Welcome to Chapter 10 of the 'COE'. (wow, ten Chapters already? I'm on a roll!) I hoped you guys liked the last Chapter, I had doubts about how you would react to the Snake vs. Kaji battle, but I'll go ahead and do my thing, since this is my fic and I can make things happen, so you'll just have to kick back and enjoy every minute of it, as my aim in this story is to please the fans and not to disappoint (not that I'm getting any feeling I'm doing bad anyway. Yayyy!)
Oh, and to RuneKnightPictures, I've read your FOXHOUND recruit's profile and have considered including him into the ride. I plan to have a set of two teams working alongside NERV in the story, so your recruit qualifies. Congratulations! And to those who wish to have another recruit you have created into the story, I'm open for invitations and even ideas for the story. But, I can only add one more recruit into the fic, so hurry and send your recruit profiles before there isn't more room to house the both the new FOXHOUND and Philanthropy at the Katsuragi residence!
Now, on with the story...last time in 'COE', Snake had to beat the insurmountable odds, as he and Kaji hunted each other at a VR simulation of the Big Shell in a contest for who gets to have Misato. (Crazy men.) But, during the contest, it was discovered that Kaji had full control over the program...even the right to gain himself a Harrier, FOXHOUND's own that is. (Greg's going to be pissed!) Using the Harrier in a dramatic battle against Snake, Kaji held his own against the Legend, but Snake (being the obvious skilled bad ass he is) took out the Harrier, while Kaji managed to escape unharmed and still determined to prove his mettle against Snake (the fool).
Now the battle for the prize (which is Misato) continues as Snake enters another section of the VR...but what will he discover and face this time? Oh, and those (darling) Eva pilots plan a date for Snake and Misato, while some of Greg's past is revealed...that it may even change the fate of how the future of FOXHOUND and NERV will come. (What in the hell...?) Anyway, enough blabber...let's get on with the story. Again, reviews are appreciated, so come on...
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ShardclawKusanagi presents:
Metal Gear Solid: Children of Evangelion
Chapter 10: Back to Basic Training
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Location, old Tokyo, at a widely known ramen restaurant, Rio was talking on the phone with Dr. Naomi Hunter about Greg's condition. To both the women's surprise, they had no idea about what his situation would turn out.
"I know that his DNA structure has shown some erratic signs just until recently...but I didn't think it would be that serious." Naomi explained. "His blood cells are telling the same story as well..."
"Meaning?" Rio asked.
"Well...it's hard to put into words..." Naomi shook her head. "Greg's condition is quite rare, so that's why he had to rely on the nanomachines to survive...but his blood is giving out some real complicated theories."
"Such as?"
"His internal organs safe, but as you said, his psychic powers seem to be growing, so I think the cause is the implants wearing off." Naomi said. "If the power he is withholding is bound to break free soon, he has to be prepared."
"I understand." Rio nodded. "You do still want the results of the blood test that Nanvel sent you?"
"Yes...if his transfused artificial blood can keep him alive, it can be verified." Naomi said. "I can't say the future looks to good for Greg..."
Rio looked at Greg, who was still having ramen with Lilica and simply nodded.
"I'll see what I can do from here. You just let the Colonel know this. It's important." Rio said.
"Fine. It's good talking to you, Rio." Naomi smiled. "Good luck with Greg."
"Yeah, same here, old friend." Rio hung up and went over to Greg. "Hey, there hero, I just got the news from Naomi."
"And?" Lilica asked, now holding onto Greg's hand.
"Well, things are looking up, we CAN deal with this thing if we get Greg prepared for it." Rio said. "But...he'll have to endure a lot if he has to use it."
"I'm able. I didn't join FOXHOUND just to get bossed around." Greg said.
"Oh, really? Well, come with me, Greg." Rio said seriously. "It's time."
"Time for what?" Greg asked in a clueless tone.
"Don't get smart with me!" Rio bent over close to Greg, close enough that he can see the well endowed cleavage of his sensei. "You want to use this power that badly?"
"Um…yes, well, I..." Greg stepped back. He was always brash and aggressive around a lot of people, but Rio was always able to make him weak in the knees.
"You didn't join FOXHOUND just to be one of the best...you joined them as a means to help and protect those who were hurt from evil-hearted madmen like Dead Cell, but also to use your power to do the same for those hurt from the Second Impact. You're going to help a lot of people now that you...Greg...have the right stuff and know how to use them. And I'll help you control your power in a real battle... but it's up to you on how to use it and not lose your way. You up to the challenge?"
Greg got up and nodded. He knew what must be done. "I may not have the stuff that can compare to Snake and Raiden, but I can as hell show this world that the new holder of Psycho Mantis' powers can do a lot more than the original. I'm ready."
"Good. Lilica, call Maki and tell her I'll be running late." Rio said, turning around. "I'm going to the training hall to turn Greg into a true warrior."
"Sure thing." Lilica said.
"Well, don't keep a lady waiting, Greg. Be in the hall in five minutes." Rio instructed.
"Yes, Rio." Greg answered. After Rio walked out the room, Lilica and Greg looked at each other.
"Big brother...you sure you can do this?" Lilica asked. "You may ending up even hurting Rio. Is this what you wanted?"
