Title: Metal Gear Solid: Elements of Destruction- Chapter 23: Ascent from Hell
Author: The Ice Goddess (FrozenBlueIce)
Fandom: Metal Gear Solid
Feedback: All feedback is welcome, whether it be negative or positive. I'm trying to improve on my writing so, please be honest: frozenblueice@yahoo.com
Pairing: The main pairing of this story is Snake/Otacon, which is obvious to anyone who knows of my fondness for Hal Emmerich, so therefore alright to disclose. There are others, but if I told you what they were, it'd ruin the story.
Series: No. There may be sequels in the future, but right now that is looking unlikely due to time constraints.
Rating: PG (this chapter only)
Disclaimer: All characters appearing in previous Metal Gear Solid video games are the property of Konami Computer Entertainment of Japan, and of their creator, Mr. Hideo Kojima. All new characters are the property of The Ice Goddess. This is a work of fanfiction, and in no way, shape, or form will I receive any monetary compensation for it. It is for entertainment purposes only.
Type: Action/Shounen-ai
Summary: This story takes place one year after the events of "The Big Shell." New information found by Otacon sends Snake back into action. (That's all I'm revealing!)
Chapter 23: Ascent from Hell
Raiden sat in Shadow's pilot seat as Dr. Raznov connected him to its mainframe. The instant the connection was complete, he felt a surge of information enter his mind. Jack instantly knew the temperature of the hangar around him, the number of bullets in its rail gun, and exactly how many steps it would take to reach the opening of the access tunnel. At first it was overwhelming, but after awhile, Raiden became fascinated with his Metal Gear-enhanced perception.
"Jack, run diagnostics," the scientist instructed him.
In less than an instant, Metal Gear Shadow sent thousands of system specs through his mind. Raiden closed his eyes, welcoming the flow of knowledge. "All systems normal."
"Good. Activate stealth and thermo camouflaging."
Jack sent the command through with a simple thought, and Shadow acted accordingly. "Done."
Otacon sat on the floor at the back of the cockpit. He was amazed by all that was going on around him. Shadow was remarkable. Hal touched the smooth, dark, metal wall that was free of a single indicator light. He looked over at Jack, eyeing his cybernetic implants and the wires running from them to Metal Gear's console. He realized then that every gauge, display, and warning signal were running directly through Raiden's brain.
He looked up at the man beside him who, seemingly disinterested, coolly leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Dave must have felt a pair of eye on him. He turned to look down at his partner.
"You know, Snake, I've never actually been inside of the cockpit of a Metal Gear before."
"Really?" he said, raising his eyebrow.
Hal nodded, "I simply worked in design. Another department of ArmsTech handled the actual construction." He gave the cockpit another quick survey. "You know what else?"
"What's that Otacon?" Dave answered, sitting down to rest his injured leg.
"I'm glad I've had this opportunity to face my demons head-on," Hal told him, eyes shifting to the floor. "I'm not afraid anymore."
The mercenary wrapped his arm around his partner's shoulders. "That's good," he replied. "Now the only thing we have left to work on is your self-confidence."
Otacon shuffled his feet a bit. "W-what do you mean?"
Snake simply smiled and said, "We'll talk about that later."
"All systems go," Jack announced. "Setting course for New York City."
Metal Gear's engines sprang to life, but those in the cabin could barely hear them. They watched with anticipation as Jack directed Shadow into its first steps towards the exit.
Behind them, about thirty RNF soldiers poured into the hangar. They blindly sprayed the area with bullets and grenades, but not a single one left a scratch on Metal Gear.
The access tunnel was 20 km long, with a steep grade to the surface. Walking Shadow would take too long.
"Start up the jet-propulsion systems," Anja instructed. "We're going to fly this thing out of here."
Jack's eyes rolled into the back of his head as he ran the commands through his mind. A few seconds later, Shadow responded by crouching into the "launch position". It took off, speeding through the tunnel.
"Watch out!" the scientist warned him, "Up ahead are the first set of the access tunnel's laser defense mechanisms. Run 'Evasive Pattern 918' to avoid them."
