The Whisperer
Disclaimer:"…"
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Chapter 21
"…" Mac stared in awe at the machines in front of him. There they were the 2 destroyed Valkery type arm-slaves, and remnants of the other. He was greatly disgusted when he saw it. The black AS from the images that was said to be their only opponent was there as well. He couldn't take his eyes off the damaged arm-slave. At least the battle hadn't been easy. Mac was very displeased. He heard something about the pilot loading onto the Tuatha de Danaan, which meant he was an ally. That meant no revenge. At least not now. Mac clenched is fist, and turned away from the arm-slaves. He had to know who it was. He had to find out who killed his pilots, his friends. He had to find out without anyone getting suspicious. They had been loaded for about 1hour now just moving around the area. Tessa would be able to roam around the TDD-1 one soon. He knew they would be getting a report from the survivor. He would find out then. He needed a drink first. He decided the bar would be a good place to visit despite his being underage. Mac headed towards one of the hangar exits. He opened the door to exit.
"Eeek!"
He turned to find Tessa grounded. Despite his mood he walked over to her. "Need some help?" He smiled as he held out his hand.
"Oh…thank you." Tessa reached for his hand. She was instantly pulled to her feet. She looked up at Mac. Despite his attempt at trying to keep his sorrow hidden Tessa caught on.
"Is something wrong? You look upset." Tessa brushed off her blouse before looking back at him. His face had not changed. He still had on a fake smile.
"No nothing you need to worry about."
Tessa's face looked sad. He couldn't help it. He did not like seeing her face like that. He was beginning to understand why the crew liked her so much. Seeing her upset was almost unacceptable.
"That's no fair you know…"
Tessa smiled when she understood what he meant.
"Some of my friends died yesterday. Not great friends but good friends. I'm still a little shaken up." Mac rolled his shoulders trying to relax them.
Tessa bit the back of her index finger. She hoped she hadn't made him feel worse or done anything to offend him.
"Is there anything I can do? Would you like a break or temporary leave?"
Mac sighed. Both those options didn't sound too bad but he couldn't do that for multiple reasons.
"No. Besides if I leave I doubt I'll be allowed to come back. Especially if Mardukas's looks are any indication of anything." Mac chuckled thinking about all the glares he'd received.
Tessa lightly laughed. She loved Mardukas like a father. A crazy over-protective one. She knew his habits well, so hearing about one of his actions towards another young male made her laugh. Rather then bother her like when she first noticed it.
"We need to speak to Sagara to get a detailed report about what happened on the platform. Let's go since no one's here I'm heading to the interrogation room now."
Mac raised an eyebrow.
"Interrogation room? Didn't you say he was an ally? Why does he need to be interrogated?"
"Well all available rooms and offices can't be used right now. He agreed earlier so it's okay. Besides afterwards he agreed to fill out a report so it won't be long. Just some questions then he can go."
Mac nodded. He wanted to see this man who defeated three arm-slaves by himself.
"Let's go grab some breakfast first." Tessa smiled before leading Mac down the hall. He had to catch her after another fall.
-
He heard a low moan, and the rustling of sheets behind him. He listened as the bed was being patted. He continued to type as she lifted her head in search of him. When she turned and found him sitting down she wrapped the covers around herself and closed her eyes.
"Sousuke why are you up?" Her voice was groggy, but still sweet. It had to be the late morning not that it mattered down here. She was probably still tired from her ordeal.
"I need to type up this report, and get cleared so I will be free." He returned to typing on the laptop on the desk. Truthfully he had found it impossible to sleep. He did for about two minutes before he was forced awake. He was sweating non-stop and worried. He could sleep like that in their apartments but not on a submarine where anyone had access to the room. He decided to slip out and work on his report while she slept. Luckily she hadn't woken until now. He listened to her light breathing as he typed, indicating that she was asleep again. He had redone the report a million times trying to keep out unnecessary details and keep in details that would make this simpler. He did not work for Mithril anymore so they were not privy to everything, also he did not feel like putting in his argument with Kaname, he did mention Gauron though. He finally finished then sent the report. He had something he wanted to do later. While they were still around the platform, and planning to surface later he could. He closed the laptop, and took a deep breath. It had taken him much longer than it should have but he had done it just right. He was ready to relax now but he still had things to do. His arm-slave won't fix itself. He was instantly alert when he felt two arms wrap around him. He was about to reach for his gun but quickly realized who it was. He leaned his head back into the embrace. Kaname rested her head against his as she held him.
"Good afternoon Chidori."
Kaname opened her eyes to look at his.
"That's one."
Sousuke was confused at this point. "One what Chidori?"
"That's two."
"I still do not understand. Maybe I should ask the captain for reference on this seeing as you two are both the same age almost exactly."
"That's three."
"Chidori?"
She lifted her head, and dropped to sit on the bed. "Repeat Sousuke."
"You mean repeat Chidori?"
"That's five."
He stayed quiet and just looked at her. His confused face made her want to pinch him so she did.
"Ow Chidori that hurt." He rubbed his arm.
"That's six. Five times you called me Chidori." Sousuke froze when he realized his mistake, and what she meant. Then he realized hers.
"But that was only five like you said Kaname why are you counting six."
"For mentioning going to Tessa."
"Understood. But why would you count such things. You could have merely explained to me what I was doing wrong when I first made my mistake."
"That would have been unfair. You need to learn. I'm counting it up so I can get you later; I'm not in the mood right now. Hmphf!"
