The Devil Inside Ch.13

[Shinobi]

Notes: well, I'm back from AnimeFEST. What a great time!

Beck, it was nice talking to you again.

And One of the big highlights was meeting BlackRose, Stella, Loyce, and...*racks brain desperately* I can't remember the rest! Agh! I'm such a dork! *smashes head on desk*

Sorry girls!

Just so you know Chirs Patton did get the cheesecake. He loved it! In fact I thought the man was going to die from the pleasure.

and stuff!

Enjoy the next part!




The Devil Inside
Chapter 13

Okinawa has a reputation as a pleasant fun-filled place. The people of the subtropical island chain are friendly and very cordial to visitors. And nearly twenty percent of the island is occupied by United States Military Bases. What all this means is that Okinawa is surprisingly free of crime and theft of even the most petty nature. In Naha, the provincial capital, one could walk alone in the middle of the night in safety.

However, like all places, Naha has its dirty underside that the city does not like to acknowledge. The bar that Gwen, a dangerous looking man in sunglasses whose head was shaved on both sides, stepped into was one such place. Despite his obvious foreign appearance, Gwen was not concerned as he took a seat. He did however make sure the seat was in the corner so he could keep an eye on all the entrances and exits in the place. Caution kept even the most dangerous of men alive.

As Gwen took his seat he ordered an Awamori from the bored-looking waitress. Awamori was an Okinawan specialty. It?s a drink fermented from Thai rice and had almost twice the alcohol content of standard rice wine. Gwen didn?t actually want the drink, he would need to keep his wits about him here, but it was important that appearances be kept up. And with the drink he ordered it would be clear to any who bothered to notice he was hoping to get smashed.

As he sipped the Awamori he discreetly scanned the few faces in the bar. During his time in the Marine Corps Gwen had been to this particular drinking hole several times. Fortunately no one seemed to recognize the mercenary.

?Gwen! You old son of a bitch!? A large broad-shouldered Hispanic man with a military crew-cut interrupted his musing with a hearty laugh. ?What are you doing back in this hell-hole?? Behind the man were two younger looking men, also sporting crew-cuts. They stared all around the place. Obviously they had never seen this side of Okinawa.

?O?Campo!? Gwen smiled at his old friend and indicated he should take a seat. ?I hear they made you a gunny.? He shook his head in mock sorrow as O?Campo and his two companions sat at the table. ?The Corps must be hard pressed these days.?

?You know, I said the same thing when they promoted me.? O?Campo smiled and laughed. He quickly ordered Awamori form himself. His companions had the same. ?What?s it been? Five years?? O?Campo asked as he took a deep drink with a satisfied sigh.

?More like eight.? Gwen answered seriously. He would have to conduct his business quickly before O?Campo got himself drunk. ?So how have thing?s been around here??

?Same old shit.? O?Campo said in a disgusted tone. ?With this new ?War on Terror? you?d think we?d actually get off our asses and do something besides train, but no we just sit around twiddling our thumbs.? The two younger men silently nodded their consent.

?That?s too bad.? Gwen answered. He disliked what he was about to do, it was too risky, but like Gauron said they had to take some risks. ?I?d like to be able to help you out, but?.? The mercenary trailed off with a shrug.

?But what?? O?Campo picked up on his old friend?s cue. Seeing Gwen?s hard look directed at his two companions he made introductions. ?This is Marlen.? He indicated a powerful looking black man in his mid-twenties on his right. ?And this is Fitz.? He indicated to a young Caucasian man on his left. Both men nodded in greeting as O?Campo introduced them. ?They?re good guys. You can count on them just like you could count on me.? He gave Gwen a pointed stare at this.

Gwen regarded the two younger men dubiously. Marlen looked competent enough, but Fitz kept craning his neck all around. The Caucasian man looked to be barely out of high-school, no older than twenty. In short he was still a wet behind the ears punk. However, if O?Campo said he was dependable than that was good enough for the mercenary.

?I might be able to help alleviate your boredom, but the offer?s only good for today.? Gwen spoke softly, and the three men leaned in to catch every word. When Gwen was sure he had their attention he took another drink. He did not have much time. ?I need some backup on a little assignment. It?s local, so it won?t take long. You?ll be back at your favorite watering hole by the weekend.? Gwen fell silent as the men contemplated the mercenary?s words

?Hell, Gwen.? O?Campo said. ?You know I?m there. Whatever it is.?

