Me: Welcome to another episode of Metal Gear Solid: COE. In our last episode...
Rio Kinezono comes into my room, waving her batons at me: HEY! What am I doing in this crossover? Nobody told me about this! Do you want me to beat the living crap out of you?
Me: Oh, Rio, hi. And no, I thought you would like the idea. Sure, it's still strictly an MSG/EVA crossover, but some cameo anime Easter Eggs wouldn't hurt. You and Lilica are just special guests for now. You won't be affecting the story one bit...not just yet. I just hope the fans will like it too...
Rio: Really? Why didn't you say that in the first place?
Me: Because you were too busy distracting me with that sexy underwear you have on...right now!
Rio looks to see that she was wearing only a pair of sexy bra and panties. She then saw my incoming nosebleed, which I tried to hide.
'WHACK! WHACK! WHACK!'
Rio: Pervert! But...thanks anyway. (Damn, how did he notice? I gotta try harder...)
Rio walks out the room, while I try to recover from the multiple blows she inflicted on me.
Me: Owww, temporary memory loss...now where was I? Oh, yeah...previously in 'COE'...
Just then, Snake and Kaji came bursting into my room, both carrying FAMAS, and started shooting at each other.
Snake: She's mine, pretty-boy!
Kaji: Misato's mine, old man!
Me: For Belldandy's sake, will you two stop acting like children? If you go on like this, you may end up shooting ME! Save it for this Chapter, will ya? If any one of you kills me, then whose going to finish this story? Behave now and get back to the VR cage.
Both men grumbled as they walked back into the story. I shook my head.
Me: (sigh) Well, you all can guess what's been happening, right? Maybe I should just cut to the story...
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ShardclawKusanagi presents:
Metal Gear Solid: Children of Evangelion
Chapter 9: Match of the Century?
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"What happened? Had they done anything else yet?" Linn asked, getting back into the VR monitor room, with some drinks and popcorn.
"Linn! This isn't some sumo match we are going to watch!" Otacon said. "This is a very serious matter; we know that Kaji won't stand a chance against Snake."
"Yeah, he's more of a lover than a fighter type." Raiden said. "But...it would be interesting to see how Snake holds out against a guy like Kaji. He may not be on our level, but he's determined enough to show what he's got. I'd say let's put a bet on it."
"A bet?" Otacon said in shock. "Raiden, I can't believe you would do this..."
"Hey, not a bad idea, Raiden. My money's on Snake, of course." Linn smiled.
"Mine too. Otacon, you're betting?" Raiden asked.
Otacon looked on in silence. "You guys are unbelievable. I'm not participating in this."
"Come on, Otacon, it wouldn't be fun if no one betted against Snake." Linn placed a hand on her subordinate's shoulder.
"I'm not against Snake. It's just that's it unfair, you know." Otacon told Linn. "Snake's familiar with the conditions set in VR and in real battle, but Kaji's good as beaten in the VR."
"You're saying that if Kaji doesn't survive Snake, he won't survive the VR, huh?" Raiden asked. "And knowing Snake will use whatever weapons he has in his arsenal, not to mention the environments he's in, Kaji won't be able to touch Snake."
Just then, Ritsuko and Maya entered the room to meet the three agents.
"Dr. Emmerich, I was told that Kaji was in the same training room with Snake. Have I missed anything?" Ritsuko smiled. Otacon leapt up from his seat.
"Who told you this, Dr. Akaka?"
"Actually, I did." Linn put up her hand. "A fight like this deserves a bigger audience, don't you think?"
Otacon simply threw his hands in frustration, while Raiden simply replied. "Nah, nothing hasn't happened yet. Actually, they had just gotten to the second area of the VR sim."
"Shh, everyone grab a seat. They are about to get at it again." Linn said. "Bets are still up, so Ritsuko, who's your champion?"
"Kaji, of course. He always has a trick up his shoulder, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him beat Snake." Ritsuko smiled. "Ahh, I just find it strange when two men duel for a woman's love. But it's still so...intriguing."
"Well...I have to follow Dr. Akagi and bet for Kaji too...though I think he doesn't stand a chance, not in this or the next millennium." Maya grinned.
"Okay, then it's on! Me and Raiden for Snake, Ritsuko and Maya for Kaji...but Otacon, who are you still rooting for?" Linn asked, as everybody else watched Otacon.
"Ahh, I give up...I'll bet for Snake." Otacon sat down, frustrated.