Sousuke rose from his seat. He walked over too, and sat next to Kaname. He focused on her face studying it as if she was some unknown artifact he had just located.
"Miss Tokiwa once informed me of an effective way to incapacitate you with out hurting you."
Now Kaname was confused. "What are you talking about now?"
Sousuke moved his hands to Kaname's ribcage. "She said to apply pressure here, and use my fingers the reaction should be…"
Sousuke didn't talk when Kaname started laughing. Without realizing what he was doing he continued to tickle her. He didn't realize what he was doing or why she was responding this way. He didn't stop when he was accidentally hit in the face either.
"Stop…ha-ha…C'mon quit...hah…it…" Kaname turned hard trying to break free. Instead something else happened. She moaned lightly when Sousuke's hand ran across her breasts one of his hands stopping on one. He hadn't realized to stop and the light pressure he was applying felt good. Unfortunately for him she was surprised, and not in the mood. She grabbed a pillow, and swung. His face was in the mattress feathers in his hair, and around him. Kaname was breathing deeply. She was still a little scared after what happened a day ago when he practically jumped on her in the morning. Even if this was an accident she couldn't help it. She did want to overcome it though. She did not want to hit Sousuke every time he did that.
"I'm sorry."
Sousuke pushed himself up until he could move to sit properly.
"It's not a problem. Tokiwa was incorrect in her assumption that it would incapacitate you. In fact it did the opposite. I believe she called it tickling. I will inform her of her mistake when we see her next."
Kaname's mouth hung open. She was surprised that Sousuke had actually tickled her. What really got to her though was he had no idea what he was doing.
"No Sousuke you did it right. Tickling people does not incapacitate them like you say. It causes them to laugh."
"I do not understand. Please explain."
"Well you tickle somebody to make them laugh. You do it just like you just did but there are other ways and places on the body that can be used to tickle people. For example the feet or stomach, or even the underarm. It can be used to tease someone, to play with friends, or as a… sing of affection." Kaname turned pink.
"Uh." Sousuke was going with most of it even if he didn't think it made very much or was practical against opponents but he guessed it was a civilian technique. He was caught by the last part though.
"As a sign of affection. I will need to look into this." Sousuke held his chin and thought on it. He was pushed back onto the bed a pillow smothering him.
"No you don't need to look into anything. If you want to show affection find some other way!" Kaname was caught off guard when her arms were moved out from under her one of the still taking the pillow. She plummeted down. She was ready to smack him for thinking he was allowed to be clever with her. He caught her in her descent, and made sure she landed so that she was kissing him. She lowered herself next to him not once breaking their kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck he lifted his head slightly deepening it. Kaname pulled herself away.
"That's seven."
"For what?"
"For trying to be a smart-ass with me. And because I was mad at you before but you left so I couldn't be mad around you. When I finally do get to see you you're so hurt so I totally forgot. I get to be mad at you later. It's unfair to let you off so easily."
"But I was mad at you which I no longer am. I was not there to verbally or physically punish you either so it is a fair trade."
"Did you just say you would hit me Sousuke?" She pouted her lip.
"Negative I said I would physically punish you that does not necessarily mean I need to strike you."
"So you would hit me of you needed to, to punish me."
"Negative, I would shoot myself first."
"Do you want to punish me? I'm sure there are other ways. But I guess you're just an abusive person."
"But…"
Before he could protest her lips were on his again. He wrapped his arms around her. She pulled away again and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I have to go Kaname. I need to repair my arm-slave."
She rose to a sitting position. "Okay let's go then. Maybe I'll help."
"That is not necessary I can handle it."
"Too bad." Kaname put on her shoes then headed for the door. "I'm going to get breakfast call me when you're ready to start." She knew he could not go out, and just rebuild his machine. She figured he had to do something before he could repair his AS.
He watched as she exited the room. Now he would need to fine Mardukas. He removed both his shirts, and examined his wounds. He removed the bandages to find nothing but scars. He removed the bloodstained materials, and threw them away. After redressing he exited the room.
"Leave me alone Leonard." Kaname continued down the hallway. The second she turned the corner when she left Sousuke she had run into Leonard. Now he was following her hands in his pockets as he struggled to keep up with her. She was unhappy when he had invited her to have breakfast with his since she was already heading over there. She would hit him but he had not actually done anything but bother her. She would hit Sousuke for less but he was different. It was fun to hit him. She smiled at the thought. Luckily Leonard was behind her so he could not see it.
Suddenly Kaname had an idea. She turned on her heel to face Leonard.
"I'm going to have breakfast. You can join me but under one condition."
"Yes."
"You have to leave me alone for the rest of the day."
Leonard thought a moment.
'Crap I should have said rest of my life that way if he said no I at least wouldn't have to eat with him.'
"No. I will accompany you to the cafeteria at least. What happens then will happen. I'm surprised though. You seemed to enjoy having moonlit dinners with me before. Even candles were fine."
Kaname was at first surprised by hi response now she was annoyed.
"Yes. Sitting there, unhappy, worried, and a bunch of other things, in a dress you picked was me enjoying myself."
Leonard simply smiled. He held out his hand signaling her to continue walking if she pleased. She did. She walked a little faster now. She stopped when Mardukas walked out a door right into her path. Mardukas turned. When he noticed her he saluted.
"Greeting Ms. Chidori I trust you are feeling better."
Kaname saluted in return. "Yes thank you."
"He's right this way come one." They heard a faint familiar voice heading in their direction. Mardukas frowned when he realized who it was. The SRT sergeant commander was still scrubbing toilets, and washing clothes when he didn't dodge out of it.
