Disclaimer: I do not own any of these guys, expect for the star of the story, my very own bad ass OC, Greg Kinezono, his girlfriend, Linn Aramaki and the daughter of the French Spriggan, Kari Mondeau. Now with that out of the way, on with the fic!
ShardclawK: Well, folks. Here we are with another update to this story. Thanks again to those who has been reviewing and helping me with this fic thus far for this story arc, DarkFusion and GreyWolf4 with their suggestions and dialogue inserts. Thanks to wingwingxs for reviewing my work as well. I'll be sure to review you 'Rockman and Chi' fic soon one of these days. So guys, please hang on and bear with me a bit longer. The action I promised that will come later will happen, I'm just not sure if all of you will be able to handle it...
Ran: By the meantime, just sit back and enjoy this chapter as we'll see some more interesting developments turn up for Greg and company. Since Shardclaw won't reveal to us what's happening so far, we'll run a recap.
Youji: In the last Soldier X, Greg and Warrior along with Riku, Nagi and Tot made their way to Weiss's own base of operations to discuss what should happen in the trials ahead. During their meeting, Greg revealed to Ran and everyone else involved about his Kari Mondeau, the daughter of the French Spriggan, Jean-Luc Mondeau. Meanwhile, Shade considers an alliance with the Sons of Liberty, while Schwartz plans an alliance of their own.
Omi: I got a feeling things are beginning to heat up for this story. And that I'm getting hooked up with someone is not too far away.
Youji: The same here as well. Let's hope Shardclaw pulls this off well so we can be happy with what he done.
ShardclawK: You guys worry too much. It will happen and I'm sure DarkFusion will be pleased with who you two be hooked up with. Knowing him, he's got a houseful of hot and cute chicks just waiting to be sent to serve me as their master, just because I write great chapters for this and COE! Now, that's what I call a friend!
Just as I said that, Welch Vineyard, Nel Zelpher, Ropponmatsu 1, Ropponmatsu 2, Tynave, Farleen, Clair Lasbard, Maria Traydor, Hyatt, Excel, and Misaki appear. They were all wearing hot, tight body fitting black leather suits with lots of zippers for the 'right places'.
Welch: Ah, Shardclaw-sama. There you are. Sorry if we were interrupting you from something important, but there's this new enhancement to the personal carousel you got for Hyatt that I just added to the bed and I wanted you to test it out with me, while the other girls wait their turn.
I start to gaze at Welch's cleavage long enough to get a nose bleed, before I look at her.
ShardclawK: Welch, you got yourself a guinea pig! And when you're through, Excel gets her chance to be 'disciplined' while getting 'ridden on'. Come on, girlies. Fellas, you know the usual scene...take care of things for me, will you?
As I get carried off by the number of girls, Ran twitched his right eyebrow.
Ran: I should really consider taking up fiction like he has...anyway, time to start the chapter. Everyone, enjoy as always.
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ShardclawKusanagi Presents:
Metal Gear: Soldier X
Chapter 18: Revolutions, Part 4
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"Are you certain this is the place, Crawford?" Schuldich asked his partner. Himself, Farfarello and Crawford had travelled to a secluded location, just around the outside radius of Tokyo-3, just several meters from SEELE headquarters. They were able to evade any signs of the authority that could have spotted them, thanks to the intel Crawford had that made this possible. "How can you be certain this is not a trap?"
"While Ocelot is not the kind to be easily trusted, his partnership with us in dealing with Kinezono should make things a lot easier." Crawford replied, as they stepped into an open conference room. "You should be ready if he pulls anything, though. I'm certainly am not in the mood to pick any fights with either him or Solidus."
"Solidus Snake!? The leader of that group is still alive after what happened in the Big Shell incident?" Schuldich asked in a tone of surprise. "So, the rumours about his death was exaggerated..."
"My death was expected in the first place, but certainly, anyone is a fool to think I would stay that way." A voice spoke from the shadows behind the Schwartz group, as they peered and saw Solidus Snake come towards them, his double katanas strapped behind his back, while he wore his own Sneaking Suit. His remaining right eye glared at Crawford and his group in silence, before Ocelot came out from behind him.
"Brad Crawford, it's been a long time since we've met last." Ocelot said coolly. Crawford started to grin a bit at his old rival.
"The same here, Shalashaska. Seems like you've been busy." Crawford simply replied.
"Hmph. I told you before not to refer me by that name, Crawford." Ocelot warned him. "You'd best watch your tongue before you lose it."
"My, my...and here I thought things on your end were going well for you." Crawford spoke. "With an organization like SEELE under your thumb and Gendou Ikari dead, practically leaving NERV defenceless, you should be pleased things are turning out the way you wanted."
"That's just the beginning phase of our plans, but there's a clog in our wet-works." Solidus said. "A certain FOXHOUND recruit named Greg Kinezono has been somehow causing a lot of attention to the Patriots and their current plans."
"Ah...so, is he causing you that much of a pain?" Schuldich asked with a light grin.
"We wanted the Patriots to expose themselves sometime after the Commander of NERV was killed by their hands." Solidus spoke. "However at the time of his death, Psycho Mantis had attacked Kinezono's family and he eventually learned of what the Patriots could do with the new Metal Gear. That caused them to seclude themselves even more from us."
"You wanted Kinezono to smoke them out for you?" Farfarello asked.
"We'll leave it up for him, it will make things a lot easier for all of us." Ocelot spoke. "Now, Crawford...what's this about an alliance between our groups?"
"Kinezono alone is frightening to deal with, and he has enough allies and comrades that could possibly interfere not just with you plans, but ours as well." Crawford said. "I'm certain with what you know about him, we can certainly turn the tables around if you allow us to exterminate him and his group for meddling with such affairs."
"Why would you want that, Crawford?" Solidus asked. "If it's all for gaining the glory of becoming part of the Patriots' roster, consider yourself our enemy at once. Our mission is to seek revenge against them, and allowing Kinezono to ruin some of their plans seems to be part of the reason we're laid back in this situation."
"Besides, how would you feel if one of your former comrades, your very own student no less, is now under his tutelage? Is this why you want to become part of our group?" Ocelot asked, causing Crawford to growl in anger.
"This is not about revenge!" He shouted.
"Oh, it certainly is." Another voice spoke from behind him. The mysterious cyborg ninja appeared. It was Mr. M. "You've been defeated and humiliated by Kinezono, knowing just how dangerous in ability and strength he is, and he has taken your protégée from you. That is enough reason for you to consider this as a last act of desperation."
"That's not true. I'm just taking the necessary precautions that..." before he finished, another new voice spoke from behind.
"Crawford! Only a whimpering coward like yourself would come to these people and beg for help."
"What the...?" Schuldich looked behind him and stepped back in shock, as Mr. M and another figure that was also in the shadows appeared. It happened to be a pissed off Shade who was glaring at the Schwartz group.
"I should be killing you now for how you tricked ne two years ago!"
Shade snarled at Crawford.
"Please calm down, Shade." Crawford replied. "I only did it out of necessity; there was no malicious intent."
"Using me as a measurement tool for your student's powers, and then putting a bomb inside my Harrier so I couldn't follow you." Shade said looking at Crawford with absolute hatred. "I don't give a damn if there was any malicious intent involved! I'll kill every last one of yourgroup!"
Shade lunged himself at Crawford, but suddenly, Mr. M stepped in front of him.
"What are you doing?" Shade asked angrily.
"Possibly stopping you from causing a grave mistake." Mr. M said. "Besides, an experienced soldier like you should consider that you're standing in front of the leaders of the Sons of Liberty. They went through the trouble of getting me to find you, knowing you're potential as well, your own run in with Kinezono."
"I'll kill you if I have to get to them!" Shade raised his hands, but a gunshot was heard from one of Ocelot's colts.
"Gentlemen...we did not come here to fight amongst each other. Vamp and Fortune won't tolerate this if this became a norm among us." Ocelot spoke. "Now, Shade...I know you want to repay Kinezono for beating your skills, but there's more to him than meets the eye. The same goes for you, Crawford and your partners. You both know nothing that could help you against Kinezono and he will take action for what has happened to him thus far."
"In actuality, we won't be needing the extra set of hands, but in this case, both factions will become useful use we're able to get deep in unveiling the truth about Kinezono." Solidus said. "The reason being so, he has been spotted around with other likely and dangerous people that could cause problems to us later. The Sons of Liberty will not fall easily to just one psychic and his rag tag group of specialists."
"If you say so...we'll give your proposal some serious thought while we strategize what should we do next when we encounter Kinezono and his friends again." Crawford said in a tone of approval. However, Shade did not take this too lightly.
"I could care less about what the famous Sons of Liberty care...I WILL eliminate Kinezono, and his comrades without fail." Shade told the group. "And I'll do it by myself. They all have yet to taste my real power."
