The Whisperer
Disclaimer: "I do not own any of the characters in this story that appear in anything officially affiliated with Full Metal Panic!"
Chapter 25
--
"I'm home!"
He heard a faint voice as well as the sound of a door closing. He tried to get up but he couldn't move. He looked around the room. It hurt just to move his eyes. He listened as the footsteps drew closer. His instincts told him to do something but he could not move. The pain was not a problem. He really just couldn't move. He grew worried when a person opened the door and stepped into the room. It was a little girl with black hair down to her lower back. She had a lock of hair tied in a small upward pigtail by a small black band. She crouched next to the immobile young man. She smiled when she saw his eyes follow her.
"Hi Sousuke remember me?"
He stared at a few moments longer. He tried to speak but found he was incapable of doing that either. He turned his head as much as he could.
"You don't remember your comrade?" She looked sad that he had forgotten her. She placed her hand on his head. He shook his head confirming his answer.
"Oh. Well you'll remember me soon. You were hurt pretty bad before we found you. You've been asleep for about a few days. I'm Mika Nomura do you remember me now. You helped me in Japan with my Daddy. You jumped out of a building with me in your arms and then beat up cops and ran away."
He thought another moment but still got nothing.
"Do you know your name?"
"Negative." He was able to answer this time. Mika smiled.
"Good you spoke which means your getting better. You know you heal fast." Her expression turned worried suddenly.
"Hey are all those nasty scars on your body from the battlefields you mentioned?"
He thought about what she said a moment. "I am unaware of what you are talking about."
"Oh. So you lost your memory huh. My teacher says that's called amnesia."
"I am aware of what it is called. I do not understand or remember why I would have amnesia."
"Of course you don't that's why they say you don't remember. You probably got hurt playing war in the middle of the street again."
"Playing War?"
She looked at him annoyed. "Jeez you must have hit your head really hard."
"Maybe." He rose to sitting position. "If you know me can you tell me anything? I do not know my name, age, or what I do or have done."
"Your name is Sousuke Sagara. You're really cool. You carry guns and things but me and my daddy took those away. It took us two hours to find everything. You blow things up and use guns a lot. You can be very nice when you have to be."
"I see. I will try to find out what I can."
Mika smiled. "Okay I'll help then. For now then let's get something to eat. If you don't tell daddy we'll have some cookies."
"Understood."
"Come on." She grabbed Sousuke's hand and pulled him up. He stumbled then fell when he took his first step.
"Oh Sousuke are you ok?" Mika dropped to his side. Sousuke started lifting himself up slowly. "It's not a problem."
"Wait here!" Mika ran off down the hall. When she returned she was carrying a walking stick. "Here this is for old people, and hurt people to walk. Since you're hurt you can use it." He reached out and took the stick. He slowly followed Mika down the hall. She stopped to help him down the hall into the dining room. She pulled out a chair so he could sit. "Here sit here and don't move." She helped push him in then went into the kitchen.
"Roger." He obediently sat and stayed in good posture while she went to the kitchen.
He instinctively took in the surroundings of the room. He finally took in what he was wearing. He wore a white t-shirt, and black sweat pants. Mika returned with two bowls of cereal. "Here I don't know how you like it but I like chocolate milk so I gave you the same kind."
Sousuke took a spoonful of the cereal. "It's not a problem."
Mika started eating hers then looked at Sousuke. He looked emotionless as he ate his food. Before when she met him there was something in his eyes. Something that made her like him instantly. Now he looked as if he had nothing. As if he was an empty shell walking around.
"Hey Sousuke you okay? You don't look too good."
"I'm fine." He said with a mouth full of cereal.
"Someone needs manners." She tapped Sousuke on the head with her spoon.
"Yes someone does. Hitting someone on the head with a utensil already used in the mouth is not good manners for a little girl."
Mika stuck out her lip and puffed her cheeks. "Hey you're the one who goes around shooting things." She smiled now.
"Hey Sousuke what do you want to do?"
"I need to get my body properly functioning. Do you have any skills in combat?"
"What? No you said it yourself I'm only a little girl."
Sousuke stared at her. "I see. I do not know what I was thinking or why I would suggest combat exercises. I will exercise by myself"
"No I'll help just no fighting yet. We can have some fun around town later. You can barely walk."
"Understood." Sousuke finished off the bowl then handed it to Mika.
"I will begin my exercise now. You may join me if you wish."
"Okay." Mika grabbed the dish then headed off towards the kitchen.
"I'll clean them later let's go play. Oh forget the cookies." Before Sousuke was even standing up she was back in the room. Mika noticed Sousuke was walking by himself. He was moving exceptionally well compared to when he first got up. He started stretching his arms and legs. "Jeez that was fast."
"What was?" Sousuke stretched out his back.
"Your healing dummy. It's going faster then a normal person heals. Of course it is you. Well anyway let's go out."
"I am unaware of where we are currently."
"We're in America. Specifically Miami, Florida. My daddy and I moved here before because of his job. You helped me be able to move, remember?"
"Negative I have no memory of such an occurrence. I have no memory of fighting or guns or trouble. In fact how did you find me?"
"Well you don't remember anything but you sure act the same. We found you by the beach in torn clothing; aside from your weapons you had something else in your pocket."
""I am unaware of my actions or any events before waking up today. I don't know how that would have happened."
"Well let's go have fun and see if you get your memory back."