"Good. Okay, everyone, sit back and enjoy the live broadcast!" Linn shouted. "Hey, does anyone want Pocky?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Snake found himself in what it appears to be an area of the Big Shell. He remembered that this was a VR, and this reminded exactly of the External Gazer 'Snake Tales' mission he had some time ago. He on held on to his Socom and proceeded to walk on the lengthy bridge, which was accurately the C-D connecting bridge. He spotted a guard and two Cyphers surveying both sides of the bridge, and one of the Cyphers was heading his direction. He fired a minimum of four shots at the Cypher, as not to waste bullets. He wasn't sure if or when the next supplement of ammo was to come, so he'd better save the rounds for later (and also if Kaji shows up to ambush him again.)
Continuing his trip across, the other Cypher passed by without noticing Snake, but he can't risk attacking the sentry. He got onto the bridge's edge, and hung unto it as the soldier passed him. The Cypher on his right started to descend and then went over to the side Snake was on. But by then, Snake had already lifted himself over and was in the hallway to the other room.
He arrived at the Sediment Pool at Strut-D, where the area was heavily guarded by sentries. Snake counted his foes and re-think things over. (Hmm, five guards...can't get them all with this Socom.) Snake thought. He proceeded to the lower level, when he ran towards the end of the railing at the southern end of the room, then he flung his body over the bridge's edge and let himself drop to catch the railing on the bottom level.
Just then, from above, Kaji had gotten through the door. Snake did hear him come in, but he waited for Kaji to make his move before Snake proceeded to move.
"Oh, Snake...where are you?" Kaji called out. "If you are looking for your precious M9, here it is."
(What the...?) Snake thought, as he heard the tranq shots being fired. One by one, the sentries fell asleep from the head shots Kaji was able to inflict on them. (The kid's got good aim, but that won't save him.)
Snake noticed another Socom ammo case, which he was glad to take. He needed the fresh rounds just in case. He then ran across the lower level, pass the stairs and to the node which he ignored, since he still had his Soliton radar. Kaji, who was just noticing Snake running by, gave chase.
"Running won't save you, Snake!" Kaji said, firing shots at Snake with the PSG-1. Snake was no slow runner, as he dashed in inhuman-like speed to the lower exit to the D-E connecting bridge.
"Damn, almost had him that time." Kaji said, and then seeing the coast was clear, he took the trek back to the C-D Bridge, where an idea came into his mind.
Snake was surprised that Kaji was a step ahead of him in acquiring the M9. He'd have to make a complete trip past high surveillance to get to the Strut F warehouse, undetected to add too, to get the M9.
(I wonder if he has any of the other weapons which were in there. If he hasn't found the suppressor as yet, I may have a chance.) Snake thought. He then ran on to find the E-F connecting bridge, when he got a call from his Codec.
(Please let it not be that jerk again...) Snake thought. "This is Snake...Misato?"
Misato's face appeared, surprising Snake. "Hey, David...I'm just calling to say that I missed you. It's really boring not to have you around here. "
"Uhh...yeah, same here." Snake tried to keep the embarrassed look on his face. "Well, as long you're home getting better, I'm happy."
"Am I interrupting something? I can call back if you want me too..." Misato asked.
"No...that's not it. I was...uhh...training in VR right now." Snake spoke.
"I see. Well, I wished I was there to see you in action." Misato smiled. "But...I have to get better for our date, so..."
"I understand. Don't push yourself."
"David? Can I ask you something?"
"Does it have to be answered now? I'm right in the middle of something very important here..." Snake said. Then, he saw Kaji aiming at him from the Strut E heliport. "Damn...he spotted me!"
"Who?" Misato asked.
"That ex of yours. He's trying to prove to me that he's got balls to challenge me." Snake said.
"Kaji! He's doing what?" Misato's voice sounded as if it could have broken the Codec. "Let me speak to him!"
"I don't think that's a good idea, Misato." Snake told her.
"Just put me on!" Misato ordered.
"Okay...whatever you say, boss..." Snake replied. He then used his Codec as a relay to switch to Kaji's unknown frequency.
"Kaji! You stop this right now!" Misato said.
"Oh, Katsuragi, you've tuned in to see me, your loyal and trustworthy love, defend you from the famous Solid Snake." Kaji smiled.
"Can't say I feel the same..." Misato growled. "You're always a fool, Kaji, but this tops everything you had ever done!"
"Misato...I'm only doing what is best for you. You have to understand that." Kaji replied. "Stop me if you want to, but at least let me show you that I can still be of use to you."
"Oh, no you don't! I'm ordering you to leave Snake alone or else you'd get hurt!" Misato said.
"Oh, mommy Misato worried about her baby Snake? I'm touched, Misato." Kaji said.
"You have gone far enough, Kaji!" Misato said.
"As much as I hate to get between this, I don't have time to play around with you, Kaji." Snake answered. "Drop this crazy act of yours right now!"
