ShardclawK: And I'm still alive! Sorry for the very long wait, the severe case of writer's block just had to hit when I was getting set to write one of the landmark chapters for this story yet. But after a long hiatus (and preparing new chapters for End of Evangelion May Cry) I'm here to continue Greg's ass kicking adventure in this anniversary chapter for the fans. (So many of my stories that need catching up….)
But first, a word to a certain flamer who goes by Crushed-Source, who's review for the last chapter don't even do much to faze me one bit. Yeah, this is for you specifically. Same goes for your story, since it's barely even reading material; I hate it when people who claim they think they are good in writing attempt to prove themselves in that area, as if challenging me in a GGXX fight boasting they have skills and they really don't, when only to show they don't even have logic in their stories. I'd rather be criticised by people with enough common sense and decency for other people and society than crazy writer wannabes like you in this site, you're the last kind of people this site needs right now. So take examples from real fiction before you claim your own fiction can even step up to mine's, as I've been into this stint for much longer than you have, and I got more experience and support from fans than you ever think. Oh, and another thing, the girls I got are loyal to me, always, they never go after amateurs. I only use the most powerful stuff, medical approved for yours truly. You should be taking notes about this.
Ran: Geez, Shardclaw…you really have to take it out like that on the guy?
ShardclawK: He's the one who started it! Anyway, enough about him…it's about time for a recap for what has happened to Greg and friends to this point! Remember your lines, boys!
Omi: Okay, here we go…for the past several chapters of Soldier X, we got to see our psychic hero meet new friends and enemies alike, varying from more of Greg's and Riku's oldest friends ranging from fighters in the King of Fighters, to women who possessed incredible celestial powers, female assassins and secret military organizations. They also had to deal with mad scientists, chimeras, century old assassins and scheming double agents, while in the meantime, plotting vengeance against those who have caused his current turmoil.
Ken: During these events, Greg learns more of the people around him as he prepares his biggest mission yet, but in turn, discovers even more horrifying truths of the evils he has encountered to this point. A different kind of storm is approaching and Greg's in the centre of it. How different things will be when the truths of himself is revealed to everyone and how will he face his true destiny?
Ran: The next set of chapters will now reveal to all why Greg is being haunted so much by his enemies and ultimately his own self. Only then, his codename of Soldier X will be lived up to those who heed his help. Keep in mind that we're already heading into some of the darkest areas of the story, so things would get rather grim from here on in.
ShardclawK: That's the low down, folks. I do hope you won't find things get to grisly soon, since this is really supposed to be a humour fic and everything. But it's gotta happen to make way for some more changes for Greg. Now as soon as I really get this writer's block out of the way, I should be working like crazy as always…
Girl's voice in backstage: Did Shardclaw-sama say 'writer's block'?
Second girl's voice: We must do everything in our powers to help him then!
Just as that was said, cat girl Prier and Dark Éclair stepped in, wearing sexy, lacy bodysuits that hugged their figures nicely, as Setsuna Sakurazaki, Kazumi Asakura, Misa Kakizaki, Madoka Kugiyama and Sakurako Shiina from Negima! stepped in, wearing revealing, tight school girl outfits, complete with mini skirts. With those girls as well, were lion girl Tina, wearing a cute tank top and mini skirt, cow girl Taeko wearing a lacy maid's uniform and bunny girl Miyabi, wearing a slinky and tight teacher's uniform. They all begin to huddle against me, as Prier took the lead of pressing her bosoms on my face.
Prier: Gotcha. Rawr.
Miyabi: Shardclaw-sama, you like what you see?
ShardclawK: Ulp…yes, I do, yes I do!
Dark Éclair: Good boy…there's more of that where it came from, because we've been ordering 'samples' of clothing to make our Shardclaw-sama happy and surely deal with the writer's block.
Tina: As always, we got the whipped cream, chocolate syrup and enough Solider pills to keep you 'active' for an entire week's session of 'bedroom activities'. But that's not all…we've also brought the birthday shipments DarkFusion sent! That's your cue, girls!
Soon after that was said, the uber cute and hawt girls of the PC H-game, Tokimeki Check-in entered. They was Ayumi Shimizu, Kyoka Akiyama, Mai Sakura, Yuki Matsuno, Natsuki Asakura, Kumi Kawano, Nanami Ito, Makoto Jinnai, Misato Amano, and Keiko Takaya and they all were wearing slinky, thin revealing fishnet, vests and miniskirts and thin, see thru, lacy thongs. They were all holding unto complimentary whipped cream, bananas, strawberries, K-Y lubricant and enough extra strength condoms for a seven month period of the year.
ShardclawK: Oh…crap. Oh, man…I think I may need a new pair of jeans right now….
Misato Amano: It is our greatest pleasure to your exclusive birthday shipments this year for you, Shardclaw-sama.
Nanami: If you be a good boy, we promise we won't tire you out while we have our fun with you. It is our orders from Dark-san to make sure we take you to heaven and prevent any further possible blocks in the future.
ShardclawK: Ulp…damn, seems like DarkFusion isn't going to let me off that easily. (Starts to swallow Spartan and ONMI level pills)…well, I won't keep the audience back, so I leave the rest of this to you guys. Good luck!
As I get carried off to the bedroom as always, Ran simply coughs and starts the chapter.
Ran: Ahem…anyway, we shall proceed with the chapter. Everyone, I'm sure Shardclaw will compensate for the long wait, so hang onto your seats for more crazy stuff to happen. But before we do so, it's time to send out thanks for those who've been enjoying this story so far.