With that, Shade glared at the Schwartz group one more time before he dissipated into the thick darkness. Mr. M simply looked on, as if he was smiling to himself.
(Oh, you'll certainly be running back to us, Shade.) Mr. M thought to himself. (I, for one, am certain of that.)
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Back at the Koneko no ie Sume, Greg was just getting into telling Weiss, Riku and his partners on how he ended up knowing about MIRTHRIL.
"Greg...what is it that you meant that you know the leader 'quite personally'?" Riku asked.
"Hey, before you get any ideas, it's not what you think, okay?" Greg shrugged his shoulders. "I sort of bounced into her a time just before I came to America to join FOXHOUND. As much as I can tell you now, I was offered a shot of joining, but I had to turned it down."
"What for?" Ran asked, as Greg simply looked at him in a serious way.
"Is it really that important that you should find out?" Greg replied. "Look...all I'm saying is that I have some friends in that group that should help us in this, but I'm just hoping that they will still open up and tell me that's it alright that they would help in any way."
It was then Riku knew Greg was holding something back from them when he changed the subject about knowing the leader. He began to ponder a bit. (What is it that Greg won't tell us exactly about how much he knows the leader of MIRTHRIL?) Riku thought.
"...hmm. Seems that you're capable of handling yourself beyond your group's help." Manx spoke with a light smile.
"Hey, a nigga's got to do what he can to survive in a world like this, right?" Greg answered. "I'm just glad that I get to protect a small world like this, because there are times it would pay me back with such good people...like my mom and the rest of Warrior."
"Greg! How nice of you to say things like that about me!" Rio blushed in front of everyone, holding her cheeks. Everyone else laughed as Ran stood up.
"Greg, I was wondering if you would like to see more of our base of operations, not to mention each of our etiquettes in battle." Ran told Greg.
"Sure, man." Greg replied in a simple nod. "Maybe while we're touring, I can give you more details about my own specialties, although, I got quite a long list."
Ran only smiled at Greg. "Well, we got enough time to listen to you."
As Greg and Ran went their way across the rest of the shop with Riku, Nagi and Tot behind them, Yuina and Seraph followed in tow, while Lilica, Rio and Maki followed Omi and Youji. They stepped into the weapons' room for the group, and on a table before them, were ranges and different types of throwing knives and mostly darts.
"Are all these darts of yours poisoned?" Rio asked as she looked at the various dart types in Omi's collection.
"Most of them." Omi answered. "That's why I wear gloves to protect my hands while I do this. It wouldn't be a good idea to prick your finger with most of these; they're that deadly."
"No kidding." Rio agreed with a shudder. "You got any antidote for any of those?"
"You mean like if you shot yourself in the foot?" Omi asked. "Please don't do that. You'll probably be dead before you even knew you had an accident."
"Scarree." Rio stood back from Omi instantly. The young assassin only grinned at this. This meeting with Warrior and Greg is turning out to be better than he expected. He didn't want to scare any of Greg's relatives, but he was enjoying their company.
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Afterwards when both of the groups met back together, Greg and his surrogate family had learned a good bit of how reliable Weiss is. When they met back, Greg was telling Ran, Riku and his partners about his involvement in KOF. It was then Riku cut it to speak when Greg had finished talking.
"You know, if we had the time to, it would be nice to give a tournament like that a try." Riku said and then grinned wistfully. "I wonder how Nagi, Tot, and I would do in that." He then turned to Greg. "Hey Greg, you and Linn have fought in a few of these before. How do you think the three of us would do?"
"Hmmm....you three alone can become famous after a couple of matches. Maybe when after this mess with Reese is over, I can ask Chizuru to squeeze you in for a match against some good fighters." Greg said with one eye turned in their direction. "Though, I must advise you to keep my relations with the King of Fighters a secret from Garland."
"Why is that, Greg?" Tot asked.
"Isn't it obvious? There won't be a KOF anymore once he enters, he will most likely decimate everyone who challenges him, bossed included." Greg smirked. "Hey, the tourney must have limits, am I right?"
"I guess you got a point." Nagi agreed with Greg. "But what I don't really get is that you actually are a student of Geese Howard."
"Yeah, I'm still in a bit of shock from hearing that myself years ago when you first visited the Uruha mansion years ago." Riku shook his head. "But tell me, Greg...was training under Kyo and Iori a way to get stronger against Garland?"
A sad and serious look came across Greg's face. He looked at Rio for a moment, and she simply replied by nodding her head.
"Go ahead, Greggie. You can tell them." Rio replied.
"Okay, then." Greg said, focused on Riku, his partners, Yuina, Seraph and Weiss. "The real reason I did that, was not to get stronger in any way. The powers are already doing that for me, and that's where the problem lies. The first time I got my pryo-kinetcic ability, things...got out of hand. I was too young to handle the emotional traffic that my body was automatically drawing in, not to mention I got the nano-mesh for the right arm at the time. This power of mine was driving me insane, much like Iori's famous Blood Riot...only this was based on people's emotions. My head felt like it was thrown into a blender at the time, and my body felt like it could have combusted any moment. But thankfully enough, that wasn't the case. It seemed more of an initiation of gaining my powers, while it was a torture at the same time."
Everyone in the room stared at Greg in silence. They never knew the truth of Greg's powers to this day before. It saddened some of those listening to his story.
Greg simply shrugged his shoulders and grinned. "Training under Geese sort of helped me, though. What he thought me was that I could sustain a great deal of mental and psychical pain without showing much signs of weakness. It was hard. Compared to the drill training we have seen in FOXHOUND from people like Garland and Michael, Geese's...was different. Personally, there were times I thought I was actually going to die under his tutelage, but he wasn't not that cruel. Just cruel enough to save the punishment till the next training session."
"And...you did what you had to do with that man just to keep your powers in check?" Ran asked nervously.
"Yep." Greg replied simply. Then he faced Riku, Nagi and Yuina. "You three better start thanking God that you're not me. Even up to today, my body and mind are still at war at each other, because of Reese and the Patriots. Now, because I'm still alive, they will stop at nothing to prove how influential they really are by making a life such as mine quite hard to live."
"And we'll help you with this, Greg. In any way we can." Ran replied. "Is there any chance we can speak to each other again soon, before you set off on your mission?"
"Another two days from now will be fine. I have to confirm some things before I go." Greg replied. "If anything comes up, Riku will contact and advise you on what's going down, so we may have to take action if an emergency occurs."
"That is fine with us." Ran nodded. "It was nice talking with you, and the rest of Warrior as well."
"Yeah, you guys are not bad at all. We were glad to come here." Lilica spoke as she got into the Warrior transport vehicle. "It was fun."
"Travel safe, Greg." Yuriko told Greg as she waved to him. As Greg and the rest of his group began to speed off, Ken began to speak to Ran.
"Hey, Ran...you think things will be stable when we start to work with Greg?" Ken asked.
"Can't say I'm sure if that's the case, but after hearing about how crazy life is for Greg, it could mostly happen." Ran replied. "I suggest everyone of you watch out for any signs of trouble that could get worst and lead to something we won't be able to contain by ourselves."
The rest of the Weiss group nodded in unison to Ran's comment. A lot of things will happen that will contradict the future, they'd best be prepared for any surprises coming at them. But first...
"About an hour before Sakura gets here for our date. I'd better get the sale done by that time." He said to himself in a light smile.
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"Well, that went better than expected." Rio spoke, as she got out of the Warrior van and faced her friends. "And all of those guys were kind of cute too."
"Mom, what did I tell you before...?" Greg warned her before Riku spoke.
"So, Greg...what do we do now?" he asked. "Should Col. Campbell be told that you're making a move soon?"
"You'd better. At least he'll know that you guys are active in this matter, just as I am." Greg said. "Still, I'm waiting a bit longer till I fully gather my strength before we set off to the mission. For now, we'll just take it easy. Besides, I'm still busy enough trying to train Nagi and Yuina with their powers."
"That's one of the good things while I'm with you, Greg." Nagi said. "Spending time in FOXHOUND and people like Warrior is more enjoyable than I was with Schwartz, even though Crawford was the one who helped me with my powers the first time."
"Nani? I don't understand, Nagi?" Greg asked as the group started to walk back to the mansion.
"To be perfectly honest, being in Schwartz was unpleasant to say the least." Nagi said. "It wasn't the actual training that was hard, it was being a part of the group that was the toughest. I just couldn't connect with any of the members at all."
"What do you mean?" Maki asked.
"Well for starters, Farfarello isn't really someone you want to talk to, unless you like talking to a sadist." Nagi answered. "Talking to Schuldich was practically asking for emotional stress. A guy who uses his abilities to read your mind and try manipulating you with that isn't a very pleasant conversationalist."
