Disclaimer: The same as always, so check in the previous chapters. Also, I do not own GreyWolf4's Carter Drake, Robert Thorn and the Wolf Pack.
Authors' Note: Sorry for the long wait, fans. Working on my other fics can be quite challenging at times if you got more than just one fan-base clamouring for more updates. And to say the least, I'm still in the recovery stages from DarkFusion's birthday shipments, but at least I had a very good birthday. New anime shipments, groups of hawt and cute anime and game chicks…and finally, 200 reviews for this story! Damn, that has got to be the best set of birthday presents I ever got! Thanks for the support from all the readers, and new bunch of recent ones, including another number of new fans. Now give me 200 more before I finish this fic!
Heh, just kidding about that last part, but it would be still cool for that to happen. Anyway, here's your update of this famous EVA/MGS story and as I promised, you'll start seeing the pairings for this story in motion, along with more twists, surprises, action and Shardclaw-style fan service that you all know and love. This is where things are going to be a tad serious, folks, guess it's time to start worrying a bit...
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Chapter 27: Forces of Evil, Part 2
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It was lunch period at school and the class of 2-A was busier than usual, getting together for their meals than having to bother with the number of students that have stopped coming to school due to the constant Angel attacks.
Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami and Touji Suzahara were among of the number of students who were having lunch among themselves and the rest of the class, those consisting of their companions, Kensuke Aida, Hikari Horaki and their fellow FOXHOUND bodyguard/friend, Kari Mondeau.
"So, the devil girl's on sick leave from school for a while?" Touji asked as he munched away on the bento lunch Hikari brought for him today. He and Kensuke were told of the crazy details that had happening from the last Angel attack from Shinji as part of conversation.
"That's understandable, considering what that Angel was capable of." Kensuke spoke. "Even from the emergency shelter I was staying during that time, I managed to get a recording of the battle and even from my end, I could tell it wouldn't have been pretty to be in that Eva at the time."
"Yeah…Asuka did go through some hell back there…not to mention those two from FOXHOUND who risked their necks to save her." Shinji said in a low tone, but quickly shook his head as he spoke. "But the surprising thing is that they all made it through from that experience."
"That what really stumps me the most…how they managed to get through an ordeal like that and still end up managing to have stayed sane afterwards?" Touji said, as he still ate on Hikari's lunch. It was now a routine for the class rep these days to start bringing lunches for him from an earlier agreement. Personally for Hikari, this was one of her ways of getting closer to him as Touji begun to start having hints of Hikari's affection towards him, though it's kind of tough for her to keep it secret from everyone else, expect from Asuka maybe.
"Well, that's to say how closely related to one another they are that helped them through that time, that's the best explanation I can come up with for the time being from what I've been told knowing Garland's past with Asuka." Kari spoke now.
"Yeah, I guess that can be a way of saying how they got through it all. I'm just glad they are all alright, especially Asuka." Shinji spoke.
"How has Misato been doing since then?" Kensuke had to ask.
"She's been a wreck up to late, considering all that's been happening to us." Shinji said as he took a quick glance at Rei Ayanami who silently was having her lunch. He thought about what's going to happen now since they started living together with Solid Snake and Misato Katsuragi just not so long ago.
"She's going to need her new boyfriend to help her out as much as she will need the support." Hikari said to Shinji. She was among those within the band of friends Shinji had who knew of Snake and Misato shacking up awhile back, thanks to Asuka's gossiping. "Not to mention you of course, Shinji."
"I know…I'm making sure to be ready to back up Misato as well in any case, I did say I would do what I could to help Snake and his buddies fight the Patriots a while back and I'm sure Misato's a target by them since my father got taken out of the picture. I won't let them do anything to hurt her or anyone close to me." Shinji spoke. He was pretty much set to even go to the lengths of protecting Misato with his abilities as the Third Child assigned pilot for Evangelion Unit 01.
"Yeah, Shinji…I'd figured you'll try to copy Snake to help out." Kensuke spoke with a grin. "Guess spending all that time with him must have given you the confidence to stand up to those guys."
"You think so, Kensuke?" Shinji asked.
"Ever since Solid Snake came across here, you've been reacting more confidently these days, almost a new kind of person, you know?" Hikari said. "You've changed."
