Author's Note: It's been a month since my last update and thanks to the release of the Danganronpa 3 anime and my continuous play of Metal Gear Solid V (and yes, that includes the walkthough and movie videos), I decided to make a new chapter and continue my story. Alright, this is chapter 3. And still, it's 9,000 words! But it's still worth it, though.
Danganronpa is owned by Spike Chunsoft and NISA
Metal Gear Solid is owned by Kojima Productions (Konami SUCKS)
Chapter 3: Hunting the Bee's Nest
Guideline:
Speech
'Thoughts'
"Radio"
(Russian)
Mukuro's Quarters, Room 212
Diamond Dogs' Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
Command Platform
9:30 in the morning
*Mukuro's POV*
This is it. The day has arrived.
Done lacing my boots as I looked into my mirror; wearing my combat uniform, I have done the finishing touches by putting my fingerless gloves on both hands; I even had my right forearm sleeve. Looking back at the mirror, I felt satisfied.
It took me back from, well, three weeks ago. The last three weeks were just rough as I've thought. Sit ups, pushups, jogging and running exercises… yep, this is more like a routine but it is necessary since I need to break a sweat, though.
But during to those…. somewhat grueling 3 weeks, I still have my R&R and breaks during exercises but here's the best part: the Combat Unit Platform, which is just a few meters from the Command Platform, became my personal playground. Not to mention the fact that the said platform has its own target practice and I use it whenever I like to. Of course, we're using non-lethal here, from tranquilizers to rifles, shotguns and even sniper rifles; and they use stun or tranquilizer bullets. But hey, that helps. Even Ocelot, Miller and Snake are observing my progress during those 3 weeks.
And not to mention that each and every platform had connected struts; even the Combat Platform had those. By the way, I even spend my time doing parkour stuff; running, climbing hopping and jumping off crates is also my personal warmup. And even the Combat Unit Platform has its own personal gym and I even use it on my spare time. Not just crunches and pull-ups, but I also did lifting weights and punch-kick routines using the punching bag. Crap, every time I'm doing this reminds me of one Sakura Oogami, the "Ultimate Martial Artist". It is really odd of being buff and how did she do that? Seems it's because of her training regimen, or so. Me? I have a bit of muscle, but despite of my slim figure, I can still kick ass.
On the contrary, it really pains me that she is one of my sister's victims, which I am also a part of; where she wiped out their memories and took part of the killing game back at Hope's Peak. But if I was alive back then, maybe we can spend time training and even sparring with each other.
But that was in the past now.
After checking myself on the mirror one last time, I went through my door and out of my room.
Outskirts of Command Platform
Diamond Dogs Mother Base
Seychelles Waters
10:00 in the morning
Just another day at Mother Base: most of them are on guard duty, some are doing their own jobs at their respective units, and a few of them doing their training regimens; one of them is hand-to-hand combat where the soldiers, in pairs, are sparring with each other. As Ocelot forsees the training, a horned eyepatched man joined with him watching.
"Still doing your job?" Snake said.
"As always." Ocelot replied. "I'm mostly an intel man, but as a tactical instructor, I find this job just a bit harder than my own line of work. But hey, this wasn't bad. At least I feel like I'm some sort of a teacher seeing his boys growing to be men."
"Can't help but to agree." Venom Snake commented. "Since I'm the leader of the pack, it's also my responsibility to watch over these men."
"Of course." Ocelot nodded. "You are their commander."
The conversation was cut off as they saw someone coming out from the door of the Command Platform…. and it was none other than Mukuro Ikusaba, the former Super High School Level Soldier, now a full-fledged Diamond Dogs mercenary under the codename "Fenris Wolf" or "Fenrir." And what's best is that she is now in her customized combat camouflage uniform. As the young girl now approached the two officers, some of the men stopped a bit as they had a glimpse on their new young comrade.
"Hey, look who's here."
"Our new comrade?"
"Yep, for what I heard, she is heading for her first mission."
"I doubt she'll last that long…"
"Are you kidding? Word of advice: never underestimate this little girl right here. She even kicked our instructror's ass!"
"Seriously!?"
"You gotta be kidding me!"
"Guys, I was there when THAT happened! Look, it's something like this: when that girl stepped into this base, our instructor even tried to challenge her. And guess what, she even caught the revolver and it resulted in a standoff. The rest is history."
"Woah…"
"Can't believe she did that…"
"I'll just wait after her mission is over…"
*Mukuro's POV*
I heard some people are talking about me, huh? Well, that's expected but whatever. I continued to walk towards to both Ocelot and Snake. When I faced the man with the shrapnel horn, I saluted him.
"All right, seems you're now ready for action." Ocelot commented.
I nodded and turned to the Boss once again. "I'm ready, Boss."
"Good. Follow me." he motioned me to follow him and I did. While on our way to the helipad, Big Boss took out his iDroid and it seems he called out the chopper. However, some soldiers who are on guard duty even greeted me as well, not to mention that they're also saluting the Boss as well.
"Good luck on your mission, Boss!"
"Take care of her, Boss!"
"You go, girl!"
"Good luck, Ikusaba!"
"Make it out alive, kid!"
"Show them what you got, Fenrir!"
