Hello, people! Thanks again for the good reviews and feedback. I doubted people wouldn't enjoy the fic, but boy was I wrong. YOU GUYS LOVE IT! And the action has only begun. It is bound to get better, I promise.
And now for some notes from the Kusanagi battle archives (he-he): I should have mentioned before that knowledge of MGS 2 isn't really necessary for the fic, but it is recommended. But, eventually, people can get confused with the Metal Gear storyline, so I'll be kind enough to explain this confusing identity crisis. (That means you, SolarFire2).
Alright, so we all know that 'Snake Pliskin' is the main character of the movie 'Escape from L.A', starring Kurt Russell. However, Solid Snake and Snake Pliskin are NOT and I repeat, not the same character from the movie or neither are they related. That would be copyright infringement, right? Of course, it was probably Hideo Kojima's idea (not mine) to re-name Snake 'Iroquois' as the alias he used in the Plant chapter of Metal Gear Solid 2, (probably paying homage to the movie, I guess) as Snake was labelled a terrorist leader at the time and was thought also to be dead. He called himself "Lt J.G Iroquois Pliskin" when he first met Raiden to fool him for awhile until old Solidus tries to show Raiden that he's Solid Snake. It's really confusing until you play it for yourself, so I suggest you do just that.
And that's also the reason why his alias was used here too, but as in MGS 2, Snake's secret identity won't stay secret for long. Sooner or later, the people of NERV will know.
Okay, where we last left off, Snake finally meets those darling Eva pilots, Shinji and Asuka, as well as Kensuke and Hikari, but has to save them from an encounter from Vamp, an old enemy Raiden fought from the Big Shell! Snake manages to defeat Vamp, but Vamp escapes before Snake could get some answers from him. And it seems that a very determined Raiden has begun a mission of his own, but will he be able to guard Unit-3 from falling into the wrong hands and stand a chance against the re-formed Dead Cell and the advanced security of NERV by himself? Enough talk; let's get the story on, shall we?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ShardclawKusanagi presents:
Metal Gear Solid: Children of Evangelion
Chapter 4: Homecomings
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The location was the first NERV Branch in America. The time was 2:47 am, and the rain was falling lightly in the base.
The dark, thin figure ran across the wet airfield, avoiding the spotlights as he ran. His wet pale and long blonde hair covered his eyes as the raindrops bounced off his specially designed suit. He stopped several feet a nearly opened entrance of a ventilation shaft.
Taking advantage of the time he had, the man leapt up into the vents' opening and crawled towards the direction he vent led him to the inside of a docking bay.
A few seconds later, he saw an opening, but before he climbed down, he looked for any guards. (Coast is clear), the man thought to himself. He leapt down, but carefully as to not make any noise. He instantly saw an electrical console next to an elevator and approached the screen to input his data.
"Loading area map into personnel's node." the console read. "Data transmission complete."
(Good, at least it worked like Rose said it would.) The man thought once more. He then got on one knee and touched his left ear. Afterwards, the Codec tone rang.
"This is Raiden. Colonel, can you hear me" Raiden asked his and the Colonel's face on screen.
"Loud and clear, Raiden." The Colonel responded. "You have done well in getting through the exterior of this base undetected, but here your real mission begins. Have the nerd access been successful"
"Ummm...it's called a node, sir." Raiden said, having to deal with this reaction before. "And yes, the map of this area is now in my Soliton radar."
In the background, Rose can be heard laughing. The Colonel continued. "Uh, yeah...I see. Now, proceed to the Evangelion holding cages where Unit-3 is being kept. And remember your objectives: You must not allow the Evangelion to fall into the enemy's hands. Also, this is a civilian base. By any means necessary, you must not kill any of the guards or personnel if you happen to confront any."
"Come on, you know I'm too good for that." Raiden confidently said.
Rose's face appeared onscreen now. "Jack, there's little territory to cover, since the main objective is to liberate the base from Dead Cell. But up to now, we haven't uncovered if it's really them for sure."
"You have to be right, Rose." Raiden said. "It can't be them, since all of them are dead. I, for one know that."
"True, but since that attack on the Second branch, they have been claiming that they are the one and same group. Local authorities are being told to maintain their positions if they want the personnel to live." the Colonel said.
"And that's when we come in" Raiden asked.
"Affirmative." the Colonel responded. "You have already been briefed about the possible security details this NERV branch may have, but so far you have only gotten to the outer layer of the area. Proceed with the mission, Raiden."
"Be very careful, Jack." Rose said, thus ending the Codec conversation.
After the Codec signed off, Raiden played it safe by making sure there were no surveillance cameras around the elevator's entrance. Then, making sure that it was clear, he pressed the button to take him to the underground Evangelion holding cages.