"Maybe I still am, Hikari…I'm not sure if even when I do help Snake and everyone else whose lives are being targeted by our new human enemies, it wouldn't change the fact that NERV helping him and his buddies from Philanthropy and FOXHOUND will make it simpler, but I still got to do something." Shinji said seriously.
"At least you've grown a backbone against those who want to push you and NERV around, Shinji. That counts for something." Touji said.
"But it's best you be careful and just focus on the Angels while we FOXHOUNDers deal with the human threats." Kari said.
"You're right…" Shinji said, as he sighed to relax a bit and started to look around the3classroom. "Looks like this class will soon be empty of students by the time another Angel attacks…"
"Yeah, since Asuka's staying from school today to get check ups on her, excepting us and some other students, we're the only ones here to even fill the class." Hikari said, looking around. "I've had a talk with the principals and the teachers earlier this week concerning this and it seems this area is getting closer and closer to those Angel attacks."
"So, that means everyone here is moving?" Shinji asked a bit surprised.
"It would be sensible with all that's been happening so far…this city's no longer safe for anyone." Kensuke replied as he lifted his glasses.
"I bet it won't be any safer if those guys who are after Snake get a hold of this city through force of any kind." Touji said.
"Are you referring to Dead Cell or the Patriots, Touji?" Hikari asked.
"Both." Touji replied simply. "I mean, after seeing the size of Arsenal Gear in the GeoFront some days ago and hearing from Kensuke that SEELE's been taken over by terrorists, I get the feeling this is some kind of prelude to something really nasty that's going to happen. I just hope to be away with my sister far from here when it happens…"
"I couldn't argue with you on that, Touji." Hikari said, now admiring his serious outlook on the situation. It's as if everything Touji had took into consideration about the situation regarding the Patriots, Dead Cell and the Angels with what he's been told so far that came true about their home city…Tokyo-3 was now the most dangerous place on the planet to be in right now. She seemed to be frightened about it as Touji mentioned it, but just being close to him, she felt assured Touji wasn't going to let anything happen to her as well if the Patriots were to come after him, due to that fact he's just a stand by pilot for Evangelion Unit 03, which is still undergoing repairs and maintenance using Arsenal Gear's and NERV's combined technology.
"In any case, I do hope wherever you guys are heading off would be somewhere that the enemy won't reach you." Kari said, having much concern for Kensuke's well being.
"Ah, I doubt it will be forever we'll be gone. The wisest thing to do is just wait it out till the smoke's clear and come back to our homes. It's not like we have any other homes to go to." Kensuke said, rubbing his hair nervously, knowing Kari was worried about what he would do next as she was starting to grow certain feelings for the military/otaku nut.
"So you're not leaving Tokyo-3 right away?" Shinji asked.
"Maybe within the next week or so, it depends what our parents will do as long no other crazy stuff happens." Touji said. "But, don't you worry your head too much, Shin-man, we'll make sure to let you know when we're leaving, so it's not going to be entirely that bad."
"I do hope so; things wouldn't exactly be the same without you guys around." Shinji said with a grin. Amidst the conversation, Rei Ayanami was paying little attention of the conversation, but instead more focusing on what has been happening to her and those around her since the former Commander of NERV, Gendou Ikari was killed by the Patriots for his acts some time back.
Slowly by the day, she was becoming aware of her own self and existence as a being, as an individual whose existence wasn't meant to serve the purpose for the likes of Gendou Ikari. This was portrayed with her being in contact with Shinji Ikari now more than ever and interventions by Solid Snake and his fellow compatriots from FOXHOUND and Philanthropy in the recent past.
Rei gained certain new experiences from these differentiated guardians of the Earth that opened a new path for her, thus up to now she still has to fully understand how to progress socially with everyone around her. Each time she glanced at Shinji, she only felt stronger feelings towards him as she felt liberated in a sense from the indescribable hold Gendou had on her.
(Ikari…what is this…feeling I have? This warmth...is something I've never felt before with the former Commander…) Rei thought to herself, looking at her hand and placing it on her chest. (Are these…actual feelings that I've been unable to have? Why is this happening to me now…?)
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Meanwhile, back inside NERV's conference room, Carter Drake stood there hardly amused in front of the audience in front of him, who were called in earlier to hear what this General from FOXHOUND had to say at a time like this. Misato knew clearly that this Drake character wasn't here to commend her about her progress up to now.
