A/N: Ok ok, so I *did* say that I was going to update this earlier ... but I ended up getting delayed a week, and then all went to hell--whatever, the point is, *FINALLY* here is the next chapter!!

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Chapter 11: Returning the Favor

Ok ... I really, _really_ don't think I can do this!! Cloud shouted into her earpiece, her voice trembling with fear. The three were passing the skyscrapers of downtown in a helicopter, slowly approaching the Delta Towers.

Haruka shook her head looking rather annoyed, Just imagine that it's your girl waiting for you at the end of all this--

What do you mean imagine? Riva cut the blonde off, Knowing Cloud, she already has it all planned out to make sure that her girl is _there_ at the end. Cloud stuck her tongue out at her, before checking all her harnesses once again. But just in case you don't make it to her in time, Riva held out a small black bundle,

Cloud unraveled it - a pair of extra pants. Thanks ... She replied, giving a -.- look.

We're almost there! Everyone get ready! Haruka shouted, as the Delta Towers finally came into view. Riva, followed by a reluctant Cloud, stood at the edge of one side of the chopper, while Haruka stood on the other, awaiting the signal. After a minute of Cloud's nervous shakings, Haruka waved her hand and the three jumped off the helicopter, plummeting down towards the glass windows of the building. Cloud's screams traveled at the same rate, before the ropes attached to their harnesses came to a swift stop. The ex-CIA agent pulled out a small device and attached it to the glass, where it cut a 1/2 meter radius circle; just large enough for each to climb in.


Haruka zipped her jacket back up and pulled her gun out, giving her friends a quick overview. Ok, you know what you need to do. Just--

Yeah yeah try not to get dead. Riva cut her off. Sheesh, you treat us like this is the first time we've pulled a mission with you.

Cloud grinned and ran a hand through her spiky blonde hair, Let's go.


Carefully sliding a mirror underneath the door, they checked both directions for any guards before unlocking the door and slowly creeping out into the hall. You two go that way, I'm gonna head down this hall. Haruka whispered, earning a nod in reply from the other two. She turned and disappeared into the darkness, as Cloud and Riva continued down their opposite path. Creeping along the walls, Haruka slowly approached an intersection; around the corner she grabbed the guard by his arm and twisted it before slamming him face down into the ground. Using the heel of her wrist she knocked him out unconscious, before taking his gun and storing him in one of the various rooms. She continued down the halls when she came to a door that seemed vaguely familiar to her, and upon opening it she noticed Michiru's lifeless form hanging from the roof.

She shouted, putting her gun in it's holster and running over to her immediately. Slamming a red button that lowered her to the ground, she undid the shackles and removed her jacket, wrapping it around the agent and rubbing her arms to warm her up. Agent Kaioh, wake up ... wake up! Haruka whispered rather loudly.

The aqua-haired beauty stirred slightly before her eyes mindlessly opened, Agent ... Tenoh? She whispered, though it was barely audible.

Don't worry, I'm gonna get you out.

Why ... did ... you come ... for ... me? Michiru asked through bleeding lips.

Haruka flashed her a trademark smile, Well, I had to return the favor. Now come on, we've got to get a move on. She helped her to her feet and opened the door, but less that two steps out a fist came crashing towards her face knocking her to the ground.

Dr. Markusson stepped in, followed by a dozen or so armed guards. Well well well, look who's trying to be a hero.