"I can imagine." Lilica said in agreement. "And Crawford?"
"It was pretty mixed there." Nagi replied. "I was grateful to him because I saw him as my rescuer, but I guess that was just to manipulate me into being his minion. Also, I wasn't able to agree with him very much. Though I kept that to myself."
"What didn't you agree with him on?" Rio asked.
"His general outlook on things, actually." Nagi answered. "Crawford told me that it was alright for me to use my powers to hurt others because it was justified for the hell they gave me for rejecting me." Nagi then looked at Greg regretfully and shook his head.
"I'm sorry to say that I did agree with him at first." Nagi continued. "But after a while, I wondered if that was true or not. I guess somewhere deep down inside, I knew that was wrong, no matter how much I tried convincing myself otherwise. It was like trying to convince myself that the colour white was black and black was white, you know."
Greg could only look on in silence a bit at Nagi. "Kid...I really feel for you. It's one thing to be used by your own disciple like that to deceive and use you when you thought your girlfriend died, but to be told things like that? Just ludicrous, man. It's moments like that make me loathe people like Schwartz even more. At least you're enjoying my company, right?"
"Heh, who wouldn't?" Nagi gave a nervous grin. When they stepped to the door of the mansion, the person to meet them there was Maya Jingu, Umi and Nanvel.
"Hey, you guys are back." Nanvel said to Greg and company. She then looked at Greg in a serious look. "Greg...about time you got back. Someone is here to see you specifically."
"Me? But I don't remember inviting anyone here..." Greg replied. "Who is it, aunt Nanvel?"(Wait a minute...that Drake couldn't have followed me here? Who the hell did then?)
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Inside Kurei's office, Geese Howard sat down on a chair in front of Kurei, and his wife Neon, while his henchman, Billy Kane stood next to him. Billy was wearing a black, tight jumpsuit, with yellow lines that ran down across his body. He had on his striped bandana and was holding unto his red bo staff. Next to him were Joker and Raiha, and three other people were seated on a couch across the room. One was a tall, young man in his twenties, with short, pale blond hair, his built was skinny, but muscular. He had pale skin, compared to the lovely young woman with blonde hair that was tied into red ribbons. The dress she wore was long and red as well. The dress had rose designs all over it. The third woman was dressed in a moderate, causal dress, it's as if she was used to living in the mansion.
"It seems you've settled down, Kurei." Geese Howard commented.
"Thank you." Kurei replied. "I find life to be much more enjoyable this way then how things were twenty two years ago."
"I hope that doesn't mean you've gone soft, mate." Billy spoke.
"Of course not." Kurei answered. "I even fought Geese's student not too long ago."
"You fought with Greg?" Geese asked, his eyes now showing interest. "Well, that's quite a feat indeed. So how was he?"
Kurei simply smiled at Geese. "I'm quite surprised in how effective your fighting style of the Haikyokuseiken, mixed with the famous Kusanagi and Yagami-ryuu, along with Greg's experience in hand to hand combat has made him quite an formidable opponent. I was quite pleased to have battled with Greg, he has learned well."
"It was nothing." Geese answered back simply. "Though, I would have enjoyed to have seen the fight myself and be the judge of his new skills now."
"Greg is a worthy opponent, but we had to put the match on a stalemate, since Greg was still recovering from his wounds." Neon spoke. "Tell us, Geese...what did you think of the Urabutousatusjin back in the old days?"
"It might sound like an imitation of the King of Fighters, but there was one major difference." Geese said. "In that tournament, killing was very much allowed." He then shrugged. "A pity Mori invited me as a guest or I would have considered fighting in it myself."
"That's true...you would have had a blast, boss." Billy smiled. It was just then the office door opened and in came in Greg with his group. A shocked look came on his face when he saw his sensei.
"What the fu...? Sensei Geese?!" Greg exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Greg. Good to see that you are still alive thanks to me." Geese smiled.
"Cut the bull, Geese. If things got worst when I was getting my powers augmented thanks to you, I would have gone crazy that night...totally." Greg said seriously, as Riku and his partners looked on.
"Did we step into the middle of something here?" Riku asked.
"Better for you not to find out, Riku..." Rio told him in a tone of warning.
"Now, now...is that anyway to threat you teacher who gave you hints on how to deal with Mantis?" Geese spoke, standing up. "And besides, I went through so much just to get you want you need later."
"Meaning?" Greg asked rudely. His answer was a large suitcase dropped in front of his feet.
"Your money, Greg. All that you have pulled from the Angel Slayer account a couple days back, thanks to my assistance to the matter." The young man from across the room spoke. Riku and Greg turned to their direction.
"Grandma...who are these two?" Riku spoke to the woman. It happened to be Kagero herself, her rumoured age is supposed to be over 400 years old, but in actuality, looks like she's in her early thirties.
"These two are Greg's friends from KOF as well...Adelheid and Rose Bernstein." Kagero spoke, as Adel held out his hand. Riku pulled back instantly.
"The children of Rugal Bernstein?!" he exclaimed, then started to stare at Greg. "You know, Greg...you got to make some normal friends from now on."
"Relax, Riku." Greg said to his friends. "He's not like his father, he's only searching for him to set things right."
"That is true...my father is stricken with madness and I'm the only one who can deliver it from him." Adel spoke. "Greg, I was hoping that we would have a spar later, just to brush up on my attacks. I feel as if they are not strong enough to challenge my father when I finally find him."
"Is that why you want to help me in this?" Greg asked. "Geez, it's just like bribery, but in a way, I'm thankful."
"You have my word as a Bernstein that I will do whatever in my power and status to help you." Adel replied. "My sister, Rosy, has opted to find some information that should be of some good use to you."
"Really?" Nagi asked in surprise. "So, just how much did you get to spend, Greg?"
"Oh...about...almost 2 and a half billion unmarked bills, plus it's automatically bounces over time, so it's never going to waste." Greg simply said.
"NANI!?" Riku, Nagi and Tot cried out in unison.
"Why do you sound surprised? Oh, I get it...none of you have ever been rich before..." Greg smirked. "Anyway, this is just for the mission, it will come in handy. Who knows what kind of provisions this can buy...weapons, clothing, vehicles...the works, baby!"
"That's my Greggie!" Rio smiled at the sight if Greg with so much money at his disposal.
"Yo, Riku, right?" Billy asked Riku at his direction.
"Yeah, what is it that you want, Mr. Billy Kane?" he smiled back.
"Please, just Billy would do." He replied. "So, how's Daikoku going since you last heard of him?"
"Oh, he's doing just fine when I last I heard of him and Minamio from uncle Saicho." Riku replied simply. "I'm surprised you heard of him."
"Anyone in the arts of the staff should. Greg himself never heard or met the man, but it was I who thought him the basic techniques of using it." Billy explained. "From there after, Greg picked up everything for himself."
"I see...quite intriguing." Riku replied with a nod.
"Okay, Geese...you win. I'll take this as a...token of your appreciation for my welfare." Greg started to cool down. "But what I don't get is why you're really here."
"To start you off with your mission, of course." He answered. "Greg...this is an unusual request, but there's a secret organization of fanatics that have been rumoured to be dealing with the dark arts, and the sources all point to another opening of the Orochi."
"I hope you're not sending me to get this thing for yourself, are you not?" Greg asked seriously.
"It's not like it, Greg." Adel spoke. "What we learned about this organization is that the Patriots are funding some project of theirs to control the masses in an instant."
(This is starting to sound something close to Third Impact, but it's just as ugly too...) Greg thought to himself. "Go on."
"They call themselves, the Devil's Hand. The Prime Minister of the cult lead, a man named Welker, has organized this cult to persuade unfortunate followers to join him in his cause of invoking a so called peace about the world. His ramblings had caused much confusion among the Bernstein organization, so we thought he needs to be stopped before something out of the ordinary happens."
"So we have to deal with a cult now." Riku surmised. "Doesn't sound too bad. A bunch of raving fanatics shouldn't give us too much trouble."
"Cults aren't always a bunch of raving fanatics, Riku." Nagi spoke. "Remember that group I mentioned a couple of years ago called Eszet?"
"Yeah, you said they were a cult that was supported by the Patriots, right." Riku replied. "In fact, from what you told me, the Patriots hired Schwartz, which you were a part of at the time, to eliminate them."
"Yes, Crawford had us pretend to work for Eszet while it seems we were actually working for the Patriots instead, though I didn't know it at the time." Nagi said. "But the one thing I didn't tell you was that the three leaders of the group were psychics."
Greg and everyone else in the room looked at Nagi surprised before he spoke again.
"They also had a great deal of power, politically." Nagi said. "Probably by getting support from the Patriots themselves."
"So the Patriots ended up betraying them, and sent Schwartz to dispose of them." Greg noted. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Now that I look back on it, that's the one thing job for Schwartz I'm almost proud of." Nagi said.