Kurz walked around the corner his arm slung around Sousuke's neck.
"See there he is. Yo Lieutenant Commander." Kurz finally noticed the other two that were there. "Hey angel, what's up Leo?" Leonard frowned almost like Mardukas when he heard himself being called Leo. It was the first time, and hopefully the last.
Kurz finally let go of Sousuke when they were almost upon them.
Sousuke nodded to Leonard, and Kaname. He saluted when he reached Mardukas.
"Greetings Captain Mardukas." Mardukas cleared his throat. Last time Sousuke had spoke to Mardukas he was captain. He hadn't realized the change despite Kurz addressing him just now. Mardukas actually grinned.
"Hello Sagara. I am no longer captain of this vessel. I believe you wish to ask me something."
"Yes, sorry sir. Pleas I need the equipment, and materials I asked you to store. I have already sent in a report so I would like to repair my AS as soon as possible. If you have any questions about it feel free to ask."
"Yes. I see. I will have everything prepared for you by the time you finish breakfast."
"But sir I am not…"
"By the looks of the young lady behind you, you will be." Mardukas smiled towards Kaname. His usually tough exterior was so common that seeing different really was strange. Kaname almost shouted it out as if it was the biggest event in the history of the world. She was now curious as to what happened between the two that would actually cause the man who seemed to hate Sousuke so much to smile…twice.
"Understood. Thank you. Shouldn't you eat as well sir?"
"Already have." With that they saluted, and Mardukas was down the hall, and gone.
Kaname blinked a few times before Kurz wrapped his arm around her, and pulled her along until he could wrap his arm around Sousuke as well. Leonard quickly followed them.
"Well let's go get some chow. Hey listen let's decide on the gift for me staying hush."
Kurz smiled as he pulled the two along.
Sousuke handed Kurz a paper. He unfolded it and read.
: Your gift for keeping the information quiet is you life. If you fail to continue without breaking confidence Melissa and Kaname as they say will have a field day with you. I cannot ensure your safety.
"Yeah right now let's…oomph!"
Kurz stumbled back when Kaname's elbow impacted him. "Okay listen we'll talk it over at breakfast I've got an idea." He rejoined the two then continued their walk. Leonard continued to follow after them.
-Cafeteria-
The small group found Tessa, and Mac sitting at table when they entered. Not many people were still in here for breakfast so it was mostly empty. After getting their food they made their way over, and sat with them.
"Hello. This is Mac. Mac this is Kaname."
"We've met. When I went to find you earlier I found her in your room."
"Oh I see. Well you know my brother, and Kurz this is Sagara. He's the one from the investigation of the platform."
Mac's eye's turned cold a moment before he forced them back to normal. He forced a smile as he shakily stuck out his.
"Nice to meet you." Sousuke took his hand. The cold look and feeling of ferocity did not go unnoticed. Neither did his being whispered.
"You are whispered." Mac slowly pulled back his hand.
"Yes how did you know?"
"A feeling. I am used to being around whispered people they are easy to identify with the right circumstances."
"I see." Mac wanted to rip out his throat right then and there. He couldn't believe this guy beat the pilots of the Valkeries.
"I heard you defeated the enemy arm-slaves by yourself. You must be proud of your skills. They must have been easy opponents." Mac force a grin but anger and hate was hidden behind it.
"Negative. They were skilled pilots. I would have preferred not to battle them but they chose to engage me. They were skilled together, and by themselves. I have not fought many with such skill. They did not let their anger get in the way of their combat skills."
Mac was surprised by the praise he was giving his enemies. He expected him to be an arrogant asshole that would do nothing but gloat about his victory.
Before he realized Mao slammed a tray down next to Kaname.
"Hey guys. What you talking about?"
"Sagara here was just telling us about his battle," Mac bit into his crescent. Tessa made sure they had good food, and since she was captain she could special order anyway.
"Really. Hey Sousuke speaking of that how are you? You sounded like you were in bad condition over the phone."
"It's not a problem. I have healed and did not take serious damage."
"Yeah you know sergeant nutcase." Kaname took a drink of her juice.
"Chidori I told you I am no longer a sergeant."
"That's seven Sousuke."
"Uh."
Melissa bit off half a piece of buttered toast before pointing it at Mac.
"So Mac why don't you tell us about yourself?"
"…" There was a silence as everyone turned to him. Sousuke bit into his crescent as ignoring the event.
"Heheh I don't really like to talk about myself."
"Please we would really like to know more about you." Tessa looked up at him. He was starting to hate this.
"Fine. I grew up in the U.S. I lived in Florida then moved to Wyoming for a bit. I became interested in submarines when I saw a whale. I learned about whales then came across submarines. After reading a book at the age of 5 I was first introduced to my whispered powers. I didn't need to learn about them anymore. After that I spent all my time trying to do the best I could to get onto one. I was always at least 3 years younger then classmates sometimes more. I went to military academies until I finally was noticed by Mithril. A man spoke to me and I joined. While continuing what I was doing I went on many submarines in the regular militaries of the world as a Mithril staff member but no one knew it. I was eventually called to the Tuatha de Danaan after the fight with Amalgam ended."
Mac took a drink of his juice. "Tell us about yourself." Mao finished off her toast.
He looked at Tessa before sighing.
"My favorite color is dark blue, I like motor cycles, and submarines of course. My favorite anime is BlueSub6. My favorite movie is… well I don't have one. The most recent movie I've seen is Resident Evil: Apocalypse on cable but I hated it due to how horrible it was compared to the game. The story was bad and the ending worse. My favorite animal is a dog. A husky to be precise. My favorite food is chicken. That should cover it."
