Yamanote Release

Disclaimer: I do not own anything officially affiliated with FMP!

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Chapter 1

It was a normal day. The sun rose and everyone went to school. Cops seemed to be slightly more awake than usual. The streets and buildings were slung with festive materials, and decorations. Colors of black, orange, grey, and other dark or holiday based colors were abundant in the city. Yes looking around anyone would know it was not a normal day. Today was the 31st of October. Yes it was Halloween.
The students sat anxiously in class watching the time click slowly by. Lunch was in a few minutes, the perfect time to plan any late night operations or parties. Yes everyone was awaiting this night, everyone but one. The Mithril sergeant sat catching up on work he had missed over his time away. He was lucky to not have to leave often with Mithril's healing phase. Of course it had been a while since he had actually brought her back to her peaceful life in Japan. So he still had the occasional job. Of course she was never pleased when he had to leave but she was a tough girl. Sousuke let thoughts of her distract him until he could no longer work. Looking up he spotted her watching him but she quickly turned away blushing. Normally he would have wondered if something was wrong but proved to be capable of learning at least a little bit and went back to his work, her response having been successful in focusing him again.
Kaname's heart pounded inside her chest. Not because he had caught her looking but the surprise from that had certainly helped. No she wanted to invite him to 'special gathering' tonight. She was not sure his nature would condone it though. When he had saved her from Leonard, by defeating him and Belial he had seemed to be more or less the same person. It was nice to have her life back more or less. She was grateful to not have the responsibilities of being vice-president of the student council anymore, and being class rep everyone was nicer to her because of what had happened. She noticed his skin had gained a nice tan obviously from his time pursuing her. Putting the idea away for later she turned back to the clock. She jerked in surprise. She had almost let herself slip. She still had to make the rush to get the good food from the concession women. She had no doubt the young man behind her would probably order a plain roll, if he was out of vegetables and jerky. The bell rang and she was out the door.
Sousuke looked up curiously as everyone rushed out of the classroom. Realizing it was lunch time he collected his stuff and headed out as well. Yes everything was back to normal. He was glad her former life had been preserved. Of course they were in their third year of high-school and he no longer had Hayashimizu to guard his back. His actions in Jindai were starting to come with consequences. Of course Kaname was always there for him when he needed it. Heading down the stairs he pulled out a piece of jerky from his pocket and opened the containment foil. He began eating as he headed to where he would normally meet Kaname and the others. Ono-D was the first to spot him when he reached the outside of the building.
"Hey Sousuke get over here!" he called waving. Deciding he had a little time he headed over to see what his friend could possibly want.
"May I help you?" He asked as he took another bite of his jerky.
"Yeah buddy. Listen do you have any plans for tonight."
"I plan on continuing to protect Chidori." He took another bite and spoke while chewing. "Why?"
"Aside from that man. Don't you know what tonight is?"
"Affirmative. Today is October 31st. Also it is Friday. I do not see in anyway how tonight may seem different."
"Haven't you noticed the decorations? Tonight is Halloween."
Sousuke placed his hand under his chin. "Hallow…ween. Yes I have heard of this. It is a holiday where children and adolescents go around collecting candy and other treats while wearing costumes resembling fictional creatures that frighten them. Also they have been known to dress as popular figures or as careers they wish to pursue. I do not approve as it is a perfect time for terrorists to sneak around un-detected. On that note it is also known that many acts of mischief are executed on this night."
"Yeah man but people also have awesome parties tonight."
"Parties are…"
"Yeah, yeah great for terrorists but hey look out tonight for a secret article or something. A password that will tell you when it's going down." With that Ono-D placed a hard pat on his back and walked away. Sousuke went to call him to question him further on what he meant by password but ended up choking on the piece of jerky he had been chewing when Ono-D had patted him. When Sousuke could finally speak he was gone. Still suspicious of what he meant he decided he could ask someone else.
"Maybe Chidori knows."