"Sub-Commander Katsuragi, allow me get to the point…" Drake said coolly as he as he opened his suitcase and soon the table was nearly covered with documents, photographs and records.
"What is a superior officer like you from FOXHOUND doing here in NERV?" Misato asked. "Does Campbell know that you're here, General?"
"I'll be the one asking questions, Katsuragi. I surely hope you have satisfying answers for me." Drake replied, ignoring Misato's role as an important person for NERV. Because of his U.S Army General status and role, it's hardly any surprise to those in the room like Garland and Michael to guess Drake already has power over Misato before she knew what hit her.
"Roy Campbell doesn't need to know why I'm here, as I'm on important orders that concern the operations of this base under your command as of late." Drake spoke as he begun to shake his head. "And I must say just how poorly you acted on your behalf, Misato Katsuragi."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Misato asked sternly.
"Your handling as a guardian is surely poor from everyone else's point of view, I'm quite certain of it." Drake said. "I had reports about just how you're taking care of the Second and Third Child resulted to some situations that would have been prevented if they had the proper care of a role model they can follow, but you never took your roles that seriously, haven't you?"
Misato's eyes widened at Drake's comment, striking a mean blow to her, knowing this was very true. All the recent events and work kept her from being a serious role model to Shinji and Asuka, but the biggest concern she had in mind was how this complete stranger knows about her business. She wanted to think about Drake being a possible enemy, but she has to deal with him first.
"So what if I haven't been good at looking after Shinji and Asuka?" Misato replied with her arms folded. "You know just how hectic this base can be nowadays with both human and Angel attackers around…"
"But still, you've only used them to your own ends. I could imagine the amount of times those poor children have been put in dangerous situations in battles because of your judgement." Drake spoke. "Katsuragi, these children have been put through a lot and they have you to deal with as a strategist, vice commander and guardian, I really think it's not appropriate that one such as you who has poor grades in the responsibility department can handle those tasks at the same time."
"Now, wait here, General…" Snake stepped in to speak, but was held back by Garland before he did anything else.
"Let him finish, Snake. He has a right to do this, I think." Garland said, also having to put up with this nearly embarrassing moment for NERV. And Drake was just getting warmed up.
"Katsuragi, I think those children, considering their conditions, especially the Second Child's, must be properly handled by experienced people who know how to balance their lives and the children which this base depends on to be healthy in mind and spirit. The safety of humanity is on their hands after all…" Drake said as he held up records of Misato's health records. "This can be said true to the levels of depression you've had, not to mention the consumption of alcohol you've had ..."
"That was really a low blow to the vice Commander, Dr. Akagi…" Maya spoke quietly to her superior, overhearing the conversation. Drake was actually taking advantage of Misato's drinking problem as well.
"Yeah, this general's starting to make us look bad…" Ritsuko whispered to Maya.
Misato was trying her best to prevent herself from blowing her top as Drake was pointing out to everyone her shortcomings and weaknesses. Thanks to the insider information he got from the Patriots about NERV's operations, he had all the evidence to put Misato's career on a teetering level.
"Though, of all the operations in the past, I must commend your famous 'Operation Yashima' proved useful, considering the situation needed to defeat such an impenetrable Angel." Drake said, nodding his head. "Draining all of Japan of its electrical power to destroy the Angel was probably the best option you've had since your time here in NERV, Katsuragi."
"That was one of my finest pieces of strategy yet!" Misato said her eyes glaring at Drake who still sat there coolly in front of her. "How dare you say my operations didn't do much! It really doesn't matter as long we get the enemy destroyed!"
"I'd advise you watch that tone of voice or else I can have you demoted back to Major, or Captain." Drake warned her seriously. "Not to mention, any outburst from your end would result in NERV losing favour to the United Nations, so do think ahead before you act, Vice Commander."
(Why you old croak…!) Misato thought angrily as she sat down, already fed up having to listen to this man any further. But Drake was far from done with her.
"There's also the matter of how you didn't do anything to step in whenever the Second Child would torment her fellow pilot, the Third Child in the past." Drake pointed out as he inserted a video disc. "The new Commander volunteered to offer me this when Section 2 surveillance footage showed time again, what goes on when you don't take action on the Second Child's actions…"
The disc was played on a recorder that Drake had brought and an image of Asuka and Shinji during synch training showed what it was a usual image for those in NERV, who always saw Asuka beating up and verbally abusing Shinji. During the footage, Drake only shook his head as he glanced back at Misato.
