I want to thank everyone for waiting for this chapter. It took a lot of work, working between getting college applications in, the SAT, AP exams, and everything, but now I'm done with all that and have the entire summer FREE! BWAHAHA! This chapter really thought me something about keeping your characters in order. I wrote most of the first section in two days and then waited a month to finish. When I went over it I noticed that half of the additional characters I added in this chapter changed names because I forgot to look back and check, ah well that's what editing is for anyways. Hope you enjoy it.

For My Reviewers:

Extrenm54: I'm glad your day gets better when I update. Thanks for your continued help, it really helps me out.

Story Weaver 1: Thanks for being so faithful. I know I've taken a lot of breaks but I can always count on your review. I'm glad you liked the hero worshiping.

Maroon Caludin: To know my story actually inspired someone is huge! I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope to get a review from you in this chapter.

Disclaimer: There are lyrics from the Lunar Silver Star Story game in this chapter, those are copyright working designs. For other copyrights please see the disclaimer section at the beginning of the story.


Chapter 11

Operation Angel Tear

"The chosen one will not follow a straight path. Instead it will be filled with turns, unable to see what lies around the bend. He must meet the challenge head on, or risk being overtaken by fear of failure."
–Excerpt Book of Trials


Water Temple: Briefing Room,
March 16th 11:48 PM

The room was stuffy. About fifty people were crammed in sitting on folding chairs. Each person had a manila folder with what appeared to be mission related documents in them. The front of the room housed a screen.

"What's going on in here?"

Jamie was sitting next to Sion. She rolled her eyes before responding, "It's a pre-mission briefing. Uncle Nall should be in here soon. Here, just look at this for now."

Jamie handed her folder to Sion for him the flip though. He couldn't make sense of it. There was a picture of an older woman named Ami Konishi, and another had a picture of a teenage girl named Kaname Konishi. Before Sion could look any further into the information the lights dimmed and Nall stepped into the room.

"Alright everyone, lets get this started shall we?"

Behind Nall a large map appeared, Sion was surprised to see that North Korea seemed to be the target.

"A couple of hours ago the JDSF contacted us with a very sensitive situation. The DPRK last night kidnapped Dr. Ami Konishi, a leading expert in the field of nuclear weaponry, and her daughter Kaname Konishi."

Dr. Konishi and her daughter's pictures appeared off to the side of the map. A particular city was highlighted on the coast of North Korea.

"We have reason to believe that Dr. Ami Konishi and her daughter are being held on the costal city of Kaesong. We also have reason to believe that Dr. Konishi and her daughter are planed to be transported to the city of Pyongyang tomorrow morning. Dr. Konishi with her distinguished background will most likely be forced to help develop an advanced nuclear weapon program of some sorts. Currently the Japanese government is unsure how the DPRK managed to kidnap a leading scientist like Dr. Konishi."

The map changed into a blue print of what appeared to be an airfield. A large section of the coast was also visible.

"Team A will penetrate the base via airplane. We'll be executing a forced landing using two of our WC- 130 Hercules. This is mainly to create a diversion for the S team. S Team you'll find that you have three active groups. Jamie and Travis are group one or Alpha. Jeb and Tim you're group 2, or Bravo. Katie and Warren you're group 3 or Charlie. The rest of team S is to provide support. Each group will be aboard a HC-130 P/N equipped with a dual S.D.V. unit. Once in range you'll launch the SDV and penetrate into the base underwater. Once you reach the eastern edge of the base you'll signal Team A so they can begin their assault. Extraction for Team S will be provided outside the base via plane. Mission begins in two hours so get ready. All equipment is waiting at the underground hanger. Move out!"

The room emptied quickly. Jamie took Sion by the hand and led him out of the room towards the underground hanger. Once there she grabbed two large sacks and threw one to Sion, then led him aboard one of the HC- 130 P/N aircraft. Sion was amazed by the technology aboard the plane.

"This defiantly isn't like what I saw at the air shows."

Jamie smiled, "Nope, its been highly modified. The rear exit hatch was welded up and replaced by an undercarriage discharge, like a bomber, so we can launch the SDV."

Sion looked at the machine in the center of the plane, "Is this that SDV thing there talking about?"

Jamie felt the machine with her hand, "Yep, its s swimmer delivery vehicle. I've been cramped up in one of these once or twice. Not that fun."

Sion walked over to the pack Jamie had given him and started to rummage through it. Jamie walked over and grabbed it from him.

"Let me help you before you injure your self."

Jamie removed a basic black BDU uniform and handed it to Sion along with a mask.

"That's pretty self explanatory. Let's go to the weapons."

Jamie then pulled out a military looking rifle, "This is the Colt M4. Basic US military assault riffle. Uses 5.66 mm NATO ammo, normally, but were not into lethal force unless it's required so it's been modified to fire tranquilizers. There's a sling so you can carry it on your back. Then there's this."

Jamie pulled out a black case that had a large G on it, "This is the Glock 19. It uses standard 9mm ammo, but like the rifle we've modified it for tranquilizer use. I'm going to assume you know how to use this stuff right?"

Sion grabbed the Glock from Jamie and one of the clips. Carefully inserting the clip into the grip then pulling back the slider the gun answered with the signature metallic sound of the semi-automatic action.

"I think that's a safe assumption."

The two sat in silence after they changed into the black BDU. Soon the other members of the crew loaded up into the plane. The ground crew started to move the planes onto the elevator platform. Travis sat next to Jamie trying to find something to keep himself occupied.

"So what do you do on a mission before it starts?"

Jamie sat back, "Usually I go over the brief, but this one isn't too complicated."

"So?"

"Well we could talk dumbass."

"What you want to talk about?"

"How about your life? You only told me what was bothering you. I never got to learn anything about you."

Sion got comfortable before deciding to talk, "Well, where do you want me to start?"

"How's about your parents?"

Sion could feel the plane starting to rise on the elevator towards the tarmac, "My mom has always been at home. When I was little she'd always take me to the mall with my grandmother to shop", Sion smiled, "You know I would always tell everyone I was raised at the mall."

"So what's your dad like?"

"He's the best. When I was little he'd always take me for rides on a tractor at our farm. Then he'd take me shooting. He runs a shipping company out of North County."

