Disclaimer: I do not own any of them, except for Greg, Linn and Kari. Nuff said.
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Opening Omake: The stage shows our author stepping in, wearing a partially torn up Arsenal Tengu suit. (Thanks to Rusty Knight Production for this, hope you're reading this.)
ShardclawK: Alright, you guys wanted a normal chapter? Here's one for now, but be expecting some more bonus chapters later. I do want to see this fic have more than thirty chapters by the time it's done. Thanks to all who have reviewed the last update, including the new fanatics who I recently spotted enjoying this story. I'm sure you'll enjoy what I have to offer you now that you've become part of the action. Be sure to check out my other crossover fics, Soldier X included, they are just as good in some ways...
At that moment, KOS-MOS, Ropponmatsu 1 and Ropponmastu, Mokoto Kusanagi, Melfina and Dizzy appear, wearing scantily clad, cow cosplay outfits, courtesy of Taeko Minazuki, one of the hot chicks that are part of my harem, thanks to DarkFusion.
Dizzy: Ano....where are the Weiss boys, Shardclaw-sama?
ShardclawK: Oh, I decided to give them the day off, also, Ran and his buddies are getting tiffed about how I flaunt around with you hot chicks, androids and humanoids alike. It's not my fault sometimes I can't control you girls...
Just then, the door to the stage is busted down and in steps a woman wearing police armour, and behind her were several SWAT and Black Ops soldiers.
ShardclawK: Ah! Not the new door! I went through so much getting that thing fixed after what Hyatt and Excel did when they were brought here from the last update! Who are you anyway?
Woman in black: I'm Konoko from the TCF and I'm here to arrest you for the crime of mistreating androids! I'm taking you in!
ShardclawK: Konoko from Oni, eh? Hardly impressed, and I never did anything bad to the android chicks I got...you must be misinformed. Besides, they are merely presents for all the cool updates of this and Soldier X in the past from one of my good online buddies, TempestDynasty. They were quite more than happy to keep me happy for doing that. But let me ask you this...did you really come to take me in, or just to 'take' me?
Konoko: I've enough of this! You won't come quietly then, I'll have to just drag you to the box!
ShardclawK: Sighs...I really didn't have to do this, but I have a reputation to uphold and a fic to write. And hurting women really is not my thing...
With the snap of my finger, the girls with me tore off their clothing, only to be wearing their battle uniforms, while I was equipped with the Thunderseal, the Fireseal and the Stunner Gatlin Rifle.
Ropponmatsu 1: We are prepared to defend the great Shardclaw-sama from any threat posed upon him. You don't stand a chance against our combined might.
Konoko: Grrrr! I'll take care of Shardclaw. The rest of you, handle the women.
ShardclawK: You'll be sorry, cop. Now, on with the story...as always, enjoy, while I deal with some bothersome flies...
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Metal Gear Solid: Children of Evangelion
Chapter 18: Change of Plans
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"This is not like what Greg told us about Arsenal Gear...it's HUGE!" Yuji Naruo exclaimed as he piloted his helicopter over the massive Metal Gear, which was stationed in the GeoFront at NERV headquarters. With him from Team Warrior, were Lilica Ebett and Maya Jingu, who were also stunned to see the enormous Gear.
"Yeah...who on Earth can build something that big?" Lilica asked, gaping at the sight. "The width of that thing can take up almost half of Tokyo-3's city blocks!"
"Isn't it obvious, Lilica? The Patriots are responsible for creating something like that..." Maya Jingu answered. "Not to mention, they are responsible for making Greg's life miserable as we speak."
"Don't worry about that, Maya." Yuji said, assuring his friend. "Rio's doing her best to help him, as well as Riku, Nagi and Tot. Besides, Greg's pretty much capable of handling himself, he has gotten a lot of practice to take care of himself before he went over to the States."
"Remember what Maki said, we are only here to give NERV, FOXHOUND and Philanthropy a hand in creating the nanosuits." Lilica said, waving her finger. "When Greg gets back, we're bailing out of this place and back to old Tokyo. I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this NERV place...."
"I got you, Lilica." Maya replied. "So, where's Maki and Nanvel anyway?"
"Nanvel's still assisting NERV with the nanosuit development for the rest of FOXHOUND at the base." Yuji replied. "Maki's there as well, still probably discussing to Naomi about Greg's current abilities and what effect they can have on him in the future."
"I just pray that it's nothing bad..." Lilica answered.
"I'm sure it's no big deal." Maya replied with a smile. "Anyway, we've made sure that Arsenal's secure from our vantage point. So far, no signs of trouble..."