"What do you mean?" Rio asked. "I thought you hated being in that group?"
"I didn't mean it like that." Nagi answered. "You see, those guys kidnapped, Aya, Ran's sister and were planning on using her for some weird ritual that involved the use of their powers."
"Why her?" Maki asked.
"Aya had been put in a coma after an incident where Reiji Takatori murdered her and Ran's parents." Nagi answered. "The coma lasted for years and all that time Aya didn't age at all. Eszet found out about it and decided to use her as a vessel for something they were going to summon and incarnate into her body. I don't know what it was, but the energy that I felt from them while they were preparing for the summoning was...evil. That's the best way I can describe it."
"That's so typical of such sickos..." Maya shook her head in agreement.
"Normally, I thought these were just superstitious things, but I had no idea they are for real and people's lives have to be the consequences for such vile actions." Seraph answered.
"So, then what happened?" Greg asked.
"Ran's girlfriend, Sakura, somehow snuck into Eszet's headquarters and placed herself in place of Aya. Another reason why I'm glad I had a hand in interrupting the ritual." Nagi answered. "To make a long story short, we killed two of the three psychics while Weiss finished off the third. After that, the place collapsed and shortly after, Riku found me and you know the rest."
"Yeah, we can pretty much sum it up on what happens after, thanks to you and Tot's stories." Greg said. "So that means we may have to deal with some, freaky, paranormal shit soon first before getting to the Patriots and hopefully, Reese. Not your average, run-of-the-mill, FOXHOUND mission which will look more like a cakewalk."
"I guess we're going to have a tougher time then." Riku said. "After hearing about this Eszet, I think I prefer cults when they're raving fanatics, since fanatics tend to have the intelligence of rocks."
"Can I request something, sensei?" Greg asked Geese.
"Go on ahead."
"I have to take Riku and his partners along with me on this mission, since they pretty much insist on helping me on this, and that they don't want me to cause me too much trouble when I start to tear it up." Greg spoke. Geese glared at Riku before he spoke.
"Do you know that this is the chance for Greg to show his skills as a lone operative, and the fact that the problem's Greg is in is more troublesome than you think, boy?" Geese spoke to Riku.
"Certainly. I also know that Greg is in deep trouble just for being alive today because of the Patriots." Riku answered. "And he is a friend in need of help, even though he would act tough about it and deny the fact we're all here to help him in this."
"Of course, that doesn't mean we'll get in his way." Nagi spoke. "Greg gave us the condition that when things get nasty, we should stay away and let him handle it."
"Hmmm...Greg, you got yourself some really dedicated friends, I'm impressed they intend to stick to you through this. Okay, feel free to carry along who you desire with you, but a warning that they should be aware themselves of what's happening." Geese spoke.
"Don't worry, sensei. They are quite able in defending themselves in a fight, they are part of FOXHOUND after all." Greg answered." Ah, sensei Geese, there's something that I think you should know about, and probably, give me a hand on."
"I thought I have given you all the help you need for later, Greg." Geese replied, folding his arms. "What else do you need?"
"Information...about a mercenary named Shade." Greg said, seriously, which caused Geese, Billy, Adel and Rose to stare at Greg in surprise.
"The man who killed one of the Bogard brothers in a fight some years back?" Geese asked. "Andy, wasn't it?"
"That's right. I learned it from Mai some days ago..." Greg replied. "Not only that, I had a battle with him just shortly before my fight against Mantis."
"He was sent by our traitor of a lieutenant, Matthew Reese, to try and stop Greg and the rest of us to getting to Mantis, then if he was successful, kill Mantis himself." Nagi then told Geese. "However, it was Greg who managed to win that fight that day, but Shade escaped."
"I see...you were lucky enough to survive that fight, Greg. And it's not just to my techniques that you were spared..." The crime lord of South Town simply warned Greg. "Being in my sort of business has it advantages of learning information that even you military types from FOHXOUND don't even know exist and I've heard quite a lot about Shade and his existence. I'm betting Kagero may have an idea about it as well."
"Oh?" Riku looked surprised. Then he looked at Kagero. "What could it be, may I ask, grandma?"
"He happens to have a real name...Shingen Koga. He was formerly of the Koga Ninja clan." Geese answered instead.
"That Shade's made quite an impression by joining Nobunaga Oda and he has participated in almost everyone one of Nobunaga's battles and his atrocities." Kagero spoke. "After that period, Nobunaga tried to have him killed and then later, Nobunaga was killed at Honnouji in 1582. Shade went onto serve Hideyoshi and fought at Yamazaki and all of Hideyoshi's battles from then on. After Hideyoshi died in 1598 Shade went onto serve Ieyasu Tokugawa."
"That much I heard of..." Adel cut in. "According to the data I recovered from Sky-Noah about Shade, it seems that he has fought at the battle of Sekigahara and the battle against the Toyotomi clan in 1615, including the Summer Battle of Osaka. However, Tokugawa never trusted Shade very much and in late 1615 had Shade banished on some pretence. Thus for the next 245 years, Shade was a kenin, or a rogue ninja."
"Yes, that is very much true, Adel. It seems that your resource as a Bernstein has privileges." Kagero said with a nod.
"That's not even the half of it..." Adel said. "When the Meiji revolution happened in 1867, Shade fought on the side of the Emperor and eventually became part of the newly formed Imperial Japanese Army., Then, in 1894, he fought in the 1st Sino Japanese, and in 1900, he was part of the Japanese forces who intervened in the Boxer Uprising in China."
"Just how many wars this guy must have taken part of?" Rio asked exclaimed.
"I'm not finished telling the story, Miss. Kinezono." Adel shook his head. There's a lot more to be told. In 1904-1905, he fought in the Russo-Japanese War. By then, Shade became a Colonel. Then from in 1914 to 1918, he fought in World War 1 and in 1931, Shade participated in the Invasion of Manchuria which was a province in China."
"Then in, in 1937, Shade also became part of the forces that invaded China." It was Geese's turn to speak. "From 1941 to 1945, Shade fought in World War II after the Atomic bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. When the Russians overrunning Manchuria Japan surrendered, his days in the Imperial Army were over. From then on he became a mercenary and fought in almost every major conflict from then on. It was during the Korean War, or Vietnam, when he fought as a mercenary for the American's. That he started using the code name Shade."
By this time, Rio and the rest of Warrior shook in fear, after hearing this, while Greg showed his expression by shaking his head.
"Great...just when you thought he was just a bothersome fly that can be swatted easily...he's more worst than we expected." Greg said with his arms folded. "I got a feeling that he'll be a real pain to deal with if I ever run into him next time. That is very likely to happen, I called him 'Mid-Boss' through the fight and he seemed not to happy about it."
"Geese, is it possible that Shade may have come across the magical scrolls of Jin?" Kagero asked.
"The scrolls of Jin?" Riku asked.
"Also known as the Scrolls of Immortality. A rumoured magical relic from way around the 17 to the 18th century, much I know about them is that they came all the way from China. They are what were responsible for keeping Geese alive, plus giving him some of his increased chi power." Greg told Riku. "Well, sensei, do you think he got to them or not?"
"Very unlikely." Geese shook his head. "Those scrolls had been into many hands since they were created, but I highly doubt they landed in his hands. He's been around for much longer than that and he probably won't be needing such a thing. He's more powerful than what you all have just herd of him."
"Well, we just have to be careful when we run into him next time then...sounds like we got a very tough fight ahead because of him." Nagi said.
"Sensei Geese...by any chance you still got those scrolls?" Greg asked with a hopeful grin. "Maybe if you loaned me them for a while, I can use their power and have an advantage over Shade. How about it?"
Geese glared at his student. "In your dreams, Greg. There's no way someone like you can fully comprehend the power of those scrolls."
"Aw, come on!" Greg grumbled. "At least cut your own student some slack! I can't believe that you want me to get killed the next time I run into that guy! Aren't you supposed to be helping me out at least?!"
Geese simply laughed at Greg. "Come on now, Greg. You should know that the scroll's power have already been used up keeping me alive. Besides, you're mightier than some magical relic. I can assure you that you capable of holding you own against him the next time only if you follow my advice."
"Why do I get the feeling that whenever you tell me things like that, it's not so assuring?" Greg said in a low tone. Rio placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, Greggie...don't let it get you down." Rio told him. "He is right. Shade may sound more threatening than he appears, but even he is bound to have some weaknesses. All you have to do is try to find and expose them. And you can trust me to help you find a way to surprise him."
"Yeah...that's true." Greg smiled a bit at Rio. (But, I do wish aunt Aika was here to give me a hand on this too...I wonder where she could be all this time since I last saw her?)
"Is that all you wanted to discuss with us then, Geese?" Kurei asked.
