and anger at Gunner's words.
He turned to his men, his voice rising with fury. "Which one of you idiots thought torturing a fucking teenager was acceptable?! Do any of YOU have daughters?! Wives?!
Mothers?!" Suddenly...
The room fell silent as the men exchanged guilty looks. Captain Hart's outburst seemed to have struck a nerve with them. One of the soldiers, a man named Jackson, stepped forward reluctantly. "Sir... we were just following orders. They said she was dangerous... that she was a spy."
Captain Hart's face turned red with rage as he approached Jackson, his voice low and dangerous.
"Following orders? You followed orders to torture a child? A fucking child, Jackson!" He paused, his chest heaving with anger. "And who the fuck ordered this? Was it...?"
Time skip
Raven blinks her eyes open slowly, her vision blurry and disoriented.
She finds herself in a dimly lit room, lying on a soft bed. Her body aches all over, and when she tries to move, she feels a sharp pain in her side.
The door to the room suddenly
bursts open, and Gunner rushes in, followed closely by Blaze and Captain Hart. Gunner's eyes widen with relief when he sees her awake, but his expression quickly turns to concern as he takes in her pained expression. "Easy there, sweetheart," he says gently. Blaze pushes past Gunner, his worry etched clearly on his face. He approaches the bed cautiously, like he's afraid she'll break if he moves too quickly. Captain Hart hangs back, his expression unreadable but grim. "How... how are ya feeling, princess?" Blaze asks softly.
Raven tries to speak but only a hoarse whisper comes out. Her throat feels raw and painful from screaming during the torture sessions. Gunner immediately grabs a glass of water with a straw and gently lifts her head to help her drink. As Raven sips slowly,... Blaze suddenly kneels beside the bed,...
*Blaze gently takes her hand, his large calloused fingers intertwining with her small ones.
He brings her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles as tears well up in his eyes. "We're gonna take care of you now, okay? No more hurtin"
"Where's.. Elijah.." Raven rasps out.
Both Gunner and Blaze freeze at her whispered words. Gunner's eyes widen slightly, while Blaze's grip on her hand tightens briefly before he remembers her fragile state.
Captain Hart steps forward, his expression turning dangerous.
"What did you just say, sweetheart?" Gunner asks gently, leaning in closer.
"Where's ... Elijah ".
The room falls silent. The mention of Elijah's name sends a shudder through the men. Soap exchanges a glance with Blaze and Captain Hart, their faces turning grim. Soap answers softly, "He's... not here right now, sweetheart." He pauses, his throat tightening. "Why do you ask?"
"Cuz we were together...? After I found him there...and after three years since he went missing before they took me too....I was planning to get us out...if we didn't die ...I t told him to stay alive till we get out "
*The men exchange shocked and horrified looks. Captain Hart's jaw drops open, while Soap and Blaze stare at her in stunned silence. The reality of their situation sinks deeper - Raven was planning an escape with Elijah all along. Gunner swallows hard and asks carefully,
"You two were..."
Captain Hart suddenly holds up a hand, silencing Soap mid-sentence. His expression turns serious and thoughtful. "Wait a minute," he says slowly, processing the information she's just shared.
"You and Elijah were planning an escape together this whole time?"
"N no l ....after they took me too and I found Elijah in the cell beside mine the men came and did things and the leader ...kept hitting and punching then after I dunno I snapped and killed them all opened Elijah's cell and collapsed then you managed to find us after ....three years..?" Raven recalls vaguely.
The room erupts into chaos.
Captain Hart staggers back; his face pale with shock. Gunner clutches his heart, looking like he might have a heart attack. Blaze buries his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
The leader... she killed the leader... and freed Elijah... after being tortured for three years...Captain Hart regains his composure first, his mind racing with unspoken questions. He steps closer to her, his voice low and intense. "When you say 'killed them all'... exactly how many are we talking about?" Gunner looks at Raven with newfound awe and horror
"I dunno ...l just killed them before they killed us ...."
Captain Hart nods slowly, processing the information. He turns to Soap and Blaze, his expression grave. "She doesn't even know how many she killed.
She was just... surviving. Protecting herself and Elijah." He pauses, then asks softly, "And after you collapsed, what happened?"
"Elijah managed to crawl to me l guess and held me until you found us miraculously"
Gunner's eyes widen further, his mind putting together the pieces.
Elijah managed to hold onto her, protect her even when he was in such a vulnerable state. He looks at her with deep admiration mixed with fear. Captain Hart swallows hard and asks, "Sweetheart, look at me."