"Time to head back to NERV." Yuji nodded as he circled around Arsenal one last time to glance at it before he returned to headquarters.
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Michael Hansen had been looking over the reports of the Evangelion pilots for almost half an hour now. He was primarily concerned with the Second Child's behaviour towards people, it hasn't been much of appreciative up to late. He and Garland have been concerned about how far this will go.
"Something has to be done about Asuka's level of tolerance..." Michael said, as he sipped some coffee. He was in Ritsuko's office with Garland Durev and Naomi Hunter. "Her attitude's going out of control."
"Point taken...she's becoming more rash than before, now that she knows that Shinji has outdone her in battle." Ritsuko replied. "That cause problems for the next time she pilots an Eva."
"And now that Rei has accepted living with Katsuragi and Snake from now on, it will complicate things." Naomi said. "By the way, when is she supposed to move in anyway?"
"Misato is still discussing to the Commander Fuyutski about it...though, she may be rushing things and it can spell disaster ahead...." Michael suggested. "I had advised Snake that he should wait until things are cleared up with the situation with Asuka."
"I agree with you. They way things are with Asuka living with Misato, Shinji and now Snake and James, I shudder to think of the direct results." Garland said. "Say, Michael...we should talk to Snake about this before he makes up his mind on what he's doing about this."
"Maybe we should." Michael got up. "He's probably at the VR room at the moment, still testing out his nanosuit with Raiden."
"That reminds me...by any chance you run into Linn and James, can you send them over here, please?' Ritsuko asked. "I've managed to complete their suits just several hours ago and they are waiting to be tested. If you don't meet them, then I shall contact them to be here."
"Sure thing, Ritsuko." Michael replied with a nod as he and Garland left the room.
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Solid Snake had just stepped out of the NERV VR simulator room, with Raiden following him. They were both in their new nanosuits and they seemed satisfied with the results they have given. Both had gone through their own versions of Bomb Disposal Mode and on completion, they discovered that they scoring grading for the time completed was better than average than when they wore their normal Sneaking Suits.
"These suits are really something..." Raiden said, returning his HF-Blade into the sheath strapped to his back. "Who would have imagined that Greg has connections to such useful technology?"
Snake agreed with a nod. "We should be fortunate that he's even still alive to share the wealth with NERV and the rest of us. This could useful against the fight against the Patriots."
"Right..." Raiden said. "Anyway, I know this is a bit off subject, but how's life with the new Vice Commander and Shinji?"
"You should guess." Snake replied, returning his Socom into his holster. "Now that Rei is moving in soon with us, things are bound to get more crazier soon."
"Let me guess...because of Asuka, huh?" Raiden asked, simply folding his arms.
"Yeah...she's been rather...'touchy'...with the recent add in of the new residents at Misato's place." Snake said. "I've decided to let Rei decide when it's best to move in when things seem to calm down."
Raiden let out a small laugh. "Calm down? Yeah, right, Snake. Have you forgotten we're in Tokyo-3 of all places? Not to mention the type of people we have to deal with working with..."
Snake glared at the younger soldier, but he did see his point.
"Okay, okay...Asuka's not exactly the slow-to-temper type, especially for one her age..." Snake threw up his arms. "But she is Garland's student and even he has some difficulty dealing with her as of now."
"I heard that, Snake." Garland's voice rang out from behind Snake and Raiden.
"Hansen. Durev." Snake nodded when he saw the Garland and Michael approach him. "What's up?"
"We were just thinking about this situation with Asuka..." Michael said. "It's really bothering me of how she is acting these days, and it has brought up some questionable thoughts when Rei eventually moves in with you guys."
"Seems that is the only thing we have to be worrying about other than Solidus, Ocelot and the Patriots at the moment..." Snake replied.
"Yeah, we have given this a lot of thought." Garland said.
"If this carries on, this can cause some serious problems. It's a bomb waiting to go off." Michael said. "I say we should step in and do something about this before that happens..."
"I'm getting your drift, guys. I myself think this is a rush of developments that Misato isn't aware of." Snake spoke.
"That's pretty odd coming from you..." Raiden said to Snake in a low tone of sarcasm. "But I agree with you about this. So what are you three planning to do about this?"
"We're going to have a discussion with Commander Fuyutsuki to settle and approve the change of living arrangements." Michael said. "I'm sure Snake will find no trouble assisting us in this, wouldn't it?"
"None at all." Snake replied. "We can go as of now if you want this done and over with."