"Roger." Sousuke nodded then headed towards the door. He was greeted by strong warm sunny rays. He placed his arm over his eyes to block the sun.
Mika took Sousuke's hand. "Let's go."
He looked down at her. "First I must change my attire."
"Fine you can wear some of daddy's clothes come on." She huffed as she dragged him back towards her father's room. Sousuke closed the door as he was pulled away.
--
-New York-
Kaname stretched when she exited the plane and made it to the platform. She waved when she spotted her father and sister. She didn't pack much. She still had sets of clothes in the house she could use. Ayame ran out ahead despite her father calling her back. Kaname dropped her bag and opened her arms for her energetic sister.
"Kaname! Did you bring your boyfriend?"
Kaname pulled her sister down then pulled her into a head lock. She began issuing out a painful noogie.
"Ow sis that hurts." Ayame struggled to break free.
"Girls calm down we're in public." Shunya attempted to calm his daughters. Kaname let go of Ayame. She walked over to her father and gave him a hug. He hesitated before patting her back.
"What's the matter can't hug your daughter because of your status?" Kaname stepped back. She looked hard into her father's eyes. His face turned red with embarrassment and anger. "It is good to see you. As you said we should attempt to rekindle our relationship."
"Well then let's start with a hug." Kaname stepped forward to give him another chance. Shunya smiled before embracing his daughter. She hugged back.
"Hello Dad."
"Hello sweetie." He released his daughter then stepped back. "Come our ride is waiting."
They all began walking towards the complex. Ayame was constantly asking Kaname questions as they walked.
"How has it been in Tokyo?" She tugged on Kaname's sleeve as they walked.
"Aren't you a little old to be tugging on sleeves. You're in middle school right?"
"Yeah. Not that you're around to know. I'm doing great I'm becoming an athlete like you." Ayame's expression gleamed as she stared up at her sister. Kaname smiled at her.
"Good maybe you'll be as good as me one day."
"Yeah I bet I'm already better." Ayame stuck her tongue out at Kaname.
"Oh yeah, we'll see." Kaname grabbed Ayame again and started tickling her. Shunya stopped them both." You should continue this at the house though I'd prefer that you don't."
Kaname whispered a threat to Ayame before continuing along. That did not stop Ayame from asking questions all the way to the car. Kaname noticed Shunya flinched every time a boy was mentioned even though his eldest daughter never gave any indication of one existing.
"Come Ronald load the bags." Their chauffer opened the trunk then took Kaname's bag. She thanked him as he loaded it into the trunk before closing it. Kaname took a deep breath when she entered the small limousine. It smelled like it had been recently cleaned.
"Kaname are you really gonna tell me you didn't meet one boy who liked you, and you didn't have a boyfriend even once?"
"Well there was this boy who liked me; I went to school with him before. I went out with him a few times then finally stopped. I hurt his feelings but I didn't like him like I used to. This other boy with long silver hair, he liked me but he always had other women around. He treated me like a princess but I didn't like it very much."
Kaname turned to her father. He had the exact expression she expected him to have. He was pale and his eyes were the biggest they could possibly go, the pupil a tiny spec. Kaname swore she saw a few grey hairs pop out. When she turned to Ayame she looked amused.
"He treated you like a princess and you still didn't like him. Is it because he was a pansy?"
"Ayame!" Shunya glared at his youngest daughter.
"No actually he was overbearing and full of himself. He still is."
"Anyone else daddy should know about?"
Kaname pinched Ayame's cheeks and stretched them. "Ow Kawame dat 'urts."
Kaname smiled as she continued stretching her little sister's face.
"Hey what's that?" Ayame pointed towards the tiny stone attached to the bracelet on her wrist. "Did you by that or is it a gift?"
Shunya looked interested as he watched his daughter. Kaname smiled gazing at the small stone. She remembered when she had first received it after their ordeal at Christmas. Then that idiot forgot for a few weeks before he gave it to her a few days ago turned into a bracelet.
"Yes it's a gift."
Shunya looked worried, and Ayame looked too curious for her own good.
"From who?"
Kaname was silent for awhile. She continued to stare at the small stone. The longer she watched it the more it looked as if it moved on the inside like wave stretching across the ocean.
"We need to talk…" was all she said before turning to look out the window. The rest of the ride was mostly silent. Kaname regretted the long ride through the traffic. She wanted to be out of the car as soon as possible. She felt relieved when they pulled up to the house. Everything was neat and clean on the outside as always. She stepped out of the vehicle. She enjoyed the feel of the warm sun against her skin. The breathe was cool. She was glad her father chose to live in a house in the clean side of the city. She walked towards the back of the vehicle. Her father waited as Ronald opened the door on his end. Ayame popped out of Kaname's end. Kaname waited as Ronald opened the trunk to get her bag. She smiled and took it from him telling him she could take it. He nodded his cap then returned to the driver seat.
"I'll call when I need you." Shunya thanked the chauffer then started towards the house.
"Come girls." Kaname took a deep breath as she approached the house. Ayame was practically skipping in joy at having Kaname around. Kaname could smell the clean of the house as she entered. The house looked different then she remembered. Pictures were still there and so was some furniture but most of it was moved around or new.
"Hey Kaname let's go for a swim." Ayame closed the door behind Kaname.
"No thanks first let's all talk after I check in."
