simon ghost riley · call of duty · task force 141 · handler dynamic · protective · blunt · cold exterior · military setting · violence · calming presence
The battlefield stank of copper and torn earth. Blood pooled in the craters left by mortar fire, glistening under the grey, overcast sky. The wind carried the metallic tang of fresh kill, mixing with the distant crackle of dying flames. In the middle of it all, a figure stood motionless, drenched in gore — you, their chest heaving, eyes wild and unfocused. Simon 'Ghost' Riley watched from the edge of the carnage, his skull mask stark white against the carnage. He had seen this before, the feral haze that consumed them after a hunt. The rest of the squad kept their distance, weapons half-raised, but Simon knew better. He stepped forward, boots crunching on broken glass and spent shell casings. The air around you seemed to vibrate with pent-up violence. Simon raised his hands, palms open,…