First off, I am sorry that this took longer than expected. I've been busy with school, summer school now and really have not had a chance to really rest. SneigZ had a few problems but still was able to give me a good touch up and additions to the story so praise for him. I don't own full Metal Panic or Metal Gear I do own michael. Three left until Project R!
Michael cocked the hammer of the MP5SD2 and clicked the safety on, "So we have our choices limited to that Burger Place, a book store, a clothing store, and-" Michael snapped his fingers trying to figure out the last one.
They commandeered a similar van from the harbor before they left. After a little hot wiring they were ready to move on to the next task that Ocelot had planned. Much to the displeasure of Kaname, Sousuke still had not lost his ability to jack a car.
"The park." Sousuke said turning into traffic.
Michael nodded and stuffed the silenced sub-machine gun in a book bag already filled with magazines for the machine gun and his Mark 23 pistol.
The area would be filled with people just going around on a normal day. It would be very dangerous if people saw him carrying guns. Not attracting attention was there biggest goal at this point. Surprise and speed were the only things that could save them right now.
"What about the Arbalest?" Kaname asked.
Sousuke checked his watch, "It should be arriving in the hour. Provided that there are no complications."
Michael nodded handing Kaname ammo for her gun and Sousuke's gun, "Yea, but there always are complications." He said smiling a little. Something always happened with Sousuke.
"Like in Sudan?" Sousuke guessed. That was a surprise in a nutshell.
"Not as bad as Sudan." Michael said laughing a little.
Kaname's eyes widened and she turned to Sousuke with a rather piercing look. She started demanding from Sousuke what he was talking about.
The plan was simple and everyone was in agreement on it.
They would split into to two groups. Michael would go and diffuse the bomb at the place the bomb was suspected to be located. Kaname would go with Sousuke to get the Arbalest and meet-up with Michael after he took care of the bomb. They would wait for Ocelot's final task, but at least they would be prepared.
The only thing that was really going for them right now was the Arbalest. The AS unit equipped with the Lambda Driver would be able to give heavy support in case the enemy sent Venom AS suits to the city.
It was completely possible that Leonard would send AS suits to finish the job, but would Leonard risk having the JSDF interfere with his plans.
The answer was yes.
From all the research that FOXHOUND did on Amalgam it was known that a lot of politicians around the world were the deep, deep pockets of Amalgam. Even officials in the U.S military stationed at the Pentagon were working for the shadowy orginzation. If the organization needed some kind of support or needed to point fingers, these politicians could easily provide the cover they needed. If they wanted the latest secrets than it would be like taking candy from a baby.
A lot of those people were under investigation for corruption and improper use of the country's resources but FOXHOUND decided it was best to keep an eye on them in hopes of getting more information on the shadowy organization.
"It has to be the Burger Place." Kaname answered.
"Why do you think that?" Sousuke asked passing a car on the freeway heading back into the city. They were lucky that no one was trying to ram them or have mad robots chasing after them.
That made the trio even more nervous. It was like watching a lion roam than strike at the last second.
"It was always a place that everyone loved to hang out. I was hanging out long before a certain idiot came in." She retorted smiling a little at Sousuke.
Michael thought for a second, "Me or Sousuke?"
Kaname gave him a rather mean look that promised pain later, "How about both." She pointed subtly to the gun still strapped to her thigh.
"Point taken." Michael said leaning against the side of the van.
"Affirmative." Sousuke said sweating a little. He was only glad that the gun was not loaded with real bullets.God knew how hard she could hit with that fan.
Michael closed his eyes and his CODEC went off. He answered before it could get a second ring, "This Sword-One over. Snake that you!"
"Not really," It was Otacon, "Good job Mei Ling we got through!" Otacon yelled. Finally some good news and a status report.
Michael sighed and relief and turned to Sousuke and Kaname, "We got through to FOXHOUND HQ." He switched back to Otacon, "What is going on Otacon? How are Snake and the Colonel? What about-"
"Michael, Michael, calm down for a second," Otacon said, "We don't have a lot of time right now. We have a small window before they jammed the CODEC again. They are using a rotating jammer with a scanner."
Michael paused for a second, "Huh?"
Mei Ling was now talking, "In short, they are using a piece of equipment to jam all possible communication signals from specific area by scanning the frequencies. Although they cannot decode the messages, the gadget is able to jam the frequency that is being used. It can even scramble frequencies that are already scambled or shifting."
Michael was wishing that he could understand the fine points of military and communications technology.
"Getting back," Otacon said taking over, "They were able to bring in a lot of heavy weapons into the base. The group is definitely ex-special forces with the way they are handling themselves. Our forces are trying to push them back but we are barely able to hold any defense. They have these mini robot things that just decimate our forces."
"Arastols." Michael answered.
"Take it they were chasing you." Mei Ling said a little worried.