"I can imagine the other countless times that you've allowed such scenes like this to happen, Katsuragi. You've truly acted poorly as a guardian." Drake spoke.
"Aw, come on…Asuka was always like this with Shinji. It's common for the two of them…they are just kids." Misato said, causing Drake to shake his head about it.
"What kind of excuse is that, Katsuragi?" Drake asked coldly. "Shinji was hurting even more because you never stepped up to stop the constant mistreatments he had to endure because they were living together before. You really should have taken note on how dangerously this would have affected him, but then again, you're not such an expert on helping those pilots in dealing with emotional troubles, aren't you, Misato Katsuragi?"
Misato was so stunned of hearing this firmly from Drake that she was speechless to defend herself. Solid Snake was getting furious by the minute as he had to hear this from a U.S Army General. Meanwhile, Garland Durev was taking mental notes about Asuka's reactions towards Shinji.
(I'm definitely going to have a serious talk to her about this when this is over….) Garland thought to himself as he saw Drake slid some papers to Misato.
"There was also that incident during the 12th Angel, where you attacked your own colleague, Dr Akagi, wasn't it?" Drake asked, looking at Ritsuko now. "She was only trying to give an alternate solution for the situation at hand, but you just didn't accept it as a friend, but rebuked her."
"I had reasons as the commander of that operation to see to it that Shinji was brought back to us alive and in one piece!" Misato shot back.
"You weren't rational at the time that is what I'm pointing out here, Katsuragi." Drake said, then began to shake his head. "Then there was that recent battle against that orbital Angel…I've really must commend you to place two of my FOXHOUND operatives and one of your own in that dangerous situation. Though everything turned out alright at the end, I really must congratulate Durev and Masterson for their courageous actions. Not to mention, Hansen's intervention when it was needed most before the battle became one sided for all of you."
(He's just being a smart ass now; trying to compliment them on that…I know he's up to something…) Misato thought to herself as Drake continued as he switched the recorder to playback an audio, which most of it was about her arguing to Michael about her choices which lead to Asuka getting attacked by the 15th Angel in the first place. (AN: See Chapter 25.)
"Hey, that's…how did you get this?" Misato demanded.
"That is none of your concern, what I need to know is why you treated Michael Hansen like you did." Drake spoke now giving a glare at Snake. Thanks to the insider agents sent by Drake's subordinates by the Patriots, he managed to get his hands on evidence that pointed to Misato during the invasion of the 15th Angel.
"You surely knew you had a reliable tactician to assist you, but you acted differently and even took sides with Snake, who is in no means able to provide the assistance you'd wanted in such a matter. I really abhor this act of yours, Katsuragi."
"I've had enough of hearing you! Is this why you've come to NERV specifically for, General?" Misato asked.
"If you've done opposite of what I just made clear to everyone here, things would have been a whole lot different, but it couldn't be helped." Drake spoke. "In spite all of this, I've already discussed this matter about your handling as a guardian to the Commander of NERV and he has approved to the decision that you'll be removed as the First and Third Child's guardian as of today." Drake said. "Also, to ensure that you don't manage to harm those children anyway that you've had, you're also are not allowed to take in any children as you've failed your duty as a guardian."
"What!" Misato shouted, slamming her fists on the table, while Drake stayed cool. Maya, Snake and Ritsuko had to hold her back before she did anything.
"Misato…now isn't the time to behave irrationally!" Ritsuko whispered to her. "I know this is hard to accept, but take my word for it, don't make it any more embarrassing for any of us right now."
"But…" Misato asked, shocked to hear Ritsuko's response.
"He's got a point for this, Katsuragi…" Maya said as her tone was low. "You got to let him do this for their sake…"
Misato sighed heavily before she fixed her jacket and stared at Drake harshly. She knew she was put into quite the situation thanks to his observances.
"I suggest paying a visit to a psychiatrist and the same can be said for the children to help ease their…burdens." Drake said coolly. "It can do wonders for people like you who have unstable lives."
Having nothing more to say because she had given up trying to make an impression on Drake, Misato sat back down to listen in silence as Drake focused on Snake once more.