"So what about your friends?"

"Well my best friend is Jeff. He's always been a ladies guy. He tried to help me with this one girl Amy back around April."

"Wait, I thought your girlfriends name was Caitlin?"

"Amy's some girl I had a thing for first. But it got really complicated and didn't amount to anything. Then I met Caitlin while I was in the hospital."

"That was after you met Lucia right?"

"Yeah, Caitlin was a volunteer over at North County Hospital. Kinda weird, but when I met her she asked me out."

"Ha-ha", Jamie couldn't seem to contain her laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"Sorry, it's just, I could just picture that. You come out of your coma with a super natural encounter, and next thing you know you've got a girl asking you out."

"Yeah I guess it is kinda weird. Well that's my story in a nut shell, what about you? Haven't you ever had a boyfriend?"

Jamie sighed a little before facing Sion, "No…my parents were really protective. Then when I joined the gang I learned to hate guys. Then when I was almost raped Uncle Nall and Aunt Ruby came and saved me."

The planes engines could be herd roaring to life through the cabin, "That's another thing I meant to ask you. Why do you call Nall and Ruby your Aunt and Uncle?"

Jamie smiled, "We'll even though I was 14 I wasn't raised by my parents really. My dad was so rich and busy that he never had time for me. My mom was always busy with her higher class friends, so they hired a nanny. She never really did anything for me. Nall and Ruby were really my first parents. So I just call them my Aunt and Uncle. I know they'll never be blood related, but they're still my family."

The jet engines screamed as the throttle was pushed open, the plane roared down the runway. The intense gravity feeling filled Sion's senses as the plane quickly lifted into the air. The mission had begun. As the plane climbed Sion started to feel a little sleepy.

"Any tips on how to get to sleep on this thing?"

Jamie sat on the bench and leaned back, "Lean against me."

Sion did as instructed, "Man that feels better than that steel wall."

Jamie blushed a little, "Yeah, let's get some sleep."


North Korea, Kaesong 1st Airborne Base
March 17th 1:21 AM

A North Korean officer sat nervously at his desk watching the figure in front of him cloaked in darkness pace back and forth. He nearly jumped out of the seat when the figure started to speak.

"Well general we delivered our part of the deal, I do hope our dear leader Kim Jong Ill has the technology ready?"

The officer looked around the room trying to find an answer, "I have the assurance of the highest officials that word on the development project is on the way as we speak."

The figure previously standing in the dark quickly approached the desk and slammed his hands down on it, "I SHOULD HOPE SO GENERAL!"

This time the general did jump out of the seat and on to the floor, the man let out a small chuckle, "At ease General, please take your seat. My employer wouldn't like it if I came back with news that I killed General Chin-Mae", the General took his seat, a sense of seniority seemed to grow within him, this didn't go unnoticed by the man. He leaned down to the generals face, "But I doubt a bullet in the knee would kill you, right?"

The general started to sweat, "Mr. Zech perhaps we can talk about this in a more suitable room?"

Zech moved back into the darkness, "Kaesong 1st Airborne Air Base. This place used to house a small air fore, now it holds nothing and was a banded for fifteen years until this night, please general this place is falling apart. This room is just as good as any. If there's something you need to tell me, just spit it out."

A DPRK aid ran into the room and handed the trembling general a folded message, the aid departed the room even quicker after catching a glare from Zech.

Reading the message the general seemed to grow more relaxed, "It seems President Kim has personally asked you to come to the Presidential palace in Pyongyang where the development of the device will take place. A transport plane will be arriving around two thirty to take you, Dr. Konishi, and her daughter Kaname to the palace."

Zech quickly withdrew a silenced pistol and shot between the generals legs just missing the generals 'vitals', "That was just to show you how much anger you made me build up by waiting here."

The general was shocked so much that a wet stain started to form on his pants, "I…I'm ….very sorry Mr. Zech…my aid will show you to….to a more comfortable waiting area."

Zech started to leave the room, but stopped, "I only need the girl, execute the mother, she's not necessary."

"Yes sir."

Zech exited the room and walked out side the building. He took out a cell phone and quickly dialed a number while putting it to his ear, "This is Virgo 3. I'm going to the Presidential palace to oversee development of the device."

"Excellent Virgo 3, end transmission."

"Virgo 3 over and out."


Just Outside DPRK Airspace
March 17th 1:30 AM

"Get ready to drop!"

Sion jumped awake, Jamie had gotten up earlierand was doing a final cheek on all the gear.

"Had a nice nap?"

Sion shook the grogginess out of his system.

"Yeah, it was alright", he leaned against the steel frame of the plane and winced a little when his back touched the cold steel, "if it wasn't for the pillow my back be killing me."

Jamie blushed a little, "No problem, but we need to get strapped into the SDV.

Sion got up as Jamie opened one of the hatches.

"So is that where we put our gear?"

Jamie smiled, "actually this is where you, and the gear go."

Sion turned white, "You know I'm a little claustrophobic, how about I switch jobs with the pilot?"

"Get in there, unless you want me to force you."

"Yes mamm."

Sion crammed himself into the cramped space. Having his gear strapped to him didn't make it any easier.

"Be sure the safety is on, you don't need a tranq dart in your foot."

Sion quickly reached for the rifle on his back. Not thinking, he slammed his head against the hull.

"Dam cramped shit."

Jamie closed the hatch as Sion continued to curse. She walked over to the other side of the vessel and climbed in.

There was a set of controls, screen, and some other indicators in the device. Flipping a couple of switches the indicators came to life. The screen showed a forward view of the plane's cabin with the night vision green tint. Flipping another switch filled Jamie's area with the sound of Sion's cursing.

"Damn it, finally, safety was already on."

Jamie started laughing, "I already knew that. I checked it while you were asleep."

After a long pause, "Jamie, that was a really bitchy thing to do. Do you know how many knots are on my head?"

Jamie couldn't control her laughter, "I'd be nice to me Sion, I'm driving this thing to the shore. If I'm angry I might not be able to dodge the mines."

"Mines?", Sion got very quiet, "Jamie, not that I don't trust you or anything, but mines?"

"Ah don't worry."

The drop master came over the radio, "10 Seconds to drop."