Gwen actually smiled at the large man?s offer. ?No deal. If it isn?t all of you, then it?s none of you.? He shrugged at the Gunny?s shocked look. ?That?s the way it goes. You should know that.?

?What kinda assignment is this supposed to be?? Marlen asked. ?How long are we expected to be out?? He leaned forward and whispered, ?And how much are we talking??

Gwen regarded the black man coolly and raised his assessment of the man?s intelligence a notch. It was clear why O?Campo had thought to bring him along. ?I?m offering you fifteen-hundred. Cash.? Gwen answered the last of the man?s questions.

?You?re shitting me?? Fitz exclaimed. ?Fifteen-hundred bucks!? He whistled and all but rubbed his hands in glee. ?When do we start??

?You won?t if you don?t shut your hole!? Gwen snapped at the younger man. His assessment of the Caucasian dropped considerably. At Fitz?s shocked look he continued. ?Like I said. This has to be quiet. If you can?t do that much then forget it!? The mercenary finished his drink and stood up. He knew this was a bad idea.

?Gwen, sit down.? O?Campo said affably. ?Don?t be like that. This is a big deal. We got it.? He clapped the Caucasian on the shoulder. ?Fitz?s a good guy! He just a little excitable! You can count on him.? He turned toward the young man and bared his teeth. ?Right?? He asked menacingly.

Fitz nodded his head in agreement.

Gwen regarded the three men skeptically, but O?Campo was an old friend who he trusted. They had a very narrow margin of opportunity right now, they and had to act before the Khanka government got cold feet and jumped ship. And of course there was Mithril to worry about too.

?Alright.? Gwen sighed. ?But I?m serious about this. Keep your mouth shut.? At the three men?s nod he sat back down. ?So are you in?? He asked without preamble.

?Hell yeah.? Fitz enthused. O?Campo nodded as well. Marlen however disagreed.

?You never answered my question.? The black man pointed out ?What is it you want us to do??

Gwen actually smiled at the man. ?I?m afraid I can?t say right now.? He kept the smile in place as Marlen stared at him.

?Marlen, come on!? Fitz urged his companion. He looked around and leaned in. ?It?s Fifteen-hundred bucks!? He hissed.

?I?m not jumping into something I know jack about.? Marlen glared at the mercenary. ?It?s that or I walk.?

Gwen laughed at the threat. He and Gauron could accomplish their mission no problem. These three would just be back-up. However, he admired Marlen?s way of thinking. ?Fair enough.? At their curious looks he explained. ?We?ll meet at the Dragonfly off International Street in three days time at 16:30. It shouldn?t take more than twenty-four hours, thirty-six tops. Then your fifteen hundred dollars richer.? He leaned back and asked, ?So you interested??

?Um, are you wanting us to? kill someone?? Fitz asked hesitantly.

?I?m not saying.? Gwen answered darkly, ?But what if I am?? He was curious to see what the twenty-year old?s response would be.

?That?s cool.? Fitz said with a grin. O?Campo clapped him on the shoulder and nodded at Gwen as if to say: I told you so.

?So are we?? Marlen asked. ?Going to kill someone.?

?No, nothing like that.? Gwen answered. ?Just a little snatch and grab. Think you can handle it?? He taunted the black man a little.

?Oh yeah, I can handle it.? Marlen said with a fierce smile. ?Alright, I?m in.?

?Good.? Gwen studied the three faces around him. ?I?ll meet you at the Dragonfly in three days time. You know where that is?? O?Campo nodded. ?Good, at 16:30 I?ll be leaving, with or without you.?

?No worries Gwen.? O?Campo laughed. ?We?ll be here.?

?I?ll be expecting you.? Gwen stood and O?Campo followed. ?It?ll be nice working with you again.? He stuck his hand out.

?Right back at ya.? O?Campo grinned and shook Gwen?s hand. ?Why don?t you stay a bit? Catch up on old times.?

?Can?t. I am a busy man these days.? Gwen explained. ?You understand, right??

O?Campo laughed. ?I hear ya.? He waved as Gwen walked out the bar.

As soon as he was outside and down the block the mercenary pulled out his cell-phone and hit the speed dial.

?It?s me.? Gauron answered briskly.

?I?ve made some friends.? Gwen said. ?Looks like we?ve got enough guests for the party.?

?Excellent!? Gauron laughed. ?I?m sure it?ll be a hit.?