"No can do, Snake. Do you really think I can back out now after just how far I've gotten?" Kaji spoke. "Now...I have a chance to show you just how good I am."
"Kaji...please..." Misato begged him. "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into..."
"You don't know the half of it, Misato." Kaji said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.
"Oh, a lovers' quarrel. This is going great!" Maya cried.
"I have made my decision...I can't back out now. I'm sorry, but this little face-off is but a test to see if Snake if capable enough to be with you, Misato. However..." Kaji's voice was cut off, as sounds of a loud engine was heard from his background.
Otacon, who was listening to the conversation, heard a familiar sound. When he looked at the VR monitor, he dropped his Pocky.
"My God, that's..." Otacon couldn't finish, because Linn was already on top of him, spilling her popcorn all over him.
"HEY! That's Greggie's Harrier! He can't use that!" Linn shouted. "Snake! What ever you do, don't damage that jet! Greg will be mad as hell when he finds so much as a scratch on it!"
"Since when Kaji can pilot a fighter jet?" Maya asked.
Otacon then noticed that the program was running on a manual remote. He contacted Snake at once.
"Snake! I think Kaji may have the REAL control system for the VR with him. He must have somehow found a way to cheat the AI and have everything go his way!" Otacon spoke.
"WHAT?" Both Snake and Misato shouted at the same time.
"So...that's how he was able to sneak past the guards without any problems, not to mention getting that Harrier. It's even running on the same program that was recorded when I fought it back at the Big Shell." Raiden said. "He's not even piloting it."
Raiden was right, as they can plainly see Kaji with his hands behind his head, leaning back, while the controls were operating on an automatic AI.
"I'm not just going to sit by and let Snake get all the fun, now, can I?" Kaji said.
"Cheater! Cheater! How dare he...?" Linn growled.
"How did he do that? That man has talent, despite his looks." Raiden nodded. "Wait, if the Harrier's is run by Solidus' original piloting...not mention that this is a European Extreme setting..."
"Snake, get out of there!" Otacon said.
"David..." Misato looked on in despair. Snake smiled at her.
"Don't you worry, Misato. I'll be okay and I won't hurt Kaji too much."
"You men are impossible..." Misato said. "Just be careful. I wish I was there to discipline you Kaji, but it looks like you have to do it for me, David."
With that, the Codec switched to Otacon's frequency. "Otacon, isn't there something you can do about that AI Kaji's controlling?"
"I wish I can, Snake, but it will take a while." Otacon said. "For now, you have to get to the area that Raiden battled the Harrier and take care of things there. I can only help you by leaving some of the items Kaji forgot from the guards and with what possible attacks he may pull."
"Understood." Snake said. (Kaji...what kind of game is he playing? He'll beg for mercy when I'll deal with him.)
So, Snake figured that he needed a weapon to fight back. He then remembered the Shell1-2 connecting bridge was the best place to confront Kaji, and there laid the Stinger missile launcher was his only chance to fight back.
As the Harrier was lifted off the heliport and was drawing closer to Snake, Snake dared Kaji by flipping him off, but was answered by a fury of machine gun bullets that showered the bridge, tearing the walkway with large gaping holes.
Snake had better stop taking chances, as he was already inside and was heading his way around the Plant to find more items to get him through this. Kaji simply smiled as he held on the flight stick and started to circle the area, until he finds Snake.
"Run, run my little Snake." Kaji remarked to himself. "Let's see if you have what it takes to win Misato..."
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"Well, just where is Snake now?" Linn asked.
"He's still in the middle of Shell 1, still getting items as he goes along the way." Raiden spoke looking through the node map. "So, far he managed to get the suppressor for the Socom, a FA-MAS rifle and two more bandages. Now's he going back to the Strut F warehouse where he's picking up some Chaff grenades. He'll need them for sure."
"This is something out of an action movie! And to think they are fighting over the Major." Maya mused. "Ahhh, I'm loving every minute of this, just like a romance novel...but with action in it."
"Arrgh! I could care less if this was the next Bond flick, that's Greg's jet out there. Even though it won't be damaged when Snake fights it, Greg will still want an explanation about why his jet was still used...without his permission." Linn grunted. "Just WHERE the hell is he anyway?"
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"Welcome home, big brother!"
Lilica couldn't stop hugging Greg, who was trying to get out of Lilica's hug for his dear life. She was smaller than him, but even her size was giving the recruit a hard time.
"Hey, cut it out, Lil. I'm happy to see you too." Greg smiled, stroking Lilica's pink hair with his gloved hand.
"Man, how long has it been? Two years since you're were in Tokyo?" Lilica smiled.