"Now, Solid Snake…I can sympathize that you've been supportive to the vice Commander, but really, what good has that done for us?" Drake asked. "Not only you've been tolerant of Campbell and the other FOXHOUND operatives' collaboration with them, am I right?"
"And what is your point, general?" Snake asked with his arms folded.
"Tell me in your own words why you violated a deal with Philanthropy, how you crossed a line that wasn't meant to be crossed?" Drake asked. "Tell me, Snake…instead of focusing on hiding from our enemies; you've placed only your own personal life before the mission, or as a matter of fact, the pilots of the Evangelions, hmm? What would you respond to that?"
Snake was taken back some by Drake's comments about this and couldn't say anything, since this was true to him.
"Also and more importantly, I need to know why you denied the legitimacy of Michael's arguments during the 15th Angel's attack, not to mention why you tried to give orders to MY operatives when you knew you had no right to. You are no longer part of FOXHOUND, am I right?" Drake asked. "Do you have any relevant answers to this, Solid Snake?"
"The situation was calling for immediate measures, General." Snake replied simply.
"Really? I don't see the sense in that…it still doesn't justify why you try to take command of a group you're not part of. It would have been different if a man like Hansen would have given the order, but…" Drake stopped as he sighed a bit. "In any case, you're only getting in the way of my operatives mission and on the other hand, you're still the world's most wanted terrorist. I have taken it into action to have you arrested for your crimes, Solid Snake by my very own operatives."
"What the hell…?" Snake shouted. "Is this some kind of sick joke?"
"I'm afraid not, Snake…I really hate to do this to the Legend, but the running ends here today." Drake said as he stood up to face Michael, Garland and Mana. "I leave this up to the three of you to take this man and his partner in for questioning. If he puts up any resistance, authorisation to use lethal force is approved."
"Wait a minute! You can't do this!" Misato called to Drake as he turned to look at her.
"Of course I can, Vice Commander. Your boyfriend's a very dangerous influence around NERV, no wonder it is falling apart slowly." Drake said with a grin. "Be thankful that I didn't do anything to demote you, but just to warn you about your progress."
Garland and Mana stared at one another in utter shock as Garland reluctantly took out his handcuffs, while Misato and Snake stared at each other in silence before Snake hung his head to placed his arms behind his head.
"There really wasn't serving a point trying to prove ourselves right. You've made your point, Drake." Snake said as was cuffed from behind by Garland Durev.
"Sorry about this, man…" Garland said quietly as Ritsuko, Maya and Misato looked on in shock to what was happening in front of them. To add to the suffering blow that Misato had to endure moments before, Snake also had to be arrested by this general.
"I had took the liberty of having Hal Emmerich taken in for questioning as well when Aramaki was informed of my arrival in case, so I guess Snake has a travelling partner." Drake spoke as Maya's heart skipped a beat to hearing this.
"You're arresting Hal as well…?" Maya exclaimed, fearing the worst. (Haven't this man humiliated us enough?)
"Snake…what should I…?" Misato asked him before he was taken out of the room, but he shook his head.
"You don't do a thing; enough damage has been done here today already." Snake said to her before he was taken out of the room. "Don't worry; I'm sure everything's got to work out somehow."
Misato nodded her head silently as she saw Garland accompany Mana and a handcuffed Snake out of the conference room, while Drake prepared himself to leave along as well.
"This was quite an eventful day, don't you agree, Katsuragi?" Drake asked the Vice Commander of NERV. "I certainly do hope you took in my advice and warnings, as I won't tolerate people like you. Clean up your act if you want to make an impression, Katsuragi. You can reckon this is not the last time you'll be seeing of me in this base."
With that, Drake took his leave and as the automatic door shut behind him, Misato slammed her fist into the table, angry as hell over what had just happened. Ritsuko had to console her a bit by patting her back.
"Easy there, Misato…in a way, I knew you had it coming." Ritsuko spoke as she breathed heavily. "That General did draw out some valid points about you after all…"
"To hell about valid points…I'm more concerned about what's going to happen to Snake and Otacon right now." Misato replied. "Sure, Snake's a criminal, but we managed to clear that up for him during his stay here, right?"
"I don't think Drake sees it as that, vice Commander." Michael simply said, causing Misato to turn around to face him.
"Excuse me?" Misato asked, confused to his statement.