Spying her sitting under a tree with her best friend Kyouko he headed over. They waved as he approached.
"Hey Sousuke what took you so long?" The girl in glasses asked as she picked up a piece of her lunch.
Kaname watched him sit down a few feet from them.
"Kotarou wanted to speak to me. He mentioned something about Halloween and a special event tonight."
Kaname suddenly swallowed hearing the last part and ended up choking on a piece of her sandwich. Sousuke moved closer, and patted her back. After she had forced the food down she took a drink from a water bottle he had. He took a seat on another side of the tree after that.
"Aww, Kana-chan pretended to choke to get Sousuke to come over." Kyouko said gaily while taking a picture of her best friend's expression. It was true that Sousuke sat next to her often. He had become more than her bodyguard and friend after they had confessed their feelings more or less after he had saved her. Kaname while understandable of his personality had waited a while before he said those three certain words. Kaname calmed herself down thinking to herself that special event could mean a lot of things. Turning to Sousuke she reached into her bag.
"Well since you're here you might as well sit next to me." Sousuke did as he was told and scooted until he was closer to her but kept from body contact or looking at her. He was still focused on finding out what tonight meant. Kaname noticed the piece of jerky he was nibbling on.
"I see you brought that again. Well lucky you I expected this. Here" Pulling her hand from her bag she had a bento in it. Sousuke turned to her and took it gratefully. He went to open it when he felt a pair of eyes boring into him. Turning to Kaname he quickly planted a brief kiss on her cheek and said thank you. Kaname smiled and continued to eat her sandwich. It was not until she turned that she noticed her friend smiling with a camera in her hand having obviously captured the moment. It was not uncommon for such an act to occur between the two. At first they didn't but Kaname, along with some force from Sousuke's own bodily wishes coaxed him into light kisses occasionally. They never did it in front of everyone to show off but people occasionally noticed. At first it had been a big deal because it was them but everyone eventually had come to accept it with grace. Most of the time. OK, half the time. Everyone loved to tease the two after everything they had been through because of, well mostly Sousuke but she had caused a few problems. Now it had become a ritual for him to do it after most kind acts by her. Of course that's only what they allowed others to see. He suddenly turned to her his eyes already showing he had a question.
"Kaname do you know anything about a password or secret gathering that is to occur tonight? Onodera mentioned it to me but I'm not certain what he meant by it. I am concerned that this may be a plan set-up for a terrorist act or occult." Kaname's surprise in the beginning was taken over by anger.
"It's not a terrorist trap! Baka na." Kaname slapped him with the harisen. She was softer though and made sure not to hurt him because he had been remembering to use her name. She still had some habits that would probably never leave. Sousuke looked up at her curiously. "Then you have knowledge on the subject."
Kaname stiffened. She was caught in a type of trap. She slid down along the tree her arms hanging next to her. "Not really just what I've heard. It's supposed to be fun." Kaname twiddled her fingers as she stared uncomfortably at the floor.
"Yeah I heard about it too. Actually I hear about it a lot but I've never actually been to it. Apparently people leave messages in weird places so they can all meet up somewhere for some secret act."
"Such an act must be dangerous if they must be so secretive about it. Perhaps I should figure out this password and alert the authorities." Sousuke finished the bento and was about to watch the clouds when he noticed Kaname's nervous posture.
"Kaname is something the matter?" He asked moving closer to check on her.
"Heheh, no of course not what would make you think that?" Kaname had luckily lowered, but not removed her habit of laughing maniacally when she was asked something that she did not want known.
"You seem tense. You're stiff and were twiddling your fingers."
"Oh yeah well no I'm fine."
"Are you certain?" He moved closer causing her to blush and placed his hand on her forehead. The touch of his cool fingers contrasted with her warm skin giving her a nice feeling.
"Yes I'm fine." She grabbed his hand and lowered it. Sousuke nodded then moved back to his seat. Sitting back down, he secretly held her hand while they sat. Of course it was not a secret to her.
"Well guys class is almost over and I have something I need to finish first. I"ll see you in a bit. Don't be late. Unless you want to be that is. Make sure you enjoy it though." Kaname stared daggers at her friend as she laughed while walking away. The red returning to her cheeks she stared back at Sousuke. She stopped, catching her breath slightly as she stared at him. His eyes were closed and his school uniform open slightly as the fall breeze brushed lightly through his hair. It was nice seeing as he had tried to relax more often now. She felt her lips part and moved closer. Catching her unconscious action she stopped herself and focused. She still had something she needed to do.
"Ne, Sousuke." She kept her voice low but loud enough for him to hear it. Opening his eyes slightly, he tilted his head to face her. "Yes?"
"I...If I a-asked you a favor. W-would you do it?" Kaname cursed inwardly. Why was she being so cowardly? He had been worse, much worse when first asking her on a date but he was always an exception in that field. Of course Sousuke didn't even know and he already seemed to be against the idea.
"Of course." He replied his voice still neutral. Kaname took a deep breath and gathered her courage.
"Will you come with me somewhere tonight?" She bit her lip awaiting his answer.
"Affirmative. Considering what tonight is I would not let you go anywhere alone either way."
Despite it making her sound like an immature child who couldn't be trusted she smiled at his words.
"Well actually it kind of has something to do with that."
"With Halloween." Sousuke now sat up paying more attention. Could Chidori be planning her own acts of mischief? I had already confirmed that she was not working for Amalgam but… no it must be teenager based.
"Yeah I was wondering if…" Suddenly the school bell rang. Sousuke turned to the school and stood up.
"Come Chidori we will be late. We can speak about this later."
"But…" She gave up when she saw him holding his hand out to help her up. Taking it she stood and collected her things. Nodding to him they headed towards the school.