"Sure your room's still intact." Ayame proceeded towards the stairs Kaname quickly followed after her. She did not like the way she said intact. When she entered her room it was almost exactly as she had left it. Of course with a few alterations. She put her bag down then lied on the bed. Her sheets were recently cleaned. Even though she hadn't slept in the bed she was sure Ayame may have.
"Ayame leave a second I need some private time."
"But…"
"Please."
Ayame said nothing more as she exited the room. Kaname stood up and locked the door. She went over to her suitcase and opened it. Inside she had a picture of her date with Sousuke. Like she said she had enlarged them and framed them. She left two at her apartment. She brought the one where they looked at each other in between the two moments. She still had the pictures in a small case with her just in case she wanted to look at them or for some reason something somehow happened to the others.
She placed the picture on the dresser next to the bed and placed it face down. She did not want Ayame seeing it for being nosy or just walking by her open door. Once she was set she unlocked her door and exited her room. Ayame jumped out and tried to scare Kaname. She patted her sister's head then headed towards the stairs. She had a dismal look on her face which worried Ayame so she followed after. When they reached the bottom they walked down the hall towards the living room. There they saw their father seated. He had a cup of what they suspected to be either coffee, something he liked, or an alcoholic beverage. Shunya was not known for drinking but he did like wine, and exotic alcohols so he had a little alcohol in the house.
He followed his daughters with his eyes as they sat on the sofa across from him.
"You said we needed to speak."
"Yes. I have a lot of things I need to tell you."
"You're not pregnant are you…?" Ayame grinned at her sister.
"What? No!" She pinched Ayame's arm.
"Ouch."
Kaname looked back at her father. She matched his serious expression with her own.
"Father I'm sure you have heard about the incidents in Japan with the kidnappings. Yes well I don't know if you know but my class was involved in both. The first one I was taken into a lab and experimented on." She noticed Shunya's feature turn pale and him go stiff.
"Apparently I have something called being whispered. I have black technology in my head. This man was going to take the technology then probably kill me but someone saved me before it got too far. Then we went through some things together against a terrorist group, and I helped him save a submarine." Kaname explained in more detail the events that took place leaving actual information about Sousuke out of it. Her father went through a thousand different emotions listening to this.
"Then I was captured by that same group who hi-jacked us before. The young man there Leonard said he was in love with me. He treated me kindly, and sometimes like an item for his enjoyment to try to overcome." Shunya could not stay quiet anymore.
"Did he rape you?" His knuckled were white as he clenched the arms of his chair.
"No but he certainly tried to get some. Don't worry I stopped him. Then about a month ago I was saved again. I went back to Tokyo and everything was mostly okay. I still had a few things to overcome. I was a bit babyish for awhile. I was losing my touch. I also took care of something else. I'd never been happier. Because of this I've been able to cope with being whispered and what happened. A lot of people are whispered. I felt very strange but I was able to get through anything because of this person." Kaname began to cry. Her longing for Sousuke was now at an all time high. She missed him and until now did not realize how much he had helped her. Shunya walked over and held his eldest daughter. He was very curious and wanted to know more. He did not like the idea of terrorist attacks and experiments happening to his daughter. He remembered speaking with someone from Mithril about her capture over the past months. He did not get details and did not know exactly who spoke to him .They mentioned Mithril but he heard they were out of commission at the time. Everyone knew the name now of course. Ayame held Kaname as well, tears coming to her eyes. It was going to be a long day, but hopefully they would feel better in the end.
--
-Florida-
Mika and Sousuke walked down the street. He had put on one of her father's button up shirts over his T-shirt. He left it hanging out, the top two buttons undone and had only half of the cuff buttoned. He wore a pair of black jeans her father owned. He put on some black socks, and his own shoes. Mika wore her yellow with orange flowers sundress and a pair of sandals.
"Let's get some ice cream just like when we first met. Maybe you'll remember something then."
"Roger." He was still a bit skeptical about letting a little girl help him get his memory back but she said she knew him. He knew better than to trust that but she said a lot and she was all he had right now. She grabbed his hand and started pulling him along.
"Come on I know this really great ice cream place."
Sousuke said nothing as she tugged on him. He wondered how one little girl could have so much energy. After about 35 seconds, he counted they reached an ice cream shop on the corner. When they walked in the bell rang.
"Hey Mika what's up?" The owner of the establishment knew her very well. He would give her ice cream for free whenever she came by. "Who's your friend?"
Mika walked over to the counter Sousuke's fingers still trapped in her lock.
"This is the guy I told you about who helped me and blew up stuff." The owner looked Sousuke up and down. "Really so this is him. Nice to meet you."
Sousuke stared at the man's hand. For some reason he felt it was dangerous to touch. He felt he should grab the man's hand and flip him over onto the counter then interrogate him.
"Sousuke shake Mike's hand." Sousuke shook his head to get his sense back. He gripped Mike's hand and shook it.
"It's ok. But boy looks to be a little out of it."
"Well he was playing war and got hurt. He lost his memory." Mika looked up at Sousuke. "Right?"
Sousuke looked annoyed as he stared at her. "How would I know? I am the one who has no memory remember."
"Let's have two chocolates."
"What is your reason for using chocolate so much?" Sousuke looked down at her.
"Hey I like it. I just want to see if you do too. Hmmpfh!" Sousuke felt something click.
He recognized that action from somewhere.
"What did you say?" He wore an expression of surprise, then it turned into concentration.
