The Whisperer
Disclaimer: "…"
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Chapter 20
"Long time no see…" Kaname's eyes slowly opened. She recognized the voice but could not place a face or a name. When she looked around all she saw was symbols, and words. "Oh no…"
Kaname looked around some more. Everything was just words, and symbols. She knew this feeling. She hated it. Hated that voice. She felt the awkward pull and loss of herself that she normally felt when she came here.
"Over here!" Kaname spun around quickly but saw nothing. Everything went white. She looked around all she could see was white. Finally she spotted something. It was a dark figure. She could not make out any details. Suddenly she was engulfed in words, symbols, lights, and darkness all at once. Then it was gone.
Kaname slowly opened her eyes. She took a second to let her eyes adjust before looking around. She felt sick but not too bad. She saw a table, medical equipment, some chairs, and a lamp. The room was a dark metallic color. She realized she was in a bed. She looked around some more. She stopped when she saw a familiar face.
"Sleep well?" Leonard was sitting with his legs crossed in a chair. He had a mug, and a magazine. He watched her as she slowly sat up.
"What…Where am I?" Kaname looked around the room once more.
Leonard looked a little worried with her question. "You don't recognize it. We're on the Tuatha de Danaan. You were brought here after you were caught in the flash of light."
Kaname held her head. She was remembering the incident. The flash of light that had almost killed her friends and her. Something stopped it though. Wait friends.
"How is Kyouko, and the others?" Kaname turned to Leonard.
He smiled. "They are under special care in a hospital. I don't know which one. They are receiving special care by Mithril, and being examined for any problems in their person. There are advantages to not being secret. We can watch over your friends freely. They'll be okay. Trust me."
Kaname was a bit skeptical to trust her old captor but it was not his organization. It didn't matter as long as her friends were all right. She leaned back onto the bed.
"Why are you here?" Kaname was annoyed. Of all people why did he have to be the one sitting there?
"I work here. Plus I wanted to watch over you and make sure you were okay personally. After all I did save you; I'd like to make sure you stayed alive." She was annoyed at the way he said that. He took too much pride in that little accomplishment.
'Sousuke would never be so…' Her thought ended when she thought about what happened. She had argued with Sousuke before. She decided she would give him a piece of her mind rather then wait for him to figure anything out. What bothered her was what Gauron said.
"Well if it isn't the Testarossa boy. Here to save Kaname-chan when Kashim isn't around again."
That really bothered her because it was true. It was under different circumstances the first time. The 'again' really bothered her. The fact that Sousuke wasn't around was a bit scary. But Leonard was bothering her more. He acted as if she owed him something for saving her. Sousuke would never act that way. Though he was being strange lately. Kaname closed her eyes.
"Thank you for saving us. I owe you that much. But I'll be alright you can go now."
Kaname opened one eye to look at him. He did not move he just sat there and read.
A small smile crept upon his face.
She was going to ask him about it but a nurse walked in then.
"Hello. Has Ms. Chidori woken yet?" the nurse was carrying a clipboard.
Kaname closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.
"Yes she is." Leonard went back to his magazine.
"You will need to leave while I check her. I will tell you when you can return. Why don't you find her something to eat while I examine her?"
"Okay." Leonard rose then exited the room. He smiled at Kaname once more before he closed the door.
"Ms. Chidori."
Kaname slowly rose to a sitting position. "Hi doc." She sounded sullen.
"I just need to check your condition. How do you feel?" The nurse disregarded the doc part. "A little sick but not as bad as when I woke up."
"I see." She didn't ask anything else as she checked Kaname's blood pressure, temperature, throat, ears, and nose.
"You seem to be okay. Perhaps all you need is rest. I will tell the doctor. You can rest now if you want." The nurse cleared up the equipment wrote something else down on the clipboard then left the room.
Kaname slowly lay back down. She was about to fall asleep when Leonard walked in.
"I brought some sliced fruit. I didn't think you would want anything that was too much so early."
Kaname rose to sit again. She was hungry. Maybe if she was nice to him he would leave when she asked. He pulled the small table attached to the bed so that it was in front of her. He placed down a glass of water and the bowl of fruit. She slowly picked up a piece of apple. She placed it in her mouth then swallowed.
"Would you like me to feed you?" Leonard smiled again. She was going to smack him if he thought it really worked.
