Disclaimer: Same as always, you can check the introduction bios for the respective authors/creators who own the characters and material used in this story.
ShardclawK: Well, folks, after an almost tough to accomplish chapter, I'm back to get this story moving as usual. Glad to have pleased everyone who have reviewed up to this point of the story and I hope to keep on doing the same in the future as this fic grows further, now that it has finally reached 100 reviews! Time to celebrate like crazy!
Ran: He also wanted to especially let one of his faithful reviewers for this and COE, Neo Exodia know for being the one hundredth reviewer of this story, since he was curious if he was the number 100 reviewer. Well, now you know and Shardclaw appreciate that.
Shardclaw: Now, now…I'm just doing what I can to make sure most of the fanbase like the stuff that will happen in this story soon. I always assure them a rather bumpy ride when you're reading my fics, especially crossover fics like this.
Youji: Not to mention more of the hawt chicks you get for updates like this from DarkFusion and Tempest Dynasty.
ShardclawK: Shhhhh! You can't say that right now, Youji, especially in front of the jealous number of fanboys. I appreciate the goodies, but sometimes, things do get crazy and out of hand if the girls can't wait any longer and when its time for shipments…
As I said that, the girls of the H-games, Come See Me Tonight 2 and The Sagara Family entered. The uber hawt Tonight girls, who were Koruri Hanayashiki, Minami Tsukikage, Nanao Torishima and Shiina Kazemiya were wearing, thin see thru, slinky Shinto temple uniforms, while Maria, Arisa, Sanae, Emiru and Ruruka Sagara were wearing an assortment of tight and short biker models outfits.
ShardclawK: Aw, man….I really got to prepare myself first if I have to play games with girls this hot before I can even consider I'm ready for it. And to think this number of girls came from Tempest alone, it pales to comparison to the shipment I got from DarkFusion.
As if that weren't enough, Mariel, Konoe Tsurugi, Melon, Marron, Lemon, Yashima Sanae, Ikuyo Suzuki, and Ryuka Jihioh of Hanaukyo Maid Team La Verite stepped in, all of them wearing nothing but full, laced apron maid uniforms that did little to cover their bodies. The three bed warmers, Marron, Melon and Lemon ganged up on me from all sides.
Melon: Shardclaw-sama, we are rather lonely without you right now.
Lemon: Please come back to bed with us.
ShardclawK: You three or are you implying you and all your friends that you've brought from the Hanaukyo mansion?
The Weiss boys stare in shock as they exclaimed: What?
Ran: Shardclaw, you're kidding right? An entire mansion of maids was sent to you as well?
Shardclaw: Why, yeah. I mean, I'm not complaining now about being surrounded by about a hundred or so maids for each department, makes it easier to run and all. Plus, since they got that shipment of the same skimpy maid uniforms from Tempest, they made it an official uniform for my base, so it's a little hard to work with so much…'distractions'.
Mariel: Shardclaw-sama, it's time for your bath.
Yashima: As always, we can use the whipped cream, fudge, or marshmallow pudding as a substitute for soap, while we become your personal, human, body brushes.
Shardclaw: Ulp…see what I have to put up with? I should be thanking Riku for getting that message wrong, but then again, this is my strength that's going to the girls. Oh, well…I'm not exactly tired of bathing in a sea of hawt girls just yet. I'm all yours girls, do your worst.
As always, I get carried off to the bedroom, Ran starts twitching.
Youji: That does it…time for a new job which we can get girls like he does, this is getting old.
Omi: Point taken, Youji. But in any case, let's just go on to introducing the chapter. From the crazy antics just now, it seems that this chapter will have some kind of lightness ahead, so we'll just see what Shardclaw has prepared for us. Everyone, enjoy as always.
This update should please you for the time being.
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Metal Gear: Soldier X
Chapter 28: Bonus Chapter 2: Path to Salvation, Act 1
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The Uruha mansion, inside Kurei's conference and meeting room, earlier that same evening…
"And that's about it so far." Aika Sumeragi said, as she was in a conference room of sorts at the Uruha mansion, speaking to some important people over the colored monitors they were shown from. One of them was Geese Howard's, which was the upper left. Billy Kane, Gato and Ryuji Yamazaki can be seen behind him, listening in on Aika's story. One of the other monitors beside them to the upper right, Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami and Chizuru Kagura can be seen in that one. Adelheid Bernstein and his sister, Rose were seen in the center monitor of the online board meeting.
The subject of this seemingly important meeting was mostly about Greg in his current state. Everyone who knew and trained Greg since he came about on the scene was concerned and told about the uncontrolled power within him and its consequences. Rio was in the Uruha conference room with Aika, sulking to herself as if she knew well what will happen to Greg unless something good comes their way.
"I see…it is just as we predicted." Iori Yagami spoke seriously. "He already has reached that stage?"
"That's most likely." Aika said. "His mind is already on the edge trying to keep his own self in one state as it is. I wouldn't be surprised he only has a limited time to how much longer he can hold up."
"And you were aware of this, Rio?" Geese asked the Japanese blonde woman, who looked at him with teary eyes.
"Yeah…I tried what I can to help him, but he just kept pushing everyone back." Rio lamented almost miserably.
"That is natural for someone who seeks revenge, but not on the case where his powers are giving such signs." Chizuru Kagura said. "If only I had the Yata mirror with me, I would be of some help to curb some of Greg's violent tendencies…."
"But damn that Ash Crimson for stealing it to start up some kind of trouble back in the '03 tourney…" Kyo Kusanagi said, as he shook his head. "In any case, we got to do what we can to help Greg before it's too late for him. He's been quite the useful addition for the KOF for years and he's also reliable when it comes to alliances for certain groups in and out of the organization."