Kaname seemed to be acting strangely ever since they had returned from lunch. It was so obvious Sousuke was actually distracted from his work. He didn't have a chance to catch her attention in class. He stared at her trying to figure out something that seemed significant to help him figure it out. Suddenly a loud tap was heard at the front of the class.
"Excuse me Mr. Sagara I know you and Miss Chidori have entered a relationship but you have plenty of time to look at her out of class. Will you please answer the question?" A round of oohs, whistles, and whispers went about. Kaname blushed and lowered behind her book trying to hide herself from the attention she had not wanted. She turned to Sousuke to wonder exactly what he was doing.
Sousuke blushed then stared at the board sternly preparing to figure out the problem. After he figured out the problem she noticed his eyes flick to her every now and then. He seemed to be watching her every time she turned around. She rubbed her shoulders starting to get the same feeling she got when he first came here. The second class ended, she walked out at a faster pace than usual. Sousuke quickly caught up to her grabbing her hand.
"Chidori there seemed to be something wrong with you despite your words earlier. Are you certain you're okay? You're acting as if you're being threatened or blackmailed."
Kaname looked angrily at him. "Can't you trust me when I say nothing is wrong? And if anyone is threatening me it's you." She turned and began to walk away when she stopped and looked over her shoulder. "And no I'm not being blackmailed either, or anything along any kind of lines in your paranoid military mind." Sousuke stood in the hallway as she walked away.
"Hey Sagara-kun what's wrong with Kana?" Kyouko asked walking up to him.
"I am uncertain but I may have upset her in some way I am unaware of. I will attempt to solve this problem later. For now I cannot be late for class." As he said this his phone rang. Checking the ID he answered the phone.
"Yes ma'am."
Kyouko watched as he listened to whoever was on the other line. Turning to her he covered the phone with one hand. "I must take this Tokiwa. I will speak to you later." With that he walked away. Kyouko stared puzzled but darted to her classroom when the bell rang.