"Actually, yes, but I'd make sure to call often." Greg smiled. "Hey, what do I have to do get something to eat around here?"
Lilica blushed for awhile. "Well...you can always tickle me..."
"Always the cute and innocent spoiled brat, huh, Lil?" Greg shook his head. "Come on, I don't have time to waste...get me something, will ya?"
"Moodkiller." Lil pouted, as she ran to the back of the counter to get the ramen that was cooking into a bowl.
Greg sat on one of the stools near the bar top and looked up the stairs. "Hey, Lil...is Rio home?"
"Yep...just came from another all-nighter too." Lilica's voice answered from the kitchen. "Just busted another haul of stolen underwear too."
"What? The underwear thieves at it again? She never changes." Greg replied. "But...that Rio. That money scrunting habit is one of the reasons why I missed her."
"So...how's FOXHOUND? Everybody doing okay?"
"Yeah...Snake and Raiden are in Toyko-3, so is Otacon." Greg said. "Me and Linn just got here yesterday too, but she's in Tokyo-3 too at NERV, but I decided to drop by for the visit." Greg said. "We have gotten information that Dead Cell is back."
"REALLY? Then this means that you can show FOXHOUND your 'real talent'." Lilica returned with a large bowl of ramen and a glass of beer and offered it to Greg.
"Not really...yesterday, when I arrived...Ocelot was there too, with RAY." Greg said seriously, while drinking his beer. "I even had to use some of 'it' too."
"No way!" Lilica said.
"Yes way. I was almost discovered, Lil. I'm surprised that Dr. Naomi haven't found even examined the medical profiles on me...yet Sooner or later, they are bound to find out..."
Lilica placed a hand on Greg's gloved hand. "Did it...hurt? Like the last time?"
"No, it's becoming like a norm to me now. I can deal with it." Greg spoke seriously. "That's why I have to see Rio. Only with her advice I should be able to come out and tell everyone about what I'm capable of, but..."
"But what? You don't think they will accept you?" Lilica asked. "Does Linn know about it too?"
"...No, she has no idea." Greg said seriously.
"Damn, this is serious." Lilica said. "But...I think they won't hate or shun you because of what you're capable of, Greg. You just have to be truthful with them. Or are you just waiting for that 'last minute thing' to happen, so you can show off to everyone that ability you have?"
Greg looked away in silence and then stared at her. Just then another woman got down the stairs. She was wearing a very sexy police uniform, a blue vest holding her impressively large cleavage area up (and holding a lot to Greg's imagination), while she wore an even shorter and tighter black skirt than Lilica's, her large and long yellow hair was tied into a long ponytail that was covered by a tiny police hat. She also had quite impressive legs, as they were both long and slender, covered up by her silky light pink stockings. She noticed Greg the instant the moment she saw him.
"Ohhhh! Greggie!" the woman said happily, leaping unto him.
"Huh? Ahh...sensei Rio! Not that, please!" Greg begged as Rio grabbed him and squeezed him near her chest.
"You had me worried all this time! I thought you were killed on one of those crazy missions that FOXHOUND sent you." Rio said. "It's good to see you're back, my old student."
"Likewise...now please release me!" Greg asked. Lilica giggled as Rio nervously released Greg from her hug.
"He-heh, sorry about that. I just missed you a lot, you know that, Greg?" Rio looked at Greg with sparkles in her blue eyes.
"I can see...I missed you too, sensei." Greg smiled.
"Come on, you don't have to call me that anymore. You've become just as good as me...hell even better...to join the new FOXHOUND. And all those years training at NASA and the Navy SEALS, really put you on top. And you look as handsome as ever. I suppose you haven't scored with Linn yet, huh?" Rio intentionally said that to embarrass Greg.
"Rio! It's not like that." Greg said. "Listen...I came to you today to tell you that...I used it, just yesterday."
"WHAT? Are you alright? Were there any one who saw you do it?" Rio asked, in panic mode.
"I didn't think Snake and Raiden saw me, but it was pretty much in the open when it happened." Greg said, taking out the sliver glove from his hand. Lilica looked in shock, as Rio just shuddered at the sight. Greg's right hand was covered in scars, while a serial code was imprinted unto the back of his hand with the number, ' 9999'.
"I don't know what's happening, Rio...but it isn't good." Greg said. "I can sense that this energy is getting stronger by the day. Something has to be done."
"Do you want me to contact FOXHOUND? Dr. Naomi should know about this." Rio said seriously.
"I think its time we did let them know about Greg's hidden talent. At least before something happens to him." Lilica spoke.
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"Now, that's everyone is here, let's do some studying on the Second Impact." the old teacher at class 2-A spoke. Some of the students groaned at this, it was as if this was one of the only important things they have to learn.
