The Whisperer

AN: No Z.O.E. here… it will seem like it because it continues form last chapter but that's all the story should be FMP!-ish again.
--

-Chapter 53-

Bad memories flashed through his head in that single second. His first encounter with Belial had similar aspects. His enemy was somehow behind him without him noticing. In just a single second his enemy had somehow appeared behind him. He closed his eyes as he felt the impact of Osiris's attack. He grunted as he flew forward crashing into a horizontal support column. Turning he faced his opponent again. Looking as if he was not in battle, Osiris stood as iridescent light converged in front of him. Releasing it an unstable sphere of light shot force. Anon flipped upwards to dodge the attack but the sphere followed. Catching this he concentrated his thoughts. A wall of light formed in front of him but the powerful attack forced its way through easily. Surprised he could not brace himself for the attack. After he finished tumbling back he opened his eyes to find his opponent rushing towards him. Light collected in front of it and Sousuke prepared to clash against the next attack. He was surprised when it did not become an attack rather a weapon. The iridescent mace spun around the body then slammed against Anon's lambda shield once again easily destroying it and damaging Anon.
"What's the matter Sagara. Do you need those nootropics again?"
Sousuke ignored the taunt as he regained himself. Coming again Osiris summoned a Scythe like weapon. This weapon appeared from one of Osiris's now missing wing-like pieces, reminding him of Borghild's weapon sources. An invisible force gripped the weapon while Osiris stayed in a calm composure as if it were not battling.
"Sir he is using the lambda driver on that weapon. Forms of his attack may vary."
"Roger."
The upper left thigh opened up releasing a knife which Sousuke took into Anon's hand. The right arm-blade was also ready.
"Why do you fight us Sousuke? We are merely trying to ameliorate the world." Osiris came up bringing the scythe down hard. Blocking with the arm-blade he slashed his knife. Maneuvering his weapon Osiris blocked it with the pole of his weapon. Retracting his right arm Anon attempted to stab him. The blade's tip hit an invisible wall as his attack was thrown off course. Bringing his left arm up to block, the hilt of the scythe slammed into Anon's face. Retracting the arm-blade he pulled his pistol and loaded it firing at Osiris. The AS merely laughed as the bullets hit and flew back towards Anon. The bullets repeated the effect on the iridescent light from Anon. The bullets did not travel in full reverse. They swirled crashing against Osiris's own force. The bullets pressed forward creating an effect like pushing through rubber. A flick of Osiris's head destroyed the bullets. Anon rushed forward gun replaced, attacking over and over again with his blades. Osiris merely manipulated his weapon around or made a small movement to dodge any attacks that made it through. Sousuke breathed rapidly with every strike attempting to find an opening in his seemingly invincible enemy. He was becoming frustrated, and yet that emotion was not what was bothering him. A sense of helplessness was starting to fill him. As if his inevitable end was inescapable. He began to question the significance of coming here if he was going to die so easily anyway. Dashing upward dodging Osiris's next attack he lunged downward his arm-blade ready to strike his opponent.
His blade reached its target or so it seemed. He heard a whisking sound and another he recognized, but was distinctly different. Once again his opponent was behind him. Spinning Sousuke brought his knife around but his hand was grabbed by Osiris. Trying for another attack he pulled his gun and aimed it backwards. The scythe destroyed the weapon before he could fire. Osiris grabbed Anon's other hand and began pulling it backwards straining the back.
"Sir at this rate the arms will be ripped off."
"I know!" Sousuke snapped at Al. Concentrating he pulled as hard as he could. Osiris released him laughing.
"Really this is no fun except for the fact that I can toy with you. Have you lost all your spirit? What was the point of all that work? You are an advocate of HET and you still cannot do anything. "
"What?" Sousuke took in what he said carefully. He had lost quite a bit of memories but what he heard sounded significant. He couldn't wonder further as Schneider came forward again.
"You are too weak. No wonder you could not interface with the lambda driver at first. Even now you cannot manipulate it to its full extent."
"I'm not Whispered!" Sousuke spat as he summoned up his blade again. This time a double-sword appeared from Osiris.
"True!" Schneider chuckled as he blocked and attacked Anon.