**

?That looks like a F-16! I think.? Shinji Kazama lowered his binoculars with a frown. He and Sousuke were on the roof of the hotel trying to spot any military aircraft on approach to or from Kadena Air Base. Unfortunately, they were a little far away from the Base to see anything of substance.

?What do you think?? Shinji passed the binoculars to Sousuke. Who took them and began to scan the horizon.

?It?s difficult to be certain with the distance, but I think your assessment is correct.? Sousuke panned the binoculars across the horizon to see what else there might be. He stopped and trained the binoculars on a pier down the beach a ways from the hotel. He noticed a few men casting fishing lines into the ocean. ?I didn?t know there would be any of that around here.? He lowered the binoculars with a thoughtful look.

?What was that?? Shinji asked. Sousuke pointed out the pier and the men fishing thru the binoculars. ?Oh, yeah, people like to fish off the piers like that all the time. At least I?ve always seen them fishing.? He confessed the last sheepishly. He perked up as he recalled something from Sousuke?s introduction. ?Hey, you like to fish right??

?Yes, but I have no equipment to do so.? Sousuke frowned. ?And this place does not seem to be an ideal place for fishing.?

?Well, I bet there?s a place around here you can rent some equipment from.? Shinji said. ?I really can?t say if this is a good spot to fish.? He shrugged and added, ?But it can?t be all that bad or there wouldn?t be anybody doing it.?

?You may be right.? Sousuke agreed and returned to scanning the horizon

?Um,? Shinji finally asked. ?Are you going to see if you can do some fishing?? After all, Sousuke was the one who brought it up in the first place.

?I didn?t come here to fish.? Sousuke said still looking thru the binoculars. ?This is supposed to be an educational trip.?

?Ah, Sousuke this may be a school trip but there?s nothing wrong with having some fun.? Shinji pointed out.

?I am having fun.? Sousuke looked at the boy with confusion. ?What makes you think I wouldn?t be.?

?I don?t know.? Shinji confessed. ?I was just saying since you like fishing, now might be a good chance to do it. You certainly can?t back in Tokyo.? He laughed at the last.
?No, you can not.? Sousuke smiled at the boy?s laugh. He suddenly asked, ?Would you like to go fishing??

?Me? Naw, it?s not really my thing.? Shinji shrugged. ?But don?t let me stop you if that?s what you want to do.? He assured the Mithril sergeant.

After several long moments, Sousuke nodded. ?Very well, I?ll take your advice to heart.? He handed Shinji his binoculars. ?Thank you for the suggestion.?

?Hey, no problem. If you need me I?ll just be up here, or back in the room.? Shinji said cheerfully as Sousuke exited the roof. After Sousuke had left Shinji shook his head, ?Man, he needs to loosen up.?

**

Kaname strolled along the beach admiring the crystal blue waters as it rolled up against the pure white sand. The oppressive humidity was gone thanks to the ocean breeze. She paused and watched her fellow classmates frolic in the water and play volleyball. Her friends, Maya and Mayuko, had asked if she wanted to play, but both teams were already full of players and Kaname would have to wait until the next game. So she simply declined politely and decided to stroll along the beach.

?Chidori!? A voice called out to Kaname. She turned and saw a tall handsome looking boy from Class two come trotting up to her. ?Hey, you out here by yourself?? He asked with a smile.

?Yes,? Kaname said slowly as if it should be obvious. She regarded the boy a moment, he looked familiar but she couldn?t place him. ?Who are you?? She finally asked.

?Urk, I?m Satoru Shirai!? He said with a hurt expression. ?How could you forget?? He flashed a dazzling smile at Kaname. ?And I have to compliment you on that swimsuit. It looks very nice on you.? His eyes traveled over her appreciatively.

?Riiight.? Kaname rolled her eyes. ?How could I forget?? She remembered him now. Shirai Satoru must have tried to pick up half the girls in her class already. She smiled indulgently at his compliment and roving eyes. ?That?s very considerate of you.? She could not stand people who were so full of themselves. ?Now if you?ll excuse me.? Kaname turned to walk away.

?Hey now Chidori don?t be like that.? Shirai said affably and slid up to her side. ?How about I join you on your walk?? He asked smoothly and subtly brushed his hand against her side.

Kaname whirled away from the touch and her eyes flashed. ?How about you-!?

?Shirai!? A female voice cut off Kaname?s tirade.

?Mizuki!? Shirai exclaimed startled. A red-headed girl come running up.