But these… people are different. Back in my world, this wasn't the case. At Fenrir, we are strangers yet on the battlefield, we helped each other. But here? They're more like comrades and they treated me like being one of them. Commander Miller, Ocelot, and Snake were right: Diamond Dogs is more than just a PMC…
-Arf! Arf!-
Then I heard a bark from somewhere. I turned back and I saw Ocelot walking toward us, yet he's not alone. And it turns out to be an animal. It's…
A puppy?
I was like, huh? There's a puppy in Mother Base?
-Arf! Arf!-
It barked on me again. And as far as I can tell, the pup was happy to see me, as if it liked me. Of course, this pup was cute, though. I knelt down and reached my right hand to the pup…and licked it. And then I pet on its head, which the pup liked it. But I noticed two things:
One, this breed is more like a wolf than a dog. And two, the pup lost its right eye. Aw, poor thing. Yet, seems this little guy is in care of-
"Seems that he likes you."
I looked and I saw Ocelot joining with us.
"Fenrir, meet DD." Ocelot did an introduction for the… puppy.
"DD?" I repeated the pup's name.
"Short for Diamond Dog." Snake added.
"Dog?" I raised an eyebrow. "But he's a wolf. A little one, that is."
Then both Snake and Ocelot gave me… odd looks. Then I tried to reply, "What? Did I say something wrong?"
"W-well, I'm not sure what kind of breed that pup is, to be honest…" Ocelot said.
"Actually, I brought this little puppy here. Little guy is lost, so I took him." Snake told me. "But he's more of a hound to me."
"I tend to disagree, Boss." I tried to argue.
"Anyhow," Ocelot tried to change the topic as I turned my attention to him, still petting the wolf pup. "DD is more than just a pet. One day, this pup right will get bigger."
"Really?" I inquired.
"Uh huh, like this." he nodded and motioned his arms which I could tell what this little wolf would be like. Then I'm now carrying the little wolf pup, tending a little care.
"As the Boss can look after everyone here, including you, don't you worry…" then the instructor pointed on the pup. "I can look after him. Of course, he's still a pup so he'll have a hard time to listen. But if you ask me, I had a feeling that someday he might become useful."
"Huh? How come?" I asked.
"Think about it, kid." Ocelot began to tell me something. "The Boss discovered a little diamond in the rough. Give it a little polish; I'd say that we have a true Diamond Dog in our hands."
Then suddenly, the pup reached to me and licked my face. Of course, I giggled a bit since it tickles. But deep inside, I understand what Ocelot is trying to say.
"You know, Fenrir…" Snake said. "Whether that guy is a dog or a wolf it doesn't matter. He's one of us now."
"I see…" Then I looked back at the pup named DD, who at turn, made an impression where I would say that… he's kinda cute.
"DD, right?" I began to speak. "You know, I think you and I have both something in common: helpless, lost in this world. But we are found by someone and brought us here… our new home. When you grow big, we can play… and fight together. So always be a good boy, ok?"
After saying those words, he barked at me and licked back my face again. Seems DD liked our… conversation.
"Alright, DD. Come here." Ocelot called out. Then I put this lovable pup down and I saw him walking back to Ocelot.
"This is Pequod. Arriving shortly at LZ."
"Our ride's here. Get ready." Snake told me.
"Right." I nodded.
"This is Pequod. On station at LZ!"
We're I looked up and the chopper makes it landing, hovering on the helipad. 'Big Boss' is the first to enter the chopper and then he called me out.
"Hop on!"
I nodded as I entered on the hovering chopper while the man with the shrapnel took a seat. Once inside, I saw some of the soldiers present stood firm and saluted the Boss. Ocelot waved at us, sending us a godspeed. Then I looked at little DD who barked at us as well. And I smiled.
"Hold on tight. Gaining altitude!"
The chopper hovered up as we set off out of Mother Base. I looked down and saw it again: this whole plant, this whole military complex, is now my new home. As I can tell, we are now a few meters away from Mother Base…
"Departing."
"Time to close the door, kid." Snake said. I nodded and closed the sliding door of the chopper. And then I sat in the other seat, which is the side section.
"Can you guys hear me?"
"Commander Miller…" I said; seems that he is calling us through radio.
"Kaz…" And so does Snake. "Loud and clear…"
"Good." Miller remarked and then he continued. "Ikusaba, this chopper is also your ACC, short for Aerial Command Center."
"Aerial Command Center…" I repeated.
I heard the XO continued in his explanation. "By connecting you're iDroid to the on-board computer of Pequod, you turn this chopper into your own mobile base. Some elements of staff assignment and R&D of weapons and items can only be performed from there. And referring to the former, the Boss and I had the higher authority of assigning staff. So any operative relegate themselves on R&D and support requests."
"Understood." I complied.
"So if you have time, take as long as you need to consider your options." Miller said on the radio yet he continued. "Now, open your iDroid."
I took out my iDroid, as ordered.
"Now, go into the Missions Menu." the XO said. As I go into the said menu, I saw some of lists that are lined there.
"As you can see per your iDroid, is the number of options that you can select. The 'Mission List' tag brings you to, of course, the main missions. While the 'Side Op List' tag brings you to a list of the side missions. The 'Combat Deployment' tag is where we can send out our men into dispatch missions; that is where the Combat Unit is for. And since you're assigned to the Combat Unit, seems that you can help out.
"And aside from the 'Log' tag, there is the 'Cassette Tapes' tag. This is where you can play audiotapes that either you can listen to music… or even help you out in your missions." Miller explained to me.