A loud alarm went off as the bay below the SDV was opened.

"Get ready Sion", a counter ticked down on the screen.

"Alpha 1 engage turbine engine."

Jamie flipped a switch as the SDV's engine came to life.

"SDV engine engaged, all indicators green. Alpha SDV."

"Roger that Alpha SDV launch in 3… 2… 1. launch."

Sion felt the vehicle unclamp and fall into the water with a thud. The SDV lurched forward. Sion was able to watch from a screen in front of his face as Jamie guided the mini sub through the mine field. Quickly a range finder ticked down at it detected the land getting closer. After several minutes Jamie's voice filled Sion's area.

"Alright Sion get ready to bail I'm gonna blow this thing in ten seconds."

A chill went down Sion's spine, "Blow? Wait a second, DEFINE BLOW PLEASE!"


North Korea, Kaesong 1st Airborne Base: Tarmac
March 17th 1:47 AM

Zech paced back and forth impatiently waiting for something to interest him. Then it hit him as he spoke to himself.

"People can die from depression, and what's more depressing than watching your own daughter die."

Zech turned and countered his own idea, "But we need the girl, wait it's not impossible."

Zech motioned for the DPRK aide by the door to approach him, he then addressed the young solider.

"Boy, you speak English?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, do you have an armory for non-lethal weapons on field?"

"I believe we have a tranquilizer rifle somewhere on field."

"Excellent, bring me it and some ammo, now!"

The aide quickly retrieved the requested items and brought them to Zech from the adjourning room.

"Excellent boy, now watch, and learn something."

Zech took one of the darts and opened the syringe. Out of his pocket he took out a transparent red gel capsule. He messed around with the dart for a second before putting it back together.

"Now look boy. The capsule I put in the dart is a blood pellet. I placed it so it wouldn't be injected into the victim, but when the plunger pushes in the sleeping agent into the victim it will rupture the capsule. Then the blood will spew out from the dart making it look they had been shot."

The aide looked on interested, but then grew skeptical, "Are you sure that small amount of blood will look like they have been shot?"

Zech pondered a second, "You know, I don't really remember how much blood a neck shot produces, better refresh my self."

Zech whipped out his silenced pistol and shot the aide in the neck, blood spilled from the wound and the aide fell lifeless instantly. Zech looked on with interest and then sighed, "he was right, better make it two capsules."

Zech once again altered the dart and started in the direction of the holding cell where the mother and daughter were kept. Then he stopped and turned around, he looked down at the aide's fallen corpse and smiled, "Oh yeah, thanks for the help boy."


North Korea, Kaesong 1st Airborne Base: Sea Dock 1
March 17th 1:52 AM

A DPRK guard stands looking out over the ocean, wishing he was any where but there. Then a stinging sensation fills his neck as he grabs at a dart that appeared there. Silently and quickly he falls down on the dock, asleep.

Two heads pop out of the water near the dock. The two figures clad in wet suits strip down into black BDU style gear and toss the scuba gear and suits aside. They drag the sleeping guard to a darker corner and leave him where he won't be noticed.

One of the figures glances down at a hand held PDA for a second before motioning for the other to follow them. All that can be seen is faint silhouettes of humans figure carrying a riffle. They move up to a building separated from the rest. One uses a fiber optic cable camera to check under the door, while the other guards. After the former gives the other the thumbs up they pick the lock and quickly enter. Gently closing the door one of the figures motions to a lit door down the hall where screaming is herd. Nodding to the other, one of the figures takes a knee and uses a radio.

"This is S team alpha, we've located the hostages and are preceding with extraction. Request evac on the main runway in five minutes."

"Roger that S team alpha, ETA 5 minutes."

Jamie shut off the radio and turned to Sion, "Are you ready for this?"

"Yeah, you've got more experience, so I'll cover ya."

Jamie with the tranquilizer rifle ready moved towards the room. Using a small mirror she could make out one DPRK guard slapping around an older looking Japanese lady, a girl who appeared to be Kaname was in a corner yelling at the guard in Japanese.

Jamie leveled the rifle at the guard and without him noticing she fired off a shot and hit her mark. The guard was sent off to dreamland instantly and the startled Dr. Konishi just looked around.

Without thinking further Jamie ran into the room and grabbed Dr. Konishi's shoulders looking her in the face, "Mamm are you Dr. Ami Konishi?"

The Dr. only nodded her head.

"Alright Dr. Konishi, my names Jamie. I'm with the good guys, and were gonna get you out of here."

Sion's ears picked up a noise from the other side of the room when a shot rang out. Next thing he knew Jamie grabbed her leg in pain as blood ran out from a wound in her calf. Then a red dot appeared on her head. Sion looked for the source and found a second DPRK guard in the room.

"NO!"

Sion heard the gunshot go off.


North Korea Kaesong 1st Airborne Base: Mobile Command Center
March 17th 2:09 AM

Zech was not in a good mood. In fact he was downright pissed. And when Zech is pissed, people die. Unfortunately the aide that delivered the message of the attack on the airbase learned that lesson. His body was somewhere near the aide he killed earlier while making his tranquilizer dart.

Entering the tent he called everyone's attention.

"Alright who's the stupid son of a bitch who couldn't spot two huge cargo planes entering our air space. Didn't you moron's upgrade your equipment after the Korean War?"

One of the men at the radar station started to sweat, Zech's noticed and walked up behind him then whispered in his ear, "You will come with me to get the girl out of here. If she escapes, your corpse will take her seat on the plane to Pyongyang."

The man instantly rose out of his seat and ran outside to fetch a jeep, Zech followed him outside and then stopped at the exit of the tent. He held a small box with a timer, and placed it at the exit of the tent. Flipping the switch the C4 charge came to life. Turning to everyone in the tent with a smile he addressed them.

"Gentlemen this C4 charge has enough power to wipe all of you out instantly. I've set the detonator for fifteen minutes. You have that long to get rid of the problem", Zech's pulls out a small remote, "If dealt with I will remotely deactivate the bomb, however if any of you try to leave this tent, I can also detonate it."

Everyone in the tent looked horrified and then started to work at a frantic pace. Zech exited the tent and climbed aboard the jeep as the man started to drive toward the detention area.

