THURSDAY
Kaname arrived at school with bags under her eyes. She hadn?t gotten any sleep. Her friends were very worried about her, but she didn?t want to go into any details.
Sousuke would be fine. In fact, he should be in school this morning. The police had found him, and insisted he stay in a hospital overnight for observation, despite his insistence that he was fine. Better safe than sorry, they had said.
Sousuke had been relatively safe. Kaname spent the night feeling incredibly sorry.
Walking into the school, he had the slightest of limps. His one cheek was swollen, and there was a small cut at the corner of his mouth. He had bruises on top of bruises. A number of students made wisecracks at his expense, but most were very concerned. The games they were playing was one thing---serious injuries were another thing altogether.
?Sousuke, where were you?? Kaname was close to tears again. ?I called all of the hospitals, but none knew of your whereabouts.?
?The police told them to keep it a secret. I told them I was in no further danger from gangs, but they looked at me like I had a head injury.? Sousuke?s voice was slightly slurred.
?We all think that, some times? Kaname said, trying to lighten up the mood.
?I see. I called your apartment, but you were not at home. I was concerned that you might not have made it home safe.?
?YOU were concerned about ME? While you were laying in a hospital?? Kaname?s eyes were big.
?Yes, Kaname. Even though I may not speak of it, it is my duty.? Kaname let him slip that one in. Still, she was not happy.
?O. I see. Duty.? Kaname sounded dejected. She didn?t know why.
?Is there something wrong, Kaname??
?O, No! Why should there be. Ah hah hah hah hah hah.? The ?Kaname Denial Laugh.? Kaname looked away.
?I also did not want anything to hurt you, Kaname.?
?Thank you, Sousuke.? Kaname felt better. Sousuke had the unique ability to make her feel warm and cuddly one moment, and wanting to jump off of a bridge the next. ?I was not at home. I waited outside of your door for you. I was worried. I wish I never made you promise what you did!?
?It is OK, Kaname. I am learning things. It is not easy being a normal student.?
?Sousuke, even without guns and bombs, you are NOT a normal student!? Kaname shook her head, smiling.
*********************************************
Kaname soon forgot about Sousuke?s misadventure. She had problems enough of her own to deal with. That morning, it appears that the other students were giving Sousuke a grace period. They needed something to fill the void.
?Kaname walked into a doctor?s office and said ?Doctor, I hurt all over!?? One of the boys decided on making a joke about Kaname. The idea caught fire.
?The doctor says. ?That?s impossible.??
??No, really? Kaname said. ?Just look. When I touch my arm, OUCH---it hurts! When I touch my leg, OUCH---it hurts! When I touch my head, OUCH---it hurts! When I touch my chest, OUCH---it really hurts.??
?The doctor just shook his head and said ?You were actually born with that blue hair, weren?t you???
Kaname smiled and said ?Why yes, I was. How did you know???
?The doctor replied ?Because your finger is broken!!!??
The whole homeroom burst into a long bout of laughter. Kaname got the impression that she was in for a long day. Sousuke was puzzled.
?Kaname, is that story true? How could you miss the fact that your finger was broken??
?It never was, Sousuke. It was just a joke.? Kaname forgot about Sousuke?s injuries. Sometimes he could just be SO aggravating.
?I see. Why did you pretend you had all that pain, then? Doctors are usually very busy. They do not have time for such nonsense.?
Kaname just stared at Sousuke. It took a whole minute before she felt ready to respond in a composed fashion. ?Sousuke. The story that the boy told was a joke. That never actually happened to me.?
?The next one?s true, though.? One girl stood up, all eyes upon her.
?One morning, Kaname called one of her friends and asked her to come over. ?I have a really great puzzle, but I have no idea how to start it.??
?Her friend asked ?What is it a puzzle of???
?Kaname answered ?From the picture on the box, I would say it was a tiger.??
?The friend rushed over, knowing what happened if Kaname was allowed to get frustrated. When she got to the apartment, Kaname let her in and took her to where the puzzle pieces were spread out all over the table.?
?The friend looked everything over, including the box, and then just shook her head. She said ?No matter what I do, there is no way you will be able to make those into anything looking like the picture on the box.??