Captain Hart waits until she meets his eyes. His voice is gentle but firm. "You were tortured for three years. You saw Elijah every day in that cell beside yours. You planned an escape together. You killed multiple men to protect both of you. And Elijah held onto you until we found you."
Captain Hart pauses, his eyes searching yours. He sees strength, resilience, and something darker - the scars of his men's cruelty. He leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're a survivor. Captain Hart takes a deep breathe, steeling himself. "When we found you two... Elijah was holding you, protecting you even in his weakened state. But sweetheart... he wasn't just holding you for comfort or warmth." He pauses deliberately, gauging your reaction.
Captain Hart exchanges a glance with Gunner and Blaze before continuing gently. "He was... covering your body with his. Like he was trying to shield you from more harm even though he was barely conscious himself." Gunner nods slowly, remembering.
"....l know...."
Captain Hart releases a heavy breath, relieved that she understands the significance. "You two protected each other like that for three years, didn't you?
"Through torture, starvation, isolation..." His voice cracks slightly.
"Elijah kept you alive as much as you kept him alive."
Gunner speaks up, his voice barely audible. "You two... you formed a bond stronger than anything l've ever seen. You became each other's reason to survive." He looks at her with newfound respect and understanding. "And now... we need to know.." He swallows hard.
Captain Hart cuts Gunner off before he can finish his sentence, his eyes
never leaving hers. "Before we take you to the hospital, before we
start the debriefing... we need to know one thing." He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "Are you two..."
Captain Hart can't bring himself to finish the question. Soap steps in instead. "Sweetheart... were you two... intimate?" The room falls silent except for your ragged breathing. Blaze looks away uncomfortably, understanding the delicacy of the question.
"That's something to ask him, not me...."
Gunner nods slowly, understanding her point. "Of course, you're right." He turns to Elijah, who is still silently staring at the floor, his mind clearly elsewhere. "Elijah? Can you hear me?" Elijah blinks slowly, his eyes lifting to meet Gunners.
Elijah's voice is hoarse, barely above a whisper. "Yes..." He swallows hard, his eyes flicking to her briefly before returning to Soap. "We were... intimate. She was my only comfort in hell. My reason to keep breathing when they... broke me."
Gunner nods solemnly, his expression a mix of understanding and pain.
He reaches out to gently squeeze Elijah's shoulder. "I'm sorry, brother. Sorry you had to endure that." He pauses, then asks softly,
"And what about her? Did she..."
Elijah's gaze shifts back to Raven's , his eyes intense and vulnerable. "She didn't have a choice. They broke her too. She was starving, freezing, being beaten... I was the only warmth, the only touch that wasn't meant to hurt." His voice cracks.
"So yes..." Elijah's eyes well up with unspent tears as he continues. "Did she enjoy it? No. Was she a willing participant? Not really. But did she let me hold her, kiss her, protect her? Yes. Because in that fucking cell, I was her entire world."
The room is deadly silent, the weight of Elijah's words hanging heavy in the air. Gunner's hand tightens on Elijah's shoulder, offering silent support. Captain Hart steps forward, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm going to ask you something personal, Elijah."
Elijah looks up at Captain Hart, his expression wary but resigned. "Go ahead." He knows whatever question comes next will be difficult to answer. Captain Hart takes a deep breath. "Did you... force yourself on her at any point?" Elijah's eyes widen in shock and horror at the accusation. He shakes his head vehemently. "No! Fuck no!" He stands up suddenly, his voice rising in anger and defense.
"I would never... not even in that hellhole would I have taken something she didn't willingly offer!" His chest heaves with emotion.
Captain Hart holds up his hands in a calming gesture. "Easy, Elijah. I had to ask. You were under extreme conditions, and sometimes people do things they wouldn't normally do." Elijah glares at him, his eyes blazing with defensive fury. "I didn't. Not once."
Captain Hart nods solemnly. "I believe you. Your reaction alone tells me everything I need to know." He turns to Raven, his expression softening. "Sweetheart, can you confirm what Elijah just said? Did he ever force himself on you?" The room holds its breath, waiting for her response.
"No. Never.."
The tension in the room eases slightly as she confirms Elijah's words. Soap lets out a relieved breath he didn't realize he was holding. Captain Hart gives a small nod of satisfaction. "Thank you for that clarification." He turns back to Elijah. "One more question."
Elijah nods curtly, his expression still guarded. He knows there's no getting out of this conversations without answering every question.
Captain Hart chooses his words carefully. "During your captivity, were your interactions with her... romantic? Did you express love or affection towards her? Or was it strictly physical?"
