Disclaimer: The same as before, as I don't own anyone excepting Greg and the story, while I also do not own anyone of the new OC's, Yukimura Sanada, that will eventually show up later on in this story. They all belong to GreyWolf4. Without further ado…
ShardclawK: Amen…another start of a new chapter for everyone's favourite psychic soldier who just wants to protect everyone around him, while evading, and eventually, causing trouble, has just begun. Thanks to everyone who stuck around for the last update of this fic, and the last COE chapter, dealing with the 15th Angel. Boy, that chapter was something, huh? But that compares little to what I got in store for this fic soon, later on and onwards!
Ran: What's that suppose to mean, Shardclaw?
ShardclawK: Now, I can't go revealing that now, can't I, Ran? Let's just say this story will be HUGE in terms of twists and arcs. You're all in for a lot surprises starting from this chapter. Just make sure you have knowledge of the KOF: Maximum Impact characters, because I actually put a lot of them in this chapter alone!
Youji: Don't forget about the recaps, or are you just waiting on the right time to summarise everything?
ShardclawK: That's right…you guys will be seeing some neat changes and additions to make this fic beyond great, so hang onto your seats! The recaps of everything that happen so far will come soon, but for now, enjoy this update, while I enjoy the latest shipments from DF from the last COE chapter.
Ran: Here he goes again….
From the stage door, Mei Momozono, Yayoi Kuribayashi, Hakuki Kakio of the ecchi anime, Mouse step in, wearing French, maid uniforms, as Cutey Honey's Honey Kisaragi and Onegai Twins's Miina Miyafuji and Karen Onodera step in, all three of them wearing sexy, lace bustiers. Mei and Yayoi came close enough to 'gang up' on me.
Mei: Shardclaw-sama…you must still be tired from all the writing for the last COE chapter. Let us carry you into the master bedroom and give you pure satisfaction to ease your tension.
Yayoi: Maybe this will convince you to make up your mind faster…?
ShardclawK: No, no…NO! What did I tell you girls about trying to attract me in front of the audience? If you're going to do that, do it with less enticement from now on. Aw, hell…I might as well 'discipline' you for behaving so badly this way. Boys, I leave the rest of this to you as always.
Omi: He tends to get to even the fanboys like this, huh, Youji?
Youji: That's true…but I sense a moment of truth for us approaching soon. We will have to sit back and see what happens in this update. As always, happy reading and enjoy.
ShardclawKusanagi presents:
Metal Gear: Soldier X
Chapter 22: The Hunted, Part 4
Earlier that same evening, while Greg, Rio, Riku and his partners had left the dance school where they spent the afternoon with Suzumi, Yuhi, Chidori and the others affected by Kagami Mikage, there was a new plot of evil being created in Thorn's private laboratory, as the scientist who was able to manipulate genes into Shiju, was researching some of the genes and medical records he had snagged during his short fight with Greg Kinezono. He wanted to find out for himself what is it that had Greg so powerful and try to emulate the theory used for Greg's DNA for his experiments. Hopefully if he approaches good results, he can increase his own strength by implanting some of Greg's DNA into his.
So far, he was nearing the end of his research. Greg's fight with Shiju was only a test to see how Greg is able to against his experiments. But Shiju was killed by Greg.
"A small price to pay for the extent of research I have done just to get close to you, Kinezono…It was worth it." Thorn spoke to himself, watching his microscope.
Looking back to his monitor, Thorn had just enhancing the powers Mokuren possessed. Mokuren happens to be part of a living plant and one of the Hokage and Uruha's past enemies who had a pleasure of killing women. However, Mokuren wasn't the only one Thorn had hoped to create against Greg's strength. He had several 'volunteers' work under him, who were brave enough to become BOW's for Thorn. Soon, Thorn will have an army of these super soldiers with genetic and superhuman advantages, just with enough power to challenge Greg, as well as the friends among him.
"How's the test coming along, Thorn?" Mokuren asked Thorn, who seemed to be finishing his research.
"I'm closing in to the source of Kinezono's powers…they are something even I have never seen before. No wonder the Patriots want him so badly." Thorn spoke. "Ah…it seems that the report have just been completed."
"Thanks to your subordinate, Drake who supplied us with some more military information on Kinezono, he shouldn't be so hard to find." Mokuren spoke.
"It will all come together soon…when he attacked me, I placed a nanotransmitter into his body. He won't even notice us watching his every move…" Thorn spoke, before he glanced at the monitor one final time. "Ah…and here comes the final verdict…"
"Name: Gregory Matthews. Age: 26. Nationality: Afro-Trinidadian. Educational History: Unknown. Military History: Access Denied." The report said on Greg's profile screen. "Medical Records: Unable to analyze."
"Hmm…even by me, this is a challenge." Thorn spoke, rubbing his chin.
"Thorn, it seems someone doesn't want people like you to know too much about Greg." Mokuren spoke.
"I'm certain Reese is one of them." Thorn spoke. "But that won't stop me…this is only a small setback. I'll eventually know more on our psychic soldier…but for now, I'll only focus on locating his whereabouts, so you can begin the second test…the test where you will come into play, Mokuren."
Mokuren only laughed at Thorn with a tone of twisted pleasure. "I can hardly wait."
At the same time back at NERV headquarters near the Evangelion cages…
"So, that's what he is going to do." Michael Hansen was speaking to another person over the Codec. "I'm not certain what he is up to, or when he is going to see about this mission, but I was hoping that if it's not any trouble that you go and watch after him for the time being?"
A calm, male voice spoke from the other end of the Codec. "Why certainly, Michael…although your friend may look like he could take care of himself, I'll do what I can to assist him whenever he needs it."
"Oh…and one more thing you should know." Michael said. "His girlfriend personally suggested it…Greg has this serious concern about his…reputation. He probably doesn't want his new talents to be overshadowed…especially by someone like yourself, so if it's not any trouble, don't get too involved with his actions, no matter how offending they may seem. He has a way of getting this through people, one way or another. Try if you can to convince him he needs your help, but don't give him the impression too highly. He is a bit stubborn, and that could get him killed."
"I see. That means I should keep my history from him a secret for awhile."
"He will learn eventually…he sounded different enough from the last time I talked to him, that he is getting well aware of what's happening around him, thanks to his powers."
"Should I make preparations to leave right away?"
"You should, sensei. But don't go to him just yet." Michael replied. "He is probably still training his mind and body just for the mission and knowing Greg now, he won't take new allies so soon so lightly."
"Understood. I do hope Greg himself will understand that I'm only trying to help."
"I leave the rest of this in your hands, sensei Sanada." Michael said, before he logged off.
-
In front of the La Illusions night club as the evening was now fully night time, Greg had stopped his motorcycle as he and his surrogate mother, Rio Kinezono stepped off. Right behind them, Riku, Nagi Naoe and Tot stepped out, while Mignon Beart went up straight to the door, where a long line of spectators of the King of Fighters and partygoers alike was seen queued from one corner of the street to the door of the club.