"It's just a test to determine if I can control my powers. When I do, I won't regret it." Greg smiled. "And stop calling me 'big brother'. We're not blood related, you know."
"I know, but it's so cute to call you that. You remind me a lot of the brother I had before he died." Lilica smiled, slightly.
"You worry about me too much. But it can't be helped." Greg patted Lilica and kissed her cheek. "Don't you worry, everything will be okay. When this fight is over..."
"I know, I know." Lilica nodded. "I'll be praying for you."
"Come on, it's not like Rio and I are going to turn this restaurant into a battlefield." Greg said.
"GREG! Get your lazy butt over here now or I'll come over there to kick it!" Rio called from the back.
"Yes, ma'am!" Greg simply ran to the back room in a quick pace. Lilica simply shrugged her shoulders with a smile and went back to the kitchen.
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Back at the Katsuragi residence, Misato, who was in her room resting, her left arm still in a cast, and was partially drunk, couldn't get the thought of Snake and Kaji fighting over for her.
(This can't be happening...Kaji fighting against Snake...you were always such a fool, Kaji...) Misato thought. (But...at least it's brave of him to stand up to someone like Snake for me...still...why would he be doing this?)
Misato got up, wearing only a small vest and short cut jeans, to get to the kitchen. Pen-Pen was comfortable enough, watching television, so Misato sat down beside him on the ground and took out another can of beer.
"Hey, Pen, is anything good happening on the tele?" Misato joked. Pen-Pen only replied with a simple ' wark '. Misato simply smiled and brushed the top of the penguin's head.
"Yeah, same old boring soaps." Misato said. "Guess my life is just like one, huh? Two men...one of them a stud, but also a fool, while the other is a take-no-prisoner superstud with a real soft spot for kids. And right now, they are fighting for who gets to have me. Men...but...Snake is different from Kaji...from any one who was like my father..."
She thought back for a moment and pondered on how she spent her times with both Snake and Kaji, thinking if she had made the right choice falling in love with Snake, and if she has truly gotten over Kaji.
"There's only one way I can find out." Misato thought. "I have to be true to Snake and tell him how I really fell about him...and I'll have to break the hard news to Kaji. I wonder...is he challenging Snake because he's preparing himself for that?"
(That probably must be it. What a fool...) Misato drank from her can. (I wonder...did Snake handle Kaji without having to hurt him?)
She then made for a reach for the Codec and placed it on her ear. She wanted to call Snake to talk to him, but decided against it. Instead, she tuned the frequency to Otacon's and presses the Call button.
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Back to the VR monitor room, Otacon has finally confirmed Kaji's source for the control in the VR cage. It was set at European Extreme, but what surprised him that Kaji had acquired some items that helped him get past the sentries earlier.
"So, he used a Stealth camo, huh? Pretty sneaky, Kaji." Otacon spoke.
"Hey, he's not trying for the Big Boss rank, but he is trying to keep up with the competition." Raiden explained. "So, Otacon, where are they now?"
"This is interesting...it seems Kaji has a taste for nostalgia." Otacon said. "The area he is in right now is back at the original VR levels that you took, Raiden. He's at the Variety level 9, Socom mode."
"I remember taking that one. That is the one that you have a five minute time limit to take out over 74 crystals targets." Raiden said. "But...he doesn't have a Socom, but Snake does. Or does Kaji have something else in store?"
"I wonder...is Kaji waiting for Snake? It may seem the logical choice." Ritsuko said.
"If so, Kaji's choice of weapons doesn't give him much of an advantage, since that Snake has more weapons now." Otacon said.
"Hey, look at that!" Maya pointed at the monitor. Everyone diverted their view to the screen and saw Kaji dressed in a white version of Snake's old Sneaking Suit, his ponytail now loose and he was wearing a black coloured bandana.
"Hmmm, even Kaji looks dashing in that disguise. It seems that he programmed the VR to give him such an outfit." Ritsuko said.
Otacon and Raiden looked on in silence, until the Codec rang. Otacon answered.
"Otacon here. Hey, Major Katsuragi. How are things?"
"Just fine, but I'm bored as hell." Misato smiled slightly. "Please tell me that I haven't missed anything."
"You missed a lot since your last call. Snake fought that Harrier as if his life depended on it." Otacon said.
"Great, but is Kaji still okay...I mean, active in the VR?" Misato asked.
"Yeah, he got out of the jet before it crashed, but he's still determined to show Snake what he got."
"That fool..." Misato said, shaking her head.
"I'm sure he has a good reason for doing this. We all know that a possible strike from Dead Cell is highly bound to happen, so I guess that Kaji's just warming him up for the worst case scenario..."
"I highly doubt that...I never seen Kaji like this...he isn't supposed to be this protective for me." Misato said.
"But, Snake is."
"How did you know?" Misato asked.
"He told me that he respected you a lot, not because you're just a Major, but you care a lot for the pilots' safety more than others." Otacon said. "He never shows this side of himself to anyone...it surprised me a lot to see him risking his own life for anyone before...I guess that when Touji was rescued, he was different in a way. He had a lot of hard times in his earlier years... the majority of his friends had either died right in front of him, being used like a pawn... he never trusted anyone before Shadow Moses and he certainly hasn't changed much since then." Otacon explained.