"No thank you I can feed myself. If I need to be fed I'll call…" Suddenly Kaname remembered her phone. She could call Sousuke now. She didn't want to yesterday. Now it seemed like a good idea.
"Did you guys maybe get my phone?"
Leonard looked confused. "Phone. No why? If you need to make a call I'm sure you could use one on board."
"It needs to be my phone. I'm not sure if the one onboard will reach." Kaname also did not want Sousuke's number officially put down on the ships log.
"Can you get Kurz or Melissa for me?" Kaname smiled at him. She hoped that would get her what she wanted from him. Not only would he leave. But someone else could be here when he returned.
Leonard was once again confused. He could not resist her smile though.
"Okay, I'll be back."
Kaname would have jumped for joy if she wasn't so tired. She was glad that the smile worked. There was no way in hell she would be using any other smiles. Especially any she had reserved for Sousuke.
--
-Oil platform-
It was a horrible night. He patched up a wound as best he could. He had been injured by a piece of metal that flew through when the spear struck. The bandage was not very good but it worked for now. He had gotten a flashlight and searched the platform. It started raining then. He doubted anything he could use would be here. He doubted it even more when he saw the destruction of the battle. He was able to scavenge a few parts from his enemies' arm-slaves but it was not much. Also he did not have the proper materials to remove a lot of things he could use. He decided to search the facilities for tools but found none. He vomited blood 2 times last night. He was hoping it was just another defect rather than an internal injury. He resumed his search in the morning. He could not find anything. He couldn't get his AS to move again so getting the extra parts off the others that way wasn't possible. He tried fixing it with what he did get, and what else he could find. He was hoping he could repair it enough to get it moving so he could take the parts. He wasn't so lucky. He didn't get any sleep last night. Instead he spoke with Al. His anger at Kaname had subsided. He realized he would have regretted dieing and leaving her on that note. He went under the platform and over it. He could not find anything. It was almost 3 in the afternoon now. He spent most of his time searching and re-searching. He checked every nook and cranny but found nothing. This abandoned platform was cleaned out good. He tried to get parts that had blown off the V-2 but none of those worked either. He used guns and grenades to remove some extra parts from the Valkery arm-slaves but could still get nothing. He tried fixing his arm-slave multiple times but nothing worked. He had taken too much damage. He should have taken the parts before he turned off the AS. Now the only thing that worked was the system that let him speak to Al. It was still raining it hadn't stopped once. It had gotten worse. He now sat in his arm-slave out of the rain. The rain didn't bother him. In fact it was welcome right now. It would hide them a bit more. Plus the rain was always useful on stealth missions. It blocked out noises, and let enemies pass off noises or visual contacts as something else. Yes the rain was good. It was just bad when you got inside.
"Sir how long do you plan on trying to fix this AS? We do not have the proper equipment or parts. It will not move so you cannot use it to retrieve parts either. Would this situation be considered FUBAR?"
"The situation with the arm-slave yes. Our situation is not FUBAR."
"Well what happened when we got here yesterday was a real SNAFU."
"Yes Al now stop that please."
"Stop what?" Al sounded innocent. He really didn't know what was wrong though.
"Stop using military terms to explain things."
"But they say what I mean quick and easy. I checked them out in my system while you were out searching."
Sousuke looked up as a line of light ran through the machine. "Al do you have proper knowledge of what those words mean, and how to use them? Or are you just reading them off your files?"
"Sir if they are in files they would have to come with definition, and grammar. I expected you to know this."
Sousuke let his head fall back. Al could be a real pain sometimes. Sousuke grinned as his head rested back. Suddenly he remembered something. The signal for danger at the hotel had gone off. He had ignored it because he could not get back. Now he really couldn't get back. He regretted leaving. He had no idea if anyone was safe or if they were all dead. He hoped it hadn't been Gauron again. He felt a rush of anxiety. He was worried for Kaname, and the others. Now he felt horrible. He was stupid for coming out here. He really worried about Kaname. Just because he was paranoid did not mean he wasn't right.
He punched the wall inside the cockpit. He almost shot his gun when something fell on his lap. He looked down to see it was his cell-phone. He was ready to take 10 million slaps of the harisen for his stupidity. He picked up the phone and began to dial Kaname's number. He stopped when it rang, and read Melissa's name. Now was not a good time but he could speak to her anyways.
"Sagara speaking."
"SOUSUKE!" Sousuke pulled the phone from his ear. He quickly put it back when he realized who it was.
