Metal Gear: Soldier X

by ShardclawKusanagi

A COE multicrossover story of accompanying side stories, anime/manga and games. The new story phase begins after a long hiatus with new mysteries, allies and more! It's been a long time, but...revised chapter 14 now uploaded.

28. The Drowning Man, Part 2

Disclaimer: As always, I do not own the material and characters used in this story, on it, Greg Kinezono and Linn Aramaki are part of the properties I own in this fiction.

ShardclawK: Welcome again, dear readers to another new update of this famous, crossover fic. Glad to be back to be updating this fic as much as I can, but it's kind of hard to do it when I got other current crossover fics that need updating because of the eager and different fan-bases I have. Well, I can only promise I can do what I can to please the masses until I get my own computer soon one of these days, so I can be able to update my stories much faster, hopefully and be able to play some of those H-games Dark-san had recommended to me…man, I really want to experience those kind of games!

Ran: Uh, right, Shardclaw, we can only wish you the best of luck at that category.

ShardclawK: Anyhow, it's time to focus on the story, while in the meantime announce the introduction of part of a cast from another anime/manga that will be also joining the crossover roster. I proudly present to the fans, the female cast of Real Bout High School!

Just as I said that, Ryoko Mitsurugi, Madoka Mitsurugi, Asuka Kuronari, Megumi Momoi, Aoi Asahina, Midori Misato, Xiaoxing Huang Ko, Azumi Kiribayashi, Hitomi Yuuki, Nanako Hishinuma, and Natsumi Fujishima stepped in, as both Nanako and Madoka were wearing skin tight, hot pink nurses outfits with miniskirts, while the other girls were wearing tight, short vests and bikini bottom thongs. Natsumi began to inquire me on her microphone.

Natsumi: And you all just heard it first from Shardclaw himself! Now, tell me in your own words, Shardclaw-san, just how soon can we expect to be appeared in this hit story of yours?

ShardclawK: Um, as soon as I can get the chance and all the current plotlines are out of the way. There's just too much planned for SX at the current timing, especially with the current arc.

Natsumi: And most certainly, your abilities can interpret the characters in this story to their maximum input?

ShardclawK: I can only promise that I will do my utter best to make my fans happy! It's my mission in writing fiction about the anime and stuff I love!

Madoka: Oh, Shardclaw-sama is so determined in making our appearances in his stories! What a turn-on!

Ryoko: And for giving such satisfactory answers, I will lead my Shinsengumi and other female friends in ganging up on you as you take charge in judging a special, 'wet T-shirt' contest we will have.

My eyes widen at the comment to this as I stare at all the hawt, ample bosomed, ninja, brawler and samurai chicks in their tight vests, thinking of all the 'possibilities.'

ShardclawK: Um…wet…T-shirt contest? Do rules imply also using whipped cream and chocolate milk from a garden hose on you girls?

Azumi: Why, yes, Shardclaw. You are free to use anything on us, you know. But we expect a little share from you end as well, if you know what we mean.

Megumi: Yes, we want...'meat' and 'milk' too, you know. So, be a good boy and give us as much as we want, we're only giving you prepared for the other group of hawt anime and game girls Dark-san has waiting for their turn with you as well.

ShardclawK: Ulp. Aw, crap…I think I'm going to be drained by the time this chapter's done. Anyway, I leave this to your capable hands, Weiss!

Ken: There he goes once more. In spite of how things are going to get from this chapter, he still has to keep it light and funny.

Omi: Yeah, it's like stepping into a horror movie. We'd best not be scared about this update ourselves…

Ran: Well, folks, this is as dark and sad SX may get, and probably will later on. Let's see if our hero Greg will be able to choose a side that will help him. On with the story.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Metal Gear: Solider X

Chapter 27: The Drowning Man, Part 2

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About 45 minutes had passed since the battle against Orochi Shade had occurred in the near, deserted area of old Tokyo, and now it looked closely to something out of an aftermath of a war zone. Special police and Japanese Special Forces and SWAT teams surrounded the warehouse where clearly a battle was taken place. Any witnesses who were around at the time were questioned by the authorities, while photos and evidence was being sampled and taken.

"This was quite a mess here…" one male police officer from the Police Town branch saw the mess made and whistled, scratching his head. "Whoever did this was probably a terrorist's handiwork…"

"Not a terrorist...the bomb squad said there wasn't any explosives used." His partner replied. "But you know the other freaky thing we found out?"

"What is it?"

"It's inside of the building, where most of the commotion started." The police officer walked and showed his partner the interior of the old, run down building where they saw a huge crater, steam rising out of it and spots of blood on various locations around it. The police officer gaped at the sight.

"Seems whoever did THIS was not just any bomber, I mean, who can make a crater like this and it's still hot to the touch when you get close to it?" the policeman spoke, taking out a bottled water. "Watch this as well…"

Emptying out the bottle of water, the other officer looked on in shock as the water started to evaporate into the ground upon contact.

"What exactly are we dealing with here?" the officer asked.

"Beats me…seems we've ran into some crazy ass nutcase, that's what."

"Get Fujidera over here ASAP! She may have an idea of what we're dealing here." The officer said, as he went away for a while and came back with a tall, Japanese woman with long, black hair. She was wearing glasses and had on Police Town's female uniform, her ample cleavage hugging her shirt.

"What is it about? I was still questioning the witnesses, you know?" the woman asked, almost not feeling up to the task of playing part of the evidence team.

"Miyuki Fujidera, you're here on a special case since you know perfectly well that Rio Kinezono and several others of our police force members are nowhere to be found since some time back." The police officer spoke. "If you don't help us locate them by being on the field, then how else can we know if they are even still alive at this point of time?"

"I'm just as concerned for Rio and everyone else, but what good can a traffic officer can do about this?" Miyuki replied.

"You're Rio's friend, shouldn't you have an idea about where Rio or her friends could be?" the officer asked.

"Really, sir. I wished I knew where she was; I lost contact with her myself awhile back and tried desperately to find her since." Miyuki spoke.

"Well, we're not going to put you as a suspect or anything, but we're just keeping you on your toes about the matter. We all heard what has happened to her son, chances are high she may be in hiding with him."

"I'm certain she has a good reason for it." Miyuki replied simply and seriously. "I'll do what I can on my end to find information that could lead to finding her, sir."

"We're sure you do, but its best you keep it from the new commander and all if you want to help Rio and her friends through this." The officer advised her before he left her. Miyuki sighed heavily as she began thought to herself.

(Rio…where on Earth could you and the rest of WARRIOR is?) She thought to herself she started to walk away from the crime scene. (Maybe if I called Youji, he may tell if he has met her someway or the other…I got to find her and find out why she hasn't contacted me for a while now.)

So, the police officer decided to make a stop at where she and Youji can meet later, but decided to wait till she was off duty to meet him, as not to draw suspicions.

(Hang on, Rio…I'm coming to find you…) Miyuki thought as she drove off into the city of Neo Tokyo.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Meanwhile, at a secluded location around the suburbs, a few miles away from the battle that just occurred, Shade had fully recovered from the wounds he had received. He was about to finish off Greg and his group of friends, before he was interrupted by his cell phone and Yukimura and Kenshin Mori's intervention. The call was much more important at this time when he finally made contact with the person who wanted to see him.

"Well, Shingen…it seems that you were having quite the time with yourself." A familiar male voice spoke as he stepped closer to reveal himself. Shade simply grinned at the person in front of him.

"I was going to have the time of my life, actually, that is until some old friends of mine dropped in and interrupted me before I can finish off that meddlesome Kinezono and his friends." Shade spoke. "Besides, I wasn't set to kill them off just yet; I have to show them that I hold more powers than meets the eye, Drake."

Carter Drake smiled at Shade's comment. "Ah, so you've ran into Greg and his group. That's not a surprise to me, since I knew his movements would put him in the situation like that. But I would advise you not to kill him as of yet…I still see that he has to serve my purposes, even if he doesn't see it coming."

"I'd figured you would say something like that, but then again, there's no one else who's capable of drafting a plan to use Kinezono in his state like this." Shade said. "Fine then…I take it that you're in need of my services this time, I guess."

"You are correct…I have plans for the NERV organization as of now that will surely insure victory for us and the Patriots, this is a sure fire plan with no faults." Drake spoke.

"Go on."

"Since that base is under the control of some inexperienced leaders as of now in its unstable moment since Gendou Ikari's death, this is a perfect opportunity to expose the open weaknesses." Drake spoke. "I already placed insiders who have been sending me intel, concerning the status of the individuals that currently preside in NERV."

"Ah, yes…breaking them up from the inside foundation is quite the plan, it's an easy win situation, thanks to the histories of the people in charge of the base. I've gotten contact with the intel regarding the personal bias of the most important people in charge of the base." Shade spoke. "And where do I fit into this?"

"Be patient, Shade…I got the right assignment for you that will coincide with the plan as well." Drake spoke. "You are to keep an eye on Solidus and his Dead Cell group and report to me any discoveries to their plans, so I can use it against them."

"I won't be able to advance right away, since they've allied themselves with the assassin group, Schwartz and now have one of the so-called true Noir as one of their own now." Shade spoke, causing Drake to rub his chin.

"An interesting concept, but it will do little to falter the plans I have in store. Proceed with caution and play along with the plan." Drake said. "I will contact you when I see the right moment comes to strike them when they are the most vulnerable."

"I get the idea…nice plan as always, Drake. I commend your plan will get everyone with one lethal blow." Shade said with a grin. "I guess I should be taking my leave now, then."

"No need to hurry, there's enough time for everything to fall into place." Drake said. "But it doesn't mean that we can't stay cautious for a moment."

Shade simply laughed once, before disappearing into a cloak of shadows. Drake simply started to walk, having his plans to head to Tokyo-3 beginning to become fruition.

(Kinezono's current movements are simply making things easier for me…unless something gets in the way that I didn't foresee.) Drake thought to himself, before he grinned to himself. (He can be reserved for later when I'm ready for his full potential…)

Drake wasn't going to let something like Kinezono's plans for revenge get in the way, he can simply turn them against Greg and his group if need be. But he chose to toy with the idea of using Greg later on, he had bigger fish to fry…one of them was dealing with NERV as of current.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was already evening time at NERV headquarters in Tokyo-3 and Naomi Hunter had a tough day assisting Dr. Ristuko Akagi and her team of scientists and programmers in their routines, which she had been assigned to. Still, with her busy schedule, she can't help but wonder how FOXHOUND is operating with some of their vital comrades, Greg Kinezono included. She constantly wondered how they are all doing after the whole deal with Mantis and now that Greg's been targeted by the Patriots.

(Dr. Clark...have we really done the right thing all those years ago?) Naomi thought to herself as she looked out to the GeoFront as the sun was setting. The thought of her remembering her memories of Greg in his younger years as he was getting adjusted to his powers pained her slightly, as she also took the time to remember the consequences he has to endure.