"Fine with us, then it's to the Commander's office where off to." Garland said, then glanced at Raiden who suddenly looked uninterested. "Coming along with us, Jack?"
"There's no need for me to. I can guess for myself where's this will lead to. Besides, I promised Rose I'd take her and Charlie for a trip around the city soon." Raiden replied. "You guys have my luck anyway...you're going to need it."
"Something tells me we'll definitely be doing that." Snake replied with a light smile. "Okay, guys...let's get moving to the Commander's office."
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Meanwhile at school, Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Sohryu were nearing another class period. Things seemed normal for the time being, despite the city was under siege by the Sons of Liberty and Arsenal Gear now under NERV's possession. Thankfully, Kari Mondeau alone was assigned to guard the pilots today, since James Masterson and Mana Kirishima had other duties of safeguarding Arsenal from hostile forces.
Shinji couldn't keep his mind focused on the boring work anyway, as his thoughts were on remembering how Snake treated him differently to his father. He remembered on an occasion after training with him just days ago, Garland and Raiden, he overheard the conversation between a group of NERV technicians who were part of a team responsible of reconstructing Unit 03 using the restored GW and Omega Ray technology.
"Hey, how much do you know about the Commander's expiration some time ago?" one of the male techies asked his colleague.
"Oh, you must be talking about the Third's father?" he replied. "I don't know exactly what happened, all I know he's dead."
"Yeah, must be a for few weeks back now." Another techie cut in. "I wonder how he died, though...I thought he'd never go!"
With that comment, a few of the other companions around them laughed sarcastically.
"I wonder what's his funeral will be like..."
"Its likely to be a very cheap funeral. I don't know a single soul who would go to it." One of them said.
"I wouldn't mind going!" one of the head technicians said, which responded by a puzzled look from his colleagues. He suddenly glares at them quickly. "Only if lunch is provided!"
Eventually, that also got a laugh from most of the technicians who listened. Then, it somehow reminded of something when one of them looked at his watch.
"Oh and speaking of lunch...." looking at their watches as they headed out for a break. Back to the present, Shinji somehow couldn't help but take what they said about Gendou like that, but he ended up feeling assured that he wasn't the only one who felt less burdened thanks to Gendou's absence from the world.
From what he remembered of vague details, Snake and Misato were only a variety of people who even attended Gendou's (apparently cheap) funeral along with only a small group of Section 2 agents whose only duties was to escort and protect the new Commander Fuyutsuki on this service. The Children themselves weren't able to attend, since they were needed at more important errands that ensured the unity of NERV and Philanthropy, but it was already certain that not one of them had any more respect for Gendou by not turning out.
"Damn! At a time like this, does it really have to rain today?" Misato Katsuragi asked as she and Solid Snake approached the coffin closer. Luckily for Misato, Snake was holding an umbrella over her head to protect her from the weather. "It must be a bad sign or something..."
"You promised Shinji you would come here and see for yourself who will come." Snake said. "For his sake, I must add."
"I know, I know..." Misato replied. "Though, I must say...this is truly a pathetic scene. Barely anyone's here to see him off."
"Who in the hell would bother? Both Hal and Raiden flat out refused to come, and I doubt your buddies from NERV will come as well." Snake replied, as the cigarette in his mouth seemed to be unaffected by the weather. The two approached Commander Kouzou Fuyutsuki.
"So, the two of you had managed to come..." Fuyutsuki said, as he held an umbrella over his head while two Section 2 agents observed the covered coffin.
"We didn't want to disappoint Shinji, but I'd guess he would care less about his father anymore after all that he has done, wouldn't he?" Misato said. "I'm just surprised that we didn't bother to carry on a service before the burial."
"We did that on the cause that the Patriots won't be so easily gullible about his death if we did announce a service for him, so it was best to go straight ahead and bury him without raising attention for the enemy concerning this matter." Fuyutsuki said.
"I understand that, Commander. But good will that be for your organization?" Snake said. "Trust me on this...they must be overjoyed that Gendou's gone, now that they can throw something at us if we're not prepared."
"We will have to wait and see what happens next then..." Misato said, as she observed the coffin herself. (What a relief that he's gone...but that doesn't mean we're any less safe...)
(At least this world's safe of one less person capable of bringing about the end for us...) Snake thought to himself. As his cigarette got closer to it's butt, he took it and stamped his foot on it, before he attempted to littered the grave with it. He has had enough of being here, he'd rather be going after Revolver Ocelot, Solidus and his group than being here. Taking Misato by an arm, he talked in a low tone into her ears.