"Chi…Kaname. How are you? Is everyone okay, I got a message signaling danger last night?" Sousuke sounded calm despite the speed of his questions. He took a deep breath. Suddenly he realized she had Melissa's phone.
"Excuse me, but why are you using Melissa's phone?" He waited for an answer but never received one. He heard laughing on the other end.
Kaname was annoyed. He had done so well asking to see if everyone was alright. He could have done better but that wasn't bad. But he never knows when to stop while he's ahead. He had to question what phone she was on. The phone was a bit louder than most allowing other people in the room to hear it so the laughing was not unusual. Leonard was not pleased that she had called Sousuke but he loved the way the ex-sergeant made mistakes with her. Kaname took a deep breath before answering
"Sousuke I'm fine, the others are fine. We were attacked last night…" She heard him wince on the other end.
"But Mithril came and saved us. It was Gauron as you probably guessed. We can talk about all that later, after I scold you, for now how are you?"
"I'm fine. I entered battle but have suffered no serious injuries."
"Sir you are bleeding out of your wound why did you not…"
Kaname heard a loud thud on the other end.
Sousuke punched the cockpit. Al really did talk too much.
"Please ignore Al."
"Sousuke are you hurt?"
"Uh…"
"Well." Kaname was tapping her finger on the table in front of her.
"Uh…"
"Sousuke are you hurt?" Kaname sounded worried. "Did you take brain damage and you lost you ability to speak? Was that bang your head? It sounded less hollow then I know your head to be soldier."
"Negative. That was not my head. You are correct in assuming I am injured. I am not hurt badly however."
"Sir you are bleeding on the seat."
"Al."
"Yes sir?"
"Shut up."
"Yes sir."
Kaname took a moment to think about what she was hearing. That conversation sounded too strange and casual.
"Sousuke where are you?"
"I cannot tell you that."
"Sousuke you promised."
"My promise had nothing to do with…"
"Then do it out of courtesy jerk!" Kaname pulled the phone so she could scream directly into it. When she put the phone back to her ear all she could hear was a long uh.
"I am stuck on an oil platform north of Europe. My arm-slave took a severe amount of damage and had been rendered inoperable. I have tried to repair it but lack the proper material or parts." Kaname didn't notice as Melissa reached over, and took the phone.
"Did you say you were in a fight on an oil rig north of Europe?"
"Correct. I came here yesterday I have been here since."
"We're heading over there just stay put we'll be there in a few hours. Can you survive that long?"
"Affirmative."
"Ok well I'm gonna put Kaname back on don't waste my minutes."
"But Mao you have no minutes the phone is specially designed on a special connection. You have no reason to worry."
"Jeez Sousuke your no fun." Melissa returned the phone before he could say anything else.
"Sousuke."
"Yes Kaname."
"We need to talk."
Kurz leapt for the phone. "Sousuke buddy those words mean death she's going to drop you, don't do it!" Kaname smashed Kurz over the head with a nearby vase.
"I am not going to dump Sousuke idiot. We just need to talk. It's none of your business anyways." Kurz clawed at the bed as Melissa started dragging off. "Be careful buddy!"
"Understood."
Kaname heard him.
"What is it you understand Sousuke?" Her voice was sinister and sweet at the same time.
"Uh. Merely that I should be careful when speaking to you about dumping me."
"Were you listening to anything I said?"
"Affirmative you wish to speak. Kurz interpreted it as you wishing to dispose of me."
"Sousuke."
"You do not wish to remove me from what I heard you say."
"Good boy." She would have patted his head had he been there.
"We can talk later I'm tired so I need a nap. Hopefully no one will be here to disrupt me."
Kaname was hoping Leonard received her message.
"See you later Sousuke."
"Goodbye Kana…" Kaname listened as the line went dead. She swore she heard a weird slicing sound in the background.
"Sousuke…" no response.
"Melissa I think Sousuke's in trouble." Melissa took back her phone and listened.
"You sure he didn't just hang up?"
"I heard a sword noise I think."
"I'll go have Tessa check it out I'll get back to you later you should rest now. I'll call him back see if he answers for now… Everyone OUT!" Kurz, and Lilliane walked out of the room.
"You too mister." Melissa looked at Leonard. He kissed Kaname's hand before exiting.
Melissa watched as he walked by her. "He's sweet." She sounded smug.
Kaname laid back annoyance obvious on her features. "Yeah too sweet."
