This is it! I have been wanting to write this battle for a very long time. I have gotten alot of inspiration and ideas for this battle from many songs, movies and so on. This was tough to write but I am happy with the final results. I hope that you will be too! I have a guest appearance for those that know Metal Gear! I really want to thank again my Beta's SniegZ and Angelbecca for their continued help and support! I do not own full Metal Panic of Metal Gear. I do not own Joe which goes to SniegZ. I do own Michael. Enjoy!!


10 minutes before Operation Zeus commences

Kaname Chidori just stared at the empty ceiling watching the fan spin slowly on the ceiling. She turned over to the open door with the curtains dancing from the ocean breeze.

Kaname looked at the emerald ocean and just looked at it. Her abilities as a whispered were like the ocean. It was beautiful and wondrous but could swallow and drag her down into the dark depths.

She cursed and loved being a whispered. If Kaname wasn't a whispered then she would have never met Sousuke.

Kaname turned over and looked at the empty side of her bed and just touched the pillow and sheets. All night she just felt something next to her but at the same time not there at all.

It almost seemed like Sousuke was lying with her all night.

Kaname got out of bed and looked outside at the jungle surrounding the villa. She noticed the Venoms still on patrol and the Alastor units standing near the manor. These new security measures were put up after Mr. Gold took up a room in the villa.

Leonard only seemed to be more nervous and short tempered with these constant changes. In the months that she had to endure living with him, Leonard was always in control.

In that twisted mind of his a plan was always being formed where he would be the winner. Now with FOXHOUND and Mithril still alive all his plans have been ruined.

He only gave her a few details about what he had in store for Mithril and FOXHOUND but it all seemed to involve Project R.

Kaname had seen the blue prints and knew the potential of this new weapon. She could pretty much sum it up with one sentence.

This was a weapon from hell!

Kaname worked on the AI system and even its ability to hold a Lambda Driver in its core. The idea of this hellish weapon holding a Lambda Driver overshadowed the Behemoth and maybe Belial.

Belial was Kaname's main drive. She wanted to find some kind of weakness of that monster and expose it. She remembered vividly how quickly it crushed the Arbalest and stopped a missile after it was fired.

It was clear that Leonard could manipulate the Lambda Driver with better precision than Sousuke ever could.

Her only hope was the tool she designed to help him. All Sousuke needed was a machine that could be considered Belial's equal.

Kaname heard her door knock and did not turn. She knew who was coming in. Kaname quickly put a robe on to cover the nightgown she had to wear.

"Kaname." Leonard came in as elegant and dignified as he could. His plan needed to be revised but it could still work for him.

"What do you want?" She said not turning around to face him.

Leonard shook his head, "I would hope that you could welcome your future husband a little nicer."

Kaname was silent as she turned around to look at him. She noticed he still wore the same classic clothes he always had, but was not wearing that special coat of his.

Leonard stepped closer to her, "You have been part of the organization for almost two months and yet you scorn everything we stand for. Why?" He had asked her that question so many times and she never responded to it.

Kaname shook her head, "An organization that took me from my home. Tried to kill everyone I knew and is holding my family as hostage without them knowing it." She looked at him straight in the eyes, "Most importantly you have repeatedly tried to kill Sousuke. Not the best way to win someone over."

Leonard shook his head slowly letting his anger about that man get to him, "I ask again why could you ever care for someone like him? In my opinion and from what i know about him i think he is no better than Gauron."

Kaname ran up to him and slapped him across the face as hard as she could. She had hit him so hard that Leonard had to regain his balance, "Don't ever make that comparison!! Gauron was a monster that enjoyed killing and murder!!" She jabbed her finger into his chest, "Sousuke does not enjoy killing!!"

Leonard touched his face still feeling the sting, "You say that but can you be sure?"

Kaname smiled and said, "Because as long as I trust him as Sousuke he will never be like that. That is how I can never love let alone stand the sight or you! You're the monster!!"

Leonard's face contorted with that comparison, "I am not the monster!" If anyone was a monster it is Sagara!

Kaname scoffed, "You take everything you want because you want! You take my friends hostage and threatened to kill them! You hired Ocelot and had him go against Michael!!

You threatened to kill Sousuke and destroy everything to get me from him!! If that is not a monster than I don't know what is!! Even worse you try and justify it by showing me a new world! Your not showing me a new world your showing me a world where war goes on!!"

Leonard lost it, "You don't understand what we are trying to do! What I am trying to do!! We want to overcome the old world ideals that lead to war and eliminate those that divide the world!! You could be-"

"I don't care about any of these plans!" Kaname screamed at him, "I don't want anything to do with you or your organization!! Your nothing more that a spoiled child!!"

Leonard was silent at that comment.

"Your mother must have hated dealing with your tantrums as a child! You-" Before she could finish Leonard grabbed her and threw her onto the bed.

He pinned her arms down and looked at her, "You don't understand anything about me, my sister or my family. So don't tread into territory that you don't understand." His tone was dangerous and threatening.

A tone that scared her since she was not use to this side of his.

Kaname found it surprising that she could not push him off of her. He was stronger than she thought he was and she wanted him off.

Leonard looked at her with that wanting look in his eyes, "So lovely and yet you hold feelings for an animal." He moved his head closer and kissed her forehead, "He cannot win against them." He slowly let her go and got off the bed.

Kaname quickly covered herself with the robe and shot back against the bed frame trying to get as far she could from him. Those eyes had startled her and a new fear had over taken her.

Leonard turned to her, "I apologize for that but tread carefully in the future. I hope you can forgive me like last time." He smiled at her.

"Go to hell." Kaname shot at him.

"Perhaps and I might take Sagara with me." Leonard closed the door.

Kaname took a deep breath and tried to control her shaking hands. She was never in a more helpless position in her entire life. Something like that was her greatest fear.

Something that-

She heard a whistling sound outside. Kaname went outside to investigate and the whistling got louder.

"Oh-" The whistling was followed by several massive explosions.

She instinctively dropped to her knees and covered her head as more missiles hit the island. Kaname slowly got up and looked at the jungle. Several parts of it were on fire and she could see the smoldering wreckage of Venoms and AA weapons.

"It's begun!"

Kaname turned and saw Sniper Wolf coming in wearing that skin tight jumpsuit of hers. She had her PSG-1 rifle on her back.

Kaname was shaking her head, "What is starting!?" Her morning had already gone to hell in a hand basket what else was going to happen.

Wolf shook her head and pointed outside, "Look closely."

Kaname walked to the edge of the railing and squinted her eyes at the sun. She started to see something and her heart jumped.

It was an AS suit on a booster pack!

"Can't be?!" That idiotic moron was so stubborn that he could not listen to her,

"Sousuke?" She wondered.

"It appears your boyfriend has come."

Wolf and Kaname turned around looking at Gold.

"Wolf please make sure that Ms. Chidori is ready to leave the island. It would appear that I underestimated them." Mr. Gold looked out the window as the M9's started to get closer.

Kaname looked at Gold waiting for whatever he had planned, "What do you mean?"

Gold looked at her, "I was not expecting a night insertion so it must mean that either Snake or Michael or both infiltrated the island."

Kaname looked at him unsure of how to answer, "How do you know that?"

Gold said nothing as he left the room.

Kaname turned and had a pair of jeans and shirt hit her.

"Get changed and come with me."

Kaname pulled the pants up, "What are you going to do?"

"Don't ask questions! Just get dressed!" Wolf snapped at her.

Kaname looked at her and than turned her attention to getting the pants on. She looked outside and the AS suit she saw had just landed on the island. Kaname quickly put the shirt on and was led out the door by Wolf.

Kaname could not do anything as the battle started. They had fallen for Gold's trap perfectly and nothing could save them.


1 minute after the start of Operation Zeus

Joe was not having the best morning. Considering the events that had happened he just wanted to set up a few of his "specials" for a few friends, but with what he had on his hands this looked very unlikely.

"This is an HE grenade." Joe stated, placing the grenade on the counter in front of the quartermaster.

"Yes, I-"

"Do you have any idea how much damage a HE grenade would cause if thrown at a walking tank?" He asked the guy, trying to keep his calm demenour.

"Ummm, uhhh…"

"None at all." He hissed as the bomber squeezed the device so hard his knuckles bleached, "Now… WHERE THE HELL ARE MY DAMN EXPLOSIVES!!"

The young soldier flinched several times as Joe spat the words out in his face.

"T-the… the loadouts were set by your CO, sir! Y-you should bring the matter up to her..."

Joe smirked, "Yeah,yeah,yeah... You're the fifth one I'm hearing this from and I haven't seen a single proof that this all-high-and-mighty CO everyone's been bull-shiting me about actually exists. For all I know, the fairy godmother is more real than him."

Joe was with the second wave and would be part of a FOXHOUND demolitions and heavy weapons squad. Of course his expertise easily won him a spot as the front line demo-man. His CO however was nowhere to be found.

"He is a she, Cinderela!"

Joe turned around and sighed. He was expecting to see Mao behind him but only saw another woman. She was a just as tall as Mao but had black eyes and red hair that was cut short. She looked like a punk looking kid with the haircut.

"Well, holy hell," Joe chuckled, "It's the lil' red riding hood."

The CO walked up to him and threw him a striking glare, "I'm your all-high-and-mighty CO, loudmouth, and trust me, I ain't that little! You do something I don't like, I'm going to stick my foot so far up your ass you can taste the shit off my boot!"

Joe looked at her and said, "Shit off your boot? Well, that's just great. I'll be walking through an island deathtrap with a wonder-woman that can't watch her step enough to avoid plunging her feet into dog-shit."

Joe turned around and saw the other FOXHOUND members were just frozen.

The woman looked at him and just smiled and than slowly laughed, "I hate you kid but we will leave it at that." She hit his arm and left for the boat.

Joe turned to a guy who walked up to him, "Who's the amazon?"

The guy just looked at him and said, "That's Master Sergeant Carol Zamora. Call-sign - C4 Scorpion. She is the head of the demo squad at FOXHOUND."

Joe looked at him unsure and said, "No shit?" it took some time for him to digest the fact,"With bunker-busters like that, there's no wonder she's in the bomb-squad."

Another guy came up to him, "Hey, pal, we know that you know your job, but show some respect. Zamora is so precise in her bomb-business that she brought down AS suits intact with a few explosives. She saved a lot of people when Amalgam attacked."

"Give her a medal." He said looking at the bag of grenades he had, "But if Red's expecting me to play with party poppers she's got another thing coming."

Another was about to speak when, "Hey! Get your asses in gear!! Who do you think you are? Neo? Move!"

Joe grabbed his HK69A1 launcher and a belt of grenades. In his side holster he had a silenced Mark 23 and an arsenal of hand-grenades in his bag. He sighed at the fact he was dealing with another Mao.


Sousuke grunted as the suit landed much rougher than he would have liked. It took him a little while to get use to the M9 adjustments. He was more use to the ARX-7 and AL assisting in things like the landing.

Sousuke gripped the controls and waited for-

Something caught his eye and Sousuke dove the M9 out of the line of fire. He kept the suit moving as the enemies came into view on his screen.