To DarkFusion: Thanks again for all the nice comments, suggestions, ideas and inserts for the fic so far, keep them coming. Be expecting more of the Flame of Recca characters to show up from this chapter on, as well as some surprises to show up in this chapter as well and onwards, you're in for a wild ride. Thanks also for sending in as much of Flame of Recca and Ceres manga so far as well until I get the complete collections of both series soon, they are helping me a lot and they are a really decent read, I'm already hooked.
To GreyWolf4: Thanks for the advice and comments so far, it is true Greg is headed for disaster and everyone will see that in the upcoming chapters, but not especially in the ways you'd expected. But that also means that it's not totally the end for our favourite psychic loudmouth hero, his true battle against fate has only begun. There is still hope for him yet…anyway, stick around for some more crazy shit to happen, I bet you'll enjoy it.
To wingwingxs: I'm really surprised to see that you're backing Greg 100 in his adventures for the future, but the next set of chappies won't be happy ones, I warn you. Bear with me, this is but a temporary prelude for the hell Greg will raise later on. Thanks for all the nice words and comments so far.
To Majin Naraku: Thanks for the continuing support, but don't expect the showing up of the Kill Bill characters to show up soon. Sorry to disappoint, but please bear with me for the time being with the current set of chapters. There will be some dark chapters ahead after this one, but things will get back to normal once that's out of the way. (If you'd only consider the things that go on in this story normal starting from Greg, sheesh.)
To Neo Exodia: I know you want to see Kill Bill crossed into this as well, I was surprised by the amount of people who wanted to see characters from the movies appear, but not just yet. Just be prepared for some crazy stuff to happen in the following chappies, they are merely appetizers for what's in store for our star psychic. Thanks for the nice comments as always.
To Prince of War: Another new COE fan getting hooked to SX? You've just made Greg very happy and he and his large cast will certainly do what is possible to entertain you in the future. Sorry if the cast of characters seem too large, but almost a good set of mainstream anime are being integrated into the fic and I have to make sure no one is forgotten aside from the companion stories. It is a multicrossover fic, after all. But at least my reedited introduction of characters should make references better, so good luck finding the anime/story/games that are listed on the first chapter of this story.
Youji: Anyway, time to get the chapter rolling. Enjoy as always.
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ShardclawKusanagi presents:
Metal Gear: Soldier X
Bonus Chapter 1: Aika's Arrival
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Inside the cell quarters area of SEELE headquarters, Chloe had finally woken up after what it seemed to be an eternity of sleep. Her head throbbed with a light pain, while her vision was cloudy and blurred for a few seconds after she woke up. She had no idea where she was or what had exactly happened before she found herself in the cell.
"So…you're finally awake." A deep, male's voice spoke from the other side of the cell in the darkness. Chloe couldn't make out exactly who the voice belonged to, but she stepped back a little in a form of defence, and before she could advance further, her abdomen then began to pain that instantly weakened her.
"Uggh!" Chloe grimaced, clutching her side. "Wh…where is this place? Why am I here?"
"There's no need for you to be frightened, little girl. You are safe with us now." The voice continued, as he stepped out. It happened to be Vamp. Standing a good distance from him was Farfarello.
"Welcome to your new home, Chloe." Farfarello spoke with a somewhat welcoming smile.
"How did you know who I am?" Chloe asked, still dazed and confused.
"We've longed for one like you, one who is capable of carrying the torch of being one of the greatest child assassins that ever lived." Vamp spoke. "One who was able to defy death, yet yearn for it on others…you are a true definition of a death bringer, emotionless, willing to carry out your orders and your joy for the taking of lives. We three share a common trait, young one."
"There are those who will hunt you for your unique skills, but by joining us, we can take down those willing to be our enemies and turn the tables on them." Farfarello spoke, licking one his throwing swords.
"My…head hurts…why do I have to do your bidding?" Chloe said, stepping back a bit. She was becoming unsure what to decide or do, but it appeared she was being left with only a few options.
"We can assure you that we will take the best care of you….your skills as an assassin of your age have no other calibre, this is a grand chance you must consider, Chloe." Vamp offered.
"Yes…your reputation as the Shin Noir will be a great asset to us." Farfarello spoke. "You can surpass all the wannabe assassins that are trying to topple you right now."
"There…there's no one else better than I am." Chloe spoke.
"Are you certain of that?" another man's voice spoke from the darkness, as he stepped next to Farfarello as well. It was Schuldich's. "Just how lethal you really are, or are the reputation you've claimed you have is just a farce, hmm?"
"That's not true!" Chloe shouted. "I'll show them, I'll prove everyone of them wrong!"
"Now, then…that means you will take the challenge of joining our group?" Vamp asked.
"Yes…to eliminate everyone who opposes ones like us?" Chloe spoke, hanging her head. "Even if it means defying my own instincts as an assassin, this only matters now from now on…"
A small grin approached Schuldich's face as he thought to himself. (That was almost too easy…her mind was far too fragile to even suspect the brainwashing effect Crawford had placed on her before right after we defeated Noir, while I did the rest of the work to have her submitted to do our plans. But it still bothers me why would Sears want her exclusively…she seems quite important to his plans for these old men at SEELE, just as he certainly depends on that loudmouth Kinezono as well.)