Melissa gave a quick wave before she closed the door.
Sousuke jumped back as the phone was pierced by the small knife. He drew up his
STP-60 and looked for his opponent. He was standing right there in front of him. He had light blonde hair that was only a little long. It reached halfway down his neck. He had yellow eyes, and wore a tight black muscle shirt. His pants were some kind of European design. They were an almost black blue. They had a strange design and fell into dark brown boot that reached halfway up his calf.
"Hello Sousuke. Long time no see." He casually walked up to him. Sousuke noticed the sword attached to his hip.
"Col…"
"I see you remember me. Good." He stopped about three feet from Sousuke.
"Still using guns I see."
"They are more efficient in long ranged combat."
Col threw his head back and laughed.
"Who needs a gun to do that, besides swords are better close up, and you never run out of ammo." He lowered his head. "Let me show you."
Sousuke lifted his gun to block the strike but the weapon was cut perfectly in half. Sousuke threw the broken weapon. He knew nothing would work against that sword. It was sharp enough to cut by simply touching it with the lightest of pressure. He only had one weapon that could hit it without breaking. That would be a last resort.
"See your guns are useless. You have 10 seconds to prepare yourself." He watched as Sousuke ran to his AS. He loaded up weapons and ammo onto his person.
"Sir your luck is horrible."
"Shut up Al." He grabbed a knife from overhead in a compartment of his cockpit. He loaded it into a satchel. He stepped out of the AS.
"9 seconds not bad." Col chuckled.
Sousuke fired off a round from his shotgun. Col moved in an instant. "Too slow." Sousuke barely dodged his slash to his face. Sousuke stepped to the side when another slash came his way. He turned to see the large pole behind him begin to fall. He ducked and fired when Col slashed again. Col easily blocked every bullet despite the spread of the shotgun. They both stumbled slightly when the pole smashed into the floor.
"Come on. This is pathetic coming from you." Col then noticed the blood dripping from Sousuke's side.
"I see you're injured. But you're healing quite well. Faster then anyone should. You should have bled to death by now. Let's fix that." He took up a draw position. Anyone else wouldn't have seen it with the speed of the attack but he drew his blade attacked and returned it in an instant. The wave tore through the pouring rain. Sousuke rolled under the attack. He clenched his teeth when his shoulder released a clean line of blood.
"Almost. Try again. Why don't you fight the right way? Show me some respect." He slashed again. Sousuke moved to the side. He barely dodged that slash. He listened as a corner of the building behind him slipped off.
"I see your getting used to it." He slashed three more times.
Sousuke easily dodged each one. He pulled out a rocket launcher and fired. Col grabbed the rocket in his hand and turned it. "Nice try but you're still being disrespectful." He released the rocket. Sousuke kicked the rocket to side. It impacted a large tower.
"Don't move." Sousuke pulled out a 12-gauge.
"That won't work." Col grinned. Sousuke watched as he prepared to block another shot. Sousuke watched the tower fall directly on him. Sousuke pulled out 3 grenades and threw them. Sousuke watched the three explosions. The debris of the tower shot up.
"You're still an underhanded bastard. Show some honor!" Col leapt from the destroyed remains.
"Things such as honor and pride can get you killed in battle."
"Yes but honor is what justifies your purpose, is why you save your friends and do your job."
"Negative." Sousuke fired another shot. It was easily blocked. "Then prepare to die."
Col was hardly visible as he dashed towards Sousuke. He leapt over him and fired at his turned back. He quickly dodged then leapt in the air. He launched three waves from his sword. Sousuke dodged each one. The floor behind him fell down. Sousuke switched to a Tmp. He continued firing. Col span his blade blocking the onslaught of bullets.
"For shame. You make me sick. I can't believe Schneider wants to see you. Scum."
"Schneider does not matter. If he wishes to see me he can speak to me personally instead of sending others."
"He wishes to keep you in good spirits. Though by your performance you are not doing well."
"What did you want here why did you send these arm-slaves?"
Col looked over at the destroyed machines.
"They are not ours."
"I see. Well you are right. Currently I cannot defeat you with my weapons. I will do it your way this time. Like Tsubaki there is a strange elegance to your style of fighting." Sousuke unloaded all his weapons. He pulled out the knife he had taken from the compartment earlier. The blade was about a foot long.