Two Venoms were quickly approaching his position with rifles blazing. The units stopped short and opened fire.

Sousuke quickly moved and started to return fire only to encounter that accursed shield from a Lambda Driver.

Sousuke swore and-

The Venoms quickly leapt out of the way as shots were fired above him.

"Yo! Diehard can't let you take all the fun." Kurz fired another shot tripping a Venom up.

He detached the parachute and saw Sousuke rush after the downed Venom. Sousuke quickly leapt back, barely avoiding being shot. He turned to his right and saw the other Venom approaching him and to his front another one was coming up.

Weber fired more shots and one of the Venoms went after him.

Sousuke quickly avoided the Venom charging at him. He turned the M9 on its heel and fired behind him.

Surprisingly the shot connected taking down the Venom.

The pilot must have lost focused and the Driver would not respond to him. Still-

A huge force slammed behind the M9.

The M9 hit the ground face first.

Sousuke turned the M9 quickly and avoided being stabbed from behind. He turned and looked at the black Venom and indicated that it was a pilot from the OCELOT Unit.

Sousuke fired at it and rolled the M9 away from the Venom, "Uruz-7 to all units! These pilots are from the OCELOT Unit!"

Kurz scoffed, "They ain't so tough!" Weber was still holding his own, albeit barely, against the Venom he was fighting.

The black Venom kicked Sousuke's M9 and it flew across the battlefield and skidded to a stop. It charged at him knife in hand ready to deal the killing blow.

Sousuke tried to get the M9 up as fast as he could but-

The Black Venom tripped in front of him.

Sousuke was stunned to see Lt. Commander's Bel M9 in front of him. After hitting the ground he used ECS to hid himself and snuck behind the enemy to take them out. The Lt. Commander had found an effective strategy against the Venoms.

Bel finished off the Venom with his molecular cutter. The Commander got up, "Uruz-7 get moving! If you can't keep up don't expect us to save you."

"He doesn't need saving," Sousuke heard on his radio and turned to see Mao's M9 with its foot on top of the smoking rubble of the Venom with her thumbs up, "He can take care of himself."

"Yes ma'am." Sousuke answered as he got his M9 up, "Are the other units landing?"

Bel turned to Sousuke, "We have a few more units landing along with the Hounds launching in two minutes. We need to-" Bel turned his attention back to the alarm his radar was giving, "They need to move quicker. At least five venoms are coming our way."

Mao scoffed, "That insertion team did a real crappy job finding those defense."

"Not likely sis," Weber reloaded his rifle, "It would appear that Amalgam was expecting us. No doubt they had protective bunkers for the real force."

"They must have destroyed just the guards." Sousuke cursed as three more venoms joined the radar alert. Soon the island would become ablaze in fire and bullets.

It would truly be a scene out of hell itself.

Fire and bullets rained across the treetops as man and machine fought to the death. A bloody sight that Sousuke was used to seeing, however it was something Kaname should not see. All Sousuke could do was just hold the line as long as he could for Michael and Snake to get into the villa.

Things would-

"Move!!" The Venoms opened fired as-

A missile roared overhead and hit the Venoms. Most of them were able to get out of the way but two were not so lucky.

Bullets rained from above as reinforcements started to arrive. Six more units belonging to FOXHOUND arrived along with an additional three from Mithril. They already had a total of thirteen units invading the island.

A FOXHOUND pilot launched a rocket at a Venom only to have the Venom stop it with it's lambda driver. The other units landed and slowly moved and fired at the Venoms.

"Hit it boys!" The Commander of the Hounds yelled as the pilots all detached their parachutes and activated ECS the moment they landed.

Bel caught on, "All Mithril Units open fire but watch it!!"

All units lit up their rifles as the Venoms just walked forward without a care. The bullets were ineffective against the lambda drivers

A grenade exploded behind one Venom at the end of the line. It changed its fire hoping to get the guy that fired at him.

The same happened on the other side of the line as both ends tried to keep their focus on the cloaked FOXHOUND members and the Mithril forces firing at them.

Sousuke noticed this lapse in formation and moved to one of the sides firing at the Venoms. Bel saw it and moved to take care of the other end.

The Venoms-

A huge explosion burst in front of Venom squad creating a dust cloud.

Weber and Mao smiled as they could hear the radio chatter from the enemy.

"Use heat sensors to..AHHH!"

"There jamming the sensors with.. Look out!"

"Dammit they..AHHH!"

"Formation! Get it..Oh God!"

Mao and Weber watched the dust cloud clear. The Venoms lay broken and destroyed.

Mei Ling was just a genius and was promised a big party for her efforts. She effectively found a way to jam the enemies' radar in a manner similar to what Amalgam did to FOXHOUND.

This allowed her to jam the radar for detecting any kind of ECS cloaking. It was the only advantage they had.

After the battle in Hong Kong Bel wanted to find a way to destroy a Venom incase the Arbalest was destroyed.

After researching and studying the data and video footage he realized that it was not just numbers but overwhelming them with firepower might also stop them.

The Venoms still had the greater chance of victory but Mithril had a small shot.

The moves that FOXHOUND executed where what the SRT needed. An ability to jam radar and split their focus was all that they needed.

If they enemy should ever loose focus while using the Lambda Driver for just a split second than they could be destroyed.

Bel looked at the radar and saw more enemies approaching. Indeed they had some kind of underground bunker or else they could not have this many Venoms. His greatest fear was of the Behemoth lumbering into the battle. So far they had been lucky, but they did not want to push their luck.

"All units engage!" Bel ordered as all the units opened fire to engage the enemy.

A Venom leapt forward and Bel met the challenge.

Sousuke put his knife away and turned toward the manor. Kaname was in there along with Leonard and Mr. Gold aka Liquid Snake.

"Kaname hold on." Sousuke said sounding very cliché but it was the only thing he could really say. He and everyone else would stop this.


Everything was a blur to Kaname after the past several minutes.

The entire island had become one big battlefield as Mithril and FOXHOUND units fought to the death against Amalgam's Venoms.

More forces landed on the south of the island when Kaname overheard a quick radio conversation. AS suits along with ground forces landed on the island and were quickly advancing toward the manor.

The Venoms were stretched thin with having to hold two lines from the front and back. Add in the support that the TDD-1 was giving and the enemy would be pushed back. The power of the Lambda Driver could not save the Venoms when attacked from two ends.

Kaname was kept in a room not far from hers but she could still hear the running and shouting from people in the halls.

Kaname looked at the window and wondered if she could at least attempt an escape. She looked down and could see the Alastor units patrolling the outside along with other forces.

Any kind of escape at this point would be just a wasted effort but she needed to do something. Give some kind of signal that would alert the invaders to her presence.

Kaname stopped when she heard a knock and Wolf entered.

Wolf was upset and sighed, "Mr. Gold and Mr. Silver want you on the helipad now."

Kaname froze for a second. She need to think fast and-

"If you don't come immediately then," Wolf looked away and scoffed, "Mr. Gold will kill someone from your school in front of you."

Kaname's blood froze in her body and she shook slightly. She took a few steps back and braced herself against a desk. Mr. Gold was not somehow who gave threats he was not willing to complete. He could deliver them and more.

Wolf clapped her hands and got her attention, "This person will take you upstairs."

Kaname looked at Wolf, "What about you?"

Wolf patted Kaname's shoulder, "I have work to do." She left the room as a guy in full jungle get-up including the mask walked up to her.

"Miss, we need to go."

The guard grabbed her arm and carefully pulled her along. The voice however was familiar to her.

"Miss please." He whispered as he ushered her into the hall. The man was holding a M16 and had a 9mm sidearm including a small combat knife.

"Wait what are you-"

The guard ignored her as he pulled her through the halls. He stopped at an intersection and looked around.

"Wait! What are you-"

The guard put his hand over her mouth quieting her, "Please be quiet. Or they will hear you." He raised his rifle and looked again. The hallway was empty as he motioned for her to follow him.

Kaname had been around this manor long enough to know that he was going to wrong way. Could it be an inside operative?

She whispered in his ear, "Are you with Mithril or FOXHOUND?" Kaname was hopeful that they had thought this far ahead.

"No," The soldier whispered back, "I was just a mercenary hired by Amalgam."

Kaname's mind realized that he was working for someone else. Someone that wanted her,

"Do you work for someone else?"

"No," He stopped and pressed himself against the wall. Kaname copied him as a few guards ran parallel to them.

"I was attacking a base when it just exploded." He heard footsteps and quickly shoved her in a closet to hide her. The soldier stood still next to the door pretending to stand guard.

Once the others were out of sight he got her out of the closet and pulled her along.

"We don't have much time!" He hurried, leading her to back entrance.

"Wait!" Kaname said stopping in the hall, "What about my family and friends!? If I leave than they-"

"FOXHOUND and Mithril are taking care of that." The soldier answered.

"What?"

Soldier took a deep breath, "Follow me and I will explain but please," He held his hand out, "You have to trust me that I am going to get you out of here."

Kaname looked at the hand not sure what to believe. She knew that FOXHOUND and Mithril would want vengeance so strong that every single person involved in the attack would be dead. Could that include the assassins hired as well?

On the other hand, this guy could be lying. Still, "Okay," She took his hand, "Lead me out of here."

The soldier nodded and pulled her along explaining everything, "When FOXHOUND and Mithril hacked into the database. They were looking for all the names they could find. They were looking for the heads of companies and even people in the powerful positions in different countries. They must have also found the assassin guild information which means-"

"They can locate and take out the ones watching my friends and family." She said a little too loud for her tastes.

The soldier hushed her, "If they can take them out than Gold and Silver's threats will be meaningless. However," He stopped clutching the rifle, "It will be for nothing if they can not end this today."

"Why are you helping me?" She pulled him into an empty room hearing footsteps behind them.

The soldier held his breath until the guards were gone, "Mithril soldiers had a chance to kill me but let me live instead." He pulled out a knife, "A guy gave me this knife" he showed her the engraving. "De oppresso liber" "I returned alive to Amalgam, but thought through everything that Mithril and FOXHOUND were doing and what Amalgam was doing. I was not sure what I should do until I met you and heard your story."

Kaname was puzzled for a second not sure where or when she even met this guy, "Are you stalking me?"

The soldier's head went back, "No!" He took a deep breath, "Remember when you first came here and you helped the guy who dropped all those boxes?"

Kaname thought back and it came to her, "Yea! You were really nervous but still polite."

"I had heard that the whole operation two months ago was to purge FOXHOUND and Mithril." The soldier put his knife back, "I later heard that it was for that Silver brat to get you!" He said with a lot of disgust and venom in his voice.

Kaname was silent. She had nightmares about the whole event and they all ended with Sousuke losing his life at Leonard's hands.

"I chose the wrong side and I want to correct that." He opened the door holding his rifle and it was clear. He motioned for her to follow as he continued, "I can't work for an organization that would not think twice about innocent people. They kill so many people just to get you and that brat doesn't care." He led the way through the halls with Kaname following in his wake.

So far everyone was distracted with the attack and getting rid of any and all information that would damage the organization. She looked outside and thought she saw something move.