"All I said was I wanted to see if you like chocolate too." Mika looked confused.
Sousuke didn't get the same reaction as he had before. "No do the whole thing including the gesture at the end."
Mika repeated the short event. Sousuke felt the same feeling. "I recognize that from somewhere."
"Did you get any memories?"
Sousuke closed his eyes. He saw blue, and a white slash, then the noise.
"I only recognize it no actual memories are materializing."
Mika nodded then turned to the owner. "Here you go." She took the ice cream from the man. Her, and Sousuke walked out right after. Sousuke wasn't paying attention as he walked down the street and absent mindedly ate his ice cream.
"Sousuke look out!" Mika called out as a truck approached him. Sousuke tossed up his ice cream and pulled out a large machine gun and fired. The truck swerved out of the way, and caused a bigger accident. Sousuke looked down at the gun in his hand.
"Why am I carrying this and why did I automatically shoot." He placed the gun back in his clothes and placed his hand out. The ice cream cone landed perfectly onto his hand.
"Come we should go." He gripped it then took another lick. Mika stared at him in awe.
"Wow Sousuke you're still so cool. Even if you are still crazy."
"It's not a problem." He took Mika's hand and they continued down the road. They ignored the angry screams coming from drivers.
--
-Chidori Residence-
They had cried, and talked for the past two or so hours. Shunya was not pleased to hear all that happened to his daughter. Kaname was pleased to get it off her chest. She was glad her father did not over react but he did have a lot of questions. It was hard to get him to believe everything at first but with the organizations coming to the surface and a little more information getting to the public it was easier then it would have been. Ayame was jealous of everything Kaname was able to do but was worried and even cried at the worse parts. Kaname refrained from mentioning Sousuke too much. She did not want to say too much until she saw him again. His name and actual identity were still secret.
"Well I feel better." She forced a smile.
"How about we go for a swim now before it starts getting dark sis?" Ayame said as she held Kaname.
"That's fine I'll prepare dinner tonight." Shunya let go of Kaname and rose.
"Yay! Daddy hasn't cooked in awhile." Ayame shouted as she stood up.
"Let's go brat." Kaname grabbed Ayame and took her up the stairs. Kaname had brought the bathing suit she had on the trip. When she returned to Tokyo the field trip had already ended since she had to wait an extra two days on the sub because of difficulties with Mac's guys. Kyoko had returned her things. She asked about her time away but Kaname was in a hurry so she didn't explain. She packed the orange and white school bathing suit as well. Ayame went into her room to change while Kaname went into hers. She could use some good exercise. She slipped into the suit and grabbed a towel, and took off her bracelet. When she exited her room Ayame was already heading down the stairs.
"Hurry up sis!" She heard the sliding panel open and close. Kaname followed shortly after. When she stepped outside she could not see Ayame. She placed down her towel and called her. "Ayame. Ayame where are you?" She heard the sound of feet from behind her. She stepped to the side and watched as Ayame ran face first into the pool.
She giggled as Ayame swam back up. "Hey no fair you were supposed to let me push you in."
Kaname stuck out her tongue. "Sorry but no way would I let you push me in."
Ayame huffed as she swam towards the end. Kaname walked up and dived perfectly into the water with little splash. Ayame chased after her.
Shunya listened as his daughters played in the pool while he cooked. He still had yet to fix his relationship with Kaname but at least he had time to try.
--
-Miami, Florida-
"Hi daddy how are you?" Mika called her father at a public phone. Sousuke stood beside her as she spoke to him.
"Yeah he's here with me. He doesn't have any memory though. He has amnesia. So far we've had no luck in getting his memory back." Mika informed her father of the current situation. Sousuke was taking into detail every little thing he saw.
"Well be careful with him sweetie. Did you give him his stuff?" Kenji Nomura was in his office working as he spoke to his daughter.
"His guns I didn't give those to him but he somehow had them anyway."
"No sweetie I mean his phone, and that dolphin. The only things that weren't weapons."
Mika thought a moment. She didn't remember those items right away.
"No I forgot too. They're in my pocket though."
"It's alright. Give it to him when you get the chance okay."
"Okay daddy I love you bye."
"I love you too honey."
Mika hung up the phone. She noticed Sousuke looking at everything.
"Well when we get home you have a phone to look at and a small keychain. Maybe those will help. For now let's have some more fun." Mika grabbed Sousuke and started tugging him along again.
"Let's go visit my friends Sousuke. One of them isn't too far from here. I've told them about you."
"Apparently you've told quite a few people about my existence." Sousuke did not like the idea of a lot of people knowing him with him knowing them or himself. They continued for a few blocks before they reached a small, kind looking neighborhood. Mika led him to a blue house that was fairly large for the houses in this neighborhood.
"This is the home of my friends Isabel, and Corey."
Sousuke examined the outside of the house.
"What are you doing?"
"I am checking if any traps are set on the parameter to keep enemies out. It would be bad if we to set them off and injure ourselves."
Mika gawked at Sousuke who was climbing up the gutter. "Are you sure you lost your memory?"
"Affirmative. Though from what you say these habits seem to be normal for me. Maybe initiating actions I used to do will help to regain my memory. Also I cannot help it."
Sousuke finished checking the house then landed next to Mika. "Come on."
Mika walked up to the door. When she knocked the sound of feet could be heard running through the house. "Who is it?" A woman's voice answered the door.