??Then what should I do?? Kaname asked, saddened.?
?I suggest you put all of the Frosted Flakes back in the box.??
Again the class had a great time at Kaname?s expense.
?Kaname, I have tried that imported cereal before. Its flavor is not unpleasant. But, the flakes do not look anything like puzzle pieces. Even you must have seen that.? Sousuke looked perplexed.
?Even?.. me?.. Sousuke?? Kaname growled. Kyouko and Ren grabbed hold of her arms.
?It was another joke,? Mizuke told Sousuke.
?Though I can see why you might think otherwise,? Ryo said.
?I was the one she called over,? Maya said. ?Not really, Sousuke.?
Kaname tossed her hair. ?HMMPPFF!!! Any more??
?Well, since you asked.? A boy stood up and took a bow. Almost everyone clapped. ?Kaname walked into a department store, pointed, and told the clerk ?I want to buy that microwave.??
?We don?t sell microwaves to blue-haired girls.?? The clerk was insistent.
?The next day, Kaname put on a blonde wig and returned to the store. ?I want to buy that microwave,? she said again.?
?The sales clerk said ?We do not sell microwaves to blue-haired girls.??
?The next day, Kaname dyed her hair black and went back in. ?I want to buy that microwave,? she said one more time.?
??We still do not sell microwaves to blue-haired girls,? the clerk said, exasperated.?
??How did you know I really have blue hair?? Kaname asked.?
??That isn?t a microwave. It?s a TV!??
Everyone cheered and whistled.
?Kaname, is that why you say you do not like to use a microwave?? Sousuke remembered something that Kaname had once told him.
Kaname just put her head down on her desk.
?It will be OK, Kaname.? Kyouko patted her on the back. ?Really it will.?
*************************************
The day?s planned attire had been decided on BEFORE word had gone around that Sousuke was injured. Most people were wearing fatigues, camouflage clothing, or some form or ersatz military uniform. It was more of a simple joke than any form of mockery. In fact, to some students, it was almost an act of homage. The students? actions towards Sousuke were softening considerably.
Kaname was not pleased. It almost looked like there was a school full of otakus. There was only so much she could take. Especially since she had already found a live eel in her desk. That, and one pint of lychee preserves in her book bag. Not to mention the entire Soccer teams? set of sweaty jock straps in her locker. Or the pigs?eyes in her bento box.
?It is a learning experience, Kaname.? Sousuke tried to make the most of Kaname?s lunch time discovery.
?I fail to see how THIS could be educational, Sousuke!? She was definitely NOT in the mood for any kind of lecture.
?That is not surprising.?
Kaname couldn?t tell if he meant ?Your lack of knowledge is not surprising,? or ?It is not a common topic.? Because he was injured, she would give him the benefit of the doubt. Just this once.
?Go on, Sousuke.? He had gotten hurt because of her. She decided to humor him.
?In a pig?s eye means ?never,? or ?highly unlikely.? Also, Churchill wrote a book titled ?In a Pig?s Eye.??
?Churchill, Sousuke?? Kaname?s voice rose. ?What did I tell you about ANY military history nonsense?? She picked up her halisen. Injury be damned.
?This had nothing to do with warfare, Kaname. He was a Prime Minister, not a soldier. He was writing about the plight of the aboriginal natives in North America.?
?OK, Sousuke. Very good. Thank you.? Kaname really did not feel enlightened, but it didn?t cost her anything to be polite for once. And, the sooner the conversation got back ti ?normal? topics the better.
?I am glad you feel that way, Kaname. Would you like to learn about the origin of the word ?Jock Strap???
Ren, Maya, Ryo, and Kyouko backed their chairs away from the table.
?Don?t push your luck, Sousuke.? Kaname?s eyes looked like they belonged on some form of demon. ?Don?t push your luck!!!?
*****************************************
Kaname?s trials and tribulations continued. But, as folks soon found out, SHE was not under any type of restrictions. Furthermore, she was more than willing to use that fact to her advantage---send a few pranksters to the infirmary, and maybe the rest would decide she was better off left alone. Blushing, she carried the thought one step further. Maybe she could protect Sousuke the way he usually protected her---minus the noise, smoke, and destruction.
