Journey to Insanity and Romance p 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Panic! Wish I did though.
Arm Slaves and Dinner
As all three vehicles reach the area, the group sees flares coming up out of the Stadium and grin, knowing that the pilots of the transport helicopters have been eagerly waiting for their arrival. Once inside, Shunya gets a good look at Arbalest.
"It really does exist. It looks so much like it suits Sousuke. Especially his personality. Tough, durable and downright serious."
The competitors then race for the Arm Slaves, Devlin sneaks a look at Arbalest and lowly whistles. Once he reaches the M6, he grins and mounts up. Powering up it's systems, he sees the words 'Welcome guest' on the main screen. Grinning still, he unlocks the joints and prepares for the match.
When Sousuke gets onto Arbalest, he glances back at Kaname and nods his signal. Blushing, Kaname says, "Sousuke, there's no way an amateur can pilot a robot like that!"
"I'm not an amateur, Miss Chidori! In fact, I'm a Specialist!"
"Then go to it, my darling Specialist!" Sousuke nods and blushes at the same time as he leaps down into the cockpit. Kaname giggles and blushes as she returns to the sidelines.
She then shrugs as she says, "Had to find some way to inspire him to win. So, we decided on the night in Khanka, the first time I saw him pilot an Arm Slave. Only, I made a slight change to what I said that night."
Kalinin nods as he takes his position and says, "This match will determine the victor, although Sergeant Sagara has a lead by five points. There will be no gunfire, specialized equipment or Anti-Armor daggers. Instead, the combat style will be hand-to-hand. Once or if you go onto your back for any reason, including flipping the opponent over, the match is over and the last one standing wins. The M6 versus the ARX-7. Good luck to both contestants. Let the match begin!"
Inside Arbalest, Sousuke puts his limbs into the waldos and initiates start-up procedures.
"Sgt. Sousuke Sagara. B-3128."
"Welcome, Sgt. Sagara."
"Close hatch. Set controls to Mode 4. Bilateral angle is 3.5."
"Roger."
"Let's go, Al."
At that, both Arm Slaves come out of their corners and engage in hand-to-hand combat. In five minutes, Sousuke manages to gain leverage over the M6 and flip it over Arbalest's head. Devlin's M6 manages to right itself and land on it's feet.
With his arms and legs inside the waldos, Devlin starts his counterattack, intent on using the weight of the M6 against the ARX-7.
Sousuke nods in approval and maneuvers his waldos to sidestep Devlin and brings his arm out in a clothesline fashion. This knocks the M6 flat on it's back. It's agreed that it was the shortest match in A.S. competition history.
Stunned, Shunya asks, "Is clotheslining your opponent part of hand-to-hand combat?"
"In Sousuke's case, it's acceptable. Many times, an opponent will rush at you in order to defeat you. If you cannot go on your back, surprising, and often dirty, tactics are what work best. As long as I've known him, Sgt. Sagara has proven himself worthy of being with the SRT. Wouldn't you agree, Madam Captain?"
"Indeed I would, Mr. Kalinin. Mr. Chidori, despite the fact that Mr. Devlin lost, he shows potential in being recruited by Mithril. If I was in charge, I'd snap him up in a heartbeat. But, since my Command is restricted to the Tuatha de Danaan, the only thing I can do is submit his resume. Ultimately, it's up to the higher ups."
Shunya smiles the faintest of smiles, nods and says, "I find that to be acceptable, Madam Captain. I can only hope Sousuke's up to teaching the U.N.'s bodyguards a thing or two. It should be quite exciting to have him teaching the Diplomats as well."
Kaname smiles and brings out a radio, turning it on. She then hears the broadcaster talking about Detroit.
"In national news, Detroit, Michigan had a war of it's own yesterday. The Police, along with the residents of the Cadillac Heights neighborhood and 'Team Hawk', were able to stop a plan by the criminal organization, the Sho-Da-Kah. At last count, all members of the Splatter-Punks street gang, along with the Consul for the Chinese Consulate and the foot soldiers of the Sho-Da-Kah, had been killed by rounds from the weapons used against them. Two of 'Team Hawk's members, Street Hawk and War Bird, were instrumental in stopping the Sho-Da-Kah dead in their tracks. Oh, that's funny." The laughter can be heard as Kaname shuts off the radio.
She then shakes her head and starts to wonder if Mithril could use 'Team Hawk' within their ranks. She goes over to ask Tessa.
"Tessa, what do you think or know about 'Team Hawk'?"
"I don't really know much about them, Kaname. But, I have heard of them. We were on our way to China to extract Lily Mach when we heard that she had already been extracted. It's almost as if 'Team Hawk' was interested in her welfare, not just us. Almost like, she was family to them. Sgt. Sagara was to go solo into Chinese airspace with Arbalest, extract and bring Ms. Mach to us so we can get her to the Hague, as the crimes she was witness to were classified as crimes against humanity."
Kaname nods as she watches Sousuke hop down from Arbalest and go over to Devlin's M6, still flat on it's back. He opens the cockpit and brings Devlin out, a dazed grin on his face.