"I doubt the actions of what the base participated in the past with Snake and Otacon won't be enough to clarify what he did years ago." Michael pointed out. "Drake was right to arrest Snake, if even he was still branded a criminal. And certainly, Snake would have wanted to save you face if he didn't put up any resistance against Drake for an order like that."
"Yeah, you got a point there, Michael." Misato murmured miserably.
"By the way, just how old are you, Misato? Twenty-nine, as I remember." Michael said.
"Why?" Misato asked curiously.
"Andhere you are actinglike a five-year-old child. People gather, scatter, they go left and right following their interests." Michael replied. "That is not surprising. But then I find you like this. With such a narrow mind, you must not dream of ruler-ship. Go back to your own domain. You are a mountain monkey. You should be gathering nuts in the mountains of Kai."
Misato was too tired to be even more frustrated at Michael or anyone else about what has been happening, but she knew he was right about one thing, her irrationality and behaviour. She's going to have to make some changes to suit her attitude for the better, but it was already too late to save her role as a guardian to Shinji and Rei.
"I got to deliver the news to Shinji and Rei when they get back about what has happened…" Misato said as her head slumped. "I wonder how they will take the bad news…"
"Shinji is going to break when he hears you're no longer his guardian and that Snake and Octacon's been arrested." Ritsuko said.
"I know…that is something we're going to have to cope with as of now." Misato shook her head miserably. "Dammit…all of this has made me want something hot to drink; I need some coffee to clear my head…"
As Misato was taken out by Ritsuko and Maya, Michael shook his head as he already made up his mind in secret to do something about this. After stepping out of the room, Michael took another direction away from the normal route to meet up with Garland where Snake and Otacon were seen in the NERV parking lot, which was filled with Army SUVs and Hummer trucks. Linn Aramaki can be seen taking Otacon into one of the SUV's with Snake behind him, both of them in handcuffs.
The two men silently watched the FOXHOUNDers who arrested them with solemn looks on their faces as the door closes and the officers who were accompanying Carter Drake stepped into their respective vehicles and drove off in a queue. Linn began to shake her head.
"That was unbelievable…Drake actually took charge and really arrested Snake." Linn said in a tone of shock.
"And to make matters worst, he really humiliated the Vice Commander a moment ago. Even took away her role as guardian for Shinji and Rei…" Garland followed.
"What are you guys going to do about this?" Linn asked.
"We really can't do anything too direct or it will lead attention to ourselves that we really don't need." Michael said then shook his head. "There really isn't anything we should do, but just stay on the side lines, Linn."
"But…"
"Really, he's right about this, Linn." Garland said miserably. "You can get back to your post, Michael and I will scout the base for awhile, okay?"
With a silent, sad nod, Linn walked back to where she came from, feeling for Snake and Otacon who had been taken like that. As the coast was clear, Garland leaned closer to his friend.
"You're thinking of contacting 'them', aren't you?" he asked.
"Yeah, we really can't afford to get involved with this in anyway." Michael replied. "I know Drake's got something nasty planned for Snake and Otacon and I'm not willing to let them get taken like that."
"Yeah, but what will Drake will feel about this?"
"I doubt he would suspect a thing and he won't be able to do anything about it by the time it hits him." Michael replied. "Anyway, I'm going to contact them right now and get them ready for the retrieval mission."
"Alright…I'm just hoping for things to work out, but if they can manage to get the job done, I have confidence in you, Michael." Garland said as he left Michael alone to contact a secret frequency on his Codec with the monitors off. A male voice from the other end, though he seemed to recognise Michael right away.
"Alpha…it's been awhile since you've called." The male voice spoke.
"It truly has…listen, something has happened on my end and I need your help now. I'm assigning a mission to you today, the Wolf Pack." Michael said.
"We're all ears, Alpha. What is this mission is about?"
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"You still wish to find out what the Patriots are up to? My, you're such am amateur, Kaji." Reese said to the Japanese SEELE agent, pointing his gun at the traitor from FOXHOUND. "I thought you found out everything."
"Not exactly, I'd figured there were some holes that needed filling in this conspiracy that you cooked up." Kaji smirked, clicking the safety. "And what better way to fill them than to enquire one of the top ranking subordinates of the Wiseman's Committee than you, Matthew Reese."