The lights went off in one hallway. Kaname?s halisen was in her hand before she could take another breath. She had no trouble getting an idea of where the individuals were standing. She had developed that part of her senses on the numerous occasions when she needed to find a concealed Sousuke, before he could do something worse than he had already done.
?Drill for oil? You mean drill into the ground and try to find oil? You?re crazy! Drillers who Edwin Drake tried to enlist to his project to drill for oil, 1859.?
Kaname frowned. Her annoyance level was close to topping off already.
?Professor Goddard does not know the relation between reaction and the need to have something better than a vacuum against which to react. He seems to lack the basic knowledge ladled out daily in high schools. 1921 New York Times editorial about Goddard?s revolutionary rocket work.?
Kaname began to growl. This was worse than Sousuke.
?But what???. Is it good for? Engineer at the Advanced Computing Sysytems Divison of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip.?
?ARGGH!!! Enough. You?re all going to pay!? Kaname didn?t have night vision gear, but she didn?t need it. The nerds had made a serious tactical error. The darkness had not frightened Kaname---it had made their own escape impossible.
WHACK! WHAM! SLAMMM!
?Owww?. Oomph?. MOMME-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E.?
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
?No?.. No?.. N-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O.?
The lights went back on. The third perpetrator started to run. He was a rabbit chased by a greyhound.
?Thank you so very much. I much prefer to see whom I?m chastising.? Kaname was on a mission.
SLAMMM! WHACK! SLAMMM! WHAM! WHACK!?
?O?.. God?.. Please?.. HE-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-P.?
Mission accomplished.
***************************************
The Drama club members were found sticking out of drums. The boys who had shown an unnatural affinity for fire extinguishing equipment were discovered tied up with the fire hose. The slower members of the Art class were cut down from the trees before their rope burns had gotten too bad. The gang in Wood Shop had pieces of wood painfully placed where wood products---other than that which came on a roll---should never go.
For most individuals and groups, the message was quite clear. Mess with Kaname or Sousuke, and you better be willing to weather the storm. For most people, that was a good reason to get back to business as usual. For others, it meant a great deal of stealth was in order---do it, but don?t get caught.
One group was entirely unaffected. They had safety in numbers. Their plan for Sousuke was already in motion. The members of the rugby squad were counting the minutes before the Sports Day game between their team and the one from their cross-town rivals. Sousuke would be playing. His injuries meant nothing to them---all it really meant was that he had a head start on aches and pains.
It was Sousuke?s own fault, when all was said and done. Once upon a time, Kaname had tried to turn a team of wimps into a team of winners, without success. Sousuke?s methods had an entirely different result. But, the Rugby Club then became a favored activity. Bigger, rougher, and nastier boys chased the meeker ones off of the team.
There were many events going on outside the school that early afternoon. Track and field. Volleyball. Softball. Soccer. Gymnastics. Feats of personal strength, coordination, and endurance. Most of the eyes were focused on the Rugby area.
When the Jindai team ran out, Souske limped out with them. He wore a bright yellow jersey, much different than the uniforms his teammates wore. It seems that someone wanted him to stand out.
After the bus from the other school pulled up on the lawn, the rival players disembarked. Rather than put on the mean face they usually did, the boys all gave their opponents a big ?thumbs-up.? They all stared at Sousuke. Unbeknownst to the crowd, the Jindai squad had gathered together a fair sum of money and given it to their arch rivals.
The rules and objectives of rugby are straight forward:
*All players are allowed to touch the ball, but the ball cannot be passed forward.
*The ball can, on occasion be kicked forward in an attempt to gain better field position or to catch the other team unaware.
* No player can shield or protect the ball carrier and by the same token the ball carrier cannot run behind his own players in an attempt to shield himself from the other team.
*Once tackled the ball carrier must immediately release the ball.
*There are no substitutions.
*Each team starts with 15 players and the match begins with a kickoff---the ball must travel 10 yards before the kicking team can play it.
* Kicking off is considered an advantage. The team that was scored upon kicks off to the team that just scored, allowing them to retain possession.