"He's a soldier, can't blame him for that...but about what you said of him changing..." Misato asked.
"Well, he seems so at home with you and Shinji...he never has time to get into other people's lives. I guess it's safe to say that you helped him changed his attitude a bit. He's usually stingy and grumpy, but he's a real nice friend to hang around with and since meeting you, he's become more...loveable among everyone."
Misato chuckled a bit. "Well, what I can say...thanks, Otacon."
"Hey, I'm just happy that Snake has finally found someone. He and I usually have a bad luck with women. I know I have the worst between he and I."
"So, how's Snake? He is still in the VR, right?"
"Yeah, he's just entered another area of the VR." Otacon's eyes looked shocked for a while.
"What's wrong?"
"Snake's been teleported to a level just behind from Kaji's position. This isn't supposed to be happening..." Otacon said.
"You saying Kaji is up to his old tricks again?" Misato said.
"So it appears. Look, take your rest, Misato. I'll make sure that Snake isn't disadvantaged in any way. The battle's being recorded, so you can watch it over when you get a chance."
"Thanks, Otacon. Okay, see you later. "Misato said."Tell Snake for me that I wish him the best of luck."
"So, you are taking his side, but what about Kaji?"
"It'll take a miracle to see Kaji take down Snake, which is very unlikely." Misato growled, ending the conversation.
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Kaji leaned against the green tiled wall of the VR hallway, taking off the suppressor of his M9, then replacing the clip with live rounds, another little 'adjustment' he made to the program.
He knew, thanks to the change in the program, that Snake was only minutes away from him, so he took out his small laptop and typed in a few commands. Again, he was plotting something, an idea he had set in motion that brought a wide smile on his face. He was cooking up a special something for the grand finale. But what could it be?
(That's it, Snake. You just go where the green dot is waiting for you.) Kaji thought. (While I go and prepare myself for the real fun...)
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The NERV maintenance room, where Linn was surveying the Harrier's damage from the battle in the VR cage. She breathed a deep sigh of relief as the jet only incurred minor damage to its flight control and exhaust engines. Luckily, she had some of NERV's engineers assisting her in repairing the engine, then fixing the dents and the outside of the Harrier.
"Well, it's not too bad that this thing wasn't damaged too badly...I guess Snake knew what he was doing." Linn said to herself. "Oh, Greg...where can you be? I gotta get this fixed back to its' original condition by the time he gets back or else."
So, Linn got into a NERV jumpsuit and fixed her gloves. "Okay, 'Angel of Death', it's time for your surgery..."
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At school, it was already lunchtime and the students of class 2-A was already busy getting in small groups, getting their snack and bento boxes out. Somewhere in the middle of the classroom, Touji, who was enjoying another great lunch from Hikari, told Kensuke about the previous days' events, after all the bugging time he had to deal with since he got back unharmed from the 13th Angel's battle.
"And then he stuck his arm through the LCL, as they called it, and when I held it, he just yanked me out of there, put me on his back and carried me off the Angel. He was that strong!" Touji said, between bites of the lunch he was eating. Hikari too was listening attentively to Touji's conversation, but little did she know that the man that rescued Touji was the same one who gave her encouragement to get close to Touji and saved her and her friends from that mysterious attacker just days ago, Solid Snake.
"Wow, Touji, you must have been scared inside that thing! God knows what would have happened if that bodyguard hadn't saved you!" Kensuke said.
"Yeah, I was scared alright. I couldn't have taught of anything else but my sister and..." he looked and saw Hikari, almost mentioning her name. But, even Hikari knew what he was going to say, a slight red covered her cheeks and she turned to the side.
Touji nervously smiled and continued. "Heh, well I'm grateful that I'm here today. After what happened yesterday, I now see why Shinji has problems when he pilots his Eva. I'm going to give up piloting for awhile, until my sister can get better at least."
"That's good." Hikari replied. "I'm glad that you have decided that and come back to your serious duties, Suzahara."
"So, this bodyguard..." Kensuke asked. "Did he tell you who he was?"
"What? I thought Ikari told you." Touji looked at his friend with a glare. "He's the infamous Solid Snake."
"THE Solid Snake? The man that stopped an entire army, and destroyed three Metal Gears? Now it makes sense!" Kensuke jumped out of his seat.
From the other side, Asuka heard the talk and stepped over. "Hey, will you keep it down? Or will you like a knuckle sandwich to shut you up for lunch?"
"Why didn't you tell me that your bodyguard was Solid Snake, Asuka? I know he looked familiar the last time I saw him, but...it's hard to believe that the 'Legend' is now a bodyguard for the Eva pilots. Aw, man, you gotta let me meet him!" Kensuke smiled.
"He's a very busy man...I don't think he has time to waste on undeserving lower grade children like you, Aida." Asuka bravely said.
"Sure, but he didn't waste time making you call for help when he tickled you, Asuka." Shinji said from behind.
Asuka turned to watch Shinji with her raging eyes, as Shinji cowered back and blushed, while Touji, Kensuke and Hikari laughed.