"Whenever you feel like leaving, I'm going along with you." Snake said.
"Like right now...lead the way." Misato replied as she and Snake turned and left the burial service, as Fuyutsuki stood there by himself as the coffin began to get lowered into the ground.
(I wonder what Yui would think of you now after all that you've done to deserve this, Ikari?) he thought to himself. (But then again...with the exception of yourself, we all know the answer to that, do we? How can she even consider having feelings for one such as yourself?)
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"Hey, Shinji...you okay?" Kari called out to Shinji as he stopped remembering and focused back to the present. It seems as if lunchtime has come and students around him were having their meals.
"Sorry about that...I was just remembering what everyone was thinking about my father..." Shinji said. "It's not like I miss him or anything, just that they seemed pleased that he's gone from our lives forever."
"And you're not?" she asked.
"I still don't know what to feel any more..." Shinji said in return. "This is happening all so suddenly that I can't really make up my mind if I should be pleased with him being gone or not."
"Maybe you still have to get used to that, Shinji." Kari told him. "Knowing your history, you're not used to adjusting to these situations unless you don't have the right kind of training like myself and my friends in FOXHOUND."
"I will have to, sooner or later..." he simply replied. "Snake and his friends will have to be counting on me, Ayanami and Asuka again soon when they need it."
"That is true, but it seems that you're already on that path by now. And you're doing a good job at that." Kari implied.
(That may be true.) Shinji thought to himself with a light smile. (But I wonder what Snake will do about Ayanami moving into our home soon, while James and Asuka are there?)
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At the Commander's office in NERV, Commander Fuyutsuki had already listened and reasoned with Snake, Michael and Garland about the situation concerning the living arrangements at the Katsuragi residence.
"I understand the situation clearly, gentlemen." Fuyutsuki spoke as he sat behind his new (formerly Gendou's) desk. "Dr. Akagi's recent synch tests from the Children alone show all the signs of the Second's growing aggression with everyone around her...having Ayanami moving in soon with Katsuragi will certainly cause her tempers to flare highly."
"Commander, I was thinking about how this can be settled effectively since we both care for the welfare of the pilots." Garland said. "If possible, have her relocated into my living quarters, along with Masterson, since both can and will somehow, have to adapt together if they are to work together in a situation that will require both of their skills as combatants."
"Ah, yes...you're one of the closest of individuals who can earn her trust easily, Durev. But are you certain about Masterson as well?" Fuyutsuki said. "I've seen enough of his records from FOXHOUND about his mentality...it's just the same with Asuka's, or even worst if based on the social levels. So, is it even safe to allow this to happen?"
"It may seem misappropriate at first, but if you think about it, this can be a start for Asuka to open up to James, not to mention, have James give her some experience in the use of the sniper rifle." Michael said. Fuyutsuki sat back and gave this some thought before he spoke once more.
"I'm not certain myself about the future of this arrangement, but I'm willing to entrust you with this responsibility, Durev." Fuyutsuki said seriously. "However, on the event that something endangers the Second Child because of improper care for your guardian's safety is left in Masterson's, you will have to answer to me. Understood?"
"Perfectly, sir. I won't disappoint you, or those children." Durev replied in a serious tone. He was dead serious in dealing of Asuka's welfare.
"Excellent. I shall have the notification papers of the change of living arrangements for both the Second Child and Silent Scorpion to live with you delivered to Katsuragi as early as this evening." Fuyutsuki said. "Will that be all, gentlemen?"
"Certainly, we won't take up any more of your time, Commander." Snake said.
"Oh, before you gents leave, Dr. Akagi wants Hansen to visit her office when you get the chance. It seems that both Scorpion and Eagle are there as well to report the status of your nanosuits." Fuyutsuki said.
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Meanwhile, back at Ritsuko's office...
"You called for us, Dr. Akagi?" the ever so beautiful Linn Aramaki asked, when she stepped into her office, as Silent Scorpion was right behind her, carrying his seventeen inch katana, Fate.
"That's right, Linn. Both of your suits are completed." Ritsuko said, handing them both suitcases that contained their nanosuits. "I do hope this is to your liking, since it was your boyfriend who went through so much trouble to get this type of technology and data in his possession."
"Yeah...that Greg really is something." Linn replied in a low, sad tone.
"I'm sure Greg hasn't forgotten you, or the rest of us, Linn." James told her. "He wouldn't, he's just consumed with taking care of things in the States right now before he can focus on coming back here."
Linn simply sighed to James' comment. "I know, I know...I just wished he wasn't so reckless in this thing, but that's why Riku and his partners are there. But even if that's the case, Greg's still the type to easily lose it just for the fun of it."