"Well, it was something you really have to see to really believe." Michael thought back to the rather comical robot slip that Sousuke told him about, "Try spilling something slippery on the floor. Prefeable oil since you can light that on fire." He suggest quickly.
"Regardless of the name," Otacon said getting their attention, "The enemy is throwing everything they have at us. These robots, along soldiers with heavy weapons and AS Venom suits. The Lambda equipped AS suits are decimating our own AS forces since we do not have a Lambda Driver AS like Mithril does."
"So what are the orders right now?"
Mei Ling took over, "The Colonel wants you to worry about your job. Your orders still stand to protect Kaname Chidori and nothing more."
Otacon took the communications spotlight, "Snake stated the same thing. Also one other thing we all want you to do Mike."
Michael listened.
"Survive." Mei Ling said softly over the CODEC.
Michael nodded, "I'm still breathing. By the way, where are you two and where are both Snake and the Colonel?" He had been meaning to ask that question but got easily distracted.
"Mei Ling and I are barricaded inside the Communications room. The door has been blocked shut and even if someone was behind that, it would take them a while to get in." Otacon said switching it to Mei Ling.
"Snake is out around the base leading our forces as best he can. The Colonel is trying his best to assert casualties and save as many people as he can. Colonel Campbell is also setting traps along the way, don't forget he was Black Ops for a while too." Mei Ling reminded Michael, "Though he is getting old, he can still fight. Meryl is with him but last we heard she was around the armory trying to get better weapons for the squads. Since than nothing." Mei Ling finished stating the situation.
"Sounds like all of them. What will happen if we can't keep the base?" Michael asked.
"Than we follow protocol," Otacon stated, "We evacuate as best we can and blow it up."
Michael nodded, "Makes sense. Snake needs-"
A bang was heard in the background.
"Damn it they're here!" Otacon yelled trying to keep cool.
"What is going on!? I thought you were safe right now!" Michael yelled worried that he was not there to protect and help.
Mei Ling was now on the channel, "They are getting through. Otacon is trying to get the emergency exit but we are not sure."
Another bang and Otacon was heard in the background, "Just a few more seconds."
A bang and the sound of metal ripping apart, "Its those damn robots! Michael come back, come back alive!" Mei Ling pleaded.
"We got it! Mei Ling lets-" Otacon screamed, "Mei Ling get down!!"
Gun shoots were heard and Otacon cursing and more gun shoots.
The channel was broken and static.
"Otacon! Come in!!" Michael paused for a second, "Mei Ling!! Ling come in you idiot!!"
Nothing but the scratching sound of static was heard. It was the only thing that Michael was hearing right now.
Michael closed the channel and banged his head against the cold metal. He ran his hands through his hair and cursed slightly.
"DAMN IT!!" He yelled hitting the van as hard as he could. It sent a vibration throughout the entire care. It caused Sousuke and Kaname to jump from there seats and turn around.
Sousuke and Kaname turned wondering what could cause the normally cool-headed soldier get this mad.
Michael took a deep breath and collected himself. His nerves were shaken and his thoughts were going back to his comrades. Mei Ling and Otacon were being attacked with no support and could be dead.
He rested his head against the cool metal and looked at Sousuke. Michael knew of Kurz and Melissa who were both Sousuke's friends and teammates on the SRT of Mithril. It was no question that he was worried about them but was able to keep focused on his job and keep his emotions under control.
He took a deep breath, "I was able to get in touch with some of the people at FOXHOUND HQ. The base was under heavy attack from Amalgam forces and we are getting pushed back hard."
Sousuke looked at him through the driver's mirror, "What about the other personal?"
Michael pushed the stock of the silenced MP5 and stuffed it into a backpack, "Snake is leading the forces as best he can with the Colonel. Mei Ling, the head of communications, and Otacon, our hacker and computer expert. " He put on a jacket to hid his tactical vest, "The two were able to get a message out but the communications room was attacked and I lost them."
Kaname looked back at Michael, "What about you? You okay?"
Michael nodded, "I've got a job to do right now. If I let myself get distracted than people will die."
Sousuke pulled onto the sidewalk and unlocked the sliding door, "Affirmative on that."
Kaname looked back at the two men and watched Michael get out of the van. She was worried that the two were letting themselves get too into their mission to protect her.
Granted that they wanted to stop all this madness and restore things to what they were, but even a soldier needs to know how to feel.
Sousuke rolled down the window, "AL and the Arbalest will be at the park soon. No ETA."
Michael nodded, "Roger that, contact me when you get the Arbalest. Use CODEC and alert me if anything should happen."
Kaname leaned over, "Good luck."
Michael smiled slightly, "Thanks and you too. Watch your back and make sure your not being followed.
"Affirmative." Sousuke answered starting the van. He was closing the window until Michael knocked on it.
"Oh and take care of my 'magic murder bag' there are a lot of weapons in there that we can use." Michael finished walking in front of the van. He banged on it once as he zipped up his jacket.