(Now I'll show you, Snake, that age is just as good as experience.) Raiden thought to himself.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Meanwhile, somewhere in Toyko-3, in a darkened hall, were twelve dark coloured towering monoliths, with the words 'SEELE' and a number representing the position of the monolith in red, in a circular position. They all were surrounding Vamp as he stood in the centre in a bright light.
"Impudent fool! How could you have not attained the First Child" SEELE chairman No.5 spoke through the monolith, as if he was a higher form of being.
"Solid Snake arrived there today, just as I told you before." Vamp calmly said. "Things didn't go as planned...the First Child wasn't even there. But I made an attempt to deal with the problem before he got suspicious..."
"And certainly, you had failed." Chairman No.4 said.
SEELE NO.1, Keele Lorenz, cut in "So, she was still with Ikari this entire time. This was not originally intended on his part."
"I assure you, Chairman Lorenz..." Vamp stopped, he was sensing the power these mysterious figures were holding. For the first time in his life, he felt that his life was in their grasp, just like the Patriots used him and Dead Cell for their personal gains of power. Now, his entire group is dead, including Fortune, but he was one not to be underestimated and he swore he will not be used again.
"Chairman Lorenz, if you could grant me another chance, I'm sure I can capture Rei Ayanami without the interference of Snake." Vamp said.
"You may have been chosen by the Patriots to be their pawn, but do not forget whose keeping you alive. If you fail us one more time, Vamp, you and her both shall feel SEELE's wrath." chairman No.3 said.
"SEELE does not tolerate failure. However, you shall be given another chance." Keele said. "We advise you to wait until the situation in the First NERV branch is resolved and Unit-3 gets here. We have something in store that will make our plans a reality."
"I understand." Vamp said before the monoliths disappeared, leaving him alone in the dark.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The evening sun in Toyko-3 was close to setting, showing of a golden coloured sky over the city. Inside NERV headquarters, synch tests for the pilots had just finished and the children were getting ready to go to their homes. Snake watched in the background, arms folded and was standing next to Misato. Otacon was working alongside Maya, and the other techs, while Ritsuko watched over them.
Since she was told of Vamp's attempt to harm the pilots, Misato has been trying to keep her emotions in check. (I can't believe that this happened. How could I have not seen this coming?) She thought to herself, and then she looked at Snake. (At least, David managed to keep the kids safe. Thank God for him.)
"Ummm, David..." Misato asked Snake through the silence.
"Yeah, Major" Snake replied, his mind heavy on the fight he had earlier with Vamp.
"Sorry you had to go through so much trouble...I didn't know just who could have tried to harm Shinji and Asuka, until today." Misato said apologetically. "It's a good thing that you showed up in time, but if you didn't..."
Snake noticed the hint of concern in her voice and tried to ease her emotions. "It's not your fault, Major. I didn't mind risking my life already on the first day of the job." he said.
"I know. But I...feel responsible in way, you know." Misato looked at him with an almost compassionate look. "I hope you didn't think I was being selfish or anything..."
"You worry too much, Major." Snake cut in and smiled. "Anyway, all that matters now is that the kids and their friends are alright. You shouldn't have too much doubt about my life on the line. I had even closer calls before in my agent days."
"I wish I can relax, but I have feeling what happened today won't stop there." Misato said. "But, thanks anyway."
(You're sure right about that.) Snake thought to himself. (What kind of game is Vamp is playing?)
"B-type harmonics are normal. No interference detected in the pilots synch ratios." Maya said, looking over her console.
"All systems green. Pilots' synch ratios all green and within acceptable tolerance." Hal said from his station.
"Very good, Dr. Emmerich." Ritsuko said. "Okay, that concludes the test for today."
Ritsuko turned to talk to Snake and Misato. "It's the same as the last time. Shinji's synch ratio has dropped again slightly by another 7 since the last test. That last battle seriously affected him."
"This will make it even harder to tell him...about the new pilot." Misato said.
"You haven't told him yet and we're heading to Matsushiro tomorrow" Ritsuko said. "Why not tell him tonight instead of worrying yourself"
"I have my reasons, Ritsuko." Misato said seriously. "He'll know eventually. But until then, I want to keep this a secret from him until the test is over."
"And what does the new bodyguard has to say about this" Ritsuko asked Snake.
"Major's orders." Snake simply said. "My lips are sealed about this too."
Ritsuko remained silent for a while, until the children, Shinji, Asuka and Rei stepped in the room. Asuka was actually still over hyped about seeing her new bodyguard confront Vamp today, while Rei, who wasn't with them at the time, simply kept her attention on away from Asuka's constant ramblings.