Kaname looked back and worth between the two and saw her chance. She used the distraction to get way and walked down the beach before she could be stopped. ?Bye Shirai!? Kaname called mockingly over her shoulder. ?It was nice talking to you!? She repressed a laugh at the irritated look the other girl shot her. Like she wanted anything to do with the likes of Shirai Satoru!

Kaname rapidly walked down the beach and soon came to a more rocky area. She looked back and could see the hotel looked considerably smaller. It was at least a half a mile away. Up ahead she could see a large wooden pier jutting out over the water for about a hundred feet or so. There looked to be several people walking along it taking pictures, admiring the view, and fishing.

At the base of the pier, Kaname could see a few shops and arcades. It looked like a more sedate viewing spot for those who wished to avoid the more touristy spots. Kaname was surprised something like this was so close to the big hotel they were staying at.

Curious, Kaname picked her away along some of the bigger rocks and made her way to the top of the pier. She smiled and exchanged a few greetings with a few passersby as she walked down the pier. It was amazing how much more of the ocean you could see by being only a few hundred feet out from the shore. She looked over the edge and was even more impressed as she observed the churning ocean a dozen feet below. The wind was incredible and she had to hold her hair out of her face as she gazed around.

?Ms. Chidori what are you doing here?? A voice from behind brought Kaname out of her wonderment.

?Sousuke?? Kaname turned and was startled to see Sousuke Sagara staring at her questioningly. The boy was holding a fishing rod in one hand and a small tackle box in the other. She frowned at the boy and stepped past him with a sniff. ?That?s none your concern!? The military freak was the last person she wanted to talk to.

?Wait!? Sousuke called out desperately. When the girl paused and regarded him coldly he sat his fishing gear down and bowed deeply. ?I would like to apologize.?

?What?? Kaname stared wide-eyed at the boy. ?What are you talking about.? She looked around nervously. There were not a lot of people on the pier, but the few who were present stared curiously at the two teens. It was very embarrassing.

?Last night was inexcusable. I?m very sorry.? Sousuke explained still bowed. While he did not understand everything that happened last night, or why it was such huge concern for the blue-haired girl, he was confident this was the right course of action. It was something he had pondered all night and during the entire trip.

For reasons he did not fully understand, when Sousuke recalled the furious words Daniels from Kazama?s aborted underwear theft, he felt a great anger rise in him. And when Kaname yelled at him and brushed him off as she had been, he felt an uncomfortable hollow pit in his stomach. His actions, however good intentioned, had contributed to this difficult circumstance. Therefore, Sousuke had resolved to apologize to the blue-haired girl at the first available opportunity.

Kaname narrowed her eyes when Sousuke mentioned last night. ?You think some lame apology is enough to forgive what you did?? She asked coldly. Kaname crossed her arms and glared at the boy. ?Well do you?? She snapped when he made no move to rise.

?No, but it seemed the appropriate course of action.? Sousuke said as he slowly rose back up. He stared the girl in the eyes and added, ?I did not consider what your feelings on the matter might be. I was wrong.? He shifted his eyes straight ahead and brought his hands to the small of his back, as if awaiting sentence.

?Oh.? Kaname looked away. She was still mad, but she did not know how to react to this. Sousuke was being thoughtful and willing to accept her judgment. This was not really different from the way the boy normally acted and yet at the same time it was. It was not something she could explain.

And there was the fact Sousuke?s consideration made her feel warm all over, despite the Okinawan sun. ?Then I guess?? She struggled for words and turned back to the boy. ?I guess.? She took a deep breath, ?that it?s okay.? She let out the breath, ?I forgive you.?

?You do?? Sousuke blinked. When Kaname did not bash his head in he blinked again. He had not actually expected forgiveness. He was only determined to apologize for his actions, no matter how well intentioned they may have been.

?Yes! I do!? Kaname huffed at his thick-headedness. ?Is that so hard to understand??

?No, just unexpected.? Sousuke answered simply. He stared Kaname in the eyes. ?As I said before, you re a very kind person Kaname Chidori.?

?Oh, um thank you.? Kaname blushed and looked away. ?You don?t have to say that. It?s embarrassing.? She brushed her wind-swept hair out of her face. ?Thank you.? She recalled how she had yelled at him at the airport and bit her lip. ?And I?m sorry I was so horrible to you.?

Sousuke starred at her with a furrowed brow and finally nodded. ?Very well. I accept your apology.?