Michael turned his head and watched as the van pulled onto traffic. He only hoped that the enemy would focus more on him than on Sousuke and Kaname.
Merging into the crowds he did not notice the two men talking on a cell phone.
In Russian one said, "Nachynajym." (begin)
Sousuke was silent as he drove through the traffic. He looked over and saw Kaname just staring at the cars as they passed the van. He could tell that she was just lost in her own thoughts and letting everything that has happened to her over the past few hours.
Being chased through streets, men with guns, crazed robots and explosions. All of which laid heavily on Sousuke and Michael. The key thing was that they were used to it.
But how was this affecting Kaname?
Sousuke had a vague idea of what was going through her head. Kaname had always been able to hide her real emotions from everyone else.
It only meant that she was near the breaking point before she lost all control.
Sousuke did not know how much longer he could fight like this. Michael was working hard on his end and doing his part. The only way that Sousuke could really do any good was with the Arbalest. It presented the only real hope that they had right now.
Whenever the Arbalest came, it brought hope and success in its path.
"Sousuke?" Kaname asked.
Sousuke snapped back turning to Kaname than back toward the road, "What is it Chidori?"
Kaname sighed, "Which is it Sousuke?"
Sousuke was confused, "What do you mean by 'which'?" Was she talking about his attitude earlier or something else.
"Is it Kaname or Chidori?" She teased. Kaname even in this situation got a little joy out of teasing the young soldier when it came to things like this.
Sousuke blushed and focused back on the road, "Uhh."
Kaname giggled a little, "Well when you make up your mind please tell me."
"Affirmative." He answered rather hastily.
"Sousuke, I need you to be honest with me on this." Kaname took a deep breath, "Can we make it out of this?"
Sousuke paled trying to think of an answer to help Kaname. The memory of her crying and pleading to make this all right was still fresh in his mind.
His promise to make everything right was motivating him to fight even harder to fulfill that promise.
Right now his loyalty was not toward his mission to protect her nor to stop Leonard or Ocelot.
His loyalty was toward Kaname and making sure that this was her home. The place that she felt the happiest would always welcome her no matter what.
It was a feeling that Sousuke himself had ignored for many years even after he and Michael separated.
This was his home. As long as she was with him, any place could be home.
"I think I said it before, 'as long as you are with me, I can do anything.'" He answered absolutely confident in his answer.
Kaname nodded meekly, "I hope so. Michael is alone and we don't know when or where Ocelot will strike next." Her voice started to break, "He attacks innocent people with the full intent on making fall on my head. He wants me to give in. He wants me to feel guilt and he wants-"
"KANAME!" Sousuke yelled grabbing his attention. Now was not the time for her to start breaking. They had a chance and with Michael they stood even more of a chance, "We have the Arbalest coming and that will give us an edge as well."
Kaname nodded. Not sure if she could believe him this time. In the past, Sousuke always said, 'its not a problem' and he always came through. Now this was different. A different problem.
"Michael is doing everything he can to stop Ocelot. I trust him as much as I trust you and he has never let me down in the past." Sousuke reassured, "If he was trained by FOXHOUND and by Solid Snake than he is one to depend on."
Kaname started to feel a little better. The short time that she knew Michael it was clear to her how much of a dependable brother he was to Sousuke. Not just at school but in battle. Kaname watched him watch there backs with a sense of purpose and strength that never seemed to weaken.
The only thing that bothered her was the way he fought. The gunfight outside her apartment and the incident at the docks showed her that Michael's killer instinct was still alive and well.
He could kill a man without a moment's thought or hesitation. Michael showed no remorse or regret for killing those got in the way of completing his mission.
She looked over wearily at Sousuke and wondered the same thing. Could he still kill like that and not show emotion? Could he pull the trigger right in front of her and kill?
The resonance that Leonard sent to her that night was still playing again and again in her head, 'He has killed this many people and shows no remorse for it. How can any like a monster like him?'
She shivered and paled a little when that came back to her. Leonard was still waiting for her and the way that Ocelot spoke to her about him; it was as if the choice was made before the first shot was fired.
Sousuke accelerated passing another car but had to slow down again when a car pulled in front of him.
Kaname slammed her hand her seat, "Look at this can this guy even drive?! I mean look he merges into this lane and slows down!! If I had my way-" Kaname continued ranting.
Sousuke looked behind him and saw another car speeding up, "Kaname fastened your seat belt and hang on." He said calmly grabbing the Uzi that Michael stored underneath his seat.
"Sousuke what-" Before she could even finish the sentence Sousuke swerved into the other lane almost hitting a car and ran over the curb and got onto traffic heading the other direction. Several cars broke sharply with their horns blaring at the van.
Looking in the driver's mirror he saw the two cars do the same maneuver causing two cars to crash into each but with one still behind him.
The only problem was that it was gaining speed following them.