Shinji was actually feeling this was the case. He felt bored as hell, and he obviously wished Snake was there to tell the class of his adventures. He felt proud enough that he was close enough to someone who was incredible as Snake. And he had a lot of things to be thankful for from Snake. If it wasn't for him, Touji wouldn't be here at school, much less alive. He turned to see his friend whose attention was diverted not to the teacher, but to Hikari, who was returning gazes as well. Shinji wondered what is it they are thinking about.
As the teacher spoke on, he then heard Asuka's chuckling to herself. He found it puzzling though, unless she isn't over the fun she had making jokes out of Raiden, or was it when Snake returned later last night and tickled him again, as well as Asuka. Boy, he'd give anything to laugh like and feel like that all the time. His father was giving him and especially everyone else a hard time, and Snake had the gall to stand up to him.
Shinji then decided that even a feared mercenary like Snake can stand up to the most influential man like Gendou, why can't he do the same? With all the advice and help Snake offered him since they met, it's as if Shinji has found a good substitute for his father, even though he'd hate to admit it, even if it is a grand idea.
Shinji looked to his left and saw Rei, staring out the window, as usual, shutting herself away from the going-ons in the classroom. He wondered what was she thinking of. She did defy orders to help a person she never met before, yet helped her in defeating a threat she never encountered before. And since then, she and Raiden have been combat buds since. Rei has been opening up to people more these days, which was a good sign, but there was always a secret tragic side to Rei, that Shinji quit place a finger on. Yet...
Shinji reached for his Codec to call his two female co-pilots. "Ayanami? Asuka?" Shinji asked. "Can you hear me?"
"I can hear you loud and clear, dumpkoff!" Asuka face appeared onscreen. "What is it do you want?"
"I...I don't know...I thought you just might be feeling bored, that's all. So I just wanted to talk." Shinji stepped back. "I miss Snake...and that Raiden guy..."
"Oh, is this why you are calling me for? You're a waste of time!" Asuka said. "You really look up to Snake as if he he's your babysitter?"
"Say what you want, Asuka, but I told you, I'd rather have him as my father any day. He does things that my father is never able to do in his lifetime." Shinji spoke.
"Do not worry, Ikari. We have yet to meet them once again later during the course of the day." Rei's face appeared.
"I know...but..." Shinji stopped.
"But what? Have you forgotten that we are in the middle of class?" Asuka fumed.
"I...want to help David...and Misato...get together." Shinji said reluctantly. "Didn't you see them last night, Asuka? I never saw Misato so happy...if she's not drunk that is. It's as if she deserves someone like Snake."
"Well...you do make an obvious point. They do make quite a couple. Misato is a lot better off with him than with my man Kaji." Asuka smiled. "Hey...I have a plan that will make then get together real fast. They are having a date soon, so let's get one prepared for them!"
"But we can't do that by ourselves." Shinji said.
"If you require assistance in this task of bringing Snake and Katsuragi together, I'll volunteer as well." Rei gently said.
"Hey, Shinji, Wondergirl's going to help out. So much for ditching excess baggage." Asuka said. "But...the more the merrier. Welcome aboard, Rei."
"You two...thanks." Shinji smiled.
"Hey...no thanks until Misato have totally forgotten about Kaji and he is mine." Asuka said bravely. "Because if this plan doesn't work, you'll be held responsible, Third Child!"
"Me? What did I do?" Shinji said. "You're the one that made fun of Misato being with Snake and you got more tickles from Snake than me! No fair!"
Rei simply shook her head and switched off her Codec, while Shinji and Asuka argued over the radio in the busy classroom of 2-A.
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Snake was either getting lucky or the AI for the sentries he had passed with such ease, were just too dumb. (This was supposed to be European Extreme mode and Kaji just had to frig everything up just for his own pleasure.) Snake thought to himself. (He's getting out of hand... and I gotta teach him not to mess with me.)
He had already covered the entire Shell-1 area and has gotten the inventory that he knew Kaji would have ignored. Two more Bandages, six Chaff grenades, a PSG-1T, the RGB6 grenade launcher, and the suppressor for his Socom. Snake was finally at back at the Sediment Pool, but using the PSG- 1T, he shot two of the five patrolling sentries, putting them to sleep and made it to the door that led to the Shell 1-2 connecting bridge before the other sentries saw what happened. Just then he got a call on Codec.
"Snake? It's me." Otacon answered. "How are things?"
"I'm okay, but I just can't wait to get to that Kaji and show him that he's over doing it." Snake answered. "He thinks war is some kind of fun and games, but it isn't."