"Geez….this place is packed." Rio said, amazed at the huge crowd. "How will we ever going to get inside, Greg?"
"Leave that to me." Greg spoke, standing close to Mignon at the door. There were two bouncers who were letting people in after checking their ID's. "Excuse me, gents…I was hoping you would allow me and my friends inside. I have to speak with the champions of KOF."
"Sorry, kid…no one under 18 allowed in here." One of the bouncers said, shoving Greg aside. Greg only smirked at this and stepped back up.
"You must be mistaken…I'm way over the legal age, as does everyone else in my group." Greg spoke. "If you don't believe me, go ask Chizuru Kagura and just mention Greg Kinezono is here to see her."
Both bouncers looked at Greg in surprise at this, when they took a closer look at him.
"Wait…you're THE Greg Kinezono that is training under the two champions, Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami?" one of them asked.
"Hey, let's not forget…this is also Geese Howard's student as well." The other spoke, now starting to sound frightened at learning this about Greg. Suddenly, they stepped aside, showing a way into the club. "Uh…both of them were expecting you, Gregory-san. Please, you and your friends can come and go as much as you please. Compliments of the management."
"Now, that wasn't so hard, wasn't it?" Greg said, smiling at the bouncers, now turning to his friends. "Okay, guys, follow me. Watch your step."
After Mignon and Greg's group entered, they were all welcomed by a lively, party environment, as neon lights flashed all over the large, single room, packed with people, talking, laughing and dancing together. Sexy and cute waitresses dressed in short, tight dress shirt tops and small mini skirts walked by Greg and the others, serving drinks to the people who were in their seats and tables, while J-pop and techno soundtracks played all over. Greg can see the DJ for the club was none other than, Duck King, who was happily changing music to the rhythm every few minutes. Greg can also see a female bartender of American decent in her late thirties with short blonde hair, serving drinks to the men and women who were there, mingling with the KOF participants. It was truly an enjoyable scene.
"Yeah! Now THIS is what I call a party!" Greg said, looking amazed at the sight of people around him. "Hope I find some familiar faces…"
"Mignon knows where Kyo and Iori will be by now. Want Mignon to show you, Greg-san?" Mignon said, grabbing his arm.
"Sure thing, but please don't make this an excuse for a date!" Greg said, before he caught Rio ogling over some of the good and strong looking fighters from KOF. She was seen talking to Ash Crimson, a French male with white, curled hair and freckles under his eyes who could use green flames. He was wearing a red jumpsuit. Next to him were his friends from the new Hero Team, Duo Lon and Shen Woo. They were both ogling over Rio in her casual outfit, though she never intended to come out clubbing after coming with Greg to meet Chidori, Aya and the others.
"And what's a pretty mademoiselle like yourself is doing here by your lonesome, eh?" Ash asked coolly, coming unto Rio, as she blushed at the sight of the three men eyeing her.
"Um…geez…I'm only here on business…" Rio stuttered, her heart racing. (Oh, please, Greggie…please, don't see me like this…)
"Ash! Step away from my mom…if you want to live." Greg said seriously at the two of them. Ash simply smirked at Greg and stood up straight.
"Greg Kinezono…good to see that you're still alive after all that I have been hearing about you." Ash spoke. "You're much more harder to kill than a cockroach."
"Still the cocky assed show off, huh, Ash?" Greg replied, while smiling. Then he grabbed Rio's collar. "Anyway, I would like to stay and chat, but business before pleasure is on my agenda for this evening. I only came to see Kyo, Iori and Chizuru."
"I won't keep you back, then." Ash bowed to Greg. "Just don't let Linn know that you're seeing Mignon now of all people…something is so wrong with that picture."
Greg only growled at Ash, as Riku and his partners only laughed in the background listening. Greg then only shook his head as he faced Riku.
"Riku…I promise you and your partners will get to meet the legendary flame wielders of KOF, but not yet. There are some things I have to confirm first with them." Greg said to Riku. "Anyway…that is Ash, one of the new flame wielders of KOF…why don't you three go on ahead and mingle with him and everyone else in here. I'm sure you'll bump into someone familiar."
"Then that means that the Ikari team must be here as well…we'll go look for them." Riku spoke. "We'll be at the bar if you want to find us, Greg."
Greg nodded to his reply, before getting yanked by Mignon away while still holding unto Rio, away from Ash.
"Don't keep Mignon waiting any longer!" she said.
"Aw, jeez…" Greg said feeling embarrassed. He then turned to Rio, who was looking at him with a flustered look. "Hey, mom…don't let that Ash get to you, he's trouble."
"It can't be helped when I'm in a club full of strong, single hunks!" Rio exclaimed. "But you what else I like when I'm at a place like this, Greg?"
"What?"
"That you're always there to protect me from certain creeps if they try anything." Rio said as she smiled Greg.
"Yeah…in case Riku and his buddies didn't know…I've walked right into a hornets nest. This place is full of people who hates my guts." Greg said seriously. "Good thing Yuina is still a teen, and isn't here with us. The last thing I need, is to start some kind of…"
"GREG KINEZONO! I'VE FINALLY FOUND YOU" a male voice shouted from behind, somehow muting out the loud dance music in the club. Greg, Rio and Mignon stopped their tracks as they turned around and saw a young American teen, with short bleached blonde hair and was wearing a red and white jacket with a star on its' back. He was wearing motorcycle gloves and a tight black jeans. Next to him was a young girl with blue hair that was tied into two side ponytails by yellow ribbons. She was wearing a sky blue Chinese shirt and a white pants.
"…trouble." Greg said, as he turned to face the one calling him. Greg simply placed his hands in his pockets and watched Rock Howard, Geese's own son approach him with a look of opposition that would cut air in the room. The enmity between these two men is surely something that would intensify a fight, but to Rock, this was personal. He wanted vengeance against Geese, and anything associated with him…Greg included.
"Where's my father!" Rock grabbed Greg by the collar as he spoke. "I knew you spoke to him recently…were you two scheming something against me and Terry! Answer me!"
"Cool it, will you, Rock!" Greg said, pushing away his arm. "I didn't come here to start a fight…I only came to see…"
"Enough! I won't stand and listen to your lies!" Rock said, as a purple flame started to cover his fist.
"No! Rock!" the young girl stepped in front of him and spread her arms in front of him, defending Greg. It happened to be Hotaru Futaba, who cared a lot for Rock to be his girlfriend. "Not here! You promised me that you won't start any fight if you see anyone who's been associated with Geese. You came here with me as a date…not to cause any bloodshed! You promised me that!"
Rock only looked at the girl, before calming down with a sigh. "H-Hotaru….I'm so sorry. What just came unto me?"