"I agree." Adel simply said from his screen. "But the downside to this is that we can't be seen for the Patriots to spot our movements."
"Yeah, you can bet those damned power hungry blokes would want to take advantage of the situation and try to attack our Greg." Billy said.
"That is a sure bet, Billy." Gato said with his arms folded. "And let's not forget our other 'friendly folk' within KOF."
"Like NESTS, Wolfgang Krauser, Kain Heinlein, White, Freeman, and Grant…Greg's not on their favorites list because of his past with Geese and among other things." Ryuji Yamazaki said. "They would want to get their hands on Greg at a time like this to settle some scores."
"But at least for now, not one of them has known what has happened to him. We can use this chance to buy time so that Aika can get Greg fixed up." Geese said. "So, what is it that you guys are going to do about it?"
"First off, I had brought Greg some new nano colonies to restrict his powers a good bit." Aika said. "They may strain his overall strength by at least twenty to thirty percent, but that's about good enough to prevent him from turning over to the dark side of things."
"Are the nanos approved by Naomi herself, Aika?" Geese asked.
"They are only duplicates using some of Greg's old DNA before his power were forcibly integrated into him, a while back before the Mantis battle. I made sure he gave me a sample of it before he went off to did that as a 'just in case' measure." Aika said. "All I did was added a little 'tweak' to their ability enhancers, so Greg can shift his powers in ways that it wouldn't overpower him or allow him to give into the bloodlust he's developed."
"So these nanos will surely restrict all of his powers?" Adel asked.
"Not exactly…they will do limit some of his psychical strength at the most though, he will have to experiment with the restrictor nanos to see what other powers they would obscure. But these will do no harm to him in any way." Aika said.
"That's good to hear, but I doubt nanotechnology alone would stop the progressing power within Greg…this is more of a mental problem, you know." Iori said.
"That's why I had Nanvel from Team WARRIOR and Yanagi Sakoshita of the Hokage clan to help in restoring some of the regenerative powers Greg had lost from his nanomachines." Aika said.
"Ah, yes…I've heard about Yanagi before from a certain man I've met years ago named Kouran Mori when the Urabutousatusjin was still around and I was invited as a spectator a couple of matches." Geese said, rubbing his chin. "He told me about a young girl he captured and…well; I won't go any further for those in the Uruha mansion who knew what kind of man Kouran was to do such things…"
"Greg's ninja friend, Riku, just happens to be the son of Yanagi and Recca and Riku pretty much know of what Kouran was capable of in the past." Rio spoke now. "I'm sure if he was listening in, he would understand you, Geese, had no intention in taking part of Mori's acts."
"That's for sure and it's understood." Geese said, nodding his head. "Back to the subject at hand…have you guys come up with any way to help Greg through this?"
"We got the healing problem done, the training itself is a different story." Aika said.
"Rio, I take it that now you'll be serious in helping Greg in this? He may need your help and guidance more than ever in this." Rose said, as Rio nodded her head frantically.
"You got that right…it will take a lot for me to give up on Greggie just like that without a fight." Rio said. "Aika and I have already put aside our differences to help Greg train, but we also had got another person willing enough to help us. He's a friend of the Uruha clan who goes by the name of Masanori Sanada."
"Does this Masanori character know the fields of psychic combat?" Geese asked.
"He looks qualified enough and what he says is true, we should believe him for the time being and accept his help." Aika said. "Besides, I sense the most unusual presence about him, and I'm sure Greg has too."
"Riku and his partners may also pitch in with whatever plan they come up to help Greg as well…" Rio said.
"I may need to look up on this Masanori guy to look for confidential intel on him, but if you guys are in a hurry to get Greg fixed up right away, I guess you can go on ahead." Geese said.
"The faster we help restore Greg, the better for all of us." Aika said.
"Then all we can do is wish you two the best of luck and wish for the best results. We will do what we can to buy Greg some time from his enemies." Kyo said. "And Rio…I know Greg's been through a lot, but I'm sure he's denying himself for pushing you and everyone else away so far. Help him a bit to realize you're that matters to him now, not this revenge thing, because we can all see for ourselves what this is doing to him."
"I got it, Kyo. I won't fail any of you now." Rio said as she bowed to the KOF champions. "You have my word."
As she did that, the screens signed off as Aika had finished her meeting. She turned to Rio and patted her shoulder.
"For a moment there, I thought you were going to turn away from the truth as always." Aika said, as Rio shook her head.
"I can't give up on Greg either. He may have given up on himself, but I won't and I'm sure everyone else in this mansion feels the same way too." Rio said. "We all got to pull in and help him now, Aika."
"You got that right, Rio. We can do this." Aika smiled at Rio. "Come on then, we got to tell the others what we've told Geese and the others and how we'll get this thing done."
"And then…we go for Greg and help him?" Rio asked.
"Yes, Rio…we go help him after that." Aika said as she and Rio left the room together.
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Meanwhile, somewhere else in a secluded laboratory, a large glass container containing a human body was seen. But the body had an appearance of a chimera like Shiju, but mostly human. It was covered with green hair about his body; his shoulders had open mouths of green tentacles and razor sharp teeth and his face was in normal human form.
The water was drained out and he fell to the platform, soon coughing out its substance. From the shadows, a male voice spoke.
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Masafumi Takatori." Robert Thorn stepped out to greet the chimera. "Sure took the effort, but my science can do wonders to resurrect dead cells, especially, those such as vital as yours."