"Interesting. The Blusub6 is kind of obvious though. Oh well. I have to go finish some paperwork I'll see you guys later. Sousuke don't go blowing up the submarine."
"Roger."
With that Melissa walked away. She plopped hers down on Sousuke's tray before she left. Since he had finished he organized the trash before getting up himself.
"Sousuke where are you going?" Kaname turned to him as he walked towards a trash can.
"To repair my AS."
"Remember I'm coming too." Kaname quickly stood up, and followed.
"Me too I still need to tell you about the thing!" Kurz grabbed his tray and jumped over the table.
"We should go too."
Leonard nodded to them both before walking away as well.
Mac and Tessa stared in surprise at their retreating forms. After shaking themselves loose they quickly followed.
-Hangar-
A large container was placed next to the damaged black AS. The arm-slave and container were both secure. Sousuke walked over to the large objects. Kaname followed right behind him. Kurz had to go off to tend to some things but would be back before they finished he said. Leonard was dragged away by some friends he had made on the sub. Now it was time to get to work.
Sousuke saluted when he saw Mardukas walking up. He received a salute as well.
"This is everything. It was hard keeping it in the corner without anyone getting curious you understand."
"Affirmative thank you."
"Carry on." Mardukas saluted to both him and Kaname before walking away.
"You're going to explain while we work." Kaname rolled up the short sleeves to her shoulder. She had been given a shirt, pants, and a pair of boots to change into before they started working. She also slid on a pair of gloves.
"Ok let's do this."
"While I am securely opening the container I will explain to you the story. It is short however just as the relationship will be."
"Fine."
Sousuke went about checking information on a small pad on the container.
"While I was rescuing you Mardukas needed some help on the Danaan. I was able to get supplies, and help in an enemy assault. I asked him to hold materials for me just in case I ended up back here. He agreed as a return favor for helping him. He is only kind when it comes to this. Once we are done me, and him will return to our former relationship."
Kaname pulled the gloves tighter. Luckily females did work on this sub.
"Yeah I got it Sousuke. I thought it might have been more but oh well."
"Step back."
Air hissed from the container, Kaname walked over to Sousuke as the side door opened. What she saw amazed her. Perfectly set up like books on a shelf were AS parts, and equipment. Also the tools needed to work everything. She noticed a strange machine in the bottom corner.
"What is that?"
"That is a suit used to move larger parts and apply more force."
She continued watching as the both spread into 5 aisled of parts, pieces, and equipment.
After about 2 minutes the container finished opening and gave one final hiss.
"Let us begin first I will check the AS. Al!"
"Yes sir."
"Run diagnostics and give me information on the most damaged areas."
"Roger."
Thirty seconds.
"Lower right side had taken extreme damage. Abdominal motion system will need to be fixed. Suggest part replacement for the abdomen motion piece. Pipe, and wires will need to be replaces as well. All flight mode systems, and engine will need to be replaced, and fixed. Water tubes, and vents for ocean travel have to be repaired. Arm, and leg joints should be checked. Fluids need to be refilled. Please sir clean out the cockpit."
"Roger. Kaname I will
need to retrieve cleaning supplies. I am going to clean the cockpit
first. Please wait here."
"Ok."
Sousuke walked over to the other end of the hangar to get the proper supplies.
"Hello Kaname."
"Hi Al. Why does the cockpit need cleaning?"
"Would you like me tell you or would you like to look? Sousuke took a lot of damage while piloting yesterday. I will open the cockpit."
Kaname said nothing as the machine's chest released the pressure seal, and opened. Kaname stepped up so that she could look. Her eyes widened when she saw it. Blood was stained in a lot of places. There were sill pools of it in some spots. Sweat stains also were visible everywhere. She saw oil, and hydraulic fluid had leaked its way into the cockpit. Despite all that she couldn't remove her eyes from the blood. It practically painted the seat. She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"It's not a problem. I will clean it."
Kaname turned to face Sousuke. His face was blank as usual. It held a bit of regret in it this time. He obviously did not want her to see this.
"Al you should not have opened the cockpit."
"Sorry."
"Don't worry about it."
He leapt down then grabbed Kaname's waist to lower her. He had the cockpit as low as possible without making the AS lose balance.
Kaname shivered a bit as she tried to regain herself. When she finally did Sousuke had a moist rag in his hand, and a spray bottle.
"Sousuke is all that…your blood?"
"Affirmative." Kaname gulped as she stood there. Sousuke was already inside. She could hear him wiping the seat.
He sighed as he began his cleaning. He didn't expect Kaname to be here much less see the cockpit.
"I'm sorry sir."
"I said it's okay Al."
"Are you sure?"
"Affirmative."
Sousuke stopped when he heard the clunking sound of a foot step on the AS. When he turned Kaname was crouching her way into the cockpit rag in hand.
"You know this has surprisingly more space than most arm-slave cockpits."
"Kaname…"
Kaname looked at him as if nothing was wrong like she was surprised by his confusion.
"Yes?"
"I do not suggest being in…"
"It's not a problem." Then she smiled. A different smile he was not used to.
His heart skipped a beat. She was willing to do something that nauseated her to help him. The fact that she was willing to do such things for him surprised him. No one had ever been so kind before.
"Understood."
He continued to work on one side while she cleaned the other. He watched as she flinched and responded to the blood pools and stains everywhere. He felt strange watching her do this. He found himself staring as she tried to scrub off a hard stain.