Kaname turned to see the soldier still running. She sprinted and caught up with him, "So you want to-"

"I want to do what's right. Fight for what I think is right and-" The soldier turned around and saw a few people running after them. He cursed and started firing at them.

Kaname lowered her head and cursed at him, "What are-"

The soldier kept firing as he run to her and pulled her up. The soldier dragged her through the halls and down a extravagant looking staircase. He-

Kaname froze as a metal hand reached out from the staircase and grabbed his ankle.

The soldier landed head first into the stairs and was thrown against the wall. He slumped against the wall trying to stop himself mid-spin.

Kaname ran to the bottom of the stairs only to be stopped when an Alastor grabbed her arm and held tight. She looked at the door and it was so close to her. It was just a few more feet if she could just get free.

"Well you never cease to amaze me my dear."

Kaname knew that eloquent manner of speaking and saw Leonard walking down the stairs. She looked at the soldier who tried to help her. His head had hit the wall rather hard.

Leonard walked down the stairs and looked at her, "Still why do you resist?"

Kaname smiled, "Instinct."

Leonard shook his head as two more Alastor units appeared. One was holding Kaname and other was near the guard but both turned to attention, "After we are married we will have to find new things to do that are fun."

Kaname shivered at that thought, "What makes you think that any of your precious organization will be left after this attack?"

Leonard just chuckled, "What makes you think that Amalgam will be destroyed in this attack."

The soldier started to come to and saw Silver. He moved his hand ever so carefully to his pistol. His rifle was on the other side of the room as a result of him being thrown. If he moved too quickly than the Alastor's would notice him and kill him. He needed to be patient.

"What do you mean?"

"I do not plan to remain in this lowly position within the organization." He looked at her, "I plan to take it and run it the way I want."

Kaname looked at him and laughed, "Gold would kill you before that happens."

"Gold will be taken care of in his own way that I can assure you. He has a rather obsessive nature when it comes to the man called 'Solid Snake.' Mr. Gold wants to kill him so much that I doubt he would see the peril around him from me."

Kaname was silent. He was really full of himself but at the same time he knew how to move and manipulate people. Leonard could move people like the pieces on a chess board.

"The names that Mithril and FOXHOUND are taking care are in fact supporters of Mr. Gold. When they die, and I know they will, Mr. Gold will lose most of his support and-"

"You have the other half supporting you and you take it by force without so much as a sweat but what makes you think it will go that way?" Kaname was trying to buy more time. The soldier was almost set to fire his weapon. A simple distraction was all that she needed. If he went down than she could force him to have the Alastor release them.

"My dear," He caressed her face, "I have worked this long and this hard. All I have to do is have the little soldiers fight and kill each other. These people live for fighting and killing much like your precious Sousuke and his brother."

Leonard stepped back to avoid Kaname trying to grab him.

"Still," He had his back turned to the soldier, "When I-"

The soldier raised his gun, "Die!" In a split second the gun was knocked out of his hands by the Alastor. He was grabbed by the throat and slammed against the wall. The soldier quickly pulled his knife out and slammed it into the arm.

The blade snapped off.

Leonard turned to the soldier, "It appears that we have a traitor." He glanced at Kaname,

"Would he be trying to get you out?"

Kaname was silent looking at the soldier.

The soldier kept kicking the robot's arm in a futile effort to at least loosen the grip.

Leonard walked to the soldier, "Why would you betray an organization that has such great benefits?"

The soldier scoffed, "Benefits!? Right! Why don't you ask all the soldiers that died in the MITHRIL raid in Switzerland."

Leonard glared at him, "Their incompetence killed them… And the MITHRIL soldiers might have had something to do with it."

The soldier chuckled, "MITHRIL soldiers gave me my life back! You're not even worth the shadow of those people!"

Leonard said nothing.

"I hope they fry your big white head with a flamethrower!!"

Leonard turned around and headed toward Kaname.

"Sir," The Alastor asked, "Your orders?"

Kaname saw Leonard give a cold smile as he said, "Plan B-120. Rip his head off completely."

"Roger." The Alastor grabbed his stomach and started to pull.

"Wait." Leonard said as the Alastor stopped.

Kaname was nervous praying that he was not going to be killed in front of her. Another person killed because of her. She turned to the door, she could have sworn she heard something.

"Pull it off slowly." Leonard said with a smile, "Consider this your punishment."

"Roger." The Alastor responded as it started to slowly pull up.

The soldier bite into his teeth holding back the pain that kept increasing. He could feel his muscles tearing with each second. His bones and spine slowly coming apart as the Alastor pulled up on his throat.

Leonard motioned for the Alastor holding Kaname to follow him up the stairs. If things-

"Get moving!!"

Leonard stopped and everyone turned to the door.

"Two intruders have breached the sector!!" He heard outside.

Gunfire and cursing broke the silence. Guards ran down the stairs as Leonard turned to the Alastor holding the soldier and with one motion he stopped pulling. He ordered the other two Alastors to wait at the doors.

One of the guards turned to Leonard, "Sir! We have a situation!"

Leonard turned to him not happy with this new development, "What is going on!? I thought that they were not even close to the manor!"

The guard turned to his radio getting confirmation, "We think it's a two man insertion team. From what we can gather we think it's Snake and that Michael kid!!"

Leonard's face paled and his blood froze in his veins. Just how could they keep coming!!

Leonard turned the guard, "You think? YOU THINK?!" he screamed,"I want them dead!!

I don't care about Snake! I want Michael dead!!" The man motioned to the Alastor holding Kaname to follow him up the stairs.

Leonard turned to Kaname, "We have Mr. Kalinin waiting for us at the helipad and I want to leave as soon as possible."

Kaname smirked still trying to shake the Alastor's grip, "You're like a rat deserting a sinking ship."

Leonard turned to her but held his tongue. He had no time for any of this and now was not the time to get into a fight with her.

The guards took a defensive position around the stairs. A few were near the railing and some where in front of the door. Each were holding either a Uzi or a 9mm submachine gun.

They all stood tensely at the door thinking about all that they had heard about Snake and this Michael.

Snake was a legend and they all knew that. He was in fact the best soldier in the world and his record spoke for itself.

Michael was someone that little was known about except that he was indeed dangerous.

Each guard would have to watch out for the other. They would have only one shot to really repel them. If they could advance this far without being seen and push back their forces than that was one thing that was clear.

The moment they got into the manor the battle would turn to the opposing sides favor.

The soldier felt some relief that he was not being pulled apart but wanted to have the robot at least loosen his grip. He only wished-

The only thing he heard was a loud ringing in his ear as he fell right on his butt.

The soldier crawled away as fast as he could, barely able make anything out. The only thing he heard was a loud ringing in his ear.

He turned around and saw a gun barrel out and shooting at the guards and Alastors. He saw a hand waving and than the gun barrel disappeared behind a hail of bullets.

The soldier turned to his left and saw his 9mm handgun. He grabbed it and tried to stand up.

The soldier started to hear a little better. He noticed two other voices calling to each other amongst the fierce battle. The blood flowed back to his neck . He looked down and saw part of the Alastors arm still clinging onto him. One strong tug and it was thrown across the room.

All of sudden the noise stopped.

The soldier stood up holding the gun in one shaking hand and the other rubbing his ears to make sure he could hear better.

"You have to admit. These bombs ARE user friendly" The soldier heard a low almost husky voice.

"You would say that Snake." The other voice was not as low and almost sounded like a teenager. He heard a loud cock as he got closer. The soldier was in complete shock with what he saw. The Alastors were in pieces and all the guards on the railing and stairway were dead.

The soldier looked over the railing and noticed someone. He had dark hair and was wearing jungle camo pants and jacket. The guy was armed with an M4 rifle with grenade attachment and silencer. He was reloading a Mark 23 with laser sight and flashlight block under the barrel. It too had a silencer.

The soldier froze as a gun was jabbed against his right forehead.

"Looks like we got a straggler, Wolf."

The guy called Wolf turned to the other guy, "Was he trying to sneak up on us?" He was putting away his pistol but drew out a k-bar knife.

The soldier shook out of his daze, "No, no I am not with them." He turned to look at the guy holding the rifle and saw he was wearing the same thing but had a bandana on.

"How do we know you're not lying to us?" Wolf asked twirling the knife between his fingers, "What do you say Snake?"

The soldier froze and turned to Snake, "Snake, as in 'The Solid Snake'? The legend of Outer Heaven and Zanzibar Land?!"

"Looks like you got a fan Snake." Wolf joked putting his knife away.

Snake studied him closely and lowered his rifle, "He was not sneaking up on us. From what I can gather he was about to be killed."

The soldier looked at him amazed, "How did you know that?"

Snake was surprised, "Really? I was just joking on that but the fact that your hand is shaking is kind of a give away."

The soldier steadied his shaking hand, "Yea, its not everyday that something explodes near your face."

Wolf just shook his head, "If he is not a threat than we need to get moving. Silver may be on his way to the helipad or destroying data as we waste time here."

"Agreed." Snake walked past the soldier taking out his rifle and following Wolf up the stairs.

"Wait!"

Wolf and Snake turned to the soldier.

"I want to help." He said holstering his sidearm, "I know the layout of this manor and Silver was just here with Ms. Kaname."

"Wait, wait," Wolf put his gun away and turned to the soldier, "She was just here and Silver? What was she doing here? I would think that she would be under close guard to prevent any chance of escape?"

The soldier walked over and picked up the M16 that he lost, "Well, I was trying to get her out..."

Snake and Wolf turned to him not really sure on how to take what they just heard.

"Why were you trying to get her out? I thought you worked for Amalgam?" Snake asked not sure if he was a double agent.

"It was the right thing and-" The soldier heard foot steps and fired his gun at the railing.

Guards with rifles started shooting at all three as Michael leapt over the railing to get out of the line of fire. The soldier crouched closer to the staircase keeping low to get better cover. He fired a few more shots than started to reload.

Snake kept firing as he slowly moved back watching the bullets fly around him. He fired the grenade launcher to his left and no more fire was seen.

Wolf copied him on the right and the enemy was silent.

The soldier got up and dusted off the particles of wood and chips. He was in awe at the two soldiers in front him. These were indeed professionals.

Wolf reloaded the grenade launcher and checked the magazine in his gun. Snake did the same thing and turned to the soldier, "You said you know this place pretty well, right?"

The soldier nodded quickly.

"Than would you know where all the intel and archives would be?"

The soldier rubbed his chin, "Yea, most of the info you would want would be in the mainframe on "Alpha-sector". Almost all the rooms have them and I think that Mr. Gold has his personal computer here as well. There are also some files kept at the basement of this manor."

Snake nodded, "Okay, you take point and lead us to the helipad. However," Snake walked up to him and looked down at him, "If you try anything than you'll know the other reason your at the front."

The soldier gulped and turned to Wolf who was checking his gear, "Got another name besides, Wolf?"

Wolf smiled and patted his soldier, "The name's Michael."

The soldier laughed at that, "Silver was talking about you. Before you two destroyed the walls he ordered the guards to lay you dead. Snake didn't interest him so much."