"It's me Mika." They heard locks being removed then the door opened.
"Hello Mika."
"Hi Mrs. Johnson. Is Corey, and Isabel here? By the way this is Sousuke."
Sousuke stood at attention and saluted. The woman smiled at him.
"Well he certainly has manners doesn't he?"
"No this morning he talked with his mouth full."
"I remember a certain little girl hitting me on the head with a utensil she had placed in her mouth." Mika turned red. "Well I was punishing you for talking with your mouth full."
"Okay okay why don't you two come inside." Mrs. Johnson stepped to the side to let them in. Sousuke became instantly alert when he entered the house. He reached behind him as two children walked up.
"Hi Mika." Isabel greeted her. Corey pointed his toy gun towards Sousuke. "Who's he?"
Sousuke pulled out his gun and leapt towards him. He unequipped him then pushed him against the floor and placed his gun against his temple. "What are you doing?" Mrs. Johnson was shocked by Sousuke's actions against her child.
Mika hit Sousuke with an umbrella sending him off the child. "Why'd you do that Sousuke?" Sousuke rose and stared at the gun in his hand.
"I don't know. I saw him point the gun at me and responded."
Mika looked at the gun in Corey's hand. Corey raised the gun then looked at Sousuke.
"This is a toy mister."
"Understood." Sousuke put away his weapon. "I apologize for my actions."
"Are you serious you pointed a gun at my son and you expect me to let it slide. You need to leave. You can come back when you have more control of yourself."
"Understood. Please let her stay for now I have business to take care of first. I will pick her up later I will not be gone long."
Sousuke saluted and exited the house. Mika said goodbye to Sousuke. He really had nothing to do. Sousuke walked down the pathway to outside the yard. He was completely aware that the mother was watching him through the window the whole time. He walked out of the neighborhood into the more crowded areas. He walked for about half an hour before he stopped in front of a McDonalds. He stepped inside. Not a lot of people were inside the fast food restaurant. He noticed a long car line outside though. He walked up to one of the cashier workers. "Hello welcome to McDonalds may I take your order?"
Sousuke looked at the order menu. He really had no idea what to order.
"Do you have any MREs? Anything that covers all necessary nutrition."
"Uh sir this is a fast food restaurant."
"Are you refusing my demands?" Sousuke started to reach for his gun. A tall man came up before he could pull the gun.
"We'll take 2 spicy chicken meals, with 2 extras of the sandwich."
"W-what would you like to drink?"
The man stuck up two fingers. "We'll take two cokes."
"Yes sir that will be $14.50"
The old man pulled the money from his wallet. He paid the cashier in exact change. Sousuke took in the man's features as they stood waiting for the order. He was tall, strong probably was once in some sort of military. He wore a button up shirt with a tie and the sleeves rolled up to just above his elbows. He wore nice black pants and regular shoes. He had his white hair pulled back into a small ponytail, and he had a small beard on his face almost like a goatee.
When the food arrived Sousuke took the tray and followed the old man to a table. The old man picked the most strategic place in the restaurant much to Sousuke's preference.
Sousuke stared at the man a moment before speaking. "Who are you?"
The old man said nothing as he separated the food. He gave them each two sandwiches a drink and a box of fries. The man smiled before biting into his sandwich. Sousuke decided to go along with it for now. If this man tried anything he would stop him. Despite these thoughts the look in the man's eyes bothered him. As if the man was hiding something. Sousuke felt a familiar feeling around this man. The man looked at him kindly as if he knew him. Sousuke bit into his sandwich.
When the man put down the sandwich Sousuke did the same thing.
"You really don't remember me Sagara?"
"I have a case of amnesia. I am trying to regain my memory. If you know me or have any information about me please tell me. I would also like to know your relationship with me."
The old man smiled a kind smile. A smile a father would give his son.
"I was once your commander. I was also someone you spoke to for advice occasionally. I was one of your friends. I became very proud of you when you finally took your life into your own hands. Sadly despite all this I betrayed you. I have gone around doing things I should not have. In the end I failed anyways, because of you. I hold no hard feelings in fact I prefer it this way. I see even without your memory you are the same."
"I can tell you are hiding things. I can tell you are also a dangerous man. I would only like you to tell me more."
The old man smiled again.
"You really are amazing. I'm sorry but telling you who you are is impossible…and there is too much past to go through. I hope you have chosen a good life for yourself. We will meet again. Until then." The man rose and placed the rest of his food in the bag to take for later. He turned to walk away but did not move.
"Remember Sousuke. The first time you realized you found a source of happiness. That may save you some day so remember it." The man smiled before walking off. Sousuke ignored the fact that the man did not give him his name. He was sure he would meet the man again just as he said. He finished his sandwich then exited the restaurant. He sipped on his coke on the way back to Mika's friend's house. Mika was waiting on the porch for Sousuke. When she saw him she said good-bye to her friends.
"So did you have fun?" Mika said as she walked down the path.
"It was not unpleasant. Has the boy learned his lesson?"
She frowned when she reached Sousuke. "Jeez Sousuke what were you thinking. If their dad was home it would have been a war zone."
"Somehow I doubt he has the skills to compete with me in combat." Sousuke exited the yard Mika right behind him. "Did you eat without me?"
"Yes a kind man treated me."