Zech continued to smile, "Who says offering employees incentives doesn't increase their moral."


North Korea Kaesong 1st Airborne Base: Detention Center
March 17th 2:12 AM

Sion felt time slow down. He could see the trigger slowly being pulled. Then he felt rage building up in him towards the guard. Red light swirled around Sion's hand till it formed a ball of red energy in his palm. Tightly grasping the ball it shot out of his hand turning into a sword of red light impaling the guard through the neck.

Time went back to normal and the guard tried to grab at the red light in his neck. One hand managed to touch the glowing sword but instead of touching it, it instantly cut it off. Horrified Sion lost his concentration and the sword disappeared. The guard dropped to the floor in a life less heap, a small pool of blood forming near his neck.

Jamie saw what happened as her eyes grew big. She backed away from Sion as he approached her, but then seeing the sorrow in his eyes she allowed him to try to help her up. Quickly Jamie winced in pain and fell to the floor.

"Sion I can't move you're gonna have to get Dr. Konishi and Kaname to the plane."

"And leave you? No way."

Jamie grew frustrated, "This isn't some action movie where everyone gets the girl, how are you going to even get me out of her Mr. Hero?"

"Like this", Sion quickly picked up Jamie, "You two follow me."

Kaname and Dr. Konishi quickly complied and followed Sion out the door. They found an old abandoned military jeep and loaded Jamie into it along with everyone else. Sion took his radio and called the plane.

"Team Alpha echo this is Sierra team alpha come in."

"Roger Sierra alpha this is Alpha echo."

"Alpha echo, Sierra alpha one is hit in the leg and down. We need medical evac ASAP."

"Roger that Sierra alpha two, medical supplies are being prep'd now onboard they'll be ready for you. Team Alpha delta has already extracted Sierra team bravo and Charlie. We'll extract you on a rolling taxi. Be ready."

"Roger."

Sion drove the jeep off towards the run way. A no more than a minute later another military jeep pulled up to the detention center.

A man in a long dark trench coat ran into the building with a pistol drawn. Quickly exiting he comes out of the building and places the pistol at the head of the driver.

"Guess what there not here, you know what that means!"

Just as Zech's was about to pull the trigger he noticed a plane land and slowly taxi along the runway, he also noticed the jeep pulling up to it.

"I'll spare your life if you catch that jeep."

Zech jumped aboard the jeep and they sped off to catch the escaping prisoners.


North Korea Kaesong 1st Airborne Base: Runway
March 17th 2:20 AM

As Sion pulled up to the plane one of the soldiers hooked a cable to the jeeps bumper. He signaled Sion to put the jeep in neutral.

Sion carried Jamie onto the plane. Then one of the soldiers shouted and pointed toward the end of the runway. Another DPRK jeep was speeding up to catch the plane. Small arms fire rang out from it as ricocheting bullets filled the cargo area.

Dr. Konishi tried to pull her daughter out of her seat towards the plane. Sion was horrified when a red dot appeared on Kaname's neck. Soon blood spewed out from where the red dot was and her body fell limp and fell back into the seat, Dr. Konishi fell onto the hood of the jeep when Kaname's body fell back into the passenger area. One of the technicians on the plane bravely stepped into the line of fire and dragged Dr. Konishi onto the plane and shot out the cable, disconnecting it from the plane. They closed the cargo doors and the plane lifted off. Both jeeps came to a halt on the runway. Zech's stepped out and grabbed Kaname's limp form and brushed off the blood from her neck to reveal the modified tranquilizer dart. Smiling he looked at the guard.

"Looks like your life is spared, but the Dr. did get away what should I do?"

An explosion erupted from the other end of the base where the temporary command center was located.

"Ah it seems like I forgot to deactivate that little package didn't I", Zech's winked at the driver, "Oh well that seems to be fair, they didn't take care of the problem."

Zech placed Kaname in the jeep and motioned for the driver to go back to the base. He brushed aside some of Kaname's aqua colored hair, "Well the day wasn't a total loss, we were going to kill your mother anyways. The chosen one is ours now."

The DPRK Jeep started back towards the main tarmac.


Aboard Friendly Aircraft 25 Miles east of Kaesong Enroute to Hiroshima
March 17th 2:22 AM

Sion kneeled next to Jamie and tried his best to comfort her. The medical technician on the plane had found a can of engine starter and used it to put Jamie to sleep during the operation. Once the bullet was removed and it was confirmed to be a flesh wound, Sion felt some relief. Smiling at Jamie's sleeping form he turned his attention to the other end of the aircraft.

Dr. Ami Konishi, the leading Asian expert on Nuclear enrichment and its uses in ballistic weaponry, was reduced to a crying heap at the horrific sight she had just witnessed. Sion felt the guilt rushing through him. First Jamie got shot because he didn't see the other guard in time, and then Kaname was killed because he was too focused on getting Jamie to safety first. It was his fault.

He started to walk over to Dr. Konishi but then stopped, he didn't know what to say. An 'I'm sorry' was defiantly not the thing to say at this point. Thoughts rushed through Sion's head he could not concentrate on the scene in front of him.

He thought back to his home. He remembered all the fun times from his more recent past. He thought to the beginning of the month. He had gone with Jeff to a track meet at Cardinals. It turned out to be a lot more fun when they started remembering all the jokes they had made up in high school. Even about Jeff's uncle, those were some of the most memorable.

Sion then thought even further back to some of the times he spent with Amy in February. He thought about his parents. Then he thought about Caitlin. It just all hit him at once. Sion realized he was getting home sick, and there wasn't a cure in sight for it. Felling like he was starting to cry he went to a more private end of the plane, then stopped when he heard Dr. Konishi sob. How could he cry about being home sick, when this woman was crying over her dead daughter.

Still feeling drained Sion sat down and laid back on the cold steal frame of the aircraft. He took one last look at Jamie and felt a little warmth comfort him.

"Wish I had a pillow."

He then drifted off to sleep.


Water Temple Dorm Complex: Sion's Apartment
March 17th 6:30 PM

Sion opened his eyes slowly, then not noticing his surrounding he quickly bolted up. A small chuckle came from the far end of his room.

"Didn't think we'd leave ya on that plane, now did ya?"