This is the first time that Rei was going to meet her new bodyguard. She had heard nothing but good things about Lt. Pliskin and in a way, when she overheard from Misato about the confrontation at school, she felt assured that Pliskin was just the one to live up to his reputation.
"Pliskin, I believe that you haven't met Rei Ayanami, the First Child, have you" Ritsuko introduced Rei to Snake. "Well, Rei, this is Lt. Iroquois Pliskin."
Rei, who was aware that this was a foreigner she was being introduced to, bowed to Snake in the best respect she can offer.
"It is an honour to meet one such as yourself, Mr. Pliskin." Rei said in her casual manner of little emotion, but in a way that she respected him.
"The same here, Rei." Snake returned the bow with a slight smile.
"Well, now, it's time to get on home." Misato told Shinji and Asuka. "But before you do that, Pliskin has something he would like to offer to each of you."
Snake had some spare Codec devices with him that Otacon brought with him to Japan. He offered one to Misato, Shinji, Asuka and Rei.
"Since there will be times that I won't always be keeping an eye on you, this should come in handy." Snake said to them, showing Shinji how to wear it. "It's really a simple device, like a walkie talkie with monitors on it, so you can see who you're talking to."
Misato already had on hers, while Asuka had some trouble getting it on, but she succeeded somehow. Shinji was as eager to experiment with it, while Rei was already awaiting instructions.
"You all have frequencies that can contact another person listed in the Codec's memory." Snake continued. "And don't worry about outside interference during transmission. Hal had already placed an encrypted protocol on your Codecs, so you will only get calls from me, him and each other and be safe from unexpected 'guests'. Major, your frequency will be 151.50, Shinji's will be 151.57, Asuka, you can be called at frequency 160.13, and Rei can be contacted by frequency 167.25."
"Cool" Asuka said, switching on the Call on her Codec. Surprisingly, it was set to Shinji's frequency.
A soft tone rang in Shinji's left ear; he pressed a hand against it and answered.
"H-he-hello" Shinji nervously said, as his face appeared on the Codec's monitor. Asuka's face appeared as well, and she started to make some faces at Shinji.
"Oh, it's only you, idiot Shinji." Asuka complained with a sigh. "Man, this means I get to see that face of yours too when I work this thing"
"Ikari, can you read me" Rei's appeared on screen now.
"Uh...yeah, loud and clear, Ayanami." Shinji looked surprised for awhile. "Wow, even on the Codec you look great."
"HEY! No fair, Wondergirl! I was talking to him first...unless you have something to say to him" Asuka fumed. "And what does that suppose to mean"
"Asuka! It's not what you think" Shinji jumped, his face turning red.
Misato shook her head, while Snake chuckled a bit. "Don't tell me...I'll have to deal with them just like this, huh"
She simply smiled at him. (Damn...he's just irresistible) she thought. (I should make it up for him for the trouble he went through just to protect Shinji and Asuka from that Vamp character. It's a try...but there's no guarantee that he may be interested...)
Just as she was going to say another word to Snake, the automatic door opened and the ever so dashing Kaji stepped in.
"Hello, people." Kaji waved at his colleagues, and then stepped up to Misato. "Hello, Katsuragi."
"KAJI" Asuka was more than happy to see her dream man at least once for the day. Kaji simply smiled at her and paid more attention to Misato.
"Oh...hi, Kaji." Misato wasn't all too pleased with the scenario, to be even in the same room with her former lover, since he's always up to no good with the women who work in NERV, including mostly herself. (At least Pliskin has a sense of decency and respect unlike Kaji.) She thought again to herself. "What are you doing here?"
"Hmmm, is the Major still upset about something" Kaji got close enough to Misato to put her in an embarrassing situation, while Snake can distinctly guess that this unkempt man was her boyfriend, which really surprised him.
"That's none of your business" Misato pouted. She really wanted to put a distance between herself and Kaji, especially at work. (She had always had found herself in the elevator with Kaji, which always looked bad on her part. But after meeting Pliskin earlier that day, she would give anything to be with HIM in the elevator...) she thought once more. "You haven't answered my question, Kaji."
"I just came here to see you and Ritsuko before you leave for Matsushiro tomorrow. And to personally thank Mr. Pliskin on 'handling the matter' of protecting the pilots today." Kaji offered a handshake to Snake, but he was given the cold shoulder.
"No offence, but you know, for someone who works as the head of Special Inspections, you're really unreliable and not to mention, not so serious about your reputation, aren't you, Ryoji Kaji" Snake said seriously. "But it wasn't a problem for me to protect those kids."
Kaji laughed nervously as he rubbed his head. "Ha-ha. I see that you are a man who means business. No wonder Katsuragi chose you to guard the pilots."