"Anyway...Scorpion, your nanosuit's designated number and codename is Sniper. The FH-016-DEADEYE is a suit exclusively tailored for sniping, with bracers at the forearm and wrists that stiffen when activated." Naomi explained. "These bracers reduce muscle tremor and prevents trembling from affecting sniping. The bracers can be deactivated to return normal dexterity."
"There are special nano-progs include diazepam injections, improved eyesight, and quicker reaction times." Ritsuko said. "Medium range combat will become more difficult, due to lack of reinforcement of that particular aspect."
Scorpion gave an approving nod, before he spoke. "As long I got the knife throwing to compensate for that, I'm all for it."
"The codename for it is simply known as Sniper." Naomi said, before she turned to Linn. Now, Linn...for some details based on your equipment. Your suit, which is the seventh made, has the codename FH-017-BOLT or Sprinter. A suit designed to emphasize speed over power."
"The nano-progs will boost your already impressive agility and reflexes, allowing you to strike more times than before." Ritsuko explained. "The nanomachines will also boost body functions to allow constant exercise, one of them such as such as running, to be performed longer. It's also derivative of the FURY suit, it also bears the customized gloves and boot modifications, but at a lesser degree. So, whereas the FURY bears metal reinforced gauntlets, claws, and boots, the BOLT suit has something similar to a karate fighter with padding to protect the hands and feet."
"Sounds like this will take the fun out of everything..." Linn said.
"This suit won't do that, its' role is to help and protect you from any possible scenario that you couldn't see coming." Naomi said. "Trust us on this one. I didn't name your suit Sprinter for nothing."
Just then, Michael stepped in the room. Ritsuko looked at his direction and handed him his specific nanosuit.
"Ah, Michael...just in time to test out your own nanosuit..." Ritsuko said to him. "The eighth suit, the FH-018-RECOM, will concentrate on your skills as a tactician and strategist. The nano-progs release chemicals that allow for clearer thinking and better memory; enhancements to the five senses are included as well."
"Built into this suit are various reconnaissance gear, such as a laser-based listening device." Naomi explained. "The device shoots a beam of invisible laser which could detect the vibrations of a window and translating it into sound. It has a powerful hacking system with laptop, enhanced stealth capabilities, and powerful communications gear that can decrypt and translate even the toughest and most secure encryption software."
"Also, the suit is linked up with the other suits, allowing the wearer to observe the activities and whereabouts of the other soldiers. Communications between the RECOM and other suits allow for easy command and tactics to be delivered." Ritsuko said. "The MAGI based laptop has access to hundreds of various satellites, such as communications, spy, and even the Hubble Space Telescope, and can hack into practically any system. Because of the advanced technologies used, it is given similar stealth capabilities as the GHOST suit for reconnaissance, and is suggested to stay in the rear lines when in Commander mode."
"So, is that the default name of the suit then?" Michael asked.
"Certainly, since it fits you well." Ritsuko said with a light smile. "So, may I mind asking, what were you and your friends from FOXHOUND doing at the new Commander's office?"
"Simply discussing the living arrangements for the Katsuragi household. Seems to went better than I thought..." Michael replied.
"Meaning?" Linn asked.
"Since James is here, I might as well tell him..." He then turned to James. "As of this evening, you'll be moving into Garland's quarters with Asuka. Will that be alright with you?"
"I got no problem with that, but is it even recommended?" James said. "I know how she reacts each day, and it's tough to get used to someone like that."
"If it comes to that, I'll do my best to handle her...anger management, as long you keep your end to protect her." Michael said.
"You certain you can do that?" Linn asked.
"Most certain." He replied. "I'm more concerned about how Snake will handle telling this to Misato later..."
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Later that day, back at the Katsuragi apartment...
"Hey, since when did this came up?" Misato asked Snake as she glanced over the fax message about Asuka and James moving into Garland's quarters. Luckily, Shinji and the other Children were at NERV in the process of weapons training.
"Earlier today. It was both Garland's and Michael's idea." He simply replied as he smoked.
"And you think this would make things better for all of us living here?" Misato said. "I thought having Rei moving in with us would do Shinji and her some good after all that has happened."
"That is not so, Misato. You yourself have seen how Asuka is reacting each day." Snake said. "She's most likely going to hurt someone like Shinji or Rei if she gets out of control...her temper is not helping the situation any bit."
Misato sat back on her couch alongside Snake and pondered what he said. "I guess I was being blind to how this would result in, huh?"