Outside Sousuke remained on the phone.
"Yes Captain everything is alright."
"That's good, how is Kaname?"
"She is acting strangely. I seem to have upset her somehow."
"So things are the same as ever huh?"
"Affirmative." He sighed looking displeased. Then he remembered he could ask Tessa about his dilemma. "Captain, do you know anything about a special event requiring a password tonight?"
There was a silence as Tessa thought about it. "It's Halloween there isn't it? I'm sorry I'm not familiar with a lot of Japan's traditions. I do hope you have fun tonight though."
"That will be difficult. Tonight is well known for mischievous activities and even terrorist attacks."
Tessa laughed worriedly on the other end. When she had met Sousuke again he hadn't changed much. She felt a pain in her heart knowing that he was looking so hard for her rival but would eventually have to understand and come to terms. She was working on it still.
"I doubt anyone will do anything too dangerous Sagara. As for the password I doubt it has anything to do with terrorist. I'll ahh-"
"Captain!" There was a brief silence as he awaited her voice. What he received was something else.
"Hey Sousuke ol' buddy how's it going?" Sousuke realized Kurz must have done something that would probably get him in trouble.
"I am fine. You seem to be doing well." Sousuke's voice had a hint of annoyance in it.
"Yeah. Hey you know what tonight is right?" Sousuke could here Tessa jumping for the phone and whining like a spoiled child.
"It is Halloween. Do you know anything about an event requiring a password?"
"Password? No man tonight is the perfect night to spend with angel. Take her someplace scary or watch some horror movie. She'll move real close while you comforther. She'll eventually respond and you know. One scary night turns into an exciting Halloween. Oh Tessa-chan seems jealous." He could hear the whining and teasing from Kurz over the phone.
"I have no such plans. Currently I am investigating a password leading to a special event."
"Oh! What a stud, trying to throw me off. Well all girls have passwords. I'm not sure about angel's but Tessa's is you. Lucky dog."
Sousuke blushed slightly uncomfortable with Kurz train of thought. He heard another familiar voice approaching them. He had a brief pause with the sound of wind traveling then another voice spoke.
"Hey Sousuke." It was Melissa Mao as he suspected. He could once again hear the whining of his Captain reminding him that she was normal just like anyone else.
"Hello Mao."
"How you doing? I heard it was Halloween over there. Got any plans?"
"Affirmative. I am trying to figure out a password that leads to a secret event tonight."
"Hmmm… Sorry can't help you with that. Anyway how's it going back in Japan?"
"Everything has returned to normal with no consequences to Chidori. I however received a lot of scolding but it is not a problem."
"I'm sure Kaname took good care of you then."
"Affirmative she was very kind. Of course considering she had only just returned she needed more consoling than me."
"I'm sure you did your part."
"Affirmative. However she is acting strangely. She seems to be angry with me but I have not done anything wrong."
"You sure?"
"I did blow up the lockers and some strange articles. I was then told they were for a holiday event. Kaname was not angry with me after giving me her usual punishment. In fact we had lunch the same as usual. In fact her peculiar behavior did not occur until I questioned her about it after noticing her nervous behavior in class after lunch."
"She's hiding something Sousuke."
"I already assumed that but I do not wish to anger her further. We agreed to talk after school but I do not know if she will still agree to that."
"Well I'm sure it's nothing. She probably has some special plans for you tonight."
"Plans?"
"It's nothing."
He heard the sound of the phone passing again. "Hey its Kurz again. Listen I have to go but you remember to have fun alright." Tessa could still be heard in the background with Kurz continuing to tease her. Sousuke heard a brief noise before Tessa was on. He could hear Mao scolding Kurz about pushing it too long.
"Sousuke!"
He pulled his ear from the phone hearing her shriek his name. He ran his had through his hair waiting for her to calm down. He never realized talking on the phone could become such a stressful situation.
"Ummm. I'm sorry I was just a little excited there." She laughed embarrassed. "I will have to speak to you later goodbye." She did not wait as she hung up on him. Sousuke stared curiously at his phone before flipping it down.

Kaname sat in class as usual. She was a bit flustered this time. Along with her worry about tonight, she had probably upset Sousuke. She became worried about him when he didn't come to the next class. They were already half an hour in. She wondered what he could be doing. Staring at the desk she plopped her head down in shame. Not two seconds later the door opened causing her to turn and look. There he was apologizing to the teacher. The teacher let him off with a warning as he nodded and sat down in his seat. The teacher returned to his desk while the students worked out of the book. Kaname turned to Sousuke.
"Sousuke I'm sorry."
"Sorry. For what?"
"For hurting your feelings. That's why you're late right?"
"Negative I received a call from the captain."
Kaname felt her heart quicken. He didn't have to leave on a mission did he?
"It was a personal call." He said as if reading her mind. Kaname's expression soured slightly hearing that.
"Okay. We'll talk later. For now you have to finish your work."
"Right." Sousuke pulled out his materials and began working. The rest of school passed normally. Well except for when Kaname pulled him aside to really apologize to him. It was a private apology. Later Kaname had cursed herself for missing the chance to ask him then.