"Yes, this meeting is adjourned, but I will be staying here to chat about the good old days I had in KOF and with Greg if you want me to." Geese said. Greg suddenly glared at his master.
"You wouldn't friggin dare!" Greg shouted.
Geese only smiled at Greg. "Aw, not all of them are bad as you remembered them, Greg. I'm sure your friends are interested in finding out just how mighty you are in the King of Fighters."
"All of a sudden, I have a sudden urge of finding out more about Greg's past in KOF." Nagi spoke. "Please, Mr. Howard...do tell us about Greg's moments in the tournaments."
"There's so many of them...I'd best start telling the tale of when he went on a duel against my own son, Rock." Geese placed a hand on his chin. "It was one of Greg's first and most painful matches in KOF history..."
Greg only held his head and shook it, as Geese started to tell everyone in the room about some of his embarrassing and best moments in KOF. This was the last thing he wanted.
(I do hope they leave soon...the last thing I want is people saying stuff that could make me look bad in front of Yuina and Nagi.) Greg thought to himself.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
About an hour later after Geese, Billy, Adel and Rose left the Uruha mansion, Greg made sure to attend to his daily routine of training in the VR sim rooms after dinner. Carrying the Ascension with him, the first thing on his mind was doing some meditation. Picking a spot in the middle of the room, Greg sat down and placed himself for the appropriate concentrating position.
(I'd better do what I can about Geese's suggestion about my new powers...maybe it can help me later on when I start my mission soon.) Greg thought to himself, shutting his eyes. His mind began to drift back to memories in his time in FOXHOUND, one of those was his first ever sparring match against Garland Durev. (Check the last chapter of Tempest Dynasty's Bloody Hands fic.) He saw himself being pummelled by one of Garland's famous attacks, the Demon Hand. Greg squinted his eyes when he saw himself being punished by Garland.
"How do you like my 'Demon Hand', Kinezono? A whole lot of power in a quick punch." Garland told Greg, as he can see a faint, red glow covering it. The current Greg that was examining the fight began to ponder.
(Hmmm...maybe if I found out a bit of how he is able to subdue 'D' in a fight like the first time we sparred, I may find a suitable way to emit my own power without using too much of it...) Greg thought to himself. But before he pulled himself back to reality, his mind felt a sudden, sharp pang in it. He held it as his body was being pulled somehow by a powerful, vacuum of energy. Or more like he was being beckoned to someone or something.
"What the...?! Am I using too much power?" Greg thought to himself, as the memory around him shifted to something else, something...unwelcoming. He saw that he was in a mind state, a trance between merging minds among psychics. The environment was a passageway of doors, and normally for someone as powerful as Greg, he would encounter a memory in an instant, though, this was his first time in a state like this. He instantly recognized that the feedback he was using all along must have overloaded his primary awareness and sent him here. But to his knowledge, the hallway was not suppose to be littered with blood, as it somehow decorated the walls with handprints and streaks of dark, dyed red blood. It was as if the entire scenery was painted in blood and gore.
Greg took a step further, and allowing his psychic essence to feed off the resonating energy around him, he sensed this was no place, even for someone like him should be. He can feel the one responsible for creating this nightmarish abode.
(This aura I'm getting...) Greg thought to himself. (I'm right at the centre of his domain...Garland's mind...and where 'D' lives within.)
Greg can certainly see for himself the raw claw marks, scrapes in the walls and damaged plaster could be seen. The flickering lights of the hallway didn't slow Greg down, whenever it got dark, he just let a white flame come alive from his right fist and he could see where he go well. It was the sound that surrounded him as he walked past door by door that made his confidence weaker by the second. Blood curdling screams penetrated his mind and body, and it seemed to get worse when he was getting close to the end of the hallway. Comparing what he felt and saw when he experience Third Impact in his mind, this was just as bad.
(Enough...) he simply shut his mind out and gained control of his emotions, now returning to the cool and focused attitude he had before. It was right there he found himself facing it...a large, black door with no doorknob. He can sense an enormous deal of hatred, destruction and anger from the other side, and it was contained in one single, living being. Greg had opted to turn back now, as 'D' was on the other side, but...
"Aw, hell. Might as well visit him while I'm here. Maybe I'll learn the secret from him." Greg shrugged his shoulders, touching the door. He then found himself in a very dark, (with the exception of Greg's flame) blood splattered room, where two, shattered windows showed signs of an apocalyptic environment of a destroyed city. Wrecked and burning cars, decimated buildings on fire and cracked asphalt with numerous potholes was all Greg can see on the outside.
(This is so creepy as fuck...) Greg thought to himself, before a single, flickering, yellow ceiling lamp came on above him in the middle of the room. It swung side to side, showing sighting to what was in the room. All over him was probably the most disgusting sight he had ever seen, as corpses was strewn about on the floor, their drying blood causing the floor below Greg to become sticky. At times like this, someone would easily be nauseated by the sight, but this is Greg. He had gotten so used to death and destruction, that it's now part of his daily routine. The Patriots were wrong to take his right of emotional display in the first place, but in a way, he was thankful that he faced up to events like this.
"Ah...not the new Nikes..." Greg lifted a leg to see the blood on his sneakers, but before he got to look, he then sensed he was not alone in the room...someone alive was watching him, waiting for an opening. Greg simply braced his bravery and shook his head.
"There's no need to attack me, I'm just here on business." Greg put up his hands, and putting out the flame on his right fist. Before Greg can do anything else, he sighted a man, who partially resemble Garland, but was totally different in appearance. He was covered in blood, from head to toe, wild hair covering his dark eyes, as Greg could only see his grinning mouth from the angle of the light. Raising his lowered head, he sighted Greg with a look of ferocity in his face. Greg was standing face to face in front of Garland's warped and twisted side, the famous Berserker Demon, or Bloody Hands himself. And all Greg can do in front of him was...
"Bodow. Nice to run into you again, though it's not so voluntarily anymore..." Greg said to 'D', as the twisted side of Garland looked at Greg.
"What...do you want?" 'D' simply asked Greg. "Intruders are not welcomed here, and I can care less if you one of his friends. You're going to get hurt if you linger here any longer."
"Believe me, man...I didn't want to come here, but under the present circumstances, things got out of control and one thing led to another." Greg said. "Besides, while I'm here, I might as well tell you some things that you should consider on my behalf. This won't take long."
"....." Silence came from 'D'. This was something Greg didn't expected.
(Strange...he wants to listen?) Greg thought to himself. (Don't know how long it will keep up, but I'll do what I can to make it hospitable.)
Greg then stared at the corpses around him. With a simple shake of his head, he kicked one of them for good measure.
"You know...you have to introduce me to your interior decorator. I love with what you done with the place." Greg simply said to 'D' in a somewhat, fearless act of humor.
"Heh heh heh. Thank you. I'll be sure to tell that to the corpses from which I ripped the blood from." 'D' actually smiled back at Greg for a moment, before his tone turned dead serious. "But if you know what is right for you, make yourself vacant before you can become one of them."
"Awww, come on now..." Greg threw up his arms in surrender. "You would want to hurt one of Garland's closest friends? Besides, I know when not to cross the limits, though, I doubt the pain you have in store for me will compare to that which Mantis tried to kill me with when I fought him weeks ago."
"I can easily rip you from here without giving you any pain..." 'D' warned Greg.
"Yeah, yeah...I almost forgot about that option too, but at least hear me out, will you?" Greg waved his arm. "Pretty please?"
'D' could not understand why Greg of all people would be here in his domain, and even act as if he was one of his comrades. His face was difficult to tell if he was actually feeling fear while he was close to him, and he sounded authentic enough that he was here for a good reason. He would have to make this visitor an exception for now.
"Alright, I'll listen to you, but I'm someone who doesn't depend on words to deliver my actions." 'D' replied.
"I figured you don't want to speak to me long, so I'll make this really brief." Greg said. "I'm just giving you a warning ahead of time, that...something really big could happen in Tokyo-3 soon, and I don't want you to totally lose it while I'm not around. I have a tendency to worry about the collateral damage done on a base like NERV...especially if it's the cause of an alter ego of one of my good friends."
"Too late for that." 'D' replied. "Once the time comes...once the line drawn between me and Garland is crossed by the wrong kind of fools, I'll shall set myself free unto that place and show them my power, just as how you have shown yours when the last Angel attacked."
"At least I did it to protect everyone in that base..." Greg commented. "You'll just tear everything apart, even if it's not nailed down. All I'm advising you is that you're free to do whatever you want...no one on Earth can stop you while you're at it. Just make sure not to get over your head, huh? I have plans to bring family over to help Garland and the rest of FOXHOUND out soon, and if by any chance you harm any of the people from Warrior, you'll have to answer to me."
A loud, echoing cackle from 'D' filled the room, but Greg did not even flinch, even though he knew he would be attacked anytime from 'D'.