"Nall?" Sion kept his eyes focused on the shadow as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, "Am I in my apartment?"

"Yeah, we brought you back here when the plane landed, you were zonked."

"Thanks", Sion's empty reply came slowly.

Nall sighed, "Look buddy don't blame yourself for all that back there. Jamie rushed into the room without looking first, she told me her self. As for Kaname it was just one of those things, no one saw that guy coming till it was too late."

"How's Jamie?"

"She's doing good. She's walking around with a crutch for right now, but she wanted to see you when you woke up."

"Where's she right now?"

"Guess", Jamie's voice came from the other end of the room, opposite of Nall, "I wanted to talk to you when you woke up so I been here since they let me walk around earlier. Uncle Nall can we have the room?"

"Sure."

Nall walked out the door and closed it behind him. Jamie then sat in a chair closer to Sion's bed.

"Sion, I saw what happened to that other guard."

Sion cringed when he remembered it. The anger, the weird red energy sword, and the look on the guards face.

"Sion what happened?"

"I don't know…I don't know!"

Sion scared him self when he raised his voice.

"I don't know exactly what happened. All I remember is everything slowing down when I saw him pulling the trigger. Then I remember getting really angry at him since he was trying to take your life. All I did was just stare at him. Then there was this warm feeling in my hand and I just started to form a fist so I could punch the guard. Next thing I know I had stabbed him through the throat with that energy sword that came outta no where."

"You know I haven't told Uncle Nall about it."

"Why?"

"I wanted to talk to you about it first. It kinda scared me."

Sion felt horrible, "Look Jamie. I'm really sorry about all this. I should have seen the guard, if I had just shot him with the tranquilizer you wouldn't be on that crutch, and he'd still be alive."

Jamie stood up and looked Sion straight in the face, "Don't say that!"

Sion was taken back by Jamie's move, "Why not?"

"Because if I hadn't rushed into the room I wouldn't have gotten shot, and if it wasn't for you I'd be dead."

"But…"

"No buts Sion, that's the bottom line, got it!"

They both sat in silence for awhile before Sion broke the silence, "I'm gonna have to tell Nall about this."

"I know", Jamie reached for Sion's hand and held it, "there's gonna be harder things then this for you to get by, but you will, and you'll get past this too."

"Thanks", Sion brushed her hand off gently and then got off the bed.

Sion went to the closet and got changed into some clothes, then he went with Jamie to the dining area.


White House Press Room
March 17th 5:00 AM (Time Difference!)
The room was in a frenzy, white house press reporters quickly filled the room as the assistant press secretary told everyone to take their seats. The press secretary, Scott McClellan, then comes up and opens discussion.

"Alright just to start out, I'm sure your all interested in the recent North Korea issue so I'll just summarize what's happened. Around 2:30 AM March 16th Japan time, key hole satellite surveillance spotted an explosion in Kaesong airbase. The resulting explosion destroyed a mobile command post that had been set up. We also picked up military aircraft that were leaving the airbase. The US was not involved in any of these maneuvers."

Raising his hands one of the reporters spoke out, "Scott, does the US condone these activities by the group?"

"We neither condone, or condemn these actions. Next?"

"Can you tell us where the planes were heading?"

"If they didn't change course then they were heading for southern Japan."

Another reporter spoke up, "Is the military taking any actions to tracing the planes?"

"Currently no, were more interested in why there was activity by the DPRK at an airbase."

"Where there any nuclear weapons spotted?"

"No, the explosive used was confirmed to be C4."

The press secretary then stepped down, "That's a full lid every one, thank you."


Hiroshima Japan, Water Temple
March 17th 7:00 PM

Nall silently turned off the television set, and turned toward Dr. Konishi.

"I apologize for your loss Dr. these people are truly evil", he walked towards the table that the Dr. was sitting at, and took a seat, "Our intelligence indicates that another force was involved with your kidnapping along side the DPRK forces. I know this may be difficult given your circumstances, but can you remember anything at all."

The woman just shook her head. Nall put a smile on his face, he understood how it felt to lose a loved one.

"Well mamm if you wish were holding a dinner in a few minutes. I know you must be too tired to join us, but perhaps I could bring you some leftovers?"

The Dr. just nodded, and Nall left the room.

Meanwhile Jamie and Sion were walking towards the dining hall.

"So you think the mission was a success?"

Sion hung his head a little, "I guess, but I wish we could have saved that girl too. It just doesn't feel right what happened."
"Didn't I tell you to stop thinking about stuff like that. If you beet your self up this bad about losing one person then you'll never make it in this business."

"Well I'm sorry for showing some emotion."

Jamie was silent for awhile before she continued, "You know I had my fist actual mission when I turned 16. We were supposed to rescue a little girl named Jessica and her father. Her dad was an international broker that happened to lose a lot of money that belonged to a mob lord. Needless to say they kidnapped him and him and his daughter."

Jamie seemed to go into her own world as she continued her story, "We broke into the mansion in Italy and were able to locate them, but when we found the little girl they had a gun to her head. I messed up and put all my weight on a floor board before seeing if it was stable. It made a loud noise and alerted the guards. Because of my mistake they put a bullet in that little girls head. She was only 11."

Sion put his arm around Jamie to comfort her, but she brushed it off.

"I don't think so mister. I got over it a long time ago; if you let it get to you it only gets in the way. Eventually you'll lock up when you go on a mission and then, bam the price you pay is a bullet in your head."

She smiled when Sion straightened up some, "Now Mr. Nickson, will you join me for dinner?"

Sion smiled, "Of course."


Water Temple, Hiroshima Japan: Formal Dining Room
March 17th 7:30PM

Sion looked around the room, it was huge. When he got the tour all the lights in this room had been turned off. Nall said something about it being a surprise for him when he had his first big event. Little did he think it would be the next day when that happened.

The room was very spacious. The ceiling was a dome that had a greenish tint. Chandeliers on the walls lit most of the room except for a huge crystal chandelier that hung from the middle of the dome. It hung over the table and shone brilliantly.

The layout of the table was huge also. Three tables formed in a square like pattern filled the center of the room.

Sion noticed some of the people that had been on the plane, and others he had noticed in the briefing room. Nall and Ruby were at the head of the table. Nall caught Sion's eye and motioned to the two empty seats next to him. Sion helped Jamie to her seat and folded the crutches underneath her chair.