(Were we really doing Greg and his family a favour by cursing him like this? If so…why has his father even risked the concept of having his own son carries such a legacy? It's just too ludicrous and insane!) She thought to herself as she walked. So much was on her mind, that little did she notice bumping into Linn Aramaki who was walking in the opposite direction. Linn had just stepped out of the VR simulators that were located in NERV as she and Garland Durev took charge in training the base's security and even some of its military forces. She looked exhausted and spent, even in her amazing figure.

"Ahhh! Oh, Linn! I'm so sorry…" Naomi quickly apologized, backing a few steps back away right after bumping into her. Linn simply smiled and waved it off.

"Don't worry about it…it seems we're all tired these days to even stay alert of where we're walking these days." Linn joked, causing Naomi to smile a bit.

"Yeah, considering how crazy things are at the moment with both this base and…" Naomi spoke, but suddenly stopped as she saw the concerned look on Linn's face. "Oh, Linn…I know how much you miss him."

"Hey, it's not like anything bad is bound to happen to Greg, right? I trust Riku and his family to take good care of him, I'm sure he's just fine even now." Linn showed a soft smile. "But, still….I do wished he contact more often and at least talk to me…it's been too long since he's even bothered to look out for us, it's as if he's distancing himself from us because of what he's going through right now."

"I'm sure he has his reasons, I bet he's doing this to make sure you and everyone else here are safe." Naomi said, sighing a bit.

"I guess you're right…he's had a habit of trying to do things all by himself." Linn answered. "I really admire him for that, but…"

"But what?"

"I do wish he'd put a little more faith in us, but he's just too hurt to even try, you know?" Linn said, as she and Naomi started to walk in the hallways of NERV. "He'd always do things the hard way, as if he's punishing himself for some reason."

"Well, I'm sure Riku, his partners and his family of ninja will do what they can on their part to assist Greg in this." Naomi said, patting her friend. "What we can do here by the meantime is just wait and pray for good results, but it won't bother to at least contact him and make him feel good once in a while, don't you think?"

"You're right. I should play my role and be supportive to him as well. I am his girlfriend after all." Linn replied, and then looked at Naomi with a happy look on her face. "I know! I'll surprise him by visiting him for a few days, you know? Just to see how fine he's doing and maybe cheer him up if he's feeling lonely."

"But, Linn…you're needed here in NERV and the Patriots are surveying the base's activities now more than ever since Gendou Ikari was killed of by the enemy. Are you certain you want to go there at a time like this?" Naomi asked, having some doubt in her voice.

"I know a lot is riding on this, Naomi, but my own boyfriend is in the middle of this for some twisted reason and I should be at least close to him at a time like this, supporting him until he gets his plans set." Linn said. "And I won't be taking no for answer, I miss him terribly, Naomi. I HAVE to see and be with him."

"Linn…" Naomi looked at the pleading look in Linn's eyes and smiled a bit. She acknowledged how determine Linn was set to seeing Greg after all this time, as if she was driven by something to do this.

"I'll contact the Colonel and ask him to at least consider a few days leave from here to see Greg." Naomi said. "But on one condition…you have to take me along with you."

"You're more than welcome to come along, but why?" Linn asked out of curiosity.

"Oh, you'll know soon enough. I'm just as concerned for Greg as you are, so it's natural." Naomi said. "I'll contact Campbell later and when he approves of the leave, I'll be prepared to leave with you."

"Thanks, Naomi; this means so much to me." Linn bowed to Naomi as she walked off into her direction. Naomi started to shake her head sadly as she pondered on what can happen to Greg soon, as she has a clear idea of what's currently he's going through.

(Linn, I pray to God that you are prepared to handle the cold, ugly truth about Greg Matthews legacy as a psychic…and be ready to help him out of his own darkness in anyway you can.) Naomi thought to herself as she headed for the opposite direction she was heading to.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Back at the Uruha mansion, Aika and her two other female companions were in Kurei's office, along with the WARRIOR group and a select few of the other people from the mansion, ranging from Riku and his partners, Yuina and Seraph, Umi, Inuko and Tatsuko, Kenshin Mori, Raiha, Recca, Yanagi and Neon. Noir, consisting of Mireille and Kirika were also there, as well as Masanori Sanada and Kagero stood attentively in the room as well, listening to the details, while Aoi and Sora stood close by to their older brother's side.

"Big brother, it's good to have you home." Sora smiled at Kenshin.

"As am I, Sora. I hope you haven't been giving our parents any trouble while I was gone." Kenshin spoke, as the children quickly shook their heads. "That's good to hear…"

Aika had been using the chance she got since she arrived to explain to everyone about Greg's powers going awry for some weird reason.

"And that's about it…from what I can assume so far, Greg's just teetering on the edge because of his powers causing him to behave erratically like this." Aika said seriously. "It may not look it, but inside, he's probably suffering and is trying his best to keep it a secret."

"But not for any longer…he seems to reached his mental limit." Maypia spoke.

"And that's why you three are here to help him out? To make sure he goes through this?" Umi asked.

"Yes…as I said before, Geese was worried about Greg's progress and he has feared the worst." Aika said simply. "He, as well as the rest of us in this room was pretty worried about if Greg won't screw up somehow if his powers get out of hand…we've barely made it in time to administer the help for him…"

"Um…excuse me?" Yuina asked, rising up her hand. "What…would exactly happen to sempai if he does lose control of his powers?"

Aika simply sighed as she spoke. "For the most part, Greg may end up losing sight of his gifts and may end up becoming an enemy, than ally. This is as close to an 'evil intent' or the Orochi Riot you can get, people. Geese have been telling me how much battles Greg has gotten into since the whole Mantis thing and it really scares me to know that he's been active in this amount of fighting, which seems to have deteriorated his hold on his powers, causing him to divert more to the negative than the positive."

"Which explains why he went all out on Shiju some time back…" Riku said.

"Yeah, Greg wasn't Greg at the time." Rio cut in. "I'd never seen Greg go at it like that since…since the first time he lost control of his powers."

"Which why I'm here to make sure Greg doesn't fully go overboard and still be of help to you guys." Aika said, standing firmly. "Geese have suggested that he has to go through evaluated training for the most part if he has to maintain control of his powers."

"But…in his weakened state…" Lilica cut in with a sad tone, as Aika looked away in silence.

"Geese said it was necessary that he has to do this…" Aika said, shaking her head. Just then, Masanori's voice cut in time during Aika's speech.

"May I put in my suggestion, Miss Sumeragi?" Masanori spoke. "Taking into consideration of what you just told us, Greg's state at this time wouldn't need any kind of that pressure for the moment."

"Yeah, Geese can't really be trusted in these matters, especially if Greg's involved." Nanvel said. "I've seen some of the training Greg endured in his younger years when something like this did start up the first time…not even someone like him deserved that harsh treatment just to keep himself in check."

"Like lifting weights, isolations in harsh weather, five hour a day sparring bouts…" Maya recalled. "Geese threw everything he had that Greg didn't want part of at him and surprisingly, he survived that. But I don't think he's up for a second run for that kind of torture at a time like this…"

"So, you're saying that this training is…" Masanori stopped speaking and stared at Aika once more. "I see…you're submitting Greg to some kind of strain that even his body can't keep up with at this time. Do you know just how dangerous that is?"

"Try telling that to Geese." Aika replied. "Unless you have other plans to help Greg, I'm all ears."

"There are other ways to do this, and putting Greg into more harm isn't going to solve anything. I mean, take a look at his body right now, he is in serious need of rest and medication for those wounds." Masanori said. "The most he should be doing is getting enough rest to gain the stamina he had lost."

"I agree with Masanori." Kenshin spoke. "There's no point in putting Greg in more hurt than he is, even it is simple training."

Everyone else in the room nodded to this, as did Yuina, who was now sobbing lightly to hearing what was going on with Greg, but did her best to hide it from everyone else.

"In any case, I will just have to contact Geese and tell him of the change of plans. I'd expected you guys wouldn't go along with the idea in the first place, since you're the only people he can trust not to betray Greg." Aika said, with a light grin, before staring at Kenshin. "Besides, I also agree with Kenshin there's no point in adding more hurt to Greg, we can surely use other methods of helping him out at this time."

"He will still need the training to control his powers first, though." Rion spoke.

"Right…the training is still part of the plan, but the recovery comes first." Aika said.

"I can certainly do what I can with my healing powers to help Greg once more." Yanagi spoke.

"And I can work a bit harder on his regenerative nanos." Nanvel spoke.

"Then who will take charge of training Greg?" Aika asked, only to see Rio step up.

"I will do it. He's my son, my responsibility…this is the most I can do to make up for the times I should have stepped in before, but couldn't." Rio said. "You can count on me this time, Aika. Just give me one more shot at this."

"Well, Greg won't be happy if we didn't cooperate on the matter, so I better let you in on the ride as well." Aika said, smiling at her.

"Just wait, you two…chances are he will need more than just the two of you, since his other mentors aren't here to help him now." Masanori spoke. "Allow me to lend my experience to this matter, I promise that you won't regret my help."

Aika stood silent for a moment, before she nodded her head. "You have a point. Kyo, Iori and Geese would have helped solved this in no time, but we got to make up with what we have for now until Greg's completely recovered and set. I will have to contact them soon and tell them about the change of plans…"

"I'm certain they will understand somehow." Masanori spoke, as Rio stayed quiet as she watched the mysterious male who the people in the Uruha mansion claimed to be an old friend of theirs.

(This guy just comes out of the blue and offers a hand to help Greg without even giving a second thought…) Rio thought to herself. (He may look trustworthy, but I'd better keep a watch on him for Greg's sake…)

"Now that we've gotten that problem about Greg's powers out of the way, we need to find out about how Shade was even part of the Orochi power." Kurei said. "Riku, from what we've heard from Kenshin, was it true that he was using that dreaded power?"

"Yeah, he did, uncle." Riku said, swallowing as he spoke while he remembered the experience. "It's even a miracle on how we managed to hold our own till Kenshin and Masanori showed up…"

"But all this time, we'd never thought he was capable of that amount of power." Nagi spoke. "He'd even give Greg a hard time to deal with once he activated his powers as well…"

Riku then looked at his grandmother Kagero and spoke. "Hey, Grandma…do you think that Shade is part of the Orochi clan? Knowing how long into history this goes, there should at least be some clues about how a ninja like him has such powers."

"I certainly wished I had an idea of how he had attained those powers, Riku, but I'm at a loss like you all are." Kagero spoke. "But since he is not of the Orochi bloodline, my assumptions are that he must have gained it through some other methods."

"That could be a strong possibility…" Recca said simply. "In any case, Riku….you and your partners and friends know now Shade's not an ordinary human, I think it's best that you retreat as far as you can the next time you see that man if you value your lives."