As the redhead German left the cell area, he simply smirked to himself as he put the thought aside. (I'm certain Crawford will get to know about what's going on with Sears sooner or later, and that he has a plan ready for him as well. I doubt Solidus and the entirety of Dead Cell will appreciate us getting to the centre of their dubious plans before they and anyone else does.)6
As he started his walk around the captured headquarters, Fortune was with Solidus himself in Keele's office, watching the monitors that were recording the actions in both the cell areas and after Schuldich had left them.
"Seems that Schwartz is preparing something against us." Fortune said to her commander. "Hooking up with these assassins and going after more of them were really not the most subtle of choices, King."
"Let them do as they want…the real plan has yet to get into motion, Fortune." Solidus spoke without looking at her. "We're still in the early phases of our exacting revenge against the Patriots, and as much as I deplore working with assassins at a time like this, we can use their skills to our advantage until it's time to dispose of them."
"Still…I just can't understand why Kinezono's an important element and we haven't even caught him as yet." Fortune said.
"That's because as of now, he serves no political value, but soon….quite very soon, Fortune…the truth that we've been ignored about the Patriots will be revealed to all, starting with Kinezono newest test." Solidus smiled wickedly. "As of now, it appears our rouge shinobi known as Shade has begun to use his full power to eliminate Greg and those with him…"
"Really? Does even Kinezono have a chance?"
"Not likely…as predicted, his powers are reaching their limits. Soon, he won't be able to contain all that strength within him. That is the true power source for Ultimatum Gear…the true living S3 data." Solidus said.
(Hmm…so that's why Kinezono is being hunted so much, but that is still unclear….I thought it was the White Devil that has the Patriot's data stored within him, now it's in another host?) Fortune thought to herself. (But how can a psychic strong enough to defend against Angel's attacks, and live after fighting Mantis can even be subdued if all that power will get out of control soon?)
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Back at the Uruha mansion, there was a specific new area that was now Nanvel's makeshift workshop, which she can continue her work of making inventions and perform modifications on Nan-bot. Today, she was doing the latter, giving Nan-bot a much needed maintenance check and a new upgrade, all the while as she had a Calorie Mate in her mouth. According to Maki Kawasaki and Nastasha Romanenko both, it would make the ideal diet snack for Nanvel, since she has been eating nothing but those sweets Greg brought for her some days back. (A.N: See all the way back in Soldier X, Chapter 15.)
In the room with her, Yuji Naruo was with her, talking to a majority of the Urabutousatsujin female cosplay referees that were watching Nanvel in action. Among them were Umi, Tatsuko and Inuko, three of Greg's old time friends of the referee group.
Umi represented the Year of the Rabbit, thus having to wear a bunny suit and this does not at least ease the thoughts Greg has in his head about cute, animal cosplays. She is a quite timid girl compared to some of the others.
Tatsuko was representing the year of the Year of the Dragon, wearing dragon related accessories. She enjoys the limelight of the moment and work together with Demi, who represents the Year of the Mouse. Demi wore mouse related costume wear and is known to be the Number Two ref after Tatsuko. The two happened to be good friends, but were also rivals.
Inuko was the representing the Year of the dog, having dog related cosplay and a banner across her chest area saying, 'Running Wild'. She's the most hardworking of all the refs with a bit of a kind streak. She is also one of Greg's oldest friends amongst the Uruha ninja clan.
Then there were the recent ones who never got a chance to hang with Greg, but are getting a chance to like Amagi, a cute freckled girl who represented the Year of the Horse. She does what she can to support Demi and is a good natured girl whose friends with Enma, who represented the Year of the monkey. Enma is a good natured and always cheerful, but questions had arisen for her taste in gender.
Yoko was among these girls, having to represent the Year of the Sheep or Ram. She is one of the most self assured and outgoing of all the referees, having no doubt to her own attractiveness and loves to work the audience. She also craves attention, limelight and admiration more than Tatsuko and is the source of confidence. Despite all these qualities, she prefers to dress in her ref outfit than do the task she wore it for in the first place.
Then there's the youngest of the refs, named Inoko. She represents the Year of the Pig, though hasn't done any of her duties as a referee as yet, she still had quite a fanbase. She happened to have an eye patch over her left eye like Solidus Snake, but her cute appearance puts aside anyone's guesses of her being much like the current, ex President-turned leader of the terrorist group, Dead Cell who's currently in control of SEELE headquarters. Inoko happens to be one of Domon Ishijima's fans.
Next was Midori, who represented the Year of the Bird. She wore a cosplay that closely resembled a large bird. She happens to be one of the spunkier referees, not hesitating to yell back to the audience who make comments about her body.
Last and the most notably ref would be Ushino, who represented the Year of the Cow. It would deem obvious that since she is the bustiest of all the refs and she has to wear cow related costume wear consisting of a cow bell around her neck, two rings on her left leg, along with a pair of cute, rounded glasses. Like Umi, she is timid, and has a habit of flinching when the fighting for one of the participants start to go bad as well as hiding her eyes during a fight. She is not such a big fan of violence.
Seven of these referees got to hear much of Greg from their friends, Umi, Tatsuko and Inuko, and were amazed by the rumours that surrounded him since they met him and Linn a couple years back while they and Warrior visited the mansion for the first time. Now, they all have one thing in common, to support Greg in any way possible during his stay with them. Yuji was getting almost jealous that his surrogate nephew was getting such admiration by all of the Urabutousatsujin referees.
(Man…I'm sure if the laws of nature allowed it, Greg would be allowed to have his own harem by now if he's such a playboy and get women's attention like this.) Yuji thought to himself, placing a hand under his chin. (Guess he was able to take what I taught him and take it further than even I imagined…)
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Meanwhile, in the real world, somewhere in my master bedroom underneath the bed sheets and surrounded by a dozen, half naked anime and game chicks…
"Aaacchhoo!" I sneezed loudly. "Damn…did someone say 'harem'? I guessed the chapter must reach that part with Yuji mentioning harem by now…can't be really helped."