"Is that all" Misato asked Kaji with an annoyed glare.
"Yes, I guess so." Kaji said with an experserated tone. "I'll take my leave now, my fellow people. And it was an honour meeting you, Mr. Pliskin."
"What? So soon? I thought you were going to stay and ask me out." Asuka complained a bit.
"Katsuragi, I'll be seeing you." Kaji waved at Misato as he left the room. (Hmmm...So, Misato's found herself a new guy to order around.) He then thought to himself. (I wonder...where did I see that face before? He certainly looks more than an average body guard…and is obviously dangerously close to Misato. I'd better keep an eye on him...)
(I thought he did never leave.) Misato thought." Well, if that's everything, let's go home then. Oh...and David, I already have gotten your address earlier today, so I guess that from today we'll be neighbours, huh"
"Yeah, I guess so." Snake replied. "Listen, I got something to discuss with Hal, can you wait"
"Sure thing. You kids go on ahead and change and I'll wait for you at the car park." Misato smiled.
Snake went over to his friend's seat and started to talk. "Alright, Hal...have you found anything"
Otacon shook his head. "Nothing. They really have the links to the Patriots sealed up tight; I will have to use a different protocol to access them. It's a little different than I thought."
"Well, take your time. With Vamp back on the scene, it's unlikely that we have to go far." Snake responded. "And there's also something else."
"What is it?"
"I tried to contact Raiden after that run-in with Vamp, but his frequency didn't receive my call." Snake said with a serious face. "The kid's up to something, but what"
Otacon looked at his friend with a smile. Snake glared at him. "What?
"Normally, you wouldn't be worried about Jack, but since that Vamp incident, you're asking for his help." Otacon said. "That's not like you."
"You just stick to your role, and I will to mine." Snake grunted. "Just make sure not to blow our cover while you are doing your 'job' ".
"Yeah, yeah. I'm too good for that. I never make the same mistake twice." Otacon said. "Oh…and a word of advice: try not to make any moves on the Major. I could see that she's taken by that Kaji guy."
"That thought haven't even crossed my mind. I don't want to interfere in someone's relationship, no matter how screwy it looks." with that, Snake waved at Otacon and headed out the room. Otacon wondered to himself then if Snake will stay true to his word. (That seems unlikely; Snake, but...I wish you the best anyway.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The elevator opened at the Evangelion cages, and Raiden had already pointed his M9 around the area. He could see the Evangelion Unit-3, but the cage had no personnel or guards in it. The area was dead quiet; probably the terrorist had probably taken over this area.
(I have to be careful from here on in...) Raiden thought. He didn't need a node for this area, but he spotted a locker and got a Ration from there, as well as some Chaff Grenades.
The layout of the cage reminded him of the Arsenal Jejunum area, as he found a crate to hide behind at.(Only this time, this place wasn't as cold as a refrigerator and he wasn't walking around buck naked when he was in the actual Arsenal.) he thought. (That's a time I would like to forget.) He peered to his side to look for any enemies, but he got the shock of his life when he saw a guard dressed in heavily protective black armour. He distinctly knew where he had seen the designs from.
(Arsenal Tengus!) Raiden thought. (Why are they still around?)
Not wanting to risk calling Codec so soon, he waited out until the Tengu started to talk on his radio to his comrade.
"Area 2-C of the Evangelion holding cage is secure. No sight of any intruders." the Tengu said.
"Don't let your guard down, he's bound to show up soon." a woman's voice at the other end responded. "Have all the NERV personnel been rounded up"
"Yes. They are all being held in the Guest Lounge, on the second basement floor of the cage."
(So, they ARE holding hostages...) Raiden thought. (The Guest Lounge, on the second basement level...)
"And the Evangelion departure time is still on schedule. We must not have delays." the mystery woman said. "And do not worry about any intruder getting to Unit-3. I will deal with him when the time comes."
"Understood." the Tengu responded, and then he got back to his duty. With his back turned, Raiden snuck up behind him, and passed the High Functioned blade's reverse edge against the back of the Tengu's neck. With one blow, the man was knocked out.
Raiden found a security card on the soldier and a pair of thermal goggles after he searched the man for items. Looking around for more guards, he proceeded to ascend the stairs to his right and climbed them, only to see more Tengu's around him and even two gun cyphers.
(This place must have access to some familiar security, alright.) Raiden thought, pulling out a pin off a Chaff. As the grenade exploded, disabling the Cyphers for awhile, he made his move to attack the three Tengus before more of them came.
The Tengu on his right loaded a Glock .45, but didn't see Raiden advance at him no sooner when he pulled out his weapon. He thrusted the blade across to his right, on his torso, momentarily stunning him, then made a spinning strike, two hits in succession, putting him down for the count.