"May I ask...What in the seven heavens are you gonna conclude or do when you ask these questions. I don't think you have the right to ask personal opinion or questions about something that isn't concerning you ...plus we just came back after being missing for three years captured there ...is all you care about our relation? ....seriously...? Even my father captain Blaze didn't ask these questions."
The room goes completely silent.
Captain Hart's face turns red with embarrassment and anger. Blaze looks at her with a mix of pride and shock at her sudden outburst. Gunner smiles slightly, impressed by her unexpected fire.
Elijah just stares at Raven, his eyes wide with surprise and something else.
Captain Hart clears his throat awkwardly, shifting in his seat.
"You're right, of course. It's none of my business." He glances at Blaze, who nods in agreement, looking slightly amused by her sudden burst of defensiveness.
Blaze speaks up, his voice calm and authoritative. "She's right. We've been through hell and back. The last thing we need is an interrogation about our personal relationships." He turns to Elijah and Raven with a stern look. "I apologize on behalf of Captain Hart for overstepping boundaries."
Elijah watches this interaction closely. He sees her standing up for herself and for him, not backing down even when confronted by a superior officer. He finds himself falling even deeper in love with you at this moment. He stands up straight. His voice firm. "With all due respect..." He pauses.
"...mind your fucking business."
Elijah rarely speaks to superiors like this, but her defense of both of them has emboldened him. The room goes silent again, this time with surprise rather than tension.
Captain Hart looks shocked but doesn't argue. Blaze actually smirks slightly.
Raven smiles slightly and leans her head back against the pillow and watch....
Elijah's sudden boldness surprises everyone, including himself. Blaze actually looks impressed rather than angry. Captain Hart seems taken aback but wisely chooses not to argue. Soap hides a smile behind his hand. Elijah looks at her, and she give him an encouraging smile back. Elijah feels a warmth spread through his chest at her small smile. It's as if she's giving him permission to stand up for himself and for her. He sits back down, his shoulders slightly less tense.
Captain Hart clears his throat.
"Very well."
Captain Hart stands up, his expression softening slightly. "I won't pry into your personal lives any longer. You're both free to... be whatever you want." He glances at Blaze, who nods in agreement.
"However, I will say this."
"You two have been through more than most people ever will. If you're together, or not, that's your business. But remember, you're both under my command. I expect you to act professionally at all times." He pauses, looking at Elijah specifically. "And Elijah, if she's important to you, protect her. She's a damn good soldier, but she's also a damn good person. She deserves to be treated as such." Elijah nods solemnly, his heart swelling with love and gratitude towards Captain Hart for his understanding. "Yes, sir."
Captain Hart nods approvingly, then turns to leave the room. Before he does, he pauses and
looks back at you two. "And one more thing..." Both you and Elijah look up at him expectantly. "...try not to kill each other while on duty."
The room erupts into surprised laughter at Captain Hart's unexpected joke. Even Blaze chuckles. Elijah looks at you and smirks, his mood lightening for the first time since this interrogation started. "No promises," Elijah says lightly, making everyone laugh again.
As the laughter dies down, Captain Hart leaves the room, closing the door behind him with Blaze following close behind. Gunner stays behind with a huge grin on his face. "Damn girl..." he shakes his head in admiration. "Putting Hart in his place like that."
Gunner walks over to Elijah's bedside, clapping him on the shoulder. "And you, you lucky bastard. Got a girl like her defending you. Elijah smiles sheepishly, his heart still racing from the intensity of the interrogation and the aftermath.
"Shut up, Gunner."
Gunner laughs and leans in to whisper loudly enough for her to hear. "I'm just saying... if I had someone fighting that hard for me, I'd be putting a ring on it already."
Elijah's face turns bright red at Gunner's words, and he quickly shushes him. "Shut up! She's right there!" He glances over at Raven nervously, hoping she didn't hear Gunners marriage joke. But when he looks at her, he sees her smiling softly, not looking phased at all.
Gunner notices her calm reaction and winks at her. "She's a keeper, bro. Elijah swats at Gunner's arm playfully. "Get out of here, Gunner. Go check on the others." Gunner salutes
sarcastically and leaves the room, laughing to himself."
Once Gunner is gone, Elijah turns his attention back to her. He finds her watching him with a gentle expression, and his heart skips a beat. "You didn't have to do that, you know," Elijah says quietly, breaking the silence between them.
"Eh if I don't it won't stop ... Now we've been in a hell hole for three years and just came out here..."