"Thanks for the explanation, sir."I complement.
"Well, as an XO, it's my responsibility to help you out. Aside from the Boss, that is." Miller told me.
"Now, go into the Missions Menu, and select the 'Mission List'." he continued. As I select it, it showed me a map.
"You see something on the map?" Miller asked me where I respond with a 'Yes'.
"That indicates a Landing Zone, or LZ." Miller confirmed. "And according to the map, the LZ was estimate 500 miles from Spugmay Keep."
"That's my starting point." I heard Snake gruffed. "So this could be your starting point as well, Fenrir."
"I see…" I replied.
"Alright Ikusaba, select the designated LZ, and you're good to go."
I selected the said area and the iDroid made an announcement – "Heading to Afghanistan".
"So the ETA is 2 days before going to Afghanistan." Miller remarked. "Doesn't matter if it's a day or night mission, but you need to get prepared. So we hope the best of luck, little soldier. And same goes to you, Boss."
"Okay, Kaz." Snake said.
"Again, thank you sir." I told the XO.
"You're welcome. XO Miller, out." and in ended the transmission. And then I turned to Snake.
"We still have two days before we land on Afghanistan. So you should use those two days for prep and even rest." the horned man said to me.
"Understood, Boss." I nodded.
Two days, huh? It may be a bit long but just like Ahab said; I should use those two days to suit up. This begins my own path… as a soldier.
As the two soldiers, one an uber-talented rookie and the other who is a living legend (or perhaps, a 'fallen legend'), made their own preparations before going to their destination: Northern Kabul, Afghanistan.
While Venom Snake was done prepping for his own missions, Mukuro had time to take the weapons she needed. At first, she was astonished about the fact that the chopper had its own weapons and items stash. She took an assault rifle (an AM-MRS-4 Grade 4 model) and placed an upgraded suppressor on the tip of the barrel; then she took aim from its scope. Satisfied with the weapon's quality, he puts the rifle on the left side of her waist.
"You like it?" Snake told the freckled girl.
"Can't say much, but I'm impressed…" she told the mercenary with the shrapnel on his head.
"Just take your time. Take as much as you need." Snaked advised her.
Then Mukuro continues on her chore as she picked up a tranquilizer gun (a WU (Windurger No.2 Silent Pistol Model 3). Upon inspecting it, she saw an attachment under the barrel.
"Boss, is this-?"
"Oh, that? It's a two-function attachment device." Snaked told the girl. "It's more like a flashlight and a laser sight all into one. Perfect if you prefer to go into the dark."
"Gonna take this one, though…" Mukuro commented. After picking it up and attaching the suppressor, she placed it on her right holster. And then she found something that can't help to smile…
A sniper rifle.
When she took it and performs an aiming stance, Venom Snake suddenly commented, "A RENOV-ICKX TP. Grade 2 type. A Soviet-made sniper rifle which carries tranquilizer rounds and also attachable with a scope and a suppressor; you better take it with you if you wanna go non-lethal… or it's just the other way around."
"It doesn't matter if it's American-made or Soviet-made, Boss…" Ikusaba commented while placing the suppressor on her sniper rifle while on a seat. "It all depends on those who wield them; and how good they are of using a gun."
"Never thought you're very smart, Fenrir." Snake complemented.
"Um, just soldier talk." Mukuro tried to admit. "That's all I know. But there are some things that I am never been good at, like… being open to other people."
"What makes you say that?" the eye patched man asked.
"Um, it's complicated. More like family ties…" the girl answered. "But thanks to you, I'm starting to become open to others. It's kind of… a slow progress thing."
"All I can say is that it takes time to get used to it. Who knows, maybe you'll find a friend who is always there for you." Snaked told her.
"Thanks, Boss. It helped me either way." Mukuro said as she looked into her new digital wristwatch; it is 6:30 pm.
"Can't believe it's a long day..." then she sighed. "All of this prep time makes me hungry." then the black-haired girl heard her stomach grumble. Snake chuckled about the notion and then he took two rations from the food stash.
"Here." he gave the ration to Ikusaba. And the two started to eat. Fortunately for them, the rations are hot and fresh.
After finished eating, they took a break. He tried to call out the girl. "You ok?"
"I'm fine, Boss." she answered.
"You're a bit... nervous." the horned merc noted.
"Um, I guess..."
"Maybe you should relax a bit." then Snake took something from his pocket. It was a cigar, but a different one.
"Here. Since you're a teen, this one's for you." He tried to offer the said cigar to the girl.
"I don't smoke." she tried to refuse.
"Take it." the horned soldier tried to insist. "You'll need this in the long run." And the teen merc, with her reluctance, took the said cigar and take a look at it
"What kind of cigar is this?" she asked.
"It's what we call a 'Phantom Cigar.'" Snake answered. "Unlike the ordinary cigar which it has tobacco, Phantom Cigars use wormwood, a medicinal plant."
"So this is not dangerous to my health, then?" she inquired.
"You can say that." said the eyepatched soldier. "There's one thing that made the Phantom Cigar so special..."
Mukuro turned to Snake, with her interest intact.
"While using it, you can advance time without having to leave the battlefield. Perfect if you want to take a break and chose what time suits you for accomplishing your mission objective. Either day or night, that is." Snake explained.
Then he continued. "But you're not using a lighter, you're using this." Snake took out his iDroid. Then he put down his iDroid afterwards.