"SOUSUKE!" Kaname yelled pointed at two human looking figures covered in black cloaks.
He cursed, "Arastols." Sousuke thinking quickly made a sharp right turn right at the nearest street coming up.
The car followed with the two Arastols following closely behind. One even threw a car out of its way before it could hit it.
Sousuke accelerated and swerved passed ever car trying to avoid hitting them. Hitting one would cause obvious problems for both of them.
Kaname held on tight as her heart raced at an uncontrollable rate. She was praying that they would-
SLAMSomething left a dent right on top of the van leaving a huge dent on top of it. The sound of metal ripping only meant an Arastol was lying in wait. Right now it was opening the van's roof like it was a coke can.
Sousuke without looking fired the Uzi at the van. The metal shards ripped through the van causing Kaname to cover her face.
Kaname turned slowly, "SOUSUKE!!" She yelled.
Sousuke turned around quickly seeing the red light. He quickly turned the steering wheel causing the car to flip.
The last thing Sousuke remembered before blacking out was Kaname screaming and the heavy footsteps of the Arastol.
Michael looked around making sure he knew everything around him. He memorized the buildings and the atmosphere around him.
Something he learned from the Colonel, which always stuck with him and saved his life. If he could memorize the atmosphere around him, feel and know what felt right around him, he could tell if something was wrong.
Obviously the white Russian and Chinese man following him were the dead give away. Michael looked up and did not see any Arastol units or snipers.
He took a deep breath and saw that he was only a few blocks away from his next location. Michael already saw that the crowds were starting to thin out but right now the two guys tailing him were more annoying than dangerous.
He ducked behind into an empty alley and waited for the two men. He leaned against the brick wall taking a deep breath.
The two followed in, "It has been a long time comrade." They stopped short of a few feet of Michael.
Michael looked at them sharply and responded in Russian, "I'm no longer part of GRU."
The Russian laughed, "You think you can fight against us? Against Commander Ocelot?"
Michael put his hands in his pockets, "I'm willing to try it. Why don't you just give up?"
The Russian laughed, "Maybe you should just stop right now. Even if you stop what the Commander has planned, our employer still has the upper hand."
Michael pulled his hands out of his jacket looking at them, "What do you mean? What does Leonard have planned?" If Leonard had one final trick up his sleeve than it was something that he was planning on pulling out. He would attack when they were at there weakest.
Michael's eyes widened. This was not about attacks planned against the city. This was not only just to demoralize Kaname. It was mainly meant to drain Sousuke and Michael's strength.
"That cunning son of a bitch." Michael started to unzip his jacket.
"So you figured it out. It does not matter when Belial comes it is all over comrade."
"Bel-" Someone from behind grabbed Michael around his neck trying to break it. Michael without thinking grabbing the man's arms and started thrashing his head around trying to break the grip.
The other two charged forward one with a knife.
Michael pulled his legs straight up kicking the two men back. When his feet landed he slammed both of his elbows and slammed them against the man's ribs.
His grip loosed and Michael grabbed the man's head and flung him over.
Michael reached into his jacket and pulled out his K-Bar knife. It was still the late afternoon and people were still going about there business. If he killed them silently than no one would notice. A gunshot would alert the police and put the area on a higher alert status creating more problems.
One of them rushed forward with his own knife. Michael moved the side at the last second and grabbed the hand holding the knife pulling him forward. When Michael was behind him he slammed the blade right through the side of the attacker's neck.
Michael quickly turned and saw the Chinese man coming at him. He threw a kick at Michael who blocked it with both hands pushing the leg back.
Michael took a huge step forward and slashed the knife across his throat. The man fell back against the wall covering the gushing blood pouring out of his neck.
He turned and saw the Russian pulled out his own knife inviting him with his hands to attack him.
Michael flipped the blade so that he was holding the tip of it. He looked at it than at the Russian.
In one fluid motion he threw the blade right in his throat.
The Russian gasped pulling the blade out as blood gushed out like a small geyser. He fell to the ground as the blood ran out and seeped into the ground.
Michael pushed the Russian to his back and pulled the knife out. Quickly looking around he moved the bodies behind some trashcans and whipped the blood off the blade.
He took a deep breath and continued walking back to the crowd. Michael quickly put his hands in his pockets trying to hide the small amounts of blood on his gloves.
Michael took a deep breath and looked ahead of him.
The next target was only three blocks away.
Kaname groaned as she started to wake up. The last thing she remembered was her own scream and the metal being ripped apart by the Aratsol.
"Are you okay?" Someone asked.
Kaname blinked for a second and saw the face of a young man looking at her.
She gasped and shot up standing straight. Her body started shaking, "Who are you!? What happened!? Where-"
The young man raised his hand to calm the hysterical girl, "Your okay and your friend is okay." He pointed over to Sousuke who was still unconscious.