"The language of a rat." Snake said as he walked up the stairs.

Michael laughed and said, "Just proves that he is reaching the end of his rope." He turned

to the soldier, "What is your name?"

The soldier straighten and followed them up the stairs, "Johnny, Johnny Sasaki."

Snake smirked, "Johnny is a good strong name there."

Johnny smiled, "Yea, my grandfather said the same thing."


Around the world members of Amalgam were coming under attack in many different assassinations.

People hidden in their homes were shot in their beds while others met with a fiery death from a car bomb.

Others were more subtle with poison in their food or the wrong kind of medication.

Mr. Gold aka Liquid Snake sat with his legs propped up on the control panel inside one of the Hind-E Russian attack helicopter. He kept getting news through his laptop as more and more members were reported dead.

The only ones that would live were the heads of Armstech, Constant Dealers and "Lock and Head" Missile Company. These were vital components in the Project R and they would need to be protected greatly if the project was to be truly completed.

Liquid changed the screen to review the test data from the first missile launch. It was a success and more showing the power of what it could do. It would truly succeed once Kaname Chidori finished her part then the weapon would truly be ready for mass production.

Liquid turned and closed his laptop once he saw Kalinin coming toward him. He had to admit that he was the last person he thought would have join them. However after some discussion with the man he seemed to agree with their main goal.

The old were so easy to manipulate was what Liquid thought the moment he joined.

"Mr. Gold," Kalinin said approaching him. They needed to evacuate the rest of their forces or they would be too close for them to do any good.

Liquid closed his laptop and got out of the helicopter, "I can assume that they are still advancing?"

Kailin nodded, "Yes sir, forces from the north and south are slowly advancing. Our forces are being flanked and destroyed. Mithril pilots are use to this combat style and FOXHOUND's skills are throwing our pilots off."

Liquid crossed his arms and smiled, "Did you find Sagara?"

Kalinin looked at Gold unsure of how to answer, "We cannot find him exactly, but he must have been with the first wave in the north."

Liquid rubbed his chin and turned to the helicopter, "And those people inside the manor?"

Kalinin looked at the door, unsure of how close they really were, "They wiped out the guards and are advancing much-"

Radio static stopped Kalinin before he could finish answering, "This is Kalinin what is it?"

The channel switched to a frantic guard screaming, "They keep coming! They are not slowing down." A loud explosion washed over the radio and than the man came on again, "They are on the second floor hallway facing the pool and courtyard and-" The man screamed and Kalinin clicked the radio off.

He looked up and saw the helicopter starting up, "Mr. Gold where are you-"

"It's time to mobilize our forces Mr. Kalinin." Liquid checked all the instruments and everything was perfect for take off.

"Mr. Gold what are you-"

"Have Mr. X on the rooftop and order the evacuation force to keep Silver in the dark about the evacuation. Mr. X will follow Silver's orders but he will not kill Snake or Michael." Liquid pumped gas into the turbine and it started to get louder.

"Mr. Gold-" Kalinin yelled over the turbine.

"I have to go greet Snake and give him the welcome that he deserves!" Gold said as he slammed the door and the helicopter started to rise up.

Kalinin switched the radio channel and said, "Begin counterattack!"


Sousuke got the suit up and looked around.

So far they were half-way to the manor despite encountering heavy resistance from the Venoms. The forces already lost a total of ten suits and reinforcements were landing to support their push into the island.

Sousuke threw an anti-tank dagger at a Venom only to have the shield catch it and throw it back.

Sousuke moved the suit to the right as best it could but the dagger impacted the shoulder cover and exploded. He quickly regained balanced and returned fire.

The forces where-

"ALERT! UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT APROACHING! DANGER CLASS: RED 9!!" The AI and motion trackers were going crazy! Something big was coming!

"Urzu-1 to all units, report!" Bel yelled over the radio.

"Nothing on any one's ends!" Lt. Tim yelled as the forces started to assume a defensive stance.

They needed to identify the target and see if they could advance. Any pause in the push would give the enemy the chance to turn the tables.

"This is Sgt. Kinji from the south push!" His voice came over the radio for all the pilots, "We are…Oh shit!.."

"Sgt. Kinji!" Bel yelled as he flipped to the side to avoid an attack aimed at him. He drew his molecular cutter blocked and the Venom's own knife attack.

"This is Cop. Jones of the Hounds! Sgt. Kinji was killed and we are getting pushed back. Two Behemoths are pushing us back!" He cursed and everyone could hear explosions and gunfire.

"Cop. Jones repeat!" Bel twisted the knife and flung the blade out of the Venoms hand. Before it could react Bel slashed it into the shoulder and cut through it quickly. Bel's alarms went off and grabbed the Venom. A second later and he would have been cut apart from the rounds fired at him.

Sousuke regrouped with Kurz and Mao as they looked at the two massive Behemoths that were coming in range.

Bel dropped his cutter and back flipped from the line of fire. He pulled out his rifle, "All units assume-"

"Lt. Commander Bel! This is the rear unit and we have another Behemoth advancing behind us."

Bel cursed, "Great! All units prepare for attack. Keep moving to avoid getting shot at and keep firing!" He reloaded the gun, "It has to have a weakness!"

Sousuke cursed and turned with Mao and saw the monster coming. He could see the Hounds and the other SRT members firing at the suit. He saw the shield glimmering and knew that the Lambda Driver was what was holding that thing up. Sousuke froze in horror as a massive chain gun on the shoulder rotated behind the right shoulder and opened fire.

The units were torn apart like paper as he could hear the cries and screams of his comrades.

"Sousuke! We need to shoot underneath it to destroy the cooling unit right?!" Mao inquired over the radio.

"Negative," Sousuke moved his suit as the Behemoth opened fire at them, "We need to shoot all the way through it and the Lambda Driver is the only thing that can!"

The other units started to move as the Behemoths tore through the defenses. Venoms joined in the push with the plan of payback in their minds.

Sousuke moved out of their firing range and returned fire as best he could. The Venom's and Behemoths kept pushing forward and were hell bent on pushing them to the beach.

He could only hope that…

"This is Wolf of the insertion team! We have broken radio silence to request the help of any AS units or teams advancing toward the manor!!" Sousuke heard Michael's voice over the radio. He got worried as he could hear gunfire and explosions.

"Major! We are currently engaged with Behemoths what is your position!?" Bel demanded over the radio as he tried to regroup the line.

"We are on the second floor about fifteen hundred yards from the stairs that lead to the heliport! Shit!!" Michael cursed and returned fire, "Johnny! Cover our back!!"

Bel looked around and kept moving as he regrouped with Sousuke and the others. Weber kept trying to find some weakness in the shield but could not find anything. Mao tried her best to give the retreating units cover but most were getting mowed down by the Venoms.

Things were not better for the southern forces who were having the same trouble. The TDD-1 tried deploying cruise missiles but were stopped by either the lambda driver or Behemoths ability to destroy the missiles.

"We are pinned down from both sides! Enemy forces are leading the Alastor units and we can't break through them! We need ANY kind of support we can… Damn it! Snake watch out!!" Michael was firing as Snake came on the radio,"If we don't get some kind of help we are going to be wiped out!"

Bel weighed his options and looked around. No one could really move at that speed and avoid the fire from this kind of fire power.

He cursed, "Sgt. Sagara! You are the fastest person next to myself! Your also the only one who can dodge better than I can!"

Sousuke looked at the Commander, "Sir what about-"

"Sgt. Sagara," Tessa came over the radio, "The Lt. Commander is right. Move now that is a direct order!"

Sousuke gulped and looked around at the situation. Behemoths stopped advancing and it only looked like they were serving as artillery for the Venoms.

"Sousuke!" Mao came over the radio, "Do it you have orders!" She smirked knowing full well he was waiting for this moment.

"Oi, Die-Hard." Weber said smiling as he reloaded his rifle, "If you make Kaname wait any longer than she might hurt you more."

Sousuke went grim with the party incident was still fresh in his head. He always wondered how Kaname was always able to throw him like that.

"Sgt." Bel moved his suit next to Sousuke's, "Head through that way to get more cover. Stay in ECS mode and keep scanning for any kind of missiles!"

"This ground team squad Zeta," The Sgt came on, "This is Master Sgt. Zamora aka C4 Scorpion! We are one mile from the manor and advancing slowly! Our ETA is twelve minutes!"

"Make it eight!" Bel ordered as he opened fire. He turned and saw Sagara still standing their next to him firing his rifle, "What are you doing Sgt! Get moving!!"

Sousuke hesitated for a second and activated ECS he dashed through the right side moving as fast as he could.

"This is Lt. Commander Bel to insertion team!"

Bel and the others heard Wolf aka Michael come on, "We heard it all! Much appreciated and tell the Sgt this!"

Sousuke's attention was split at this point. He just dashed past the enemy and avoided some fire as the Behemoth tracked him. He kept running and snaking to avoid fire.

"We got a guy who was trying to get Kaname out! They are heading for the heliport and we just saw them three minutes ago! Tell him to secure the helipad at the top!!"

With that Sousuke quickened his pace by a great deal. His ETA was two minutes!


Michael stuck the gun over the corner and fired to at least buy some time. He was trying to hold down one side while Snake and Johnny held their own corners.

The enemy was advancing from three points and they kept coming. They had only two Alastor units which meant that most had left to defend the island.

He cursed as his gun went silent and pulled back to reload his last magazine. Michael cursed and threw a grenade.

The hall exploded in fire and rug bits as he cocked the gun and opened fire.

"How many of them are there?!" Snake cursed peaking over the corner and firing as best he could. Three men went down as the enemy stopped firing and regrouped.

"I don't know!!" Johnny yelled as he tried to keep his aim steady. A rain of bullets was around him as he hugged the wall as best he could.

"Just keep shooting!!" Michael detonated one of Joe's charges and then fired again with his grenade launcher. He looked over and it was clear, "Snake we got a window!!"

Michael put the gun around his back and pulled out his pistol and knife. He turned to Snake and nodded.

Snake yelled at Johnny, "Johnny! Covering fire!!" Snake and Johnny unloaded as Michael made a break for the end of the hall.

Michael rushed down and the hall and saw two men. He fired two shots and got one in the head.

The other raised his gun to fire only to have a knife in his throat.

Michael grabbed the knife and turned at the corner picking up a G-36c. He braced it against his shoulder and yelled, "Cover!" He opened fire unloading the entire magazine on full auto.

The gun clicked and Johnny ran down the hallway meeting up with Michael. He picked up a 9mm machine gun and held it tight.

Michael grabbed a magazine for the G-36c and yelled, "Last one!" It meant that he was low on ammo and this would only work once. Michael opened fire and Johnny assisted with the 9mm machine gun.

They stopped and moved behind the corner waiting for Snake.

Nothing happened for a second so Michael called Snake's name again.

Again nothing for a second.

Michael drummed the gun and looked at Johnny. Johnny looked nervous as Michael took a deep breath and peaked over the hall.

Nobody was firing so Michael started moving down the hall with his rifle ready. He tensed when he heard footsteps and saw Snake emerge from the hallway. Michael shook his head seeing a cigarette in Snake's mouth.