"Finally." Col swung his blade again releasing another wave tearing apart the droplets of rain. Sousuke tipped the wave with his blade sending it in another direction.
"Good." They lunged at each other. A wave broke out when their blades clashed.
"See an arm-slave is not the only powerful weapon." Col smiled then tossed Sousuke back. He slashed again as Sousuke flew back. Blood shot from his other shoulder.
Sousuke slammed against another building. He coughed up blood then regained his balance. He blocked another wave that had come at him.
"Please this is not enough. It's too weak even for you."
Sousuke was breathing hard. The TDD-1 would be there in a few hours. He couldn't hold on that long but he doubted he could defeat his opponent in his condition. Col suddenly appeared in front of him.
"Resting." He slashed upwards. Sousuke blocked it with the blade but was sent up anyway. He flipped and watched as Col launched more attacks. Sousuke bounced with every slash he blocked.
Sousuke pulled out his gun and fired. Col was distracted with his attack. He winced when the bullets entered his right arm.
He looked at the blood dripping from his arm. "I see. You still play it your way. Attempting to disable my arm." He watched as Sousuke landed. He was barely standing bleeding badly, and exhausted.
"We will finish this later. I will tell Schneider what you said. Before I go I would like to speak to you. Tell me, before people were surprised that things such as arm-slaves existed. Now we're attacking each other as though it were a movie. Can you explain such things?" Sousuke had only one eye open. He leaned against the wall as he watched his opponent. "I cannot say for sure. The lambda driver has many affects on pilots. Being whispered is more then just a process of the mind. You have manipulated it differently."
"Yes. Many martial arts came from whispered didn't they?"
"Yes though they were not aware of their condition. Nowadays the mind is the only source of whispered power being used."
"That is sad. You seem to manipulate such things well but you are not whispered."
"I am a different case."
"Yes. How does that feel?"
"It's not a problem."
Col grinned. "You are very stubborn."
"It is necessary."
"Have you explained the situation to anyone else?"
"Negative."
"I see. You should some time. It's very fascinating the way things have changed."
"Affirmative."
"Well it's raining pretty badly. I should be going. Don't forget to practice."
Col bowed before vanishing in a gust of wind. He sighed. That conversation was pointless. He pushed himself off the wall. Sousuke limped, and stumbled all the way back to his AS. He collected his weapons as he went.
"Sir you did horrible. His skills remind me of this anime I watched once."
"…"
"Sousuke…"
"Shut up Al."
Sousuke walked in the direction he believed his phone had gone. It was easy to find. The small blade was still stuck inside. He pulled the blade from his phone. He examined both items before returning to his AS. He put his blade back in the compartment. Using all this extra force really worked on the body. His wounds would heal slower than usual.
"You should rest."
"You are correct. I am very tired." Sousuke shifted the seat in his cockpit so that he could lie back. He felt the blood trickle down his body and begin to pool in his seat. His side wound had opened up. He grabbed something blue from another compartment.
"Sir what is that?"
"What is what Al?"
"That small blue dolphin in your hand. If I am correct."
"A gift."
Sousuke closed his eyes. He really did need to rest. "Al, wake me if anyone comes near us."
"Roger."
Sousuke closed his eyes as he slowly fell unconscious.
--
-Tuatha de Danaan-
Kaname was finally up and about. She decided to help clean the sub while she was here. She needed something to do, to get her body going. She was glad to meet some of the new staff members.
"Kaname…" Leonard walked into the hangar.
'Oh no he found me…' Kaname continued to mop the floor.
"Hi Leonard." She sounded displeased. Leonard stepped in front of her.
"Why didn't you tell me you were up? Why are you cleaning? There is no poi…"
"I don't need to tell you anything. If I want to get up and go I will. I'm cleaning because I feel like it." Kaname shot air from her nose before continuing her cleaning. Leonard grabbed the mop, and pulled her close.
"You don't need to help these people. Come let us go. We can catch up on old times."
"Not interested." She pulled the broom back and began mopping again. Leonard was about to speak again when Kurz popped in.
"Hey angel Tessa wants to talk to you."
"Okay." Kaname handed Leonard the mop before walking off. Leonard turned towards Kurz a surprised look on his face.
"How ya doing?" Kurz waved two fingers before walking away himself.
Kaname stopped when she saw Melissa. She was wearing an outfit similar to Tessa's.
"Uh. Melissa." Melissa turned towards Kaname.