Anon found an opening an attacked but once again he failed. The image faded. Osiris once again decided to appear behind him. Turning to attack Osiris disappeared. Sousuke blinked watching Osiris appear in the distance. He blinked again wondering what he saw. Sousuke suddenly remember he had more then just a normal way to travel. He zipped forward as a wave of light crashing against Osiris's own lambda shield. Not hesitating he slashed at Osiris's shield, his blade dripped with iridescent light as he fought to injure his opponent. He looked at Schneider's AS which showed the pilots calm demeanor. His arms remained crossed as he stood there his weapon by his side his shield unhindered as Sousuke attacked. Sousuke wanted to feel angry to do something to give him strength to fight his opponent but that fact that he could fight him in such a manner showed the obvious difference and no matter what he did he would have no chance against the man in front of him. He was Whispered after allHe tried for one last attack he was easily stopped as the shield faded and Osiris moved forward grabbing Anon by the neck. "You disappoint me Sagara. I thought you were better than this. A man who has talents such as yourself should be able to do better than this." Sousuke could only stare back at the face of Osiris as it held his AS by the neck. Helpless. Osiris tilted its head slightly as if examining the AS in its grip further. "Maybe you were a waste of time." With a quick forceful squeeze he released Anon. Before Sousuke could react he punched into the stomach of his AS, then brought the scythe around and stabbed through Anon's stomach. Al reported damage as Sousuke struggled to fight back. Slamming into his face Anon was sent flying. Osiris flew past him. Sousuke stared at the upside down form of Schneider's AS as he flew towards him. His last thoughts were not what he thought they would be and did not focus on who he thought it would. He wondered what had brought him to this.

He could feel his fatigue and pain as he ebbed into darkness. The last thing he saw was Osiris waiting for him, ready to end his miserable life.

--

Her blue hair swayed slightly in the breeze as she stood on the edge of the docks. She pulled her arms to her body the cool bite of the wind was felt upon her naked skin. She had only her yellow jacket worn modestly over her bathing suit. Next to her was her best friend her hair still in braided pig-tails and wearing glasses even in her bathing suit. She was taking pictures of the sun as it faded but only at distinct moments. She had taken a few pictures of her blue haired companion. They had spent the day together and Kaname was not in her usual mood. Sousuke was either busy, or on a mission whichever it was his charge had seemed cheerful most of the day as if nothing was wrong. Looking at her through her camera Kyouko noticed a sudden change in her expression. Taking a picture she pulled the object form her face and eyed her friend curiously.
"What's wrong Kana-chan?" Kyouko kept her voice in a cheerful manner trying to preserve her friend's good mood.
"Huh, oh nothing I just had a bad feeling is all." Kaname hugged herself tighter a moment then turned her attention to the water.
"Is it about Sagara-kun?"
Kaname turned away laughing embarrassingly. "What makes you think that?" Turning to Kyouko she put on a cheerful expression again. "Anyways he's alright. This is a day for us so let's forget about him."
"All right. No offense Kaname but even if you are my best friend being at the beach just the two of us is kind of boring after awhile." Kyouko was about ready to leave and either head home or hopefully find something interesting to do with Kaname. Their time together recently had seemed to diminish. Kaname rested her elbow on the rail of the dock and rested her chin on her hand.
"You're right. How about we call it a day it's getting late. My apartment should be back up tomorrow. Maybe we can call some friends and have a celebratory sleep-over."
Kyouko wanted to ask if Sousuke would be there but knew the answer. She knew Kaname was not a melancholy person but she never seemed this cheerful when Sousuke was gone. Her eyelids fell worriedly wondering if her friend was getting tired of the Sergeant.
"Okay but lets do one more thing before we finish up."
"What?"
Kyouko smiled before walking away from a puzzled Chidori. Kaname scratched her head wondering what had gotten into her friend but quickly followed her. "Kyouko wait up!"