"Bless you, Shardclaw-sama." Prier said sweetly, wiping my nose for me with her pink, silk panties while my hands were full 'having fun' with lion girl Tina.
"Now, Tina…where was we?" I asked. "Oh, yes…you were acting as the naughty catgirl whose getting 'disciplined' by her master and fellow servants…"
"Rawwwr!" Tina replied in happiness as we shift back to the story.
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"So, Nanvel, what is it that you're doing to Nan-bot again?" Yuji asked, almost uninterested in what she was up to.
"Giving her a modification which will allow her to download a random set of her opponent's attacks and emulate them using her battle spec system." Nanvel answered back. "I'm also giving her a new FRC chip that will decrease her use of tension attacks in a Roman Cancel by only 25."
"Wow…that must sound like real fun, Nanvel-san." Amagi spoke while in reality being almost bored. Like a few of the referees in the room, they'd rather see Greg train than see a fighting capable robot being serviced.
"When is Greg ever coming back?" Yoko asked her hand on her chin to one of her referee friends in a low tone.
"He should be back soon…" Ushino replied.
"Actually, this is just a minor, medial work…Greg left his Codec 2 with me to download some new music into its MP3 player." Nanvel said with a light grin. "Lately, he's been really playing a lot of that old Devil May Cry 3 game…he's actually singing the lyrics of the battle themes, I won't be surprised of what they can do to his head later on."
"That's Greg for you…the only black psychic who has heavy metal as part of his music library." Yuji simply grinned as he said this. Just then, Rio Kinezono stepped in, wearing average casual clothing of a black shirt and blue 3 quarters. She had a near sad and worried look on her face.
"Hey, Rio…you look beat." Yuji noticed her as she stepped in. "What's wrong?"
"Can I talk to you guys somewhere private, away from the referees? It's pretty confidential." The blonde Japanese said, as Yuji and Nanvel followed her out of the room and met up in the hallway.
"Okay, Rio…what's the deal with the secrecy?" Yuji asked.
Rio only shook her head before she answered. "I really can't say…I'm having one of those pains again, the kind only a mother would feel when her offspring is in trouble. Guys, I think something's going on with Greg…and it's only getting serious."
"What would make you say that, Rio?" Nanvel asked.
"He may look fine on the outside, but something's starting to affect him. I think what happened years ago may be ready to happen again…" Rio said. "Last night…he and I talked and he was a totally different person…we even almost had an argument and that never happened before!"
Both Yuji and Nanvel stared at each other in silence. They had an idea of what's going on with Greg.
"Rio, if you knew this was going on with Greg, why didn't you say something earlier?" Yuji asked. "Where is Greg anyway?"
"He stepped out a while ago with Riku and Yuina and their friends to do some shopping and…" Before Rio could finish, Nanvel stood up.
"Rio, why did you do that? You can never tell when something's going to happen with Greg's powers if they go out of control again!" she said. "Come on…we have to them and do something about it before it only gets worse!"
"Look, I don't like this as much as you do, Nanvel…but I prayed this day never happen again and I just don't want Greg's own friends to see the outcome of his powers getting out of hand." Rio said.
"Well, I'm hoping that we get to him and help Greg in time before the worst case scenario happens." Nanvel replied.
"We should get Maya and Lilica to come along." Yuji said, as the three went ahead to the living room and found Maya studying recordings of the Devil May Cry 3 mission cutscenes, mainly those with Lady in it. She was engrossed in seeing the cutscene at the end of Mission 9. Doing this may help her improver her own use in the gun area.
"From this day forward, I will be just like you, Lady!" Maya said, standing up in a determined form. She was beginning to idolize a game character, which seemed weird to everyone else in the room who watched her.
"Maya, what are you doing?" Rio asked her.
"Hey, Rio! I was just thinking if I watched this enough, it wouldn't be long that I would do the same thing too with some practice." Maya said.
"Well, you have to reserve that for a next time…we think Greg's in some kind of danger." Nanvel said seriously.
"How do you guys know that?"
"Gut feeling…" Rio simply said lowly. Maya noticed the look in her face and realized the seriousness instantly. Picking up her handgun, she placed it into her holster and nodded.
"Well, I'm coming along too. Lilica's outside with the three Nincompoops, Neon, Kurei, Maki and their kids." Maya said. "Wait…would it be wise for her to come along as well, Rio?"
"She knows of this thing with Greg just as the rest of us do, she might as well come along…" Rio replied as she and the rest of WARRIOR went outside to the mansion's garden.
"You guys look as if something's wrong…" Lilica asked, as Rio was the first to reply.
"We think it has to be with Greg." Rio said simply, shaking her head. "I don't want to believe this, but his powers are probably getting set to do something to him that we don't like."
"Rio…are you saying what happened with Greg years ago are going to happen again?" Maki stood up. "Are you certain you're prepared to go through this again?"
"I'm not sure of that anymore, Maki! What I'm sure is that my son is in danger because of his own existence!" Rio shouted, as some tears streamed down her eyes. "He doesn't deserve to go through all this pain because he wants to live!"
"Rio, calm down!" Yuji held her arm. Kurei stood up and calmed a tearful Rio by patting both her shoulders.
