Chapter 6
Instincts Within
It was already evening when last machines were landing. As tactical part of first phase was successfully completed and when carrier strike group was returning first Renzan heavybombers were starting from New Caledonia, New Hebrides and Fiji to perform night bombing operation of same targets that were attacked during daytime.
At the same time on Yonaga lower and higher ranked kokutai officers were first one's to know Shinn's situation shortly after first planes were already landing. And soon enough word spread not only on Yonaga, but on other carriers as well. Word reached Ohtaka sisters as well.
Both Meiko and Rumiko were about to leave hangar deck when Shiho called them out from afar "Hey, Rumiko, Meiko please wait!" both girls stopped and waited for Shiho to run up to them in hurry. Girls were quite surprised to see her running. Both thought that she might have some fairly important to say. They were to soon hear that it was far from 'fairly important'.
Upon reaching them Shiho breathed heavily trying to catch some air. "D-Did word have reached to you already ?"
Sisters look at each other then at Shiho with questionable look on their faces. "What are you talking about Hokori-san ?"
Realizing that they don't know yet about Shinn, made Shiho slightly relieved, as she will be the one informing them. It would be better than hearing it by coincidence "Asuka-shousa machine was hit and was forced to land on hostile territory."
"Eh … what did you just say ?" Both sisters were taken by surprise by her words.
"I-Is it really true Hokori-san ?" Meiko asked with concern look appearing on her face and grabbing her sister sleeve.
"It's true. I heard that communication officer was informing Jinrai-shousa about saying that it was confirmed." Shiho calmly replied.
Rumiko despite stubbornly refusing Shinn attempts to talk over things started showing concern. For brief moment all three were silent and then Rumiko started asking "How badly he was hit ? Did he fall into sea or manage to land on ground ? Where he landed ? Is he injured ?"
"Hold on. I'll tell you what I know so calm down first."
"I'm sorry" Rumiko took a deep breath giving with it sign for Shiho to continue.
"From I heard damage to his machine was moderate. With fuel running low he landed on small island. From sent coordinates we determined that he might landed on Phillip Island, one of islands that are part of Norfolk Island Group or in nearby waters."
Shortly after Shiho has finished explaining finished Meiko asked still tightly holding her sister sleeve. "A-Are they going to sent a search party ?"
Shiho looked at her. "It will be sent for sure, but as you are fully aware of it it's already night so for today is out of question. Search would risky and with small chances to be successful right now."
"Then when will they start search ?"
"Probably early morning, tomorrow."
Rumiko took her sister hand off from sleeve. "Is there anything that we can do right now ?"
Shiho silently hummed to herself trying to figure out what say to them. "I guess all you can do now is wait."
Rumiko complained "No way. Is it really impossible for us to do something ?"
"It's good to see you so eager but it's really impossible to do anything now"
Rumiko unwillingly sighed in defeat. Being powerless was vexing for her. She wanted to act yet she couldn't do anything. As various thoughts started pouring in feelings of regret and fear surfaced.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Meiko who quickly noticed that something wasn't right with her sister. "Onee-chan. Let's go back for now. Please ?"
"Okay. I'm going." And so both sisters returned to their quarters with Meiko leading her older sister which was a rare thing to happen. As both sisters returned they went to bed, though they had hard time falling asleep as their thoughts were preoccupied with worries. Too restless to leisurely sleep.
Meanwhile on Phillip Island
Shinn finished scouting closest proximity around his crashed machine. Finishing he went again to check if he took out all necessities from cockpit. Once he confirmed contents of cockpit, he checked if his katana is properly attached. Shinn's katana was one of the kind, having top half of blade double edged combing features of western and japanese swords. A truly unique one.
Shinn was about to explore deeper parts of island to confirm if it there was anyone else other than himself here, but Shinn didn't wait for answer long, as he heard noises slowly moving towards his location. At first he thought it might be some animal, but quickly enough he realized that those were sounds of human footsteps.
He quickly ducked and laid down unhooking gun holster, knife and grabbed his katana. Shinn then realized since this island is small and there might be more people using gun might cause unnecessary ruckus.