"Who…who are you?" the half man, half monster spoke. "Where am I?"
"Allow me to introduce myself…I'm Robert Thorn and this is Mokuren." Thorn spoke, introducing one of Recca Hanabishi's oldest enemies. "I have heard of your reputation as a scientist and the former CEO of Kourin Pharmaceuticals."
Masafumi started to growl at Thorn, but he started to hold his head afterwards as it began to throb his head.
"Where's….Schrient?" Masafumi mumbled out. "Where's my group of female assassins?"
"My, Thorn…how long has it since this guy had kicked the bucket before?" Mokuren asked. "Before the Patriots found him and kept him for safe keeping, that is?"
"It's been about five years since your body was recovered in a destroyed mansion, I'd assume your group had a falling out of sorts with both Weiss and Schwartz. That much I do know." Thorn spoke. "Since then, most of Schrient had become non existent, save for two members who followed different paths."
"One of them happens to be a woman named Hel, am I right?" Mokuren said, causing Masafumi to rise up his head.
"Hel…she's still alive?" he asked.
"Along with the other one named Tot." Thorn answered. "I know how much you treasure women, especially those from your own group. I'm certain you can arrange a reunion with those two somehow…"
"What is it that you want from me?" Masafumi asked.
"I'm quite interested in your science to prolong life, dear Masafumi. Your research in micro-technology would deem a great benefit with my combined genius." Thorn spoke. "With both of us working together, we can make your dream for an elixir to give one power and immortality a reality. I can even enhance your current state as a chimera and add new specifications to your abilities with my form of genetics."
Masafumi grinned at Thorn as he was willing to take this chance.
"Sounds like a fair trade…as long as I get back at Weiss for ruining my chance to become a god." Masafumi said. "I can utilize my talents and certainly make my already gifted powers even stronger with your help."
"Good, then you must do something for me…my subordinates have picked a certain interest in a man named Gregory Kinezono. According to the Intel sent by the Patriots, he just recently got acquainted with Weiss and Tot just also happens to be among one of his friends." Thorn said. "I need you and Mokuren to seek him and strike him in his current, weakened state."
"Does this mean I can go after the meddlesome Recca and his buddies once and for all now?" Mokuren asked, his grin twisted, sadistic and lecherous.
"Yes, Mokuren…have as much fun killing as many women as you want." Thorn simply replied, which caused Masafumi to raise an eyebrow and to speak up.
"As long one of those women doesn't include my dear Tot…" Masafumi stepped in front of Mokuren. "And if this man says there are plenty of women where we're going, I won't let you kill all of them."
"Not my problem. I get the most pleasure killing women…" Mokuren said.
"Well, I'm not like you. I'd like to preserve my women." Masafumi spoke as the two stared at one another with angry looks. Thorn shook his head as he can see this can be a problem.
"Enough, the two of you…you will prepare yourselves and await word of my plan." Thorn said, showing them the door out of his lab. As the two chimeras left as they argued on, the psychic scientist only shook his head miserably.
(Maybe it was a bad idea for them to work together in the first place, but they will provide good use for the time being.) Thorn thought to himself. (As for Masafumi, as soon he is done serving me with what I need; I will eliminate him to get the competition out of the way.)
And so, Thorn began to plan his strike on Greg Kinezono and his friends. He got his BOW army on the ready, now he needs to test Masafumi a bit to do his bidding.
"It won't be long now, my dear Greg. Let's see if you will be strong enough for our rematch when I meet you soon." Thorn said with a grin on his face.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"You've failed everyone, Greg!"
"It's your entire fault!"
"You're responsible for so many deaths!"
"You can't protect everyone!"
The voices kept one ringing on in the darkness, while Greg himself was still knocked out from his evil counterpart's previous attacks. Greg got a hard knock lesson like no other for his current deeds and now he has to pay for them with his life.
"It's over…I'd better give up now and save everyone the trouble…" Greg said to himself, his body injured and ruptured by all that has happened.
First was the ordeal of his shifting powers. Since his fight with Shiju, he can feel himself slipping into darkness and evil by the day.
Then his recent battle with Orochi Shade would have killed Greg, as well as his group of friends if Yuina didn't use her powers along with Greg's training to buy everyone some time. When this was proved futile, Kenshin Mori and Masanori came in time to rescue them from Shade who escaped.
Then right after was Michiko Tachibana's vision, which was the just punishment for Greg's actions towards his friends and his revenge against the Patriots. Greg had seen things that no average person was meant to see, especially in his current state.
Then to top things off, was his dark counterpart, the negative emotions which formed a separate entity and was brought to full power thanks to Michiko's vision. Greg got the worst kind of punishment for his deeds to now and he was slowly leaving his body and mind.
"This…is it…" Greg muttered as the voices and pain increased. Before he let himself slip, he felt a different kind of touch; it was sort of a cold press on his temple area.
"What the…?" Greg moved his right arm to touch his temple, there was something damp on his forehead and as he opened his eyes, an attractive woman of white decent greeted his face.
"Ah, you're finally awake. We were pretty worried you won't come back to us, Greg." The woman said with a naïve smile on her face, as Greg sat up. He looked around to see he was in a candlelit room, small with only a table that held the candle, a large bookshelf and a traditional stove made out of stone. There was only one bed, and Greg was on it, being nursed for the wounds he got from Violent Greg.
"Where am I?" Greg asked his head still fuzzy from everything that has happened thus far.
"This is part of your mindscape that I made my temporary home, for now." The woman asked, but Greg simply stared at her, thinking she could be a next Michiko.
"Who the hell are you to do that as if it's some kind of property?" Greg asked. "Did you come to show me a vision too, like Michiko just did?"