"Why you...", the second Tengu guard fired several rounds at me from his AK, but having already landed on the ground after the rotating jump slice, Raiden was already in defence mode and was able to deflect the bullets as fast as the guard can fire his gun!
A few moments later, his ammo clip was empty, as sounds of clicking can be heard from the guard's automatic, Raiden made a dash at him and being careful not to make any fatal mistakes, sliced the sword upwards, then for good measure, kicked him away with an aerial roundhouse kick.
(Two down, one to go. And this one seemed easy to handle,) Raiden thought. (And they haven't gone on Alert mode. Shame on these guys.)
The last Tengu saw that he was up against, bullets are practically useless against the young intruder and he probably hasn't much hand to hand experience either, so he resorted to calling for backup on his com-radio.
"Oh no, you don't." Raiden said as he pulled out his M9 and shot his radio. He waved it like an idiot, trying to make it work again but, a few seconds of his vulnerability was enough for Raiden to re-load another traq round in the gun's slide and put him to sleep with a shot to the head.
All three guards sleeping on the floor between and Raiden by the time the Chaff has worn off.
(You guys are certainly lame.) Raiden grinned. He found some more M9 ammo, some grenades and a suppressed AK. Carefully, and still out of the Cypher's sight, he made his way to a stretching passageway to another door, that lead him to the Guest Lounge, where the hostages were being held.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Misato was kind enough to offer Snake a ride back to the residence that he now will be staying, but the kids had to sit in the backseat of her car, making little trouble as they could as Misato drove on, and Rei paid little attention to Asuka's constant vocal torture at Shinji.
After Rei said a warmly gentle 'good evening' to her new body guard and to her co-pilots, Misato and company continued her way to her apartment building. When they approached the front door of the Katsuragi apartment, they saw to the left of their apartment, a stack of cardboard boxes and suitcases near the door of Snake's new apartment.
"Well, is where I get off, kiddies." Snake said to them, waving to the trio. "As you can see, I got a full night ahead of me."
"Well, Mr. Snake, I guess we will be seeing you more sooner than we think." Asuka smiled.
"Mr. Snake? Nice gesture, Second Child, but I already told Misato my real name...its David." Snake warned Asuka with a smile.
"Ohhhh...Misato knew that, huh" Asuka nudged her guardian, which made Misato flush with some embarrassment. "Making moves so soon, eh, Misato"
"That's...that's none of your business, Asuka" Misato growled. "You two get inside, and dinner will be fixed soon. Today's my turn to cook, isn't it?"
(God, not her 'Instant Curry Ramen' again), Shinji thought. "Um...we still have leftovers from last night, Misato. I'll go get that and something new to eat on."
Misato thought for awhile and nodded her head. "If that's okay with you, Shinji. Oh, while you're at it, please make extra for David."
"Huh" Snake was surprised to hear this. "Am I being invited for dinner, Misato?"
"Think of it as thanks for saving the kids today." Misato smiled. "Don't think of this as a date, though. Since we are going to be neighbours, we have got to know you more. You're an alright guy, as Asuka would put it."
(What the hell.) Snake thought. (She is incredibly hot for a Major, and she likes how I handle the kids. Even Shinji and Asuka seems to enjoy having me around them .I should take the chance while it's still open. But, I should try not to get TOO close or else that Kaji guy may start thinking things...and I'm here only for 'business'...)
"A done deal, Misato." Snake said, with a smile. "Just let me get my stuff organized and to get a change of clothes."
"Take your time." Misato said with an almost seductive tone. Leaving an almost stunned Shinji and Asuka behind, Misato went ahead with a big smile on her face. "Hey, don't just stand there you two. Chop, chop, we can't be showing that kind of Japanese hospitality to our guest."
Asuka leaned over to Shinji's shoulder and whispered to him. "Hey, are you sure she didn't have any beer before she met this guy"
"Just be grateful that David is safe from Misato's cooking." Shinji nervously smiled.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Codec tone rang in the hallways of the NERV first branch, as Raiden stopped near the retinal scanner door that lead to the Guest Lounge. He pressed against his left ear, after checking the area for more Tengus.
"Jack? It's me." Rose said as her face appeared on screen.
"Rose, what is it" Raiden said. "I'm kind of busy right now...as usual."
"I know. I'm surprised that you haven't called me in about twenty minutes for help. You really are putting a lot of confidence in yourself in this mission, aren't you" Rose asked. "I'm so proud of you."
"Well, I was trained to be the new breed of Solid Snake, and this is the result you see here today." Raiden said. "All that extra VR training is certainly paying off. Rose...I just spotted a squadron of Tengus in the base."