He watched as her breasts jiggled despite her bra. He quickly turned away and went back to his task. After about thirty minutes they finished. Kaname came out just a little sweaty.
Sousuke had cleaned up the deeper pools of blood. He wiped some of the liquids from his hands onto his shirt. Despite what the actual substance was, she smiled at the way he looked two multi-colored stains dropping from his chest.
"You know we have towels." Kaname held one up.
"They were not in range when I needed my hands clear to grip some objects. I used the logical plan of action."
"Okay. Well let's get to this stuff here. What do we do first?"
"Depends would you like to use the suit?"
"Sure."
Sousuke pressed a button on a remote. The suit smaller than an arm-slave but bigger than a human slowly lowered. The clamps around it made a loud clanking noise as they shot open. The suit did not look complicated. A simple square design was used on a lot of the outer shell. The hands could shift into other tools or different hands if the need rises. The legs could extend, and shorten. The actual control seat was open and had two bars on each end of the controls. The machine could be operated by a keyboard, and small console. Or the use of arm, and leg scabbards used to motion it, similar to an AS.
Kaname walked over, and found the button to open it before he even said anything. He watched as she entered through the top once the bars lifted. She pulled it closed once she was seated. She pulled the inner safety bars towards herself.
"This feels like a roller coaster seat."
Sousuke said nothing as he began to examine the parts. He was now carrying a clipboard showing the damage to his arm-slave.
"First we will work on getting it to move again. While I am working on it you practice using that suit. I will inform you when your services are necessary."
He said nothing more as he grabbed a large tool box, and placed it near the arm-slave. He grabbed some other smaller parts and brought them back.
He rubbed his chin as he looked over the machine.
"Okay let's do it." Sousuke turned to see Kaname had the machine in a saluting position.
--6 hours later
"Finally! I am tired!" Kaname stretched as she paced, the suit was uncomfortable after awhile. She and Sousuke worked a little over six hours literally non-stop to repair the AS. Luckily because of Kaname's being whispered explaining to her some things about the AS was easier. She was also accurate with using the machine to move, and replace parts. Sousuke worked by hand. He fixed the cock-pit area as well.
She looked at the machine as Sousuke sat in the pilot's seat making sure everything was working. She was surprised by how well he was at working on the AS. He also had been calm, and kept from being cruel when she had made mistakes.
Kaname stepped back when the arm-slave began to rise. She watched as the machine went through some basic motions. She smiled when she saw the surprise on the faces of the staff members. She figured she was the only person short of Mardukas, or Tessa who knew about this.
"All systems are operational. I will set the AS in a corner."
Kaname watched as the large black machine walked to a corner of the hangar. After getting there it turned and lowered. When it was secure the chest opened, and Sousuke popped out.
He noticed Kurz was with Kaname now. He wondered what the hotshot sniper could want.
"Hey Sousuke ready to listen to my proposition."
"Affirmative."
Kurz rubbed is hands together before continuing.
"I wanted to go somewhere while we're here. But you know I can't by myself. So how about we go to Paris. Kaname can come too if she wants."
Sousuke took a moment to think of possibilities of going to Paris.
"What are your reasons?"
"Reasons…hey I just want to go. Plus I hear the French came out with a new type of sniper maybe I'll check it out though I doubt it out does what Mithril has."
Just then Melissa walked into over to them. "So what did they say?"
Kurz looked confused. "Listen I know you want to go to Paris. Girls and stuff right. We're near Europe so unless you want to go to Amsterdam I suggest you hurry up."
Kurz actually considered the idea a moment.
"Paris is acceptable. I will be ready to leave in 15 minutes. I need to clean up, and change first. Kaname what are your wishes?"
"Sounds good. It bites though considering I took a bath not too long before you got here."
"Understood."
The group walked out of the hangar getting ready to go. The Tuatha de Danaan would be surfacing soon to pick up the personnel on the platform.
When everyone returned to the hangar they were all dressed differently.
Kurz had on a red shirt with a black leather jacket. He wore black jeans, and a pair of study dress shoes. Melissa wore a zip up top which was open partially revealing her cleavage and a bit of the small black undershirt. She wore a pair of tight black pants, and high heels.
"Kurz you look like a whore."
He gave Melissa a once over. "You don't look too bad yourself. Planning on partying?"
"You got it. Plus I need to pick something up."
"What?"
"Nothing."
Kaname and Sousuke walked in not to long after. Kaname wore a sleeveless grayish-black top. The neck went about halfway up hers. She wore a tight short skirt that hugged her hips. She wore less then two inch heel shoes, and her socks were another long black pair stopping just shirt if the bottom of her skirt.
Sousuke wore a long sleeve black shirt with a high neck as well. Over that he had on a dark olive green jacket. He wore black pants that tucked into boots. He had not actual clothes on the ship unlike the others. He was forced to wear the black pants instead of the olive green ones he thought might be more preferable. The olive green jacket was slightly rolled up his forearm. He also wore a pair of fingerless gloves. All, and all he resembled the attire he wore on an earlier mission.
"Wow Kaname you look hot." Kurz whistled as they walked up.
"Yeah you two look great. Sousuke you wear that well."
Sousuke said nothing as they walked up.
"Thank you, you guys look great too." Kaname gave them each a one over. She stopped on Kurz.
"Red light district."
"Huh?"
"Are you working there today?"
Kurz looked ashamed. He decided he would bring out one of his poses.
"Hey remember I used to work for TAG I know style."
Melissa slapped his back, and started laughing.