It was hard to try and quit when his CO smoked all the time.

Snake smiled and said, "What? Thought I was dead?"

"Nah. I know that the only thing that can get close enough to kill you are cigarettes." Michael retorted throwing the G-36c down.

Johnny peaked down the hall and said, "Did you get them all?" His voice was nervous with even asking the question.

Snake was puzzled and said, "How did you end up with a gun in your hands, rookie?"

Johnny stuck his chest out and said, "Hey! I'm no rookie! I'm a seasoned, three-year veteran!"

Snake shook his head and said, "Three years? How the hell did you survive three years?."

Johnny sighed in defeat and let his shoulders slump down.

Michael laughed a little and got a message from Sousuke, "This is Spectral Wolf to Urzu-7, say again?"

"Urzu-7 to insertion team I am one minute from the manor what is your situation?"

Sousuke inquired.

Snake answered, "Took your time kid, we just took care of them but we need to secure the helipad on the top roof."

"Roger Snake," Sousuke answered, "I have visual and.. Shit!"

"Urzu-7 respond!" Michael yelled.

"Shit! I got a missile on me!" They could hear Sousuke cursing and trying to evade the missile.

"Its an AEC-missile! Use ECMC and jam the radar.."

"Negative! I repeat negative missile countermeasures are not working! Repeat…Shit!

Uruz-7 to CHQ! I have two missiles on me and ECS and ECMC are not working!"

Michael paused and they could hear Sousuke shooting the rifle and than came back on,

"Uruz-7, one missile is destroyed and.." They all heard a huge explosion hit the AS suit.

"Uruz-7 come in!" Tessa yelled over the radio.

"Sousuke respond!" Michael yelled listening as he heard another explosion and than a familiar voice over the radio.

"Uruz-7 to all units! I've suffered heavy damage and am unable to move. Another missile was fired and got me from behind. I shot down the other missile just two seconds ago. The missile was fired from a Hind-E Russian Attack Helicopter! Repeat a Hind-E Attack Helicopter"

"How the hell could a helicopter like that shoot down an AS!?" Snake yelled over the radio.

"Unknown Snake," Sousuke cursed, "The suit is unable to move. The missile destroyed the leg. I am about a quarter of a mile away from the manor. I'll proceed on foot."

"Watch it Kid," Snake warned him, "There could still be a few guards around. Got a weapon?"

Sousuke could be heard opening the cockpit and loosening the straps, "Affirmative I have a.."

A huge explosion created a huge static from the radio.

"Kid! Come in!" Snake yelled, "Come in!!"

Mei Ling came on, "We lost contact with the suit! It was destroyed and I can't confirm Uruz-7!"

Tessa came over the radio, "Change frequency for his pilot suit!"

After a few tense seconds they could barely hear him over the radio,

"..Alive…Re...mov…….on……way..Re.."

"Let me try something!" Mei Ling worked to clear up the static as they could slowly hear Sousuke's voice.

"Repeat! I am alive and moving on foot to the manor. Will meet up with Zeta Squad and advance into the manor. Contact already reached and will meet up with them. To insertion team the helicopter is heading toward you! Repeat the helicopter is on its way!"

Just as Sousuke finished his message the helicopter popped up right in front of them. Snake cursed and said, "Thanks for the advance notice kid."

The helicopter hummed and Snake yelled, "Down!"

Snake hit the floor as Michael grabbed Johnny's collar and pulled him down with him.

The windows and walls behind them where ripped to shreds as the helicopter rotated, the gun demolishing anything in its line of fire.

The guns stopped as Michael peaked his head up and saw the rocket barrels staring right at him, "Scatter!"

Snake ran to the left as Michael pulled Johnny up just as the rockets fired.

Johnny was blown forward and crashed into Michael. He pushed him off and got up, "Snake status!?" He could see Snake on the other side facing the helicopter, "Snake!"

"Go!"

Michael froze as he aimed his rifle at the helicopter, "I'm not leaving you Snake!"

"I would advise that you listen to him Mr. Kanzuki!" The helicopter's machine gun rotated and fired at him making clear where the line was drawn.

Michael lowered his rifle as he recognized the voice, "Snake, that's Gold!!"

Snake turned to the helicopter with his rifle aimed at the cockpit, "So you're Gold, or should I call you Liquid!!"

Gold aka Liquid laughed, "You have no idea how happy this makes me Snake! You have no idea!!" Liquid turned the helicopter and aimed the rockets at Snake.

Snake crashed out the window and did the basic tuck and roll once he hit the ground. He held his rifle and started firing at the helicopter.

The bullets danced off as sparks lit up underneath the helicopter.

Liquid turned the helicopter to face Snake, "Come Snake! Show me what the legend can do!!"

Snake reached Michael through the CODEC, "Wolf get out of here that is an order!!"

Michael responded quickly with, "I'm not leaving you Snake!"

Snake ran as the Liquid opened fire with the machine gun. Rounds dropped from the gun as bullets rained down obliterating the ground and statues in the back yard.

Snake dove behind a small hill as the bullets flew over his head, "You're mission is to secure the helipad so get moving!! Did you not tell Sousuke not to worry!?" He popped up over the hill and fired at the cockpit.

The bullets sparked the glass having no effect on anything.

Michael paused for a second and said, "CHQ! This Wolf proceeding toward the helipad Wolf Out!" He turned to Johnny and said, "We got a job to do so get moving!"

Johnny hesitated for a second but followed after Michael. The whole place had gone to hell in a hand basket and it only looked like the beginning.

Liquid turned and saw Michael and the traitor leave for the helipad. He wished that he could see the fight between Michael and Mr. X.

Sousuke was proceeding on foot to the manor and everything was going the way he had hoped. In time the forces would be destroyed and those two would be captured.

However, one other thing needed to be taken care of before he could enjoy that fight.

Liquid turned his attention to Snake.

Snake was facing Liquid with his rifle aimed at him showing no fear.

Liquid was expecting nothing less from the legend, "So Snake, you think that he can complete his mission!?"

Snake reloaded the gun, "Past experiences have shown that he can!"

Liquid laughed, "Your faith in someone like that is admirable Snake. You have great hopes for those two. Is it because you can relate to them in some way?"

Snake held the rifle firmly at the helicopter, "That is my business Liquid!"

"Those two are very talented especially that Sagara. With his current skills are you thinking of training Sagara as your own apprentice!?"

Snake did not respond.

"It does not matter now Snake," Liquid lowered the gun pointing it directly at Snake, "You should worry about this, brother!!"

Snake froze and said, "Brother?"

"Yes! Are you ready, my brother!" The venom and disgust dripped with those words.

Snake shook his head trying to throw the idea out of his head, "Brother!? What the hell are you talking about!! Who are you!?"

Liquid yelled, "Ask the father that you killed Snake! I'll send you to hell to meet him!!" Liquid warmed up the gun and made sure that all remaining rockets and missiles were ready to fire.

"Who the hell are you!?" Snake yelled ready to move as the chain gun started to rotate indicating it was warming up. He needed to time this just right, "Why are you calling me brother!?"

"I'm you Snake!! I'm your shadow!!" He proclaimed as the chain gun opened fire.

Snake ran just as the bullets started to fire and the battle was underway.


Tessa banged on the screen breaking the pencil in her hands.

Every single AS suit had been deployed and they were still facing a massacre.

The North forces were being surrounded by the Behemoths and the Southern forces were being pushed back to the sea.

The Venoms were breaking through their defensive lines as easily as they were formed.

The enemy had the advantage and they were not going to give it up!

Sousuke's suit was destroyed and he was proceeding on foot toward the manor. He barely made it a few steps from his suit before he came under fire and was pinned down by a small squad from the manor.

Zeta team was on its way to rescue him but time was running short.

Snake was facing a Hind-E alone while Michael and Johnny headed toward the helipad.

"Captain."

Tessa turned saw Mei Ling, "What is it Lt?"

Mei Ling paused for a second, "Southern Forces lost an additional three suits and are taking heavy casualties. The Northern Forces lost five suits which brings our forces to fifteen suits on the island."

Campbell sighed and banged his hands on the desk. More and more people were dying and they could not do anything, "There has to be something we can do!"

Mardukas's face went grim, "We should order a full retreat of our forces."

"We can't do that!" Campbell yelled, "Any boat that gets close to the island will be shot and more people die!"

"And we can't just leave them." Tessa banged her hand on the map screen again, "We walked into another trap."

Campbell sighed, "We have to trust the insertion team. We can only hope that they can complete their mission."

Tessa took a deep breath, "We can only hold them off for so long until they turn their attention toward the manor. If that happens they will be killed or captured."

Campbell was trying to think as hard as he could to find a way out of this. The enemy had numbers, power, and the advantage. Their own forces did not have any of three and it would be near impossible for them to regain control of just one of those things.

Tessa scratched her head and..

"Captain!"

One of the controllers in charge of radar called the Captain.

"What is it?"

The woman got up from her post and handed her the earphones, "I think you should hear this."

Tessa walked over and put one of the phones over her ear.

The controller gasped when Tessa gasped.

Tessa now had a death grip over the phones and turned to Mei Ling, "Lt. I want you to send them Sgt. Sagara's tracker ID through the signal that they are contacting us."

"Captain.."

"Do it!" She yelled making everyone jump in their seats.

Mei Ling pushed her way to the radio and sent them the tracker ID.

Campbell walked up to the Captain, "Captain?"

Tessa turned smiling at him, "Colonel, we just found a miracle." She walked past them and sat in the command chair, "Order all forces to hold off for just a bit longer. Reinforcements are on the way!"

The atmosphere changed as everyone contacted the battle groups.

Mardukas walked up next to Tessa, "Captain I thought that.."

"Commander," Tessa stopped him quickly, "adjust the ship so that we can launch any support to Sgt. Sagara's position."

Mardukas was getting confused by her orders, "Ma'am we.."

"Commander have I asked for your opinion?" She turned looking him dead in the eyes.

Mardukas froze surprised to see this side of her. It was the same side he saw after he voiced his objections about Sousuke Sagara, "No ma'am."

"Than follow my orders and just trust me. We are about to witness a second miracle." Tessa said as Mardukas relayed orders to the crew.

Mei Ling walked next to the Colonel, "Colonel what is-"

Campbell smiled, "If my hunch is correct than we could really be calling Sgt. Sagara a one man army."


The last guard went down as Michael quickly reloaded his Mark 23. He picked some .45s from the weapons that littered the halls.

Michael took a deep breath looking at the cracked door, "This lead to the helipad?"

Johnny nodded reloading the AK-47 he picked up, "Follow those stairs and we will reach the top."

Michael sighed and handed Johnny his M4 and grenades for the launcher, "Take these and secure those files."

Johnny froze, "I'm not leaving.."

"In about eight minutes a squad of Mithril and FOXHOUND soldiers will reach the manor. I want you to meet up with them and secure the files. If nothing else works out than at least we have those files." He cocked the Mark 23 and holstered it on his thigh.

Johnny shook his head, "They will probable shoot me once they see me. How do I make sure I don't get shot?"