After taking a picture to add to memory they had headed to Kyouko's house. The apartment was nothing special. It had a living room furnished with a couch, television, and other basic items. The rest of the apartment was similar in its necessary furnishing, and utilities. Of course as expected the place did have a touch from the person living there. The apartment was not roaming with pictures as many would suspect, but did have its own little touch. Having been here many times Kaname headed for the bathroom first. Kyouko went into her room while Kaname was busy. She reached under her bed feeling around for something. After a few moments she made contact with the item of interest and pulled it out. It was a book, or folder of some kind. It was thick and had a kanji word written in gold ink on the front. 'Our Memories' is what it said. Standing up she carried the item with her to the living room. Returning to her room she grabbed a laptop that she had recently purchased with a large amount of saved money. Kaname exited the bathroom as Kyouko headed to the kitchen. Spotting the items on the table she curiously followed her friend into her kitchen.
"Hey Ky, what are we going to do?"
"Want anything to drink?" Kyouko said seemingly ignoring her question. Kaname stared at the back of her photo fanatic friend's head, suspicious since she was acting in an aloof and secretive nature. Something she was not known for. Deciding she would eventually find out she let it go.
"How about some soda?"
"Sure." Kyouko went into her fridge and pulled out two cans of 'Coca-cola'. Handing one to Kaname she headed back towards the living room. Plopping down on the couch she put the can down and put the book on her lap. Kaname while drinking followed it with her eyes; she read the name on the cover and instantly got an idea of what it was.
Kyouko opened the book. Kaname was right as the contents of it were revealed to her. Inside was a collection of pictures many going back to before she knew Kyouko. On the inside of the front cover were three CDs. Kaname pointed to the coin-shaped items.
"What are those for?"
"There more pictures. A lot of them I have printed out but they're basically what I take on my digital camera. I haven't had a chance to get a lot of them developed. Hence the laptop so we can look at them."
Kyouko smiled as she took a drink of her soda. Kaname pointed to the first picture in the book.
"What's this?" She pointed to a picture showing a young Kyouko a party hat sitting between her pig-tailed braids, and a camera in her hand.
"That was when I first got a camera. I was about four years old then. I was so happy when my parent's first got the photos from that film developed."
"You look so cute." Kaname smiled as she stared at the picture and roamed on to others. She was sure a lot of them held stories from her best friends past that she did not know about.
"This one's from when I actually learned what I was doing. The pictures I took are in another book. "Flipping the page a picture caught Kaname's attention. Kyouko noticed her friend's curious stare.
"That was my first best friend. We did everything together when we were little. Her name was Yamada Tomoyo. Tomoyo was kind of like you are now. She was confident and stuff. She was into pictures and stuff like me but she liked drawing. "In the picture Kyouko was standing smiling with her arms around another girl's waist. A little girl with dimples, green eyes, and long brown hair had her arm around Kyouko's shoulder smiling happily.
"We would share pictures and work our way through. Unfortunately she got upset a lot when her drawings didn't match up to real pictures. They were good drawings very advanced for children her age but she didn't like the way they compared to real life. We did everything to console her. I liked her pictures they were beautiful. She eventually got into painting. Sadly when we got to middle school she was becoming obsessed with perfecting her pictures and we eventually drifted apart. I feel like it's my fault for not trying harder to spend time with her and help her. Her family eventually moved to Kyoto and I haven't seen her since. We spoke in letters every now and then and emailed each other but we stopped a short time after beginning. Last I heard she was doing fine and perfecting her art. That was in seventh grade."
Kaname noticed the sorrowed look in her friend's eyes. It's hard losing your first best friend. Kaname herself knew plenty about childhood grievances. She herself had, had serious stressful events in her life. Turning the page there were many more pictures from Kyouko's early childhood. Kaname listened to each story Kyouko had to tell. Many happy, and many sad. They had laughed and at times Kaname had to console her friend. Kyouko's eyes looked large and even cute with the water, reflection of the lights, and the way her glasses made her eyes seem larger. Kaname thought it was kind of cute but mentioned nothing as she helped Kyouko. She could tell this was important to her, as well as sharing with Kaname she was dealing with old wounds, and happily remembering wonderful memories. Finally about halfway in they came across photos that were recent. Kaname recognized herself from the beginning of high-school in some of the photos. Kyouko's pictures were very high quality then but seeing her more recent pictures she had definitely become much better. Now the girl seemed to take excellent pictures with ease. Kyouko pointed to a picture of Kaname; her hair was shorter and in a pony-tail on the top of her head but definitely on its way to its current length. She was sitting on a rail licking an ice-cream.
"Kana-chan do you remember that day? That was the first time we hung out for a day. It took awhile before you let me in your apartment."