"Oh, no! Please don't take me for anyone who wants to hurt you, dear Greg." The woman waved her hands at him. "I'm only here to help you get on the right path before it's too late."
Greg simply laughed a bit as he held his throbbing head. Even in his current state, he can still sense that this woman was telling the truth and her intentions were the same as Michiko's but more important. It's as if she was wholly dependent on the outcome for Greg.
"I don't know…I think you're a little late on that category." Greg said, while looking at this nano arm. "But…who are you, really?"
Before the long dressed woman answered, a young boy entered the room. He saw Greg sitting up and started to smile. "You're finally awake! You're finally awake!"
(Nani?) Greg simply thought. (Why are this kid and woman so jumpy to see me?)
"Daniel, you shouldn't make too much noise. He's still hurt. Did you bring the tea like I told you?" the woman asked him nicely.
"Yeah, I did, mom! Just like you told me to before he wakes up." The boy named Daniel said.
"Fine, I'll get it ready." The woman answered, getting up. Greg was still mystified a bit as to what is going on right now, so he decided to stay silent a bit while he observed the woman and his surroundings. From a window, he can see the grey ashen battlefield he had created within his mind.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself…my name's Laura and this is my son, Daniel." Laura said, offering Greg a cup of warm tea. "You should drink it all up; it will do well for the wounds on your body."
Without much of a hesitation, Greg took the cup and sipped on it. It had a mildly hot, herbal taste.
"Okay…Laura, Daniel…it's nice to meet you two in the most unusual of places." Greg said as he took his time to drink the tea. He can feel most of the pain in his body easing up over a due set of time.
"We've always wanted to meet you, Greg!" Daniel jumped as he spoke to Greg, as Laura simply chuckled nervously and patted her son's' short cut brown hair.
"It seems you two know a lot about me." Greg simply said as he looked at the two of them.
"We do, for the longest time." Laura said. "It's a good thing we did while there was still time, but I did wish I'd stepped in sooner before…'this' happen."
"You're referring to my powers?"
"That's it. It seems that you rushed yourself in giving your own fragile body too much power it can handle." Laura said pointing to the wounds Greg had. "Of course, that isn't really the issue, isn't it?"
"Of course not…I'm sure you not here to tell me about what I'm doing wrong with my life like Michiko, is that it?" Greg asked.
"Well…in more ways than one." Laura said, causing Greg to raise an eyebrow.
"Mom and I need your help, Greg." Daniel said.
"Help?" Greg asked, before he scoffed. "What good am I to anyone anymore? All I will ever do is bring ruin to those who trust me…let alone me having to trust anyone in the first place."
"Yes, you may have pushed away everyone's help, but it's not too late to change your ways, now that there are people in this world who will need you more than ever, Greg." Laura said. "Now isn't the time to give up on those who care about you, Greg…or on yourself."
"Why are you doing this?" Greg asked. "What is it in me that you two find your special?"
Laura sighed as she looked at Daniel a bit. "Danny, can you give me and Greg a moment and play outside for a while? It won't be long."
"Okay, mom." Daniel said as he got up to leave. Laura looked on as her son started to play in the empty battlefield of Greg's mind.
"His father…the two of you are often alike at times." Laura said. "He didn't believe much in himself until people like me and Daniel helped him day and out."
"His father? Was he a psychic?"
"No, he was just a federal agent who was among the best. The only ones who are psychic in the family are Danny and I, who he inherited that power from." Laura said. "Yes…Jonathan, my husband…"
"What happened to him?"
"He died some years back in duty. He was killed by enemy terrorists in a rescue mission." Laura said sadly.
"I'm sorry to have brought that up…."
"It's okay. Daniel understands too, even though he's too young to be ready to learn the facts of this world…" Laura said. "He never had much confidence in his skills after Danny was born, but every time he looked at him and knew how much people would depend on Jonathan and those who work with him to enforce justice; he never had second doubts about his skills. I've always made sure to help him beat the odds against him."
"I get it…you see the same thing in me too, huh?" Greg asked. "But really, Laura…Michiko was right, I can't protect everyone by myself, and for sure I can't keep on moving against the Patriots like this."
"Well, I'm not stopping you from making the choice to turn your back on revenge and she was right you can't protect everyone by yourself. But this is not about those, Greg." Laura said. "I'm here to make sure you don't fail yourself when it comes to those who are seeking your help."
"Where are you getting at?"
"Greg…in case you know by now, countless people have suffered under the Patriots suppression throughout history." Laura said. "You are indeed one of them, as do I and Daniel. But you also know now that you can't challenge them by yourself…you need an organized force under your wing."
"Wait a minute…you mean like a team?" Greg asked. "Even if that's the case, its not going to change much in terms of how much of the enemy forces that will come at me."
"Yes, you will have to forge a union like no other to stand against the Patriots. You're capable of such power…the power to bring allies and comrades together." Laura said. "That is what I see so special in you and that is why you can't give up on your friends and family, because if you do, everything will just fall apart like in the vision."
Greg remained silent as he now noticed something. "Wait, you can't be the woman who's been communicating to me mentally these past few days, saying to pay attention specifically to those around me?"
"That's right; it was I who sent those messages." Laura said. "I see a bright future ahead of you; Greg Kinezono Mattews…all you have to do is accept fate and your role in this world."
"And my role would be…?"
"To bring together a special team to assist those in need exploited by the Patriots. You're socializing skills are enough to bring even the most unique of people together." Laura said. "This is where you come in to ensure they stay bonded for life, if this world has to survive the Patriots rule and become strong enough to challenge it."