Sousuke turned to his two friends.
"How did you get permission for this?"
Melissa stopped laughing. "Well we have to do some business while we're here first. It's no big deal. You two can have fun while we handle it. We'll call you if we need anything."
"Roger." Sousuke placed his hand in his pocket. He pulled out his phone. It was hard to repair it back to perfect condition, and keep all the ability it had before.
"Don't forget if you need the phone can be used as a tazer, and ranges shorter than 3 miles it can be used as a simple communication device with each other meaning you will not have to dial numbers, and you can talk all at the same time. Yours included Kaname."
"Really." Melissa turned, and smiled at Kurz. He took a step closer to Sousuke.
"Hey buddy so why don't we ditch the girls and do something really fun."
"Negative I do not wish to abandon Kaname, especially in unfamiliar territory."
"Come on she can go with Melissa maybe they'll both score."
Sousuke heard a squeak as Kurz was pulled away. He listened as 100,000 volts of electricity went through him. Kaname, and Mao had both decided to get him.
When it was over Kurz was smoking.
"Okay I got it."
Kaname walked over and hugged Sousuke's arm. Melissa noticed.
"So you two are together."
"Uh."
"Well. Yeah I guess. We haven't done anything though. He eats at my place more, and we go to school together but we actually haven't done anything. I don't think we've even been on a date."
Kaname said nothing when Kurz, and Melissa both took hold of one of Sousuke's arms and dragged him off.
"What the hell! You and Kaname are together and you haven't told us. That's not the problem though. How have you not taken a girl out on a date if your, you know. Dating her." Melissa.
"Uh."
"No, how have you not done anything with her. It's really hard to find someone who looks like angel, and is smart." Kurz.
"Uh."
"WELL?" They both shouted this time.
"She has not asked. I am unaware of how to take someone to a date. Today is the 28th I believe. I do not understand how to take someone to a date. I did not think it was possible."
Both Melissa and Kurz stood there with their mouths hung open. He had spent almost 9 months in Japan and had not learned about dating. Melissa turned her head towards Kaname. "Hey we still have about 30 minutes go take a break. We need to talk with our friend here."
Kaname gave them a strange look but agreed anyway.
They slammed Sousuke into a chair then each stood around him. Sousuke instinctively pulled out his small notebook. Mao quickly snatched it away.
"Useless. Just listen and remember what you can. I'm going to use a basic scenario. First rule is you ask her out. Second is you make sure you get her a gift when you go to pick her up for example flowers. Third is make sure to be kind, and courteous to her, and pay for everything. Fourth just make sure everything is okay, and let her talk. Keep your eyes on her face. Hopefully you can end the night on a good note."
"Yeah maybe you'll get laid." Kurz gripped Sousuke's shoulder and grinned.
Sousuke started to sweat. He knew the use of certain terms in slang form.
Mao smacked him in the back of his back of his head.
"Hey. It's true though you can't blame him if she puts out."
"KURZ YOU SHAMELESS LEACHOR!" Melissa kicked in his groin several times.
"All personnel prepare to surface." The voice of one of the crew members sounded over the loud speaker.
"That was fast." Melissa let Sousuke up, and they walked back towards Kaname. Sousuke did no understand mostly anything of what they had told him. This was something he would need to look into later.
--
-Paris, France-
The flight was not too long. Sousuke had decided he would accompany Kurz and Melissa that meant Kaname was coming too. He was prepared though. Just because he wasn't here on business did not mean he would be unprepared. Kurz drove small Fiat down the road. They had almost been in three crashes already.
"Damn Parisian drivers. They act like we're always destruction derby racing. This cars too slow." Kurz hit the acceleration trying to get into a one way road against another driver. Paris is known for its crazy driving. The road belongs to the drivers. Pedestrians must make way even at crosswalks or face consequences. Red lights do not necessarily mean you are safe. The Parisian drivers though they drive fast do try to be a bit more careful. J-walking is almost impossible.
Kurz sighed when the driver of the other vehicle a Ferrari easily outdid him. He was not pleased with the way thins were going. He would need to obtain another vehicle before he went anywhere tonight.
Melissa smoked with her window open in the passenger seat. She would occasionally scold Kurz for losing to another vehicle.
Sousuke sat calmly in the back. That did not keep him from making sure he and Kaname were both buckled in. Kaname was griping Sousuke's arm rather tight. The crazy driving and almost crashed they had come by did not make her feel any better about driving down this crazy streets.
"Woohoo!" Kurz just beat three cars into a single lane road forcing them to turn rather then go straight. He heard the words asshole and such as he drove away. They were not far from their destination now. They drove until the streets grew darker. They were entering a worse side of town. Melissa gripped the gun in her hand.
Sousuke pulled out his own. He pulled out two more small devices and handed them to Kaname.
"This is a stung gun. You have four shots. It is rechargeable but I doubt we will have the time. This is a flash grenade use it when necessary. Your phone is a tazer remember. Hopefully none of these will be necessary"
Kaname nodded then laced the grenade in her shirt, and held the stun gun.
"Okay Sousuke I'm gonna leave the car running. Stay in the driver seat. If we come running you know what to do."
"Roger."
Kurz, and Melissa exited the vehicle, Kurz carried a long case. Sousuke watched as they walked into nice looking store compared to most of the other building in the area.
"Kaname duck onto the floor just in case. I hope there will be no problems I do not wish for you to be in danger."
Kaname silently did as she was told. She really hoped there would be no problems.