Michael picked up two grenades and put them on his belt, "Say that you're with Spectral Wolf and the password is "Shield". Report to Master Sgt. Zamora."

Johnny hesitated for a second but nodded.

Michael headed for the door but stopped, "Oh and one more thing. Tell Joe to be careful where he does his 'work'" Michael added quotations around work as he took off the camo jacket he was wearing. Underneath the jacket he wore a black shirt worn by normal Special Forces.

Johnny looked confused but nodded again.

Michael opened and door and..

"Wait there is something you should know." Johnny grabbed him before he ran up the stairs.

Michael looked at him waiting to hear what he had to say.

Johnny took a deep breath, "Silver is being protected by Mr. X."

Michael inquired with, "Mr. X?"

"He is the best assassin in Amalgam. The thing is that no one knows what he looks like so he is called the Executioners Ghost." Johnny explained.

Michael had heard a lot of things in his life but this was stretching it.

Johnny could see that he did not believe him, "Just be careful. I mean really, really careful. It was rumored that he could kill a man in a half of a second."

Michael remembered a report that he read after he was recalled to the States. The report was about the killing of a small squad of FOXHOUND members in a safe house. They were killed in seconds, every one of them quick and clean deaths that baffled even the best crime scene investigators.

The weapon the assassin used would have had to have been a blade tempered to a point that it could cut steel and still leave a clean cut.

Michael took a deep breath, "I'm a big boy and you have a job to do so get moving."

Johnny nodded and headed toward the other side of the manor.

Michael grabbed his shoulder, "Thanks for the warning and watch your back." He slapped his back and ran up the stairs.

Johnny nodded and slumped against the wall. That slap hurt a lot more than it should have.


Leonard kicked the door opened and his fear only grew.

No helicopters where on the roof and the only person he saw was Kalinin.

Leonard motioned for the remaining Alastor holding Kaname to stay near the entrance until he figured things out.

Kalinin looked over and saw Leonard stomping over to him, "Mr. Silver what can I-"

"Save the small talk," He cut Kalinin short which was unlike him, "Where are the remaining helicopters?!"

Kalinin looked at him, "They were deployed to hold off the advancing enemy."

Leonard took a deep breath to regain his cool, "Than where is Mr. Gold?"

Kalinin merely pointed to the sound of gunfire near the pool, "He is fighting Solid Snake right now. He has ordered other evacuation copters and they are arriving very soon."

"Tell them they need to hurry!" Things where getting too close in Leonard's opinion.

Michael was right on his heels and Sagara was approaching the manor despite having his suit destroyed.

They needed to leave before they got too close to the manor. He looked in the distance and saw the towering Behemoths and heard the roar of their guns raining down at the enemy.

Leonard walked over to Kaname, "We will only need to be patient for a few more minutes."

Kaname scoffed. She remembered seeing Michael just for a second and knew that he was going to hunt them down, "When are you going to realize it?"

Leonard looked at her unsure on where she was going.

Kaname tried to shake the Alastor's grip loose and finally Leonard motioned to have it release her. She fell to the ground and slapped Leonard's hand away when he tried to help her up, "Don't touch me!" She yelled getting to her feet and stepping back from him.

Leonard looked at her trying to make sure she did not try anything to escape.

"When are you going to realize that I would never even look at someone like you! The evidence is around you Leonard and no matter how hard you try you cannot beat them!"

Kaname proudly proclaimed.

Leonard was silent as he contemplated what she had said. It was true that in terms of strength and other things they out did him. However, that did not mean that they would win easily, "Are you sure they can win," He pointed to battle, "I am sure that they are use to things like this but what will they do if they find you and capture me. I can assure that I will not order them to stop and Mr. Gold will not do anything either. In the end they will all die and they will have still failed."

Kaname kept a brave face but he still spoke the truth. Even if they fought their way here there was no way they could really stop the battle on the island. Still, they could do something!

Kaname turned to Leonard, "You cannot win Leonard in a matter of minutes Michael will be here and that one Alastor cannot stop him. You've felt his increased abilities!"

Leonard rubbed his nose and promised to make her pay for that shot, "Abilities or not that still does not change the main fact. We have the advantage of power and we are pushing them back."

Kaname was silent but it was the truth. She had listened to enough of Sousuke's military ramblings to see the truth in Leonard's words.

"However this is not about them or what they can do," Leonard turned to her giving a rather cunning look in his eyes, "Do you still think you betrayed them that night months ago?"

The guilt of that ate at her in those long and sleepless nights. The thing that hurt the most was that Sousuke was fighting for her and her alone. His devotion was repaid by her leaving with Leonard.

Kaname's act must have seemed like the ultimate betrayal for Sousuke.

"And yet you still cling to wanting to go back with him but can it really happen?" Leonard inquired, "Can you really return to your old life with him?"

That was the ultimate question and it was something she did not know how to even plan for. The entire attack on the city was meant to destroy any hope of her going back home.

Why return to a place that hated you?

Kaname would be left with no home and the only choice she would have would be to go with Amalgam.

She shook her head at that and looked Leonard dead in the eye. She controlled her voice, "I'll cross that bridge when it comes, but I do know this any place is home to me as long as he is by side."

Something inside Leonard snapped as his face contorted with the mere mention of that man.

Because of him his status in Amalgam had been reduced to almost nothing.

Because of him he faced a great humiliation in Paris.

Because of him his plans were ruined and Kaname still held onto to him!

Everything that defined Leonard was being destroyed bit by bit by this one person. It was hard to imagine a simple mercenary who had nothing but above average skills slowly overshadowed his own accomplishments.

The straw that broke the camels back to Leonard was the mere idea of Sousuke being considered able to claim the title of Big Boss.

That would mean he was the greatest soldier in the world. The mere idea of that man being the 'greatest' ate away at Leonard's patience and fuelled his hate.

Leonard looked at her and threw his coat off, "If you want to leave with him so bad," He pulled out his revolver and pushed it into her hand. He stepped back and threw his arms back, "Than shoot me."

Kaname held the gun at him as her arms shook.

"Shoot me, and I will let you go. Shoot me and you can go back with him. Just pull the trigger." He smiled at her making it clear that he was very serious about the whole thing. He even motioned for the Alastor behind her to stand down as it was about to attack the threat to its master.

Kaname blinked at Leonard not sure on how to even handle this situation. She gently touched the trigger and saw that it was indeed loaded.

Just one shot would give her the freedom that she longed for since her abduction.

One shot would make her a killer.

"If you can't shoot then you go with me but you had better decide quickly. Once Mr. Kanzuki arrives, he will be taken care of I promise you that much." Leonard smiled.

Kaname looked behind him as Leonard lost his smile.

"She is not going to shoot you," Kalinin jabbed the gun against the back of his head, "But I will. Call them off." He ordered.

"Mr. Kalinin, I would advise against this." Leonard said calmly.

Kalinin cocked the hammer, "Now."

Kaname lowered her gun. If Kalinin..

"Kaname," Leonard said in a sing song manner, "Have you made a choice? If your lowering the gun than that means you are coming with me."

Kaname kept the gun pointed at his chest. Something was not right and she knew it.

Leonard was acting too cool for someone with a gun against his head.

Kalinin jabbed him harder, "Do it Leonard!" He yelled.

Leonard smiled, "I thought you wanted to change the world Mr. Kalinin. I thought that we had an understanding on our real goals?"

Kalinin's arm shook with rage, "I wanted to end this Cold War but not with that! Not with that weapon!!" The memory of seeing R built was enough for Kalinin to know who the true enemies were, "I will not let you resurrect that demon!"

"Mr. Kalinin I am sorry for this, I truly am." Leonard said lowering his arms.

Kalinin looked at him, "Hands up L…" He lurched forward as if he was pierced from behind with a sword. He looked down and saw a hole in his stomach.

Kalinin felt around and felt some kind of blade sticking into him.

"However we do not hesitate to kill those that would shoot us first." Leonard said still keeping his gaze on a shaken Kaname.

Kaname was not sure what the hell just happened. Her heart and hands shook as Kalinin was lifted up off the ground like he was floating.

Kalinin cried as the blade was pulled out. He gasped and lurched back and forth as the invisible blade pierced his stomach and chest several more times.

Kaname saw several bolts dance in front of her and for a split second she saw someone or better yet something.

Kalinin looked up and saw his own reflection and realized what it was, "Stealth camouflage." He muttered out and than felt a massive kick that sent him tumbling and rolling along the helipad.

Kaname watched in horror as Kalinin flew across the ground wondering what kind of person could do that to anyone!

Leonard merely turned to Kaname and said, "Now then, where were we?"


Sousuke returned fire as best he could with the HK UMP-9. The small assault gun was stored in the M9 and came with four magazines all stored in a pack underneath his seat.

Sousuke was down to his last magazine.

He pulled out his pistol and ducked behind a tree trying to keep some cover between him and the advancing enemy.

Sousuke heard a shot and ducked out behind the tree and shot a man trying to advance toward him.

A massive roar of gunfire shot out through the woods as Sousuke threw himself onto the ground mere moments before a hail of bullets tore the tree apart.

He rolled to the side to avoid the cascading debris. Sousuke reached over his shoulder and fired his UMP-9 at the enemy.

Sousuke stopped firing and leapt to his feet heading into the woods.

The moment he got out of his suit, the enemy had already reached his downed M9 and were hunting him.

Contact between him and Zeta squad was brief considering they were the only squad that could advance this far into the island. They had encountered some resistance but were able to quickly suppress it thanks to Joe's explosives.

Sousuke was starting to wonder if maybe the entire island was going to go up in flames with Joe here. A grimmer thought was having him meet the Hermit.

Even his imagination couldn't grasp what those two could do if they were to ever work together.

Sousuke saw motion from the right and opened fire only to hit something like a steel wall.

He barely avoided the thrust from the Alastor in the forest.

The Alastor's visor shined red and it said in its lifeless voice, "Eliminate intruders."

Sousuke stepped back only to have it lunge out at him.

He leapt to the side and..

Sousuke felt a violent grip and jerk back as the Alastor threw him against a tree slamming him harder then he would have liked.

Sousuke slid down the tree and tried to stand despite the massive shock emanating through his system.

The Alastor took a few steps and..

A silent thunk came out of the woods and the Alastor exploded.

Sousuke covered his face from the exploding metal in front of him. He braced against the tree and looked out to see a familiar face, "About damn time Joe."

Joe slugged the grenade launcher across his shoulder, "Sorry, Sarge. I must've lost track of time, what with all the fun I've been having."

"Scorpion will not be happy about that C4, Joe." Another FOXHOUND soldier said as he emerged from the woods.

Joe dismissed it, "Her problem, not mine."

The guy tensed hearing that, "It's not smart to hassle a woman who has bombs with her."

"Bombs don't scare me, mack." He smiled throwing Sousuke a spare AR-15 that he found, "Women, a little scary. But not bombs."

Sousuke loaded the gun, "Where is the rest of your squad?"

Joe answered, "Red wanted to send back up to a squad under heavy fire. When we got your SOS she sent us to save your ass."

Sousuke nodded, "Thanks for the help."