"What do you think I look like to you? I'm not even old enough to pass for a commander to lead any team, yet you say my actions as a human being can bring people together for going up against the Patriots?" Greg asked.
"I see differently, Greg. I could care less on how unenthusiastic you may sound, but I do have great faith in you." Laura said.
"And my comrades…who are this team I'm supposed to be part of?" Greg asked. "Does this involve my buddies from FOXHOUND as well?"
"Only a few, but your team will be different from them. They must originate from different backgrounds and have gone through as much hardships as you had as well which qualifies them for being part of your team." Laura said. "This is your new role, Greg…"
"So far, you've called out Yuina and Seraph as 'candidates'. Are there anyone else that I must know of?" Greg asked.
"Complying of yourself, and those two, your friends, Riku Hanabishi, Nagi Naoe and Tot would also be among the chosen ones to help you." Laura said, showing their faces. "I've learned of their histories and hardships, which is enough to have them close to you at all times, because of their committed friendship towards you."
"That's true…they go almost everywhere with me nowadays." Greg said with a smile.
"There's also your surrogate mother, Rio and your secondary master, Aika Sumeragi." Laura said. "You won't know it yet, but they have skills and resources that can help you immensely."
"That sounds good to know, but just how many of these guys will have to stick with me through tough and thin?"
"Only a number of twelve."
"Twelve alone?" Greg asked. "Then you have an idea on who the rest will be?"
"I do for some of them…Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yuumura of Noir also was exposed by people like the Patriots, who called themselves the Soldats." Laura said.
"I heard a bit about them from Maki's conversation a while back when she went to inquire the two. Those guys are nearly just as powerful as the Patriots themselves…"
"Yes, that's the truth. The Soldats have used those two, just as you were used by the Patriots." Laura said. "I wouldn't be surprised by now if the Patriots have overpowered the Soldats by now, or in question, is the same organization."
"That makes ten so far. Who are the last two?"
"That will have to be a secret for now, Greg. I really can't determine for you who those two will be." Laura said.
"You know…do you really think I'm really the right stuff for this kind of thing?" Greg asked. "You saw what Michiko showed me, so you know basically what I can do if I lose control again."
"So, do you think after what Michiko showed you, it's all become a lost cause if you just gave up?" Laura asked, as Greg hung his heads down to watch the half filled cup of tea he was holding. "Greg, giving up now is almost the same as letting you die, when there are people who surely need your help and guidance, now and in the future. It may not look it, but that is the case, Greg."
"I really can't do anything helpful for anyone if all that's going to happen to me is turning out to be a harbinger of destruction." Greg said, as he started to sip the tea once more.
"That's not true…that future which you believed would happen, is still ways off from becoming a possibility. There's a good chance you won't create it, but the chances of you leading a better one outweighs the dark future Michiko claims you could create." Laura said. Greg simply let out a small sigh as he placed the cup down and laid his back against the wall behind him.
"Let me get this straight…it would be easier if I just drop this whole revenge affair because I'm needed for more important things, am I right?" Greg asked solemnly.
"Yes, like your friends and family." Laura said. "I'm talking about those within your surrogate family, Team WARRIOR and those within your group in FOXHOUND as well. You do know there's so much they can do with all their exquisite talents."
"You telling me to take it easy and stay away for the time being while I watch those closest to me get hurt?"
"In your current state, you really can't do anything much, except wait it out." Laura said simply as Greg stared at her.
"You're saying I should just grin and bear it?" Greg asked. "If you know what is really going on with my powers, at least come forth and tell me what's happening already, huh?"
"I already told you, you forced yourself before unto taking breaking the limits of your powers that your body can't take, and now your body has to change as well along with them. This is a phase that rarely happens to those whose powers originate with science as advanced as your father's, Greg." Laura said.
"You can say it's a phase, but it feels so different." Greg said, looking at his changing right nano arm. "And then there's that evil doppelganger I've created from my own powers…"
"Yes, the negative emotions that you've held within you for so long since you started your pursuit of revenge somehow created a separate entity within you, right here in your own mindscape." Laura explained. "However, it seems that it's holding its own strength against you…as if it really doesn't want to take over your mind, Greg."
"Is it playing some kind of game with me?" Greg asked, confused.
"Seems that way…"
"I can be sure he will be around more often the next time something like this happens." Greg said. "What am I to do if that happens?"
"Since he's an entity created by your own powers and your emotions, the matter of taming it to an extent would be the best option available to counteract against this curse that you claim to have." Laura explained.
"So you want me to try and tame it someway? Sounds like a crazy plan…"
"But without it, you're not capable of fighting in battle as you are used to." Laura said. "He needs you as much as you will need him."
"What a lovely catch." Greg replied sarcastically. "In case you didn't know, I don't want to end up starting this whole thing all over and everyone I care about actually dies because of my stupid mistakes."
"That will never happen…I can assure you with my own life on that, Greg Kinezono." Laura said.
Greg remained silent as he rubbed the back of his head to think this over.
"How much longer am I suppose to wait until this thing that is going on with my body is…complete for the time being?" Greg asked. Laura simply looked at the watch she was wearing and grinned a bit at Greg innocently.
"You will have to wait on the next forty or so hours to pass." Laura said, causing Greg to stare at her alarmed.
"The next forty hours? This thing has a waiting period?"
"It should be enough for your powers to finally settle themselves within your mind and body, the process can't be rushed like the first time." Laura said.
"This is some crazy shit that I'm hearing today…" Greg rubbed his head some. This was hard for him to take in suddenly, but he understood that at least now he wasn't going to die.