"I'll make you regret you said that, 'man-of-the-house'." Asuka dared him, which resulted in a reply of 'ohhhs' in the classroom.
"Ha, I'll like to see that." Shinji smiled. "Then it will only result in you getting 'disciplined' even more."
"You seem to be getting quite bold on me, Shinji, because Snake taught you things that dork of a father you have can never do." Asuka said. "Well, it won't work on me, Third Child. Just a precaution for now."
"Oh, Asuka. You just don't know when to quit, do you?" Hikari asked.
"Ha, I don't know the meaning of the word. I NEVER quit at what I do best." Asuka smiled.
"What you do best is beg for other people's attention, Sohryu." a quiet tone of Rei's voice answered from the side.
"Hey, no one asked you do my psycho-analysing for me, Wondergirl!" Asuka said. "And I don't beg for attention, neither."
"That is a certain lie." Rei said. "You seek after a man that is twice your age and mostly brag about yourself and harass other people as if you require the attention all around.
Asuka simply was close to burst her top, as Touji simply raised his soda can.
"Too true, Ayanami." he said.
"Uggh! I can't believe this! Are you going to take her side now?" Asuka said.
"I'm simply saying what is true. Is anything wrong with that?" Rei asked.
"Yeah...you're saying something in the first place!" Asuka said, bolting out the classroom.
"I wonder what her problem is?" Kensuke said.
"You had to ask?" Shinji looked at the ceiling, shaking his head. "I think it's because she wants Kaji that bad, but she wants Snake and Misato to get together soon."
Hikari perked up to listen. "Wait...Solid Snake and Miss Misato...seeing each other?"
"Yes...if you need to put it, Ms. Horaki." Rei simply said. "The night Suzahara and myself was rescued, it was Major Katsuragi who kissed Snake in thanks for what he had done."
"Whoa! That must have looked...awesome! Oh, if only I was an Eva pilot, I could have seen everything." Kensuke said, but then spoke quickly. "Wait...oh, if only I was Snake!"
"Since then...it seems that Misato seems happy with David." Shinji said.
"David?" Kensuke asked.
"Snake's real name." Shinji told him. "And I was planning to get a special thank you date for him with Misato ready soon."
"Hey...if you let me help out, will I get to really met Snake himself?" Kensuke begged. "Please, please, I beg you! I'll do anything; even film the date for anyone who wants to see Snake in a tuxedo."
"Kensuke...I don't think..." Shinji was stopped by Rei's voice.
"It would be honourable to have you assist us, Aida." Rei said. "If there's anything that you have that could be of use to us, don't hesitate to share with us."
"Yes! Thank you, thank you both of you!" Kensuke bowed. "I promise not to disappoint any of you. I'll do my absolute best!"
As Kensuke walked back to his desk with a big grin on his face, Touji got up and patted Shinji.
"Hey, since the man saved my life, I guess I owe him something, so I'd better help in too." Touji said. "If that is no problem to you, Shinji."
"Touji?" Shinji was surprised to hear this.
"I'll help too. He did give me advice about not to give up. And it certainly paid off." Hikari said, stepping close to Touji's side.
"Not to give up on what, class rep?" Touji asked, suddenly causing Hikari to blush.
"You guys..." Shinji was smiling alright, seeing his friends come together to get Snake and Misato together. He knew he couldn't say no, he needed all the help he could need.
"Thanks, guys. I won't forget this." Shinji said.
As Touji and Hikari went back to their desks, Shinji turned to face Rei. "Um...thanks, Ayanami. I didn't think that they would have wanted to help, but they all want to meet Snake that they decided to help out. It's so nice of them."
"That's all that matters, if it pleases you, Ikari." Rei said.
"It does, a lot." Shinji looked at Rei for a moment, long enough they stared into each other's eyes. "Um...thanks, Rei."
"What for?" Rei asked.
"For understanding how much this means to me." Shinji said.
"Ikari..." Rei spoke, but before another word came out her lips, Asuka tackled Shinji from behind.
"Take that, dumpkoff! Let more people in on our secret mission, will you?" Asuka nudged him on his head.
"Ahhh! Asuka cut it out! I told you that we may need other people's help." Shinji found the only excuse to defend himself.
"Liar! You can't fool me!" Asuka continued. "Or...shall I contact Snake on the Codec and tell him to ask you if 'you're scared'?"
"No, Asuka. Not that! Not again!" Shinji begged.
Rei simply smiled slightly at this display, the lunch period continued on.
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Author note: For reference for the following areas, get Metal Gear Solid: Integral (VR Missions) for the PSX. Nuff said. Back to the story...
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Snake was almost stunned when he reappeared back into the next area of the VR area. It was the same original setting from the first VR he had stepped in from the Discovery before Shadow Moses.
(Ah...this brings back memories.) Snake thought, pointing his Socom into a hallway. A pillar of glass was in his way, but he didn't sense that right behind it, a Claymore mine was placed...in his direction.
So, without precaution, Snake fired at the glass wall, shattering it, but before he stepped forward, one of the large splinters landed on the ground and Snake heard a metallic click near the wall he destroyed. Being familiar with explosives, he can tell the distinctive sound a land mine makes when activated or placed and was able to handle its removal. But this was a trick Snake never seen before; as it was the last minute the claymore had then lost its stealth equipped effectiveness, and then detonated.