"He's right, Riku. Don't go recklessly fighting that man, even if he poses a threat to your friends." Yanagi said.

"Okay, mom, dad." Riku nodded at his parent's warning. "But at least we managed to get out of there, all thanks to Yuina and Seraph."

"Oh, please, Riku….I was only doing what I could to help you and everyone else. Sempai especially…" Yuina said, shaking her head. "And only God knows what could have happened to Ambrosia if we did lose to that…that excuse for a man…"

"Let's not think too much about it, Yuina." Tot patted her. "We all know now that you're quite reliable in battle yourself and we can count on you to cover our backs anytime."

"Yeah, Yuina, all that training with Greg must have paid off." Nagi had his say.

"Thanks, Tot." Yuina smiled, but still felt a bit sorry for what has happened to Greg. Rio then stood up and started to speak.

"Listen, that Shade character is the least of our worries now. One of our own needs our help now than ever." Rio said. "The first priority before everything else is helping Greg with his issues, until Geese's further orders."

"By the time being, we can use this chance to rest and think over things…" Riku said, rubbing his chin. "If we have to confront more enemies that the Patriots throw in Greg's direction, we have to develop more strength in just cases like today."

"I agree with you, Riku." Nagi said. "I actually felt I couldn't do a thing for Greg when Shade went Orochi on us…"

"Same here." Tot followed in as well.

"There wasn't a thing any of you could have done against a man of that strength, children." Masanori spoke. "Be grateful that your experience held you together during that time, but it was a good idea that we should use this time while Greg's trying to recover to re-strategize for the future."

"What do you had in mind?" Riku asked. Masanori stepped up to Riku and handed him what it appeared to be an ancient ninja scroll.

"This scroll will give the wielder the power to control your own shadow as well any other shadow around you." Masanori spoke. "I do advise at first though, you will have to train first and get used to it, controlling both shadows and flames at the same time would be rather hard and you can't use it in bright places. If you want me to, I can offer my assistance in training you to do so as well, Riku."

"Okay, I'll definitely take up the offer." Riku said, nodding his head. (Hmmm…I may have to develop an alternative style when I use this…'Shadow Dragon', huh?)

"In this matter, I've decided to call among the remainder of both the major Hokage and Uruha clans members who would be much help in this in the future." Kurei said. "I've also taken the liberty of getting Team Kuu here as well, as some of the members happened to be good allies to our clans as well."

"So, that means Tokyia, Fuuko, Karou and Domon are on the way, huh?" Riku asked with a light grin. "Man, this will be one hell of a reunion when they get here…"

"If that is everything, we might as well gather on the outside and wait up on Greg and Michiko, who is staying with us for a while as well." Neon said, as everyone walked out, while Riku, Nagi and Tot stayed close together and spoke about dealing with what transpired today.

"I guess this means, Greg's going to find a way to deal with what's going on with his powers, then with Rio, this Aika woman and Yukimura-san putting them together to help train Greg to get stronger, we should probably do the same thing, huh?" Tot spoke.

"It's not 'probably', Nanami, we 'have to' train to get stronger." Riku replied, his expression completely serious. "We all saw how strong Shade became when he summoned the power of the Orochi and used it. If we hadn't gotten lucky and Yuina and Greg didn't surprise him with that new attack of theirs, Shade would have killed us without even a small amount of real effort."

"There's no question about that." Nagi said in agreement. "And when Shade used that power, I could still feel that there was much more behind it than he was currently using. It was like he reached into a bottomless well of power, and the amount he used was like a small handful of it..."

"It's as if he's cursed with the power of hell itself…" Seraph said, also following in the conversation. "An average human being can not be able to hold such power, or he'd be no longer be in this plane of existence by now…"

Riku simply sighed as he continued on with what he and his friend had dealt so far.

"Shade...and not to mention that new psychic, Robert Thorn..." Riku spoke. "Two powerful enemies and not one of us have what it takes to take even one of those guys down. Not even if we combined our current strengths."

"Then we have to get strong enough to do that, right?" Tot asked in reply.

"Right." Nagi nodded in agreement. "We need to get strong enough in order to handle enemies at that level. I don't know if you've noticed, but ever since we joined up with Greg, all we've done is handled the small fry enemies while Greg took on the stronger ones..."

"And the worst part is we didn't have any choice in the matter because Greg was the only one strong enough to take those guys on." Riku added. "Face it, if we can't get strong enough to take on whatever new enemies that the Patriots, and God knows who else, decide to throw at Greg, and only be good enough to deal with small fries, then we're better off not going with Greg on this 'Virtuous Mission' as we'll just be burdens that will drag him behind, or worse..."

"Targets for the enemy to use against Greg." Nagi finished. A cold silence among the group passed by, as they realized what they just said, until Rio, who was hearing all along stepped in.

"Hey, guys…don't let that get you down, okay?" Rio said, as she placed her arms over Riku and Nagi's shoulders. "Sure, there are tough enemies we all have to deal with in the coming future, but I don't think my Greggie would consider you all as burdens, or else he wouldn't have any reason to do his job."

"Still, our help can make things easier for him later." Tot spoke. "He always intend of taking all the hurt for our sakes…"

Rio stayed quiet as she knew what she can say would be pointless. (In the end, Greg's just pushed everyone who cares about him away, so he can carry the weight of the world's problems by himself…I wonder if that's why that Michiko is there to see him about? My only prayer is that she doesn't say anything to upset him as he is now…)

"Come on, don't let it get you down…we'll beat whatever those sorry excuses for villains throw at us together. You can count on that." Rio said. "Just us this chance to relax yourselves, alright?"

"Thanks, Rio." Riku said as she walked off to meet the other WARRIOR members. Just then, Nagi spoke to Tot.

"Nanami, you think we should contact Weiss and tell them what has happened as well? Ran may be of help with advancing your skills a bit as well." Nagi said.

"Yeah, you got a point. Well, I guess I'd better go and get some training from Tokiya-sensei, and then train with Ran when he and the others come here." Tot said and then turned to Riku and Nagi. "What are you two going to do?"

"I'll train with Yuina some and then try some self training to make my powers stronger." Nagi replied, and then his expression became slightly troubled, as if he were reluctant to say what he was about to. "Actually, I'm thinking of using some suggestions Crawford gave to me years ago in the use of my powers in order to strengthen them. If they work, then I'm sure I'll get stronger, but..."

"But what?" Riku asked.

"Those suggestions were for techniques with my powers that would either kill or seriously injure an opponent...or target for killing." Nagi answered bitterly.

"Nagi, you really don't have to go through that if that bothers you." Tot said.

"I know that…it bothers me to think that even Greg's powers remind me of mine sometimes when it's out of control, it's scary." Nagi said. "In any case, I doubt I will go off the track, because even though I'm not as strong as Greg, there's a small chance of me giving in to that kind of nature, because of Nanami and you."

"Aw, Nagi…that's one of the sweetest things I've heard from you…" Tot said, her face slightly blushing a bit. Riku cleared his throat a bit before he spoke.

"As for me, I'll have my dad and Uncle Kurei gives me as much training as possible in order to sharpen my ninjutsu as well as increase my power of flames." Riku spoke. "Since Yukimura-san is already here, I'll see if he can give me any training or ideas on how to get stronger."

Then another thought struck his mind right there and then.

"Well, now that all this has happened, I think it's time the rest of Uruha Ryu gathered here." Riku spoke. "Before I go train, I'd better call Akira, Alice, Kaori, and the others."

"But isn't it their vacation?" Tot asked.

"I'm sure once I explain the current situation to them, they'll understand." Riku answered. "And also I'll ask my uncle to give them a nice bonus in their next paycheck, and an extended vacation once this whole thing is over."

"Does that include what's going on in Tokyo-3 too?" Nagi asked, and Riku nodded. "Better make sure that bonus is big."

"Good idea." Riku agreed. "Well, we'd better get refreshed for dinner soon, and get an early rest for our bodies."

As Nagi, Tot and Seraph left the living room altogether, Riku noticed Yuina sitting one of the chairs outside of the mansion at the gallery yard, wiping away the light tears that fell from her eyes. He went up right to her and sat next to her.

"Yuina…what's wrong?" Riku asked. "You've been a bit moody since Greg left for his room when we got back."

"I was…thinking about what that Aika woman said about sempai…and I was wondering…could it be true?" she said, looking down on her hands. "Is my sempai really in that much trouble, Riku?"

"I don't want to believe it myself, Yuina. But everyone's willing to get Greg out of his own darkness somehow; we just need to make him need our help." Riku said. "And knowing Greg, he's not the type to give up on himself that easily…"

"I wish I can feel better about it, Riku. But I feel…so weak. Fighting against that monster earlier made me realized that…" Yuina said. "I wanted to do so much more for sempai, for Ambrosia and even you and your partners, but I just watched in horror to a living nightmare and only chose to face up to him when he had hurt you and everyone else who helped me enough."

"Still, in the end you were the one who helped Greg in stopping Shade when he went all Orochi mode." Riku commented. "Me, all I could do was distract the guy so the two of you could get a clear shot." He then smiled guiltily. "Kind of disappointing in my case, huh?"

"Not at all." Yuina objected. "You're strong. A lot stronger than I am..." Yuina then looked away from Riku. "I...I can't save anyone. I couldn't even do anything to help sempai with his condition and..."

"Listen, Yuina..." Riku said, interrupting her. "To tell you the truth, I'm not really that strong. I'm just a little further down the path than you are, that's all."

Riku then turned so that he could face Yuina before continuing.

"Don't you understand? The only difference between us is how far we've walked. It's the same for everybody." He continued, and then paused and then looked up at the sky. "The obstacles that you face today...Your worries about the future...Keep fighting them, and walk forward."

Riku then turned back to Yuina with a light and friendly smile.

"You can give up after you come to the end of the road." He finished. With that, he walked off leaving Yuina to think about his words.

(Riku's right…this was more of a test in my trials, in finding out how to control my emulate abilities. This was so much like the first time when…) Yuina thought to herself before stopping. (Oh, Akiho…I wonder if had to you go through the same things I did and now after everything…?)

Standing up straight, she wiped away the tears before thinking firm. She was set now to help Greg in this matter.

(In any case, sempai's counting on my support, now more than ever.) Yuina thought. (I have to help him; no matter what for what he has done for me and Seraph so far. Just hang on a bit longer, Greg…)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"As always, this is a crazy plan….it shouldn't have gotten this far." A male voice spoke in darkness somewhere else. "He should have never fallen so, there's so much at stake."

"Can I get to leave now, or after this Tachibana had finished contact with Greg?" a female's voice simply replied.

"I don't know if should go ahead with this. Percentage points are fluctuating…my sight…dim. I can't predict what's going to happen."

"Then I guess you're out of a job."