"Now, Miss Kinezono…you shouldn't be too hard on yourself." Kurei said. "But is this true that you know something's going to happen to Greg?"
"Yeah…and it won't be a pretty picture either…" Rio replied.
"Rio, you should have known…we went through this before, and Greg is still alive thanks to you." Maki said. "Not to mention with our support as well, he managed to keep himself in check till now. It's obvious by now that it's his style to keep it a secret from those closest to him about the truth about his powers."
"I guess he was afraid he was going to hurt those close to him if things got out of hand, that's why he fights with himself to keep it a secret." Lilica said. "Rio, the most you can do is help him realise he doesn't have to go through this by himself."
"That's right. God alone knows what he must do to keep his powers at bay." Yuji said. "But we are willing to keep on helping you guys deal with that, no matter what."
"We've been like family thanks to him, and it will stay that way for his sake." Nanvel said. "You have my support as always, Rio."
"Same here too, Rio. I'm always here to back you up too." Maya smiled, nodding her head.
"We all will pitch in to help you, Rio. One way or the next, we won't let Greg's fight be in vain because his own past is now starting to catch up to him." Maki said.
"And you will always have the backing of the Uruha mansion with you, you altogether with Greg are part of the family, you know." Kurei spoke.
"Yes, so please be honest with us and you can tell us all that you know about what's wrong with Greg." Neon said. Rio looked around after hearing everyone's supporting words and smiled to herself, knowing that she can help Greg now. She was dead certain of helping her surrogate son deal with the growing horrors of his powers.
"Thanks…all of you." Rio nodded her head at the group. "I don't know what Greg or I would be without you."
"Awww, how touching. Still, it doesn't exactly justify your actions towards Greg's growing powers at this point now, doesn't it?" another woman's voice spoke from behind Rio and the group. "You should have acted sooner before this mess happened, Rio Kinezono."
"That voice…" Rio turned around and sighted a Japanese woman in her late twenties, wearing a red, slinky outfit, complete with miniskirt. It was Aika Sumeragi, and along with her were Rion Aida and Maypia Alexymetalia, who were watching the entire drama with Rio and Warrior unfolded. Rio started to glare at Aika upon seeing her.
"You! How dare you show your face around here!" Rio exclaimed, getting into a fighting pose. But before she could do anything else, the three Nincompoops had already steeped in front of her, ready to defend her, Warrior and the Uruha estate.
Tsumemaru happened to be the fat Nincompoop, and the one who possesses the Oni's Tsume, or the 'Nailbiter.' It was an orb that created blades of wind for its attacks.
The other was Hanemaru or the Wingman. He was the possessor of the Hizangu which grants the wearer the power of flight.
Kuchibashimaru was the masked one, referred to the 'Beak King', or Kuchibashi Oh. It was a madogu that was referred to as Domon's 'lobster claw', attached to a chain and is capable of protecting the hand holding it for launching attacks.
The three had been fellow, die hard members for the Uruha and have the obligation of reporting to Joker. They also happened to be blood related brothers and were also known to be the Three Bakas. Taking Aika and her companions for enemies, they were ready to take the intruders on.
"Miss Kinezono, this must be one of your son's enemies!" Tsumemaru shouted, setting up a stance.
"We will deal with her accordingly! Leave it to us!" Hanemaru stated.
"Wait! This isn't what you…!" Lilica shouted to the three idiotic loyal servants to Joker. Unfortunately, they are going to have a taste of Aika's lethal martial arts skills for not paying attention to Lilica's warning.
"Are these guys stupid or something?" Maypia asked Aika.
"That's probably the case…no wonder we were able to get this far thanks to Geese's information about the Uruha's security system he was willing to let us share with him." Aika said. "You two better step aside and let me take care of this…"
"Uh, okay, Aika. Don't hurt them too much." Rion spoke as she stepped aside to let Aika get into a fighting stance herself.
"I don't have time to waste…" Aika simply said, already seeing how these ninjas will attack her. Tsumemaru was the one to feel Aika's pain, as she suddenly dashed to the side when he swung his Oni Tsume, as a triple set of wind blades were thrown at Aika. The blonde woman simply sidestepped them with minor problems.
"Your madogu may impress Greg-san with their attacks, but I already have been able to deal with such magic tricks." Aika was already on him and performed a serious barrage of karate chops from her hands, before performing one of her special kick attacks.
"Blade Kick!" Aika shouted, performing a powerful roundhouse that ignored Tsumemaru's defence and sent him staggering, giving Aika her chance to attack once more.
"I'm just getting warmed up…Razor Slide!" Aika shouted, now performing a sliding knockdown kick that knocked Tsumemaru down. As he was flattened, Aika then leapt from the ground and performed a leaping, one footed stand as her foot moved like a drill and landed on his chest.
"How do you like my Spinal Tap attack? You like what you see?" Aika taunted, as Tsumemaru was overwhelmed by both Aika's attacks and the sight of her white underwear.
"Yes, I think I died and gone into heaven!" the Nincompoop spoke, before fainting from Aika's swift attacks.
"Is this all that the Hokage has to offer?" Aika asked, shrugging her shoulders. "Now I see why Greg doesn't get as much exercise like he used to…"
"Brother!" Hanemaru shouted as he saw Tsumemaru taken down by Aika. "Fear not, me and Kuchibashimaru will take revenge for your loss!"
"Aw, geez…" Aika shook her head, as she didn't want to beat these poor ninjas up. "Feel free to give up when you boys want to."
"Rrragh!" both of the remaining Nincompoops charged at Aika and had their own madogu set. Aika continued to shake her head.