Snake leapt back to the corner he had just stepped from, leaning back, watching the many small pellets from the Claymore fly past him at high, injuring velocity. Snake cursed under his between his inhaling of fumes from the cigarette he still had from the end of the Harrier battle against Kaji.
(That was too close. Must be getting too old to let that happen...) Snake thought. Using his experienced senses, he can see the slight glimmer of the rest of Claymores planted in the hallway, a true soldier doesn't always need a thermal goggles to see this, but the human senses is always the real eyes and ears of a stealth mission. He decided that he doesn't need all the Claymores, so he shot the next one in front of him, making it detonate, and then crawled on the floor to pick up the other two before he spotted another case of Socom bullets at right end of the course. He had enough ammo now, but in case Kaji were to get this one...
Snake decided against it at first, but he had no time to play games. And it would be fun to see Kaji get blown up by a Claymore. This was a lesson he thought that Kaji has to learn. So, he placed a claymore right in front of the Socom case, and then walked down the pathway.
Snake then walked up a staircase, where on a large platform, laid a Nikita missile launcher, some more Stinger missiles and some FA-MAS ammo. Snake didn't hesitate to take all of these items, as he had all the weapons he can ever need now. He thought he was being unfair to Kaji, having so much toys to play with (against Kaji, that is.) as he had gotten used to carrying light things for a mission, but Snake remembered that Kaji's the one in control of the VR and he can pull off anything that could throw Snake off, so the war-torn hero had better prepare himself.
Ahead of him, he can see that the area he was in had quite a long way to go. He saw another thin walkway, protected by glass layers. He took out his FA-MAS and fired cautiously at the glass, breaking the barriers one by one, and carefully watching his bullets. Out of the 78 bullets he had for the weapon, he already used up to 16 to destroy the 4 glass layers between him and the rest of the simulation. He continued on, wondering if the area he was in was either before or behind Kaji.
(Whatever Kaji's planning, he won't stand a chance.) Snake thought, leaning against a wall. Behind it, he can see another familiar area of the VR...the Variety level 9 Socom mode. Snake grinned, as he took of his suppressor and entered the hallway, hearing the swearing by Kaji's voice behind one of the corners.
"Damn crystal target! Stay in place so I can shoot you!" Kaji's voice rang. He was STILL in the second section of the stage, and had trouble targeting the moving targets fast enough to fire at them.
Snake turned around and saw Kaji in his white Sneaking Suit, constantly wasting his ammo, firing around aimlessly at the crystals.
"I found you at last, Kaji!" Snake said, pointing the Socom at Kaji. Kaji turned around to see his opponent and pointed his M9, which had the live rounds in it...but this was one detail Snake did NOT know until...
"Ha!" Kaji fired a shot at Snake, just as a crystal target passed in front of him. Snake pulled back as he saw the target shatter. He now knew Kaji was carrying a gun that had now live ammo in it, so he had to be extra careful. Kaji cursed slightly as he saw Snake started to run back the direction he came, so Kaji gave chase.
During the chase back down the hallway, Kaji fired relentlessly at Snake, but he couldn't fire fast enough because the slide was still locking every time he fired! Kaji hid behind a corner he found and took out his small laptop and configured the M9 to stop doing this time consuming and yet risky, setback. Little did he knew, that Snake leapt out from behind one oft he nearby corners, Socom aimed at Kaji's hand.
Snake fired with 100 percent accuracy, missing Kaji's hand, but knocking off the laptop away from his hand. Snake didn't want to injure Kaji, but the laptop was the intention of Snake's aim. Kaji saw Snake and suddenly fired TWO shots at Snake, who in return, leapt out and fired back.
(Damn, he must have already made the 'adjustment'.) Snake thought. (And he's getting dangerously good with his aim. Time to stop playing with this kid...)
Kaji returned back to his hiding spot, seeing the laptop, but it was already destroyed by Snake's shot.
"Hey, Snake, you shot my toy." Kaji said, holding up his deadly M9.
"Yeah, going to cry about it?" Snake replied, keeping his Socom close. "You're in my world now, kid. No little magic tricks are going to save you from what I have in store for you."
"Oh, really?" Kaji suddenly pulled out of the corner and caught Snake by ambushing him, placing the M9 at point blank range in front of him.
Otacon and Raiden looked on in surprise. They never saw anyone; much less a rookie got close to Snake and held a gun at his face during a fight.
"So, Snake, what do you think of me now?" Kaji smiled, Snake helplessly looked on. Then a smile came on his face. A loud rumble from his laughter followed, that Kaji pulled back.
"What's so funny? You are at my mercy and still you think this is a joke?" Kaji said.
"In case you haven't noticed, Kaji. I told you this is my world." Snake simply grinned. "If you doubt me, go ahead...pull the trigger."
"You giving up so easily, Snake?" Kaji smiled. "I expected more from the 'Legend'. Now, Misato will be my prize after I pull the trigger."
As he did, the M9 simply clicked, as if there were no bullets in the chamber.