Nall leaned over to talk to Sion as a waiter placed a plate of food in front of him, "We have these kinda things after every mission."

Sion took his seat next to Nall, with Jamie on his other side. Nall stood and addressed everyone.

"First off I'm glad to see every one who went out returned. While I won't call this mission a complete success, it was far from a total failure. We recovered Dr. Konishi from the detention center before she could be transported. The entire airbase had been evacuated. Shortly after we pulled out an executive jet landed at the field and flew all remaining base personal to an airfield just outside of Pyongyang."

A cheer came up from the crowd, "Now sitting beside me are two of the people most responsible for finding and rescuing Dr. Konishi, Sion, and Jamie. Both of which pulled off one of the most creative extractions I've ever seen with the effort of Team Alpha echo's excellent support and piloting crew", members of the planes crew and medical team stood up for everyone to cheer them on, "don't worry Jamie would have stood if it wasn't for the flesh wound, but don't worry the Dr. says she'll be walking without the crutch by the end of the week, but I'm sure you all know if you say something to piss her off she'd run right over to you now and punch ya", this earned some laughter from the crowd, "and this young man, the future Dragonmaster, Sion Nickson. This guy took out a guard and got everyone out of that room, including Jamie; after the girl had been shot. Then he got a jeep, radioed for help, and got to that plane."

The entire room was filled with cheering, whistling, and chanting, it lasted for awhile. Sion was kinda embarrassed about it, Jamie smiled a little at him. Nall then quieted everyone down.

"Now for the bad news", this put a somber mood throughout the room, "As you all know Kaname Konishi, the daughter of Dr. Ami Konishi was shoot to death while attempting to board the plane during extraction", Nall paused to let the news soak in, "Intelligence reports that a rouge group was working with the North Korean forces to kidnap and detain Dr. Konishi. So far we have nothing besides that. We also have reason to believe that the leader of the group working with the DPRK was the one who shot Kaname."

Nothing came from anyone. No one was even able to touch their food.

"Everyone I'm not saying that feeling bad about this is something none of you should do. Sure feel bad, feel awful, but let it make you stronger. If we let this get to us it's only going to let them get stronger. Yes we lost a hostage, it isn't our first, and it isn't going to be out last. I can't have you guys thinking about Kaname every time we go into the field, or when you need to squeeze off that shoot, or turn that corner, you'll lock up. Then it'll be you with the bullet in the head. Let this motivate us. I've got the entire situation room working around the clock until we find out who this group is, what there doing, why their doing it, and when we do find out remember we have to pay them back for Kaname."

An even louder cheer filled the room. Jamie turned to Sion and mouthed an 'told you so'. Sion smiled as a fire burned in his heart. They would pay them back for Kaname.

The party continued. They had a huge dinner, desert, and then with some music playing people got into couples and started to dance. Sion stood at the edge of the crowd and watched as some of the people from the mission danced with there dancing partneer, he couldn't help but remember Caitlin at the moment. He was thinking about it so hard he didn't notice someone sneak up behind him.

"Wanna dance Mr. future Dragonmaster?"

Sion turned around to face a smiling Jamie, leaning on a crutch, "And how exactly are you supposed to dance like that?"

"I didn't break a bone, you keep your arms around me tight and help me keep the weight off, and we'll be just fine."

"Alright on one condition."

"Yes?"

"Its Sion, not Mr. future Dragonmaster."

Jamie laid her crutch against the wall and took Sion's hand as he gently pulled her onto the dance floor. Jamie tripped causing Sion to draw her closer to him, he didn't want her to have any pain from a wound he blamed himself for, however an onlooker would have wondered just how much pain Jamie is with the beaming smile on her face.

A small melody started to play in the background. Sion had his arms around Jamie's waist, her's around his neck. Jamie put her head on his shoulder as they started to sway back and forth. Jamie recognized the melody and whispered in Sion's ear.

"You remember that song I was singing the other night?"

"Yeah."

"Wanna hear the whole thing?"

"Sure."

Jamie drew her face closer to Sion's ear as the continued to dance, she sung with the music.

"In your dreams, magical thoughts, all things are real unless you dream there not."

"In your dreams, love is the plot, carried on wings of hope."

The voice soothed Sion's mind. All thoughts of home, Kaname, and Caitlin drifted out of his mind. All he could focus on was Jamie's voice.

"Each of our soul's, intertwine, when we do; Instantly we see it, the time to grow and be it, when everything is pinned on a hope."

"Let rise the dreams of our hearts, that innocent youth, careless and kind. Dream upon the breeze and love. Only when two brilliantly shine as one."

The melody came to an end and Jamie pulled Sion over to a chair to sit down.

"Hurt?"

"Just a little bit, but it was worth it. I'd hate to not get the first dance with the Drag….ah sorry, Sion."

Sion just smiled, "You can call me the Dragonmaster if you want, but remember it's only a title."

"This party is going to go on for hours. Did Nall ever show you the garden area?"

"Naw, we only took a tour of the main building."

"Well then come with me."

Jamie led Sion out of the main hall, and down a passage way. The passage way turned into a stone walkway at the end. Then they emerged in a large garden area. A huge fountain was in the center. They both sat at the edge of it. The lights from in the fountain illuminated the area somewhat, just enough so the two could see each others face.

"I never got a chance to thank you."

"For what."

Jamie faced Sion, "for saving my life, what else. I know you saw where that second shot was going to go, right through my forehead."

"You're welcome."

Jamie was a little puzzled by Sion's mood, "I know there's something bothering you. Is this still about Kaname?"

"No."

"Then what, will you please talk to me about it."

"The entire time I've been here my mind's been flooded with all these thoughts. Everything about my family, my girlfriend, well I guess ex-girlfriend now, and all my friends. It's been in the back of my mind ever since I took off in that plane. Then I added Kaname to the mix, but Nall kind of helped me through that."

"Then what's been bothering you so much?"

"When we were dancing back then, your singing, I forgot everything and for the first time in a couple of days all those thoughts just disappeared. But as soon as the song ended, the thoughts just flooded back in."