"Come on, don't take it too hard." Otacon said. "Maybe he's just using the opportunity to challenge one such as you, that's all."
"There IS only one like myself...me. Now...what is it that you called me for?" Snake grunted.
"Since you don't have the real PSG-1, I've taken out the control units section right out of the simulation, but be careful." Otacon spoke. "We can see the Harrier just circling the Shell."
"So, he's just waiting for me? Kind of reminds me when I had to take down Liquid in that Hind." Snake said. "The Stinger is there, right?"
"Yes, just as it was the first time it was there, but don't except any handouts. You have to make your shots count." Otacon said.
"I know, I know. Alright...I'm heading out. And I promise I won't hurt him too much for Misato's sake." Snake said.
"As you know, the Harrier needs two pilots to make it an unstoppable weapon. If Kaji's in control of the jet, someone is handling the gunners and missiles." Otacon spoke.
"Is Solidus in control as well?"
"No, Kaji's just using his AI from the simulator. But if you want me to, I can do something about it." Otacon nodded.
"You do just that." Snake said, ending the conversation.
Snake got out cautiously and took the Stinger case and as if on cue, he then heard the Harrier approaching from behind one of the struts. Snake covered his eyes from the jet's engine heat as he saw Kaji from the bridge's edge.
"Ah, Snake. You finally arrived." Kaji said from the Harrier's front seat. "I was getting really tired of flying around, you know."
"Kaji! Drop this right now or I'll drop YOU!" Snake shouted. "If still care for Misato so much, why are you doing this?"
"Because...she's better off with someone as extraordinary as you, Snake. But I must see for myself if you are capable of keeping her and everyone else safe."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Snake shouted.
"I'll let in on everything you'll need to know, soon enough, my friend. But, now...prepare yourself! Here goes!" Kaji smiled, as he lifted off, away from Snake.
Snake grumbled to himself, as he got the Stinger equipped and sighted the Harrier, which was now preparing to take off. He fired two simultaneous shots at it before it lifted off. Snake swore he heard Kaji screaming in a tone that made him chuckle. Snake got on the move, as he saw another case of Stinger missiles that he took without hesitation.
It flew off at quite a distance that Snake couldn't sight it. But using his intuition and the Stinger's sighting, he saw the glint of light from the Harrier, as Snake fired another missile at it, and unequipped his weapon. Since his back was already turned to the railing near the large gap of the bridge, he flung his body over and dropped the instant he started to hang. Once after landing, he then found cover behind one of the large metal crates in the bottom floor. Just as he did, he felt the missiles impact hit the box.
Ritsuko and Maya couldn't keep their mouths closed, as the missile attack just narrowly missed Snake. Linn was biting on to her dress in despair seeing the destruction of the Harrier, while Otacon watched on intently.
"Oh, ma'am...this is too much. I can't watch another moment!" Maya shook her head.
"Did you just see that? He simply timed the incoming missile and was still able to counter its attack! Snake is just amazing...I don't think Kaji has much of a chance against him. Poor guy." Ritsuko said.
"Agggh! This is too much! Where the hell is Greg?" Linn said, holding her head.
"It's coming back!" Raiden shouted.
The Harrier started to fly around the Shell, but Snake was already on its sight and started firing behind the retreating jet, with each hit a loud complaint from Kaji was heard.
"Damn it! Nice shot!" Kaji growled back. When it returned to the bridge, it opened its exhaust to release its deadly engine heat. But Snake was safe from that and was able to fire a shot from the bottom floor to the open space at the underneath of the jet. With one shot, it flew off.
Kaji was actually enjoying every minute of this. He didn't mind that he was getting beat, especially by someone who took down an attack aircraft even slower and less powerful than the Harrier he was in, but he didn't expect less from the 'Legend'. He pulled out some of the Harrier's most deadly attacks but Snake was able to deal with them all.
"Wait a minute...I haven't tried this..." Kaji said. As he noticed the Gatling gun stick at his side, he started to pull the trigger.
"Try dodging this...What the...?" Kaji was stunned, while he fired away the deadly machine guns. Snake who was still on the bottom level of the bridge, was wearing a cardboard box to protect himself from the shower of bullets, moving from the box he was before to the other at the south side.
Inside the monitor room, Raiden was INDEED taking notes for this. 'Note to self: Use the cardboard box against the murderous Gatling Gun and keep moving.' This will be quite useful the next possible time if I have to face this thing..."
Kaji has now seen the impossible as he looked on in shock as Snake simply found cover from the Gatling gun attack. After a few moments, he decided to turn the Harrier to its other side, trying to throw Snake off. Obviously, Snake had already retreated to the other side of the crate.