"Dammit, Rock…that's why specifically I didn't want to start a fight. You're still having problems controlling that power you have." Greg spoke, staring at him seriously. "And you got to drop this senseless pursuit of going after Geese all the time…it's not healthy."
"I could care less…you and I…still have our differences." Rock warned Greg. "When the day comes when we fight each other again, I shall learn what is it that my father has been hiding from me, even if I have to beat it out of you!"
"How many times will you keep trying and failing, Rock?" Greg said, now starting to walk away. "Do yourself a favour…just focus on keeping Hotaru company for awhile and we'll have our match on a timing. You're just not ready for me yet, kid."
"We'll see about that, Greg." Rock said, now grinning as Hotaru playfully punched him to get his mind set on making her feel glad for the remainder of the date.
"Rock!" Hotaru said to him, as he looked at her. "That's it! No more threats for you until you behave yourself!"
"Aw, come on, Hotaru! It's not like I didn't mean it…" Rock tried to confess to the girl, as she simply pouted at him. Greg only smirked at the two, as he was approaching closer to a private room upstairs where Kyo Kusanagi was chatting to Chizuru Kagura. He wasn't the only one there, as his girlfriend, Yuki was at his side as well. In the room, Shingo Yabuki, Benimaru Nikado and Goro Daimon was seated on a separate couch, enjoying the party down below.
"Greg….I've overheard you were in the area from Yuri and Mai, so I thought I had this party held here, so you can see me." Chizuru spoke, shaking his right hand. "Good to see that you're still alive and well."
"Good to see you again, Chizuru, and everyone else at KOF, though I was never to take part of it this year." Greg said, while looking at everyone. He didn't see Iori. "Hey, where is Iori anyway?"
"He's downstairs at the bar, probably getting plastered with Leona." Kyo said simply.
"I see…well, I guess I can ask him just before I leave." Greg said sitting down. "Sensei Kyo…there's something I have to ask of you."
"I guess it's about your powers, huh?" he replied.
"It most certainly is." Greg replied. "I should start however from when it all began…you guys are for one hell for a story."
So, after an hour had passed of Greg telling Chizuru and Mignon, along with Kyo and his team about how Geese helped Greg augmented his powers before fighting Mantis, and his fight with Shiju. After the important details were learned, Kyo only shook his head.
"That really sucks ass, Greg. I'm certain that you're going to get to the bottom of who's trying to get you like this?" Kyo asked.
"Yes…but that's being taken care of." Greg said. "I'm really concerned if my powers of wielding a flame will have an effect on my mental being?"
"You should be asking me that, Greg." Another man's voice said as Greg and Rio turned around and saw Iori Yagami, arm in arm with Leona Heidern of the Ikari Team. Greg stood up and started to bow at Iori.
"Sensei Iori." Greg said.
"I met three of your FOXHOUND friends downstairs at the bar earlier who said that you were here, so after getting acquainted with them, I decided to check up on you after hearing what you had gone through." Iori spoke.
"Okay then. To make the long story short, how can I fully control my powers without going into a possible Blood Riot?" Greg asked. "Even if my powers are not like yours, the amount of emotions I pick up in battle is enough to drive me crazy…any suggestions?"
"Well, Greg…it's not a simple task to easily gain a mental barrier, when your powers rely on bloodlust. It's possible that you will lose control of your sanity like me and Leona did during the KOF '96 and '97 tournaments." Iori spoke.
"He's right about that." Leona spoke. "All it takes is the triggering of bad memories just to set the Riot off. There's no sense fighting it."
"Damn…but my powers never originated with either the Orochinagi or the Kusanagi clans…it's nearly just the same." Greg said, thinking to himself. "Are you saying something like that HAS to happen?"
"I'm afraid so, Greg." Leona said, shaking her head sadly.
Greg only stared in silence, before he spoke. "So…there will be a time my own powers will betray me once again. Is there no salvation whatsoever for me if I want to live peacefully, just to protect everyone?"
"Greggie…" Rio said, feeling the sadness in his voice. It was then Kyo stood up.
"Don't think that is entirely bad news, Greg. There is hope." Kyo said.
"Really?"
"Since you rely on psychic powers and your own original training from Geese to emulate our fighting skills, the effects you may have will not be permanent, though they will remain lethal." Kyo said. "Iori and Leona had to find ways to control their bloodlusts and the Riot was under their control."
"Meaning…we can summon the Riot at will if we wanted to, while keeping control." Iori said. "But chances are that for someone who draws these negative emotions without even siphoning them, are very slim."
"So…even if I tried to control my version of the Riot…it would just overpower me."
"Yes…but there is a way that you can somehow…merge with it." Iori said, causing everyone in the room to stare at him in shock, Greg and Kyo included.
"What! A merging with the Riot!" Shingo exclaimed.
"That's crazy!" Benimaru shouted. "Greg…don't even think about it."
"He should…it's the only way he can stay stable if he don't want to lose control of himself the next time he is in a serious fight." Iori spoke. "So, Greg…what it will be? A psychic like yourself should be able to create a way to find the source of your siphoning of emotional resonance and put it together with your skills. You'll be even stronger than ever, and ready to detect when something's wrong."
"I….I'm not really sure if I could do that." Greg said, with some doubt in his voice. "Why the hell Geese didn't mention something like this to me before!"
"He has his reasons." Chizuru spoke. "That is probably a forbidden art that even you shouldn't take up…until today, if you want to save your sanity."
"Great…just great." Greg said, placing his hands under his chin. (Sounds like I got to make another appointment back to the Guardian Dogs temple soon…)
"Don't give up hope, Greg." Kyo said. "You're not the quitter type and I'm sure you will find a way to prevent something bad from happening when your powers go out of control. You have our backing as always."
"Too bad we can't test you to see if you've improved in your training…" Iori spoke.
"I wished I can say yes, but not tonight." Greg said, then a smile came on his face. "But…there is a way we can still have a spar…Chizuru, just how much trouble it is to arrange a new KOF tournament in…Tokyo-3?"
"That's no problem, Greg. I can easily arrange it as early as next week." She replied. "Why did you ask?"
Greg's grin got bigger as he explained his plan to her and everyone else in the room.
Back downstairs at the bar, Riku was in the middle of a conversation with General Heidern of the Ikari team, as they talked about the times they had with Michael Hansen before he joined FOXHOUND. Nagi and Tot were also chatting along with Ralf Jones and Clark Steel. Sitting next to them were Yuri Sakazaki and her husband, Robert Garcia. Ryo Sakazaki was sitting with his sparring partner, Robert , while King served everyone the drinks. Seth, Ramon, Lin and Vanessa can be seen in one group, sharing jokes with each other.
It was karaoke time, and Athena Asimiya was singing one of her popular songs on stage. Jhun of the Korea Team was smothered with fascination watching his personal pop idol sing on stage, while Kim Kapwhan, Choi Bounge, Chae Lim, and Chang Boehan had to watch in embarrassment seeing a grown man like this.