"What?" Rose looked surprised. "But I thought you and Snake had killed all of them in the Arsenal Gear and the data for the suits were lost when it was confiscated by the authorities."
"Yeah, maybe he's back too..." Raiden thought for a moment of his foster father, Solidus, who he killed in a battle to the death on top of Federal Hall at the end of the Big Shell mission. "No...It can't be true...he's supposed to be dead..."
"Jack"
"Oh...it's nothing, Rose. Listen, can you do a little run-in check for me? About how did the Tengu's got back" Raiden asked. "Also, it seems that this is just a small group of hostiles. I've taken out about twelve of them, I don't see any more except near Unit-3. I want info on their leader. All I know is that it's a woman who behind all this."
"I'll do my best." Rose said. "Should I tell the Colonel about this?"
"Yes, every detail. I'm counting on you." Raiden said. The Codec signed off and he took out his M9. (Now to save some hostages, then to make my way to Unit-3.)
Seeing that his own eyes will not be recognized when he will use the scanner, Raiden took a can of coolant he had found before in a storage closet, he went behind a sleeping Tengu and sprayed it on the Tengu's face area. He woke up startled and was about to reach for his radio, when Raiden cocked the grenade launcher at him. "FREEZE" he shouted.
The Tengu raised his arms, allowing Raiden to grab him in a chokehold and carry him to the scanner. Raiden placed his captor's temple against the scanner and let the scanner do its job.
"Retinal pattern recognized. You are cleared to enter." a computerized female voice said.
"Thank you very much." Raiden said, shooting another tranq dart into the man's open visor at point blank range. Instantly knocking him out, Raiden then proceeded to liberate the hostages.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"OHHHH YEAAAAHHHH", an overly excited Misato shouted as she drank from her second can of Yebisu beer during the dinner she was having with Snake, Shinji and Asuka. This was a norm for the two Eva pilots, seeing their guardian act like this at home, but for Snake, this was a new one.
(THIS is the famous Major Misato Katsuragi at home?) Snake thought, almost dumbfounded. (I've never seen anyone drink beer as regular as water...how can she even live around two children like this?)
"That hits the spot" Misato said, then offering Snake one. "Hey, drink up, Dave! Come on; don't be afraid to relax yourself."
"Unlike you, Misato, I have my limits." Snake said with a smile, who was wearing a plain white shirt and tight blue jeans. It took him about half an hour before he fully sorted his own stuff from Otacon's, which the apartment now was still a mess. At least he got all his weapons in one piece, so when the mission really calls for it, he should be fully prepared. "I already had one, and that was good enough for me. I'm trying to cut down on the alcohol."
"What was that" Misato, who was wearing her usual yellow vest and short cut jeans, bent over to watch Snake closely. "Just what do you mean by that...Dave?"
Asuka had a hand covered her mouth and was giggling away, enjoying the 'entertainment'. Shinji only watched this with a silent, but almost embarrassed look. (It's as if she's being WAY too forward with him. Is she that brave?) Shinji thought to himself. (And Asuka called him 'Snake'...I swear I heard that name somewhere before...)
"Um...Snake..." Shinji nervously asked, before Snake cut in.
"It's David, Shinji." Snake told him. "But...a lot of people who know me call me Snake, most of the time."
"O-okay, um, David..." Shinji asked, fumbling with whatever remains of his dinner to find the words. "Do you have any family?"
Snake didn't wanted to get into the matter of telling strangers of his dark and sad past, but he can only say what he knew of to Shinji and the other people seated with him. "No...but I was raised by many people."
"Huh" Shinji was confused.
"I never knew my mother and my father..." Snake stopped for awhile. "They're both dead. I'm the only Pliskin in the family now."
(Whoa...) Shinji thought. (It's totally different to my life. At least I knew my mother...but...)
"Hey, idiot! Don't go asking weird stuff about people's business" Asuka knocked Shinji's head with her chopsticks. "Just ignore him, David. He just wants all the attention to himself."
"That's not true" Shinji cried out.
"Oh, yes. Why else would you ask him about his family, if yours is already screwed up as it is" Asuka simply boasted, drinking from a can of soda.
Shinji pouted away from Asuka. He felt a little hurt by that comment, just a few weeks ago he visited his mother's grave with his father.
Snake was observing him a little and saw the anguish that the young pilot was trying to bury. The least he could do is giving Shinji some encouragement while he's here.
"Do you always have to this kind of insult from her" Snake told Shinji with a serious look, as he took a drink from his beer. "You're a boy, but don't force yourself to act like an adult. Don't let whatever Asuka say get to you. She may be bossing you around for her own amusement, but remember who's the man of the house here."