Afterschool she waited for him by the front of the school as usual. After a brief chat with Kyouko, her camera toting friend had gone home to finish her own preparations. As for that Kaname needed to find out exactly when tonight was. Sousuke spotted her sitting on the steps at the front of the school. He walked silently behind her. She looked bored any sense of being nervous was obviously out of her mind. He crouched behind her and tapped her shoulder. She jumped slightly turning and glaring at him.
"That wasn't very nice."
"I had no intention of scaring you."
"Right. Well come on I have something I need to do."
"Roger." Standing up she headed down the path. Sousuke walked beside her thinking of something.
"Chidori what is it you wanted to tell me earlier?"
"Uh well. I'll tell you later. First let's go to my apartment."
Sousuke stared at her wondering if he should push, but she did agree to tell him soon. He hesitated before saying. "Roger."
The trip back was awkwardly silent. Normally she would tell him things and he would return limited conversation but today an awkward silence held between them. She finally spoke when they exited the train station.
"Hey Sousuke?"
"Yes."
Kaname thought a moment. "Never mind."
"Understood."
Kaname felt something in her chest twist. He wasn't complaining but it bothered her that he was being so understanding and just let it go. She felt dishonest.
"Sousuke are you busy tonight?"
"Negative."
"Good cause that's when I need the favor."
"It's not a problem."
Feeling a little better she took his hand as they walked. A small grin crept upon his face.

Kaname stretched and collapsed on the couch. Sousuke locked the door to her apartment and walked in after her. Putting down his things he opened his uniform shirt and went into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. She peeked at him through one eye. He returned carrying an extra glass. He placed her glass on the table and took a seat on the edge of the couch taking another drink of water. She sat up giving him space. She took the glass from his hand and drank it. He looked surprised for a moment before she handed him back the glass for him to drink from. He took a sip then placed it down. She smiled at him happy with the small intimate act.
"What is it you wanted to ask me?"
"Well there's a special event going on tonight. And well I wanted to go. I needed something to relieve some stress after what had happened."
"Does this event have anything to do with the one concerning the password?"
"Kind of."
"I do not approve of such an event."
"It's alright. I've never been to one but my friend told me about it. She says it's nothing but fun. There are rules involved too."
"That does not ensure that it will be safe."
Kaname was right that he wouldn't like it. She would go with or without him. He couldn't do anything about it. But she would have preferred him to come willingly.
"I'm going either way."
"But…"
"I asked you because I wanted you to come, but if you don't want to come you don't have to but I'm still going. You can't stop me because you're not my dad so don't start getting authoritative."
"Kaname…" He couldn't figure out what to say. She was right. He sighed running his hand through his hair trying to figure out another solution. Suddenly a strange voice came from Kaname's room.
"Fumo Fu Fumoffu." Sousuke pulled his gun hearing the strange voice.
"That's means I have email. I'll be back." Sousuke waited as she entered the room.

Kaname pulled the chair and sat at the computer. Opening her mailbox she found an email with the subject 'Party Time'. She read the message.
"Halloween Party; 8:34 pm October 31st next station south of Shinjuku Station- BYOB" Kaname read the message that was often used and pretty much a repeat from last year's except for location and time. When she returned Sousuke was sitting on the couch reading a book she had left on the table. He turned when he noticed the sound from her door.
"I have decided to accompany you. I will be bringing weapons and other necessary tools. I will also need briefing on this event."
Kaname smiled jumped over the back of the couch landing on top of him.
"Whatever. Just one thing first."
"What?"
"Do you have a costume?"
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