"Hi Kaname. The outfit is for my rise in rank though I usually wear the basic SRT uniform most of the time anyway. I've been wearing this for awhile. I'm surprised Sousuke never told you about how much I hated this outfit."
Their conversation lasted a few minutes more before they each continued opposite directions down the hallway.
She stopped when she came to Tessa's door. She knocked lightly on the metallic door.
"Come in." She heard Tessa's voice allow her entrance.
"Hi Tessa." Kaname closed the door behind her when she entered.
"How are you Kaname, would you like some tea?" Tessa had already begun pouring another cup.
"Sure. I'm fine but how are you?" She took her cup from Tessa.
"We are doing much better. I heard from the doctor you were probably just sick from being hit by a small amount of the lambda driver's waves. You should be alright. Your friends are already up and going." She sipped her tea.
"That's great. How long before we reach Sousuke?"
"It should be another hour. I'm trying to go as fast as possible. We're actually quite fortunate he is there so we can ask him what happened."
"Yeah but I heard something. I think he might be in danger."
"That is one of the reason we are hurrying. For some reason our satellites cannot get a picture of the area." Tessa took another sip.
"Well I'm okay. I'm just worried about Sousuke. How had it been since you returned to Mithril?"
Tessa coughed when a small amount of tea when down the wrong way.
"Heh. I am on probation. I will be stuck here at least another week and a half. It's not so bad everyone is still so kind."
"Cool."
"How did you return go?"
"Well except for Sousuke it went well. He went through a lot of trouble to keep things set up for me. Despite being a military otaku with explosions everywhere he goes he can be really sweet."
"Yes I know and he's gotten so strong. His muscles felt very powerful when I hugged him after he saved us." Tessa smiled. She was unaware of Kaname's relationship with Sousuke. Despite some recent events she still had feelings for Sousuke.
"I guess. I mean he doesn't take his shirt off much anymore. I get to hold him a lot though. He likes that." Kaname grinned back.
"Yes well I'm sure he won't mind when I'm off probation. In fact I will give him a nice hug when we see him."
"A hug. Okay. You do that. I'm sure he'll appreciate that. I'm not sure he'll do much though."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing."
"You mean something."
"No nothing just Sousuke likes to poke me when I hug him. Let's see if you get the same reaction."
"Poke, why would he poke me?"
"Exactly."
"Huh?"
"You can do what you want when you see him."
"I'm sure he would stay if I asked him. Aside from that he said I could call him when I needed or wanted him."
"I don't need to call he comes on his own."
Tessa was finding it hard to counter that one.
"I'm sure if he had opportunity he would come by, other wise I guess he's stuck with just you."
'That was low.'
"Yes just me. That's all he seems to want. Unlike when you came over he doesn't go all paranoid and crazy when I sleep with him." There it was, her bomb.
"Sl-sleep with him. You two do that?" Tessa looked shocked more than worried or hurt.
"Woah slow down not like that." Kaname held her hands up in defense.
"Oh well yes, that was because of the circumstances I'm sure things would be much smoother next time."
"They better be for his sake."
"Yes."
Both girls eyed each other as they drank their tea. Lightning flew from their glares.
"Well I must go to the captain's chair. I will see you later. You can use Sagara's old room while you are here." Tessa nodded then stood and exited the room. She knew Kaname was familiar with the sub so she did not mind leaving her alone. Kaname looked around the room. It didn't look very different from before. She walked around a bit examining all the small details. She stopped when she came to a picture. She was sure this was the picture that Tessa kept her from seeing before. Kaname looked around once to see if anyone was watching. Once she was sure the coast was clear she lifted the frame. She smiled when she saw the picture. It did not please her that Tessa had such a picture with Sousuke or that she herself did not know the secret of their day at the beach but it didn't bother her. Tessa deserved happiness. So did she though. She knew Tessa would probably still push for Sousuke but she knew he wouldn't change his decision. She put the picture frame back down and headed for the door. When she opened it she was face to face with a red haired man.
"Hi is Tessa here?" Mac peaked into the room.
Kaname looked at him once before answering.
"No she just left. She went to the bridge."
"Oh I see. Thank you. I'm Mac by the way." He held out his hand. She smiled and briefly shook his hand.
"Kaname Chidori."
"Nice to meet you." Mac turned and started towards the bridge.
Kaname walked down another path. She needed a bath a good one.
"Ow!" Kaname rubbed her forehead. She looked up to find Melissa.