His gun holster remained unhooked so he could use it as last resort
As footsteps became more clear number of approaching people became clear as well.
They were three of them and from shape of silhouettes they appeared to be armed. Shinn also noticed that not any of them had lights, finding somewhat unusual since there was completely dark and moon was covered by clouds. Finding it unusual was a good thing for Shinn allowing him to move around freely enough to avoid anyone or rather silently kill anyone that posses a threat to him.
As three enemy soldiers were moving closer he could hear them talking to each other.
"Are you sure that loud sound was coming from here, sarge ?" soldier behind asked
"Clearly enough." leading soldier replied.
Soldier from behind replied "If you say so. By the way sarge can't we use flashlights ? We can barely see anything now"
"Keep your mouth shut. You heard the order. Using any sort of light is forbidden after sunset." he paused for a moment. "Okay, were almost there. Stay focused."
They finally reached to crashed fighter being about fifteen meters before them with guns ready to fire."Both of you go from each side and check the cockpit."
"Yes, sir."
While they were approaching Shinn made a decision. He couldn't be either killed or captured not until he completes his goals. Shinn slowly raised not to be heard, carefully unsheathed both katana and knife, cautiously sneaking behind enemy back. Surprisingly Shinn found his body trembling. It was rather him being nervous rather than feelings of fear. True fear was something Shinn experienced few times early during his first days on frontlines mostly when he was shoot down once on enemy territory. After those events his fear was sealed deep within his heart.
As Shinn was about less than two meters away he took quick glance at silhouettes of other two that was still approaching his machine with caution.
With katana in left hand Shinn seized opportunity and attacked. Sneaking like ninja assassins from old times he covered his mouth and instantly followed by swift strike of his sword. Katana easily pierced through flesh reaching enemy heart with tip of the blade sticking out of the chest. Enemy
shaking and convulsions lasted only few seconds as intense amount of blood puring out from inlet and outlet of the wound. Upon confirmation that his target is dead Shinn pulled out his blood covered katana and slowly pulled down dead body on the ground.
Now Shinn had to thought how to quickly kill remaining two soldiers. He couldn't use same way twice since other one would notice him making him shoot and gunshots would cause unwanted uproar.
He had to think quickly. Shinn then realized that he can use knife as a throwing weapon. When he was reaching out his hand for it he stopped and decided to use knife from dead enemy.
With ready improvised plan Shinn took action. He started running with low pace, lowering his upper body forward to reduce chances of noticing him.
He run up to his target, katana already moving in toward it's destination.
"Check it, looks like that plane belongs to- agghh!" he didn't finished his line as sword stabbed him from side dropping his rifle. Shinn quickly prepared knife awaiting reaction from other one.
"Hey what's wr- ughh" soldier from other side peaked to see that was wrong only to be hit by knife thrown by Shinn right between his eyes and falling on the ground like a lifeless tree log.
Seeing that his throw was successful Shinn returned his focus back on first one. Shinn seeing enemy trying to reach for his hand gun pulled out his sword moving it upward to inflict even more damage and with his katana top half being double edged it was doing even more damage than normal single edged katanas.
As Shinn completely pulled out geyser of blood gushed out widely staining his left side of flight suit and some of blood landing on his face.
Mortally wounded soldier fell on his knees, his face becoming even more pale with every second as death was approaching him. Shinn though didn't stop on that. He took his sword in both hands raising it high above head and with swift move soldiers head fell on ground with another geyser of blood appearing this time from place where seconds ago was head.
He let out small sigh of relief. Shinn was safe for the moment. At the same time he was recreating of what has happen only seconds ago; amazed by his own actions Shinn found it that he didn't feel remorse or regret after killing another human as well how he killed them so easily despite being fighter pilot.
Whole situation made Shinn finally put to use result of kendo and battojutsu training that he took from one of his senpais when he was stationed in China.
Something in Shinn's body started stirring up, but he didn't know what it was or the reason for it. Leaving at that not wasting anymore time Shinn started walking toward inner parts of island.
After walking about few dozen meters Shinn spotted three new enemies They headed toward crash site. One was leading, other two following him closely.