Shinji lightened up a little. "Really? I never thought of it like that...but, I'll try to do my best. Thanks, David."
"David..." Misato looked at Snake with mellow eyes. "That's real sweet. Remember that, eh, Shinji"
"Uggh, I'm going to clean up. I can't take anymore of this mushy crap." Asuka said, getting up. "Hey, 'man-of-the-house', come on. It's your turn to rinse the dishes."
Misato bent over to Snake and whispered to him. "Hey, David...make Shinji happy."
"Excuse me" Snake asked, having no idea what she meant.
"Come on. Please. For me." Misato begged him, still feeling a little light headed. She was obviously trying to have Snake make a good impression on Shinji (and herself), as well try to make him forget about the trials he had to endure...one of them Touji being the Fourth Child. Snake looked into Misato's brown eyes for a quick moment and thought of something that everybody in the room will like.
"Hey, Shinji..." Snake asked. "Were you scared during that fight I had with that Vamp character earlier today"
Shinji was scared, but he didn't want to let it show. Slowly, his face started to turn red. "I...I wasn't scared..."
"Oh, yes, you were." Snake smiled at his young friend.
"No, I was not." Shinji replied, now with a smile on his face. This was getting too much for him. (What is he trying to do?).
"Oh yes you were" Snake wasn't really teasing Shinji, but wanted to do his best to make him smile and feel secure around him.
"No, I wasn't" Shinji saw what Snake was trying to do and put up a mean looking face. "Hey, I know what you're doing. Stop teasing me, David"
"This is not teasing; it's called learning to loosen yourself up." Snake said as he got up from the table and walked to step behind Shinji. "And it wouldn't hurt to smile and laugh once in awhile to feel good about yourself."
Snake then proceeded to grab Shinji at his mid section and started to tickle him in front of Misato and Asuka.
"Wait! Wait" Shinji managed to say between laughs. "David, what are you doing?"
"What the hell? Playing hard to get, huh" Snake laughed. "Well, I'll show you...with a little tease."
"Ha-ha-ha-ha" Shinji chuckled heavily, trying to fight it, but couldn't. "Don't do that, David! David! Ha-ha-ha-ha-aha"
Misato couldn't help but burst out laughing, with the beer almost spilling over. Asuka started to giggle, and then laughed out loud, as she was enjoying this too. That moment, all four forgot their troubles and enjoyed listening to each other's laughter, which was a rare thing in the Katsuragi household.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After dinner, Snake and Misato stood outside their apartments, watching the lights of Toyko-3. Snake was having one of his smokes, while Misato was on her last can of beer (for the night.), while Shinji and Asuka were inside doing their homework.
Misato wasn't too drunk, but was feeling a little dizzy after all the beer she drank. She was still laughing to herself after thinking of Shinji getting tickled by Snake. Snake was getting as much amusement from watching Misato like this, but remembered that this wasn't a date and tomorrow they both have to leave for Matsushiro, so it's all business from here on in.
"Misato...I really enjoyed dinner tonight." Snake smiled, blowing a smoke ring. "Shinji's a really good cook, but I hope your cooking can taste even better the next time I'm invited to dinner."
Misato nervously chuckled. She hasn't been improving on her cooking, and previous complaints from the children, Pen-Pen and other guests had proven her point. (At least David isn't complaining about that...) Misato thought to herself. "Well...we'll have to wait and see, then."
A moment of silence pass, save for Snake blowing out smoke and Misato's heart beating loudly. Misato turned to look at the mysterious American, seeing his dark hazel eyes in the moonlight. She mustered up the courage to tell him...
"Um...I want to thank you, David." Misato spoke.
"What for" Snake said, not turning away from looking at the city.
"Making Shinji happy like that." Misato said with a smile. "It's really hard to figure out what he's thinking...especially with the things he must go through as a pilot. Not even I can make him feel like that when he first moved in here. But, you, a complete stranger...you was able to make him laugh as if...well...he was just a normal kid."
"That's probably the way he supposed to feel...and be around somebody like you, Misato." Snake finally looked at her. "Sure, the kid's got a lot on his shoulders, but at least try to be there to support him emotionally at least. It'll make it easier for him."
"You sure about that"
"When you've been through many wars as I have, it's hard to trust anybody." Snake told her. "I think that's how Shinji feels when he has to be close to someone. Try to assure him that no one's trying to hurt him, just expecting him to do his duty."
"And...do you trust me" Misato said, standing up. But as she did, she stumbled over to Snake. "OOPS"
Snake was quick to catch Misato before she fell, but the end result was a compromising situation. Misato's body was firmly in Snake's arms, the warmth of her body touching Snake's. She looked up at him, seeing that he was looking down at her. (Damn...he's tall...and his arms...so strong...Kaji never held me like this...not even the last time we kissed can compare to this.)