'Hmm, it seems it's more like an electronic cigar.' Mukuro pondered in thought. 'Alright, I'll keep it.'
"If you have time to try it, better be on the hot zone. You will see the effect, though."
"Understood." she nodded.
"You need to get some sleep, kid. Two days could be very long..."
"You're right." Mukuro said.
Few hours have passed. It was 11:00 in the evening and they're still onboard the chopper. The rookie Mukuro Ikusaba is currently sleeping. Yet Snake noticed this so he took out a blanket and covers the sleeping girl. The horned merc can't help but to smile.
'Can't believe that we have an angel being one of us... from now on, you're not a 'living corpse' anymore. You're more like an 'angel of the battlefield', a beautiful face yet on the inside, a howling wolf who takes down any adversary.' He thought.
"Guess I need some sleep..." 'Big Boss' noted as we went back to his seat, close his eye, and went on in his slumber.
300 miles to Spugmay Keep
Northern Kabul, Afghanistan,
1:29 in the afternoon
*Mukuro's POV*
Indeed those two days have paid off and so does prep time; not just on the weapons but also the equipment and items I need, especially with the 'Phantom Cigar' thing that the Boss suggested to carry it. And speaking of the equipment, I carry a cassette player and a radio communicator with an earphone attached in my right ear. And the best part? They were all connected to my iDroid. I was impressed, to be honest.
And yet we are here, crossing the mountainous terrain of Northern Kabul. We rode into our horses; they call it the D-Horse, which they have customized saddles with the 'Diamond Dogs' logo in it. As far as I can say, they're more like the modern form of 'war horses'. When we make a landing at the said LZ a few hours ago after lunchtime, we saw these horses on standby, good and ready to go. Right now, a sandstorm approached us yet still goes on our way, glad that we have protective wear like the goggles and even Snake had a cape to cover himself from the sand. However, I'm wearing a facemask as well.
"Still getting used to it?" Snake asked me, referring to my horse.
"Kinda. I did horseback riding back in my world, but only once. Those 3 weeks of training is some sort of a refresher to me." I admitted.
"You're a fast leaner, you know..." Hearing this and I scoffed at his comment. However, Snake has a point.
I saw the holograph on Snake's iDroid. "Seems the storm's passing." he commented. "Weather's clear sooner."
The sandstorm slowly passes and it was revealed that we arrived at Spugmay Keep. And as I can tell, there are pillars and debris scattered all over the place. So this means there's a building that stood here once. We took off our goggles and I took off my facemask as we are passing through the keep.
"Here." I saw Snake offered me a water canteen.
"Thanks." I took the water canteen and drink. I closed the cap and put on my left bag. Gonna need this, though. The scorching heat of the sun makes is almost killing me.
"We're finally here."
As Snake claimed, we arrived at Spugmay Keep's cliff, overlooking the whole area of Northern Kabul; it was mountainous. Indeed, Afghanistan is a big place.
"Rescued, rebuilt, and now ready for action. That speaks of you, Fenrir." Snake turned to me. "Three weeks have been gruelling for you, huh? This time, it's real. So make it count."
"Duly noted." I replied.
"I'll give you the objectives of your first mission: go to Da Wialo Kallai, which is located way northwest. Then locate and retrieve an intel file there." Then he continued. "According to Kaz, your XO, the CIA made a request to retrieve a top-secret weapon. It was codenamed 'Honey Bee.' All we need is to know its location of the said weapon. We chose you for this mission because we think that you can handle it; small or big, it doesn't matter."
"Now, to check its location, check on your iDroid." Snake told me and as I nodded, I took out my iDroid and checked on the map.
"You see Wiallo on the map? That's where the intel file is. The yellowish-squared marker indicates your objective. But we don't have any idea where it as located, so finding it is your first priority." I understood what he said. Then I closed my iDroid.
"By the way, I almost forgot." the 'Boss' said, and then he gave me another item; it was none other than a pair of binoculars.
"You need to use this. It is your binoculars, or a better term, an Int-Scope. Use it."
I nodded and use the Int-Scope. It operates like an ordinary binoculars, but... I feel there is something more to it.
"Can you see the village, straight ahead?" Snake asked me.
"Not yet..." I replied.
"Look to the right..." he advised me. Then I saw a blinking light shining through. I zoomed into the scope and... There! I found it. That's because I saw one building right there
"There, that's the village." Snake affirmed. "If see something through the binoculars and you need more info, just give me a call. Don't worry, I'll tell you anything I can to help you out."
"Right..." I nodded. While I'm still looking at my binoculars, Snake continued to talk. "That is Da Wialo Kallai - a village turned into a large Soviet military outpost. During the war, the villagers fled and they evacuated a while back. So the village is now a base for the Soviet's 40th Army.
"Now, try to put a marker on it. It is better you mark it so you don't lose your track of where it is."
Upon hearing that, I marked the building using my Int-Scope. As I can tell through the squared marker, we are 900 miles from here. At least that helps...
"Good. With that, you don't have to worry if you lost your way..." Snake remarked. And I turned to him, and I'm ready to listen.
"Even though that you saw one Soviet outpost, just don't treat it as a walk-in-the-park thing. Since you have your binoculars, I expect that you are familiar with them as you plan your next move. How and where you make it... well that's up to you, kid." Snake noted.
"You mean...?" I try to guess.