Soiree and his brother, Alba Meira was overlooking the events of the club from a reserved section just for them. Alba is known to be the 'Devil of Daybreak.', while Soiree was the 'Twilight Angel.' Though the two of them were close, they were complete opposites. Alba is more of the serious and calm type, while Soiree was very talkative.
"So…Greg is here, just as we thought." Alba said coolly, his red tinted shades placed over his eyes, while he wore his red, slick clothing.
"Bro, we should let him know that we're here as well." Soiree said, as he danced lightly to the sounds to the dance floor. The two of them were hoping to use this club to unite the fighters for a chance of a good time. They also had plans of putting aside the differences the gangs of SouthTown had and group them together to restore order to the city, after much corruption had turned it upside down, not to mention NESTS destroying part of the city just before the Second Impact.
"I've been thinking…we should make Greg our spokesman to unite the gangs of SouthTown." Alba spoke. "He has a way with people, he can certainly do it."
Soiree looked at his brother in surprise. "Dun, dun, dun…so, it's come to that, huh?"
Alba wanted so badly to smack his brother upside the head. "You can get on people's nerves so easily."
"Not like Mignon, though." Soiree said, smiling. "We have to catch Greg before he goes."
"Okay, we'll go and look for him." Alba said, stepping out of the private room with his brother.
Back at the bar, Riku was now talking to Hinako and her younger sister, Malin Shijou. Malin had short, blonde hair and was wearing a cute, brown tank top and white miniskirt. Her choice of attacks was using yo-yos. Tot was chatting with Terry Bogard, Joe Higashi, Blue Mary Ryan, and Tizoc. Nagi was seated next to Mai Shiranuai, talking about Michael as usual, when he spotted another blonde wearing a black and yellow body fitting jump suit, the chest area open for the men to see. Her arms and knee areas had green transmitter like discs that decorated the suit. The woman saw Nagi watching her.
"Can I help you with something?" she asked him, causing him to gulp a bit.
"Ah….no. Nothing really." Nagi replied, shaking any dirty thoughts from his mind. "You just looked like someone I've seen before."
"Really?" she replied, giving off a British accent. "Well, I've never seen you in KOF before. Are you one of the civilians?"
"You can say that. I'm here with some friends on a visit." Nagi replied.
"It's wonderful to have friends who can trust you…" the woman replied, in a gentle tone. "Take my advice and be faithful to them, they are the ones who will need it the most."
"I'll…I'll remember that, ma'am." Nagi said, bowing to her. "Um, thanks."
"Anytime." Nagi said, smiling. (She's not so bad as I thought…)
"Having fun, Nagi?" a jealous Tot asked him suddenly, wielding a harisen in her hand. Riku was behind her, snickering to himself watching this.
"It's not like that, Tot." Nagi said quickly, blushing a little. "It's just that I'm sure I've seen that woman somewhere before."
"Do you know her?" Tot asked.
"No, I don't think so..." Nagi then turned back to Tot. "Are you sure you haven't seen her before?"
"Well..." Tot then turned and looked at the woman for a few minutes. "Actually..." She then turned back to Nagi and Riku. "Nope, never seen her before." This caused both Riku and Nagi to sweatdrop at that.
(Couldn't she have just said that sooner?) Riku thought.
"Hey, what's going on?" Greg asked as he and Rio came back into the dance floor.
"Nothing much, Nagi just seems to have recognized someone." Riku answered and gestured over to the woman. "You know most of the people here, any ideas who it is?"
"You mean Lien?" Greg asked, now seeing the woman who Riku was referring to. (A.N: Pronounced 'Lee-ann'.)
"Lien..." Nagi said and then his eyes widened as he remembered something. "Hold on is she the assassin Lien Neville?"
"Yeah, you know her?" Greg asked.
"No, but I've heard of her and now I remember where I've seen her before." Nagi answered. "Back when I was still in Schwartz, I was doing a bit of a look around for info on other assassins and assassin groups that could end up as enemies later on. I eventually found some pretty extensive info on her after doing some pretty hefty digging along with a picture."
"A picture, huh?" Tot started to wave the harisen about. "I'm sure that is enough to make you think more than just about finding about her!"
"Wait, Nanami! I was only doing my job then!" Nagi backed up from her.
"Tot, relax. I don't think Nagi was flirting with Lien." Greg said with a grin on his face. "Besides, I don't think someone like her wants any romance for the moment…the last I heard about Lien, she was still pursuing revenge for her family who died at the hands of don Duke."
"Oh…" Tot lowered her stance. "I didn't know…it must be really sad for her."
"Yeah." Greg said, then eyed Nagi and Tot. "Hey….why don't you two cheer her up at least? Seems to me Lien enjoys your company, Nagi."
"Hey, that could work. I'll introduce Tot to her and chat with her a bit." Nagi said. "Who knows…we three may have something in common."
Tot nodded as she and Nagi went over and talked with Lien. Greg, Riku and Rio looked on as Soiree and Alba came up to them. Behind them were Kyo and Iori.
"Yo, Greg!" Alba called to him. "Got time?"
"Hey, Alba…Soiree." Greg saw the two and shook their hands. "What's up?"
"I was wondering if we could have a discussion about merging the gangs of SouthTown together soon." Alba said.
"Sounds like a plan…but I somehow overstayed my welcome." Greg said, then started to eye around. "Besides…the heat's just too high right now…I don't want to start something with K', K9999, Cy-Kusanagi, Mirror Kusanagi and the rest of the damn Kyo clones ranging from 1 to 3 in this place."
"I see…at least you've considered about it?" Alba said.
"Sure, I have, as long you hold your end of the bargain." Greg said, smiling. (Boy…this is one of the reasons why I have to try my best to protect everyone, but I do hope Chizuru holds her end to the plan.)
"Finally…we're home." Greg said, as he, Rio, Nagi, Riku and Tot entered the living room, tired from the events of the day back at the Uruha mansion. "Man…I am so tired, I can sleep right here on the couch."
"Hey, Greg…aren't you forgetting something?" Riku asked, with a light smile.
"What?" Greg asked, now seeing Yuina and Nan-bot leaping from the top of the staircase and getting ready to ambush Greg. "Aw, hell!"
"Sempai!" Yuina shouted, as she glomped Greg at the side, and Nan-bot knocked Greg down flat on his stomach. Yuina then started to punch away on Greg's back.
"You are a big liar! You said you'd be back to train with me and Nagi!" Yuina said.
"Give me a break, Yuina!" Greg said, getting up. "I had some…setbacks just after meeting more of Riku's friends."
"Oh…then what's with all the lipstick on your jacket?" Yuina pointed to him. Greg slapped his forehead.
"That came from an encore Greg did when he was performing rap on the karaoke earlier…" Rio snickered.