?Oh? that?s good.? Kaname flushed at his words. She cast about for something to talk about and spotted the fishing rod at lying by his feet. ?What are you doing?? She felt stupid as soon as the words came out. It was obvious what he was here for.

?Fishing.? He said and picked up the rod and tackle box. He regarded the blue-hair girl a moment. ?What brings you out here Ms. Chidori??

?Oh, just wandering around.? Kaname said airily. She noticed Sousuke?s face scrunch up in confusion and laughed. ?Oh come on! It?s not that hard to believe? Is it?? She growled the last.

?No, I just don?t see the purpose. Were you hoping to find a particular shop or eating establishment by chance??

?What?? Kaname starred at the boy. She resisted the urge to yell and pull her hair in frustration Talking to Sousuke could be so aggravating! ?No, I just felt like wandering around. There was no purpose behind it. Do you get it now?? She ground out the last part. If he said no she was going to smack him.

?I understand.? Sousuke nodded his head. When Kaname said nothing else he turned away, but was stopped by the girl?s hand on his elbow. ?What is it?? He asked confused.

?Um,? Kaname stammered and stared at her feet. ?How?s your arm??

?It?s healing nicely.? He raised the arm in question. Sousuke was wearing a white button up short-sleeve shirt and the angry scab formed on his arm was plainly visible. ?The pain has passed, and it has already scabbed over. I estimate it should be fully healed within a week.? He lowered the arm.

?Eww, that?s really gross.? Kaname glanced up at his arm and made a face. ?Shouldn?t you cover it up or something.?

?No, it should be exposed to the air. It aids in the healing process.? Sousuke explained.

?Right, why didn?t I think of that?? Kaname muttered.

Sousuke was about to point out that if she had thought of that there was no need to ask. Kaname snapped her gaze back up to his own. He stepped away from the intensity in it as Kaname tightened her grip on his arm, as if to prevent him from fleeing.

?Sousuke, I know I forgave you, but there?s something I have to know.? Kaname said earnestly. She tightened her grip on his arm even more and lowered her voice. ?Why were you on my balcony?? She blushed but didn?t look away. ?And don?t feed me any line about that coincidence crap either!? She added hotly.

?Um, I can?t ?.? Sousuke trailed off and resisted the urge to fidget. He did not know what to do. His training had never covered anything like this. He swallowed nervously and looked away. ?I?m sorry, but I can?t tell you.?

Kaname?s eyes widened in shock. Then her lips pressed together in a thin line and she leaned forward. ?Sousuke.? She growled dangerously. ?You better tell me or you won?t live to regret it.? She poked him hard in the chest with her free hand. ?Understand??

?I?m sorry.? Sousuke stumbled back, but was unable to go far because of the iron grip she had on his arm. They were dangerously close to the pier?s edge, but the Mithril sergeant thought pointing that fact out to Kaname would only aggravate the situation. Her eyes already blazed in anger as she poked him.

?Sorry?? Kaname laughed dangerously. ?I don?t think so. If you were really sorry then you could at least have the decency to tell me what you WERE DOING!? She nearly screamed the last part, unconcerned about bystanders.

Sousuke actually flinched. He remembered Daniels words last night and swallowed. ?You might not like what I have to say.? He finally admitted.

?If you don?t tell me. You?re NOT going to like what I do! To YOU!? Kaname released him and crossed her arms. ?Start talking!? She tapped her foot impatiently when he hesitated. ?Well, I?m waiting.? Her voice held the promise of violence.

?Yes, I see that.? Sousuke sighed. He would have to tread carefully. The mission was top secret, but then he realized the mission was over. Of course, Mithril?s activities were still a closely guarded secret, but it might be alright to reveal a few details.

?At 20:21 hours I observed a masked figure scaling the side of your apartment building.? Sousuke decided the truth, minus a few details, would be the best course. Besides she deserved to know that much at least. ?Concerned for your safety, I intercepted him as he gained access to your balcony.? Sousuke starred at Kaname. ?Shortly after you came out and saw us.?

?Not only do you stalk me at school, you follow me to my home too!? Kaname fumed. She repressed the warm feeling she felt when he said Concerned for your safety. ?I can?t believe this! Why won?t you just leave me alone?? She was nearly on the verge of tears from the roller coaster ride her emotions were taking in this conversation.

?No, that?s not true!? Sousuke demanded with surprising desperation. Both teens were wide-eyed at his outburst. ?I was in the area and noticed the intruder. I wasn?t following you Chidori.? That much was true. He had not been following her, that day.