"Yes. From here and out, you're on your own." He pointed out. Then he continued to speak while turning back on horseback. "Kaz told me that your whole name, Mukuro Ikusaba, means 'a corpse on the battlefield'. But it seems that everything was changed when I found you in Wakh Sind. Since you're now given a second chance, you're not a 'corpse' anymore. You're more like an angel forged in the heat of battle, a wolf pup yet with the heart of a ferocious wolf. You're more than just a little girl, Ikusaba. You're also a warrior, a soldier. You're one of us... a Diamond Dog."
This little speech from him lifted my spirits up. Thanks for the motivational speech, Snake. With that, I smirked.
"I like that, kid. Seems that it tells me that you're now ready." the 'Boss' remarked. "I'm not doing so much so I want to spend my time watching over you. I'll be sending additional intel by radio; not just me, but Kaz and Ocelot may want to help as well. So stay sharp."
I saw the 'Boss' continued to walk away and he turned to the side and faced me. And now he declared...
"Now, go! Make us proud, 'Ultimate Soldier'!"
"BOSS!" I respond out as I rear up my own D-Horse as it neighs. I took a deep breath and began to gallop my horse in a few steps as I went on my way; and seconds later...
"Hya!" I began to speed up. If you ask me, horseback riding indeed had a different feeling than riding a vehicle or a motorcycle. It's more like... the wind is riding with me.
Mukuro Ikusaba. Codename: Fenrir. Commencing first mission, now!
Venom Snake rides away with his D-Horse then he turned right, sneaked past the nearby outpost, and raced toward one of the steep until he reached on the side where he can have a greater view of the area between the guard post and the Wialo village. He took out his Int-Scope and looked down; then he saw the little rookie speeding towards her destination. Through Snake's perception from his Int-Scope, he 'marked' her which it represents with a green-coloured marker, telling that she's a friendly.
"Time to do my job... "Snake breathed as he began to use his radio.
"Can you hear me, Ikusaba?"
And it answered, "Loud and clear, Boss."
200 miles to outpost near Wialo village
Northern Kabul, Afghanistan,
2:00 in the afternoon
*Mukuro's POV*
While racing forward, I received a radio call from none other than Snake. Galloping ahead and I saw a small building.
"I saw a small building up ahead..." I told the 'Boss' through my radio.
"Hold it, girl. There's a Soviet guard post." Upon hearing that, I halted my D-Horse, stopping the steed and afterwards, I mount down and stood up.
And as I continued to jog forward, Snake continued to speak through the radio, "There are bound to be guards; you need to check out using your binoculars."
Hearing his call, I began to crouch and went on discreetly until I reached the small building. I took out my Int-Scope and scanned the area if there are any signs of movement. I zoomed in and saw a guard; looking through my scope, a red marker appeared on top of the guard's head – but I saw something on the right side: it tells about the info about the enemy and his... stats, whatever that is.
"That's what we call 'marking'." I heard Snake from my radio. Then he continued as I listen and surveyed the area. "Focus on a threat and it'll be marked automatically. You can mark your enemies and vehicles by zooming in with your binoculars or camera. Once they're marked, you'll also see their positions on the map."
Putting off the Int-Scope a bit, I jogged forward to get closer as I moved toward the rocky steep, hiding from the enemy. And while doing that, Snake reminded me, "Security of that guard post is relatively light. Seems you can handle it easily."
I moved toward the rocky steep and climbed upward.
"Sight. Sound. Keep all your enemies' senses in mind. When you're near an enemy, stay low and move slowly." Snake advised.
"Right." I mumbled and began to stay low and move discreetly as began to go for the guard.
"Eyes open, kid!"
I got near to the Soviet guard and I grabbed him from behind. I managed to do that despite my height. Then I dragged him out in a few steps.
Still, Snake said to me on my radio. "You grabbed him. Interrogate, knock him down or kill him."
I chose the first option so I took out my knife and put it on his throat. Then I began to speak... in Russian.
("Talk.")
The guard nervously spoke. ("Y-You'll find some processed materials here.")
Then I dragged him once again until we reached to the toilet stand. Then I interrogate him again.
("Where are your friends?") I asked the poor guard.
("P-please let me go. I don't know anything!") I sighed since I'm not satisfied with his answer. So I choked him until he passed out.
"Hm, can't believe you can speak Russian, Fenrir." I heard Snake commented as I carry the guard's body.
"I've learned speaking languages, Boss. It's needed for my work." I told him.
"I see." Snake replied. "Now, since you're carrying an unconscious guard, find some place to drop them out of sight. Don't leave bodies out in the open, whether knocked out or dead."
Upon saying that, there is the toilet room. Perfect timing, so I went there, opening the door, putting the guard's body and close it. Well, that was neat.
As I move forward, I saw another guard standing on a roadblock. I took my Int-Scope and marked him. Still staying low, I narrowed my distance. The next thing I do? I ran towards the guard and when he tried to turn, I knocked him out with a superkick straight down to his face. Well, he didn't see that coming.
"That's a great move you got there, kid." I heard Snake made a comment. "Where did you learn that?"
"Just one of my own tricks." I replied.
"Whatever." Snake said. "Oh, seems you captured the outpost. Now, either drop the body somewhere or Fulton him. It's your choice."
However, I put out the Fulton recovery device and decided to extract the knocked out guard. Still, a balloon popped up that sent the guard way up into the sky.