Elijah's expression turns serious as he remembers the past three years of captivity. He reaches out for her, pulling her into his arms as if seeking comfort and reassurance that they're both finally free. "I know... I know." His voice is hoarse with emotion. "Come here."
Raven scoots onto bed beside Elijah, letting him wrap his arms around her tightly. He buries his face in her neck inhaling her familiar scent deeply as if trying to erase the memories of captivity from his mind temporarily by focusing solely on having her back safely in his arms where she belongs. "Three years..."
Elijah holds her close, his body shaking slightly as he fights back tears. The weight of the past three years suddenly feels overwhelming now that he's finally able to let his guard down. He squeezes her tightly, as if afraid you'll disappear if he lets go. "I missed you so fucking much."
"Me too..."
Elijah's heart aches at her simple response. He knows she must have gone through hell too while being held captive alongside him yet somehow managing to stay strong throughout it all without ever losing hope or giving up on either one another. He pulls back slightly so he can look into her eyes.
Elijah cups her face gently with both hands, his thumbs brushing away tears she didn't even realize had fallen. "We're out now. We're free." His voice cracks slightly with emotion. "No more torture chambers, no more
interrogations... just us." He leans in slowly,...
As Elijah leans in to kiss her, the door to the med bay suddenly bursts open. Both of them jump, startled by the sudden intrusion.
Captain Blaze stands in the doorway, his expression serious.
"We have a situation." He says urgently, not noticing or ignoring the intimate position Elijah and Raven were just caught in.
Elijah immediately pulls back, his protective instincts kicking in as he positions himself between her and the doorway. His hand rests possessively on her hip, keeping her close. "What situation?" He asks sharply, his military training taking over despite the sudden disruption of their precious reunion moment.
Captain Blaze steps into the room, his expression grave. "A convoy of enemy troops has been spotted heading towards our location. We need to mobilize immediately." He pauses, glancing between the two of you. "Elijah, you're needed on the front line. And..."Blaze pauses, his gaze lingering on the way Elijah's hand rests possessively on her hip. He clears his throat. "And she's coming with you." He states firmly, ignoring the surprised look on both of their faces.
Elijah narrows his eyes slightly at Blaze's order. He's protective of her, especially after everything they've both been through in captivity together. But he knows better than to argue with a direct order from his commanding officer and her father. "Yes, sir." He responds curtly.
Elijah turns to her, his expression softening as he gently squeezes her hip. "You stay close to me, okay? No heroics." He leans down quickly, pressing a swift kiss to your lips before following Blaze out of the med bay, leaving her to hurry after them. As they both exit the med bay, Raven sees Elijah already speaking in hushed tones with Blaze and the other soldiers. He's back in commander mode - serious, focused, and dangerous. His hand rests possessively on her lower back as he pulls her close, whispering orders to his men.
Suddenly, an explosion rocks the base. Elijah immediately shields Raven with his body, pushing her behind him as debris rains down.
His men scatter into action, but Elijah keeps one arm wrapped tightly around her waist, refusing to let go even as bullets start flying outside. "Stay down," he orders sharply...
As the chaos unfolds around them, Elijah keeps her pressed against the wall behind him, his large frame shielding her completely.
He's firing back at the enemy with precision and deadly accuracy; his military training evident in every movement. Suddenly, a bullet whizzes past dangerously close to her head...
Elijah's expression darkens as the bullet barely misses her head. He growls fiercely, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. He leans down and grabs her waist, throwing her over his shoulder in one swift motion. Raven sees the battlefield upside down now as he runs.
Elijah runs like a soldier possessed, his boots pounding on the ground as he carries her swiftly away from the battle zone. His men are recovering from the fight; he's running to protect her. His men are covering their retreat, providing fire support as Elijah carries her to safety.
"Fuck!"
"Not happening," *Raven hears Elijah mutter firmly, adjusting his grip on your thighs possessively. Another explosion rocks the ground nearby, and he curves protectively around her instinctively. Blaze's voice crackles through his earpiece,
"Elijah, retreat to base! Now!" *
Elijah acknowledges Blaze's order with a gruff "Roger that." He continues to run, his powerful legs carrying you both quickly and safely away from the immediate danger. Once they reach the safety of the base, he sets her down gently on her feet, his hands lingering on her hips possessively. The base is in chaos, with medics treating wounded soldiers and officers barking orders. But Elijah's focus is solely on her . He turns them both away from the chaos, checking her for any injuries sustained during the explosive attack. His Large hands roam possessively over her body.
"Hurt?"
"I'm ok you?"