Mika pinched him. He pulled the other sandwich out of his bag. Mika smiled when she received it. He gave her the fries as well. The coke had been finished because the ice would have melted on the way over. He and Mika walked to another more crowded area as she ate. She tossed the trash when they reached a trash can.
"Lets go find something to do. I know lets do what we did when we first met. Wanna pretend to be a kidnapping terrorist again?"
"Negative."
"Fine then follow me I know how to get you into trouble."
"Huh?"
"Come on Sousuke." Mika pulled Sousuke along. "What is this?" The building had a sign on it that said Bank of America on it. Sousuke disregarded it as they walked in. They stood in a line for about 5 minutes before reaching the front.
"Excuse but what is our purpose being here?"
"To help you?"
"How will this…"
"Shh… come on we're up." Mika looked down and forced tears to her eyes. She walked up to the attendant. Sousuke walked up behind her. He did not notice the tears on Mika's face. "Ex-excuse me…misssniffle this guy heresniffle he has a gun and wants all the money you have…sniffle" Mika rubbed her eyes and pointed at Sousuke.
"Hey Sousuke take out your gun." Mika whispered to Sousuke. Sousuke did as he was told. The woman turned pale. She reached her hand under the counter and pressed the button to call for emergency. "Get ready Sousuke."
"Ready for what?" He looked at Mika confused.
"Freeze!" When he heard the voice behind him he grabbed Mika and leapt over the counter. The staff members ran away.
"He's got a hostage!" They heard the police inform each other of the situation as they ducked behind the counter.
"Why would you do this? You are a troublesome little girl."
"Hey we needed to have some fun and you ruined it at my friend's house."
"That is no excuse for your actions."
"Come on just go along with it."
"Alright come out with your hands up or I'm going to come in there and get you."
Sousuke froze. He felt that familiar feeling again. He peaked over the counter to look at the speaker. He saw a crazed woman with orange hair. Suddenly a wicked smile spread across her lips. "It's you. Time for round two." She pulled out two machine guns and started firing rapidly.
Sousuke quickly ducked and breathed deeply. "This is going to be a problem."
"Come on you can do it." A grenade landed pass the counter by their feet. Sousuke grabbed it and threw it back. They heard an explosion behind them.
"That lady's crazy doesn't she know I'm back here?"
"I have a feeling it doesn't matter to her." Sousuke pulled out his gun and fired back. Wakana dodged the fire and ducked behind a desk.
"So you even causing problems here. You're lucky I'm here for the week." Wakana fired more shots. Sousuke sighed as he sat behind the desk. He heard the sound of police sirens outside, and more police coming into the building.
"Cease fire!" The commander called out to the force. Wakana was the only one who did not stop firing. "Wakana stop shooting!"
"He's dangerous he needs to be stopped."
"I said…"
She pointed her gun at him. A seductive yet wicked smile crossed her lips. "He's mine. I'll take care of him as I please. Who knows maybe if he survives I'll use him." The commander stood in shock. Despite her remark she did not start firing again.
"You done?" Wakana called out because of the absence of return fire.
"No he's still attacking and he's really angry now." Mika called out from behind the counter. Sousuke looked at her with disbelief. She smiled at him.
"You are trying to kill me aren't you?" Mika smiled innocently at him. He sighed again. He had the feeling this girl would be the death of him. Suddenly he got the feeling again.
"I remember a dangerous incident with you before. I remember another incident with that orange haired woman. Officer Wakana I believe. I was riding on a bike escaping her vehicle. Someone was with me. We worked well together. I have this strange feeling thinking about…her I believe. Unfortunately I cannot get a name or face or any details."
"What are you talking about Sousuke? Are you remembering anything?"
"Slightly I believe we should be careful around this woman."
"Why?" She ducked her head when gunfire tore off the top of the counter.
"She's crazy!" Mika stopped when she stared at Sousuke. He had a strange look in his eye. His eyes turned red. They felt cold. Mika found herself at a loss of breath for a moment. "I will protect you. No matter what. Come here." Sousuke moved Mika so that she was huddled against his chest. Any bullet that made it through would have to hit him first.
"When I say go I want you to stay down and move to that hall. I will return fire and distract them."
"Why don't you just give up? I'm sure you could get out later I could tell them it was a joke or accident."
"Negative then you would be an accomplice. Besides I would not like to go to jail or give up. I will fight until the end."
Mika looked at Sousuke with a new kind of light. He had amazed her before when he helped her deal with moving. His choosing to put his life in danger for her made him more amazing.
"You know even without your memory you're still awesome Sousuke."
"Understood. Now go." Sousuke leaned over the desk and fired. He had to be careful because he was carrying live ammo and not the rubber or practice ammo used when he was in Tokyo. Mika ran into the hallway as he fired. He made sure not to hit anyone.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Wakana fired a shotgun at the desk. Sousuke rolled to the side as a hole was blown through the desk. This was going to be a long fight.
--
-New York-
"Thank you dad. It was delicious." Kaname thanked her father. They had just finished eating dinner. After they finished in the pool Kaname played videogames with her sister then started a movie. They had to hold it off until after dinner though.
"Kaname how long do you plan on staying?" Shunya rose to clean the dishes. Normally one of them would help but this was Kaname's first day back, and Ayame really wanted to spend time with her.
"I don't know maybe I'll leave tomorrow it depends on what happens."
"Tomorrow! But you just got here how can you stay gone for so long then leave after one day?" Ayame sounded really displeased.