"So you Fulton him instead; okay, we'll bring him in." Snake noted. Remembering what the first guard said, I went back into a small tent with tables and bed and I saw something: boxes that have red and violet colours and an icon that indicates them. Yet I decided to take the red one first.
"You've got some materials, Fenrir." Wait, it's another voice that called me.
"Commander Miller?"
"I know the Boss is overseeing your first mission, but seems I need to help you out on this one. Of course, as an XO, you should need to know that I also head the Base Development Team." the Japanese-American Diamond Dogs XO continued.
I sighed. "I'm listening, sir."
"You can collect various materials for the development of Mother Base, as well as various weapons, equipment, and vehicles. What you got right now is Fuel, which represents the red color. Other materials are as follows: Biological, which consist of organic material; the Common and Minor Metals, which they are used for developing and using ammo, support weapons, and vehicles; and it's also necessary for expanding base facilities within Mother Base. And of course, the Precious Metals, which it can be converted to GMP. And that also included diamonds."
"Diamonds?"
"Precious diamonds, kid. They're also valuable." Miller noted. "Now, try to get some materials and bring it here."
Hearing what he said, I looked at those boxes which they called materials. They're indeed valuable, as Miller said. I get all of those materials and before starting to move now, I saw something that is shining to my right. I went through and look closer and as I pick up that thing, Commander Miller was right: it was a diamond.
"So you finally got one, huh? Diamonds can also bring in extra money. Who would've said the 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend'?" Miller sarcastically remarked.
"Heh, that wasn't even clever, sir." I did a snark.
"Okay, okay." Miller stifled. "Continue on your misison. Good luck, Ikusaba."
"Thank you, sir." And the call ended.
No time to waste, I ran forward and called my D-Horse with a whistle and while running I mount up immediately and began to speed up. It's now 300 meters from here before I reached my destination.
"You're almost at the enemy outpost, Wialo Village." the 'Boss' spoke through the radio. "It's crawling with enemy soldiers. Like I said earlier, don't treat it as a walk in the park. Now, start with some recon."
"Got it." I comply as I mount off from my D-Horse when I reached into another small building. Then I climbed up and went to the top. Now standing, I put out my Int-Scope and observe the village.
"Good thing that you found a spot." Snake noted.
"I can see the village from here."
"Alright, look at where the enemies are stationed. Look at their gear. Take it all in." My Int-Scope gives me a clear view on the village turned Soviet outpost. So I use it to spend some time marking any guard when necessary. I can say that these Soviet soldiers are well armed, especially with their famed AK-47 assault rifles.
"There should be a command post somewhere. See any buildings with tighter security?"
I keep on looking then I zoomed out. However, I saw a building with a flag with the Soviet flag waving in the wind.
"I think I've found the command post..."
"Good. Now continue your objective." Snake ordered.
"Roger that." I dropped off from the small building. I looked up and it was afternoon and as I looked into my watch, it's 4:28 pm. Wasting no time, I ran westward and headed to the northwestern part which is a plain terrain with rocks and trees, where I saw a small wooden bridge and a creek; it did also allow me to have a better look on the said command post. However, I stay low and crawl forward tried to not be seen by the enemy. Then someone called me on my radio.
"Well, nice progress you got there, little girl." I recognized that voice. Could it be –
"Instructor Ocelot?"
"The one and only." Ocelot replied. "By the way, did I tell you before about the importance of camouflage, right?"
"I remember." I answered.
"Camouflage is also an important factor in infiltration. Blending in into the environment is another way of hiding yourself from and sneaking past the enemy. That's why we have camo patterns in our combat uniforms. There are different patterns to choose from depending on the terrain, area or even the weather. So choose wisely." Ocelot explained.
Then I saw another Soviet guard from the distance and I marked him as well.
But something clicked on my mind: I want to use my tranquilizer sniper rifle.
Standing up into a crouch position, I took out my suppressor-equipped RENOV-ICKX TP sniper rifle and aim at the guard.
"So you're using a sniper rifle, huh?" I heard Snake called me. "If you try to kill or put a guard to sleep, just make sure you aim for the head to put him down instantly. Sometimes the disadvantage is where someone saw it and alerts everyone in the area. So you need extra caution."
"Understood." I complied as I carefully aim the rifle… and fired. It knocked down the guard. Wasting no other time, I sneaked through until I reached the downed guard and carry him away. Whew, good thing no one saw me after I looked around yet I saw another guard yet I see his back. This gave me a chance to go away to a safe distance. I dropped the body and… I decided to Fulton him.
"Extraction confirmed." Snake affirmed.
Now, time to go back as I sneaked my way through the CP. I leaned into a low wall and saw a guard from a distance, guarding on one of the houses; I also marked him as well. Still, I climbed into the low wall and crawl forward; still staying low discreetly towards the stairs. Seems outside of the CP has vases and… chicken dens? Nah, whatever.
"I saw a parabolic antenna…" Snake called. "I'm sure there are intel files inside."
"Yeah." I mumbled. I began to open the door and went inside. I surveyed the whole room: I saw some uniforms placed on the wall, a sofa, it is more like a living room if ask me. I saw some ammo, boxes and there is also radio equipment located on the cabinet. As I look into my left, I saw 3 brown-colored boxes and I can tell that they were the Common Metals so I also get them.
Walking towards the cabinet where the radio equipment was, I saw a document placed on the table. I use my radio to call Snake.