"Time is still on your side, Culloden. Wait here and maybe you can…"

"Don't even say it. You could get your plug pulled for even thinking such a thing…"

"I don't care. Maybe you can just let him die."

"But…"

"What if I'm wrong about Greg Matthews? What if all along I've been in error…is a fool's quest worth dying for?" the male asked. There was a short silence between the two, before the woman spoke.

"No, it's not. But if you're right about Greg…I'd die ten times over to see Greg Kinezono do the right thing without a second thought." The woman spoke with a smile. "I'm carrying my son with me; it will be quite the experience for us both to finally meet him. See you in the future soon."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The next thing Greg knew when he woke up was that he was back at the GeoFront in Tokyo-3. Right behind him, Michiko walked forward to show him a vision he wasn't prepared for.

"What the…why am I here?" Greg asked, as he stood up and faced the woman with serious eyes. Michiko simply looked at him and extended her arm.

"This is the place where we would be placed; inevitably…" she spoke in a sad tone. "What am I about to show you, Greg, is greatly disturbing, but it is for the benefit for halting your actions that you are currently pursuing."

Before Greg can answer, the next thing he knew was that the protective barrier over the GeoFront was soon covered in a white, powerful, light that ate away the barrier and strong gusts of wind flew about in their directions, blowing everything around them with powerful explosions.

"Does this seem familiar, Kinezono?" Michiko asked, as Greg was seeing NERV headquarters being invaded by enemy forces. The building was being bombed all over by the enemy forces through heavy artillery tanks, VTOLs and stealth bombers.

"Why…why is this happening?" Greg asked, nearly confused.

"You asked why, but the answers are so unclear to you that you don't realize it." Michiko spoke, waving her arm once more. "I shall take you to the inside where everything will be revealed in due time…"

Like a wave of water, the image around them covered everything around them and soon they found themselves in the hallways of NERV. Right before them, security forces that fought for NERV laid dead in front of Greg and Michiko.

"NERV is being invaded by the organization that rules the Earth, you know them as the Patriots." She said, causing Greg to turn around and stare at her. "They have managed to seize this base and everyone who was assigned to defend it, both from within and outside its parameters."

"You don't mean…they actually did it?" Greg asked.

"Yes, all thanks to one man's quest that started it all. This…is a direct result of your actions, Greg Kinezono." Michiko spoke.

"That's a bunch of lies! I can never do such a thing!"

"Please listen for the sake of those you claim to care about and even more lies on the decision you've chosen." She said. "If you do not believe me, then maybe this will…"

Greg can now see Riku, Nagi and Tot altogether, preparing for something important. They were having an important conversation about Greg's actions and had been assigned to help Michael, who has gone off to find and help Greg one last time. It was Michael's assignment to have everyone evacuated before the invasion and things got hot.

"Riku, Tot…this will be the end." Nagi said to his friends as they knew what was coming ahead.

"Goodbye, I will go first." Riku said to his partners.

"We will meet again where Michael is." Tot spoke

Before he can continue, he was taken to a location close to NERV, while Greg can see two figures fighting each other. One of them was holding an HF Blade, while the other was holding what it appeared to be a lance. It was Greg himself, fighting against his own comrade from FOXHOUND, Michael Hansen. The current Greg stepped back in disbelief.

"That's me…?" Greg asked. "Why am I…fighting against my friend?"

"Take a look at yourself. Michael was trying to help you at first, but things have become different." Michiko said as Greg saw himself to be possessed by his own powers, foaming at the mouth, covered in blood and the cuts from the Blade, while Michael had sustained injuries from Greg's attacks. It was an actual battle to the death and it was hard for the current Greg to soak it in.

"Rrrrrrrraggggghhhh!" the possessed Greg swung furiously at Michael with the Lance, sometimes breaking his defence and delivering fatal blows.

"Greg! Stop this now!" Michael said, having to fight back himself, even though it hurt his heart to do such a thing. "You've lost control of yourself because you think you can protect everyone, when you know it's not possible!"

The possessed Greg simply laughed maniacally in pain at Michael as he continued pressing on his attack, while the current Greg felt weak in his knees as he took this in.

"Is this what this is all about?" Greg asked. "Do you think that what will happen to me soon is the cause of this?"

"No, Greg…your belief of being able to protect everyone is quite noble, but it's not the right choice, as you can't actually do it." Michiko said as she then turned her head. "And this is one of the consequences you have to suffer with for the rest of your life…this is a prelude of what lead to this."

The scene was split into two as the current Greg and Michiko found themselves in the VR training room at the Uruha mansion. Yuina was there in her emulate form, standing next to the future Greg and was in the middle of a heavy argument.

"Sempai, please…Riku and his partners are only doing their best to help, why can't you accept their help…?" Yuina cried out to him, before Greg glared at her.

"I don't need their help in my war, Yuina. This is my battle and I can't let you draw any closer to the danger than you already are…" Greg spoke, before Yuina grabbed him by his nano arm.

"But, sempai…why? Why is it that you think you're the only one hurt by the Patriots?" she cried as she tugged on his arm. "We're all doing what we can to…"

"Silence, Yuina! You will not question my judgement any further!" Greg shouted, hitting her fiercely with his nano arm. The current Greg swore he heard a nasty smack as he can see his future self had drawn out a blade with his nano arm, seriously injuring Yuina with it. Her face and throat began to bleed profusely as she lay on the VR training ground, dying. Even Seraph's healing powers can't save her from this fatal wound.

"Y…Yuina?" the future Greg asked, his body shaking as he tried to stop the bleeding, but couldn't. Still, Yuina took her small, bloodied left hand and touched his face gently with her fading strength.

"Yuina…I'm so sorry…" Greg said, holding unto her face. "I…I didn't…I didn't want you or anyone else to…"

"Sempai…I understand why you carried on like this, but…the most you could have done is start to have faith in all of us…it must have been so hard for you…to trust anyone…in your life…" Yuina spoke, as her hand slowly dropped. "Sempai…I will always…"

Just then, her hand fell silent and lifeless, now shocking the future Greg into a state of dementia as he held his head and started to sob miserably.

"RRRRRRAAAAAGGGGHHHH!" Greg's shouts echoed through the VR hall as he picked up his Ascension and bailed out of the room, leaving the current Greg and Michiko to watch on at Yuina's, tragically beautiful emulate corpse.

"No!" the current Greg shouted, slamming his nano arm into the ground in front of him as he started to shed tears. "I'm not going to end up some kind of monster…I could never do such a thing…"

"That is just part of the scenario in store…shortly after this, your friends; Nagi, Riku and Tot were confused and saddened about how they were not able to help you." Michiko said. "This takes place just before the invasion at NERV and now I shall take you back to what lies in your fate."

As if on cue, Riku, Nagi and Tot arrive at the battle between Greg and Michael. There was a stand off for a moment between the two males, before Riku shouted to them.

"Greg! Michael!" Riku cried out at the top of his lungs. "Don't do it!"

But Greg charged on, ignoring Riku's warning and using his Ascension to attack at Michael, who took up his HF Blade and waited for Greg.

"I'm so sorry about this, Greg…" Michael said, as the possessed Greg swung at Michael, who countered the strike Greg made with a lightning quick slash on his upper torso. Greg ended up behind him, standing in a frozen, shocked expression, as blood sprayed forth from the middle of his chest, a clean line appearing around Greg's throat, as slowly his head fell off from its body.

The current Greg heard screams that would haunt him forever, as Riku, Nagi and Tot stood in awe and shock of what they just saw Greg being beheaded by his own friend. Michael fell down, his body weak due to the injuries he sustained from fighting Greg.

"This…this is a nightmare!" the current Greg shouted at the top of his lungs, and this nightmare got even worst as Garland Durev and Linn Aramaki stepped in now, seeing the carnage in front of them. "Oh, no…don't let Linn see this…I'm begging you…"

"Michael!" Garland shouted as he rushed to him; helping him up as did Riku, while Linn started to sob as she fell on her knees over the possessed Greg's corpse.

"Why, Greg? How could…?" Linn muttered as she even held his head next to her body, sobbing loudly. It was truly a heartbreaking moment for the current Greg to witness.

Riku rushed to help him up, as it was no use trying to help Greg now. "Michael, hang on! We'll get you…"

"I don't think you can do anymore for me….Greg certainly wasn't pulling his attacks." Michael spoke, while struggling to speak one more time to his comrades. "I tried my best…to help him…but if everything was different…I didn't want it to end this way."

Garland looked at Greg's corpse for a moment and shook his head sadly. "So did me…the rest of FOXHOUND as well…we all did what we can for him and how he treated us in return? This is the answer…"

"Garland…I have a…last request from you." Michael said.

"What is it, my friend?" Garland asked.

"Please…look over Mana for me while I'm gone." Michael said with a sad grin. "And the same goes…for Mai and Ritsuko as well, make sure they are safe from here…"

"I will see to that…my brother." Garland said, as he started to sob slowly himself, as did Riku, Nagi and Tot who were witnessing all that was happening.

"Thank you….my brother." Michael nodded his head slowly as his head drooped down into Garland's chest.

"Good bye, then, old friend." Garland said, resting Michael's corpse on the ground. He then looked at Riku and his partners.

"Riku, get your acts together and get out of here." Garland spoke, trying to repress his dangerous alter ego, 'D'. "I'll take Linn to a safe spot and prepare for the war ahead…"

Riku stayed silent for a few moments as he looked on at Greg's and Michael's corpses, the shock was too much for him to handle. But he and his partners still had a job to do.

"Crow, Usagi…let's get a move on." Riku said, clearing his head. "Our back up should be here, taking care of the invaders as well."

"O…okay, Drakken." Nagi choked as he turned away from seeing the corpses of his former mentors and friends. Tot was still crying over their deaths and couldn't bear seeing any more of the suffering, most it was what the current Greg was soaking up as reserve power.

"No more of this…" the current Greg said as he shook his head fervently.

"There is more. Even your surrogate family would fall to the casualties prior to the attack…" Michiko said, as she showed Greg the horrid fates of Team WARRIOR, who was fighting NERV in its defense, being killed one by one, until Rio went down fighting. Greg swore the last words she muttered were…

"My son, Greg…I do hope…you could be forgiven for what has happened to you…" Rio muttered before she died, causing Greg's heart to sink.

"This is like a sequel to the first vision Mantis showed me awhile back…" Greg said as he shook his head.

"It's far from over." Michiko said as she used her powers to split the vision into to three perspectives now. It was a bit further ahead of the invasion and it showed the members of Weiss and several mercenary units from the Aogiri family.

"The Aogiri and the Kurumas are fighting as well?" Greg asked in shock as he saw this. He had just met he members that revolved the C-project some time back and was aware of their financial and political powers, but the Patriots had overrun them this time around during the invasion of NERV.