Kaname laughed slightly while speaking. "Yeah I remember. That was a great day. I'm glad we went to that festival for the memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Except for the sad memorial it was a fun day." Kaname hugged her friend smiling while looking at a picture of the same day where they both stood together on a bridge the sunset and city behind them. Roaming deeper into the book and uncovering more memories they had similar experiences with some of the pictures. No one cried this time but they had sad, happy, and funny memories. A moment to add to their memories; Kaname laughed releasing her soda from her mouth and nose upon seeing a picture of when they had taken pictures with a Bonta-kun. They were making funny faces and looked absolutely ridiculous. When she began coughing Kyouko began worrying but after another drink she was alright and they cleaned up the mess before continuing. They summoned up memories of their first year at Jindai with classmates. There was Shinji as shy and nerdy as ever. Ono-D, still the trouble maker and class clown. She spotted pictures of her friends Maya and Shiori. Maya was playing a violin in one; Shiori was playing with make-up in another. Kaname's heart stopped when she saw a picture of when they played a joke on her saying they were going to pretty her up with make-up. Kaname looked ridiculous with her face white and pink amongst other colors. She made sure never to let them do her make-up again. She glared at Kyouko who was holding her sides in pain seeing the picture making her laugh uncontrollably. In some pictures she spotted Mizuki and even Ren and Hayashimizu. They found a picture of when Kaname first became class representative, and even vice-president. She stood holding a document and some pictures of her first assignments as class rep and student council vice-president. Turning more pages they reached the photos of their summer before their second year at Jindai. Kaname's hair was already grown to its current length, and Kyouko had her pig-tails. Eventually they reached pages showing more recent times and the start to stranger times. They stopped and stared strangely at the picture of Sergeant Sagara Sousuke being interrogated and examined by Ms. Eri Kagurazaka holding his gun after finding it on his first day in school. Kaname couldn't help but stare at the picture of the person who had become a huge pain in her life. She recognized the picture of when they watched him while he was in the office with Ms. Kagurazaka as she took his Glock. Another one reminded her of when he broke the bust thinking it was a terrorist. She smiled at the one where he was sprawled on top of Ms. Kagurazaka in the hallway after accidentally running into her. Kaname eyed the pictures with awe as she slowly turned the page. She did not notice Kyouko taking more pictures of her expression. As they moved in Sousuke slowly fell into pictures with them joining their world and group of friends. She noticed the ones with him were more interesting and had quite some stories compared to a lot of other pictures. A lot of the pictures brought back angry memories or funny ones. Kaname clenched her fist remembering when he groped her after saving her from the truck. That idiot had done it once then multiple times not realizing what he was doing at first.
"That jerk I can't believe he did that in front of you guys!" Kaname had fire in her eyes and her fist clenched.
"Come one Kana he didn't do it on purpose…I think. You are the one who helped make him different after all and you two seemed to have an attraction to each other since the beginning."
Kaname glared at her friend a hint of annoyance and anger in he eyes. It soon turned to mischief and joy as they laughed about the event. Farther along a lot of the pictures involving Kaname had Sousuke in them. This did not go unnoticed by either of them. Right after the airplane hi-jacking incident some of the pictures were closer then others and more worked their way to the two of them being every close a lot of the time. Kaname wondered how things had happened over time and progressed so far. She smiled reaching a day that had been dangerous and particularly funny. Except for the fact that it had been her birthday and they had been attacked, the day had turned out alright. Especially since Sousuke had given her the 'Lapis Lazuli' some days later.
"Kana-chan you remember when Sousuke and those weird guys who said they were terrorist appeared."
"Oh yeah." Kaname had a knowing look in her eye as she looked to the side remembering the event.
"Here look at this." Kyouko pointed to a photo of Kaname beating a masked Sousuke then dragging him off.
"It was kind of brave when every one thought you were walking up and facing the terrorist. They were really nice though. This short girl here was clumsy but the blonde guy was a great singer and they were really nice to everyone."
"Really? Well I wonder why terrorist would do that." Kaname chuckled lightly at the end of her statement.
"I have pictures of some of the bad stuff but that's not in this folder. There in a collection of pictures that aren't so important."
"Got it."
"Too bad Sousuke hadn't been there sooner. I really wanted to get a cute picture of you two on your birthday. You know, maybe one of him giving you a present and you thankinghim for it. Or maybe get you guys under mistletoe. It could have been a romantic cruise." Kaname stared daggers at her friend before regaining her composure and speaking
"Oh please with Sousuke. His sense of romance is as bad as his common sense. He doesn't have any of either. He probably would have given me another practical thing and I would have thrown it in his face. He would have ruined the whole mood."
"Well at least he would have tried."
"He did."
"Huh?"
Kaname laughed nervously. "Nothing I didn't say anything." Kaname turned the page trying to reach a new subject. Eventually they reached a series of pictures that were absent of Kaname or Sousuke. Kaname examined the picture. Some had her friends looking worried and some showed her in a less then perfect condition. Eventually she had healed and they had pictures of her smiling. She was with Ono-D and Shinji, and the rest of their friends.
"That was when you guys were gone." Kaname looked at the pictures slowly turning through the pages as she got ideas of how some of her friends felt, how they reacted and some of the things they did. Listening to some explanations from Kyouko on certain pictures they did not spend much time in this section of the book. Traveling further they reached pictures containing Sousuke and Kaname again. None of them looked as happy as they used to be. Kaname was not her usual self and Sousuke looked overly troubled.
"I keep them in timeline order so I can more easily remember events."
"That's good." Kaname's response was automatic and almost unaware to her.
"I wanted to do this with you. I have other books but this is for me and my friends. I want you to help me organize and decide on pictures."
"Sure sounds like fun." Kaname said in a monotonous voice as she examined the pictures curiously. She regained some of her spark when she came across the pictures of when Sousuke had ended up on top of her when Maya pushed Sousuke after tricking him.
"I wonder exactly how Sousuke came to us. How he came here and became part of our lives." Kyouko pondered resting her chin in her hand.
"Right so let's do it!" Kaname brought her fist into her palm and smiled at her friend. Kyouko looked at her from the corner of her eye.
"Great. Speaking of which what is Sousuke doing?"