(He's good. Better than I expected.) Kaji thought. After a few more seconds, he lifted the Harrier and took off again. Snake saw the opportunity to get out of the bottom floor and get back to the top. It's a good thing he did, he was counting how much missiles he had spent and he was already down to six. Taking the missile case that he hasn't used yet, he re-equipped the Stinger and already sighted the flying Harrier which was circling around again. Snake was getting too familiar with the Harrier's attack cycle-he did see Raiden take it on, and Snake himself took down a Hind-D, so this can apply to the same thing...almost.
He spotted the Harrier's light again, and fired another missile, but this time Snake made use of the top environment around him. He had only seconds to get behind one of the tall metallic cylinders, then hang on to the top railing of the bridge over the edge, while using the cylinder as poor cover, as the fury of the missile silo and the Harrier passed by Snake, who was safe from the missiles' attack.
Raiden was clapping aloud to the action. "Yeah, Snake...show him who the Big Boss around here is!"
Okay, Kaji was seeing that Snake was playing hard to get. Every attack he had tried hadn't even grazed Snake. Wait, he hasn't tried out everything yet...he returned the Harrier and came from beneath the bridge, and re- appeared from the west side of the bridge, as a relentless attack of missiles started to cover every inch of the bridge. Snake, who had already leapt back to the top of the bridge, was already heading back to the open descending staircase, but stopping halfway there, he then paced in quick sprints up and down between the wall space that protected him from the missile attack. He held his breath between the repeated run up and down that specific staircase area, keeping him safe and not to tire himself out.
Linn was getting rather picky while seeing this display of skill, her and Greg's jet getting demolished by an inexperienced person who is using it to show that he can match skills with Snake.
Shortly after, it started to lift off, but Snake was close to the edge of the walkway, and using the Stinger once more, he was able to land another hit on the jet before it flew off.
Snake was beginning to wonder just how much determination Kaji has to face him like this. (The kid's got balls, that's for sure.) Snake thought. (This is probably why I shouldn't have fallen in love with Misato, but no...God, why did she have to get a body like that to get me in this mess?)
The Harrier was doing another attack Snake hasn't seen before, as it only flew halfway the Shell, and re-appeared behind him. He heard Kaji's voice from behind the Harrier's cockpit.
"Burn, Snake!" Kaji had fired the homing missile at Snake. Linn, Ritsuko and Raiden got up from their seats and watched in suspense.
"Hey, it looks like Kaji may win after all." Ritsuko said, smiling.
"Hey! He can't do that! That's Greg's favourite attack... and he totally wasted it!" Linn cried.
"Ah, Snake can deal with that. Watch." Raiden simply said.
"I can't!" Maya and Linn said at the same time.
Snake had already pulled the pin off a Chaff grenade and was again at the open gap of the top floor of the bridge's centre. He was making sure to listen out for the speeding beep for incoming homing missile, as well as the distance he was away from the SEMTEX units, which was lying dormant at the northwest end of the bridge. He then got into hanging, and then he dropped down, hearing the explosion of the Chaff, sending its trademark interference contents.
"Why is he using Chaff grenades against a homing missile?" Ritsuko asked.
"Harriers are equipped with Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air missiles -- commonly known as AMRAAM." Otacon spoke. "This is a type of active homing missile that uses a built-in radar guidance system -- for a "Fire and Forget" capability. The accuracy is quite high. Electronic interference is probably the only way to evade it. Using the chaff is the best way to disrupt the missile's guidance system."
And Otacon's theory proved right, as the missile found its mark at the SEMTEX instead, blowing up only the top left area of the bridge, while Snake was safe and sound from both it and the cluster bombs.
"You're tougher than I thought! What the--!" Kaji's voice was cut off by another hit of the Stinger missile; Snake didn't waste time, now seeing the Harrier was right above him.
Just as the missile hit, the engine of the Harrier started to make smoke and then it starts to lose altitude. Snake had beaten the Harrier, but Kaji was still inside it. This started to worry him.
"Kaji!" Snake shouted, dropping the Stinger. He ran back up the stairs to the top level, as he sees the jet fall helplessly to the ocean below. But, suddenly, the front hatch opens up, and the pilot's seat is ejected with Kaji in time before the Harrier landed in the water with a deafening crash.
Kaji had opened up his emergency parachute and was floating safely to the water, he saw Snake, who was looking down back at him, as he simply smiled at him.
"A good fight that was, I must say, Snake...but this isn't over by a long shot." Kaji said as he floated down.
"Don't bet on it." Snake replied, lighting a cigarette.
Kaji glided the parachute to the bottom and landed near a platform, where to Snake's surprise awaited an exit crystal. He took off the parachute, equipped the M9 and waved to Snake, as he exited through the crystal.