"What the...?" Kaji said in shock. Seeing the advantage, Snake grabbed the M9, and Kaji's arm, and flipped his body over. Kaji didn't see this coming, as his back hit the ground hard. Snake placed his foot in Kaji's chest and pointed the Socom at him.
"You're wondering why your M9 wouldn't work, eh Kaji?" Snake said. "Well, I'll explain. This program may be run by your control, but all that ended when I shot that laptop control of yours. It took awhile, but your M9 is now INVALID in the Socom level. Meaning...your M9's now just a useless tool until you get out of this area."
Kaji couldn't believe it. Fooled again by the 'Legend.' Snake was right when the VR was his world. He knew Kaji wouldn't have paid attention to this, so that's why Snake played all cool, even when he had the M9 pointed at him.
Snake simply dropped the Socom he had and kept the M9. "Here, since you've been so nice, I've decided to return the favour. I'll be taking this, since I have better use for this than you."
"That was your biggest mistake, Snake!" Kaji said, grabbing Snake's leg, and hurling him over, but Snake did a perfect back flip over Kaji and landed perfectly on his feet. Kaji grabbed the Socom and pulled the trigger, but again just like the M9, nothing came out.
"Now what?" Kaji thought, as he saw the Socom chamber read 'Empty'.
"Looking for these?" Snake smiled, as Kaji looked up to see Snake holding several bullet cartridges for the Socom. "Wouldn't make sense if I just handed you a loaded Socom and get myself killed, by your aiming, hmmm?"
"You mean..?" Kaji was really getting pissed.
"Yeah, I took out all the rounds before I fired the last shot to take out the laptop you had." Snake said. "A little lesson to show you that a minimum amount of ammo can get you a long way, pal. Just remember that."
Inside the VR monitor room, Raiden and Maya were laughing uncontrollably at this.
"That was really stingy of you, Snake. Real low." Raiden shook his head.
"I guess Misato was right...Kaji really is a fool and Snake's just proving the point." Ritsuko grinned.
Kaji simply glared at Snake who simply turned his back at him, while he lit another cigarette. "You haven't won yet, Snake. Have all the fun you want with me, but don't let it get to your head, Misato will be mine."
"Whatever, kid. That's my little game for now with you." Snake replied. "The real funs haven't even started yet."
Snake then started to walk back to the area he was in. "If you want any ammo, follow me. But...I'm only being nice to you because you will be giving up this little game of yours soon."
"I won't, watch me." Kaji stepped forward, leading the way. He didn't think Snake was plotting something again, but he took out his PSG-1 in case. Snake watched this, so he took out his FA-MAS. Both men smelled an ambush, but the funny thing that kept bothering Kaji was that Snake was keeping his distance as Kaji drew closer to the Socom ammo case Snake had left before.
"How careless of you, Snake." Kaji said, drawing closer to the Claymore. "Leaving ammo for the enemy to make the job easier to finish you off."
"Look who's talking." Snake smiled, as he saw Kaji's left foot touched the Claymore's base.
"Huh?" Kaji's eyes widened as he saw the Claymore detonate under him. The damage done wasn't lethal, but the explosion was enough to lift Kaji off the ground and land him flat on his face.
"Owwww!" Kaji screamed, the white Sneaking Suit partially destroyed by the blast.
Snake started to laugh more often, the only times he had seen somebody slip up so much was Raiden in his training days.
"Why you...you tricked me!" Kaji growled while still gathering himself.
"Another lesson you must learn, Kaji. Tricking the enemy into a trap is the best possible way to win, especially if it's a jealous ex." Snake said.
"I'm not jealous of you, Snake!" Kaji said. "Oww, that hurts."
"Hmm, okay, I can see that you mean business. Playtime's over then." Snake said in an almost sad tone. "I'm going to a head start. It's up to you if you want to endure the rest of this or give up, but I'll be waiting for you at the No Weapons mode. Don't disappoint me by not showing up, kid."
"Huh? So, is that is huh?" Kaji simply said. "Well, I'll meet you there and then we can really settle this."
"Good, that's what I want to hear. I'm getting tired just running around kicking your sorry tail." Snake rang past Kaji, into back to the exit crystal. "I'll be waiting, you hear?"
As Snake disappeared, Kaji got up and dusted himself. "Oh, you'd better. I have a lot of explaining to give you after we meet."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Snake, that was real low of you to do that to Kaji." Raiden said over the Codec to Snake. "How could you disadvantage him like that?"
"I figured that the kid needed a little tough love, so why not?" Snake replied. "He asked for it. And what better way to do that is to teach him how a real battlefield is supposed to be."
"Well, it was a smart thing to shoot down the control he had, now things are even, right?"
"You can say that, but I can't play it safe yet." Snake said. "Otacon, are you there?"
"Right here, Snake. What is it?" Otacon asked.
"Make sure Kaji isn't armed when he meets me at the No Weapons mode. Disable them if you have to. I want this to be a fair fight."
"Sure thing, Snake." Otacon replied.
"There's also one more thing..."
"What is it?"
"Set the environment setting to this..." Snake smiled. "...the top of destroyed Metal Gear REX from the Shadow Moses program."
"What? Snake...you can't be kidding." Otacon said. Then after seeing Snake's face, he looked more confused. "You're not, I can see. You really intend to settle this?"