Sousuke kept his eyes on every mirror and possible location for someone to be. He had the mirrors turned so no one could sneak up to them by ducking.
"Hello you must be the ones." A small sneaky looking man held out his hand.
Kurz shook it briefly. They had been able to get some information but they were helping this man escape. He had joined a mob and now wanted out. His family had been moved to safety.
"Let us see it." He looked at them both before pulling out a brown briefcase. When he opened it there were photos, and information on recent actions of the mob. Rumors of a mob gaining nuclear equipment was dangerous. "You will find all you need here."
Melissa scanned the papers in the briefcase.
"Ok this is it let's go." Kurz made sure the man was in front of him as the three began to exit. "We have enemies be careful." Sousuke's voice came in over the phones.
BANG!
--30 seconds ago--
They were everywhere. He was just hoping they wouldn't move. He wondered if this was a set-up or if somebody wanted to keep information from getting out. That didn't matter either way. He glanced at Kaname. She was huddled onto the floor, and watching him.
"We have enemies approaching. Please stay down." He checked his guns clip. Just as he thought an enemy tried sneaking up through the side. He pressed a button on the phone.
"We have enemies be careful." He looked at Kaname one more time before stepping on the pedal. The man fired as they drove away. The bullet entered the door frame. When he passed the intersection three cars followed them. He lowered his head as machine gun fire tore through the windows. Kaname kept her head down and the stung gun in her hand as he drove. She was not enjoying her first time in Paris so far. She had agreed to come though Kurz and Melissa told them they would be tending some business they did not mention the possibility of gunfire. Luckily the three mercenaries were prepared anyway.
Kaname grunted when the car bounced. She noticed him glance back at her when she grunted. She knew better then to distract Sousuke by asking him anything right now. She held on to the seats as the car turned.
Kaname looked up at the windows when the light seemed to fade. She noticed a strange stone roof.
"Chidori we have entered a parking structure we will be exiting the vehicle soon. When I say so please exit the vehicle keep your head down. The shot up fiat drove all the way to the top floor. The mob vehicles followed close after.
Kaname sat up when she felt the car stop.
"Now!"
-Small shop-
Kurz and Melissa kept their eyes on the main of the six men who entered the room. They were all carrying HK automatics. The man gave them a once over before removing his glasses. The man had a grinned as if he found something he'd been searching for a long time.
"Hello." The man spoke English.
Kurz and Melissa said nothing as they watched him. He took a step forward.
"I am Benjamin di Capo. Son of Capo di Capo. I had only met him 1 month prior to when you killed him. I had not been at the party but I spent a lot of time looking at photos, and getting witness sketches. You are recognizable but the disguise you wore was good. You are a very attractive woman. And you sir, you walked around like it was nothing. You are truly professionals. I must thank you though ever since I took over we have spread as far as here to Paris, and other places in Europe. Sadly Emmanuel there has not been very loyal lately. I must be taking him and that briefcase with me."
"Sorry but we had a date with him first." Kurz listened to the noises in the street. The sound of cars and gun fire had distanced itself. Which meant Sousuke was long gone so was their escape car. They had to hold off a gunfight as long as possible.
"Let's talk."
--
Kaname was crouched behind a van. The small group of mobsters had not stopped firing. Sousuke was behind a vehicle three cars over. She watched as he waited for chances to fire. He had somehow loaded an extensive amount of weapons into his clothes again without showing any indication of it. She watched as he pulled a small round object from his pocket. He pulled out a pin then threw the small device. She covered her ears when a large explosion rang out. He ran over to Kaname.
"Come Chidori we must go while they are distracted. He grabbed her hand and began pulling her along aisles of cars. He stopped when they reached a black Mercedes on the end facing a useable exit source. "Follow me." Sousuke pulled on the handle to see if it was locked. Unfortunately it was. It also had an alarm. He broke open the window and opened a side panel. He pressed a button and the alarm turned off. He unlocked Chidori's door and she jumped in. She watched as he ducked and hot wired the vehicle. It took him not more then 5 seconds after pulling out the wires.
"Buckle up." Kaname did as she was told. He buckled up as well. He saw the confused men running over.
"Get down!" He slammed on the pedal just like he did the fiat. Soon the car was accelerating across the top floor. Kaname lifted herself to see where they were going.
"You can't be serious."
"Hang on." Sousuke rode off an open piece of wall tearing through the small fence there. Kaname held on to the door and arm rest as the car went airborne. He had picked this vehicle because he trusted it would be fast enough to make the jump also it was in the right place. The car landed on the roof of the next building over. Luckily it was also a parking structure. He quickly turned the vehicle to head down the ramp. He caught a glimpse of some cars on the other end going back down and other falling to their doom trying to make the jump. When he reached the street level he was driving back in the direction of the shop. He pressed a button on his.
--
"I'm coming back." They heard Sousuke's voice over the phones.
"Who was that? A friend." Benjamin stepped back to his men.
"Yeah he's getting ready to join the party." Melissa placed her hand on her gun. She used her other to grip Emmanuel's jacket sleeve.
"FIRE!" Capo raised his hand as he gave the order. Melissa threw Emmanuel behind the cashier's desk. Her and Kurz followed after as a barrage of bullets came at them.
"Jeez these guys are rude." Kurz opened his case to reveal an HK- MP5 similar to the weapons of their enemy. He put some parts together then handed Melissa the weapon. She put her gun back in her pants then returned fire with the machinegun. Kurz was busy putting together a sniper rifle. "Ok let's do this. Emmanuel stay down."
The poor man quivered as he held the case over his head.