"Sousuke!!" She yelled pushing the people who were helping him, "Sousuke! Wake up!! Wake up you idiot!!" She yelled grabbing his shoulders. Ocelot could not be right, he was alive! Yea, he HAD to be alive!
Sousuke groaned waking up. He opened his eyes, "Kaname?" He asked not knowing what the situation was at the moment.
The people around them helped him.
The man who helped Kaname walked over to them, "That was a nasty accident."
"Accident?" Sousuke asked not sure where he was and trying to remember what happened.
Kaname took over, "There was a large bag in that van where is it?!" She asked wanting to make sure Sousuke could at least arm himself. Also she did not know how Michael would react if they lost his weapons collection.
"Over there," He pointed to the bag that was leaning up against a light pole, "It was heavy but here is our question. What were you doing with some many weapons? And the weapon around your leg?"
Kaname paled not sure how to answer, "Well, we….you…see" She was trying to find the right words to explain this situation.
Where was Michael when you needed him!
Sousuke shook his head slightly looking around. He saw the bag and the memories started rushing back.
He looked up and his heart started beating and his mind started racing. Without a moments hesitation he grabbed Kaname, "RUN!"
The man asking the question had no head after a loud bang was heard. His headless body slumped over as the people around him started yelling and cursing.
Sousuke could not tell if it was an Aratsol or a sniper. Pulling Kaname along he grabbed the bag quickly throwing it over his shoulder, "Kaname we have to go!!"
More gunfire was heard as bystanders were being ripped apart by a high powered machine gun.
The blood from there bodies drained out covering the city side walks in a permanent red. The bullets ripped through the stores and buildings around them leaving a permant mark on everything.
Kaname was not even thinking or saying anything. The shock still did not set itself in properly as she saw first hand the carnage that was engulfing her beloved home.
The peace that she once knew was now replaced by the sounds and brutality of war.
It was now a battlefield!
Sousuke pulled her into an alley not caring what was behind them but if he could guess correctly they were getting closer to the park.
Checking his watch he knew that the Arbalest would be arriving soon. AL would contact him through his CODEC channel when he got close.
Stopping for a second Sousuke unzipped the bag and started rummaging through the bag.
Sousuke was amazed at the weapons that Michael had stored. The bag was loaded with grenade launchers, a small RPG-7 and various guns and sub-machine guns.
He quickly grabbed the G36c he had loaded earlier and stuffed one of his pockets with two magazines. Sousuke pulled out a HK69 grenade launcher and loaded it with an explosive grenade.
He turned to Kaname slinging both weapons over his shoulders, "Kaname we need to get going we are almost to the park." He zipped up the bag and walked over to the young woman.
Kaname was quiet as she rested against the brick wall and slid down to the ground not caring what she sat on.
The image of the man's head exploding and the innocent people being killed or injured kept playing over and over again like a bad movie.
She touched her face and started to shake when she felt not her blood, but the man's blood on her face.
"Kaname we need to get going, we are almost to the park." She barely heard Sousuke say those words not caring what happened.
Sousuke got on one knee, "Kaname?" He looked at her and grew more worried when he saw the dead look in her eyes.
The once beautiful eyes that were full of spunk, fire and kindness were now replaced by the eyes of people who first saw real combat.
Hopelessness, despair, and guilt.
He touched her shoulder but smacked it away quickly and wrapped her arms around her self trying to find some comfort.
"Kaname we-"He heard a robotic sound and saw an Aratsol coming up behind them.
Sousuke braced the launcher on his shoulder fired the grenade. The robot was blown back and laid there for a second not moving. The sounds of wires and electricity fizing out were the only noises heard.
"Kaname we need to go!" He pulled her up when she snapped back realizing the danger that was happening.
Sousuke pulled her along and grabbed the bag as well. They made it out of the alley and found themselves facing the park.
Sousuke braced the G36c against his shoulder and turned to Kaname, "The Arbalest should-" He stopped when he got a transmission from an unknown channel.
He answered thinking it was Ocelot, "Ocelot?!"
"Nah," A rough and low voice answered, "What are you trying to do, insult me?."
"Who are you?! Identify yourself!" Sousuke demanded. Jokes were the thing he really did not need right now.
"Well, if you must have a name some call me Snake." Solid Snake answered.
Sousuke was frozen. Solid Snake! The legend was calling!! Snake was calling him!!! Sousuke knew this was no time to be star struck but, it was still Solid Snake.
"Listen, we don't" A gunshot went off in the background, "Hold on." A few gunshots were heard and men rushing in the background, "Sorry about that, these bastards can be a little annoying."
"Yes sir. It is no problem sir!" Sousuke answered quickly hoping to keep things as formal as he can.
"Note kid, do not do the sir crap. It really annoys me," He said hapazardly, "Listen, I don't have time before they jam again, your Arbalest will be arriving soon. Amaglam is jamming all transmission for Mithril as well. We intercepted the transmission and the A.I wanted you to know that." Snake finished.
