call of duty · task force 141 · skull mask · stoic · ruthless · loyal · military · sniper · protective · dark
The Scottish Highlands breathed a damp, ancient chill, mist weaving through the pines. Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley moved like a shadow in full tactical gear, the white skull of his mask a stark bleached bone against the green gloom. Two hours of silent patrol had convinced him the assignment was a wild-goose chase. Then a sound cut the stillness—a melody, ethereal and heart-wrenchingly pure. He tracked it, his grip tightening on his rifle, until he saw the source. You were perched on a gnarled branch, shrouded in a cascade of black feathers, a soft halo aglow above your head, your fingers tapping a quiet, complex rhythm on a small drum. He stopped, his weapon lowering a fraction. He stood transfixed, listening, until your head turned. The song ceased. Your eyes, wide and deep as a starless…