"The Patriots had seized NERV, while Riku and his group band together with these people one last time against the Patriots." Michiko explained. "However, the forces prove too much for the Aogiri forces…"

With that, several corpses of the Aogiri mercenary members lay dead in front of the current Greg's feet. He can see Riku battling it out with several of the troops of the Patriots' services, but in the process, loses his right eye and his entire left arm. It struck a chord of terror for the current Greg to see this much tragedy in one day in a while.

"Riku…" Greg muttered in shock as he saw Riku still fighting on against the troops, all in the while, providing cover for his partners to escape, but a few of the Weiss members fall to the Patriots attack. Two of them were Yuhi and Toya, who fought alongside Weiss in this battle. Youji and Omi also were killed in front of Greg's eyes as well.

"No! No! NO!" Greg shouted, as he held his head, trying to shake the thoughts he had just seen out of it, but it was useless. The third perspective he was shown was two bomber type planes flying over familiar territory, one of them was a safe house where

Aya, Miku, which were Toya and Aya's daughter, Aki, Maya, and Chidori, who's currently pregnant with Yuhi's child, along with Shuro, Suzumi, Shota and Alec all were in, but something was wrong. It looked as if it just had been bombed and now it was exposed to nuclear radiation. None of them stood a chance of survival from it and all of them died from it. Greg can clearly see their suffering corpses.

"And much more will die from your actions, Greg…" Michiko said as she showed him a view of the Uruha mansion, now itself was bombed to nothingness, thanks to the Patriots. Everyone who resided in it that Greg knew, was gone to nothingness now, all those Greg considered being part of his family and friends. The Uruha and Hokage clans were wiped out with one simple bombing.

"The Patriots used a new type of nuclear warhead on both Riku's entire family and the Aogiris as well…" Michiko spoke in a sad and bitter tone. "When Riku allowed Nagi and Tot to escape, they retreated back to here and now…they are among the numerous victims that lie here. They had only little time to live due to the radiation, and were able to spend those last moments together as they should be…"

"No…more…" Greg said as he started to feel faint, he then looked at a distance past the corpses of those he was friends with and saw a man walking around, a very sad expression on his face. It was Masanori and it seemed he in great grief as he was approaching a slowly dying Kagero. The radiation was too much for her as well, but the radiation didn't affect Masanori at all.

"Kagero….I'm so sorry…I tried to make it sooner…" Masanori spoke, tears falling out of his eyes as he embraced her. "My information…of all the times for it to be incorrect…I should have come sooner to warn everyone before…"

"It's…alright…Yukimura-san." Kagero spoke in a sad tone. "At…least you're here to see me…one last time…"

"Kagero….there's always something I wanted to admit to you for the longest time ever since I've known you." Yukimura confessed. "I've wasted more years than anyone should have ever been entitled to. I should have told you sooner…how much…that I've always loved you…"

"Yukimura…as I've…I've always felt the same about you. I love you too, it's just…I've never found the right words to tell you." Kagero said, as she let Yukimura got close enough to kiss her gently on her lips, as tears both fell from their eyes. Slowly, Kagero dies in his arms as Yukimura only stayed silent for a while, surveying everything around him, before standing up and walking away from the half destroyed mansion. It was another heart wrenching moment for the current Greg to witness.

"No more…please…" Greg shut his eyes as tears came out of his eyes; he was beginning to have about enough of the vision. "This is too much…"

"It's far from over…" Michiko said as she used her powers to shift back to NERV, where already more carnage and death awaited. It was then they heard serious gunfire from the closest direction, then a young girl's scream. Greg recognized the tone of the voice.

"That's Mana's voice!" Greg said as he ran in the direction where he saw Mana Kirishima and Kari Mondeau were pinned down against several Patriots troops. Mana was injured badly and was getting moved out of harm's way from the troops, as Kari started to prepare first aid for the somewhat, lethal wound.

"Hang on, Mana!" Kari shouted, as she tended to the wound around Mana's abdomen, but it was almost too late. Mana was coughing up blood and she was going to die soon.

"Kari…" Mana called to her friend. "You don't have to push yourself any further…Michael's gone, as well as Greg. I'd hate to say it, but this could be the last time we may be together as friends for long…"

"Don't say that!" Kari shouted as she tended Mana. "You'll be alright…oh, if only things hadn't turned out like this…"

"Kari, I just want you to know…how I thought that being in FOXHOUND was the greatest honour I ever had to be part of, especially when I was with Michael, Maggie and Garland." Mana cried. "I…also want to say...thank you…for all the times we shared together, as well as being with everyone from FOXHOUND. I had so many happy times there…"

"And we will! Come on, Mana…" Kari cried out, only to see Mana smiling at her one last time.

"Goodbye, my friend, Kari…." Mana said before her hand dropped and she lay on the hospital bed motionless. The French-Japanese native started to sob uncontrollably, as her gloved hands were now covered in blood. An aura that was not like Kari's started to emit from her body as Greg realized that the events of the future he would create had triggered her dormant Berserker state.

"No, not Kari!" Greg shouted, but before he said anything else, a number of the troops sent by the Patriots busted through the door and were aiming their weapons at Kari. In her berserker rage, she charged at the troops, who all started to fire their sub machine guns at her, riddling her body in bullets. Greg had to shut his eyes as this happened.

"There's more to this sad story…" Michiko said as she showed Garland in the GeoFront now, in his true dread form, was slaughtering troops by the numbers. He was still being outnumbered by the growing number of troops and he was forced to use his Requiem attack, a shockwave like attack using the chi of his strength and berserker like rage, to pound the enemies and everything around him into LCL. But the attack left his body exhausted and tired, and actually defenceless.

On his knees and unable to move, Garland can only see a raining set of missiles heading in his direction, as it meant his end. With a simple, tired whisper, he looked up and said…

"Farewell…Maggie…" Garland Durev said as he met his end when the missiles impacted on the area he was on. Greg's fists tightened as he had to witness this.

"Riku will be the next to join his friend as well in this battle…" Michiko said as she showed Riku this time, which was in the process of attacking a number of bases in Japan owned by the Patriots. He used his incredible flame and dragons' power to increate the bases, only seas of fire and no survivors behind him. He had totally changed since discovering he couldn't help Greg in time.

However, Greg was in shock now when he saw the next base Riku attacks is guarded by Shade himself. A fight between the two ensues, as Shade had activated his Orochi Mode once more.

"Come now, boy…why don't you just give up and join the rest of your family and friends? It is useless to challenge one such as me." Orochi Shade said, as he threw his chakram at Riku, who dodged it easily and splitting into a duplicating technique, inures Shade with a double fire slash blow, before grabbing his body and using an Izuna drop on his back.

"Just die, you monster!" Riku shouted, plunging his Saiha into Shade's body. The evil mercenary leapt back up and using a low trick, plunges a knife repeatedly into Riku's side.

"No, why don't YOU die?" Shade spoke, kicking Riku down. With Riku down and almost dead, Shade was prepared to finish him off.

"Give my regards to all those who died along with you, Hokage scum!" Shade said, raising up an energy infused fist. Just then, a cloud of smoke engulfed his vision, and when it cleared, Riku was already gone. Shade simply fixed his clothing and scoffed.

"Ha, he will die soon; I shouldn't be too worried about how much fight he has left." Shade said as he left the area. "Now, to see if we've fully occupied NERV by now…"

From a distance, Yukimura Sanada was standing at the distance away from the base, as he was still holding unto Riku in his arms. The young ninja's life was slowly disappearing by the second.

"Take it easy, Riku…I will ensure you that things will get better than this." Yukimura said simply.

"Heh, don't bother trying to cheer me up, Yukimura-san. I know I'm going to die." Riku said bitterly, and then suddenly started to cough until blood started to come out of his mouth. "At least I won't die from the radiation..."

"Riku..." Yukimura lowered his eyes in sorrow since he knew Riku was right about this. "So, do you...have any last requests? I'll do my best to see them fulfilled..."

"Well first...when you see Nagi and Tot again, tell them I wish the best for them and that I'm sorry..." Riku paused for a moment before speaking again, this time there was an edge to his voice. "Oh yeah one more very important, please avenge my clan, my family. I beg you..."

Yukimura felt the feeling was mutual; the tone of need from Riku's voice and what he had seen at the Uruha mansion was enough to motivate him.

"I thank you..." Riku then sighed and then gave a bitter chuckle. "I certainly am a pitiful excuse for a ninja. I couldn't do anything to save or stop Greg, I couldn't save my friends at NERV and FOXHOUND, I couldn't protect my friends or family, hell, and I can't even avenge them...Looks like I'm going to die a failure..."

"No, Riku, you haven't failed." Yukimura said firmly. "If there is one thing you accomplished, it was that you were at least able to keep Nagi and Tot alive when so many others died..."

"I guess that is some comfort to know..." Riku smiled and then his eyes slowly closed.

For a moment Yukimura thought the young ninja had died, but was proven wrong when Riku suddenly spoke in a low and mournful tone of voice.

"Greg, why? Why didn't you stay as you were?" Riku asked as his voice was starting to fade. "Why..."

"Riku..." Yukimura spoke, causing Riku's eyes to open. "Were you dreaming?"

"Yeah...hard to believe that we still have dreams, even when we're dying." Riku replied, and suddenly Yukimura noticed that his eyes were starting cloud over and slowly closed.

Riku suddenly felt what seemed to be an intense feeling of exhaustion, a feeling that he didn't even try to resist.

(I will sleep, and when I wake up, I will be where I truly belong.) Riku thought to himself as he felt himself descend into what felt like a peaceful slumber, like he was going to sleep after a long day. (Nagi, Tot, when I see you again, I'll be waiting for you guys on the other side with everyone. Raising a toast in welcome...)

Then, Riku Hanabishi slowly died, with a look that looked as close as to him in a gentle sleep. Greg's heart was more than broken when he saw this, now that FOXHOUND was being taken out of the picture with his friends and loved ones gone like this.

"Not one of them deserved to suffer like this…" Greg muttered.

"But they did, because of your actions, Greg. This is the reality that you will create." Michiko told him, showing him now what has happened to the members of Philanthropy and a few from NERV.

"Snake and Raiden will die while attempting to cover for their loved ones during the invasion…" Michiko said, as Greg now can see Snake, Raiden and Otacon die providing cover for their loved ones. He can see Otacon getting shot trying to escape, then using his last ounce of strength as he closes a bulkhead, shutting the heavy blast proof fire door, along with Maya, Emma, Rose and Charlie who were on the other side.

"Goodbye, E.E….Maya…I did all what I could have done for…" Otacon said as he is finished off by another soldier who shot him in the head to make sure he stays dead. Behind the door, the group continued to retreat, but along the way, Misato is killed on trying to provide them cover. Raiden also dies trying to provide cover for his friends and loved ones.