Sion stood up from the fountain and walked off a ways, speaking with his back turned to Jamie, "It was like coming up for a breath when I was near drowning, then just being shoved under water again."

"What are you trying to say Sion?"

"That's just the thing, I don't understand it. I mean don't take it the wrong way or anything."

Jamie was confused when anger started to form in her veins, "Well Mr. I think you've got the wrong idea about me."

"I'm sorry Jamie I didn't mean it. I mean it's just weird. I still feel like there's so many things back home that I'm attached to, but they all think I'm dead."

Jamie settled down, "What are you still attached to?"

"Well my family for starters."

"Sion they're going to still be there when you get back. Just because they think your dead doesn't mean your not there son anymore. They'll be ready to accept you back with open arms, and a whole lot of questions."

"Well there's my friends too."

Jamie just let a sigh escape, "Sion the thing about friends is you never lose them. Think about it, you call a friend you haven't talked to in years, sure it's awkward, but there's things to look forward to about it. You'll get to catch up on everything that's happened from when you last met. You're best friends will be there too, ready to welcome you and to find out what happened."

Sion paused some before continuing, "And then there's my girlfriend."

Jamie was even more surprised when she started to feel jealous when Sion mentioned the word girlfriend, "You dated her for how long? A weekend?"

"Yeah but she was my first girlfriend."

"Look Sion, friends, family, there never going to leave you behind, they'll be there when you return. You're ex-girlfriend, she thinks you dead, didn't know you long, and on top of that she said on TV she was going to move on. You need to also."

Sion started to get angry, "Move on! With who? I'm stuck here for who knows how long, there's no one here for me!"

Jamie stood up, taking her crutch, "Open your dam eyes Sion Nickson! Of course there's people here!"

Jamie then turned around and walked out, Sion noticed a tear falling from her cheek as she left. He didn't chase after her, just sat there motionless beside the water fountain.

"What the heck was she talking about Lucia?"

"For the future Dragonmaster, you sure can't take a hint."

"Huh?"

"I think Nall wants a word with you Sion."

"Alright where is he?"

"Right here behind you."

Sion jumped when he heard Nall's voice.

"Having a little trouble with Jamie?"

"Please don't ask, I've already got Lucia taking her side."

"Nall its so oblivious its painful, the boy just doesn't get it."

"And you did with Hiro?"

"That's different I was locked in a castle on another planet most of my life."

"She's got a point there."

Sion tried to change the subject, "So what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"

"The mission, anything weird happen out there?"

"Yeah."

"Then sit down, let's talk."

Sion sat with Nall by the fountain. He went over what happened with the guard, the sword, and time slowing down. Then he told him how he killed the guard.

Nall sighed before he responded, "You experienced the same thing as that night at the movie theater."

Nall thought for a second; then he walked over to a small rock and picked it up, "I guess you'd like an explanation?"

"Yeah."

Nall quickly threw the rock at Sion's head. Sion could barely see it at first, but then was astonished when the rock seemed to slow down in mid air, he then reached up and grabbed it just before it hit his face.

"See, it did it again."

"Throw the rock at me, now, and as hard as you can."

Sion looked at the rock, then back at Nall, "Do it Sion."

Sion threw the rock as hard as he could. Just before it looked like it was going to hit Nall it disappeared. Next thing Sion saw was Nall holding the rock in his hand.

"But…how?"

"You ever heard of fight or flight?"

"Sure, like when you get scared you get a huge boost of energy right?"

"Yeah, but in your case it's different. When you're threatened your inherent powers kick in. This includes heightened awareness, heightened senses, and heightened reflexes. So in plain terms, your not slowing down time, you're speeding up."

"What about that laser sword?"

"It's called the Dragon Soul, the most powerful of your inherent abilities. It's an ability that uses the power from the Dragons fighting aurora that allows the user to form it into any sort of weapon. Once you master it you'll be able to even shoot it out."

"What's all this inherent powers stuff?"

Nall smiled, "I guess its time you saw it."

"It?"

Nall motioned for Sion to follow him. They got to a row of hedges and when Nall pushed them aside it revealed an iron door. He pulled it open and the two proceeded down a stone passage way. Two bright white strips of light shone up for either side of the floor.

"Where does this tunnel lead?"

Nall continued to walk, "This is the white dragon passage. Its one of four access tunnel to the temple of trials, Jamie must have showed you the place on your job. Most people call it the forbidden area though."

"I thought the pathway was sealed up?"

"The main entrance is sealed. But the four access path's stay open to those who need access."

They approached another door. Nall placed his palm on a panel and the door silently slid open. They both walked into the room on the other side. Sion could tell the room was huge by the echo of his footsteps on the floor. When he turned to look for Nall he realized he wasn't there. Then the door shut behind him and cast darkness on the room.

"This in the start of the temple of trials", Sion picked out Nall's voice from the other end of the room, "This is where Lucia and Hiro left the Lucian pendent, and the book of trials."

A bright light filled the temple. Sion looked around in awe. The place was just as huge as he imagined. The floor was a brilliant white tile; a red carpet went up the center and up some stairs to a raised platform, where Nall stood. Next to him were to podiums. One had a black velvet pillow on it; the other had an old looking book. Nall gestured for Sion to approach him.

"This is the book of trials, basically the training and requirements for the Dragonmaster. It also helps us identify who the Dragonmaster is amongst the billions of people in this world."

"And the other?"

"Oh that's where this was", Nall pulled the Lucian pendent out of his pocket, Sion recognized it form the training session with Jamie.

"So you never answered my question form before, what are these inherent powers?"

Nall opened the book of trials and flipped through a couple of pages before stopping at one.

"The chosen one will be endowed with certain powers given at birth, these are known as the inherent powers. The powers include heightened abilities, the power to use basic protection powers, physic links, and the use of the Dragon Soul. With the Lucian pendent in his possession the chosen one will have other endowed powers including the ability to teleport to areas previsiouly known. Other powers are also possibly existent however it is impossible to identify them for sure."

Sion stood dumbfounded, "How long ago was that book written?"

"Over five thousand years ago."

Nall walked down from the platform and placed his hand on Sion's shoulder, "This is not going to be an easy task, but make no doubts about it you've been chosen for a reason. You can complete it. No one else is capable of completing this task, but…"

"But what?"