Being in such formation give Shinn a little headache trying to figure out how to strike them quickly preventing them from firing their rifles. Shinn figured out that using similar tactic as he used on first ones would be sufficient for it. Leader was the one to be attacked with knife, then using brief moment of confusion to step in and slash remaining two with katana in one clean swing.
Shinn bend down and waited for the right moment after they pass by his gaze following them.
Soon they passed by without realizing that they soon will meet their end. Positioning himself right behind them few meters away, ready to strike.
With quick motion he thrown a knife using his right hand, left holding sword. Knife reached it's target hitting forward enemy soldiers neck, little above shoulders. As soon as soldier begin to fall Shinn without waiting putted his free right hand on helve and started charging.
Other two soldiers suddenly surprised raised their rifles and as they were turning back, Shinn's sword was already falling on them. Katana with expected ease slashed through flesh.
Soldiers dropped their weapons at sudden pain only to receive second slash. As they fell on the ground blood started abundantly gushing out, and as before Shinn didn't wait and delivered finishing blow at the base of skull for both of them.
Strange feeling in his body was now stirring up even more then before. Shinn became worried as he still was unable to determine what's happening inside his body.
Still concerned about his own body Shinn decided to inspect equipment of killed soldiers. Two enemies that were killed by sword were carrying typical Garand rifles while leader was armed with Thompson gun. Seeing it Shinn decided to take it as it might be more useful than his handgun. Additionally he took all five magazines and two grenades. With this increased firepower Shinn thought that he could take on even one hundred enemy soldiers with ease.
And then he came to realization that what if there really might be similar or higher number of soldiers on this desolated island. "Fuck I have know how many of them are here"
As fast his thought came as fast he moved toward island center in hope of obtaining some valuable informations. Within few minutes he reached center and to his surprise and disappointment there was nothing there. Not being discouraged he continued his search, this time through the coastline.
While moving toward northern coast Shinn finally saw what he wanted to see, a two men patrol guarding part of northern coast. Additional baggage didn't slow his movement at all, quickly sneaking behind their backs.
This time instead of killing both at once Shinn had to kill one first sparring temporarily other one to obtain possible valuable informations.
As before, Shinn positioned himself right behind them, unhooking gun holster gradually closing in to it's prey. Being close enough Shinn charged holding his sword in both hands.
Both soldiers hearing suspicious noises behind them started take off their rifles from their backs, but it was too late, again.
Shinn with surprisingly deadly precision stabbed soldier standing on the left piercing his heart. As soon as his blade reach it's destination he took his right hand off from helve, reached his gun pointing it directly at other soldiers face. "Don't move a muscle aussie chump."
Soldier froze just like Shinn told him to. "Drop your gun. Kneel and put your hands behind your back."
Unable to refuse he did what he was told to do step by step. Once done walked behind him with gun
putted directly to his head. "How many of your friends are on this island ? Speak!"
Filled with fear he answered. "... t-there a-are over twenty people here. Mostly in southern-west part of island."
Shinn smirked putting his gun aside. "Thanks for info."
As soldier let out a sigh of relief thinking that he will be safe, Shinn raised his sword and killed him cutting off his head in half.
So far Shinn killed eight enemy soldier, which would mean that there's still at least over thirteen of them left. Knowing numbers of remaining enemies Shinn's smirk became even more wider then moments before realizing no need for further sneak attacks.
He was confident in handling that much without big trouble. This was the moment when Shinn finally understood unknown stirring in his body. It was feeling of superiority. Instincts of predator enjoying hunting it's prey.
That also explained why he was able inflicting blows with his katana with such precision despite knowing only basics.
Shinn turned his head toward mention direction narrowing his eyes, still wearing wide smirk. Moments later he started to run slowly south, where more enemies were located.
On his way he had encounter with another two men patrol killing them with ease, still in silent manner. After a while was already in southern part of island. Shinn putted his sword back to scabbard with intention of using knife and acquired Thompson gun
Southern part unlike other parts of island had small forest. Perfect for concealing any signs of human presence on this island. As Shinn was at the outskirts of forest. When Shinn was about enter he noticed small path. Considering to go either through bushes and thickets or obstacle-free path. He picked path.