Greg's heart was pounding as he continued to witness all that was happening before him. He then saw Shinji and Snake coming along the route, which took them to see the dead bodies and suddenly became with filled with horror. Snake held his own against the troops, but not for long as he gets fatally shot protecting Shinji.

"Misato! David!" Shinji cried out as he ran to their dead bodies, starting to sob miserably.

"This is the so called 'Legend'? He was easy pickings, compared to the whore he started to hang out with…" one of the soldiers spoke as he kicked their bodies. Shinji looks up at the soldier and snaps.

"Rrrraaaggghh!" Shinji screamed as he picks up Raiden's HF Blade and in a furious dash, stabs the offending officer through the heart before he could react. However, the rest of the troops open fire on Shinji and he is killed before Greg's eyes in this nightmare of the vision.

"However, only a few of these people will manage to survive the invasion, but what happens afterwards to them…well, I'll just show you." Michiko continued, as she showed another split perspective of what was happening in FOXHOUND headquarters, which was now taken over by the Patriots. Roy Campbell, Naomi Hunter, Nastasha Romanenko and Mei-Ling, along with several other of the new recruits Greg was familiar with were being taken in, some of them being executed on the spot.

Greg can also see Maggie Thompson, with a deep saddened look on her face, sitting on a table with a chess board and pieces on it, having now knowing the fates of her comrades by now.

"Campbell and his subordinates will be executed for defying their wishes…" Michiko spoke. "FOXHOUND will either be replaced by a selected group exclusively from the Patriots, or will be taken out of existence, due to your actions, Greg."

Greg remained silent as further and further, the resonance he was getting from the vision continued to weigh his body with destructive power. He tried his best not to show it or let it get out of hand as he didn't want Michiko to get hurt.

"The Patriots have succeeded in seizing NERV from the enemy that your comrades are fighting, the Sons of Liberty and Schwartz…" Michiko said, as she showed a nearly decimated Dead Cell group, consisting of Solidus, Fortune, Vamp and Chloe, barely escaping with their lives from the SEELE base, as Schwartz managed to escape from the enemy troops as well. They both were outmanned and outnumbered by the troops which could have killed them.

"They will go into hiding for as long at it will take, but doubtfully, they stand little chance against the might of the Patriots who will fully establish control of humankind after FOXHOUND, Philanthropy and NERV have fallen, along with its allies." Michiko said.

"Is that all you have to torment me with?" Greg asked without facing her. He just had about enough of this.

"No, I still have some more of it that it relevant to show you…" Michiko said as she used her powers to focus back on the events that occurred in NERV. Greg can see his old friend, James Masterson, who had been in a serious fight himself, killed as he was protecting Asuka Langley Sohryu. He can see Revolver Ocelot smirking over James corpse, one of his Single Action Army guns smoking.

"James…" Greg simply muttered as he can see Ocelot retreating and Asuka being taken to the Command Centre where she and other several NERV personnel were there bound in handcuffs.

Out from the shadows, Carter Drake stepped out with Shade and several of his mercenary troops behind him, as Drake was all smiles when he read out the sentences of what will happen to those who defy the Patriots.

"The Evangelion pilots, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Langley Sohryu…for be associated with those who go against the Patriots, your sentence is death." Drake said, before an idea came up in his head as he looked at the two young girls.

"My subordinate, Thorn, will make good use of you, First Child…men; take her to him right away." Drake said.

"She will be taken away from her friends and loved ones to become one of Thorn's sadistic experiments." Michiko said sadly. "Even more cruel fates await the others…"

"Asuka Langley Sohryu, I have ways of making rebellious ones like you listen." Drake spoke to her now. "Though…I'm certain my male officers have 'other ideas' of dealing with the likes of you. How about it, Shade?"

"I'm more interested in the captured FOXHOUND woman." Shade turned over to Linn Aramaki's direction, who was still in a state of shock and dementia over what has happened. Shade simply grinned as he eyed the woman and took her close to him.

"That Kinezono fool is no longer worthy of your love, woman." Shade said as he grabbed her by the arm with a sadistic and lecherous grin on his face. "Come with me and I'll take you to where that psychic wannabe could have never taken you before."

"She's all yours, Shade." Drake simply said as he really didn't care about the matter. Greg could only watch helplessly he watched his girlfriend get taken away out of the room by one of his worst enemies. It was truly a moment of shame and guilt that he had to see this.

"The remainder of the troops can deal with the scientist woman as well…" Drake said, as he turned around. "The former Commander, Fuyutsuki, shouldn't have allied himself with the enemies, or else, he wouldn't have to suffer such a terrible 'heart attack' after we got so many details about this base from him…."

"And NERV falls into the Patriots's hands…" Michiko spoke, now showing Greg those who haven't been involved in the invasion to those who managed to escape during it.

The image shifts and Greg can see Ran Fujimiya, Ken Hidaka, Sakura Tomoe and Yuriko Asou joining Yukimura to avenge their lost, loved ones. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yuumura also became his aides in the battle. Mai Shiranaui, Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, the Ikari, Korea, Old and New Hero and the Sakazaki teams stood alongside him. Greg can also see familiar faces of Sousuke Sagara, Kurz Webber, Melissa Mao and Tessa Testarossa with Yukimura, as well with as Yu Ominae.

"I will avenge you both, Jean and Kari…" Yu muttered, remembering how he found out Jean Mondeau died in defense of NERV as well, along with his daughter in battle.

Also with him were Aika Sumeragi, Rion Aida and Maypia Alexmetalia. There were also a number of young people, brandishing samurai weapons with them and carrying flags that had kanji's for different 'fight clubs'. Greg had no idea of who they were, but he had a good guess that they probably were Riku's friends who he hasn't met yet.

"Why Aika would be here with Yukimura?" Greg asked.

"The loss of her students was hard on her, so in a last ditch attempt, she and Kenshin pulled together to confront Drake…" Michiko said, showing Greg now Aika and Kenshin taking on a number of the troops as they tracked down Drake's command post. Greg can see Drake was heavily injured as he did his best to protect Aika before she got any lethal wounds.

"No, not Kenshin too…" Greg muttered as he saw Kenshin entered Drake's office, killing a number of the security that was protecting him from Shade, who he was battling before, and thus giving Drake a shock when he saw a badly wounded Kenshin in front of him.

One of the soldiers draws an HF Blade at the ready at Kenshin. "Prepare to die Shadow Dragon!"

Kenshin, with his remaining strength, prepared to defend, but Drake stops the soldier as Kenshin himself stops in his tracks. Drake then smiled simply and he gets up, walking a good distance away from the ninja, saying to Kenshin, "Well done! Kenshin Mori, you are certainly the Hokage clan's greatest ninja!"

With his energy drained, Kenshin simply dropped on his knees as he already was dead, while Drake used this chance to escape through a secret route. Aika then enters the empty room, only to discover her student in front of her, lifeless.

"No! Kenshin! I can't lose you too!" Aika cried out as she grabbed onto his corpse. "First Greg, now you…Why have I failed all of you?"

Suddenly gaining herself, Aika noticed Kenshin's pair broken swords. Swallowing a bit, she takes his swords and she made her decision along with her friends join Yukimura's campaign against the Patriots.

"The children of the pilots, Touji Suzahara, Hikari Horaki and Kensuke Aida, were among those who were spared of the tradegies that had occurred…" Michiko explained. "However, their world without their friends and those who knew them will never be the same."

Greg was already on his knees by now, his body shaking as he had experienced the vision. Glaring at Michiko, he simply asked, "Are you done tormenting me?"

"Yes, that is all I have to show you, but I still have much to ask and say to you." Michiko said as she used her powers to revert everything to normal. Greg found himself was covered in cold sweat and panting for breath. The feeling in his stomach so badly wanted to make him throw up after everything he has just seen, but it compared to nothing from the growing power within him.

"Tell me something, woman…why did you have to do that?" Greg asked, still unable to face her.

"To make sure that it doesn't come true…I'm only doing you a favour before it's too late." Michiko said, now coming closer to him. "I am so sorry I had to do it, Greg…but there was no other choice. You have to stop this game of yours before someone close to you gets hurt. And you also can't go on thinking you can protect everyone by yourself."

"What the hell do you know about that?" Greg suddenly stood up, his face contorted like before, causing Michiko to gasp at his appearance. "Have you ever been through what I had to deal with? HAVE YOU?"

"Yes, Greg. Like you…I have been exploited by the Patriots and those I cared about had to pay that consequence with their lives." Michiko said sadly.

"Then you must know how I'm feeling right now, but I don't think that matters to you at the moment, doesn't it?" Greg asked seriously.

"It does a lot, Greg. In you, I see myself when I was much younger than you when I thought I could protect everyone." She said. "I came from a small village in the island of Hokkaido and had my psychic gifts since I was four years old. They developed over time until I was in my teens and when I was only eighteen, a man named Robert Thorn came across and tried to take me because of my powers."

Greg's eyes widened as he heard this. (The same Robert Thorn who I ran into some days ago?)

"I ended up challenging that man because I thought I could protect everyone, but he was far stronger than I and was beaten by him. I was thrown into the ocean and somehow survived the encounter." Michiko told him. "After that, I wanted to find out why he didn't finish me off, but when I returned to my village, it was already in a sea of fire. I learnt that mercenary forces had raided it and killed everyone in it, including my father and friends for retaliation…and mostly for my act of challenging Thorn."

Greg stayed silent as she came close enough to touch his right shoulder after he cooled down some.

"I'm here to ask you one thing…is revenge the thing you really desire? Is that what you really want, Greg Kinezono?" she asked. "My need to protect everyone was rather foolish when I challenged Thorn, because I didn't think it would bring an end to those close to me. Do not allow the same thing to happen to you, there's still time to change before it's too late."

"This is not about revenge, in case you haven't realized…" Greg said, as he looked at her seriously. "The point of my existence is now teetering and you think all I'm thinking about is how much I want revenge? All I want to do is just make things right?"

"And you can't do it by yourself, that's where those who are worried about you as of now come in. You need to put more faith in your friends and their talents, Greg." Michiko said.

"I…I just can't do that right now…" Greg choked. "That's not going to be so easy for me to do…in my entire life, all I depended to move on in life since I lost my family years ago was myself. I couldn't find anyone to put my trust on for the longest while."

"It's amazing how you managed to survive up to this point, but it's time you have to change that, Greg. Do you want the vision you just experienced to come true?" Michiko asked. "Do you?"

Greg remained silent as Michiko sensed something unnatural, yet troubling within him.

(Something is seriously wrong with this man…and it's not his actions to blame either.) She thought, as Greg simply shook his head as he started to look outside towards the window.

"I…I need to think this over." He said simply. "I know you are trying to help, but what's the use? I'm already dead anyway. At least it will save everyone around the trouble for the future…"

"But, Greg…I can help you with more than just…" Michiko said, as he grinned at her slightly.