Devlin comes out of the daze, smiles and says, "Didn't see that one coming. You're a smooth one, Sousuke Sagara."
Sousuke nods and replies, "You weren't too shabby yourself, John Devlin. With a little more 'intense' training, you just might surpass me one day."
Devlin, getting up from the ground, nods and shakes Sousuke's hand, grinning and saying, "I look forward to it, Sousuke. I'll do you proud."
"I already am. For I met a competitor with a good sense of fair play when it comes to protection. However, in the future, avoid ritual things like Kevlar suits. They take up too much time to put on." Devlin laughs and slaps Sousuke on the back, walking away as he does so.
Kaname sees this, nods and thinks, 'I'll tell him tonight at dinner. He needs to know.' She then goes over to him, blushes and kisses him fully, saying, "I don't know about you, Sousuke, but I'm hungry. Watching you work builds up an appetite."
Sousuke nods and replies, "I am as well, Kaname. Shall we?" Kaname grins and takes his offered arm into hers and they both walk to the sidelines, where they see Devlin talking with Shunya and nodding in agreement.
Tessa then starts playing with her ponytail, comes up to them and says, "Congratulations, Sgt, Sagara. You gave everyone a good contest. In fact, you earned yourself a special award, for all that you've accomplished."
"Special award, Madam Captain?"
"Yes. Mithril High Command has decided to award you a medal, given that you are an exceptional Soldier. It's a new one, so it's not in the books yet. You might say it's like an achievement award of sorts. In fact, I'm about to make the announcement."
Rendered speechless, Sousuke stands stock still, prompting both girls to giggle and summon Kalinin and Kurz to pick him up and carry him into place.
When they're done, Tessa clears her throat and says, "Attention to orders. Sousuke Sagara, Sergeant of Mithril, is hereby awarded with this Medal of Dedication. Due to his many engagements in combat, years of experience, loyalty to comrades and skill, High Command has seen fit to award Sergeant Sagara with this Medal. To put the Medal around his neck will be Miss Kaname Chidori."
In shock, Kaname steps forward and accepts the Medal from the petite Captain. She then resonates, 'Thank you, Tessa.'
'Don't thank me, Kaname. Sousuke earned this. And also, High Command, along with the Legal and Finance Departments, thinks this will bring the mayhem Sousuke wreaks down onto everyone down considerably.'
'I wouldn't count on it.'
'Nor would I, as I have told them the same thing.' At that, both girls laugh and giggle before Kaname puts the Medal around Sousuke's neck.
When she's done, Kaname says, "I'm so proud of you, Sousuke. You've definitely earned a very special night." She then giggles at the sight of Sousuke's sweat and gently kisses him on the cheek.
At that, the helicopters power up, hoist the Arm Slaves and fly them out of the Stadium, engaging their ECS as they do so. As soon as the helicopters are out of sight, the group leaves the Stadium and return to the range. Once there, they set about repairing the damage done to the area and picking up the spent cartridges.
Sousuke and Kaname handle the cartridge pick-up while Devlin, Kurz and Melissa work on repairing the damage as best as they can. Ayame, Tessa, Shunya and Kalinin watch intently and nod in agreement. Today had indeed been a good day. They had a good competition, no one got hurt and Shunya is secretly pleased that his eldest daughter found a young man worthy of her affections.
When all the work is finished, they whistle in admiration. Not a single bit of brass was missed, all the target backgrounds used had been repaired. Of course, since the locker that Sousuke was with had been totally destroyed, they loaded it's remains into the dumpster. Andy is so in shock, Tessa reassures him that he'll be getting a new locker.
Kurz and Melissa exchange a hearty high-five before Kurz gets up to his usual antics and pinches Melissa's rear end. Melissa, in turn, belts Kurz and then knees him in the groin. This gives everyone a good chuckle as the group returns to the vehicles.
On the way back to the Chidori house, Sousuke looks over at Kaname and smiles at her proud smile. Kaname blushes and says, "I could get to like your smiles, Sousuke. Just, don't do anything weird or dangerous for a while. Okay? I don't want to lose you, Sousuke."
"I'll do what I can, Kaname. But, unfortunately however, life itself is weird and dangerous. In order to survive, you'd have to do weird and dangerous things."
Kaname laughs and says, "You're funny, Sousuke. You're also right. Life is weird and dangerous. You just gotta know where and how to find it. Or at least be able to avoid the weird and dangerous things."
"That's affirmative." At that, the vehicles reach the Chidori house and they all go inside to unwind after such an interesting competition.
Shunya, as he goes into the kitchen, asks, "Sousuke, would you like to learn how to cook?"
"Affirmative, Mr. Chidori. Shall I bring one of my weapons with me?" Sousuke follows Shunya into the kitchen, eager to learn.
"Uh, negative. You're on vacation right now, but you're still a bodyguard. Oh, what the heck? Go ahead and bring your Glock in. Who knows? It just might prove useful. Just so I know. What kind of bullets are in there?"