"I'm fucking fine," Elijah snaps gruffly, but there's relief in his voice. He pulls her into his arms again, holding her tightly against his chest despite the dirt and sweat covering both of their bodies. "That was too close."
Elijah rests his chin on top of her head, inhaling deeply as if trying to memorize her scent amidst the chaos surrounding them.
Suddenly, Blaze approaches the chaos surrounding them.
Suddenly, Blaze approaches them with a stern expression. "Elijah!
Report!" Elijah reluctantly releases her but keeps one hand possessively resting on her lower back "Sir."
"Casualties?" Blaze asks sharply, his eyes scanning the bustling base.
Elijah's expression darkens. "Five men down, sir. Two critical." He pauses, his hand tightening on her back possessively. "The enemy retreated after our counterattack. We need to reinforce and-"
Blaze nods grimly. "Understood. Get your team ready for another deployment within the hour." He then turns to Raven, his expression softening slightly. "You alright?"
Elijah answers before she can speak. "She's fine." His hand squeezes your hip reassuringly.**
Raven nods slightly.
Blaze's gaze lingers on Elijah's possessive touch before returning to her nod. He sighs heavily, running a hand through his silver hair. "Good. Stay with your team, Elijah. And..." He pauses, looking between the two of you."
"Keep her close." With that, he turns and walks away to coordinate the reinforcement efforts.
Elijah's arm wraps around her waist instantly, pulling her flush against his side as Blaze walks away. He leans down, pressing a quick, possessive kiss to her temple before turning to bark orders at his team. "We deploy in an hour! Gear up! Now!" His men scatter immediately.
Elijah turns back to her, his expression serious and focused. He starts to unbutton his combat jacket roughly, revealing his muscular chest and the various scars from past battles. "You're coming with me," He states firmly, tossing his jacket aside. He starts checking his weapons and gear with practiced efficiency.
"No fucking argument," Elijah growls, his tone leaving no room for disagreement. He pulls a bulletproof vest from his gear bag and holds it out to you expectantly.
"Put this on." His eyes rake over her critically, ensuring she's properly equipped for combat alongside him.
As she slips on the vest, Elijah immediately moves behind her to secure it tightly. His hands linger for a moment longer than necessary before moving to check her weapons. He hands her a suppressed pistol and a combat knife, his touch lingering on her hand. "Stay close to me," he orders softly but firmly.
Time skips back at the base
The base is quiet at night, the only sounds being the distant hum of generators and occasional radio chatter. Raven finds herself alone in Elijah's quarters after a long day of missions and debriefing. The door creaks open suddenly, revealing Elijah standing there in just his camouflage pants, no shirt.
Elijah steps inside, closing the wound behind him with Elijah steps inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
His muscular arms are crossed over his chest, various tattoos and scars on full display. He sees her sitting on his bed, looking small and innocent in his borrowed sweatshirt. His expression softens slightly.
Without a word, Elijah walks over to her and gently pulls her up from the bed. He wraps his arms around her waist, lifting her effortlessly as he sits down on the bed with her straddling his lap.
He cups her face in his large hands, his thumbs brushing gently against her cheeks. His eyes search hers for a moment before he leans in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. He leans in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. It's a gentle kiss, contrasting with his usually rough demeanor.
His hands move to her hips, pulling them closer against him as the kiss deepens slightly. One of his hands slides up her back possessively while the other stays firmly on her hip holding her in place. A low rumble escapes him—a mix between a kiss and suppressed groan."Mmm... baby..".
The gentle kiss turns slightly more passionate, but Elijah keeps it controlled, knowing she's been through trauma. His hands remain possessive but gentle, not pushing for more intimacy. After a few moments, he pulls back slightly, resting his forehead against hers.
"Fuck..."
Elijah's breath is hot against her lips as he stares into her eyes, his own filled with a mix of desire, affection, and frustration. He knows he wants to push for more. But he's holding back, being patient for her sake. "You're sleeping with me tonight, alright?"
Without waiting for a verbal response, Elijah lies back on the bed, pulling her down with him so her head is resting on his bare chest. He wraps his arms around her tightly, holding her close against his body. His heart beats steadily beneath your ear as he nuzzles his face into her hair, inhaling her scent. "Sleep, baby..."
Raven drifts off to sleep listening to the steady beat of Elijah's heart, feeling safe and protected in his arms. Hours later, in the middle of the night, she stirs slightly, her subconscious mind processing the familiar scent and warmth surrounding her. She nuzzles closer into Elijah's chest, seeking his warmth.