Jack did, and Metal Gear Shadow began a series of rolls and spirals that sent Hal's stomach turning with it. The lasers could be seen up ahead, sweeping the tunnel for intruders. Shadow nimbly dodged every single blast, and continued its journey up the shaft.
***
Back in the hangar, three people entered the scene. Dr. Yadik, Dr. Knight, followed by another man, dressed in a lab coat, wearing thick, plastic rimmed glasses.
"They're gone," the man said.
"How can you tell?" Yadik asked him.
"I built Shadow with my own two hands. I know when she's around. She has this smell…"
"I'm not sure I understand, but I'll take your word for it," Dr. Yadik replied. He raised his arm up into the air. "Hold your fire!"
The soldiers ceased their assault, turning their attention to their commander.
"They're gone. Go back to your stations and await further orders."
The squadron acknowledged with a salute, then marched their way out into the corridor.
Sabren walked slowly over to the body lying in a heap on the other side of the hangar. He knelt down beside her, rolling the woman onto her back. Genesis' lifeless eyes stared blankly at the ceiling. He checked her pulse, then let out a sigh.
"I always admired your ambition, but you let it get the better of you," he whispered. "That was your only weakness."
Sabren stood back up, turning to face the others. "Genesis is dead."
"Solid Snake killed her then?" Yadik asked him.
"No. These bullet wounds are not precise enough," Dr. Knight said with a chuckle. "Interesting…"
"What's that?"
"These shots were made by an uneasy hand," Sabren explained, pointing to each of her wounds. "I remember Dr. Emmerich being terrified of guns, but I suppose that any man can be forced to murder if the right circumstances arise."
"So, what are our orders?" Dr. Yadik asked.
Sabren Knight walked back over to join them. "Start the evacuation. They will most likely try to bring this place down on our heads once they clear the tunnel."
"What about the laser defense systems?" the scientist asked, shifting his heavy, coke-bottle glasses to a more comfortable position on his nose.
"Your partner is with them. She undoubtedly knows the proper evasive maneuvers," Dr. Knight told him.
Dr. Chetnik frowned. "I was hoping she'd have a change of heart, but I should have known better."
"Let's move out!"
***
"Over there!" Anja Raznov pointed, "There's the second set of lasers."
Raiden received more transmissions from Metal Gear's sensors. "Confirmed. Running 'Evasive Pattern 1205."
Shadow reacted, dipping and turning every which way, the lasers shooting at it, missing every time. Jack increased the speed, anxious to get out of the narrow tunnel.
"Look!" Otacon said, pointing into the distance, "I can see the exit. The aurora is lighting the way."
Anja leaned in to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon. "Alright. It should be safe now. Jack, arm the Nikitas. Make sure you send instructions on how to evade the laser attack. I think about twenty should do it. Send them to structural points Q to X."
Raiden armed the remote control missiles, programming them with a preset flight pattern through Metal Gear's mainframe. "Done. Firing Nikita missiles," he announced. Metal Gear Shadow's missile bay opened and a slew of Nikitas launched behind them. "Estimated time of impact: 3 minutes 37 seconds."
At that moment, they cleared the tunnel and shot up into the star-studded sky, the Aurora Australis eerily glowing above them.
In contrast to the endless white of the Antarctic snowdrifts below them, bright orange and blue flames jumped out from the ground as the missiles made impact, destroying the base. The fires burned high and hot, adding to the luminescence of the Southern Lights.
Dr Raznov, Raiden, Snake, and Otacon watched this display as Metal Gear Shadow soared towards New York City.
***
"Yes, the traitor has been disposed of."
A question.
"They are in possession of Metal Gear. We'll meet you at the rendezvous point. Shall I bring the bodies?"
An answer.
"Understood."
Author's Notes:
The imagery at the end of the chapter is a metaphor for them escaping the Hell that was their prison for the past day or so. The flames shooting up to the sky as they fly away is a perfect example of this.