*The most common technique in kicking off is a team that kicks the ball high in the air 10 yards and make a play on the ball or the player about to catch the ball.
* In general, during the "loose" phase of the game, there are only two positions in rugby. Players 1-8 are forwards, often referred to as "the pack.? These are the workers on the rugby pitch that are responsible for trudging through the mud, winning the ball and presenting a clean ball to the backs.
Backs (numbered 9-15) smoothly and deftly cut through the opponent's defensive line, occasionally performing a brilliant "switch" or pausing to flirt with a woman on the sideline and then score without as much as mussing up their hair.
*The object of the game is to score more points than your opponents by moving the ball down field across the opponent's try line and physically touch the ball down.
*Supporting the ball carrier is very important in this game, especially since the ball carrier must release the ball once tackled. When you are on the ground, you are considered a part of the ground. If a team is supporting well, once a player is tackled there should be at least 2 or 3 other players around him ready to make a play on the ball.
*The first players to a ball on the ground attempt to either pick it up and secure it or try to push the other team's players away from it. At any time a player may kick the ball towards an opponents goal and try to regain possession up the pitch. This has it's advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you gain better field position but on the negative aspect, if you do not chase down and recover the ball, you lose possession to the other team.
*There are four ways to score in rugby. A try, worth 5 points, is scored when a player carries or kicks the ball over the opponent's goal line and physically touches it down.
A place kick or conversion is attempted after each try from a point directly out from where the ball was physically touched down. Hence, if a player touches the ball down in the corner of the try-zone, a place kick will be attempted from near the sideline. When successfully kicked over the bar and through the uprights, a conversion is awarded, worth two points.
The other two methods of scoring are also for kicking the ball through the uprights. Penalty goals are worth three points. A penalty situation comes about after a serious violation of the laws, and the victimized team is awarded a penalty kick from the point of the infraction.
Drop kicks can be attempted at any time during the game and a drop goal is worth 3 points.
Common penalties in rugby:
*Knock-on: Hitting or dropping the ball forward with your hands. Theforward position is most noted for this lame-brained action and are typically dubbed "stone-hands"
*Forward Pass: The ball must be passed laterally or behind, never forward.
*Offsides: Defensively, a player must stay behind the ball or the group of people trying to win the ball. On offense, you may not kick a ball forward to a teammate downfield ahead of the kicker.
*High tackle:You will know when you see it. This tackle is often accompanied with many Oscar-winning performances put on by a back-line player trying to win favor with the referee or a promising rugby queen on the sideline.
*Failure to release: The ball must be released immediately upon being tackled.
As agreed upon by both sides, there were some changes made to the rules and objectives:
*Both teams would do whatever was possible to put the ball in Sousuke?s hands.
*During the ?loose? phase of the game, there would be a third position: Target. Sousuke would be the target for both teams.
*The object of the game was to jump on, trample, squash, rough up, beat on, and otherwise physically abuse Sousuke in any manner imaginable.
Scoring was purely optional.
*The first players to Sousuke would try to knock him down and assist the other team?s players in reaching their objective.
*Carrying Sousuke over the opponent?s goal line and slamming him hard to the ground was worth 10 points.
*Kicking Sousuke over the bar was worth 5 points. Just kicking him was worth 1 point.
*If Sousuke was allowed to run free for more than ten yards a penalty would be assessed to the nearest team.
There would only be one penalty:
*?Knock-offs?---hitting Sousuke?s head and sending him forward---was not only acceptable, but commendable.
*High tackles were to be executed whenever and wherever possible.
*Getting up off of Sousuke before a full pile-on was cause for a penalty kick.
Needless to say, the match was not a fun one for Sousuke. Surprisingly, a number of players on both sides began feeling a great deal of respect for Sousuke?s courage and resilience. Some though he was just stupid, but most knew otherwise. Still, the boys who began to feel sorry for Sousuke did not act on their new feelings. It would have saved them a lot of pain and embarrassment if they had.
The crowd had shown up to see a rugby match, and to see what would happen to Sousuke. The shear meanness of the match and the utter lack of sport set the onlookers to grumbling and grousing.