"In any case, you'll know better to control your talents and trust those who abide in you to do your work at times. I've seen how your friends operate and I'm quite impressed." Laura said. "With most of their talents put together and you heading them, it will be quite the team, won't it?"
"If you want to put it that way…" Greg said, staring at her quizzed. "…but in reality, I really can't see myself as a leader for any team. There are people out there more smart headed and experienced than I am, so why go out on a limb to make me believe that doing this will be my destiny of sorts?"
"Because…because, Greg, I don't want the vision depicted from Michiko, or any other which contradicts to the safety of mankind to happen." Laura said, coming closer to gently stroke Greg's chin. "If you don't want it to happen, the time to make the choice has come. You've been given a second chance to redeem your mistakes, Greg Kinezono."
"That's easy for you to say. I may be able to get through this, but how would everyone else will react?"
"They will learn and accept, eventually. You are one capable of a union that will ensure the security of humankind for the future." Laura said.
"A union? Is this what it's all about?"
"And even more." Laura said. "Just remember one thing, Greg. 'If you can bear pain, you can sleep, but if you inflict pain, you can't sleep'. Be sure to get that into your head the next time someone from the Patriots wants to hurt you."
She then stared at the door leading back out. "My time has come for you and me to separate for now, Greg."
"Wait, Laura. I still have questions that will need answering…you can't just leave me now!" Greg called out to her.
"It's still too early to reveal everything at this point, Greg. Though, I can tell you that you heed my words now and do not give up on those who will need you." Laura said. "I will leave a parting gift with you, so you can contemplate easier as you proceed with your upcoming journeys."
"Nani? Talk some sense for once, woman!" Greg said as the next thing he knew, his body felt an overwhelming surge, not powerful enough to hurt him, but strong enough to knock the wind out of him.
"Goodbye for now, Greg. We'll meet again soon once you've realized how important both you and your friends are important to one another." Laura's voice spoke as it faded out along with the mindscape Greg was in. Everything became white and it was enough mind-tripping for one evening as Greg finally found himself back in his room, sprawled out on the floor, still wet from his shower and most particularly dazed.
"Ugghh…enough with the weird visions and dreams already…none of them are pleasing anymore." Greg said to himself as he got up slowly. He sneezed out loud a couple of times before realizing that was wet and still in his jeans.
"What happened? How long was I out for…?" Greg said to himself, before speaking with a tone of shame. "Oh, yeah, Michiko's vision…I guess she drew some valid points to my actions. I guess this means I should re-direct my actions towards something else."
As Greg got out of his wet clothing, he passed the mirror when he went to the bathroom, only to step back and gaze at the sight before him. Strangely enough, he looked different now as he was before meeting Michiko, as his hair had a mix of black and white; most of the wounds he got were healed, but now were covered by the nanomachines, thus making black tattoo lines across his shoulder and neck areas. Flame like marks decorated the lower sides of his neck area.
"What the hell…?" Greg said as he then turned around to see that even the nanos had spread all the way to his back, decorating it with a black panther's claw. His nano arm looked a bit different as well, but not too much for it to become endangering.
"Don't tell me my body changed to look feral like because of the vision…?" Greg asked himself, but fixed his stare. "No, something else caused this…at least my body's not in much pain anymore, but with my good looks partially ruined by the nanos; this can make my rep look bad."
After another good look, he couldn't help but sigh easily to seeing himself like this.
"Not that is a bad thing. But I still can't understand why this would do any good for what I'm doing now. Are things going to change because I've chosen a different path, or am I being punished in some twisted way for denying everyone who tried to help me?"
After changing his clothes, Greg used a white bandana to cover over the entirety of his head as not to show the unusual hair color he got due to his powers. Slipping into a comfortable vest and short cut jeans, he then covered his nano arm with a white bandage strip, as to conceal its new altered look.
"It seems to have a life on its own now…" Greg said to himself as he stared at the altered appearance of his nano arm. Shaking his head, he was going to face everyone now that they've learned what was going on with Greg, but because of Laura's intervention earlier, he knew part of the problem was solved.
"No turning back now as it's time to face the music." Greg said as he started his way to the dining area where everyone was there having their meals. Rio and Yuina were among the first to see Greg's new altered appearance as they stared on with mouths agape along with everyone else.
"Uh….good evening, everyone?" Greg simply asked to cut into the silence that suddenly filled the room when he stepped in. Everyone was all eyes on him as he appeared in different attire, and look. This was the last thing those close to Greg would think he would do.
Rio swallowed her contents before speaking. "Greggie…? What happened to you?"
"Is this your powers at work?" Aika asked him.
"I'm not sure…all I know is that the nanos did something to me while I was…napping." Greg said as he had omitted telling everyone about his encounter with Michiko, who also was in the same room, taking in his changed appearance.
"This happened in your sleep?" Rio exclaimed, getting up to examine Greg.
"Yeah, it's really hard to explain why…" Greg was at a loss of words to fully explain the situation, but took one of Rio's hands as he spoke. "Anyway, I don't think it's anything bad, mom. At least whatever the nanos did somehow ease some of the pain for the time being."
Rio noticed the sorrowful look on Greg's face as she felt something between him and Michiko had happened. She immediately felt she was responsible somehow for Greg's change. Before she can say anything, Greg cleared his throat loudly to get everyone's attention.
"Uh….before we get to eating, I want to make something clear to everyone here." Greg called out to everyone in the room. "First off…I just want to say sorry for not telling you about my powers and what they can do earlier. Now you all can see for yourself just how screwed up they are when they are at this state."