As he takes position at Shunya's side, he replies, "Rubber bullets, Mr. Chidori. It will not be a problem."
"I certainly hope not. I have some questions regarding Kaname. Does she hit you at times? She has a bit of a temper."
"Only rarely these days. I think she's getting used to my presence around her."
Shunya chuckles as he says, "Well, that's good. Now, for dinner tonight, I'll be doing Veal Parmesan with orange sauce. Now, you'll find the ingredients in the cabinet over there." He hands Sousuke the recipe list and Sousuke proceeds to get the ingredients. All while Kaname watches him, a warm smile on her face.
Shunya then asks, "Aren't your parents worried about you, Sousuke? I don't think they would have given Mithril permission to train you in being a soldier."
"They're dead, Mr. Chidori. They died helping the needy when Soviet troops came along and slaughtered the village. Believe it or not, sir, the Lt. Commander and I were once enemies. When we'd go up against each other, we'd do our best to kill the other. Then Gauron attacked a rebel base along with a pair of RK-92 Savages. There were no survivors among the bodies."
Stunned, Shunya asks, "How'd you two get to become allies? Get the shredded Parmesan Cheese if you please."
"We struck an uneasy partnership and vowed to bring Gauron down. The Lt. Commander was the decoy while I was the sniper. I shot Gauron in the head, but he survived because he had a titanium plate in his head from a previous injury. Also the shallow angle of the shot allowed him to live. After we thought he was dead, we became comrades. Here's the cheese you requested, Mr. Chidori."
"Please, call me Shunya."
"Understood, Shunya." He turns back and sees Kaname with tears in her eyes as she steps forward to wrap Sousuke in a hug.
"Sousuke, that must have been hard for you to go through that memory again." Before Sousuke can reply, she places her finger on his lips, causing him to kiss it softly. Kaname blushes at Sousuke's boldness and gives him a quick peck on his cheek.
She then returns to the living room to await the finest dinner for a celebration of a well-done competition. For two hours, they're eagerly waiting and they soon smell the aroma of a fine gourmet dish.
Sousuke comes in, bows and says, "Dinner is served."
At that, the crowd bolts into the dining area, trampling him onto the floor, eager to get a good seat. All except Kaname, as she picks her hero up from the floor and giggles at his dazed expression. At that, she brings him out of it with a kiss, full on the mouth. Sousuke returns the kiss as he comes out of the daze.
The two teens then go into the dining room and take their seats, with Sousuke sliding Kaname's chair in for her, surprising everyone, especially the two of them.
He leans down and whispers into her ear, "Just my way of showing how special you are to me." He takes a seat beside her, shrugs and adds, "It's a start at least."
Kaname blushes and nods at the sweet thought from Sousuke. They both then begin to eat, very carefully and wanting to savor every bite. Within thirty minutes, everyone else had already turned in for the evening, leaving the two teens alone.
Sousuke and Kaname are still eating side by side when he suddenly stiffens.
Kaname sees this and asks, "You all right?"
"Affirmative. Just had a weird feeling. It's not a problem."
"What kind of feeling, sweetie?"
"Like I have family somewhere. But, all the family I know of is dead, Kaname. Most perplexing, to be certain."
Kaname smiles and says, "Don't worry, Sousuke. If you like, we can check your family's names within the records of missionary groups. We can then find out if you have family or not."
She then leans closer to him and adds, "You've helped me with so much in my life. My Father included. This is my way of returning the favor, my charming and handsome protector and boyfriend."
At Sousuke's sweating and blush, she laughs and smothers him with kisses. She then looks into his steel-gray eyes with her chocolate-brown and softly whispers, "I'm ready. Are you?" Sousuke nods and the two lovebirds go into her room, spending the night with each other.
In China, deep within a compound, a man and a woman are watching the news when the man sees a familiar face, smiles and says, "Hello, Kashim."
He then sees the left cheek of the face and, exasperated from surprise, adds, "That's not Kashim. But, it looks so much like him."
The woman nods and says, "That's the same kind of face that removed the girl from the lab in Khanka, though. Do you suppose they're related somehow?" They then see the name of the face, causing the man to chuckle.
"Turn up the volume and let's see what Luke Sagara has to say." The woman nods and does so.
After a while, the man laughs richly and says, "Kashim has a cousin still alive and doesn't even know it. Just like the cousin doesn't know that Kashim is still alive. Those two have got to be 'reunited', Doctor. Wouldn't you agree?"
The woman nods as she and the man begin plotting the 'reunion' for the cousins that they had just learned about.
Author's Note: That's it for this chapter. Incidentally, this chapter ended the same way 'Kim Possible and Street Hawk: Diplomatic Immunity' did, yet that one had more at the end. If you want more details, please switch over to that story in particular. In the next chapter, Sousuke learns he has a living relative via watching the news on television. The group then goes to Detroit so they can meet him and try to reestablish a rapport. This goes on for six chapters. The rest of the story will take place with Sousuke and his relative parting ways as the group heads back to New York, for more romance and insanity.