"Have it your way then…" Aika said, getting set to do another attack to defend herself with. Leaping off an unconscious Tsumemaru into a single somersault, she then went into a spinning drop kick as it was taken by Hanemaru in the face. But she wasn't done, as Aika then grabbed the ninja by the collar and performed a handstand for a few seconds on his head.
"What the…?" Hanemaru shouted in disbelief, seeing a woman was easily giving him a run for his money. Using his Hizangu, he started to take flight and attempted to flip Aika over, but she was already ready for this.
"I have you now, woman!" Hanemaru shouted, taking out some kunai. But Aika only smiled at the ninja.
"You think so, wouldn't you?" she simply stated. While the two were turning in mid air, Aika let go of her enemy and suddenly placed her hands on the ground, while both her feet lashed out in a horizontal slice-like kick, juggling Hanemaru by surprise. As she did this, she spun her body to get into a position which she can lift her body upwards, kicking Hanemaru around his chin with an upward aerial spike kick.
"Reverse Top!" Aika shouted, hitting Hanemaru with her kick, but she wasn't done. As she had already done this attack, Aika had opened her long, slender legs and grabbed his neck area with the back of her knee area. After locking them in place, Aika then started to spin violently as she and Hanemaru fell down at breakneck speeds.
"Dynamite Roll!" Aika shouted, crashing Hanemaru into the ground, head first. Hanemaru was down for the count from that attack. It was truly amazing to both Kurei and Neon who were watching this, seeing a few of their own members getting taken down by one of Greg's many masters in the martial arts.
"Maybe we should help them, Kurei…" Neon got up, but Kurei placed an arm outwards, stopping her.
"No, I don't think this woman has any harmful intent against us…let's see how she fares some more." Kurei said. "I want to see for myself if it's true she is also one of Greg's martial artist's masters."
"If you say so, but I doubt Joker will take it lightly seeing his trusted men getting beaten to a pulp by a woman…" Neon spoke.
Team Warrior was taking in this fight, while Yuji was recording Aika's panty shots during the fight.
"Put that camera away or I'll put away, Yuji." Maya Jingu warned him as he miserably put the camera away with a gun pointed at him.
"Yes, ma'am." Yuji replied sorrowfully.
"Is this the best the Hokage has to offer? How utterly disappointing." Aika called out to Kuchibashimaru, who had his lobster claw ready for Aika. Taking a swing, he sent the claw flying at her, but suddenly, Aika had already taken out a baton, similar to the ones Rio use. The claw had bitten the baton instead and was starting to pull Aika towards her.
"It's over for you!" Kuchibashimaru shouted, using a free hand to try and smash Aika's face in. But the blonde had parried the hand in time, before using her baton and wrapping the wrist around and using her other hand, used a karate chop to knock her enemy into a staggering position, as he lost his concentration using the lobster claw. Aika released her hold on her opponent and got firmly on her feet.
"Eat this! Bullet Kick!" Aika shouted, executing a flying kick at her enemy. As she landed the hit around his chest area, she then spun her body to perform a rising cartwheel kick into the air on a handstand.
"Lift Off!" Aika shouted, twirling her legs into a drill like kick while ascending, giving Kuchibashimaru many hits. But she wasn't done yet, as she simply then lifted her body up and executed a drop kick on him that sent him down flying to knock him out.
"Sledgehammer Drop!" Aika said as her attack landed, knocking out her opponent. After landing back on the ground over the defeated Three Nincompoops, Aika only sighed with a slight tone of boredom in her voice.
"Now, if you boys didn't rush into things without getting into a situation like this, you wouldn't have ended up like this now, would you?" she simply stated, looking at Rio and Warrior now. Before Rio stepped forward, Kurei was the one to step forward towards Aika, but now, both Joker and Raiha were also with them, curious to know what just transpired.
"Okay woman. You better start explaining why you just beaten up my three followers." Joker asked in a serious tone.
"Sorry, but they started it. Besides, I'm not your enemy." Aika replied, dusting herself. "Rio herself should know, right?"
"That doesn't fully explain why would be here, Miss…" Raiha spoke, until Rio answered for as Rion and Maypia stepped right up behind Aika.
"This is Greg's second master, Aika Sumeragi. The two with them are Rion Aida and Maypia Alexymetilia." Rio spoke as she stepped forward to Aika face to face.
"Ah, so you three are his friends, am I correct?" Kurei asked. "All he has been running into recently is a bunch of trouble lately."
"Aika, why are you here anyway?" Rio asked seriously.
"You should already know. I came here to take Greg back to Geese for some…administrative training. The time has come." Aika said seriously, causing Rio to open her eyes in shock. "With each growing day, he's getting worse and if he's not administered the treatment and training to subdue his powers, he's in for a whole new level of hell for his life."
"What? No way! You can't be serious, Aika!" Rio shouted. "Why Geese didn't say something the last time about 'training'? Isn't there another way we can help Greg?"
"Sorry, Rio, but we both know what could happen if this get out of hand with Greg's powers." Aika said. "If he's not isolated when his powers truly get out of hand, a lot of people around him will get hurt. There's no telling what could happen if that thought becomes reality."
"Isolated?" Lilica said in shock as Aika looked at her. "Is it…THAT serious?"
"I'm afraid it is, Lilica. That's why we must find him as soon as possible." Aika said.
"Greggie…" Rio muttered. (So the worst nightmare for both of us has indeed come through…)
"But…don't start to let that get to you." Rion came across to Rio and Warrior. "It's not a bad thing what's going to happen, Aika has something new developed for Greg's nanos that should help, but we won't know if it will work till we get to him."