"Greg, it's not really you're…" Lilica cut in, but Greg simply smiled sadly at her.
"You don't need to say it, Lilica." Greg said seriously, looking at the palm of his nano arm. "If my body has to be punished for ignoring and pushing away those closest to me when they are offering a hand, that is one thing I can live with it."
"Greggie…" Rio muttered sadly as more silence filled the room. Greg looked around before shaking his head.
"Why all the gloomy faces? At least everyone's got a plan to help me out now, right? RIGHT?" Greg asked with his arms outstretched. It was then Riku started to talk.
"Well, one thing my partners and I have planned to do is do some training with some of my old family friends that are bound to show up in a matter of days." Riku said. "I also got to make calls to some of my friends from the Uruha Ryu to show up as well."
"You mean that team from outside of FOXHOUND that you created two years ago, Riku?" Maki asked.
"Yeah, the same one. I'm sure they will be glad to meet up with Greg for the first time to help him out." Riku replied with a grin as Greg looked at him.
"Riku….just how many of your friends outside of FOXHOUND do you really have?" Greg asked. "Aside from Weiss, Aya Mikage and her buddies from the Kurumas, just how many, really?"
Riku let out a small, hearty laugh. "Just as much as Greg has and then some."
"I'm certain there are those who we haven't met, I assume." Yuina said from her seat. "Riku, make sure the next time you're taking Greg to meet anymore of your friends, take me and Seraph with you, since sempai will just…"
"Aw, Yuina…since when you became hostile to your own loving guardian?" Greg asked as Yuina pouted at him at first, before looking down on her plate.
"I'm sorry…it's just that I was really worried about you, that's all." Yuina said. "I really don't want anything else bad to happen to you. I mean…look at you now. You're a walking mosaic, sempai."
"Is that supposed to sound like a tone of worry, or a compliment? Because I'm thinking it's more of a compliment." Greg simply said, looking at the nano marks about his arm. "And I DO so dislike tattoos."
"Now that you say it, it does make Greg look a bit…attractive." Yoko, the year of the Sheep said, looking at Greg's altered look.
"Yes, I've never seen tattoos that looked that way before…" Tatsuko said now.
"These aren't intentional! They just popped up on me while I was sleeping!" Greg exclaimed. "I think it's the nanos fault and that they are screwing up somehow…"
"That is because you're really not dying, Greg." Aika said, as she sipped her drink. "You can say you're going through a phase with your powers and mind at the moment."
Greg then looked at Michiko's direction and started to talk. "Michiko, you're an expert psychic, right? Is this some kind of menopause thing that male psychics like me has to go through, or is it something else?"
"Well…if you want to put it along those lines, Greg." Michiko replied simply, though a bit surprised by his question, though it had to be obvious. "If this does get worst, I'm willing to offer a hand in curbing it in any way I can."
"Then it will be appreciated, Michiko-san." Greg simply replied, before he saw a figure stand up to speak.
"I've also taken the duty of helping your surrogate mothers with training you with your powers, Greg Kinezono." The man said who happened to be Masanori Sanada.
"I don't think we've been properly introduced…but are you up to handling me as a pupil? I can be the most difficult, but devoted student at times." Greg said.
"I've known as much as I can about you, Greg…I have a fair amount of combat experience that should be of good use to you." Masanori said.
"Greg, you think this is a good idea to let two complete strangers to help you like this?" Rio asked as she pulled him down to her ear level.
"Geese isn't here to complain about it, so I'd say why not?" Greg replied. "I'd say lets try something new for once if this will save my ass from eternal damnation."
"But still…I'm not feeling so sure about those two, especially that Michiko broad." Rio whispered into his ear. "Did something happen to the two of you in your room?"
Greg realized what his surrogate mother meant and shook his head. "No! NO! Mom, it wasn't like that! I hardly know the woman long enough to be making those kinds of moves against her!"
Michiko simply laughed a bit as Greg and Rio started to argue a bit about it. It was then Nanvel stood up.
"Greg, before you turn in for the night, you have to let me see those wounds of yours one more time and let me check out the nanos to see if I can determine the cause of their 'shifts'." Nanvel said.
"No problem there, Nanvel. I'm willing to become your guinea pig anytime if I have to save my own life." Greg spoke. "So, basically…Rio, Aika, Michiko and this Masanori guy will put their skills to help me, is that it?"
"That's it, Greg. I'm certain this will do something about your powers." Maki said to him.
"That's right; it will take a lot for the old Team WARRIOR to give up on its member." Maya Jingu cheered.
"That's good to hear…" Greg said, before a grin came on his face.
"Sempai?" Yuina asked.
"Greggie?" Rio asked as Greg stood up.
"Everyone, I got to make this announcement while there's time, so I'll be brief." Greg said. "Now knowing everyone on their end will help me out deal with this thing in their own special ways, I will make sure to accept any assistance that may be of use for the upcoming time being. I will make sure whoever else comes my way; there will be enough to go for everyone, meaning you guys can feel free to pitch in at anytime to help out. It would be relaxing for me once in a while to sit in the sidelines to ease myself if it means keeping me in check."
"Well, glad you really admitted that, Greg." Michiko said. (Now you see why I had to do what I did earlier.)
(As this leads me to my next announcement.) Greg said to her mentally as he cleared his throat. "Considering I'm in no condition to fight for the time being, I'm going to take the time to sit down and rest my body so it can heal properly, while self studying what else my power will lead to among other things. So as of today…I, Solider X, am going into retirement from public life till further notice."
Rio spit out her drink as Greg said this as she grabbed his collar. "You've got to be kidding me! You can't just drop the war at a time like this!"