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The Codec tone rang in Snake's ears. He answered it.
"Snake! My God...that was just spectacular!" Raiden was over the top glad.
"Yeah, well, I'd say he got lucky he managed to get something like that to fight, but it takes one with real experience to scare me." Snake smiled. "He is still alive, is he?"
"Yeah, and is still in the VR cage as we speak." Otacon said. "Are you planning to go after him, Snake?"
"He tried to snipe me, then tries to blow me out of existence with a Harrier." Snake said. Why wouldn't I?"
"You intend to finish this?" Raiden asked.
"Of course. He and I reached this far, and I think he has a good reason for doing this, not just for Misato alone." Snake said. "Can you get a fix on where he is now?"
"It looks like another level of the VR training missions...one of the original Variety modes." Otacon spoke. "He seems to be waiting for you, Snake."
"I hope I haven't scared his friends during that little broadcast." Snake said.
"Oh, me...I'm okay." Maya said, now recovering from the intense action of the battle. "Wow...if I knew this is the kind of work you guys were involved in, I should have signed up for Philanthropy instead."
"If you kiddies had enough to say, I'm moving on. I can see an exit crystal right at the entrance to Shell 2." Snake said.
"WAIT!" Linn shouted.
"What?"
"The Harrier...is it still functional?" Linn asked.
"Well...that is something you have to see for yourself, Linn. I'm sorry...but Kaji made me do it." Snake said.
"AGGGGGHHH! Greg's going to kill somebody if he finds out about this! I gotta get repairs on that thing ASAP!" Linn then left the conversation, bewildering everyone else. Snake simply shook his head, as he proceeded to the exit crystal to enter another area of the VR simulation.
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"Are the repairs to RAY complete?"
"They are 95 complete. It only suffered a minor damage to its neural network."
"Dammit! If that FOXHOUND recruit hadn't shown up...it seems that he's gotten aware of his 'abilities', but he hasn't fully awakened his true potential as yet, hasn't he?"
"True...the 'Angel Slayer' side-effects and the cerebral implants seem to be doing quite an efficient job, but it won't be long until the new S3 is initiated and his capabilities are realized. Then, GW can be fully resurrected..."
"So, it won't be long until we make our strike at Toyko-3?"
"Soon, Shalashka...very soon, so be patient. We'll have our revenge soon enough. But until then, have our forces prepare Arsenal for its 'freedom'."
"Yes, King."
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To Be Continued...
Whoa, what a Chapter, full of action and even more suspense. I hoped you guys liked this one; Kaji had some mad skills, didn't he? So, what else has he got in store for Snake? You'll see in the Next Chapter for the conclusion for the battle for who gets to keep Misato, as well as more surprises, namely FOXHOUND's newest psychic soldier...Greg?
Yeah, yeah, I sense that at least some Kaji fans are looking to send thrash my way now, but, come on, give me a break! Don't you think at times Misato deserves someone a lot better? Just what in heck Kaji did to help her at the end? Nada! Sure he revealed the truth of NERV to her, but that isn't just enough. Hopefully, I ask for your kind words and stop sending bad stuff my way! I'm sticking to the Snake/Misato and that's final! This little feud between Snake and Kaji is my idea of a 'funny completion', so take it serious if you have to, but its all good!
Anyway, I appreciate your reviews; always the good ones make this story even better. Metal Gear Solid, Evangelion, and Burn Up Excess are not and never will be mine. This fic is for non-profit, fan loving entertainment for people like me to you.
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Bonus feature: ShardclawKusanagi confronts Gendou Ikari?
Gendou: Kusanagggiiii...
Me: That's Mister Kusanagi to you, punk.
Gendou: How can you do this to me, the most powerful man in Evangelion? First you ruined my moment of glory when the Dummy Plug didn't work, then you have Snake take my place as Shinji's father, hook him up with Misato, have a crazed recruit threaten me...I can't be threaded like this.
Me: Aw, shut up, you arrogant, lecherous bastard! It's my fic, and that's only the opening recipe for what I have in store for you.
Gendou: I have had enough of you! I shall now make you lose your AT-Field and turn you to a puddle of LCL.
Me: Ha! Just try!
Gendou comes at me with his right hand, but I simply grabbed him with both my arms in a cross position.
Gendou: What the...?
Me: Playtime is over! I then hit Gendou with Kyo's Kamakura move, inflicting bodily and unholy damage upon him with my flames.
Gendou was then sprawling on the floor, clinging to life.
Me: You're strong...but I RULE!
Until the next one folks, laters...Now, excuse me while I count my bets.