?That just ain?t right! Sagara?s giving it his best and those bastards are only out to hurt him. His own team, too!? One boy took a couple of steps towards the playing field.
?Yeh! They shouldn?t be allowed to get away with it. Someone should jump on them and teach them a lesson.? That boy?s sentiments spread like wildfire.
Before anyone knew what had happened, the entire crowd was rushing forward, murder in their eyes, Sousuke was rescued, then carried away on peoples? shoulders, the hero of the match. A much less pleasant fate awaited the boys in both rugby clubs.
After the offending players were pummeled and punched, they were all marched over to the side of the school. Their clothing was confiscated, except for their jock straps. That clothing was never seen again. Someone was able to retrieve the electric razor. Each and every player was completely shaved, down to the very last hair. They were all then spray painted yellow and given their jock straps back.
The crowd was in a generous mood. They gave the humbled boys a thirty second head start before they began chasing them again. The photographs made the evening news, worldwide.
Sousuke had begun to strip his own clothes off when Kaname headed over from her Softball tournament between games.
?What are you doing, Sousuke? There are girls present!? She put her hand on Sousuke?s arm, stopping him. ?Maybe you should check in at the infirmary.?
?Those are my teammates out there, Kaname. Shouldn?t I be with them now??
Kaname just shook her head. Only Sousuke would think that way.
?Your honor is very important to you, isn?t it Sousuke?? She tried to smile, but she was worried. Was there such a thing as being too honorable? Or, was it simply a matter of Sousuke?s interpretation of what was honorable?
?Yes, Kaname. Very important. What does a man have, if he does not have honor??
*****************************************
After school, Kaname accompanied Sousuke downtown. Even though he claimed that he was doing fine, the school nurse had insisted that he get a pair of crutches and an orthopedic pillow. As a man of his word, he would do so. He had no intention of using them, however.
Kaname was strangely quiet. If Sousuke noticed, he gave no indication.
Block after block passed. Sousuke?s limp drove a nail deeper into Kaname?s heart with each step that he took. When he occasionally stopped and put a hand to his side, her heart jumped up into her throat. Tears came to her eyes when he would grab hold of a light post or the side of a building to help stretch his tight back muscles.
For once, she marveled at Sousuke?s silence. He didn?t moan once. She did not hear a single whimper or sucked-in breath. He just kept marching along, unimpeded. It was what he did. It was what he had always done.
When they were across the street from one of the larger banks in the city, an alarm went off.
?Move into cover Kaname, in case there is an exchange of gunfire.? Sousuke looked around to see if there were any law enforcement officers in view.
?Sousuke, what is it?? Kaname had her own suspicion.
?Most likely a bank robbery. That sedan over there has its motor idling. The driver keeps checking in his mirrors. He has a cellular phone out. The box on his dashboard is likely a police scanner.?
There was an explosion inside the bank. Windows blew out. The sound of gunfire followed.
?That may have been the vault blowing, or an accidental mishandling of explosives. The robbers are probably suppressing the bank guards.?
?Sousuke! People are probably getting hurt in there. They may be dying. Isn?t there anything you can do? You?ve helped out that way before?.? Kaname was pale. She could picture herself trapped in a situation like that.
?No, Kaname. Not today. That is the police force?s job. If they cannot arrive on scene in a timely manner, it is not my responsibility. Besides, you know I cannot.?
?What?? Kaname was incredulous.
?The promise, Kaname.?
?But? but? peoples? lives, Sousuke!? She grabbed Sousuke?s arm and began to shake him.
?Their lives would be in danger if I were not standing here Kaname. You have tried to teach me not to make every problem my problem. It is a wise lesson, I think. Furthermore, if I was allowed to do my ?otaku thing,? as you have named it, I would have my gun out to protect you now. As it is, I am unarmed. I suggest we leave this vicinity as quickly as possible. ?
Kaname grew very angry, ready to strike Sousuke. But, the words rang true. Sousuke was right,
?Yes, Sousuke.? Her anger drained out of her.
?Once you are safe, I will return.?
?Sousuke? WHY? You said?.? Kaname looked frightened.