"Once and for all, Otacon. This little game of Kaji's ends here." Snake said, before shutting of the Codec.
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Greg walked down the long hallway, where he met a large door. He took a deep breath and pushed it open, only to see an empty training area, with weapons and floor mats around the sides. He took of his boots and stepped up.
"It's about time you got here." Rio's voice came from in front of him. She had already changed into a black body fitting suit with red outlining with grey shoulder and knee pads. She had a tonfar in both hands and a serious look on her face.
"So, you decided to get into your Warrior suit, huh? How memorable of you, sensei Rio." Greg simply said.
"Greg...my student...my son..." Rio said with a sad tone in her voice.
"Please, Rio, don't say that. When you say stuff like that, you intend to scare me." Greg said.
"Heh, just remembering the day I took you in, it seemed so long ago." Rio smiled slightly. "I was doing your mom and dad a favour by taking you in, Greg? Did you know that?"
"Of course, I don't have to be reminded." Greg said seriously.
"And I never regretted that day, Greg. I know you must feel the same."
Greg remained silent, while his master spoke on.
"You were just a kid when you started to learn all I thought you. And you grew up fast. I thought I could keep you forever. And everybody from Team Warrior helped in too. We wanted to mould you to be the next successor of leading the team, but FOXHOUND saw what you had and took you in. Ah, if only things were different then..." Rio stopped.
"...But now...they have, and that ability we worked so hard to keep a secret is coming back." she continued. "I don't know why, but it must be for a good reason. Your artificial blood primed by the nanomachines that keep you alive is but one of the causes to which why your psychokinetic abilities are re-awakening. The cerebral implants seem to be wearing off, so that to is also a possibility."
"So, the good doctor Hunter recommended an apple for a day to control it?" Greg replied.
"Greg...I was given official orders by Dr. Naomi Hunter to help you fully awaken this power and control it. You may be one of the top of FOXHOUND recruits, but you are still my student...and the closest thing I may have to a son." Rio said. "I've been waiting for this opportunity to do battle with a recruit like you..."
"You're kidding? I can't use my power against someone in battle! That's like cheating!" Greg shouted.
"You can't complain about this, Greg. There is no other option. You and I, as well as Lilica and the rest of your adoptive family know about your ability and can help you control it before someone like the enemy grabs hold of you to misuse it." Rio said. "Psycho Mantis may not be much of an example to inspire you to use your power, but think of all the neat things he could have done, but chose not to. If that alone brings much joy to you in a time like this, you should start considering it."
"Sensei…what will people like Snake and Raiden or Linn say if I do this? That I'm some kind of freak, that I'm no different than the first and original psychic soldier?" Greg asked.
"That depends on how you use your ability, but you knew most of that already." Rio smiled. "Thanks to yours truly."
"I know I can't lose my way. I maybe brash, but I do have a good sense of character."
"I guess all those times making you watch thirteen hour a day 'Oh My Goddess' re-runs really paid off." Rio said. "Now, enough talk...we have a full day ahead of us...let's start small."
Greg nodded, as he saw Rio got into a fighting pose. He placed his left hand in his pocket, and then with his exposed right hand, he simply waved it once away from his body. His jacket suddenly glowed, changing into a vest less version of his purple Sneaking Suit, his black hair now entirely turned grey.
Rio's smile even lightened up more as she watched her student. "So, you lie about using your power, when in reality you're just using it to disguise yourself? Shame on you, you've been a bad boy...I'm going to spank you real good...G9999." (Pronounced four nine, folks.)
Greg simply smiled as Rio started to her attack. He took the chance and attack too.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Back at NERV, Linn who was in a NERV engineer suit, and was already covered in oil smears, perked her head up suddenly as she thought she heard Greg.
"Greggie?" Linn said, surprising the people that were volunteering her in the Harrier's repairs. She simply looked down in a moody state and got back to work. "Maybe I'm worrying about him too much. At least if he doesn't get back now, I can finish the repairs on this thing by then. Just where he could be without letting me know?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Snake was seated at the edge of the destroyed REX in the No Weapons mode, having a cigarette. He had waited on Kaji for some minutes, and thought that Kaji had chicken out on him.
(Figures, he's given up.) Snake thought, getting up. (Guess that kid couldn't handle a real fight against me. At least he knows his place now...)
Just then, Kaji appeared in front of Snake from the VR entrance. Snake grinned at the arrival.
"Good timing, Kaji. I was really getting bored here by myself." Snake said.
Kaji looked around and below him. "Just where are we, Snake?"
"On top of Metal Gear REX. It was my idea to have this little game of yours come to a close right here. It seems appropriate enough." Snake took out one of the cartridges he had and held it over the edge.
"Listen carefully." Snake instructed, dropping the cartridge over the edge, and into the darkness. There wasn't a sound afterwards for about seven to twelve seconds until the cartridge hit the floor. "That's how much time you'll get to scream as you fall to your death."
"I had no intention to run from you. And yes, I agree, this must end here, Snake." Kaji replied.
"So I suspected. But before we start, I want to know...why even try?" Snake shrugged his shoulders while smoking. "You know you don't stand a chance in hell against me, but you still attempt to throw away your life trying to prove something that you can't. It not Misato's fault that she chose to be with me, but something that she just can't help doing."