"Well I hope you can help us with one other thing." Joe inquired and pointed behind him.

A Venom appeared behind Sousuke as it opened fire with the head mounted machine gun.

Everyone dove out of the way to get cover as the FOXHOUND soldier threw a chaff grenade. Joe added a flashbang for effect.

The pilot cursed and waited for him to be able to see again. The flash caused the camera to jump off focus so he switched to thermal vision.

He looked around and saw his target behind a tree, "Easiest million I ever earned." He gently rubbed the trigger as the target lock chimed.

The suit shook as an explosion caused the Venom to wobble left and right. He looked at his screen and saw that one of his legs had been blow off.

Before he could even plan a counterattack another bomb went off blowing the leg up. The suit fell forward and the pilot's head slammed into the pilot screen.

The pilot tried to reach for the emergency release but the hatch opened already.

The last thing he saw was a woman opening fire with a machine gun.

Sousuke was indeed impressed with the expertise of one C4 Scorpion. She waited for the right moment to plant the bomb and did so in a sneaky fashion.

She put the charge right in a space where the foot connected to the ankle. Judging by how it exploded, the charges were of Joe's tailoring.

"Sgt. Sagara it seems that your doing fine." Sousuke recognized the Mithril member followed by two other members both, from FOXHOUND.

Sousuke nodded and checked his weapon.

"Hey Bozo!"

Joe cringed hearing that name, "Missed me, Red?"

Scorpion walked past her men shoving one of them out of the way, "Watch and learn. That is how you take down an Arm Slave." She gloated pointing proudly at the downed Venom.

Joe smiled and said, "I see that you have a very foggy understanding of the concept of demolitions. Next time you should bring something to actually, ya know, demolish the robot."

Scorpion raised her index finger to make a point.

"So that's why they call you Scorpion." Joe smirked, "Pretty small stinger you've got there."

Scorpion mumbled something under her breath and waved her hand to signal the squad to advance to the manor.

"Having trouble "bonding" with your new CO?" Sousuke asked after witnessing the strange scene.

Joe sighed, "Oh, we're bonding. No doubt about that. Her "Amazon" act is kind of slowing the process, but we're bonding."

Sousuke smiled. It was a rarity to see Joe so optimistic, "Before we get going have you heard about Michael?"

Joe took a deep breath "Well..."

Sousuke tensed hearing everything that had happened since his AS was destroyed. He listened intently at every detail Joe could give him.

"And now we've got a problem that involves Angel holding a gun up against Leonard and she ain't putting it down either." Joe said watching Sousuke almost sprinting.


Things had indeed taken an unexpected turn.

The turn wasn't blowing up the remaining Alastor and disabling it with a door being blown open.

He could only hope to see the video of that later.

No, it was a turn involving Kaname holding a gun right up against Leonard and was not putting it down.

The moment he reached the roof he told her to put the gun down but she refused to do so.

Michael had already reported to the TDD-1 that he had reached the roof and knew that there would be a dust cloud behind Sousuke once he heard this.

Michael drummed the grip of the Mark 23 as he held his knife underneath the gun, "Kaname, Sousuke is on his way. Just put the gun down and step away from Leonard."

Leonard faced Michael with Kaname still holding the gun behind him, "Mr. Kanzuki you have an annoying habit of appearing where you are not wanted."

"My business is where you are Leonard!" Michael shot at him suppressing his urge to kill Leonard on the spot. He did not have that special coat and it would be all to simple to just pull the trigger.

Michael could not risk it. If he missed by one degree then the bullet would exit and hit Kaname.

It was something that he was well aware and Leonard knew it.

Michael kept his distance as Leonard opened his mouth. "Mr. Kanzuki if you just turn around leave, I can assure that nothing will happen to you." He pointed to the body near the edge of the roof.

Michael peaked over and said, "What are you going to do, put me to sleep with your constant babbling about how great you are? Because if you're going to do that than, you would win."

Kaname fought a smile despite the fact she was still holding a gun. She took a deep breath to try and control herself, "Michael just please. Go." It was hard for her to say those words and nit only added to her guilt.

Michael stood still keeping his aim between Leonard's eyes, "That is not going to happen." He said firmly.

"But-"

"That's not," He said a little louder to stop her from talking, "going to happen. I told him not to worry about this. That I would bring you back no matter what."

Leonard chuckled a little, 'So a promise to that brother of yours." He sneered at that, "Don't tell me you actually think you can win."

"It's not a matter of winning or losing Leonard," He glared at him, "It's a matter of completing my mission and we always complete our missions."

Leonard challenged him, "A mission to FOXHOUND or him?"

"Actually both Leonard but let's get back to that," The red laser blinded Leonard as it froze right between his eyes, "Leonard Testarossa you are under arrest. Put your hands behind your head and get on the floor. I will repeat myself three times and than I will kill so you best decide quickly." He glanced at Kaname, "Kaname, just throw the gun away and its over."

Leonard smiled and sent a resonance to Kaname, 'Put it down and X will kill him.'

Kaname envisioned Michael's dead body and the fact that it would be her fault all over again. Kyoko had come so close to dying and she never wanted to put someone in that position again.

Michael was in such a position and she could not bear the burden of being the one to kill him. She would be responsible for the death of the only brother Sousuke had.

She replied, 'Please don't do this.' Kaname pleaded to him asking for some kind of mercy.

"Kaname!" Michael yelled getting her attention, "Just put it away and move!" He needed to get control before things got more out of hand or Leonard played his trump. Michael gave a quick glance to the guy near the edge.

Whoever did that must have been big and strong and quick. It was someone that could put the situation in Leonard's favor.

'I'm not the one doing this. You are.' Leonard retorted, 'Just surrender and it will be easier.'

Kaname banged her head, 'Stop please.' She pleaded to him feeling something weird and dangerous. It was as if he was slowly invading her mind.

It felt like rape.

Michael saw this, "Kaname are you okay?" He turned to Leonard, "What are you doing?!" Michael demanded stepping forward keeping the gun trained at Leonard's head.

Leonard paid him no attention as pressed harder into her mind, 'Can you bear with the burden of being responsible for his death? What would Sousuke think of you?'

Kaname grabbed her head and wobbled to the side feeling him press harder and harder on her. She felt naked having no protection against this attack, 'Just please stop. Let him live! I'll make him go and go with you.'

'You have to do more.' Leonard answered, 'You have to show that you want to stay with me. That you want to go with me and you must make it convincing. You must make Sousuke stop coming.'

Kaname started pulling on her hair as the pressure and stress kept multiplying more and more with each second. Her heart and soul where torn and her mind being raped was more than Kaname could ever handle.

A shot broke the connection!

Leonard looked down and saw a bullet hole right near his leg. His face grew red with rage at this interference.

Michael held the smoking gun, "If you ever try resonance like that again, I will empty this entire magazine into that face of yours."

Leonard tried to smile, "Will you willingly disobey orders?"

Michael's face did not changed but his body radiated an intense feeling, "Your sister warned me and gave me permission to shoot to kill the next time you do that."

Leonard tried to keep cool but things where not progressing at the rate he would wish.

"First warning Leonard, hands behind your head." Michael said precisely and firmly.

Kaname's arms still shook using whatever strength she had to hold the gun. She called out to Michael, "Michael just go! Please." Kaname pleaded, "Just leave and never come after me. Please just tell Sousuke to forget me." Those words broke her heart but it was the only way to make sure he would be alive.

Michael gave a small smile and lowered his gun, "You can order Sousuke around but I don't listen."

Kaname looked at him almost pleading him to just listen to her.

"I made a promise to get you back and I'll do that," He laughed a little, "Even if I have to drag you behind me while you're kicking and screaming."

Kaname fought a smile.

"Then of course you can pummel me later but right now you need to lower that gun." He motioned with his hand holding the knife.

Leonard whispered, "Remember what I said."

Michael snapped at Leonard, "Leonard shut up and get on the ground. This is your second warning!" He brought the gun up making sure of that first shot.

"Remember how quickly Kalinin died? I wonder how fast X can skewer that pest. Five second or ten second. Want to make a bet on it?" Leonard taunted.

Kaname now had a reason to keep the gun up, "Just stop!"

"Leonard! For a supposed genius you sure don't recognize a gun! This is your third warning. Get on the floor and keep your hands behind your head now!" His arm was firm and the first shot would kill, "If you do not comply in thirty seconds than I will kill you."

Leonard was waiting for that, "Kill me? You exercised the three warnings Mr. Kanzuki. Did you exercise that warning with Mary?"

Mary's dead face flashed in Michael's mind as he fought to keep the sorrow away, "Watch your words carefully Leonard."

Leonard laughed a little, "Please Mr. Kanzuki, someone like you trying to get people to feel sympathy for that murder is a surprise to me."

Michael held the gun fighting what Leonard was saying. It was the same thing that Ocelot repeated to him in the basement.

"Accept it," Leonard waved his hand, "You are a killer and that is all you will ever be. Soldiers are just killers with the protection of a country behind them."

Michael's breathing was controlled but slowly getting louder and louder.

"You and your 'brother'", Leonard said brother in a tone that showed his disgust of the word, "are nothing more than killers. Mr. Gold should be calling you two the next Ocelot and Gauron."

Michael looked at Leonard's smug face, "Tell that to Gauron in hell!" He fired once, twice and three times in rapid succession.

Kaname ducked and…

Bing.

Clang.

Bing.

Michael only saw three sparks and three wheezing sounds pop his ears. He felt something warm on his elbow and saw a cut across his arms.

Whoever did this reflected a bullet right back at him.

Michael turned to Leonard who was just as shocked as Kaname was with what he saw. A man out of thin air appeared in an exoskeleton suit in front of him. Most of the suit was blue with his shoulders, kneecaps, elbows and ankles covered with a light orange. Its fingers were orange with silver around the lower arms making them look like arm guards. The helmet was silver with two slits for eyes and a big red eye that made it look like a Cyclops.

He was holding a sword with the blade behind him. The strange sounds of it moving its arms reminded him of the Alastor robots.

Michael took a defensive stance and aimed the gun at the new enemy, "Who are you!?"

The man responded in a cold robotic voice, "I'm like you, I have no name. "

Leonard stepped to the side. He turned to Kaname still standing behind X, "My dear please follow me." He smiled as she followed in his shadow.

Michael grunted and yelled, "Who are you!? Answer my question!" The exoskeleton worried him the most. It was the same design they were building for him. It only meant that this guy had undergone the Gene therapy treatment.

X responded again, "Why ask that question? You and I are from a world where things like a name are meaningless."

Michael kept his cool getting a bad feeling about X, "I have a name."

"A name that was given to you by others Michael." X brought his sword up.

Michael felt something unusual about the way X said his name. It sounded familiar,

"Who are you?" He asked again almost pleading in his voice.

X moved back looking like a track star ready to run, "I told you. I have no name!" He ran forward at Michael.

"Fast." He got out as he moved back to avoid the strike but X disappeared. Michael blinked and looked around with his gun and knife up.

"BEHIND YOU!" Kaname yelled.