"You think I may have all the answers?" Reese asked with his arms outstretched. "I know for a fact that you're missing answers from the very same organization that you're working for, so it's ironic that you're being used the same way as I am by the very same power hungry leaders of America….no, the world?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"How sure you are that SEELE is powerful enough to take this country without the Patriots knowing of it? You know nothing, Kaji." Reese said. "This is merely the prelude of what the Philosophers are going to do this precious little country and those who reside in it. It will be a matter of time before the whole world realises it attempts to foil our plans are futile."
"It's not going to stop me from stopping one man short of fulfilling their goals. I guess I starting with you would be a good way." Kaji said as he fired a shot, but it was deflected by a glistening light. Kaji stepped back and fired more shots at Reese, but the glare of light rushed at him in quick dashes, as Kaji had little time to react before he got a heavy cut across his right arm, causing a deep gash.
When he stopped to see his attacker, Reese was already surrounded by a number of his very own Death Squad troops who had already pointed their guns at Kaji.
"I'm afraid you will not be killing me today, Ryoji Kaji…but I will do SEELE a favour and do their job of disposing their traitor who revealed their secret plans to start Third Impact to NERV for them." Reese said.
"I don't think so." Kaji simply said as he dropped a canister in front of the troops and suddenly, white phosphorous gas emitted from it, clouding the vision of Reese and the Death Squad troops. Before the troops can chase Kaji in time, all they can see was a trail of blood on the steel grating he was on.
"Dammit, he got away." One of the Squad troops spoke, placing his gun down.
"There's no need to be worrying about Kaji." Reese said with a grin. "He has just made the worst kind of enemy than SEELE ever was. Eventually, everything I've told him and what the Patriots predicted will soon fall into place. Just give it time…."
"He will most likely reveal your plans for Japan to those within NERV and FOXHOUND… are you sure it is safe to let it happen?" one of the Death Squad troopers for the Patriots asked.
"Let him do as he can with the limited time he has…this will make things more sufficient for those who will fall into the traps I've set." Reese said. "Remain within the shadows until I give further command, understood?"
The squad troopers saluted Reese before they all returned to the shadows where they came from, while two stayed behind to accompany the traitor FOXHOUND lieutenant outside where a car was waiting for him.
"Yes…some more time and soon everything will fall into place…" Reese said to himself as he got into the car, which would take him to a secluded location away from eyes who was against the Patriots would be onto him. Soon the war against the Patriots will start shifting in ways most people would predict, while others won't.
"Soon, my dear FOXHOUNDers…we will meet again soon enough."
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ShardclawK: I guess by now you guys have found out this will be another one of those, 'If I were you, I would start worrying.' again chapters, I tend to do that a lot these days because its so much fun tormenting you all with a cliff-hanger like these for my fics. Hope this chapter pleased the lot of you for the time being.
By now you've all seen the amazingly detailed TGS trailer for MGS4: Guns of the Patriots, huh? If you haven't as yet, you got to check it out on the net, it is stunning in terms of second next gen graphics and what our buddy Solid Snake is up to. What intrigues me the most is his new appearance, which I assume must be a long time after the events of the Big Shell, not to mention Otacon's newest remote invention. I was considering including that (or something at least close to it, because I smelt inspiration seeing it) into this fic, but I will need everyone's say on this first, as I think Otacon's newest toy would be way ahead even of this story's time. I mean, take a look at Snake in the trailer, he's practically gotten older than he is in this fic!
One request from the fans before I take a break and start working on the next COE update, by chance any of you ran into any Full Metal Alchemist crossover fics with either Naruto or Harry Potter on this site? Any for the two involving the FMA characters would be good if recommended by anyone, as long as it doesn't have any yaoi or incest based pairings. Now with that said, time for me to catch on with the remainder of the FMA manga and more of the unedited and uncensored Girls Bravo season 2 while I wait on the reviews and comments as means of a break.
Next Chapter: With Snake and Otacon apprehended by Drake, Michael steps up to ensure a plan to rescue the two, while Solidus and his group prepares to take the city, but ends up running into some surprises.
Before I close off, on a happy note, this fic has been placed on the Evangelion C2 section of this site for epic fics spanning twenty chapters and more managed by The Evincar! Hurray for COE! Now, if only I can carry this on further to fifty or more…anyway, see you all in the next one, for it's bound to be good as always.
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.