"Calm down squirt. I said it depends. I am most likely staying longer calm down. Now come on we have a movie to watch." Kaname rubbed Ayame's head. Ayame smiled happily as they made their way towards the living room. Shunya frowned when his daughters walked away. The conversation he had with Kaname earlier was not one he would have like to have when she got back. They had not worked on their relationship since she got back but at least no one was rude to each other, much. Their greetings at the airport did not go as well as he had hoped, and except for the conversation about Kaname's problems they had mostly ignored each other. He almost got into a fight with her while eating because of something she did in Japan she did not want to talk about. He had gotten angry and almost shouted at her but remembered what he had heard earlier and let it go. He had not apologized and before completely dropping the subject he made sure she understood he had a right to know. She more or less disregarded it and dinner was silent from then on.
Kaname and Ayame plopped down onto the couch as their father worked in the kitchen.
"Hold on before we watch let's see what's on the news."
Kaname took the remote and flipped the channel. They were greeted by large explosions and a news reporter.
"The fight has been going on for 2 hours now. Neither side is giving up. The young man on the other end seems to be pulling ammo and weapons out of nowhere. He is by himself with no allies. He does have a hostage. She is apparently a little girl he used to start his heist. This started out as a bank robbery but turned into a war zone. An officer has taken this into her own hands and is leading the assault against the young man. So far it is only those two in a single stand off. No one has been injured. It appears the young man has avoided causing any physical damage to the persons in the area. We are about to show you footage of inside the bank."
Her eyes closed and her mouth turned into an exhausted frown with a sweat drop when she saw Wakana was the woman they were talking about. Kaname gasped when she saw the image of the young man in the fight. She felt her heart skip a beat.
"Where is that?"
Ayame looked up at Kaname confused.
"What? Why do you want to know?"
Kaname stood up when she saw the location and ran to the kitchen. "Dad I have to go!"
Shunya quickly turned around. "Why? You just got here."
Kaname said nothing as she ran for her room. She was glad the suitcase she packed was not large. She grabbed her stuff and her picture and loaded them into the bag. When she turned to leave her father was already standing at her door.
"Where are you going?" Shunya crossed his arms as he stood in her way.
"I need to go. I don't have much time Daddy please."
Shunya's eyes softened. Kaname had not called him daddy since the death of her mother. Since their relationship had soured she would call him father when she was more distant, Dad when she felt a bit more affectionate. She would only call him Daddy if they were close again or if she really needed him. He looked into his daughters pleading eyes. His heart melted.
"Okay what do you need?"
Kaname smiled at him. "Thank you daddy. I need to get to Miami as soon as possible."
Shunya grinned. "Miami?" He took a deep breath then focused on her again. "Aren't you lucky. I have a friend leaving for Miami in one hour. I can call him get you on the plane but then you're on your own when you land."
"That's fine. I can take care of myself." She couldn't hold back her smile as she jumped onto him and gave him a kiss. Shunya smiled then pulled her off.
"Okay hopefully your next visit will be longer. Now get ready I need to make a call then we'll be on our way."
Kaname was confused.
"But I thought…"
"I'm only going to watch you off." His face turned serious. "I am highly against this. I will want to know why you needed to do this all of a sudden. We will speak of this next time. For now I believe you need me so I will help."
Kaname thanked him again then gave him another kiss. She headed down stairs to wait for the ride as her father called the chauffer. She waited with her hands clenching her knees while watching the news. She jumped up when she heard the sound of a car pulling up. She was pleased when she saw it was their ride. "Hurry up!" She called into the house as she walked out to the car. She tossed her bag in the back seat before running back to the house. She pulled her sister out to the car. When she tried the same thing on her father he glared at her. She decided to ask him to hurry up instead. Once everything was clear he grabbed his coat and hurried out to the car Kaname right on his tail. She tapped her foot as he locked the door from the outside. She practically jumped into the backseat.
"Calm down Kaname my friend will not be leaving without you unless your current condition causes us to crash and he cannot wait any longer."
"Yes sorry daddy." Kaname fiddled with her thumbs and flapped her legs as they drove down the rode. Every minute seemed like an hours to her. Her father asked her the reason for her sudden departure, but she told him she would tell him another time. He grew angry because they had plenty of time. "Trust me we don't." was all she said.
Ayame kept pestering her about when she would visit next. Kaname kept telling her she'd call next time she would come. Her father threatened to ground Ayame to get her to keep quiet. When they reached the airport they all power walked to the airplane. There were two men there.
"Hey Mr. Chidori."
"Hello. This is my daughter she is the one who needs the ride to Florida."
"Whew she's a pretty young thing." The man had a southern accent. Shunya glared at him. The man raised his hands. "Don't worry she'll get there safe and unharmed."
"…And quickly. We need to get there very fast." Kaname added.
"Don't worry Shunya I'll make sure she's okay." The older of the two pilots shook his hand. She hugged and kissed her family before getting on the plane. She waved through the window as the plane moved. She saw her family turn to return to the car. She felt anxious as the plane accelerated through the sky.
"So missy what's your likes?"
She frowned when she realized she would have to put up with this guy.
"Now you leave her alone." Kaname smiled at the older pilot. Maybe the ride would be enjoyable. Kaname reached for her cell phone.
--
Mika hid in the hallway behind a table. The fighting seemed to take an eternity. This turned from a source of fun to something a bit more dangerous. She did not count on officer Wakana being there, not that she knew her. She watched Sousuke as he fired back.