"Damn….Mignon." Greg said, shaking his head. "That girl is really trouble…"
"Who?" Kurei asked, as he and Neon was watching what was happening.
"Oh…the people from KOF had this party just after we left Yuhi's place, so Greg only wanted to see Kyo and Iori, uncle Kurei." Riku said.
"Yeah, we met so many cool people while we was there." Nagi spoke.
"We made lots of new friends and had lots of fun!" Tot exclaimed happily.
"And I wasn't invited?" Yuina glared at Greg.
"It was an 18 club…there was no way you could have been allowed to enter." Greg said. "Anyway…Nan-bot, why are you here?"
"BZZT. SINCE SERAPH REQUESTED IT, I'M TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILTY OF TRAINING YUINA UNTIL YOU HAVE ARRIVED, BUT YOU NEGLECTED YOUR RESPONSIBILTIES, GREG." Nan-bot spoke. "IT'S TIME FOR YOUR PUNISHMENT! ACTIVATING FILE NO…"
"Damn…it wants to tango with me." Greg said, rubbing his head. "Okay, Yuina, Nagi….while Nan-bot gets prepared, we get ready ourselves. Don't hold anything back!"
"Okay, sensei!" They both jokingly said at the same time.
"This is going to be another long night…" Greg said to himself, taking up the Ascension.
Moments after training Yuina, Nagi and Nan-bot for an hour in the VR simulator rooms, Greg was already in his private room in the Uruha mansion. He was so exhausted from all the fun activities today and was in need of a relaxing, cold shower.
"Aye…I am so tired as hell, I could just sleep myself back into a coma." Greg said, getting out of his clothes. His room was still a mess from all the research, scheming, and notes he had done since he started to live at the Uruha, but at least he made sure to keep it clean, so he won't other people know about his privacy.
Now out of his clothing, Greg can see clearly the diagonal, deep scar cross his chest that Shiju made during his battle while he was protecting Tessa. It looked like it was going to heal that easily, as were some of the other wounds Greg had gained from his fight with Shade, then Mantis.
"Man…if this keeps up, Linn will go crazy seeing these." Greg said, touching his chest with his right hand, made from the new nanomesh. "And if that's the case, I won't be able to get serious with the mission Geese left me to do…because tomorrow, I got to go back to meet Ran and his buddies from Weiss again before I can do anything. Seems like I'm only surrounded with one problem after another…but I will not falter…for everyone's depending on me now. I can't afford to fail them…now after meeting people like Shota, Yuhi, Chidori, Aya and the others who were affected by the evils of this world."
Greg looked at his side and on the computer desk, had the folder and package that marked, 'Greg's Virtuous Mission. For Soldier X's eyes only.' Before he made up his mind to touch it, he then saw a cell phone near the alarm clock ring. He tried to remember what it was, until he saw the name of the person and the amount of messages on it.
"Of course…there's ALWAYS the other setbacks as well…him included." Greg said to himself loudly before reaching out to pick the cell up and answering it. "Yeah, old man…what do you want?"
"Greg…so good to hear that you're in high spirits as always. Or have I caught you at a bad time?" Robert Drake's voice replied from the other end.
"Not really, just had a day full of activities. You know…meeting friends old and new, training apprentices, finding and sorting intel, while finding plots for revenge." Greg simply replied as he was examining some of the unhealed wounds he had since God knows when. "You have no idea how such an experience can do wonders for your body."
"…Why haven't you answered my calls?" Drake simply replied from his end.
"You've been calling me?" Greg replied with a question.
"About five times now, but you've never responded."
"You're starting to sound like a possessive old girlfriend someone has to avoid..." Greg simply replied, starting to pace about the room. "Let's just put it that I've been very and extremely busy these past days, I somehow forgot you totally."
"At least you've considered my offer. You're going to benefit a lot if you have me to assist you in your little game you're having against the Patriots." The general spoke.
"Hmm…I don't know." Greg said as he eyed his nano arm, turning one of his fingers into a scalpel like object. "My schedule's totally booked till year's end with…new appointments."
"Trying to buy yourself time from me won't work, Greg. This is a grand opportunity that must be taken seriously." Drake said.
"No, actually…I DO NEED the time, old man." Greg spoke as he held his nano scalpel near one of the unhealed wounds and stabbed himself lightly with it on the upper chest area, making a slight grunt. Taking it back out, the nanos started to cover the wound, while something came out of his chest. Greg caught it before it hit the floor and looked at it closely. (A transmitter, eh? Must be one of Thorn's best kept secrets when he attacked me from before.)
"I'm trying to live my life as normal for once, and I don't need people like you telling me about rules, or orders, or any of that crap." Greg said, as he rested the transmitter aside. "I can throw those easily out of the window like trash…they only get in my way. As much fun as it is to do your work, I can't say I'm too sure I'm ready to do it anytime soon. I still need more time."
"Fine, then. I understand your needs, Greg. I won't pressure you." Drake replied.
(I'm sure if you would understand my needs, you would just give up and leave me alone.) Greg thought to himself. (If there's trash to be cleaned, I'll just do the mopping, no one else has to do it for me.)
"I'll be giving you a week's notice to make up your mind. You should be ready then, I hope." Drake spoke.
"If I live long enough…" Greg said, eyeing the transmitter. (Have to take this to Nanvel, so she can find some leads from this.)
The line went dead and Greg felt relieved that it was over…for now. He didn't want to work for someone as suspicious as Drake, Greg could have sworn he felt pure malice towards him the first time he met him. Greg Kinezono is his own agent, his own army…but for the time being, he was in lacking of soldiers, Greg will have to compensate that with armaments.
"Weapons…I got to get some serious hardware for the mission." Greg spoke to himself, before he stepped into the shower. Just as he was about to touch the faucet, the Codec rang from his left ear.
"Ah…at least someone I know is going to make my night better…" Greg said, touching the call button. "Hope it's either Linn, Geese or Tes…."
But the voice from the other end was something Greg didn't expect to hear, nor was he able to analyze who it was. The first thing he noticed that was wrong was the frequency number were all set on zeros. Then came the static on the screen, but he then heard the voice spoke.
"Good job on playing around with Drake. Keep it up and you'll eventually get your wish." A computerized, male voice spoke from the other end. Greg picked his ears up to listen in closer.
"Who is this! How do you know about Drake?" Greg demanded.
"How I know is not your concern."
"Okay…then who the hell are you?"
"You can call me…Zero." The voice replied simply.
"Zero, huh?" Greg answered seriously. "It suits you. How did you get this frequency?"
"You can say I'm one of your biggest fans…no, a lot more than that." It replied. "I'm only seeking YOUR best interests, Greg."
"Really? So, why won't you show yourself then?" Greg asked.
"Now is just not the right time to do that." Zero replied.
"How can I trust someone I've never seen before in my life?" Greg asked seriously.
"Because…I've known you more than you will ever know." Zero lamented. "Think of me as a…guardian Angel of sorts if you will."