"I wouldn't say that." Snake said, wrapping an arm around her. "At least we were able to step up and do something about it before it led to disaster. But I'm guessing that if she continues on like this, acting as if she needs no one to help her...she might as well putting her own life as well the life of others around her at risk."
"Someone has to reach out and help her realise that, but if that's the case, it's going to take more than that..." Misato said. Snake looked at Misato in silence before he spoke again, as he took out a handgun he had been keeping since he managed to salvage some useful weapons since his entry in the NERV armoury some time ago.
"Misato...your model's a 9mm H&K USP, (Heckler & Koch Universal Service Pistol)
right?" Snake asked. "I think you'll be needing this as a back up just in case something like our buddies from Dead Cell pops up suddenly."
"Hmm...Five-seveN FN (Fabrique Nationale)...I'd never guess NERV would have this." Misato examined the gun closely. "Belgium type made as well..."
"It was either this or the HK UCP (Ultimate Combat Pistol), but this would suit you better, since it's smaller than you're the UCP..." Snake explained. "The UCP is a bit more powerful in some terms, as it has a low recoil, high capacity, high accuracy pistol with very good armour piercing capabilities. the 4.6mm round can pierce standard body armour from about 100 metres. This was still in production as dated back in 2003. And it's also chambered for a new round as well."
"I'll be keeping the Fiv-seveN then...but tell me something. Misato smiled at Snake. "Is this supposed to signify something important between the two of us, David?"
"Just being a help to you, so your ass won't be in trouble if this shit with the Patriots and Dead Cell finally hits the fan." Snake replied. "Chances are that I won't be around all the time to help you, you know that?"
"You make it sound as if you won't be there to help us when we need you..." Misato replied solemnly.
"That's not what I'm saying..." he replied.
"Oh, get to the point, will you? I know things have become more than normal since the FOXHOUND's group been with us, but don't make it sound like I'm going to lose you or something. It's starting to frighten me." Misato said, letting herself become relaxed in Snake's arms.
"It will be alright, Misato...I can promise you that." He said, hugging her closer. "Things will get better for all of us soon, we just have to wait and see what the future brings us."
"I can only hope for good things, especially for Shinji and the rest of the Children..." she said.
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Soon afterwards Asuka was told about her change of living arrangements, she didn't sound to pleased at first, but quickly simmered down knowing her guardian would be Garland. When it was time for her to move several of the stuff she would be needing to the apartment next door she will be living in from now on, her boxes of her belonging were in front of the apartment's door.
Michael Hansen had returned from NERV to visit Snake, when he saw Asuka and James outside the apartment. Asuka was attempting to carry one of the boxes into the apartment, when James came to her assistance.
"Here, let me help you, Asuka." James said to her, but Asuka shoved him aside.
"Why don't you just leave me alone?!" she shouted back. "I don't need your help...I don't need anyone's help...haven't you got that by now?"
"Will you stop being so pushy about this? You can't expect to do this by yourself...you know what? I can care less about this, if you think you can handle the rest of this, I won't get in your way then." James said sternly as he left her standing there, holding unto the box, passing Michael and going back to Misato's apartment. Michael then sighed as he approached her to speak to her.
"Why do you keep pushing him away when he's only trying to help you?" Michael asked Asuka.
"How can a sociopath like him ever help me?" she harshly remarked. "If it's one thing having WonderGirl taking my place at home, I got to deal with working day in, to day out with you sideshows. It's so much that's it driving me crazy!"
"Asuka, in case you've failed to notice, there are people who care about you...myself included." Michael said. "Your attitude is the reason why your synch ratio is dropping and it's pointless that you keep putting the blame on others. You think it only relieves the symptoms, but does not cure the problem. At times like this, there's no time for rivalry games or blaming each other."
"Who the hell are you to say something like that to me?!" she fumed. "There's nothing wrong with me, it's just that you people get in my way so much that it's irritating! Why do you try so hard in the first place?"
"You don't seem to get it, do you?" he asked. "Then, let me ask you this...if in the next battle something happens that will be of your reckless consequences, do you really want to die? If so how, many do you want take with you?"
Asuka seemed to quiet down a she heard this, as some of the message seemed to be getting through to her. This got Michael to speak some more.
"Asuka...being a true warrior is not about just fighting, personal glory or the approval of others, but its following what your heart tells you and protecting those you hold dear and that strength comes not from pushing people away when they try to help you...its about accepting help when you need it." He told her as he turned his back to leave her. "I also want you to remember that would have died long ago if I pushed people away when they tried to help me. You'd do best to do the same as well."