"Then why are we still wasting time for!" Rio exclaimed as she turned to Nanvel. "Is there any way we can track him from here, Nanvel?"
"I can have Nan-bot track his nanomachine DNA down, easy like that." She said with a confident smile. "I'll get right on it."
"Thanks, Nanvel." Rio said, as Nanvel left in a hurry. But as she did, Mirelle Bouquet and Kirika Bouquet of Noir stepped into the garden, having seen the commotion Aika caused.
"What happened here?" Mirelle asked.
"Yeah, we heard a battle outside here and we thought it was something serious…" Kirika looked at the beaten Three Nincompoops as they steadily got up from Aika's punishment.
"No need to worry, Kirika. It was a false alarm." Yuji told her, now saving his recording and labelling the tape 'Aika's Strike on the Hokage!'
"She thinks Greg and whoever's with him are in trouble…" Maya told Mirelle.
"And you guys are going to find that out for yourselves?" Mirelle asked, getting a nod from her and Maki. "If that's the case, let us come with you."
"Why is that?" Maki asked.
"I really can't say I'm grateful for what Greg and the rest of you here have done to help and protect me and Kirika so far, but I want to offer my services as an assassin to you if it means getting Chloe back safely." Mirelle said seriously. "We're in your debt."
"Me too, Miss Kawasaki." Kirika spoke. "After we learned of what the Patriots are capable of, and what they have done to affect those around Greg, I can't rest thinking such people would go through such lengths to control this world…so you have my skills to your disposal as well."
"Thanks, you two. I'll surely not forget this." Rio smiled, nodding at the two women. "Well, by the time Nan-bot's have found Greg, Riku, Nagi and the others, we should be on our way. Let's go, everyone."
As the group left to the mansion, Rion stepped closer to Aika.
"So Geese's information was right. It has come to this…." Rion spoke sadly.
"We are not giving up because of the odds against us, Rion! We will help Greg one way or the other." Aika said seriously, clenching her fist. "Besides…it's Geese's orders. Greg must be in the fittest of conditions to confront the Virtuous Mission soon, because time is starting to run out. Geese can only delay the timing for so long, but he needs Greg to start making his movements now."
"You think Rio will approve of this?" Maypia asked.
"It's doubtful, but we can't ignore this." Aika said. "Come on, then…the sooner we find Greg, the better chance he has of going through this alive…"
The three women followed on another into the mansion, knowing for sure that Greg's problems are getting serious, but little they know just HOW serious…
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Back on the sunken areas of old Tokyo, Greg was surely feeling the emanating dark aura of the enemy in front of him and his group, the assassin ninja known as Shade had just transformed into an Orochi version of himself. This spells big problems for Greg even more, as his powers are starting to feel a sort of 'static' thanks to the amount of dark energy flowing from Shade.
"Well, Greg….will you be the first to die, or do you want me to go after your precious friends first and slaughter them before your eyes?" Orochi Shade spoke with an evil grin on his face.
"S-shut up, dumbass! You want to kill my friends; you have to go through me first!" Greg dared the man, despite the fact he was scared as hell, facing an Orochi based warrior.
(Shee-it! This guy's serious! He wants to kill all of us using his Orochi powers! And the bad part is, if I wasn't in such bad shape with my powers, I would have easily seen it coming, but why am I getting interference at a time like THIS!) Greg thought, setting up for a pose. (Dammit all to hell…I hate it when things don't go according to the script!)
A small laugh came out from Orochi Shade. "I commend your bravery, Kinezono. But alas, I will silence you and everyone else who seem to have placed so much hope and confidence in you, thinking that you can defeat one of the Orochi. I will make sure to make your death swift and painful, because you really abhor me with your insults!"
"Aw, get used to it, asshole!" Greg spat at the five hundred year old ninja. Before he got into an attack, he heard Nagi's voice telepathically talk to him, as he was busy guarding Tot from Orochi Shade.
(Hey Greg, since you know about the Orochi clan do you have any idea how we're supposed to fight something like this?) Nagi asked Greg telepathically. (Do these guys have any sort of weaknesses?)
(You're asking ME!) Greg replied in thought. (As much it would be much help to know if they had any weaknesses, I don't even know they are even vulnerable to catching a cold! I've never taken on an Orochi member who was using this amount of power at full strength!)
(Then that means…)
(Yeah, we in some pretty deep shit now, Nagi.) Greg replied, clenching his fists. (I'm sorry if I got you and Tot involved in this somehow…because of me, now you guys are in…)
(Don't think of it like that, Greg!) Nagi replied. (This didn't happen because of you, but Tot and I have no intention of running away. We're going to do what we can to defend you long enough until some kind of help comes.)
(You can count on us, Greg.) Tot said, taking out her Muramasa blade.
(Nagi…Tot…) Greg thought, then glaring at Shade once more. He had to formulate a plan to keep Yuina, Seraph and Amber safe as well. Greg looked over at Riku's direction.
(Riku…we have to cover Yuina, Seraph and Amber till help arrives. So you and I will take this freak of nature on ourselves.) Greg said telepathically, raising his clenched fists. (I will use my Double Vision skills to confuse the flames you throw, to create an opening. I will rush him then.)
(Sounds like a plan. Just hoping it works somehow…) Riku replied.
(It has to.) Greg simply replied. (Okay, Riku….now!)