"True, I can't choose for her either, but at least I get to chose whether or not she will trust you after I'm gone." Kaji said seriously.
"What is it that you are talking about?" Snake responded.
Snake stood on in silence, and then he signalled Kaji to go on Codec. "Tell me everything you want me to know...then we settle this."
The two men do so. Then, Kaji spoke. "I'm really...a double agent for SEELE, Snake." Kaji said. "And my time is almost near when they will know that I'm sharing NERV's deepest secrets with Misato...and I'll have to pay the price with my life."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To Be Continued...
You know, I almost felt sorry for Kaji when he said that to Snake...not!
Yeah, it looked like that not much happened in this Chapter, or did it? Well, I'll just let you the good fans say what you think and probably by next Chapter, this little competition will be done, I promise, but I pray at least people love this part of the story. (crosses fingers).
Hey, let's not forget about Greg, er, G9999, (or G49 for short if you like). This Chapter is more like an introduction into his past and just how cool he can get when you put a Tetsuo cosplayer as a FOXHOUND recruit who can fly Harriers and get the Nerv Commander look like a fool! Tell me if you like him, and I promise he won't be stealing the spotlight (much).
Thanks to those who reviewed the last Chapter, my biggest fans, Lord of pencil and TimberWolf who liked it especially, it's good to hear other people who think of Kaji more of a setback to the show, rather than a benefit. The least he could have done is faked his death and returned in End of Evangelion with the entire fleet of the U.S army and saved the world, but no...Third Impact just had to break my heart. I mean, Snake has a better shot with Misato if Kaji didn't exist in Eva. He's a superstud, he kicks ass and he's just so damn cool in everything else that is cool. Wait...Snake transcends cool! Suckers!
Oh, yeah, TimberWolf my friend, you are right. I do have lots ahead of me, once this little feud between Snake and Kaji is over, the REAL fun begins...namely the arrival of the 'Sons of Liberty' in Toyko-3! And if you like to see Gendou being made a big fool of that badly, wait until he meets Solidus. Then you can love this fic ten times more than you already are! And to think the story DOES NOT end there...
Hold it! I've been getting rather concerned reviews about who Shinji is going to be with in the fic. This has been a problem for me for awhile, but now, I'm happy to announce I've made a decision. At first, I was going to pair him up with Asuka, but I gotta shed some of my own blood here as I say there is going to be a Shinji/Rei pairing in this fic. Sorry, Shinji/Asuka fans, I really wanted to do it, but Misato's leather whip talks the shots on whom being with who in the story. And to those who thought I was going to do a Raiden/Rei pairing? You guys are sick, a Devil and an Angel? Get with the program! (It would still be cute though, if Raiden was ten years younger at least...)
Heh-heh must be thinking weird stuff like I always do. Oh, well, now review the fic and oh, enjoy the new omakes I put up. It's madness.
I do not own Eva, Metal Gear Solid or Burn up Excess, as they belong to their respective owners and creators. Only Greg, Linn and the fic is my property.
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ShardclawKusanagi presents:
The Misadventures of ShardclawKusanagi in the anime universe:
Misato: Oh, Collis, say it again...
Me: Oh, do I have to, Misato?
Misato: Please. If you do...
Me: Alright, I'll say it...'dappa'.
Misato, all wild and excited: OH YEAH! SAY IT, BABY!
Me: Oh, God...'dappa'.
Misato: YES! Just like that!
Me: 'Dappa' is a Trinidadian slang that defines someone who dresses good. Misato just loves the sound of it, it gets her excited.
Misato: OH YEAH!
Me: Why me?
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Omake part 2
Another day of work had consumed our favourite fanfic writer's energy. He gets home tired, not being able to lift another muscle.
Me: God, I'm so tired...I just wish those catgirls I have in my hentai collection were real, I can use an orgy right now...
I stepped in my room, seeing no one as usual, but spotted an envelope on my pillow.
Me: Huh? I'm being called to Neo-Tokyo for a clothing consultant position for Team Warrior? I'm gone!
Suddenly, our hero leaves his home and family to live in Japan, where he visits Police Town in Neo-Tokyo.
Rio: So, you're here for the new job, huh? Well, we have read your profile, Mr. Kusanagi and have decided to hire you without even thinking about it.
Me: Thank you so much, Rio. So...what is it exactly I get to do?
Each of Team Warrior's sexy ladies steps in front of me in their coloured bras and panties. My nose spurted out blood as usual.
Nanvel: We just got a shipment of ladies' underwear and we need a male's point of view to tell us which ones make us sexier to seduce him in.
Maya: And the best part...if there's something you don't like, we can change into something else IN FRONT OF YOU...
Lilica: And if you like it, you can do an 'examination' to see if the underwear's' snug and tight on our sweet, sultry bodies.
Me, hiding the constant gush of blood from my nose: I guess I can't ask how I'll get paid, right?
The ladies simply licked their lips at me.
Me: I think I already know how...
Yeah, that one was pretty hentai, but it can't be help. Another mad creation from yours truly. Hope you all like.
Until the next one folks...scoody dooby do woop, do woop, ah doo doo.