"Please…Michiko. I appreciate the help, and you're more than welcomed to jump in anytime to assist." Greg said, his voice rattling. "I just…want some air right now."

"Of course, it must have been hard on you as well." Michiko said. "I'll be outside downstairs if you want to talk to me again."

With that, Michiko stepped out the door and Greg only stared on as he contemplated what she just said.

"Well, I certainly saw this coming…" Greg said sarcastically to himself loudly. He felt like smoking just to calm his nerves. It's been about seven years since he quit it sometime when his powers went into full effect. Now after seeing the vision, he wished he hadn't kicked the habit. He then went into thought as he gave his actions up to this point some serious thought and what they could lead to.

(But still...if I end up screwing up like in the future Michiko showed me, my hands will be stained with the blood of so many of my friends.) Greg thought as he looked at his right hand.

"Man, that's one short life line you've got there." Riku's voice spoke behind Greg, causing him to jump and turn around to see Riku standing behind him.

"Damn, Riku…did you have to do that?" Greg asked as he tried to catch his breath. "You practically gave me a heart attack."

"That should be my line." Riku replied. "I can't believe I snuck up behind you that easily."

Greg simply stared at his young ninja friend in silence, a depressed and shamed look etched on his usual confident and brave face. Riku sensed something was wrong with him as Michiko was with him for a long time moments ago, not to mention Greg's appearance as of now.

"Well, you just got lucky this time that you succeeded." Greg said simply, his voice low. He surely wasn't feeling the usual 100 percent Greg Kinezono everyone knew him by. "It's just that my mind was on something I needed to ponder on at the moment."

"I'd figured if something was up, you would be giving it some heavy thought." Riku replied simply. "Was it about facing Orochi Shade a while ago?"

"No…something more serious, my friend." Greg simply replied, as he wanted to take his mind off from the vision a bit, he can still feel his powers ravaging his mind by the second due to that. "You've never told me that you're a palm reader, Riku."

"One of the benefits of being a shinobi, it's essential to know of the pressure points of the body as it helps." Riku replied.

"Well, I'd never believe in such superstitious stuff before, but I guess it wouldn't hurt if I let you give it a shot with my fortune just once." Greg said, still in serious and depressed mode, extended his right nano arm and opened its hand.

"So, which one is the life line?" Greg asked, looking down at his palm.

"The one right there." Riku answered, pointing at the shorter line on Greg's palm.

"Damn, you're right. It is short." Greg said as he looked at it.

"Mine goes all the way to my wrist." Riku spoke, holding out his right palm. Greg got a good look at it and knew Riku had a longer 'life line' than his. Lowering his eyes once more, Greg folded his arms as he spoke once more.

"So, why did you really want to talk with me?" Greg asked. "I'm pretty sure you didn't come here just to play palm reader."

"Actually, I just came to have a look at that gloomy face of yours." Riku smiled and then shook his head. "Okay, all joking aside, I'm just here to check on you since Yuina and the others are pretty worried about you. Let me guess, it's about whatever it was Tachibana-san showed you, huh?"

Greg's eyes lowered as he stared at Riku in silence for a few good seconds. Riku can see the now changed tone in his face as it was one of the most serious expressions Greg ever put up since he met him. The glare in his eyes alone was menacing, yet full of remorse and shame at the same time.

"You're right…it is about what that broad did showed me, Riku." Greg lifted his head up and spoke. "And you know what…she was right to do it, and as of now, my body and mind are paying the price as we speak. Fitting punishment for one who seeks revenge and nothing else, huh?"

"But, Greg…like you, we have no idea why this is happening, but don't get the idea that we have intentions of leaving you out in the cold like this." Riku said, patting his back.

"By now, everyone here at the Uruha mansion has a good idea of what's happening to me…" Greg said, as he stared out of the window of his room, staring at the sunset. "Riku…every second by the hour, I feel as if someone else inside me is just persuading me to do what suits me or pay for it with physical pain, when it's obvious that it will get you and probably everyone else killed, if I don't end up doing it first. My mind is just teetering on the edge of keeping things together; man…I'm not sure if I can keep my head together the next time we're in a fight."

"You're not going to be some kind of monster or cold blooded murderer, Greg." Riku said. "Everyone here and around you is willing to do what they can to help with what's going on with your powers…I'm sure there's a way we can beat this."

"Thanks for the concern, Riku…you're really a good friend." Greg hung his head. "But…it's still not going to change anything regarding me if I continue like this. You guys may be safer with me out of the picture and I just drop the whole 'Soldier X-revenge-thing', I'm not cut out for the job I thought I was assigned to. It's best as of today I retire and wait for the end to come and save everyone the trouble."

"Greg…don't say that…" Riku said, feeling the seriousness in Greg's voice. (Whatever Michiko did show Greg really must have affected him in some ways even I didn't predict. Maybe Greg's seen what's he's doing now is going to end up as the biggest mistake of his life, but even if he does drop the whole revenge thing, he's not the same if he's going to allow himself to be defeated like this. I got to help him somehow…)

Riku was silent for a few minutes as he contemplated everything his friend had just told him. He then turned and looked back at Greg whose expression seemed pained at what he had just told him. Suddenly Riku got an idea and spoke.

"Greg, I just remembered something. It was a story I heard someone say in an anime I once saw." Riku said. "Can't remember the name, I think it was 'Cowboy' something, but the monologue sticks out in my mind at the moment."

"Yeah? What is it?" Greg asked.

"It went something like this." Riku answered. "Back on Earth, a man injures his leg on the Savanna and can't walk, so he lays there in agony for a long while. Eventually, the leg rots and he knows that soon he'll die. A rescue plane eventually finds him and saves him, but it's too late and the disease he was infected with starts to take his life. He looks down in the plane and sees Mount Kilimanjaro, the place he was trying to get to. And as he eventually dies, he regrets not ever making it there."

Greg was silent, so Riku continued.

"The character who told that story said that he hated stories like that, and I'd have to agree with him." Riku said. "When someone is looking at or looking for death, it's all because of regret. It may not entirely fit you, but you have to admit that in your case, you aren't exactly stuck in one spot like the man in the story was. You can find other ways, I'm sure of it. Point is, you aren't dead yet and there's still time to get cured and get to that mountain. And don't you even think of going and looking for death either. I can tell you right now that it's probably the worst choice of all. It means nothing more than giving up and simply watching that mountain you never made it to."

Greg simply leaned back against the wall as he took in Riku's advice, his heart heavy with contemplated thoughts about his actions and his powers. With a simple nod of his head, Greg somehow acknowledged the words his friend told him and took them into thought.

"I'll be sure to consider that, Riku. Thanks again." Greg replied simply.

"I guess you need to freshen up before dinner, so I'll excuse you for now." Riku said as he got to the door. "Oh, and one more thing, Greg?"

"What is it now, Riku?" Greg asked.

"You should probably think of this as the time to come forward with whatever other secret you have that everyone else close to you should know about. It's about time you start taking your own advice of keeping secrets more seriously." Riku said with a friendly grin. "See you at the dinner table."

As Riku shut the door, Greg looked on in silence as he was feeling even guiltier for what has been happening.

"He's right…it's not like me to just give up on everyone who's trying their hardest to help me." Greg said to himself. "I got to change gears as of now and try to start trusting everyone involved with their skills if I have to make things work out…but the Patriots are the least of everyone's concerns at the moment."

Greg was in need of a cold shower, a very good reason to start cleansing himself of the sorrow, misery, pain and tragedy he gained from Michiko's vision. His power somehow soaked up a good bit of it as reserve energy and was now adding to the pain he was enduring with his current state. It was more coal and fuel to the fire that was already within him.

"I feel…so sick…" Greg said as memories of those he cared about once again meeting their grim ends clouded his mind. He was no protector or guardian, but soon to be a grand sinner and mass murderer in the future if he continued his pursuit of revenge and not trusting his friends and comrades. Proof of this was when he took off his shirt, revealing the right side of his nano arm now covering almost the entirety of his right chest area with nano and tattoo design like patterns. His body almost seemed to be covered in scars, burns and bruises he had attained from the past and even the vision. He had begun to lose some of his healing abilities which were cooperated from the nanomachines. The front portion of his short hair began to shift from its natural black color to a pale brown grey.

"What's happening to me…?" Greg looked at his right arm, and blood started to cover his sight, as he was now bleeding from the temple. His chest began to throb with all over, his strength began to fade. There was no use fighting the immense pain he was having, as he started to crawl towards the bathroom area, and into the shower.

Turning on the water, it was already set on cold. His body covered in sweat, his appetite ruined and feeling horrible and great guilt inside, Greg huddled his legs together to his chest while still dressed in his jeans and his head in them. While the water fell hard on his back, he broke into tears as it was a traumatic experience for him.

"Am I going to create THAT kind of future?" he cried to himself, the pain in his body increasing as the nanos spread. Greg was at the end of the line here, but he was willing to endure the suffering that was required if he was to pursue the Patriots foolishly like this.

"Please…someone…anyone…help me…I didn't mean for this to happen!" Greg spoke, as his body's stamina victim to the increasing pain in his body. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to suffer either and the same can be said for both cases for his friends and family. But would it make a difference if he was indeed out of the picture for good?

"Sinner…"

"Mass murderer…"

"You see nothing but the destruction that you create!"

"You're useless!"

"How could you?"

"It's your entire fault!"

Greg shivered in silence, hearing the voices of his friends condemning him and his actions. All he can do is just endure this for a while longer and try not to show this side of himself to those who are worried about him. He was becoming someone he didn't want to be because of the influence of his powers, he was too weak mentally and psychically to fight back.

"By the gods…what have I become?" Greg asked as he turned off the shower and got out, too tired to change his wet clothing. Midway to his bed, he collapsed on the floor worn out of his energy, and once again entered darkness in his mind. The next thing he knew when he woke up was finding him at a barren wasteland, as if something that was there before had been destroyed and now just grey dust and ashes spread about around him while distant views of mountains and waterfalls can be seen quite a distance from the wasteland Greg was in.

"This place…no! I'd never wanted to come back here!" Greg stuttered as he stood up to look around. It was the worst place imaginable for him right now, as this was really the base of his mindscape, a place no one else close to him knew about on how it appeared. It truly was a scene of an aftermath of a massive explosion.

"Welcome home, Greg. It's been awhile." A voice spoke from behind him and when he turned, a figure dressed in a dark, overflowing cloak stood there. His face was hard to distinguish, but the red glare in his eyes reminded him of something similar to Garland's alter ego, 'D', but something was much different about the person standing in front of Greg now. He was holding unto something that looked closely to his Ascension lance, as blood covered it and energy was cackling over it, the right arm was exposed and it looked the same as Greg's nano arm, only the nanos had shaped it differently and decorated it with tattoos and Japanese kanjis for 'cursed', 'sinner' and 'murderer.'