Riku lifted his right arm and threw a trio of flames in the variation of bullets, coming straight towards Orochi Shade. Greg extended his right nano mesh to use his psychic doppelganger Double Vision move on the flames to double their amount. Soon the flames spilt into six than three, but Orochi Shade simply put up a shield and it somehow absorbed the flames.
"Dark Absorb!" Orochi Shade shouted, as the flames then shot back at Greg and Riku at breakneck speed. Greg was able to put up a psychic shield in time before they got hurt, but Orochi Shade suddenly moved from his position and started to bum rush Greg with a series of critical punches to his stomach area.
(He…he used my strategy against me! How!) Greg thought as he was getting pummelled by Orochi Shade's punches. Greg was able to catch one of them after getting used to the rhythm and countered it by flipping Orochi Shade over. The ninja flipped back on the ground as normal as before and stuck the ground with his fist, as an electric charge shot up from the ground and gave Greg a few thousand bolts throughout his body.
"Dark Thunder!" Orochi Shade shouted, attacking Greg with his move.
"Grrrrrraaaaaggggghhhh!" Greg shouted, feeling the Orochi power tearing up his insides for a few seconds, but Greg shut his eyes and uses his powers to burst out of the current before it did anymore severe damage to his body. Landing on his knees, he can already taste his own blood in his mouth as he spit it out from the internal damage Orochi Shade caused by his power infused punches.
(This level of power…not even a normal human being can't contain such power.) Greg thought to himself. (If he kills me, there will be no one left to save Riku, Yuina and the others from this wankster!)
(That's right, no one left to protect them…)
(If it has come to that then, that means I will have to…unlock the final safety precautions for my nanomachines and go all out on him.) Greg thought. (It's the only way I can assure of everyone's safety. But I can't do it just yet…can't show my friends…the other me I've been running from all this time…and then there's my powers…who knows what else can happen since they are already out of control. I have to gamble this fight and hope for good results…)
Riku couldn't help but feel dread as he saw this new version of Shade. The feeling Riku was getting from him was overpowering, as if Shade had suddenly become the incarnation of terror itself. Riku immediately suppressed that feeling of fear.
(I don't know if we can beat this guy, but there's no choice but to try if we're going to protect Seraph and Amber) Riku thought. (Oh well, with Greg here we might have a chance.)
He took a glance at Greg and saw the different look in his eyes, something Riku or anyone else around in FOXHOUND would rarely see in Greg. It was the look of knowing fear. Greg had it etched on his face right now, and Riku didn't want to know what is it that Greg was planning to deal with Orochi Shade.
(Then again…we may not.) Riku thought, though personally hating to admit this. He has a hard fight ahead of him…one which he and his friends have a very slim chance of surviving….
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ShardclawK: And that concludes this chapter, and things are still not looking too well for our heroes. Greg's severely injured, and Shade's got more for Riku, Nagi and Tot. Will they stand a chance against Orochi Shade? What about Rio and the rest of Warrior that are hurriedly on the way to find Greg in time before his powers take full effect? Or how will Aika and her cohorts will manage? Who will get to Greg first? What plans Solidus knows about that for Greg that no one else does?
Ran: Oh, man…this suspense is just too much. I do everyone will be okay, or else with the main characters dead, there won't be much of a story anymore, now will it?
ShardclawK: That's true. Anyway, I do hope you enjoyed this bonus chapter, it had to focus on Aika arriving mainly, because my head got mad ideas concerning her attacks, DarkFusion, I'll be sure to send her moveslist soon enough as soon as I complete them. I also hoped on how I introduced the rest of the referees from Flame of Recca, I had fun highlighting them so far, so be expecting more of their and the rest of the Flame of Recca cast members to show up later. And one final thing, thanks so much for sending the anime collections of Mahoromatic, Ai Yori Aoshi, Burn up eXcess, and Noir for me as well as sending in Xenosaga: The Animation, the Weiss Kreuz OVAs and La Verite as free stuff. (I got them last week and I am really enjoying the first shipment alone till I get the second set soon!) I'll be sure to mail you soon with information concerning the repayment of the collections, so you will have to trust me on this one because I will need some information from you before settling business.
Omi: And to think that's just a sample of stuff you're getting for the future, Shardclaw-kun. But I wonder…will he still be sending you girls from H-games anytime you update this and COE once more?
ShardclawK: I'm not sure…I like surprises and I am keeping back a shipment he already has waiting for me, so I'll wait and see who he sends. By the meantime, Tempest's birthday shipments will keep me busy till then…
From the stage door, the girls from the H-game, I'm Gonna Serve You 4 step in, wear nothing but aprons. They were Himeko Koji, Takano Aoyama, Chizuru Tahara, and Leo Akasaka. Also with them were the cute girls from the H-game, Let's Meow Meow! Stepped in, wearing tight tank tops and miniskirts. They were Mikan, the cat girl maid, Hanabi, the bunny girl, Shinju, the dog girl, Koboshi, the android cat girl, Nanami Aoba, another cute cat girl, and Kohaku, a shrine maiden cat girl.
ShardclawK: I think I landed into hawt, animal/girl hybrid heaven…
Mikan: Shardclaw-sama, I hope you're not tired to play with us. We're ready for another session in bed to cure that writer's block of yours.
ShardclawK: I guess you guys never let up. Well, I'm off again guys.
Youji: Maybe we should definitely give writing a shot if we have to get girls like he does…
Ran: It depends, I guess on how well you do it. We'll leave the audience to their reviewing and…imagining as always till the next update. See you in the next one.
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.