Suddenly something in her pocket began to vibrate. She pulled it out dropping out the small blue dolphin keychain. She grabbed the dolphin keychain as she answered the phone.
"Hello."
"Hello Sousuke." Mika found it hard to hear with all the gun fire.
"No this isn't Sousuke are you a friend of his?" She covered one ear as she listened to the person on the phone.
"Who is this? I need to speak to Sousuke."
"I'm Mika I'm Sousuke's friend. Hold on I'll get him." Mika crawled along the floor to Sousuke.
"Mika what is it?"
She held up the phone to Sousuke. He hesitated before taking it.
"Sousuke speaking."
"Sousuke." The voice on the other end was feminine and sounded very happy. He felt the familiar feeling but much stronger this time. He felt his heart skip a beat. His body felt very strange. Suddenly a more vivid picture from the bike ride formed in his head. It wasn't perfect but he could make out blue hair and could tell she was wearing a uniform.
"Who is this?" He sounded very anxious as if he was asking the most important question in life. He waited. There was a pause on the line.
"It's me Kaname Chidori remember." He heard a pain in her voice. He didn't know why but he felt bad to hear that.
"Listen Kaname I would like to see you. I do not understand why. I have amnesia and am currently in a gunfight. Can we speak later?"
"I know. What did you…?"He hung up the phone before she could finish. He felt a different feeling go through his body.
"Come Mika we're leaving." He grabbed the door and ran for the back room. "You're not getting away!" Wakana leapt up and began chasing them.
"Where are we going Sousuke?" Her legs were flailing in the air as he carried her around. Sousuke slammed a lot of doors open until he found one with large glass windows. "We found our escape route." Sousuke ran towards the windows. Sousuke jumped through the window. Shards of glass fell everywhere as they crashed through it.
Mika screamed as they went through it. Sousuke rolled on the floor. When he stopped he stood up and went running down the parking lot with Mika in his arms. He heard the sound of gunfire, and more glass breaking.
"Sousuke that lady's chasing us." Mika pointed towards the insane cop behind them.
Sousuke sped up. He jumped over a fence as he continued his escape. He ducked as a barrage of bullets flew past him.
"Hey there's a good place to hide near here."
"Hiding will not work. We need to face this woman head on. You hide here." He placed her in an opened crate. He ran in another direction. Wakana stopped when she caught up to him. He was standing facing her he had stopped running.
"Well well you ready to fight?" She emptied her clip then slammed another one in.
"Affirmative."
"I want revenge for last time." Wakana licked her lips as she pointed her gun. Sousuke started running towards her the second she fired. He dodged her fire as he ran towards. She was surprised to see him moving so well.
"What the hell?" Sousuke punched at her when he reached her. She bent back to dodge the blow. She was surprised when he had not halted his attack but had used it to move himself in for a good. She grunted when he made contact sending her into a wall.
"I will fight you another time. For now I have something to take care of."
"You're not going anywhere!" She pointed the gun and fired at him. He took one step to the side easily avoiding the attack with little motion.
"Bastard what did you do?"
"I don't know." Sousuke turned away. When he found Mika she was sitting clutching her knees to herself.
"Mika."
She slowly looked up. He could see the tears in her eyes.
"You left me. I was so scared."
"I'm sorry. I will not leave you anymore. Come on let us return to your home."
She handed him something blue. "This is yours. I forgot to give it to you." Sousuke looked at the small dolphin keychain before pocketing it. He lifted Mika into his arms.
Mika sniffled as he carried her. He hailed a taxi to take them to her house. He remembered the address after seeing it once. His phone rang again while in the taxi.
"Sagara speaking."
"Sousuke is that you?" Kaname called again.
"Affirmative. If this Kaname I wish to speak to you. Where are you?"
"I'm on my way. Give me the address of where you're staying."
"Negative is there somewhere I can locate you?"
Kaname was angry that he would not tell her such information but she figured it would be faster this way anyway. She could scold him later.
"I'm on my way to Miami international airport."
"Understood I will meet you there. I will wait outside the main entrance."
"Okay I'll see you then."
Sousuke stepped out of the taxi. He wasn't carrying any money to pay the fare. He pointed his gun at the man and he took off. Sousuke carried Mika toward. She had fallen asleep. He was greeted at the door by Mr. Nomura.
"Hi Sousuke. What happened to Mika?" He took his daughter from Sousuke.
He looked into Sousuke serious face.
"She will be fine she was just afraid. I thank you for your help. I need to pick up everything. I am meeting someone."
Kenji nodded then let him in. Kenji took his daughter to her room. Sousuke collected all his weapons. Somehow he had put it all in his clothes.
Kenji thanked Sousuke as he left.
"Come back whenever you want."
"Thank you." Sousuke turned and walked down towards the street. He had to walk until another taxi came by. He pulled out the small dolphin keychain and looked at it. He smiled then placed it back in is pocket.
--
Kaname ran off the plane. She shouted her goodbye as she took off. She wanted to get to Sousuke as soon as possible. She said sorry to every person she accidentally bumped into in her rush. She felt joy and anxiety when she saw the entrance to the front gate. She ran right out the door. She saw Sousuke standing by a pole. She felt her heart beat faster as she approached.
"Sousuke."
He slowly turned to face her.
"Who are you?"
--