"You're truly are a fool, but it's so amazing why Garland admires you as his friend and sparring partner." 'D' replied.
"Shit...I'm not playing with you, I'm being serious here." Greg said seriously. "And I'm advising you to be careful yourself. You may be unstoppable when awakened, but you're certainly not invincible. Just like me...we both are vulnerable to die sooner or later. Don't place too much faith in that strength of yours all the time, it won't do any good at the end, unless you have me to help out."
"And may I ask, what's that suppose to mean?" 'D' asked, sounding interested.
Greg decided to stay quiet about Third Impact, and instead, placed the thought aside and shook his head.
"Forget I said that." Greg said seriously, turning his back to 'D'. "It's nothing important anyway."
"Alright...I'll consider your warnings, Kinezono." 'D' replied. "However, if this secret of yours is much more important to myself and Garland than it seems..."
"Believe me, man. You DON'T want to know." Greg replied, simply waving it off. "Well, I shall take my leave now. It was fun talking to you, we should do it more often."
"Funny men don't even survive under my wrath. But I kept you around since you've become...entertaining...in more ways than one." 'D" said.
"Not because I'm Garland's friend? Jeez....that's what everyone looks at me as these days...his punching bag." Greg replied with a scoff. "But I will say this while I'm here...that will end when I get back home. That's an oath I intend to keep, and even better yet, I did it in front of you of all people, so that automatically makes you a witness."
"Want to die right here and now?" 'D's tone turned dead serious.
"Sorry...I don't have plans to disappoint the people closest to me by doing that anytime soon. I have a mission to see about later and I have no intention of fighting you. All did was deliver a warning and I want you to make sure that you don't ignore it." Greg replied. "Well, I'll be seeing you. Say hi for Garland for me when you get the chance."
'D' became silent as he looked at Greg, dissipating from the room as if he was never there. A small grin came up his lips, as he started to communicate with his alter-ego, Garland Durev. Actually, it was Garland who noticed something was slightly wrong when 'D' spoke to him.
"Garland...that friend of yours..." 'D' s dark voice spoke to Garland from within.
"Which one?" Garland asked back within his mind.
"That psychic, and arrogant loudmouth who you beat up often." the demon replied. "He was just in my domain."
"You mean Greg?" Garland replied in a tone of surprise. "What was he doing there?"
"He came to deliver a message, but I took the honour of taking it for you, since you're so busy."
"That's...pretty odd." Garland replied. "And you didn't...?"
"He's an exception, since he is your friend. Though, his entry into your mind unintruded was unseen." 'D' replied.
"That must mean his powers must have reached some frightening potential." Garland said.
"No...it's not that..." 'D' replied.
"Hmm? What is it then?"
"His aura...has and is still changing..." 'D' replied. "It's not like before, when I sensed an ability of a pup from him. Now, he has a ferocity of a caged and wounded animal, yet, he is struggling to keep it under control."
"Well, it was obvious from the last time I talked to him. That ordeal with Mantis changed him a lot, attitude and ability." Garland replied.
"It would be best to step up precautions when he approaches you the next time in battle." 'D' said. "He made an oath that he will defeat us when he returns to you and your comrades."
"Ha, in his dreams." Garland replied. "Still...he can come pretty close to doing that. At least he will be serious in that rematch."
"He will be giving it his all. You should be wary of what he is capable of."
"I know...but...there are times like now I feel sorry for him..." Garland said.
"Why is that?"
"Riku told us that Greg's life had been tampered by our enemies, and now Greg's probably still kicking himself for what has happened." Garland replied. "And still...he's willing to injure himself just to protect the rest of us while he bust his chops, finding out more about what they have done to him and those affected by Reese's plans. I wish I could be there to help him, as does everyone else does...but I'll just leave it up to him to see through this. This can turn to a useful experience for him if he uses it well."
"He certainly needs it. For his good, I can actually hope things do turn well for him."
"You actually hoping the best for Greg? That's a surprise..."
"The last thing I need is that Aramaki girl mourning over her lover, just because he is weak in some areas." 'D' replied. "If he can prove himself in the harsh battles ahead, he can be deemed...worthy."
"Yeah...I hope for the best too." Garland replied. "So, what is it that Greg wanted to tell me?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After Greg returned to the VR room, he was still using his psychic senses to playback the fight scene one more time, studying Garland's attack. Seeing several targets in front of him, Greg set himself for an attack. He envisioned his clenched fist being brought back and then in an unseen, quick motion of speed, Greg inflicted damage two targets with the single punch alone. He pulled back and meditated a bit.
"Hmm...I can make it look like the Demon Hand, but it's not as powerful. The Demon Hand's a simple one hit, destructive attack." He said to himself. "My attack is not as powerful as Bring the Pain, but it can catch my enemy off guard with its fast strike and pryo kinetic power. Yes...this is just as good as the Demon Hand, it can prove useful in a tough fight."
Greg's conversation with 'D' makes him learned the new attack, Psycho Hand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Sempai!" Yuina's voice called to Greg, as his mind returned back to reality. He opened an eye and saw Yuina, Seraph, and Rio standing before him in their training gi's. Greg stood up, holding unto the Ascension.
"Yo, Yuina, mom...what's up?" Greg asked. "The training won't start until the next half hour, so why are you interrupting my meditation?."
"I was sort of thinking, Greg..." Rio spoke, tilting her head. "About when you talked about Shade back there when Geese, Adel and Rose were here...it's pretty scary to know what kind of enemy he is and what could happen if you run into him next time."
"Yeah...I'm still getting the chills just thinking about his history." Greg replied. "What's about it that's bothering you?"
"I was talking to Geese before he left and he wanted to let you know that there are still things about your powers that you may not have discovered yet." Rio spoke.
"No kidding. Even after that battle with Mantis, I feel as if I'm still a novice to this thing." Greg replied.
"Well, your time here at the Uruha mansion may have given you the chance to use your powers, both old and new ones, in ways you've never tried before, but let's go for something different today." Rio said, handing Greg a blindfold.
"Nani? What's the deal with this, mom?" Greg asked.
"Greg...it's time you try using your powers like a true psychic." Rio smiled at Greg. "We're going to see if your mind has eyes, and if it's just as good as your natural sight."
"Why would I be even needing something like that?" Greg answered. "It nearly doesn't sound too much fun anyway."
"Probably, but in a situation where it counts, you'll thank me for this." Rio said. "Now...put the blindfolds on. And I'll shift the VR simulators to a night VR training. Get ready."
"Che." Greg simply sighed as he put on the blindfolds over his eyes, shutting out everything in his sight. "Damn...can't see a thing..."
"Good, that's what I want to hear." Rio replied, now moving away from Greg. "Try to find me before you get to the goal, son."
Greg had little idea what to do at first, but he had to go along with Rio's plan. Before he stepped forward, he heard Seraph's voice from behind him, since he knew pretty well where her voice was coming from. The fact it was a telepathic message seemed to helped a bit too, since Greg's mind began to map out foundations of the walls, environments, objects and people around him slowly, bit by bit. It was indeed a new, retrospective for him, seeing things like this. It was as if his mental powers enabled some sort of special goggles that enabled him to see everything around him. He even saw a trail of Rio's emotional essence running off from one pathway to the next.
(Greg...I wanted to tell you something, before you start training.) Seraph spoke to Greg's mind.
(What's is it, Seraph?) Greg answered.
(You've been trying extra hard to help Yuina all this time. You've become quite supportive in keeping her emotions in check.) she spoke. (Thank you for all that you've done so far with helping us, Greg. We wouldn't know what we would have done without you.)
(Hey, what else can I do?) Greg said, as he began to follow Rio's trail. (Even now, she reminds me a bit of myself. I just have to help her and you out, you know.)
(Despite what I thought of when I first met you, Greg, you're not such a bad person after all.) Seraph spoke.
(Of all the guys from FOXHOUND, I give that impression off the most a lot.) Greg smirked. (That's what make me so lovable sometimes...)
As Greg continued on with his tracking after Rio, he encountered some weapons along the way near the staircases, one of them was a PSG-1T. Greg didn't opted for it, as he ended up taking the M9 instead. He still had the Ascension for good measures. Stopping at the last right corner, Greg knew that a mine was floating about a glass floor and was blocking his way. He can't afford to wait, as he simply ran past it before it touched his back. As soon the glass floor disappeared from the ground, he stopped his movements as he spotted Rio holding unto her handgun behind a nearby wall from the mirror in front of him. Even though he had no night vision or thermal goggles on, he easily spotted her in this darkness from within his mind.
With a smile on his face, he stepped back a bit, sticking the Lance into the wall. He then easily leaped on the balancing hilt and sprang over the wall, easily landing right behind Rio.