Asuka simply shook her head as she heard this from Michael. She didn't want to believe his words, but she knew somewhere along the line, she will have to change if she don't want to endanger those around her.
(But...who else can help me find that worth?) she thought to herself, as she denied to her self that she was starting to cry from remembering his words. (Momma...please help me...)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
As Michael entered Misato's apartment, he saw James holding unto his Fate, staring to the window in his old room at the city.
"Hey, James. You alright?" Michael asked. James decided to remain silent, but simply replied with a nod to his comrade. As he stood closer to James, he placed a hand on the young sniper's arm.
"Don't be too worried...she would come to her senses sooner or later." Michael said. "Just don't stop trying to help her, no matter how hard she pushes you away...because there will come a time when she will really need someone."
Without responding, James simply stared off into the city night. Michael let go of James, wondering what James could be thinking at this point of time.
(Well, they don't call him Silent for nothing...) Michael thought to himself as he left the room. James clutched unto his katana once more, remembering what Sniper Wolf, his former master and the person close to his mother, whom he had killed weeks before in a mission in Cuba (check RuneKnightPictures fic) had told him, something very important and dear to him...
"James, you are not meant to die this early in your life. Your name will go down in history." A dying Sniper Wolf told him, as a knife he had thrown found it's way to her chest in a battle to test from Wolf to test her student, no...more like her son's...capabilities. It seemed to work well for her and better than she thought.
Scorpion bowed his head. "Why?"
"I do not know why Ocelot thought I would be best to teach you. But, maybe he knew I would teach you how to live and accept death." Wolf spasmed as she steadily lost blood. "I have waited all my life to die, I thought it would happen at Shadow Moses, by the hand of Saladin. But I never knew that it would be delivered in the hand of my student, my son. I loved you the way I never thought possible, as a mother."
Stop, you're dying."
"No, I must teach you one last lesson. You are different; you deliver death to others, because you are not ready to die. Be prepared to die eventually. Let the blood that flows through your veins guide you. Now, finish it."
Scorpion gritted his teeth as he remembered that painful memory. He will have to live by those words from now on. Maybe he can use his experience to help Asuka with her pain, but what good will that do at the end?) he thought.
(I shouldn't give up on this...she'll listen eventually.) James thought to himself as he picked up the last set of belongings he had and left the room.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ShardclawK: Ah, yes. Such a cauldron of emotional stress and emotions this chapter was. Okay, so it didn't have action, but at least most of the fanatics out there are satisfied for the moment with the developments of the pairings thus far, as well as the character interactions. I also hoped you liked the rest of the nanosuits as well, there will be some more on the way as soon Greg makes his return to this fic. (Not anytime soon, I'm afraid...)
I also hoped most of you have noticed that Rune's created OC, Scorpion will be paired up with Asuka, and also Garland plays a vital part in her life, so better check both of their companion stories for more about that. Thanks to GreyWolf4 and TempestDynasty for the bits that helped me in this chapter. That means when the 15th Angel arrives, things will get very hectic and it will be unlike anything you've seen before. Just a couple more bonus chapters to go before it show up after this, so get your oxygen tanks and keep them close to you.
I would have waited until the 17th to update this, but why wait? You guys would probably forget about me as soon as that game comes out...(like the majority of you who are playing Halo 2 as of now...man, am I jealous.) Yeah, I'm talking about MGS3: SnakeEater, that's when the game comes out finally and I for one can't wait to get it. Hope it turns out good as the hype says it is...
Easter Egg: To those who didn't know, there's actually an Evangelion AMV that has the MGS2 opening theme for it. It's called 'Evangelion Solid' and it can be found on the site, (make sure that you have a fast connection though...I'll post it in a review if this edit thing won't work...) you can also find other tons of AMV's to your tasting. The video's a really good inspiration for this fic if you're fans of this story, though I sense there could be better ones one the way. A very big thanks to DarkFusion for letting me know about this.
And now, time for another Gendou bashing and chick receiving omake! Enjoy.
KOS-MOS: Kusanagi-sama, Konoko and her reinforcements are finally sustained with minimal injuries.
ShardclawK: Good work, girls. And for that, I'll treat all of you with another wild time in my room with enough condiments for a confectionery factory!
Just before the girls can get excited for the offer, Gendou Ikari steps in.
ShardclawK: Yo, what's up, wankster? Didn't I kill you so long ago? Why are you here anyway?