"Boss, I found a document."
"Great." Snake replied. "Now, pick it up by scanning it with your iDroid."
I put out my iDroid and as I activate it, I saw a stream of lasers coming out from the lens, scanning the document. Next is another hologram with a completion bar, sending the said file into Mother Base.
Putting back my iDroid into my pocket, there's another call ringing to my radio.
"We received the intel file." Commander Miller confirmed. "Now it seems we figured out the location of the U.S.'s top secret weapon. Now get out of there, Ikusaba. Exfiltrate the hot zone by chopper or land; you'll receive a debriefing along with the Boss later inside the ACC."
Heading to the door to get out from the room, I received another call and it's from Instructor Ocelot.
"We received a word from one of our top guys from the Intel Team. There is a prisoner somewhere here in Wialo. We can get some additional intel from that prisoner if you locate that prisoner. Find and extract the prisoner by Fulton or chopper."
"Alright, got it." I answered as I go outside and go to my left discreetly until I reached the creek. I looked into my watch.
It's 5:00 in the afternoon. Still have much time to do.
"You're going to get that prisoner, Fenrir? Alright, go. Don't worry; I'll go watch over you from here." Snake said to me.
"Thanks, Boss." I answered as I made my way back to the area. Marking any guards I saw, I sneaked past through the houses in the village, staying out of sight from any enemy guard. Until...
I heard a noise... and a whimper.
"It seems you found the prisoner in that house. Go check it. And be careful." Snake ordered me.
"Right." I nodded as began to take out my tranquilizer gun and my combat knife. I often use my rifle during my days at Fenrir back in my world, but that CQC training from Instructor Ocelot is more than just a refresher; it is also a big help for giving me a 'back-to-basics' approach. Still walking slowly toward the said house, I'm slowly closing into where the noise coming from and I saw an open window. I leaned on the wall near to it and take a peek...
("C'mon, talk!")
"Aah!"
I widened my eyes at what I saw: two Soviet soldiers beating up a prisoner and to my surprise, the prisoner is a girl! She's the same age as me!
("Where is the weapon you filthy rebels kept!?")
"Ggh!"
I take a quick peek about the female prisoner; she had a bit fair skin and hair is long and deep bluish purple, tied in a ponytail. And she had brown eyes. But she was battered and bruised with some blood from her mouth.
I saw the second guard stopping the first one when the latter tried to beat the poor girl with the butt of his Ak-47. Still listening to the conversation, I lie down and crawl a bit until I reached the wall, leaning into it after I got into a crouching position... just beside the doorway. And I took a quick peek.
("Hey! That's enough!") The second soldier stopped the former.
("Bullshit! She can't even reply back to us! Why don't we kill her instead?") The first guard argued.
("Because this young girl is valuable to us; she is one of the Hamid so I'm sure she knows something about it.") I heard the second guard said it.
("And if she doesn't speak...?") The first guard snarled.
("That means she is of no use anymore. You can kill her if you want to...") the second guard replied coldly. Oh shit, this is bad.
("Hmph, I'll take care of things here.") The first guard smirked.
("Fine, the commander even told us anyway. We will go to that 'fortress' soon enough...") the second guard explained. ("I gotta go now.")
I heard some footsteps. Yes, that means the other guard is leaving the room. If I don't act now, the girl would die and we might lose this chance.
The second guard made his way out of the house as he was a few inches from me. And with quickness, I grabbed the guard and did a move that sent the enemy into the wall, knocking him down. I immediately get down leaning onto the wall, alerting my senses. I'm sure the other guard left took notice.
("W-wha? Hey!") I was right, he took notice. However, as I tried to take a peek, what happens next is something I never expected...
The captive girl suddenly kicked the Soviet guard from behind, using both of her legs and adding the momentum of her movement, she stood up on her feet. The disoriented Soviet guard tried to turn back but the poor guy was roundhouse kicked in the face by the female prisoner, knocking him down.
Crap, she's good...
Now the two Soviet guards are down and out, I started to enter the room and-
+"Who are you!?"+
The prisoner said as she prepares a fighting stance, even though her hands are tied. Bad-case scenario: I have no idea what language she spoke.
I tried to reason her with this: "Wait! I'm not here to hurt you; I'm here to save you."
"W-what?" Can't believe it; I was a bit relieved that this girl can speak English.
Then I continued. "It's true. My 'Boss' sent me..."
"Your... 'Boss'? When did they send someone who has the same age as mine?" the prisoner asked me
Ignoring that question and put my tranquilizer gun into my holster, I walked towards the girl, took out my combat knife and cut off the ropes.
"By the way, we need to get out of h-"
Suddenly, the girl did a left kick which it caught me by surprise; good thing I blocked it. Afterward, she dashed and tries to throw a right punch, which is dodged it. However, she rolled over and she caught the AK-47; she turned and aimed it on me, when I quickly draw my rifle in response. We're in a standoff
"Who are you anyway!?" I tried to ask the young prisoner
"I should ask the same to you..." she replied, trying to dodge my question.
We encircled on each other, pointing our guns. Yet I noticed that this prisoner is now inches in the doorway.
"Thanks for saving me... but I can't even join you now. Not yet." the freed prisoner told me.
"Why?"
"I have a people to return to. They need me." And after this, she began to get out of the room and ran away.