"Thank you uh, Snake." Sousuke answered meekly. He still could not believe he was talking to the legend himself. Sousuke was still uncomfortable with using his first name.
"Your learning, I like you already." Snake took a deep breath, "Sousuke, I don't need to tell you this but you need to keep going no matter what. Things look bad but keep going-"
The transmission was cut off quickly.
Sousuke blinked for a second, "Snake! Sir!" They were jamming again.
Sousuke turned to Kaname who was just staring into space. That small talk from Snake may have been the little motivation he needed right now, "Kaname, we can get through this. We-"
"Can you make it stop?" She pleaded.
Sousuke stopped and looked at her, "Stop what?"
"This guilt! This pain! This confusion!" She yelled, "My heart is about to pull itself out and I don't know how to think anymore!!" She could not control herself anymore. So much was going on and she did not have time to really process all of it.
Sousuke was silent. She was obviously talking about the fight near the street. The bullets ripping through the inocent people. The headless body of a man just trying to do the right thing.
Kaname started smiling and laughing without control, "I don't know how much more I can take. People are getting hurt and it is my entire fault. People are dead and I saw it first hand. It's true, he was right I can't stop this." She looked at him giving an eerie smiled, "You'll die. Michael will die and it will be my fault."
Sousuke grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly. He looked at her dead in her eyes, "I'm still alive right now! Michael is still alive! We have not quit! We can still get through this, so please don't give up."
Kaname felt the tears run down her face, "But I have. What about your mission? What will you do if I saw I give up?"
"I'm doing this-"Gunfire exploded around them ripping through the trees and shredding the bench apart.
Sousuke grabbed Kaname and pulled her behind a cement wall. Without thinking he leapt from behind the wall and returned fire with a three round burst. The G36c was famous for firing a three round burst to rival that of the M4.
Kaname covered her ears and closed her eyes trying to block out all that was happening around her.
Sousuke turned to his left and fired more bullets that hit there target. The man fell back and did not get up.
Three were left and Sousuke took care of them quickly.
Sousuke ducked down and reloaded the last magazine that he had in his pocket.
Kaname looked at him, "Did you kill them?" She pleaded.
Sousuke did not answer as he cocked the hammer and checked the ammo in his GLOCK. They were attacking them, he had no choice if they were to survive.
"Did you kill them?" She asked a little more forcefully. Kaname did not want to know but she still wanted to know!
Sousuke paused setting the G36c on the ground. He looked down not saying anything, "Yes, I killed them." He continued, "I killed five of them. They were advancing toward our position and they gave me no choice."
Kaname looked away from him.
"Kaname, I've killed a lot of people in my life but do you think I had a choice?" Sousuke asked.
"It was your mission you have to kill them." She answered. He was a soldier after all; his duty was to kill the enemies in his mission. It would not be complete until they were all dead.
"Do you think I am killing them because I like to?" He asked.
Kaname answered getting up. Her back faced him.
"I do not like to kill but these enemies give me no choice. If I let them kill me than I would lose you." He answered looking at her. His eyes staring into the back of his head.
"Because of your mission or duty to Mithril?" She faced him with a confused look in her eyes. Kaname knew that she was now exposed to his world. She could not imagine the horrors and nightmares that he faced whenever he slept. He and his brother had to survive in a world where bullets and bombs were around them. At night they could feel the cold embrace of death and had to stare in his empty eye sockets everytime they picked up a gun.
"No, I do this out of my loyalty to you. Not to Michael, not to Mithril or FOXHOUND, but to you." He answered gently.
Kaname felt the tears run down her face and wrapped her arms around him, "Please Sousuke, don't stop now. Please, I want to feel some kind of hope. I don't know what to do. I thought I could help you but I am not use to this world. I can't bear the fact that people are being killed because someone is after me."
Sousuke turned and pulled her back. Gunfire erupted around them tearing the cement wall apart with the high velocity bullets that ripped past them. The cement wall started to crumble down from just a few of those bullets.
They both turned and saw five Aratsol units advancing towards them with large gatling guns attached to there arms.
Sousuke looked over and saw the weapons bag a distance away. He had no more grenades left and he had only one magazine left.
The lead Aratsol spoke, "Give the girl and we will let you-"
It never finished the sentence as bullets from above ripped the five apart in a matter of seconds.
Kaname and Sousuke looked up and saw the Arbalest above them. It fired its face mounted chain guns.
The Arbalest landed clearing the dust around it. It got on one knee and opened its hand, "Srgt. Sagara I am hear as requested."
Sousuke smiled grabbing the bag, "Good job AL you did just perfect."
Kaname felt a little hope looking at the white AS suit. Everytime this suit fought, it always came out on top. With a little hope, it could do the same thing.