"Waiting for someone, mom?" Greg smirked, surprising her. Rio easily smiled back, but not before swinging a fist at her surrogate son. Greg easily caught it with his nano arm before it touched his face.
"Congratulations, Greg." Rio said, now relaxing a bit. "You easily used your gifts to see things not using your real eyes."
"That's rather neat." Greg replied. "Though, this will get hard to get used to...are you sure this will work whenever if the next time I'm in a jam, mom?"
"Well, unless we spend more time perfecting this new aspect of your powers, it won't do you any good, now would it?" she lamented. "Now, come on...we're restarting the sim and this time, I'll include more sentries, not to mention Seraph and Yuina in it as well. Time to put your powers to the test, son."
"This is going to be a looong evening...." Greg groaned to himself.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
About two hours later, Greg had finished his new, psychic training and was tired as hell. He had spent about fifteen minutes in the bathroom, contemplating about what he should do next. But the most important thing on his mind, was getting a lot of sleep to fully recover for the battles ahead.
"Jeez...my body's so stiff, every joint in my body must have stopped the flow of blood somehow using my powers to 'see' like that..." Greg panted, with a towel wrapped around his waist. As he entered his private room where he resides at the mansion, Greg was about to start changing when he saw Yuji sneaking out of the room.
"Uncle Yuji!" Greg shouted in surprise. "What are you doing in here?"
Yuji nervously grinned. "Oh, nothing, Greg. I was just browsing around your room for some manga to read, that's all."
"Oh, is that so?" Greg simply replied. He then sensed something wasn't right with Yuji's speech, as Greg started to use his psychic powers to tap into the essence of Yuji's emotions. Then, Greg hit the jackpot.
"Eh?" Greg was stunned to see Yuji holding to his 'reading material.' It happened to be one of Greg's 'dirty doujins', it was an ecchi Outlaw Star manga with two topless Melfinas, on with pale white skin and the other with a light tan skin tone with her back turned to the other on the cover wearing skimpy outfits. Greg's face turned white.
"What do you think you were going to do with my precious, 'Chou Soreyuke! Melfina-san', Yuji?" Greg fumed. Yuji nervously grinned at Greg.
"Aw, come on, Greg...it's not like that..." Yuji put up his hands in defense. "This just caught my eye and I had to see what it's like. Besides, I'm surprised you have a unique taste for dirty doujins, Greg. It's not like you to be even possessing these kinds of stuff."
"With how crazy things are, and the fact that this whole affair separates me from being with Linn..." Greg said in a serious tone, as Yuji began to show a twisted and perverted grin.
"Ah, I get your idea, Greg." Yuji commented, agreeing with him.
"Oh, no, you don't." Greg replied seriously. "Now, I will be taking back that doujin if you don't mind..."
"How can you be so greedy, Greg?" Yuji replied in a miserable tone. "At least let me borrow it for just ONE night?"
Greg simply glared at Yuji, before he sighed, raising his right nano arm. The doujins magazine flew out of Yuji's hands and began to levitate in mid air between them.
"In the first place to begin with, uncle Yuji, this is my property that I went through a lot of trouble to get for my 'personal needs'." Greg said. "And knowing you, you may probably get both of us in trouble if you were holding on to my doujin."
"I'm sure if Rio and the other girls in Warrior see you with this, I'm sure you'll consider the fact that you're the one in the hopeless position, Greg." Yuji spoke.
"Not unless they don't know I had it in the first place, right?" Greg smirked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Yuji commented. His answer was a sudden burst of white flame in front of him, as Greg's doujin caught fire and began to smolder into ashes in front of them.
"Greg! I can't believe you did that to one of your own doujins!" Yuji sounded miserable, as if he wanted to see it still. Greg simply shook his head.
"Ah, don't act so miserable, Yuji." Greg replied, waving it off. "Now, stop your whining and give me some privacy, please?"
"You may have saved yourself from getting punished by Rio for even seeing stuff like that, man..." Yuji grinned at Greg.
"Hey, that's your role, not mine." Greg replied. "Get out of here, will you?"
"Alright then. Sorry if I bothered you on this." Yuji bowed at Greg, before he stepped out. "Sleep well, Greg."
"You too, Yuji." Greg smiled at Yuji as he left. As he did, Greg simply let out a sigh as he simply placed his right hand over the pile of ashes, as if he was searching for something. Greg then lifted out the same copy of the doujin that he 'destroyed' and blew the ash that covered it, as if it was never damaged in the first place.
(Hate to have used my powers like that on uncle Yuji, but it seems using my 'Double Vision' technique on inanimate objects seemed to work better than I thought.) Greg meditated to himself. (I made him think he saw this being burned in front of him, while I used my powers and old pick pocketing skills together to sneak it out of his hands. And besides, there's no way I'm spending another 500 yen just for another copy of this precious manga. Stuff like these are hard to find since those stupid Second Impact laws on pornography has been around...damn the Patriots indeed...)
After staring at the naughty doujin for awhile, Greg shook his head, and threw it on his bed. He had much more important things to be concerned about. First and foremost, he has to make sure Warrior gets to Tokyo-3 and warn his comrades and friends at FOXHOUND and NERV about what could happen in the coming time. The data he researched will be of great use to both factions.
"Hope they will be able to get through with this before anything bad happens, like another Angel or an invasion..." Greg said to himself. "Have to get through with these missions and get back in time to have them come back to a safer place before any fighting starts..."
Then, there's the matter with the so-called Angel Slayer project. He had already embezzled money from the Patriots that was used for the project, and they can start an attack anywhere at anytime for this rebelling act. There's still much about it...and himself...to learn.
(There's must be a logical explanation for the existence of this project they are responsible of...) he thought.
Also to add to his dilemmas, there was the responsibility of training Nagi and Yuina. He gave this serious thought, but it somehow seemed to calmed him and made him forget his troubles a bit whenever he remembered seeing Yuina's smiling face. He aslo have to cope with the fact that Nagi, being a former Schwartz member, is willing to be obedient to his teachings and is not loyal to Crawford's anymore.
"I have to make them strong enough to take up the challenges ahead...it's going to be tough, but under my tutelage, I think they will make things a bit easier once they get a grasp of the situation." Greg said to himself.
Another thing that he was concerned about was gaining enough strength to challenge the ones responsible for causing a possible Third Impact. He gritted his teeth while thinking of the memory, but let it put aside for awhile. The training he is undergoing at the Uruha mansion, and soon, the missions ahead, will be enough sparring practice to give him a edge in battle later. He will certainly be needing it, especially in that long awaited rematch against Garland.
"Just you wait, Garland..." Greg said, with a determined smirk. "I'll show you and everyone else that I'm strong enough to protect everyone, and I'll prove the Patriots wrong!"
"The plan was already thought out, the strategy for the future is mapped out." Greg said to himself. "The only thing left to do now is meet more of Riku's friends, and meet Tessa to talk a bit about old times and what's going to happen soon. Then, the mission will take off in full gear..."
Just before he was about to take off his towel to start changing, his Codec began to ring. He answered to the other end, and saw it was Linn.
"Hey, Linn...good to see your beautiful face." Greg said, sitting on the bed. "What's the scene, calling me up like this?"
"Oh...just wondering what are you up to, that's all." she replied.
"Finding an excuse to talk to me?"
"Is anything wrong with talking to my lover, whom I haven't seen and been with for so long?" she replied with a near sarcastic tone. "You know how much I worry about you..."
"I know...sorry if I touched a nerve..."
"That's okay, I expected you to be like that. You've changed, Greg." Linn answered.
"I'll never change...not for you or anyone else." Greg replied seriously. "And for your information, I've just stepped out a shower after another, tiring day here at the Uruha mansion. This place has more dysfunctional qualities and happenings than your usual day at FOXHOUND."
"Sounds like you've been busy and a lot has happened."
"You can say that. And the real fun hasn't even started yet..." Greg replied. "I can tell you about what's going down soon...I'm suppose to be meeting more of Riku's oldest friends who can help me in this fight against the Patriots."
"That's rather good to hear." Linn replied. "So...you just came out of the shower, huh?"
"Why is that any importance to you?" Greg felt nervous hearing her say that over the Codec.
"Oh, I just want to find out if you haven't got on anything yet." she had a mischievous chuckle from comment.
"I'm still dripping wet, and in my towel." Greg replied simply.
"Hmmm..." Linn purred. "Switch off you monitor, Greg. I want to talk...dirty to you, if you miss me that much."
"You have no shame at all, do you woman?" Greg asked.
"Don't you miss being with me, Greg?" Linn cooed, making Greg feel stiff. "I miss you too...and...you know what drives me more crazy than not being with you."
"Linn! Don't do this over the Codec, please!" Greg begged. She was torturing him over the Codec with her 'feminine charm'. What made this harder that the dirty doujin was within eye's reach of him and he was now thinking of two Linns in the same room.