?You like to stalk around my neighborhood at night instead?? Kaname asked incredulous. ?You?re not helping your case you know.? She glared at him. ?Well, what do you have to say??

?Case? What case?? Sousuke asked.

?Never mind!? Kaname snapped. ?What were you doing skulking about my apartment building?? Kaname eyed the distance between themselves and pier?s edge. If she hit the boy hard enough he might fall over. It was a tempting thought.

?Right. I wasn?t skulking around your apartment.? Sousuke hesitated. He did not want to revel the location of the safe house. And then he sadly recalled that he would no longer be staying at the safe house once they returned. The mission was over after all. ?Actually,? Sousuke coughed and explained. ?I noticed the intruder when I glanced outside my apartment window.?

?You?re apartment?? Kaname stared at the boy. At his nod she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. ?We live in the same neighborhood and you never told me?? She shook the boy as she questioned him.

?You. Never. Asked.? Sousuke barely got the words out.

?Argh!? Kaname released the boy. ?I don?t believe this!? She felt a headache coming on and rubbed her temples. ?Why me?? She moaned. She glared at the puzzled Sousuke and asked. ?You?re not related to Kyouko by some chance??

?Tokiwa?? Sousuke asked startled. He could not imagine what prompted that question. ?No, I?m quite certain we are not related.?

?Sousuke you weren?t supposed to answer! It was just a rhetorical-.? She glanced at the confused sergeant. ?Never mind.? She should have know it would have been like this. ?So were do you live, exactly?? She finally asked.

?In the apartment building across from yours.? Sousuke saw no reason to hide that fact any longer.

?What?? Kaname nearly fell over in surprise. ?I guess that explains how you could see some guy climbing onto my balcony.? At Sousuke?s nod the blue-haired girl grinned wickedly and turned away. ?Gee, you follow me around everywhere and live across the street from me.? She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and teased. ?I guess you really like me, huh??

?Yes. I do.?

?Huh?? Kaname turned back to the boy in surprise. She blushed bright red and felt her heart hammering in her chest. ?Wha-what do you mean?? She finally squeaked out. She turned away unable to look at his face.

?You are a very nice person.? Sousuke calmly explained. He did not understand her reaction at all. ?And show great concern for your fellow students. Those are admirable qualities.? Sousuke nodded his head as if coming to a decision. ?And someone I would be proud to call a friend.?

?Just a friend?? Kaname stammered and then cursed the disappointment in her voice.

?What else is there?? Sousuke asked in genuine confusion. He then noticed her red face. ?And are you feeling alright? Have you been drinking enough liquids? It?s easy to suffer from heat exhaustion in this environment if you?re not careful.?

?I?m fine!? Kaname snapped. ?It?s not the heat!? She turned away in a huff. ?And I?m well aware I should keep hydrated. So just drop it!? She glared at the boy daring him to contradict her. Sousuke looked dubious, but said nothing. Finally, Kaname sighed and smiled. ?Me too.?

?You too what?? Sousuke asked. It was difficult keeping up with Kaname in a conversation.

?Proud to call you a friend, silly!? Kaname laughed at the face Sousuke made. It was actually rather cute. She patted him on the shoulder and asked. ?Now that that?s cleared up shouldn?t you get started. We have to be back in the hotel in a few hours.? At Sousuke?s curious look she pointed at the pole and tackle at his feet. ?Fishing!?

?Right.? Sousuke picked the pole and tackle box. ?You have a good point. This may be my only chance for a while.?

?Yeah, fishing?s one of your big hobbies right?? Kaname asked. She remembered him mentioning it when he was introduced to the class. ?After rescuing helpless girls that is!? She laughed at his pole-axed look.

?Rescuing girls is not a hobby.? Sousuke blandly explained.

?What, you?re saying it?s your job?? Kaname only laughed harder and Sousuke remained silent. ?It?s okay Sousuke. It was only a joke.? She shock her head. The military geek could be awfully sensitive at times.

?I understand.? Sousuke said, but actually did not. ?Would you like to join me?? He asked Kaname suddenly.

?Join you?? Kaname repeated intelligently. At the boy?s nod she suddenly felt shy. ?Are you sure? I don?t actually know how.? She whispered the last.