"Hey Kaname." Melissa held out her hand to help her up.
"Thanks. I was just heading towards the bath."
"Good so was I. I just need to pick something up first." Kaname and Melissa walked down the hallway. "Oh yeah Sousuke hasn't called back."
--
-Oil platform-
"I'm done." Sousuke finished patching up the rest of his wounds. He couldn't sleep for long or stay unconscious so he figured he'd at least make sure he was okay. When he finished he put his suit back on.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Negative, but I am not feeling worse. I will be alright. I just hope Chidori does not have her fan."
"I see. Is there anything you would like to talk about sir? A joke maybe."
"Negative Al. I do not wish to speak for now. I will oblige you another time perhaps."
He would need to clean the cockpit. He would need a mop first to clear the blood, and water. He was lucky he hadn't lost consciousness completely. Now he just lay in his cockpit. He would be picked up soon he hoped.
"Al check if the Tuatha de Danaan has entered radio proximity."
"Roger."
Al used a little of the remaining power to see if he could get a signal out.
"This is… … Tuatha de……Naan who……is….….speaking."
Sousuke clicked a button activating his radio.
'This is Sousuke Sagara. Ex-sergeant of Mithril. I believe you are on your way to this platform. What is the ETA?"
"5 minutes. We're going to surface, and…"
"Excuse me but what are you doing?" Sousuke heard Mardukas on the other end. For some reason the signal was perfect now.
"Captain!"
"Why are you giving away such information without permission?"
"Sir it's Sagara."
"I will let it go this time because of his efforts for Mithril but you better be careful. Sagara!"
"Yes sir!" Sousuke saluted out of habit though no one but Al could see him.
"We are sending a chopper for extraction. I expect you will explain what happened."
"Yes sir but you will need arm-slave lift capable helicopters as well."
"Fine. We'll see you then."
"Roger." Sousuke disconnected the line.
"What now sir?"
"Now we wait."
--
-Tuatha de Danaan-
The helicopter landed, and the hangar doors closed. Kaname watched as the blades of the helicopter slowed. Sousuke was inside this one. The AS teams, and other helicopters were sent out already. Sousuke had given instruction on handling his AS. Al would make sure no one got inside it.
The blades finally stopped. Kaname stepped closer as the door was thrown open. Relief spread through her body when she saw the disheveled young man. He walked slowly as he stepped out of the helicopter. She walked over to him. He walked perfectly fine just a little slower then usual. She stopped in front of him. She looked at his tired face. He was wet. His hair stuck to his face.
"Hi Sousuke. Need some help?"
"Negative. I will be fine."
Kaname remember hearing Al mention wounds over the phone. She knew Sousuke would not want to be tended too by strangers or in public. She grabbed his arm and pulled him along. He didn't pay attention as he just let himself be pulled along. Kaname was glad Tessa had to stay on the bridge, also she was glad Kurz, and Melissa had to be away. Despite having just relaxed with Melissa now she wanted to check on Sousuke. She stopped when she reached his old door.
"This is…" He was stopped short when Kaname pushed him inside. She looked out around outside before closing, and locking the door.
When she turned Sousuke had resigned to sitting on the edge of the bed.
'Okay take it off…" Kaname felt really awkward just ordering him to remove his clothes. Her face turned somewhat red.
"But Kaname…" Sousuke looked at her with his tired expression. Kaname's face softened.
"Look I just want to check if you're all right. I promise you can rest afterwards. I'm still tired myself."
Sousuke said nothing more as he removed the tight suit. Kaname turned a deeper red as she watched him remove it. He wore a black suit under it. She watched as he unzipped it. He stopped halfway.
"Kaname I must apologize for my actions earlier. I should not have treated you that way. It was my fault for allowing you to come. It was therefore my responsibility to protect you no matter what the circumstances. I should not have blamed you for your actions. I'm sorry." Kaname walked over and sat next to him. She took his hand in hers.
"I forgive you. I also apologize for not doing the right thing, and getting in trouble. I shouldn't have come, I should have also left when you said so. I was just worried, scared, and surprised all at once. I'm sorry too."
"It's not a problem."
Kaname hugged Sousuke. He turned red then hugged her back.
"Kaname I am wet. You should not be doing that." Sousuke turned full red when she pulled away. Her shirt had soaked through. Sousuke looked away he faces color obvious. Kaname looked confused a moment then looked down at her shirt.