?There?.? Sousuke pointed to the front of the bank just as they were about to pass out of view of the building by rounding a corner.
The getaway car took off, its engine whining. Close behind, a number of police cars arrived on the scene and gave chase.
?That car is a decoy. There are no passengers in it. The police have fallen for the misdirection. Those men leaving the bank now---the ones with briefcases, trying to look like businessmen---they are likely the perpetrators. I will need your cellular phone, Kaname.?
Sousuke crossed the street.
?Go home Kaname. I will purchase my supplies after I have done what I am allowed to do.?
****************************************
When it was time for bed that night, Kaname had trouble falling asleep.
?What I am allowed to do.?
?What I am allowed to do.?
?What I am allowed to do.?
?What I am allowed to do.?
The words kept echoing in her head. Sousuke was fine, having called her when he got home safely. But, she had been watching the evening news and had seen the piece about the bank robbery. There were a large number of deaths and less serious injuries. The bank robbers had been caught thanks to the actions of a bold but anonymous citizen, but there would be a number of families grieving that night.
Was some of that her fault?
If he hadn?t given his word, would Sousuke have gone in to the Bank?
Could he have made a difference, if he had been so inclined?
Might he have been able to save lives?
Those were difficult thoughts, doubly so since they carried a burden of potential guilt. But, were they fair? It wasn?t Sousuke?s duty, after all. He had no business rushing into a crime scene.
But, wasn?t that what he did for Mithril in a broader sense?
If she had gotten Sousuke to start thinking about limitations, that would be wonderful for her. But, was it also a good thing for everybody else?
*******************************************
*******************************************
FRIDAY
Kaname was in quite a tizzy. No, Sousuke had not done anything otaku---he hadn?t broken his promise. No one else had done anything untoward either---even though there was time left in Sousuke?s pledge, the other students hadn?t done anything to him or to her this morning.
It was the school dance. No, it was The School Dance.
The Dance was a big deal. She had put a lot of effort and hard work into making it happen. There was food to order, decorations to arrange, a band to pay, etc. etc.
That was the easy part.
What would she do about a date? Despite her rather explosive tendencies over the past day or so, Kaname had received a number of written invitations from a group of brave and intrepid boys. She couldn?t remember the last time she had seen so many notes in her locker at a single time---and, not a single one was burned, blown up, or otherwise rendered unreadable.
A karate guy. The captain of the soccer team. Two members of the swim team. Someone from the debating team. Even a rugby player and a nerd.
Kaname kept shuffling through the notes again and again, as if she was looking for one that had gotten lost. She consciously caught herself doing that, and brought it to an end. Why was she thinking about Sousuke.? What made her think he might ever send her a note? Did she even want him too? Of course not! She saw way too much of that otaku as it was.
?HMMPPFF! Big idiot!? She huffed, verbalizing her thoughts.
?Kaname, are you OK? You sound upset.? It was Kyouko.
?Of course I?m OK, Ky. Why would I be upset. It?s the big day?.? Kaname tried to look nonchalant.
?Didn?t get an invitation from Sousuke, did you?? Kyouko smiled.
?No. The jerk!? Kaname looked crossly at her friend. She had done it to her again.
?Are you going to choose from one of them?? Kyouko pointed at the note paper crumpled up in Kaname?s clenched fist.
?I don?t know, Ky. I don?t know?.? Kaname sighed.
?You know, you COULD ask Sousuke. He may not know any better. Did they even have dances where he came from last?? Kyouko had a good point.
?I know. But I?m not sure I would even want to go with him, Ky.? It was the truth. She often found herself confused about her feelings for Sousuke---when she allowed herself to give him a lot of purposeful thought.
?Well, I?ll see you there in any case. Do you have a nice new dress picked out?? Kyouko grinned. It was not a question of ?if.? It was a matter of ?how many.?
Kaname held up her hand. Three fingers were showing. That was another decision she had to make. She shook her head violently when Kyouko went about her business. Why did she keep wondering which dress Sousuke might prefer. Did he even notice whenever she wore a dress? Probably---it must have some kind of strategic value to him in planning out his surveillance and defense. Freed of such necessities today, would he see her any differently?