"No, mom. Of course, I can. It's over…I'm calling off my war on the Patriots to focus on other important stuff and that's final." Greg said with a grin. "You would be even happier if I lived a peaceful life like before this started, right? Now I won't ever have to fight anyone who is our enemy, I can leave that you, my family and those here at the Uruha mansion. I trust you guys to handle my problems from now on."
"But…." Rio muttered in shock as she saw Greg pick up his plate.
"Look, mom…it's going to be fun. If this doesn't work out, I can just adjust to my power while everyone here helps us." Greg said. "Now, if you excuse me…I got to start clearing my room of all the paperwork junk I've been making about revenge against the Patriots."
With that, Greg left for his room, leaving some people in the room in a bit of shock as to hear him say he will give up fighting indefinitely. Rio only looked at Michiko and can only think up of one obvious thing.
(Did this woman do something to Greggie that made him act like that just now?) Rio thought. (I'll find out for myself what her game is when she goes to her room later.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"So, how did the meeting go between you and Greg, Laura?"
"Better than I expected." Laura replied to an elderly white male, who happened to be playing Japanese chess by himself in a dark, illuminated area. "The road to recovery will be a bit long for him, but he has his friends and family with him. He will surely make it through."
"Good to hear. Are you saying this because he is already showing the signs of change?"
"Yes…he seems to be the right candidate for our purpose, Commander. It's just as the records about him had foretold."
"The Gatherer of the Twelve…."
"I see new and promising challenges for him and his group, but they are covered in darkness." Laura said. "Should I intercept for now?"
"No need to, you and Daniel deserve some rest after visiting Greg like that." The man replied. "From here on in, the operation should run smoothly as planned."
"With your permission, sir!" Laura saluted her superior as the light surrounded her vanished. The male sat back with a smile on his face.
"Yes, Greg…we've shown you a new path on life, now all you have to do is travel on it and not lose sight of it now."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Back at the Uruha mansion, Michiko was already finished with her meal, and had entered her room, when she sensed someone from behind her.
"Miss Kinezono, I presume?" Michiko simply asked, as Rio stepped out of the shadows to face her. She had an angry look in her eyes.
"Nice trick of seeing me in your room before you came in, but I've seen better through Greg's demonstrations." Rio said, stepping closer to Michiko. "Let me get this straight with you, Michiko…I don't know why you're here, and most certainly, how you're going to help Greg, but I know you did something to hurt his feelings a bit a while back. I'll be onto you like a hawk and I'll be ready to stop you if all you're going to do is hurt my son, got it?"
"I can assure you, Miss Kinezono, that I have no enmity towards Greg whatsoever. I was doing my best to help him as well, but before it was too late…" Michiko answered, before Rio cut in.
"Greg's been through enough already, please, I beg you….don't give him any more pain than he has to endure." Rio said as she stepped out of the room, tears in her eyes. Michiko tried to stop her, but it was too late.
(Maybe I may have done the right thing for Greg, but his mother doesn't think so.) Michiko thought to herself. (Still…I will need to convince her that all I was doing was saving Greg from destruction…)
As her door closed, Greg can be seen hearing into their conversation, while holding all of his documents in one hand. He shakes his head as he made his way to the living room, where he would use his powers to destroy his research on the Patriots.
"Now, with that off my back…I'd better go and meditate to settle with this power." Greg said as he left for the VR training room.
Time left for Greg Kinezono's existence: 44 hours, 14 minutes and 28 seconds…
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ShardclawK: This chapter was short in its own way, but there will be similar chapters to this one as I want to do this arc in everyone trying to help Greg restore himself take place in stages and phases. Hope you all liked this chapter, as I got more of them along the way.
Ran: Now for an Easter Egg, the quote Laura used near the end of her meeting with Greg was what Scar's master from Full Metal Alchemist said to him during the series. Shardclaw couldn't help it, as he just completed watching the entire 51 episode series last Friday and its now one of his favorites. His only complaint is that why does one of his favorite major characters have to die midway in the series…
ShardclawK: I won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it yet, so I'm urging you to do check it out if you're into anime with cool, lovable characters and lots of twists.
Just then, Marron, Lemon, Melon, Yashima and Miyabi entered in their slinky maid outfits.
Miyabi: Shardclaw-sama, now that you've gotten this SX update out of the way, you'd better focus on COE as not to keep your eager fans waiting.
Shardclaw: That's the least of my worries, Miyabi…I'm just worried about the jealous fanboys' reactions to the amount of hot girls I get every time I update this and COE because of DarkFusion and TempestDynasty.
Lemon: Well, we just have to make sure to ease the guilt you feel every time you do, Shardclaw-sama. And what better way than to have us gang up on you once more for more…'milk.'
Miyabi: Mmmm….delicious.
ShardclawK: Here I go again. I can imagine the chaos for DF's next shipment…
As I get carried off, Ran and the others shake their heads.
Ran: Youji, I think its best for your turn to say to the audience what's going to happen in the next SX update, shouldn't it?
Youji: Sure, sure….anyway, it's bonus chapter time again when the Flame of Recca characters take over the story, as old friends and allies reunite. Meanwhile, Thorn devises a plan to strike the Uruha mansion, while Greg goes through day one of retirement from his Soldier X duties. And what plans Naomi has for Greg as she and Linn go to look for him? Will everything work out for everyone?
Omi: We just have to find out in the next SX chapter for sure.
Ken: Hope you enjoyed the update and we'll see you in the next update. That's if Shardclaw can survive another numerous quantity of hawt anime or game girls sent to him…
Collis aka ShardclawKusanagi.