Gendou: Shardclaw! How dare you do that scene with my funeral as if it means nothing! Not only you have ignored it since you killed me to satisfy yourself and the numbers of your fanbase, but you also have Shinji totally disregard me as an important figure anymore! Not only that, you also have the Patriots themselves kill me just for being the most selfish bastard in Evangelion!
ShardclawK: Ah, so you finally admit it, eh? I feel so proud of myself sometimes.
Gendou: Your reign as the one who killed me and the one who owns a growing harem of anime and game females which each update of this story and Soldier X ends here, Shardclaw! Any last words?
ShardclawK: Yeah...I would have used Greg to kill you in this omake, since you mentioned his fic, but he says he has taken an oath to go after much threatening wanksters like Lt. Matthew Reese, instead of coming after you. Such a shame...he would have much fun using you as practice...
Gendou: Pitiful...at least you could have begged for mercy...
Before he pulls the trigger, a kunai thrown DF's OC, Riku Hanabishi appears (ninja style). It lunges itself into Gendou's right hand. From the sides, Nagi Naoe and Tot of Weiss Kreuz appears as well.
Riku: Shardclaw never grovel in front of old, wanker men like you, Gendou. He just kills them.
ShardclawK: Hey, it's Riku. And I see he has brought his partners with him, Nagi Naoe and his girl, Tot.
Riku: Hey, Shardclaw! Let me and my partners have the honour of killing him in this omake. I know that will make us, as well as DarkFusion, very happy.
ShardclawK: Happy enough that he'll send more Negima! chicks and some more bonuses for this update?
Nagi: Of course, there's nothing more he likes than seeing Gendou dead by his own OC's hands.
ShardclawK: As long as they all come wearing something skimpy, easily removable and showing enough skin, he got himself a deal! I'll leave it up to him to decide what it will be though as thanks for sending me so much goodies lately...I'm actually running out of outfits for the chicks I got now these days.
Tot: We'll be sure to deliver that message to him once we're done with Gendou here. By the meantime, we took the liberty of bringing these girls that Tempest has been keeping for you.
ShardclawK: You guys are too kind! Bring them in!
From the office door, Raine Sage, Sheena Fujibayashi from Tales of Symphonia, Éclair and Lumeire from Kiddy Grade and Nanako Shichigusa and Karou Satsuki of Amazing Nurse Nanako appears. The ToS girls have on only very revealing and sexy, thong bikinis, while Éclair and Lumeire had thin, slinky versions of their original uniforms, with very revealing and edible underwear, and Nanako and Karou had nothing but washable, coloured body paint.
Éclair: I do hope you're quite energetic to handle all of us at once, Shardclaw-sama. You had us waiting so long for you to update, we can't wait to 'cure' you of any more writer's block for your fics.
Lumeire: Also included with us is a bucket full of peanut butter...the crunchy, cookies and cream kind and a department sized shipment of various clothing for more shipments DF will be sending you, such as cosplay and school uniforms, swimsuits and bikinis, panties, edible undies and a bunch of stuff I'm sure you like to dress us up in.
Sheena: And as soon you're done with us, on a later date after us, the Summon Spirits from ToS, Sephie, Fairess, Yutis, Undine, Luna, and Celcius will come to you after you've...'recharged'.
ShardclawK: Yow, baby! Best set of chicks sent to me since the Xenogears, GGXX and the Ai Yori Aoshi were delivered to me. Now, to take the rest of this in the master bedroom, while Riku and his partners take care of Gendou. Have fun, you guys.
Riku: Oh, you know we will, Shardclaw. Though you'll be having more of it that we are, but that's you. (Then turns to Gendou, as he ignites a flame on his right fist.) Now, then...where I should start?
Nagi: (Powering up a large psychic energy ball.) I got dibs on his head!
Tot: No, that's Riku's speciality. I'll just sever his head from the rest of his body and then we can do whatever we want with it! (Takes out her Muramasa blade.)
Nagi: Fine with me, as long he looks nothing more than a pile of meat when we're done with him.
The camera shifts back to me, as Riku, Nagi and Tot starts to give Gendou some much deserving punishment. Blood curdled cries from Gendou could be heard in the background.
ShardclawK: Heh, I'd rather use my energy for more important things, than wasting wanksters like Gendou Ikari. Like writing fics and play games, and...get around in the orgies from the hot chick deliveries! That's why I let other people do it for me. Anyway, I hoped everyone liked this update and I hope to see you soon in the next update, folks. As always, please review the fic and I promise you see this monster on the faster updating list soon. For now, enjoy your snakes for dinner and check back in a month for another update.
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.