--

His eyes stung as he opened them slowly. He looked around wondering where he was. Earlier he had been infiltrating an Amalgam base when he suddenly ran into a strange man with a peculiar aura. He had been staring at the man pointing his gun and then he didn't remember what happened. His head hurt and his body ached. He tried to lift his arms to rub his head and check his body but he could not. Aside from the incredibly tired feeling surging through his body he was strapped down. He tried to lift his head but just that effort took all his strength. The brief glance he had he found he had tubes and needles in his body. Suddenly the door to the room opened. He could only move his eyes to see who it was. He did not recognize the person but it was a young female, probably a nurse. She walked over carrying a chart.
She smiled noticing he was awake.
"Finally awake I see." She smiled then wrote something on the chart. Opening his mouth to speak he found he could not produce any words. The woman smiled walking over equipment he could not see in his limited state and began. Trying to force his limbs to move his senses were going crazy. He could hear the sound of the woman writing something down. He wanted to move, to break free. This woman had to be an enemy which meant he had to be in the enemy's hands. He suddenly realized they hadn't killed him. He wondered what had happened that he needed to be in a bed and having this many things running through him. The nurse went about changing packs and checking him.
"Well you seem alright for now. I'll come back later." The nurse lightly kissed his forehead then walked out of the room. Having tired himself out just trying to move he found himself slowly falling back into sleep.
The next time he woke up he was dressed in a grey shirt and camouflage pants, and only socks on his feet. A dim light made the room barely visible. Looking around he found himself in a medium-sized plain room. The door made it obvious he was a prisoner. The room however was neatly kept, clean and he had a clean bed and instead of a toilet he had a bathroom. His body was sore and he barely recalled the last time he woke up. He went about doing exercises to get his body moving. When he finished he went into the bathroom and cleaned up a little bit. Walking back into the room he knocked on the door hoping someone would come, and hopefully answer questions. He knocked for 30 seconds before someone came to see what he wanted. A mean looking guard opened the door.
"What?"
"Where am I?"
"That's not you business."
Sousuke ignored the ignorance of that answer since it was indeed his business.
"Who are you?"
"The devil. Anymore questions?"
"Why am I here?"
"Not to bug me I'll tell you that."
"Who is your leader?"
The guard was now getting and frustrated with the questions.
"THAT'S ENOUGH I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF…ooophf!" Sousuke's fist crashed into the man's face then he grabbed the man's collar and pulled him hard into the door. Hanging onto the man's shirt he pulled him up and with his left hand reached down and searched for a key. He could not find one the man's clothing. He continued searching only finding an ID card but nothing he could use as access to escape. He grabbed the man's handgun and pulled it through the window. He searched the body a few moments more going as far as to search as far under his clothing as he could. Giving up he dropped the body and placed the gun in the back of his pants.