?I can teach you. It won?t be a problem.? Sousuke assured her. Actually teaching the blue-haired girl would probably be more interesting. He could not imagine the fishing being that great off this pier, all the conditions seemed wrong. But it was a nice spot to teach a novice.

?Okay! Sounds like fun.? Kaname smiled brightly and Sousuke felt more at ease than he had in almost ten years.

End Chapter 13





The Devil Inside-Glossary of Terms


MCMJ -Mithril Code of Military Justice. Basically the legal code and rules of conduct all Mithril personal are subject to.

CO - Commanding Officer (This is actually used by the US military)

MCF- Mithril Correctional Facility. Most ships and bases have their own brigs or jails, but those are only designed to keep a prisoner for a short period of time. The MCF serves as Mithril?s more permanent jail. It?s used to hold those who are awaiting their hearing or trail, and for those who?ve been sentenced for longer than a month, to a maximum sentence of a year or two.

MDC- Mithril Detention Center - basically prison. This is where Mithril throw's their hard-cases and long terms sentences. It's a great place where you get to spend twelve hours a day making little rocks out of big rocks. Sounds fun doesn't it?
Basically, think of it as Mithril's equivalent to Ft. Lebonworth.

Old Man - just an affectionate way the soldiers of Mithril have of referring to Kalinin. Of course, they'd never address him like that!

LP/OP ?Listing Post and Observation Post.

FARP ?Fuel And Rearming Point. It?s a forward staging area combat-vehicles (such as an Arm-Slave) can use without having to leave the combat zone.

Mikes ?short-hand for minutes.

ETA ?Estimated Time of Arrival

Hawkeye ?Refers to a US radar plane. The Hawkeye usually flies ahead of a US naval task force (among other things) and gathers useful information about the area and reports it back.

AS- Arm Slave. Ya know, those big freaking robots Sousuke and the others pilot.

SRT- Special Response Team. Sousuke, Melissa, and Kurz are member of Mithril?s SRTs. The way I look at it, the Special Response Teams are Mithril?s equivalent of Special Forces. They do many of the same tasks as special forces: Recon. Infiltration. Sabotage. Lightning raids, Hostage rescue, and assorted other tasks.

MOTC ? Mithril?s Officer Training Course. Most military organizations have additional requirements for their officers besides just time in service and demonstrated ability. Most officers under go specific and grueling training and are usually required to have a four year college degree of some kind.

M9- Called the ?Gernsback? it?s the AS used by Mithril. Considered the next generation of AS.

M6- the AS used by the US Military.

RK-92- Soviet era Arm Slave. To quote Sousuke. ?Move you Soviet-made piece of Junk!?

Ninety-six- refers to the ASG 96-B manufactured by Bofors. It?s a 57 mm smooth-bore rifle and part of the M9?s standard armament. It?s the rifle Kurz used in episode five during his duel with Gauron.

NCOIC- Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge. It refers to the highest ranking enlisted person within a unit. In the case of Crispin?s orders it refers to Melissa.

DI ?Drill Instructor. Another way of referring to a Drill Sergeant.

SitRep- Situation Report. Basically a quick run down of what your situation in a field (or combat) environment.

WA2000- very high-quality German sniper rifle. Considered by some to be one of the best in the world. It?s only down side is its weight. (16 lbs) and cost. It?s highly customizable and sleek in design. It seemed appropriate for Kurz to use. Though I think the one he?s actually shown using is a PGS-1(another German rifle). I?m not certain.


Tac-Net- Tactical Network. A radio network set up and used by members of the same unit during tactical (i.e. combat) situations.

HE- High Explosive.

Fifty Cal ? short hand for fifty caliber. Which is the size of a heavy machine gun. A machine gun this large must be mounted on a tripod or vehicle in order to fire it. A fifty caliber round is about six inches long and can tear a man in half, and it can also destroy trucks, light armored vehicles and buildings.

NVGs -- Night Vision Goggles

EOD ? Explosive Ordinance Disposal

FTX ?Field Training Exercise.

Gunny- Short for Gunnery Sergeant. It?s an advanced NCO rank in the United States Marine Corps

Shiwa Statue ?those Lion statues you?ll see in front of temples and important buildings. There supposed to be guardian spirits and they are very prominent in Okinawa.

[necowaffer]

Awww. Sousuke and Kaname fishing. How cute. Glad to see some S n K! And I wonder what Gauron is up to?

[pilot03]

I bet Sagara catches more then just fish off that pier. As always, great chapter and I cant' wait until the next update. Keep up the good work!