"Jeez Sousuke you just got back."
Kaname watched as he shifted uncomfortably.
"Something wrong soldier." Kaname grinned.
"May I finish removing my outfit in a few moments."
Kaname blushed. "Yeah sure."
Sousuke looked uncomfortable as he sat next to Kaname. He kept his body bent forward his hand resting on his knees.
"What happened?"
Kaname looked confused. "What happened with what?"
"When Gauron attacked yesterday."
"Oh." Kaname knew he would not be pleased. He would probably scold himself.
"Well while you were gone Gauron and a bunch of other guys attacked us. Mithril destroyed the other guys. When Gauron was about to kill us…Leonard saved us." Kaname did not want to tell him what Garon said. "We were hurt slightly we fell unconscious I got kinda of sick. It's not a big deal really you were busy. Don't blame yourself Sousuke."
"But I have to. He came because of me right? I left out of anger I took the mission so easily rather then thinking of what could happen while I was away. I should not have made that mistake. What if you died? I would not have liked that. Especially if I may have hurt your feelings when it happened." Sousuke lowered his head. Kaname felt bad as she watched him. He has a huge chip on his shoulder. She hated that he felt he had to do so many things. But that's one of the reasons he was great. Kaname wrapped her arms around him. He took a deep breath as he felt her warmth. He sat completely up before pulling her off. "Thank you. You are a kind person. I do not deser…"
Kaname placed her finger to his lips. He looked at her finger then at her. She had a serious expression on her face.
"Yes you do deserve it…"
"But Kaname I did not say what I do not deserve."
"Sousuke." She gritted her teeth as she said his name.
"Yes Kaname."
"Shut up, and kiss me. Then you have to finish undressing."
"Uh."
"Now SOLDIER!"
"Yes ma'am." Sousuke rose and saluted.
"Sousuke how are you going to do that all the way up there. Unless you want me to kiss your friend there."
"Uh negative." Sousuke lowered him self to eye level with Kaname. He looked over her face. Her blue hair, her large brown eyes, her perfect lips.
Sousuke placed his hand under Kaname's chin. Their faces turned red as he brought his face closer. They slowly closed their eyes as their lips met. It was a gentle kiss. Soft yet full of emotion. Sousuke slowly lifted Kaname never letting the connection break. He embraced her as they kissed. She raised her hands to wrap around his neck. After about 30 seconds Kaname broke the kiss. "Strip now mister."
Sousuke turned away as he finished removing the garment. He wore nothing but dark grey boxers underneath. Kaname blushed. This was the first time she was able to see him in good light without his full clothes since he returned. She would look at him later now she needed to check his wounds. She walked around checking where he had placed bandages. She cringed when she saw the blood that had seeped onto each one.
"Sousuke." She led him to the chair and grabbed a medical box out from under his old desk. She tried her best not to question him as she removed and cleaned the shoulder wounds. She applied fresh bandages after that. She couldn't hold her tongue when she saw his side wound.
"What happened? This is deep. You might need stitches." She looked up at his face. He stared at her his blank expression on his face.
"I made a mistake in combat. I will heal…" Sousuke looked away. "It's not a problem."
Kaname bandaged up the wound then pressed it with her finger.
"Ow Kaname that hurt…"
"I know. Now I can apologize." Kaname pressed against him to lower him onto the bed. He laid back but kept his hands away.
"Kaname may I dress first?" Kaname felt a strange push on her lower areas. She blushed then slyly smiled.
"A little excited after battle."
"Uh."
"Haven't pumped your shotgun."
"Uh."
"Would you like to shoot soldier?"
"Uh."
Kaname laughed as she rose off him. "Ok Sousuke you can get dressed. Here I got you these."
Sousuke took the SRT uniform, and put it on. He was sweating through the whole thing.
He sat next to Kaname. He smiled feeling better that everything was ok. Kaname returned his smile. He kissed her again before lying on the bed.
"I need to rest to heal better."
"I am supposed to rest too so I'll join you."
Kaname lied down and snuggled close to Sousuke. Just because she forgave him did not mean she forgot what she had said earlier about fixing herself. Sousuke pulled the cover over them then placed his arms around her. Kaname partially hoped that Tessa, or Leonard walked in. Preferably both. That would probably end a lot of problems. They both felt better then they had in the past day. She tucked her head under his chin. He held her as close as he could.
"It's not a problem."
--