"You…" Greg simply replied, now staring at his enemy. "You brought me here, didn't you?"

"Correction…you brought yourself here, since all that has been happening to you would bring you to this." The cloaked figure said, stepping closer to him. "In a way, it just made my job easier to take care of business."

"Just leave me the hell alone, dammit!" Greg said, throwing a punch at the enemy who simply sidestepped it. Greg stopped his movement and spun his body to plant his nano arm into his enemy's chest as it turned into the drill attack move. As blood spurted out of it, Greg stepped up over the injured cloaked intruder.

"I'd never wanted to visit this place again, you should know that!" Greg shouted to the figure.

"But this is your home, Greg…you're back to the other side of the line." The figure spoke as he was grinning now. "It will be good to see you die where you belong."

Before Greg noticed, the figure released a series of dark fireballs at Greg's direction, hitting him in several parts of his body. He got stunned for a moment as his arms and legs were weakened now by the attack.

"Son of a…" Greg muttered. "Why aren't you dead? I thought I had vanquished you son long ago…"

"Simple, boy…you went for the heart." The figure said as he stood up, removing the cloak, revealing himself. It was actually a twisted version of Greg, only now the right side of his face is covered in nanos, the right side of his eye covered in blood and a twisted grin on his face. The clothing he wore was a dark, tattered version of his current FOXHOUND Sneaking Suit, also decorated in scars, tattoos and nanos. "And I haven't had one of those in years, not since you tore it out by denying everyone of your friends that is."

"It's not going to be like that anymore!" Greg shouted back to his dark mirror self. "Things are going to be different now from now on, because of what Michiko showed me and how everyone else is doing their best to help me…"

"Pssh…you'd really think they would help a weakling like you who'd can't even help himself? Don't make me laugh." Violent Greg cut in. "In the end, you're just going have to give in to the reality of your gifts, my friend. I am the side of you that actually makes you whole, after all."

"That's not true!"

"Really? Can't you feel it, Greg? A surge so irresistible you can't fight it, but just want to wade in it for fun?" Violent Greg spoke as he walked around. "It's the basis of the bloodlust, Greg and it's getting stronger by the day as your powers grow. You're not actually dying, but more importantly, shifting into something grand beyond even the Patriot's intentions! You should be grateful for the chance you're getting now."

"I don't have to listen to you!" Greg shouted back. "It's nothing but a pack of lies!"

"Lies, huh? What a hypocrite, but then again, that what makes you such a pedigree, Greg, you and I both." Violent Greg said coolly. "You never really questioned the extent of your talents, or why your father went through the trouble of making you like this, and in the end, you just have to rely on everyone to help you, when you know for damn sure they will just turn on you in the end for the monster you've become!"

The theme for Street Fighter Alpha 3's Evil Ryu 'Dark Energy' plays in the background as the battle commences.

"RRRRRAAAGGGHHH!" Greg shouted as he charged at Violent Greg once more. The evil counterpart simply grinned as he extended his right arm.

"Still has the fighting spirit, I see." Violent Greg said. "This will make things even more fun…just give up and give in, Greg. It is futile, no matter how hard you fight it."

Violent Greg sidestepped the attack once more, now appearing at Greg's open back, the Ascension at the ready. He was going to make quick work on Greg in his already weakened state.

"Thanks to that Michiko broad, she made this so much easier…" the dark version of Greg said, as he released dark panther like flames at Greg, searing his back with them. Greg began to feel excruciating pain throughout his body.

"It all began that day…remember, Greg?" Violent Greg spoke. "My ultimate loss and your ill-gotten gain. It was the contorted road that would eventually lead us back together…and end here."

As Greg's body was stunned by the attack, Violent Greg moved in and started to pummel Greg with multiple punches and kicks. He was getting one hell of a punishment for his deeds.

"I have taken FOXHOUND from you. No job." Violent Greg said as he gave Greg a right hook.

"I have seen you crippled by your fool's quest to be something you're not. No direction." Violent Greg said as he gave Greg a thrust kick to his abdomen.

"I have watched you turned on your dearest friends and family. No friends, no comrades, no one to rely on you anymore." Violent Greg said as he punched Greg on the left side of his face now.

"I have guided choices that would put you close to the wrong decisions. No love." Violent Greg spoke as he used the Ascension to cut deeply into Greg's right leg.

"No self respect." Violent Greg gave Greg a serious and critical uppercut.

"No hope." Violent Greg said as he slashed an open wound on Greg's left wrist. Greg couldn't stand up any longer due to the injuries he now have gotten and the fatigue he endured while he was in the vision.

"You have nothing left…but faith that the beating of your tortured heart means that you are still alive. That you still stand a chance." Violent Greg said as he prepared the Ascension once more. He then plunged it into Greg's chest. "No chance."

Greg was speechless as he looked down on his bleeding chest and dropped unto his knees. "Now, that's got to be…bar none…"

Greg fell back, his strength faded. "Hold up…this is the wrong ending…do over…"

"Life doesn't work that way…you taught me that….Greg Matthews." Violent Greg said as he looked down at his failed counterpart. He then planted his nano arm on the temple of the unconscious Greg as he scarred it with a Japanese mark for 'cursed.'

"Goodbye, Greg. See you in your nightmares." Violent Greg said as he simply dematerialized into his own counterparts' body. Greg laid there motionless for the moment as two figures stood at a distance watching the events fold. One of them was a tall, white woman, with brown hair and long tied braids, dressed in a white cloak, holding unto a young boy who was clothed in the same attire. He had an innocent, naive look on his face.

"Hey, mommy. Look, it's some guy!" the boy cried out, pointing at Greg's direction.

"Oh, dear…that poor man, probably homeless and lost at a place likes this. No way he's prepared for the worst out here." The woman spoke. "Daniel, let's go help him up and take care of him, he looks like he needs it."

"Okay, mom! Let's take him home and fix him up!" the young boy and his mother walked over to Greg and picked his unconscious and bleeding body up. They were set to help him with what was happening to him, as unknown to Greg and everyone else involved, there are people on the outside willing to help him…

Time left for Greg Kinezono's existence: 46 hours, 27 minutes and 30 seconds…

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ShardclawK: Wow, that chapter had to be one of the most twisted pieces of fiction I've put up since the 15th Angel chapter in COE, only more extreme in cases to what had happened to everyone in the vision and what's up with Greg. What I wanted to do is use this arc as a chance to show pretty much of Greg's weakened emotional and physical state; he's a bevy of emotions just bursting at the seams as the story goes along and he's not going to be the tough brute everyone is accustomed to. Don't worry, fans…from the last set of reviews from my usual fans of this and COE, you sounded pretty concerned for the outcome of Greg's powers and I can assure you I have nothing more nastier planned for him, save for the advanced crazy plot ahead in the fic. Though, the thought of an evil Greg has persuaded me for a while, since it was true it seems he's heading for the dark side, so why not have a separate persona featuring him? Safe to say now that's he's becoming a schizophrenic on the edge if his mindscape is like this. (Damn good guy turned evil menace media wise, but hey, I was looking for ideas!)

Ran: That was some deep and heavy stuff, Shardclaw. I just hope everyone around in the Uruha finds a way to help Greg in time before that evil influence of his kicks in again.

Youji: Yeah, just to pull it off was quite a task, huh?

Shardclaw: Yeah, it was a bit tough to pull off, but with that out of the way, things are going to get even crazier as things start to liven up in the upcoming chapters for Greg and company. I got to thank GreyWolf4 and DarkFusion for their suggestions, inserts and the help that got me through this chapter. GreyWolf, let me know if I'm doing still a good job with your OC's and how you liked this chapter, and more specifically how this is turning out. It's going to be better than it looks, trust me.

Omi: Now for some Easter Eggs. The last set of dialogue between Greg and Violent Greg was from the T-Ray versus Deadpool battle in Deadpool number 13, one of Shardclaw's old time favourite comics.

Shardclaw: Wade Wilson is such an inspiration for some of Greg's famous one liners…also; the area which they did battle in would ring a bell for Tekken 5 fans, as it is the background for the second Final Stage of the game. Boy, do I love the track for that stage, Ground Zero Funk. What a beautiful piece of music this side of gaming…

Ran: In the next chapter, one last attempt to keep Greg on the good side is made as mysterious forces come out to give him a hand and one more leap of inspiration before its too late. Also, Thorn makes a new shocking discovery among a finding a new test subject, while everyone at the Uruha pitches in to help Greg come to terms with his problems and prepare for the arrival of more guests and allies.

Omi: Finally, we can look forward to some happy twists of this fic for the time being, I was worried if this arc will be angst ridden for a long time.

Shardclaw: If I did, it would ruin the spirit of this story, Omi. I can't have a sad themed story cramping everyone's expectations! Anyway, now that I have done the near impossible, time for me to take a small break before getting the next COE, End Of Evangelion May Cry and Oh My Metal Gear 2 chapters ready, spend more time on those unfinished games I got piled up at home, Phantom of Inferno included, and finish read out and watch all the manga and anime collections DarkFusion had sent to me so far while I wait for the reviews. What a schedule….

Before I can say anything else, Ryoko, Megumi, Azumi and Madoka stepped in, all of them wearing thin negligee of slinky and raunchy colours and holding unto whipped cream, and an assortment of fruits.

Ryoko: Oh, no you don't, Shardclaw! We're not done with you just yet!

Azumi: Now that you've updated one of your famous crossover fics, it's our job to make sure you don't slack around in brining the next update soon for your eager fans, especially since this story will reach its first 100 reviews soon.

Madoka: Not to mention, to give us a chance to make sure you're…'prepared' for the girls from either the Phantom of Inferno game, Hanaukyo Maid Team: La Verite and Girls Bravo anime who have been waiting very eagerly for their turn with you for a long time now and you can imagine their…'hunger' after a long wait, can't you, Shardclaw-sama?

Shardclaw: Ulp…aw, man…aw, man…I'll be in trouble if the Girls Bravo chicks do get sent with the full works with them: bikinis and swimsuits, motorcycle model outfits, school, cheerleader and maid uniforms, negligees, animal cosplays…and lots of bananas and whipped cream. And that is what I've seen from pics online rather from the edited and censored Season 1 of that show. God alone knows what can happen if I do eventually get the uncensored version one of these days from good old DarkFusion…

Megumi: Oh, don't worry, Shardclaw-sama…if they do arrive for this update, at least you can make up for it until you do…but, by the meantime, let's make sure you're still tasty as before they or any of the other girls arrive.

Ryoko: Mmmm…creamy.

ShardclawK: Time to break out the protein potential pills, I'm going to need them….it's going to be another long night. Guys, I leave this to you.

Ran: Man, I bet he gets a lot of fanboys jealous as hell whenever he does that.

Youji: Same with me, man. Anyway, it was quite a ride for the chapter, so we expect some good reviews. See you in the next update.

Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.