He heard commotion outside as another guard came to check on the situation. After mockingly laughing he looked through the window. He saw no one in the room when suddenly a gun was in his face before the silenced gun went off. Grabbing the body before it collapsed Sousuke went about searching it as well. He once again found nothing. Giving up he heard more footsteps approaching. He waited again as someone looked through the window. Pointing the gun he felt someone grab it and jerk it from him slamming him up against the door.
"Well done Sagara I see you're awake/"
He recognized that voice. The voice of the man he had seen that day. He stepped to the side of the door his back pressed against the wall. If his opponent had pulled the gun he had to be exceptionally trained or something else to predict that and then pull the gun that quickly.
"Well I see your condition has recovered. I will have to ask you to refrain from killing anymore guards." There was a pause as the man signaled for the bodies to be removed.
"You're quite lucky. Sir Testarossa wanted you dead but he does not know you are here. Luckily for me this gives perfect opportunity."
"For what?" Sousuke asked trying to figure out what he could by the way the man sounded, and spoke.
"You will find out soon enough. For now enjoy you're time while you can." Sousuke heard the foot steps of the man walking away. Suddenly they stopped.
"Oh and Sousuke… Kaname's fine."
Sousuke turned and went to look out the now closed window. He heard the man chuckle most likely realizing he got his expected reaction. Sousuke sighed then decided he would look around the whole room and see what he could find. After a while he felt tired again. He decided to get some rest he voluntary rest this time.

'He found himself floating. Everything was ethereal as he looked around. He could feel the brush of the air as he stuck out his hand. Suddenly he heard his voice being called.
"Sousuke." It was low as if in the distance but he could recognize the voice.
"Sousuke!" It was louder and he could hear the sound of something. Turning he caught a glimpse of blue hair before what appeared to be a fist came at him. "SOUSUKE WAKE UP!" '
--
His eyes shot open. He was surprised to find he was still alive and flying right towards Osiris.
"Sousuke." Al's voice could be heard. Before he could respond he had to protect himself. As Osiris held out his hand it crashed against Anon. Light tore through the air as Sousuke fought against Schneider. The iridescent force moved in ripples as it poured out.
"What?" Schneider was surprised by the sudden outburst from Anon. He was even more shocked when he felt an incredible force as he was blown back.
"Sir, are you alright?" Worry could be identified in Al's voice.
Sousuke took a deep breath as he stared at the screen. "Affirmative."
"Sir, expectancy of victory has increased slightly."
"Good."
Osiris balanced once again spoke. "Well, well looks like your finally awake."
Sousuke did not respond keeping focused on his enemy.
"This does not change anything."
Osiris prepared to attack again but suddenly stopped. Sousuke waited as he stayed in his position.
"I'm sorry Sagara I must end this."
Anon rushed forward iridescent light pouring off it. It crashed against Osiris's power only to be forced back. Osiris rushed forward continuing to beat on Anon.
"Sir, we need to escape."
"I…know!" Sousuke forced out through grunts and impacts.
"Al set off a flash. In five seconds."
"Roger."
Sousuke used as much strength as he could muster and knocked Osiris back. A blinding light followed causing his opponent to lose sight. When it cleared Osiris could no longer find Anon.
"Damn him!" Schneider shouted then smiled menacingly. He pressed a button which was followed by a beep.
"I'm coming." Osiris flew upwards and disappeared form the room.

Anon sat against a wall its body and pilot exhausted. They sat in a small tunnel a good distance from the room where he fought Osiris. It has taken extreme effort to get here in such a short amount of time.
"Sir the enemy is not following us we should be okay."
"Roger." Sousuke breathed deeply and let his body fall limp as he rested his head against the back.
"Al, open the cock-pit."
"Yes sir."
The chest dimmed and the outside was revealed to Sousuke. Grabbing a bag he flopped onto the ground.
Rummaging through the bag he pulled out a canteen of water and an MRE. He was exhausted and needed to take time to rest now.

--