Note: I do not own any Metal Gear Solid characters or items (even if I wish I did). Please R&R!
Chapter 5 – Into the Jungle
Snake couldn't see far, trees and high grass was blocking his view. He knew that the environment would be used against him, because the enemy would surely use camouflage. Snake grunted and opened his backpack. He searched for a fitting uniform and changed his clothes. The grassland camouflage seemed to fit. Snake also painted his face with a green color. After his little make-up, he compared his camouflage to the surroundings. The effect surprised him a bit: He really was nearly invisible - as long as he wouldn't leave his cover. But he didn't plan on relying on this anyway. He unlocked his M9 tranquilizer gun - the only weapon he had with him - and slowly moved forward.
He moved along a 'path' made up by grass. To the left and to the right were rocks and on those rocks were trees. He tried to concentrate on any suspicious sounds or movements. But he gave up this plan: To many animals wandered around and the small wind moved the leaves. He cursed. His Soliton Radar - a gadget made by Mei Ling - didn't work in the woods. There was too much jamming in the area.
After a while he reached a wider area. The ground didn't seem too solid and after he took a second look, Snake saw crocodiles lying in the muddy water.
'A swamp... damn!' Snake hated the thought that he had to get across a swamp full of crocodiles. Maybe there was an other way. Snake watched the surroundings and saw the solution: To the left there was a small grass-covered way with solid ground. The only problem was the crocodile lying on it. Although it didn't seemed too hungry, Snake decided to take it out. He pointed the M9 at the croco. He aimed carefully and pulled the trigger. He heard a popping sound as the tranquilizer dart flew away. He saw the darts' impact: It had landed just between the crocos' eyes. The animal fell asleep fast. Snake moved slowly forward, always pointing his pistol at the other crocodiles which were in the water or on a small island in the middle of the swamp. Snake reached the head of the crocodile. As he reached it, he started a dash and a few seconds later, he had reached the other side. Another valley between walls made up by rocks marked the way. He passed it without any difficulties. After a little walk he reached a deep canyon. Because he hadn't found any guards yet, Snake was a bit too cocky and he saw the guard a bit too late: He had nearly run into the sentry, who was standing only a few steps away. Both the Russian and Snake stared at each other for a second or two. Then the guard raised his rifle. Snake reacted as fast as ever. Before the guard could fire his AK-74u, Snake rolled forward and hit the man to the ground. A few shots hit only air. Snake came up first and pointed his pistol at the Russians' head. 'One word and you are dead!', Snake whispered. The man didn't answer. Snake saw that he was knocked out. Snake watched his environment. Apparently, noone had heard the shot, the way over the canyon, which was just a small hanging bridge, was free. Snake searched the guard and found a few bandages and... a few bullets for the AK. He took them. Then he controlled the AK. It was secured by a DNA-security system. Snake didn't know how it really worked. But as for as he knew, only the person with an encoded DNA could fire the weapon. Snake cursed again. No luck this time.
He hid the guard in the grass under a tree, which stood right in front of the bridge. Then Snake took out his scope, kneed down and checked the other side. Not a single enemy was in sight. He contacted Yuki.
"This is Snake. Yuki, I found a single guard. I had to knock him out for a while. His equipment is Russian-made. But..." Snake controlled his words by looking at the guards uniform. "...he is not a member of the Russian army. It looks like a mercenary to me."
It took some time, then Otacon answered.
"Hey Snake. Yuki is checking the database. We don't know it yet. Probably are you right. It could be a mercenary. We'll contact you, if we dig something up for you, okay?"
Snake nodded. Then he realized that Otacon couldn't see that and decided to answer. "Yep. Hear from you ASAP."
Snake ended the call and stood up. He checked the guard. The guy was still in deep dreams. Snake crossed the bridge. After a few corners the abandonned factory came in sight.
End Note: Okay, finally the first real Metal Gear element is in the story: The sneaking. More in the next chapter, which is coming soon. Please R&R.