"Enough of this crazy assed 'cloak and dagger' shit!" Greg replied bitterly. "Are you with the Patriots?"
"Of course not."
"Who are your superiors?"
"I work for no one…my role is to give you information that will help you who to trust, and how to become the one person you've always wanted to become." Zero spoke. "You do want to help those who have been affected by the likes of Matthew Reese and the evils of this world, haven't you?"
"Uh….yeah. That's true." Greg confessed.
"Good boy…you are as disciplined as I thought you could be." Zero said.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Never mind about that." Zero said. "As I said…Drake is a man you shouldn't trust so easily, you have good reasons for that. He claims he knows your father, but that's just a facet of manipulation he's very good at just to have you to work for him and that, dear Greg…is a fatal mistake."
"Okay…if you say Drake is bad news, how do YOU know so much about him?" Greg simply asked.
"I have my ways." Zero answered.
"Right…I believe you." Greg said with a grin. "So far…I'm not sensing any negativity or malice from your end…you're serious about helping me, aren't you?"
"Of course. I am helping you prove yourself different from the other FOXHOUND recruits that seem to overshadow you with their experience and skills." Zero said. "Here's your chance to do a first chance recon investigation…I'm leaving a frequency on your real time Codec which explains your mission. Share it with your friends if you have to…they will have to learn about this if they want to help you and the people that will need the help."
"Wait…who are you talking about? Who's in trouble?" Greg asked.
"Use your powers…and don't trust rumours." Zero spoke, before logging off. Greg gritted his teeth in anger, but cooled down as he realized something.
(Don't trust rumours…that's what my father used to tell me before he…) Greg thought in shock. (What the hell was that about? Well…I can figure about it later…)
Getting a robe on, he decided now wasn't the time to sleep yet. He had to check Nanvel first about the transmitter he found and had the frequency Zero left him relayed to the location he was supposed to meet his first ever investigation as a lone operative. A small, confident smile approached his lips.
"Seems like this is a case…for Soldier X." Greg said to himself as he stepped out of his room and ventured downstairs where he ran into Nanvel Candlestick who was up watching television with Lilica, Rio, and Nan-bot in the Uruha mansion living room.
"Mom, aunt Nanvel. Can I speak to you two for a second?" Greg called the two women over, and showing them the transmitter. "Nanvel…I spotted this from one of the wounds I had earlier. Any idea what kind of transmitter it is, because I didn't notice it was there until just now, while I was operating a bit of surgery on myself."
"Wow…this is some kind of nano technology I've never laid eyes on before." Nanvel spoke. "Want me to check into this?"
"Yeah…it could lead into some clues about Thorn, so try to decipher what business that thing's got. I'm guessing my own nanos must have jammed the signal on that thing somehow from sending information about me…of course, since my powers had been like that because of the Patriots, it must have been on default purposes to prevent intruders like these buggers from finding me out like a needle in a haystack."
"How soon do you want the conclusion report on this, Greg?"
"Yesterday. Get to it." Greg replied, showing a thumb upstairs. Nanvel only glared at him with a smile, before shaking her head.
"Okay, Greg, but you got to relax a bit about this whole thing. You're not supposed to be working so hard on this, we got everyone helping us." Nanvel said to him.
"I know…but it never hurts to be several steps ahead. Besides…I'm only looking for a pattern." Greg said as he headed back upstairs.
"A pattern?" Lilica asked.
"What for, Greg?" Rio asked him.
"I want to be there when evil hits us again." Greg simply said turning around one last time before going back to his room.
"So…did he listen to you?" a male voice spoke after the earlier Codec conversation ended in a monitor filled room. In front of him was a female assistant who was observing the conversation between Greg and the man called Zero.
"Yes…he's grown up to be a very attentive, young man. I can sense from him the amount of potential he has yet to show the world." A female voice replied.
"Are you certain that he's the one? He still sounds doubtful of himself…"
"He will come to realization about his powers soon enough. But we must act along if we are to intervene what the Patriots have in store for him." The male replied. "He's the true 'Gatherer'…the only one capable of creating a force strong enough to aid him in preserving the future of humanity."
"I just can't stand any more pain and suffering coming unto him, sir. Are you sure this is necessary?"
"Until the right time comes. For now, his destiny will slowly come to light and he will fully grasp the nature of his empathic abilities." The male spoke. "For now, let's stay on the sidelines and protect him from anyone who wants to cause harm to him or his friends."
"What about the…first two recruits of the chosen team?"
"He'll meet them eventually, as he has already got the message." The male replied. "The other chosen ones are right under his nose, but he will get to know who they are soon enough."
"Yes…his true mission has begun. Excellent work planning, I must say." The female spoke.
"I'm leaving the rest of this to you. Make sure things run smoothly for Greg until I'm prepared to meet him." The male spoke as he stood up to walk out of the room.
"Hai, sir. Oh, and one more thing…it's good to be working for you once more, sir." The female replied happily to her superior.
"Don't mention it. All I'm doing is seeing about everyone's welfare. Greg has the same responsibility as well, you know." The man replied with a confident smile.
The next morning, Greg was set equipping his exclusive Soldier X outfit for his mission. He didn't have trouble to hide the showy outlines for it, and his gun holsters were at the right places just behind his back for a quick aim in a CQC fight. Remembering his psychic training, he took up the Ascension and stepped out his room where he made his way straight to the kitchen area of the Uruha mansion. It was there he met Nagi, Tot and Kurei.
"Good morning, Greg." Kurei said to him, noticing his differed nanosuit. "You look like you're dressed to go out on a business trip."
"You can say that…hey, where's Riku?" Greg asked simply, as he started to drink some coffee.
"He's with Rio, Lilica, Yuina, Seraph and Nan-bot in the living room." Kurei said. Greg nodded as he went out to the living room where he spotted Riku.
"Hey Riku, when exactly was that mission you and yours partners had when you were helping Aya and the others?" Greg asked.
"About two years ago, why?" Riku asked in reply.
"Well, two years ago I remember Rio mentioning to me about a sudden string of murders that happened." Greg answered. "A lot of high ranking people in the Mikage family conglomerate all died under very mysterious circumstances..."
"Oh that..." Riku replied. "Well, let's just say the Patriots weren't very happy with the Mikage family after Kagami's treachery to them was revealed along with a few other reasons. So they decided to eliminate the remaining people in the Mikage family who were directly involved in C-Project..."
"Well that explains why none of the cases were ever solved." Rio spoke.
"Yeah, but that's not what I really want to talk about." Greg said and looked at Riku. "Anyway, the thing I noticed is that two years ago, you and your partners only accepted missions that were in Asia for a whole year; all of the locations were close enough to Japan so you could get there within a matter of hours by plane."
"Wow really?" Riku asked, rubbing his head a little. "Gosh, the Patriots sure must have been doing a lot over in Asia that year..."