After a while Shinn saw a feint light up ahead. Realizing that might be their base, Shinn crouched cautiously resuming his walk. Slowly shape of small base became more and more clear. There was four large olive-colored tents divided in two. At the end there was well camouflaged wooden hut.
There was no one guarding premises of the camp, but he could hear sounds of conversations coming from all tents.
It was Shinn's great opportunity to eliminate all remaining soldiers in one sweep. Question was how to do it efficiently. As he was thinking he came up with two ideas. One was to walk behind one of the tents and start shooting shortly after changing direction of fire to other tent standing near. Other one was to use grenades and dropped them into tents run to safe distance then open fire with a gun.
As both options were risky Shinn had hard time deciding which one to pick. After few moments second option was selected. Stealthily Shinn approached tent holding both grenades in one hand. He took a deep breath.
He quickly removed safety-pins from both grenades then taking one into other hand that was free. After waiting two seconds started to run with all his might dropping grenade to one and moment later to another revealing his presence as result. When he was close to tree providing him with cover both grenades exploded in quick succession destroying tents and instantly killing all those who were inside.
As he was only a hand reach length from his randomly picked cover soldiers from hut and other two tents run out and started shooting at Shinn scratching his right arm. "Aghh. Fuck, those dipshits are gonna get what they deserve."
Not wasting time Shinn returned fire with Thompson gun. Under this heavy hail of lead Shinn managed to score a hit on two soldiers, but that made hail even more intense as comrades of fallen were enraged. But that proved to be their mistake as their aim became inaccurate, yet resulting in deeply scratching his left leg below knee.
Once again Shinn let out burst of bullets of his own scoring another hit. Exchange of fire lasted for for nearly twenty minutes with gradual drop of number of fired bullets as number of soldiers was dropping.
As last two soldier seeing how hopeless their situation was they dropped their guns. "We surrender. Please don't shoot."
Shinn left his cover still gun up high. Shinn irritated by pain didn't from scratch wounds didn't even consider accepting their surrender.
"Shinde shimae ." With those words Shinn shoot both of them until he ran out of bullets.
The last two enemy soldiers were finally eliminated giving Shinn a little more time to rest and treat his wounds. As he did so Shinn took a peek what was inside large hut. Shinn was in utter surprise at what he saw what was inside. Most of the hut was filled with all sort of electronic equipment. Upon better look on this stuff made him realize that this base is some sort of secret listening outpost with radios decrypting devices and other electronics.
Shinn assumed that this base might unknown to regular military. Thinking about it decided what has to to. He picked his Thompson gun and started demolishing everything around the hut with it's wooden stock.
Shinn tired himself out as he was intensively demolishing things for good few minutes. He then decided to go back to crash site and wait there for time being.
Returning to the site took him more time thanks to scratch received earlier. Once he reached it with nothing much to do he picked one of the dead bodies laying near plane and dragged to where body of another killed soldier was. Shinn verbally thrown dragged body on other. After it he unsheathed his sword and putted it in water to clean it. When he was done with soaking his sword he returned to place where bodies of two enemy soldiers were laying on one another. Shinn sat on them using it as improvised seat and started polishing his katana.
Deeply focused on polishing his sword hours were slowly passing by. When Shinn finally ended polishing and putted it back into scabbard to his utmost disbelief saw silhouettes of two boats closing to him. Uncertain if that was enemy or allies he grabbed Thompson and quickly hide behind his machine.
When boats were about twenty meters away from coast to his relief he heard all to familiar language putting him at ease. Those were allies.
Shinn stood up dropping his gun he slowly started walking toward upcoming boats.
In matter of minutes boats reached coast and what appeared to be sailors judging from their outfit were embarking on coast. Two persons looking like officers approached Shinn saluting
"We came to pick you up major Asuka."
End Of Chapter 6
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Terms appearing in chapter:
kendo – well known sword-fighting martial arts
battojutsu – technique of drawing a sword
katana – well known as well japanese sword (usual blade length: 60-73 cm)