"Greg...I want you...now..." The left twin of Linn called out to him, taking off her top.
"Ah...must keep...focus..." Greg grunted to himself. Certainly, Linn was making this harder for him, her voice getting higher and higher over the Codec, getting the best of his conscience. He will have to try and keep it up, though, this kind of mental training is what he could get used to later.
(Aw, hell.) Greg thought to himself. (You know what they say...'If you can't beat them, join them'.)
Greg took up the doujin and returned back to the bathroom, while Linn talked on over the Codec. He will have to use this opportunity to relax himself at least once, the battles ahead will cost more than just his new strength and time. Little does he know that there are things in store for him that will cause him to change his plans later...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"So, is this Greg Kinezono still alive as it was last reported?" one female, dressed in a yellow dress, with a mini skirt just short enough that it did little to protect the sight of her white panties. She had a pale, short blonde hairstyle, and was conversing to several other women in the same uniforms.
"Yeah...it's pretty amazing what the Commander said about him..." another with long brunette hair spoke. "He battled Psycho Mantis and survived, he is just what we need for our test."
"We need to be careful, Bianca...he is a one man army with lots of questionable fighting skills." Another one of the women spoke.
"Relax...that is why Rie has volunteered in capturing him and dealing with any other nuisance that she runs into." Her comrade smiled. "She is in charge of the project, isn't she? And her combat skills are just as dangerous to give Kinezono a worthy fight, but the odds are in her favour."
"Making this capture quite more easy..."
In the other room, a young teenager with long, black hair with a small, red ribbon in her hair was watching video recordings of Greg in battle against some Death Squad troops. Examining his every move, she nodded in approval of his movements. After freezing the tape, she stood up with a confident smile on her face.
(He may be a weapon for the Patriots, but neither of them has yet to taste the might of the Delmos.) Rie Petriokiwa smirked to herself. (Greg Kinezono...you'll be a great assessment to my plans and no one else's.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Kinezono has done it, hasn't he?" one mysterious voice asked while enveloped in darkness. It happened to be one of the Patriots conversing with another.
"Yes, the budget used for creating our 'Angel Slayer' project had been depleted greatly, but not to the amount that it should affect our plans." One of the other voices spoke. "He will be taking action against us soon, and his alliances with some potentially dangerous people is growing."
"Has Reese done something to ensure that Kinezono will not interfere with our scenarios?"
"I'm certain that he is taking the necessary steps." One of the Patriots replied. "However, it would only slow him down...it will be beneficial to us to test Kinezono's psychic and fighting capabilities, and truly see if he has a limit to those qualities."
"We will not falter in getting what is rightfully ours. Gendou Ikari fell victim to his own faults, and certainly the rest of NERV should be aware of the mistakes he made, that made it considerable for his punishment." One of the Patriots answered. "Kinezono's purpose is to deal with irresponsible ones such as him, his powers suit that much important role."
"And when this world is cleansed of the competition, he shall be discarded like the waste he is."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Somewhere else in the world....Lt. Matthew Reese was seated in a secluded hotel room, smoking a short, dirty cigar. His papers strewn all about, he was satisfied with dealing with Kinezono for now. He may have failed in keeping James Masterson, also known in FOXHOUND as Silent Scorpion, from accomplishing his mission, much less leave the island of Cuba alive. Even if James have escaped unscathed, the Patriots had already set plans not to allow him to get closer to the Second Child, Asuka Langley Sohryu, the red haired pilot of Evangelion Unit 02. This was nothing for Reese to be worried about anymore, his concerns is stopping the rebelling Kinezono, his comrades and family one way or another.
Taking out a cell phone, he contacted a number that had been tapped by the Patriots for some time. Now would be the opportune time for him to use it, as he knew Shade had failed in stopping Greg from facing Mantis. He knows by know that Greg has known about Third Impact from Mantis after managing to beat him. He can't allow Greg and his comrades to getting too close to the truth about it.
On the other end, a young, Chinese male quickly answered it. He had a tired look on his face, as if he had a rough time recently. He gave Reese a rude answer.
"Who is this?!" The Chinese man ordered. "Whoever this is, you'd better have a good reason to call me at this time!"
"Relax, I know you're man who values time on your efforts... Wei Fei Lee." Reese replied calmly. The Chinese man stood up quickly to his named being called.
"How do you know my name...!?" Lee asked.
"That is of no importance...let's just say that I'm concerned about the welfare of your status of being a skilled assassin. You must be getting rusty, now that you're lack of employ is the current reason why you haven't been into any action lately." Reese spoke.
"Are you insulting me?!" Lee was getting more angrier by the minute, this conversation with Rees was getting nowhere. "Just what is that you're calling me for?"
"I'm sure that you've been paying attention to the news lately...the man responsible for killing Gendou Ikari is at large, but I have confirmed a location where you can eliminate him." Reese spoke.
"Gregory Kinezono? Why does he have to be killed? Shouldn't an arrest be enough for him?"
"He is highly and potentially dangerous, it would be a mistake for the law to apprehend him. Besides, he has been a thorn in my side for as long as I've known him." Reese spoke. "Killing him shouldn't be too much of a task for someone like you and your partner included."
"Hmm...sounds convincing enough." Lee nodded reluctantly. "How soon do you want him eliminated?"
"The chance you get. I'll contact you again and give you further instructions from there on." Reese said, before he hung up. Lee got up with a frustrated sigh from his lips, as he saw the young Asamu Bagte sleeping on a small bed near by. He then thought to himself about Reese's call.
(Whichever way this turns out, it should point me where I need to go on having my revenge on what the Patriots did to us years ago.) Lee thought to himself. He was also hoping he wouldn't have to encounter Riku and his partners again though, even if the nagging feeling that it can happen seemed to gripped him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ShardclawK: And that concludes this chapter, not to mention this arc of the story. This one sure had a lot of surprise twists and some funny scenes, huh? I'm glad if this chapter pleased all of you with the character appearances, not to mention that highlighting of Shade's past, as well as 'D's appearance. This is one of my best yet, but there are still more of this story to be revealed that will probably outdo other crossover fics that you may have seen. But I must say sorry first to those who were waiting for a speedy update, the Internet connection for my home area shut down for a while, so I got a bit lazy and waited for things to clear up. Then I had to deal with work first...then my near death experience just recently days ago in a small car collision, but thank God I only got away with a scrape to the head. (It still hurts...a little.) So, this chapter was probably worth the wait for all of you fanatics of my works.
Youji: I know it will be one hell of a ride when things get out of hand later.
Greg: Yeah, baby! When the shit finally hits the fan, this story will be so off the hook, it will be untouched in terms of multiple twists and action and multiple characters at once. And I'll be at the centre of this unending madness. I just love my life...
Omi: Oh, it can't be bad, Greg. Things surely can't get worst for you.
ShardclawK: Oh, they will indeed. This is but nearing the prelude of some big things to come...but for, you guys have to take things easy and wait for further developments. As for me...
With a snap of my finger, Faye Valentine of Cowboy Bebop and the three chicks from Bastard!, Yoko, Sheila and the thunder Empress, Arshes-Nei step in. Faye was wearing a two piece bikini, while the Bastard girls were wearing nothing but very, very sheer lingerie.
Faye: Hello, Shardclaw-sama. Tempest sent us to make sure your updates go as smoothly as he wants them to. Included with the shipment for this update are an extra set of edible undies in 31 other different flavours, a bucket of gummi candy for you to enjoy while you have your fun with us, and most importantly, a trial package of Tempest own manufactured 'Soldier's pills, made specifically for you use in 'bedroom activities' so you won't tire out yourself.
ShardclawK: I'm such a stud! And if that's not enough, he got even more hot chicks waiting for me for the next COE update. I do hope you four are prepared to give it your 'all' by the time DarkFusion's shipments get to me. On to the bedroom, girls! I still got more than enough condoms for seconds with all of you! These 'soldier' pills will come useful for girls like Excel and Tina Foster and more Negima chicks...heh heh...ouch, my head!
Sheila: Hush, hush, now, Shardclaw-sama...let us take good care of you until DarKFusion sends chicks to make you feel even more better. To the bedroom, girls.
As I get carried off to the master bedroom once more, Ran begins to shake his head.
Ran: How does he do it? Get so many chicks to have fun with every COE and Soldier X update?
Omi: That's just to show how good that guy is...and how kind other people want to help and repay him for doing such cool favours.
Ran: Oh, shut up, Omi. Let's just sit back and wait for the next update and get you paired up with someone really quick, so we wouldn't have to put up with more of this....
Youji: I don't think I can either...Shardclaw always makes me jealous of him whenever he's with so much chicks like that...but for now, everyone, please review and hang on for the next update. See you around then.
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.