"Nice try, Riku, but Linn and I were doing a lot of missions in other parts of the world that year, and only two were in Asia." Greg said. "It was the same with Michael, Garland, Maggie, James, Mana, and Kari. They all only did a few missions in Asia as well while the rest of them weren't. Care to explain?"
"Um...concidence?" Riku asked hopefully.
"As usual you're a lousy liar, Riku." Greg shook his head and looked at Riku seriously. "You three were basically worried that the Patriots might come after your friends like they were doing with the Mikage so you took missions that were close to home so you could rush over and help them in case that did happen. How close am I?"
After a minute Riku spoke.
"You read me like a book, Greg." Riku replied, smiling a little.
"Just as long you remember your promise to have me help out you guys anytime, it's even. So you just saved yourself from me getting miffed about this once more. Anyway…you get dressed and call your partners." Greg rubbed his neck, before looking at Rio. "Mom….would it be alright that Riku could drive your van over to pick up Ran and his buddies?"
"Sure thing, Greg. But why do you want do that?" Rio said, giving Riku the keys to Team Warrior's transport van.
"Just following orders." Greg simply replied. "I got a feeling I will be needing backup again…more of it. Anyway, we're behind time. Let's get a move on."
Riku nodded his head and got up to follow Greg outside, but Yuina Hatori had already stepped in front of Greg, her arms spread out.
"Nani? What happened, Yuina?" Greg asked her.
"Sempai…every time you got out somewhere without me…you end up getting hurt. Please, just this once…let me come along with you and our friends to help." Yuina pleaded. "I can fight now too, you know. You, Seraph, Lilica, Riku and Nagi and everyone else has helped me since you took me and Seraph in. I won't be a burden to you or anyone else, just let me fight alongside you."
"Yuina…" Greg simply shut his eyes to contemplate a bit on what she said, as he felt her emotions of needing to be close with Greg meant so much to her.
(Trust her…she's one of them. So is Seraph. They show some promise…just use this as a training exercise for Yuina. She needs you.) A gentle tone in Greg's head spoke all of a sudden. (Just be ready to protect her too, and your bond will defy any evil that comes across you.)
(What…was that?) Greg thought all of a sudden, looking about.
"Something wrong, Greg?" Riku asked. Greg only stared at him and shook his head.
"Nah…nothing. Must be hearing things." Greg replied, before resting his right nano hand on her shoulder. "Fine then, Yuina. Since you asked nicely, I'll let you and Seraph come along as well. I'm sure you will like the trip. Just be sharp for whenever I will need you, got it?"
"Okay, sempai! Seraph and I will not disappoint you!" Yuina said, as she suddenly hugged Greg, causing him to feel a bit embarrassed.
"You got to stop doing that, Yuina." Greg replied, as she hung her arms around her guardian's waist.
"I…I can't help it. I'm only doing what I can to make you feel better." Yuina said, looking up. "You can't lose hope yet, sempai. Everything will work out for all of us."
"Yeah…I'm not willing to throw in the towel in this game anytime soon." Greg spoke, as Yuina let go. "Anyway, we should start making our way to the flower shop where Ran and his friends work. If Manx and Birman are there, they would understand why I want Weiss help today once I give them the details."
"Okay, then let's get going." Riku said as he headed out first.
"Be sure to get some flowers for your mother, Greggie!" Rio called out to him.
"I will." Greg replied, signalling a quick salute to his mother and the other people in the room before he left. It was then he started to think to himself.
(Whatever that voice was, it somehow made me trust Yuina and Seraph for them to come along for the ride.) Greg thought to himself. (If they are capable for the battles ahead, I should have them tag along with me more often. But really…WHAT was the deal with that voice in my head anyways?)
Ten minutes later, in front of the Kitty In the House Flower shop…
"What?" Ran Fujimiya asked Greg, while he and his friends stood and saw him dressed in the Soldier X uniform. "You want us to come with you, just like that?"
"I have a hunch something big is going to happen. I will need your help as backup in case." Greg said, as be bought some roses of different colours for Rio, while Yuina was looking for flowers of her own.
"How can you be certain the information you got is not some kind of ploy to get you out of the open?" Youji asked.
"It's a gamble we have to take." Greg spoke simply. "Just trust me on this, fellas. I'm starting a mission in the States soon and I want to use this as a warm-up, but I want you there as a back up in case there are more trouble I could muster."
"Hmm…okay. As long Manx says it's okay…" Ran spoke.
"I already did talk to her about it, and she approves of you coming along." Greg answered. "I'll be waiting for you outside with Riku and the others."
As Greg and Yuina stepped out, Ran simply shook his head.
"Quite a busybody, isn't he?" Ran asked.
"Yeah…but at least this sounds like a lead to what Crawford and his partners are up to…" Omi said.
"It's worth a shot. Let's get changed into our outfits and get our weapons." Ran said.
About twenty minutes later, Riku had driven the Weiss group, along with his partners, Nagi Naoe and Tot, as well as Yuina and Seraph in the back with Omi, Ken and Youji. Greg simply sat on one of the passenger's seats near the window, as Ran was the one who sat in the middle. Greg was resting his head, his eyes closed, unaware to where Riku was driving. They were travelling along the areas of the rural Tokyo-2 area, where they ended up in the upper class living areas, full of mansions and rich cars of all types ranging from Pre to Post Second Impact types.
"Are you sure we're closing in to the source of your mission, Greg?" Ran asked.
"Yeah…we've been on the road for almost half hour and you still haven't pointed out where we should stop." Riku asked Greg.
"Trust me on this, guys." Greg replied. "It's around somewhere…I have a good hunch that we're getting close."
"Close to what?" Riku asked. "You haven't even told us what's going to happen once we get there!"
Greg didn't reply, but laid back in silence as he started to feel the resonance of the so called 'stress call' getting closer. He lifted an eyelid for his left eye and sat up, seeing the only mansion with a large garden area coming close.
"Stop here." Was Greg's simple reply to Riku, as the van suddenly came to a simple, yet gentle stop some metres from a large, open iron gate. Greg already had opened the door and walked out, and started to observe the area.
"Is this it?" Omi asked. "But it seems more of a civilian mansion to us than anything else."
"Yeah…so, what could have happened here that would have us being here as well?" Youji asked.
"That's what I'm going to find out." Greg simply said, staring at his comrades. "You guys stay here, until I give the go to back me up."
"Greg…you sure that's a good idea?" Riku asked.
"Look, I'm just going to use my powers to scope out this place and see if there's trouble lying about. I want to get some clues first before I start pointing fingers." Greg said. Then, he noticed Yuina watching him attentively. "Hey, Yuina…I need a blindfold and I stopped using bandages for my nano arm some time ago. Would it be alright that I used your ribbon?"
"What?" Yuina stared at him in surprise, not expecting him to say this. "But…it's my favourite ribbon…"
"I promise I won't ruin it." Greg spoke, offering his hand. "You got my word on this one."