Snake can see Misato's cheeks turn red, and he was feeling warmth covering his face as well. (Whoa...her chest is pressed against me...should I object...no...this feeling...the last time I felt like this was with Meryl...I thought I can't feel this way again since Shadow Moses...no way...I can't be...)
Snake caught himself and lifted Misato away from him. "Um...we have a big day tomorrow, Misato. We should probably turn in early and get prepared."
Misato smiled slightly, obviously still embarrassed about what just happened. "Yeah, I guess so. Um, we leave here for Headquarters at 8:00 in the morning."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done something like that..." Snake said seriously. "The last thing I need is to get between you and Kaji."
Misato felt her heart jump for a moment. (He thinks that I'm still involved with Kaji?).
"I don't want to get involved in anyone else's life, you know what I mean." Snake said. "Well, it was fun, Misato. Good night and tell those kids I said good night too."
Snake bowed to Misato and headed to his apartment door, which opened for him. As Snake entered, Misato slapped herself.
(Misato...come on, get a grip on yourself, girl!) Misato thought to herself. (You are Kaji's lover; I can't be going crazy for a complete stranger. Get over it. Me and Snake? Not going to happen! Just think like that and everything's going to work out fine.)
She then entered her apartment door, which to her surprise had Shinji, Asuka and Pen-Pen fell down.
"What the...? Were you two eavesdropping" Misato asked with her hands on her hips. "Have you two ever heard of 'discretion'?"
"It can't be helped! You had a thing for that Pliskin guy since this evening" Asuka pointed at Misato as if she was being accused of something wrong.
Misato was now wishing that Snake was here to tickle Asuka to keep her quiet. "Ahhh...go to bed, you two! You have school in the morning, don't you?"
Asuka's tormenting never stopped, as she began to sing. "Misato and Snake, in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g..."
Misato furiously chased a laughing Asuka to her room. Shinji smiled a bit, remembering the advice and the moment of happiness Snake gave him, one he will certainly treasure. (Thanks...Snake.) Shinji thought as he went to his 'Lovely Suite.'
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Snake had already laid out a bunker and was lying back, remembering the day's events. He smiled to himself he had an opportunity like this, he better take it easy while he's staying here. He took one last smoke on his cigarette and after putting it out; he pulled the covers over his body and said to himself. "Yeah...I trust you big time, Misato. I just hope you get to trust me when the time comes."
-
Raiden had already freed the hostages and rounded up all the remaining Tengus, so the authorities could get to apprehend them. All that is left now is to take out the leader and hop aboard on the transport that will take Unit-3 to Japan.
(Everything's going fine...no trouble so far.) Raiden was confident enough that his FIRST REAL mission had no glitches so far, as he was heading to the Evangelion holding cages. One more elevator to go and he will be home free. And then, he will get to show Snake just how far he'd gotten without any help.
Raiden stepped on a bridge, with machinery, tools, oil barrels and one or two forklifts. Everything else was just crates of material for the facility. He found a Ration, and some new chaff grenades behind one of them, and then with the key card he had, he proceeded to the elevator's door, when he saw the button flash green.
(Someone's coming!) Raiden threw himself behind the crate nearest to the door to hide. (I thought I had taken care of all the Tengus...I'll just deal with this one like the rest of them, then.)
Raiden got his M9 on the ready, waiting on the doors to open, but as they did, Raiden almost dropped his gun. An African-American woman, with long golden-dyed coloured hair, wearing a black body suit which was covered by a large brown trench coat, and carrying two oversized guns was standing in the elevator, and Raiden knew the face which was supposed to be dead.
"FORTUNE" Raiden shouted, giving his own position away. Fortune smiled at Raiden and simply powered up both her weapons.
"So, we meet again, young Solid Snake." Fortune said, aiming her guns at him. "But as always...your luck has run out"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To Be Continued...
Yes, folks, Fortune's back and with twice the firepower! Can Raiden survive this encounter, as he did in the Big Shell? That seems doubtful, cuz this time no one is there to save him! We'll just have to wait out and see what will happen in the next chapter! (By the meantime, let's pray Raiden will be okay.)
I really hope you enjoyed this one, especially the Katsuragi scene. Didn't think Snake had it in him, eh? GO, Snake/Misato, GO!
Tell me what you all think, and if you like it, it's only a matter of time before things get even better!
Now, while you enjoy yourselves with this chapter, I'll go slaughter some friends of mine in some King of Fighters 2002. Until the next one, my friends...
All characters used in this fic belong to their respective creators and owners. The fic alone is mine.