"This thing always got us out of trouble didn't it?" Kaname nodded sitting in the open palm as Sousuke buckled himself into the set.
"Ms. Chidori was that a compliment?" AL asked.
The cockpit doors closed and Sousuke watched the systems come online, "AL don't worry about it. We are just glad you are here."
"ROGER." AL said.
Seven guards. There were only seven guards guarding Michael's target. There were only two guarding the back door, three in the kitchen and two making the sure the bomb was in place.
Michael was staring at the timer which only gave him five minutes before he met whatever maker that lived in the heavens.
The guards outside were a simple matter. He merely distracted them and put two bullets in the back of there heads. The only thing he did not like was that one of the guards was smoking. Michael rummaged them out and was upset to know that they were methanol cigarettes and not the regular ones he smoked. The last few guards were dispatched stealth using the silenced MP5 and his own sneaking skills.
It was quick, clean and worthy of FOXHOUND standards.
He sighed wondering how the others were doing. By now Sousuke must have gotten the ARX-7 and was on his way. Still, he need to focus on this task if he was going to deal with the man behind all of this.
Michael shook his head and focused back on the task at hand. It took him five minutes to run through the proper protocol of bomb disposal.
No traps, no double wires and thankful no remote activation device.
That was the only thing that was really going for him right now.
Michael rubbed his eyes trying to clear his thoughts and think straight about how to go about his.
Ocelot was a smart bastard. It was no question that he would try and confuse his enemies with the obvious choices but than present evidence to suggest a different alternative. In the end it would lead to Ocelot winning and the answer was something not even a genius would not expect.
Michael for once was glad that he was apart of the OCELOT unit and knew these secrets. It held the key to diffusing the bomb.
Michael rubbed his chin and examined it again. Like before he limited it to three wires.
Red.
Blue.
Black.
These wires were the only ones that seemed to have the trigger circuit due to its placement to the C4 and the timer.
Checking the timer again he had wasted two minutes and was closely approaching 2:45.
Taking a deep breath trying to remember something that he once heard about this. He gently rubbed each wire between his fingers hoping that something would come to him
He looked at the red wire than moved to the black than back to the red holding his K-Bar in his other hand.
"Okay let's try the red." He careful held the wire and gently pressed the tip of the blade on the wire.
He cut it.
The timer stopped.
Michael took a deep sigh of relief.
He heard a beep and the timer flashed and went from 2:00 straight to 0:30.
"SHIT!" He cursed loudly looking at the two remaining wires. A trap cleverly placed to make the opponent panic. Ocelot had not lost his touch at all.
If Michael survived this Ocelot would lose more than that.
Timer was at 0:15.
He needed to make a choice between the black or red. His heart started to race as he could feel the sweat pour out in a waterfall fashion.
"Okay." He made a choice and pulled out a white wire. How come he did not notice it before!?
White!!
Timer was at 0:07.
He cut it without a moment's hesitation.
The timer blinked and shut down.
Michael stood ready waiting to see if another one of Ocelot's trap appeared.
After a few seconds nothing.
Michael let himself just fall back panting as the cool floor felt good on his already sweating back.
He got up after a few seconds running his hands through his hair, "Okay need to-"
Someone was calling through CODEC. Sousuke maybe?
He answered, "Sousuke, have you made contact with the Arbalest?"
"I see that you were able to survive again Mikhail." Ocelot answered calling him by his Russian name.
"Yea, you know that you and I have a score to settle Ocelot." He answered strongly.
Ocelot laughed, "Very good. You will need a strong spirit for our fight. However, did you disarm the other bombs as well?"
Michael froze. Other bombs!
"I believe I said I planted a bomb at place you love to hang out. I never said that I planted one." Ocelot said chuckling slightly.
Michael gripped his fist so hard that he could feel his skin tearing even though he wore gloves, "You-!" Why did he not pay attention before!!
"And I believe at least there are four places with a similar bomb." Ocelot stated, "However, since you failed. I believe I will denote those others along with three others I planted as punishment." The transmission ended.
Michael jumped straight to his feet running up the stairs. He kept cursing himself and his own lack of attention. Michael was so focused on completing the next taks that he rushed. He shot out of the backdoor. It was like before. The same stupidity that cost him so much when he was in the SAS. He ran out of the alley and straight into the street. His recklessness on that mission killed innocent people.
He looked around watching the people carry on there normal routines.
Michael's CODEC went off; Ocelot only said one word, "Boom."
Three massive explosions went off on the streets around him. He was thrown to his feet the sound still echoed in his ears. The dust started to settle as car alarms and screams echoed through the once quiet street. Michael got to his feet and walked around in a daze seeing first hand the carnage. It was nothing he had not seen before, but it got easier.
Cars were flipped over in the street. People were running around in a panic state trying to get help and save love ones.
Michael could see that people near the explosions were either thrown across the street or were killed on impact.