Yuina only smiled lightly at Greg, before her hands reached for the very long single ponytail of her pale, pink hair. Grabbing hold of the nicely tied yellow ribbon that held her hair in place, she tugged at it slightly before the ponytail was set free in a single, yet beautiful and innocent flow. She then handed it to Greg.
"Here you go, sempai. Make good use of it." She said, smiling at Greg.
"You know I will." Greg said, as he tied it over his eyes, then tying it into a knot behind him.
"What is he up to?" Ken asked Nagi.
"He must be testing his powers on the outside environment such as this one." Nagi said.
"You mean he can see using his powers alone?" Ran asked surprised.
"Yeah, he just developed this sometime ago and is trying to get used to it." Tot answered.
"If he manages to uses it fully, he probably won't needing any kind of goggles anymore." Nagi concluded, as Greg carefully proceeded into the mansion's garden area, his custom USP drawn out, aiming at certain directions of the area. Stopping near a ledge, he made an all clear nod before he leaped over it, landing softly in the large garden area where a fountain stood at the centre of the garden.
But the appearance of the garden was not an average one. Greg rested his gun down and lifted off the ribbon he had over his eyes to see what the image of a battlefield that had just occurred. Greg can see some throwing knives of different variety strewn about on the bullet ridden ground and walls. Pools of blood was seen from various places, as Greg stepped closer and touched one of the fresh, small puddles of blood. With his eyes closed, he observed the bullets, and the blood type, right down to the smell.
"Forty-five millimetre…short nosed." Greg said, looking at the spent bullet shell. "Been inside someone too…but didn't go very far."
Greg stood up and stared around him, allowing his powers to siphon the energy around him and piece the clues together.
"There were…three, no wait…four women. Three…on the side of…good, one of them is corrupt." Greg said, shutting his eyes, reliving the past events. "One of them women who fought for good…a few years younger than Omi…she used a Beretta M1934 commercial handgun. Nani…? Her killing skills…"
(She's excellent…turmoil by her own past….her own destiny…just like you.)The voice in his head return. (She needs your guidance…your aid. She must be recruited, it is essential to protecting everyone.)
(There it is again! What's going on with me today?) Greg thought to himself, but his powers picked up even more feedback. (Wait….there's another woman…late thirties…just as skilled as the younger counterpart…no, not that dangerous as her…she used a Walther P99 handgun, not a MAC 10…failed her duty to protect one dear to her.)
(She too…she is worthy…help her…she will help you too…)
"That's it…I've finally lost it." Greg said, shaking his head with a smile. "Since when voices in my head started to talk to me about those…who are worthy?"
"That will be far enough." A simple warning from a French female spoke, as Greg suddenly saw Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yuumura pointing their guns at the rogue soldier. But the two women seemed to be hurt from the attack, as bandages could be seen strapped around various areas of their bodies.
"They are still alive!" Greg said to himself in shock, but Kirika clicked off the safety from her gun.
"What's the matter? Taking Chloe away from us wasn't enough for you, you had to come back to kill us?" She said, as she grimaced slightly.
"Hey, it's not what you think…" Greg said, opening out his arms.
"Oh, really…what would the killer of Gendou Ikari want with Noir?" Mireille spoke, pointing her gun at Greg. "You and your group have some nerve coming back here!"
(They think I'm with Dead Cell!) Greg thought. (So…that's what's going on…but that's just icing on the cake. I have to buy their trust if I have to learn more.)
He only stared at the two female assassins in silence, before showing off a confident grin.
"What's so funny?" Mireille spoke bitterly, her hand gun still pointed at Greg. "You're after some kind of death wish?"
"No…I'm not the one you want." Greg simply said, his right nano arm resting over the right side of his face, Iori Yagami style. "Besides…you know for sure that I never have intentions of harming you or your friend. I came here looking for a mission, and it seems you're it. I'm supposed to be…helping you with your problems."
"Why should we trust you?" Kirika asked, holding up her own handgun.
"I can't force you to trust me…just find it within yourselves to do so." Greg simply said, now lowering his head. He was staring at the women's aiming trajectory and possible aim, it was as if they already had set their sights on killing him where he stood.
(Good…just as planned.) Greg thought to himself. "Fine then…I'm giving you a chance to see if I'm lying or not. You want to kill me, go on ahead. I dare you."
The famous Noir only clicked their guns at Greg, removing the safety for both their guns. Greg's smile got bigger.
"Any where more to the left of my head will do just fine, thank you." Greg simply said, as the two females fired their shots at him.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
ShardclawK: You would have never thought this chapter to have ended this way? Well, I got to end it here, since I have some more surprises ahead in this fic that I'm sure you will like. I do hope Greg and his buddies get to the bottom of what's happening, as long we see Greg alive first!
Ran: This was some chapter, Shardclaw. The appearances of the KOF characters were something, but they were others that I'm certain that some people never seen before.
ShardclawK: Ah, I could have waited till then, but why do so? Greg's fanbase is not the waiting type. And I'm hoping once I get my PS2 back by next weekend, God willing, I should go after the KOF 2002/2003 double collection which comes out next month! Hurrah!
Ran: Anyway, for the Easter Eggs, anyone who has seen Cradle 2 the Grave would notice the quote Greg used on Nanvel was what Fait (DMX) said to Tom Arnold early in the movie. It couldn't be helped…it happens to be one of Shardclaw's favourite films.
ShardclawK: Yeah! DMX and Jet Li rules! Anyway, I do hoped you liked the sudden twists I've now included, as to what's going on with Greg's head, and those two mysterious people who seem to be helping Greg from the outside? What is their gain and when do we get to see them?
Greg: What is it that you can see, that I cannot! TELL ME!
ShardclawK: Anyway, I hoped everyone enjoyed the update, and I should be looking for some nice reviews from the fans, not to mention some more raunchy shipments from DF for all the hard work from this chapter. While I won't be expecting any shipments from TD this time around…I do hope that DF don't try to…compensate for the number…
Just then, Miyabi, Taeko and cat girl Tina, along with Jam, Dark Éclair, Naga, Yomiko, Alice, Cammy step in, wearing slinky nightwear, and started to huddle against me.
Miyabi: Aw, Shardclaw-sama…you've been such a…naughty boy to keep your Soldier X fans waiting. You must be…'disciplined'.
Tina: Rawr.
ShardclawK: Aw, crap…you just had to say the magic word, didn't you, Tina? Okay…I do hope that our session will pass enough time, so I can get back my PS2 and finally finish MGS 3! A slew of ideas await me! See ya around, boys!
Ran: Youji, Omi…at least be thankful you two are getting hooked up soon. I'm not sure how much more I can take this…
Ken: Hoped everyone enjoyed the update, so be sure to review and hold on for an action packed update coming to you soon.
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.