-1Disclaimer: This chapter is still part of the overall story, HOWEVER, there are a few bits that only people who know me will find humorous…Read at your OWN risk…

CHAPTER 4: Training Continues…

"Welcome, Kevin…" Shion greets me as I walk into the ARTS training hall. "We will now begin your ARTS training…"

"I am guessing this is hand-to-hand and melee combat training…" I said, questioning.

"That's correct," Shion replies. "We will go through hand-to-hand combat techniques, and then proceed to melee combat."

With that, we began our training. We spent 90 minutes working on judo and Muay Thai techniques. Afterwards, we took a 15 minute break. Shion left for a minute and returned with juice.

"Here you go," she said, handing me a can. "This'll get your energy up in no time."

After our break, we began the Muay Thai portion of my training. The training lasted another 90 minutes. During this portion of the training, Shion decided to 'learn more' about me.

"You know, I couldn't help noticing in the conference room on your first day," Shion says, attempting a high kick. "You were staring at KOS-MOS a lot. It almost looks like you're infatuated!"

Caught off-guard by the random nature of the question/statement, I almost fell victim to one of her attacks. However, I recovered quick enough to block her attack. Searching for what to say, knowing that I would be interrogated further, I decided to admit my 'feelings.'

"OK, so I like her! Is there something wrong with that?" I shout, still blocking her attacks.

"SHE'S A ROBOT! OF COURSE THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT!" Shino shouts, putting everything into this last attack. Sadly, my attention being diverted to the conversation (or argument), I was unable to block the attack. The force of impact on the side of my head knocked me down and left me with an all percussion band going on a ten city tour of my brain… and I had a front-row season pass…

"Truth is, I kinda figured she was a robot anyway," I commented, still rubbing my head. "Her response from my asking how she was this morning was a bit of a dead giveaway!"

"So you know…" Shion asks, exhausted. "And you still admire her like that?"

At this point, I had no idea what was going through Shion's head. Wait… she doesn't think that… huh-boy… I hope she's not getting any perverted ideas.. I thought to myself. I figured that I had my work cut out for me. After all, it wouldn't be easy working with a team where the leader thinks I am some robot chasing pervert.

After the training sessions, I was summoned into Shion's quarters. She was sitting on her bed, quite calmly. I walked in cautiously, not knowing what to expect after the awkwardness during the ARTS training. She acknowledged my arrival and motioned me to a chair by the bed. I sit down, cautiously, wondering what was about to transpire.

"I'd like to apologize for losing my temper earlier…" she said, apologetically. "I was the head of the KOS-MOS project. I pretty much oversaw her creation. The first one was a success, yet she went berserk and killed… Many died… The second one, which is the one you see everyday, she was the one who was a success. To this day, I still carry the guilt from the first one…"

I looked on, afraid to say anything to upset her any further. I was about to ask a question, but I scratched it when I looked at her and noticed a tear rolling down her cheek. At this point, I had no idea, what I should do. Do I console her? How much would be going 'too far?' I decided to try to console her.

"I am pretty sure what happened the first time was a disaster," I said, approaching her cautiously. "However, I hope you don't blame yourself for those events…"

As I got closer, she grabbed me. I wasn't sure what to make of her grabbing me. As it turned out, she was hugging me. What did I just get myself into? I wondered. She looked up at me, still with tears in her eyes.

"I don't blame myself for what happened then…" she said softly. "I am just really protective of

KOS-MOS. I don't want anything to happen to her"

Brushing the tears from her eyes, I looked down at her and smiled. "I understand. The way I am, I will do all I can to protect her."

She looked up at me and smiled slightly. "Thanks. I know you will do everything in your power to protect her."

With that, the next moments were very awkward. Just as I started to smile back, she leaned up and kissed me. I wasn't sure what to make of the moment, but I sure wasn't gonna fight it. The moment lasted for what seemed like an eternity. When our embrace separated, we just stood there and stared at each other. Somehow, we both felt like it was just right.

Shortly after, I left for my quarters to attempt to sort out what just happened…. 'cuz I was really confused. …happy…but confused…