"Shit..." I muttered. Then there's an incoming call and it was none other than Snake.
"Kid, are you alright?" Snake ask me.
"Yes, I found her yet she escaped." I answered.
"Seems there's nothing we can do for that." he replied through my radio. "Now get out of there. I'll go call the chopper at a designated LZ."
"Roger that." I nodded. But before that, I carried the downed guard outside a dropped him inside the room. And I made my way out the house. My route is still westward, though but this radio call put me on focus...
("CP, this is Zoya 6! We found two knocked down bodies in this room. We also found out that the prisoner escaped. Must be the work of an intruder. Over!")
("This is CP, Understood! Find and capture the prisoner. And take down any hostile you encounter. Out!")
Crap, this spells some trouble. I'm sure those bastards are now looking out for me. Extra caution is what I need. Still, I sneaked past away from the pursuing guards. Hiding from crates, walls, even shooting some of them with my tranquilizer gun and knocking them out with my bare hands; those are the things I did just to get away from these guys.
And I successfully reached the creek, getting away from the village. Doing a few jogs, I began to sprint away from the village and called my D-Horse through my whistle, and suddenly, my D-Horse is galloping towards and beside me. I immediately mount up to my war horse and rode away.
"This is Pequod. Arriving shortly at LZ".
I heard that call: it's our chopper. Then I received another call from Snake.
"I called the chopper, Fenrir. Rendezvous with me at the LZ, the location is on your map."
I took out my iDroid while sprinting. And yes, the LZ was located southwest, just 300 miles from my destination. I sped up my D-Horse and go through there. I went straight ahead and I saw Snake and the chopper landing right now.
"This is Pequod. On station at LZ!"
I stopped my D-Horse and mount down. I'm walking towards the chopper; 'Big Boss' entered first.
"Come on." he motioned at me. I plastered a smile and got in to the chopper. Seeing Snake took a seat, I looked outside, seeing the whole landscape and of course, the afternoon sky. And I looked on my watch.
It's now 5:30 pm; just half an hour before six o'clock.
"Gaining altitude."
The chopper started to lift off as it began to fly away from the LZ.
Departing.
As we flew off, I closed the door and returned to my seat. I took a deep breath. Time to rest.
"Not bad on your first mission. Good job." Snake remarked.
"Thanks, Boss..." I said to him.
"Mission complete, Ikusaba. Not bad on your first start." Commander Miller remarked as well. "Keep it up."
CHAPTER END
DEBRIEFING FILES (RADIO)
The 'Honey Bee's Location
Miller: Alright, according to the intel Ikusaba sent to us, it is more like the deployment plans the Soviets are setting up. Some of their forces we're reassigned to this location. Seems we figured out where the 'Honey Bee' is.
Snake: And where is it?
Miller: Somewhere at Da Smasei Laman.
Fenrir: Da Smasei Laman?
Snake: It's a fortress where the Hamid fighters are originally stationed in. Unfortunately, they were wiped out. And we have no idea who did this.
Miller: At first, we suspect that the Spetsnaz commander is responsible for annihilating the Hamid at the said fort. But he denied any involvement in it. Honestly speaking, he's telling the truth.
Fenrir: How so?
Miller: He stated that even they were given orders from their superiors; they would never do one thing – killing civilians.
Fenrir: And where is he now?
Snake: I took him in. Even we are requested to eliminate that commander, Kaz objected that killing him would be a waste.
Fenrir: I wonder when I will see that man...
Snake: I'm sure you would. He's now a merc just like you.
Miller: Now, going back on topic… as of now, the whole place in under Soviet control. But we know you can handle it, Boss. When you're ready, give us a call.
Fenrir: By the way... about the prisoner I tried to recover yet she escaped...
Snake: You mean the girl...?
Fenrir: Yeah. She's also a fighter.
Snake: Hm, I noticed that.
Fenrir: And according to those Soviet guards beating her, one of them stated that... she's one of the Hamid.
Miller: So she's a survivor...?
Snake: Maybe she's not the only one...
Ocelot: Sorry for the interruption, but it seems I need to butt in.
Fenrir: Instructor Ocelot...
Miller: Something you have in mind?
Ocelot: Of course. Kid, about that Hamid girl you tried to rescue back then, you should know that she's no ordinary girl. You sure saw her how she fights, right?
Fenrir: Indeed, sir.
Ocelot: That is related on your next mission.
Fenrir: Come again?
Ocelot: I'm not kidding, Ikusaba. But the details of your next mission won't come from us.
Fenrir: What do you mean?
Ocelot: Let's say you will get it from... someone you know.
Fenrir: ...Who?
Ocelot: Sorry for being cryptic but... you go back to Mother Base to find out...
Author's Note: And this is the end of chapter 3 of Act 1! Not just it features the first mission of our favorite Super-High-School-Level Soldier now turned Diamond Dog mercenary, but also DD! Yep, in MGSV, there is a Buddy System where you can use a Buddy to aid you on your missions (the D-Horse and DD are one of them) So you guys just wait when DD grow up as he will join Mukuro as well.
Now I'm excited to write the next chapter since I'm beginning to put my ideas on it. Actually, I used Mission 2 of The Phantom Pain as my inspiration for this chapter. Despite of this, I managed to write this one so I made some differences. And yes, aside from an OC character, I'm also introducing a new character in my story and 'he' will appear in the next chapter.
Read and review. See ya later, peeps!