Michael could almost see the blade about half cm away from his neck. He ducked and rolled in one fast motion.

Michael turned his shoulder to come out of the roll facing X. Once his feet touched the ground he fired at X.

X deflected the bullets away surprising Michael.

Michael jumped to his feet and stood up still watching X.

X's blade pointed to the sky behind his arm as he studied Michael, "I'm impressed. A normal person would not have survived that."

Michael was forced to agree, "Yea, you move pretty fast with that sword pal."

X chuckled and pointed at the knife and gun combination, "CQC, very few use that style or can master it. Are you a master or pretender?"

Michael smirked, "How about you see for yourself."

X said nothing as he stood ready to attack.

Michael kept his gun up holding the knife in his left hand.

X charged and Michael stood still watching him since he could still see him at this point.

X started a slice close to Michael. He swung his arm back and swung with the blade aiming for his neck.

Michael stepped forward and just as he started to swing. Michael grabbed his arm with both hands and stopped it.

Before X could react something powerful hit his stomach. X looked down and saw Michael's right elbow in his stomach.

Michael quickly snaked his left hand to his neck and brought his head down quickly.

Michael slammed his knee into X's stomach and heard X cried out in pain.

That too sounded robotic.

Before X could even think, his head was hooked.

Michael had his arm around his neck and his other hand on his leg. He grunted and threw him across his body to the floor where X landed hard on his head.

Michael smiled and stood ready to attack again, "What do you say now?"

To his shock X started to laugh a little, "Good, good, good, good! Make me feel it! Make me feel alive Michael!"

Michael braced himself for whatever attack X was going to throw. He gritted his teeth as he saw X get up with almost no effort at all.

X calmed down, "You are excellent in CQC. Show me if you are master!" Again X charged.

Michael studied him and blocked the elbow and..

X pushed his hands back and Michael lost his balance.

X took this chance and attacked with a kick in the ribs.

Michael spat out spit from the hit. He felt like an Alastor had punched him!

X studied him and punched him in the stomach. X held his fist there letting Michael slump on his arm. X held him perfectly still on this one arm.

The pain almost caused Michael to black out but he fought to keep conscious. Michael could see this strength and fought to keep his gun and knife in his hands.

X pushed him and spun around kicking him in his gut.

Michael was thrown back and landed hard on the pavement. He coughed out spit and some blood. He turned to his sides and kept coughing harder and harder. Michael felt bruise ribs and saw the room spinning. If it were not for his augmentations his ribs would be dust.

X watched him struggle to get up, "You are good at CQC but no where close to the Boss or Big Boss level. If you were you could have blocked that."

Michael struggled to get up as he turned to look at X, "You're an expert in offensive and defensive martial arts!" He got out before grabbing his ribs.

X chuckled, "I'm impressed. If you know that you can't win."

Michael knew full well that offensive fighting style had the advantage of strength and quick thinking. Defensive styles were those that had speed and surprise on their side. Karate was an offensive style with its kicks, punches, and powerful combinations. Judo was a defensive style that focused on throwing and using the opponents own speed against him.

Michael could not be in a worse situation. Finding fighters that were masters in both was rare and deadly. In short, all of Michael's CQC style could be countered and beaten just like earlier.

X watched him, "I would expect nothing less from you."

Michael stood on his feet still wobbling, "I've got a job to do and you're just in my way!" He held his weapons up again ready to fight.

X chuckled, "Than show me! Make me feel it, make me feel alive!!" X charged and the fight continued.

Kaname watched in horror with the display she just saw. Michael was an expert in close battles and never lost but to see him be beaten like that.

"My dear," Leonard got her attention, "What do you choose?"

She watched again as Michael got punched across the face and the manhandling continued. Kaname winced as the wind was knocked out of him as X pulled him into his knee, hitting him with all his might.

Kaname looked at Leonard as the gun started to shake.

"Decide quick or he dies." Leonard pressured her harder.

Kaname heard a loud clanging sound and Michael curse. She saw his gun get cut in half by the sword.

Michael threw it away and threw his arms up to block a kick.

X was stronger as he broke the block and lunged forward punching him in the stomach.

Kaname just didn't know what to do.

The gun made a loud clang as it fell to the ground. She fell to her knees, grabbing her arms and crying. She muttered, "I'm sorry." Over and over again to no one.

Leonard could only smile as he watched X pummel Michael. Now he could enjoy the show with no problems.


Agent Wraith of the Mithril Intelligence checked over everything one last time before the drop.

The cold eyed agent took a deep breath as everything checked out okay. Wraith turned to the young red haired girl named Sarah Miller.

Wraith had to give the girl credit that she knew what she was doing throughout its development. The girl worked hard to repay the debt she had to Sousuke Sagara.

Wraith wondered if the boy knew he had a fan club with every woman he saved.

"Agent Wraith."

Wraith turned to the AI speaking to her, "What is it?" She asked wondering what it wanted now.

"How much longer until I drop?"

Wraith checked her watch and turned back to the screen, "Five minutes and not a moment too soon. Our forces are being overrun and the insertion team hit a big snag."

It was silent than said, "Do you think he will be surprised?"

Wraith nodded to a tech as they got ready to open the ramp to launch the suit, "By you surviving or this suit?" She gave one last look at the suit, looking at its greens eyes.

Wraith did not know much about a real battlefield but she could feel something.

A sense of anger.

"Both?" It asked.

Wraith was surprised to hear that. This AI was something else indeed, "What do you think?"

It paused for a second and than spoke, "I believe the answer is both."

Before Wraith could say anything the warning siren went off, indicating that they were going to be opening the ramp very soon.

Wraith turned to the AI and said, "Good luck." She was the last one out as the door closed and the room started depressurize.

"Thank you." The green eyes of the suit flashed for a second indicating it was coming online.


Michael slammed against the wall of the fire escape on the roof. He slumped to his knees and than collapsed to the floor.

X twirled his sword behind his arm kicking Michael's k-bar to his hand.

Michael grabbed it and tried to stand up but started to cough violently. His augmentations were useless against this man. If he could even be called a man.

X advanced but stop when he heard Leonard ordering him to do so.

Leonard walked past X and looked at the beaten man. It was amusing to watching Michael trying to stand up despite the immense pain he was in.

Michael struggled to keep his head up. His arm only had enough strength to keep his head up as he looked up at Leonard.

"Look around Mr. Kanzuki," He pointed to the two battles in the distance. It was still in Amalgam's favor with Mithril still on the run, "You cannot win."

Michael was silent as he started to get to his knees.

"Your brother is being hunted in the woods and Snake will be taken care of by Mr. Gold." He pushed even more.

Kaname was still hugging her arms listening to Leonard's every word. There was no hope at all. No hope at all.

"I can have you killed in a heartbeat and yet you still stand up." Leonard watched with a cold look at the man barely standing on his two feet. Somehow he was able to stop wobbling, "You cannot win so give up."

Michael started to laugh as he raised his bruised face. He stopped laughing and looked at Leonard, "Don't you ever shut up."

Leonard was stunned by this. He was still raising his fist against him despite his own appearance.

X watched him listening to him.

"Do you really think that I care about what you say?" Michael twirled the k-bar between his fingers watching Leonard's reaction, "I have a job to do Leonard and nothing is going to get in my way." He said with that same determination from earlier.

Leonard was silent listening to this man's ramblings. He looked over and grew a little worried. Kaname was listening to him.

"You call us killers, murders and just plain shit Leonard." Michael held the knife with the blade behind him, "Yet you know nothing of what we really are."

Leonard scoffed, "Please don't tell me that you're a man or human Mr. Kanzuki because that is very lame."

"Your right." He smiled surprising Leonard, "We're not men. We are soldiers."

"And what does that have to do with anything?" Leonard challenged wanting to break him before he had X kill him.

"Soldiers never surrender." Michael said looking at Leonard's eyes.

Leonard just laughed, "Do really think that that matters now Mr. Kanzuki." He challenged as he pointed all around him, "Look around. You are out matched and out gunned and you cannot win."

"It is not a matter of winning Leonard," He took a stance ready to fight X, "It is a matter of what we fight for."

Leonard looked at him unsure of what he meant.

"You asked me what I fought for once and I did not give an answer but I can give you a hint." He paused hoping she could figure it out.

Kaname covered her mouth fighting back sorrow that just seemed to come out so strong.

Leonard turned and smiled, "You fight to help him get her back?" He started chuckling.

Michael smiled, "And what is wrong with that!" He charged at X throwing a fist right at him.

X caught it and..

Michael threw his other arm and X caught it as well and fell into his trap. The moment he grabbed it Michael kicked X as hard and as fast as he could in his knee.

X fell forward and met with Michael's knee. His head swung back as his body arched.

Michael lunged forward and..

X's foot slammed into Michael's jaw knocking him up and back onto the ground. X pulled his body in and flipped to his feet.

Leonard gulped relieved that X bounced back on that. He turned as Michael rose to his feet again, "Why don't you stay down!" He yelled.

Michael gave a few hard laughs popping his neck, "I told you we never surrender no matter what." Michael looked over at Kaname amazed by this new twist, "As long as he is willing to fight I'll stay by him."

Leonard was about to speak when he heard a loud whistling sound. Everyone looked up and saw something falling and falling fast.

"Hit the DECK!" Michael yelled as everyone but X threw themselves to the ground.

A massive dust cloud flew over their heads.

Michael was the last to get up as he saw everyone looking at something. He turned and saw a suit he had never seen before.

It was red with a head similar to Mao's AS unit. The body however was something else. The suit could have been the Arbalest if not for the paint scheme and bulkier body. The arms were bigger than the Arbalest with a massive cannon attached behind his right shoulder with a huge gun extension.

"What is that?" Kaname asked as Leonard stood there frozen looking at the new suit.

Leonard could not believe what he saw. The suit was reported as destroyed before the island attack. They pulled a fast one on him and he fell for it.

Michael smirked, "Back-up."


Joe looked at the suit crouching before them. "Nice paintjob." he complimented.

Sousuke held his AR-15 looking at the suit. It looked like the Arbalest but it was a completely new design.

Scorpion kept her team a safe distance from the suit, "What the hell is that?" She turned to Sousuke who was standing next to her.

"I don't-"

"Sgt. Sagara." The suit called out with its green eyes glowing.

Sousuke froze and took a step back, "AL?" He could not believe it. AL was alive and in this thing.

"Sgt. Sagara I am making a request."

Sousuke found his voice and said, "What is your request?"

"I ask for permission to enter combat." AL answered with confidence in that robotic voice of his.

Sousuke started to smile looking at the suit, "What is this?" He said looking at the suit.

AL opened the cockpit and answered, "ARX-8 Laevatein Sgt. Sagara. This suit awaits your orders."

Sousuke looked at the suit and nodded, "Request granted."


The ARX-8 is an actual suit that comes from one of the novels published in Japan. If you want pictures of it or a picture of Belial message me and I will send it to you ASAP. The same goes for X's armor suit as well. Chapter 8 is being edited right now and will be out as soon as we can get it to you. I hope that you still like the story and review. Those that have reviewed I love that supported and hope that you will continue to give it in the future. Until next time!