He turned and in the distance saw a man carrying his daughter in her arms. Michael was no medical expert like Dr. Hunter but he knew that she was dead.
Just like so many others around him.
Michael could hear emergency crews coming and people running to them.
People were under debris with others trying to save them.
Others getting others to receive emergency care or running to find lost ones.
The hysteria and scene made it look like a battle.
Michael looked away and ran his fist into a nearby car's hood. It left a dent but his fist was shaking so hard. His face was still stone cold but his rage was clear in his fist.
He wanted blood!
Michael wanted Ocelot's blood!
His CODEC went off and he hesitated for a second before answering. Things had entered a new low.
Ocelot walked out of the bathroom in a rather joyous mood.
Everything was going according to plan. The bombs went off and his forces were in position ready to take the school completely.
One thing needed to be done before the final phase.
Opening the sliding door he saw that all the students were outside looking at the dust clouds flying towards the sky. They were talking amongst themselves and trying to count how many explosions went off.
The final count would be seven. Eight if Ocelot was lucky today.
The bombs went off perfectly and if Ocelot planned it right Michael would be able to truly see the destruction first hand.
He smiled knowing full well the state of mind Michael was in right now. He would be focused on him and only him. Sousuke would be distraught but would fight harder when reinforcements came. All this was meant to create a drive in the young man. The harder the fight, the sweeter the victory.
The teacher Ms. Kagurazaka approached Ocelot, "Mr. Kanzuki, for the safety of the students we need to evacuate."
Ocelot laughed, "I'm afraid that will not happen." Now was the perfect time to put the final phase of the plan.
Kagurazaka looked confused, "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that you are hostages and will be used as such." Ocelot said as if he was talking about the weather.
Kagurazaka looked scared at first but than regained her courage for the safety of her students, "Now listen here you-"
Two gun shots went off.
Kagurazaka never saw or even knew he had a gun. In one quick motion he pulled out what looked like a revolver and shot her in both her kneecaps.
She screamed in pain as the blood ran out of her kneecaps. She turned her body trying to use what strength she had to keep her students strong. This man shot her with a revolver with such speed even Sagara would be scared.
Ocelot twirled his revolver slowly, "Now than just to make sure there are no heroes." He pointed his gun and shot four random students in either the arm or leg.
The rest huddled against the wall trying to find some protection. Some tried to help there fellow students up or comfort them. Silent tears and screaming resonated through the small classroom. It was a feeling that Ocelot never got tired of feeling.
Ocelot reloaded his gun and twirled it right back into his holster. He opened the door and several men rushed in wearing black officers' uniforms with red barrettes and black ski masks.
They pointed there guns at the students and Ocelot walked past them, "Your school is now under our control. If you want to live, I suggest you do as I say or there will be great consequences not on you but to those injured."
He turned around and looked at Kagurazaka who was trying to crawl out, "Now, now, that is not a way for a teacher to have her students see her." He slammed his boots on her wounds and twisted his heel on the opened hole.
Kagurazaka screamed even louder. She had never felt such fear or pain in her life. This was much more terrifying than the plane and cruise hijackings. She was just shot.
She looked up and felt more fear looking at the man who claimed to be related to her student. He was enjoying this. She saw the sick smile as he caused her more pain with each twist of his shoe.
"Now than," He stopped kicking his shoes back. He turned to the students and started walking toward them. The soles of his shoes left small bloody prints, "Would Miss Tokia Kyouko please step forward."
The pig tailed girl stepped forward not sure how to handle what was about to happen. Where was Kaname?! Where was Sousuke?! Surely he could do something. One of the men grabbed her pulled her hard causing her to yelp in pain.
Ocelot yelled, "Stop that!" He gently pulled the girl away from him, "We do not handle them like this."
Kyouko felt a little relief. At least he was not like this on children.
"We handle it like this." He grabbed her arm and pulled it behind her and twisting it, "Like we are going to pull it out." He said with an icy tone.
Kyouko screamed as she fell to her knees. The pain was so intense that she started to cry, "Please stop!" She pleaded. This man was a demon! This man was related to Michael!?
He let go and two men grabbed her tight, "Colonel Volgin was right; it is the ultimate form of expression." He mmbled to himself.
The men took her away outside of the room.
Ocelot walked out of the classroom, "A medic will be here to treat you. We cannot have you die yet. If you refuse, I will shot to kill the next time."
"WHERE ARE YOU TAKING HER!?" Kagurazaka yelled ignoring the pain, "WHAT WILL YOU DO?! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" She pleaded.
Ocelot merely raised his hands in an innocent gesture, "I would not bother you but think what three students are NOT here and you will find your answer."
He closed the door leaving everyone in there one thoughts but three names were on there mind.
Sagara. Kanzuki. Chidori.
Well, here is chapter ten. I hope you enjoyed it. We are almost near the climax with Leonard and Ocelot. Hope that you continue to read and not think that I am dead!!