"One of them is three inches to your left." Mao said as she ducked back into cover.
Kurz got on his stomach and angled his gun slightly upward and three inches to his left. He pulled the trigger. A loud sound released as the bullet shot from the rifle through the wood of the small protection and pierced one of the thugs head. The men stopped their fire surprised by what just happened. Melissa sprang up and opened fire on the small group. She noticed Capo was gone. She took out three more before having to duck again.
They heard the sound of a loud engine heading their way. Soon after they heard an "I'm here." over their phones.
"Let's go!" Melissa lifted Emmanuel and the three crashed through the window. They saw the black Mercedes sitting right in front of them.
"Hurry!" Sousuke called out as he fired bullets out of his tmp into the building they jumped out of. Kaname had moved to the back. Emmanuel was thrown on the floor in the back. Kurz took the back seat with a crouched Kaname, and downed Emmanuel. Melissa took passenger. Sousuke accelerated as soon as everyone was in.
"You know this is almost déjà vu." Kurz said as he positioned himself so he could fire. Melissa had her head out the window shooting backwards.
"You couldn't get a convertible."
"This was the most efficiently placed car at the time."
"Hey Sousuke you won't believe this. You remember when you came to save us in Canicatti months ago, and we were escaping a mob. Well this is the same mob, and we just meant the old leaders son."
"Affirmative that is very coincidental."
Kaname was confused for about three seconds before remembering Sousuke mention something about Canicatti right before he left her a while ago.
She disregarded it when bullets shot up there window…again. Kurz finished busting the window then aimed his rifle.
"We are approaching pedestrian and civilian traffic!" He called as he hit a turn. Melissa gripped the door as she almost fell out. Kurz bumped against the door.
"Didn't we tell you to say when your turning?"
"Affirmative my apologies…turning."
Melissa bumped against the door, as did Kurz as they turned. An empty clip hit him in the head as he continued driving. He heard low curses from his two partners.
"You should stay in the vehicle we have entered traffic."
The mobsters continued to fire as they swerved through the streets. Everyone bumped around with every little move Sousuke did while dodging traffic, and pedestrians.
"Straight away." He told them. Kurz and Mao lifted themselves to fire back at the following enemies. Melissa shot out a tire causing a vehicle to crash into wall. Kurz put a bullet through their protective glass right where the driver would be. The glass gained red splatters as it drove into a car into the next lane.
"Oops."
Kurz, and Melissa sat back as the car cruised down the road. "We did it." Emmanuel was still crouched on the floor.
"Negative."
"What?" Melissa looked around as a small army of cars popped up from everywhere.
"Emmanuel was apparently not very good at keeping his actions secret."
"Forgive me!"
"If we get out of here alive." Kurz scowled.
"We will…" Sousuke glanced at Kaname through the mirror.
"We should not have allowed Chidori to get involved."
"Hey I chose to come!"
"Yes but…"
Melissa nudged Sousuke's shoulder. "You better give up before you make her mad.
Sousuke ran his hand through his hair. He looked around as the cars began to swarm around them.
"Hang on." He slammed down on the pedal. The car took off as he zoomed around, and between traffic. The large army of cars drove through it all. A lot of people would be late today.
Everyone ducked as bullets came flying towards them. This was a horrible way to spend the day. It would be night soon.
Kurz and Mao returned fire as they drove down the roads. Sousuke drove into a small market. He crashed through fruit stands and other things as he drove. The mob cars crashed, and drove through what they could. Luckily because of the large number of cars following them the cars would have difficulty maneuvering so a lot of them would crash. Hopefully they would eventually block each other but that did not seem likely as cars slammed into other cars to get past.
After driving for about half an hour more they drove into a small facility.
"We have a problem. There is no exit and the enemy is already entering the area."
"Baka!" Kaname yelled as she rose to look out the window.
"We should find a good place and stop the vehicle. We can fight them from there. I'm sure there are emergency escape routes." Sousuke found a perfect spot. There were containers set up that provide good protection. He stopped the car behind them.
"Kaname stay down." Kurz, Melissa, and Sousuke exited the vehicle. Sousuke pulled out a large arsenal of weapons, and ammo and dropped them on the floor. "These are some weapons I am carrying. Use them as you see fit."
The three picked their positions as the enemy approached.
Kurz fired into a few more drivers' sides causing some more crashes. Melissa pulled out a fired with her machine gun. Sousuke used an HK-47 customized by Mithril for better control, and aim.
Soon the enemy forces over-crowded them and they had little to no chances to fire back. The mob slowly approached the containers, a rocket launcher was able to slow them down but the blast radius was not large enough to stop them. Sousuke threw an assortment of incendiary, and frag grenades. Kurz, and Melissa took their chances to fire.
"Halt!" The mob ceased their attack when Benjamin walked up. He had that grin on his face.
"It's a shame you wish to be so difficult. I was willing to give you a job had you agreed."
"Kiss my ass!" Melissa cocked the shotgun she now held.
"You have one last chance to come peacefully or you will all die."
No one said anything.
"Well if you choose to be that way I will tell you I have a sniper with a gun pointed at the head of the unknown girl in your vehicle. If you do not give up she will die. Here is a warning shot." No one hard anything but the sound of the bullet piecing the car door.
Sousuke resisted calling Kaname.
"I'm ok!" She called out. He guessed she could hear Capo's threat because she sounded a little shaky. Sousuke clenched his teeth thinking of a way out of this. He was sure they would be killed if they listened to what he said anyway…
'What can we do…?'