"You can't complete it alone. In the coming months you're going to go through some of the harshest training possible. You'll train physically to get your self in shape. You'll train in clandestine operations so you can complete covert tasks with our mercenary force and later missions to defeat the Virgo. You'll undergo other military training so you can pilot nautical vessels, like that SDV you used, and other vehicles. You'll undergo torture resistance training, survival training, physiological conditioning. And when all that's over, you come to me to hone your mind so you can control your powers."

"What about sleep."

Nall smacked himself on the head, "I knew I forgot to fit something in your schedule. Ah well times important, you can do without it."

Sion stood with his mouth open. Nall started to laugh.

"I'm just kidding Sion."

Sion let out a sigh of relief.

"About the sleep part that is."

Sion's fear returned. Nall put his arm around him and guided him out of the temple. Then escorted him to the dormitory complex where Sion quickly went up to his room and hit the sack, where drifted off to sleep.


Water Temple: Hiroshima: Dormitory Area
March 18th 3:00 AM

Sion looked over at the red LED alarm clock from his bed. It seemed like the clock was just staring back at him, mocking his inability to sleep by displaying the 3:00 AM time.

"Why can't I get a full nights sleep?"

"Try sleeping for decades on end. You'll never want to sleep after that?"

"I don't get it."

"I'm not going to take the time to explain."

"You're always such a big help."

Sion threw off his covers and got out of the bed. Slipping on some shoes and a light jacket he opened the door and went into the hall way. Then down some steps he exited the building and headed for the underground watercraft hanger. He saw the lights coming from inside. As he stepped in he saw the same sights from the previous night, with the water reflecting off the stone cavern walls.

Then he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. A figure throwing pebbles into the water, he recognized the figure and went over to her.

"Couldn't sleep either?"

Jamie continued to lob rocks into the water.

"I wish I could tell you I'm sorry for earlier, but I can't until I know what I did wrong."

Jamie quickly turned to face him.

"Last night when I was talking to Lucia, were you able to hear any of it?"

"No."

"You sure?"

"Yes"

Jamie sat and thought for a second, "Can I talk to her again?"

"Now? Will that make up for what ever I did before?"

"Yes and we'll see."

"It'll be pushing it, but I think I can handle it again."

"You sure?"

"Yeah ready?"

"Ok here we go."

Sion felt the warm feeling flow through his body as he lost conscious. Jamie watched as Sion's dark brown eyes closes. When they opened she smiled when she was greeted by gentle blue eyes, and oddly enough for Sion's body, a female voice.

"I think I know what your question is."

Jamie sighed, "How can he be so dense?"

"He just faked his death ,left his family and friends, and his first girlfriend. You can't ask for much from him right now."

"I know I'm being selfish, but after what I saw in Korea. I thought I was dead, but he saved me. He did everything in his power to get me to safety. The only other people who did that for me was Nall and Ruby. I…I just haven't felt this way before."

Lucia smiled, "How did it feel last night after I left?"

"You mean when I didn't let go?"

"Yes."

"Warm, comforting, safe. I didn't want to lose it."

Lucia thought for a second before continuing, "You know he's going to need a partner to complete the trials of the 4 dragons, and he'll need one to pass the trial of rite at the temple."

"I think as a girl you know I want to be more than his trial partner."

"Think about it, Caitlin was his first girlfriend. Even if it was just for a couple of days. He's not going to get over it without any help."

"Then what?"

Lucia walked over to Jamie and put her hands and Jamie's shoulders, "I know this is the first time you've ever felt this way about any guy. I've been watching you ever since you've been brought to this complex. You're going to have to take the first step towards what you want to obtain. Sion's open to it I'm sure, but your going to have to put your self on the line before he's going to grab the bait. You understand what I'm getting at?"

Jamie felt a slight blush comming on, "Yeah I get it."

"Alright, I'm going to leave now."

Sion could feel himself regain control of his body and his senses. He opened his eyes to see his hands on Jamie's shoulders, he quickly removed them and put some distance between the two.

"Sion you back?"

"Yeah."

Jamie smiled and walked closer to him. Sion tried to back up, but got cornered by a stack of boxes.

"You remember what you said when I brought Caitlin up?"

"About what?"

"You said there was no one on this island for you to get over Caitlin with."

"Yeah?"

"Well guess what Mr. Nickson?"

"What?"

Jamie quickly rose up and kissed Sion. It lasted for about a minute before Jamie backed off.

"There is someone."

"Jamie I…", Jamie put her finger over Sion's mouth.

"I understand if you're not ready, but I've never felt this way about any one before. I had to let you know I was here."

Sion stood dumbfounded for awhile, "…Thanks Jamie."

"You're welcome. Walk you to your room?"

"Sure."


Chapter 12

Training Months

"Feel the energy form in your hand. Concentrate on the warmth in your palm, then picture the target in your mind. Give strength to your energy, feel anger, sorrow, regret, and imagine pushing them out of your palm while focusing on the target."

Sion stood with his eyes closed focusing on Nall's instructions. The red glow formed in his palm and started to pulsate. It grew bigger then the first time. Then Sion's eyes shot open.

"Heeya!"

The beam shot out towards the karate dummy. In a huge flash of light it was completely destroyed, along with the wall separating the private training hall from the public one. All the trainees in the public dojo looked amazed, staring at where the wall used to be. Sion just stood with his eyes wide and his palm out stretched steadied by his other hand.

"Well I guess were going to need to replace that wall", Nall was amazed at the progress that had been made in only five months.


GD: People are going to start getting used to these long chapters if I'm not careful

Ruby: No problem boss. We're on it.

GD: What's that in your hands?

Nall: Chapter 12

Ruby: And scissors!

GD:WHY!

Ruby: Its too long

Nall: Yeah were going to make it five different chapters

GD: Over my barbequed body!

Ruby: Ok

(Fire Breath on the author)

GD: Oww.

Thank you all for your continued support in this story. It really means a lot to me that I can share this with you all. On a side note this story has now passed the 40,000 word mark, and its still going strong. Chapter 12 is just about done. The story between Jamie and Sion deepens and we also get some glimpses on like in North County, so be sure to check back in later this summer!