?WILL KANAME CHIDORI PLEASE REPORT TO THE LOADING BAY. YOU HAVE A DELIVERY.?
Kaname would have to worry about dates later. One of the trucks must have arrived. It was a bit early for the caterer. Perhaps the band had come early, wanting to check out the place they would be playing.
It was neither.
?Miss Chidori?? The speaker was a bald man with a large scar running from his eye to his jaw. He held a large clipboard.
?Yes. That?s me. Do you have a delivery?? Kaname looked over at the plain white truck. There were no markings that gave her any clues.
?No. A pick-up.? He took a pistol out from under the clipboard. ?Get in the back of the truck quietly, please. That?s a nice outfit. I?d hate to get any blood on it.? He signaled to his comrades. One took a struggling Kaname by her arms?. The other took her feet. With no sign of kindness, they tossed her in the back of the truck and closed the rear doors.
?LET ME OUT, YOU BASTARDS!? Kaname banged on the doors to no effect. ?HELP!!!?
No one heard her. The inside of the truck was lined by layer upon layer of sound dampening foam and rubber.
?Sousuke?.? she said in a whisper.
Where was Sousuke. Even if he was unable to act, he often made it a point to keep an eye on her. Why wasn?t he here? He could have rescued her!!!
Kaname?s heart sank. Even if Sousuke were here, he?d only be in danger. He had made such a big deal about keeping his promise. His honor seemed more important to him than anything else.
That damn promise. It made things worse, not better. She never should have tried to change Sousuke that much. At least, not all at once.
She thought about ?bad.? She though about ?worse.? Why were they after her. Was it because she was Whispered? Could it be that maniac again, or someone he worked for? No, he had been blown up by Sousuke, when she helped him learn how to use the Lambda Driver. That was scant comfort to her, speeding down the highway to who knows where, and for who knows what reason.
********************************************
The kidnappers had not seen Sousuke. Neither had Kaname.
Moving quickly, he had snuck outside?.. rolled under the truck?.. attached a magnetic tracking device?.. and rolled back out again. A quick check on his receiver showed that everything was functional.
Hiding out in one of the secluded areas of the boiler room, Sousuke removed his short wave radio set from its place of concealment.
?Urzu 7 calling Danaan, do you read. Over. Urzu 7 calling Danaan, please answer.?
A reply came after a number of minutes.
?Urzu 7, I read you. What is your situation?? It was Captain Testarossa,
?Captain, the bird has flown.?
?I see. So our plan worked after all. Mr. Kalinin was right.? Sousuke had called Tessa and Kalinin after he made his promise. It was the proper thing to do. He also wanted to know if they had any concerns about Kaname?s safety.
?Yes, Captain. Should I proceed as planned??
?Yes, Sgt. Sagara. You will have whatever back-up you need.? There was a slight pause. ?Be careful, Sousuke.?
?I will, Captain. Urzu 7 out.?
Sousuke headed off to a rendezvous point. Kurz would be waiting with a vehicle---whatever car or truck had been the easiest to ?borrow.? Melissa would be on the move in her M9.
?Well, Sousuke old chum, it looks like you get to play the knight in shining armor again!? Kurz was in his eternal good mood. ?Do you want to know what REALLY happened in those fairy tales.?
?No.?
?Good! When the knight rescues the damsel in distress from a dragon, and ogre, or some evil black knight, she doesn?t just give him some fancy ribbon to wrap around his arm.? Kurz smiled, seeing the disgruntled look on Sousuke face. ?Have I tweaked your interest yet??
?No.? Sousuke swallowed, hard.
?Oh yeh! She usually starts by giving him a stocking or two. After that, her petticoat or gown. They had a lot of clasps and buttons and things. It just meant they were all the more eager by the time they got down to bare skin.? Kurz took a drink from a soda bottle and pressed the accelerator to the floor. ?You know what happens next, right??
?Uh?.? Sousuke was sweating.
?Exactomundo. A lot of sweating, grunting, moaning, and shouting for more. Just like with me and Mao!? Kurz sped between a narrow opening in the traffic. ?If she was here, she?d be reliving some hot and steamy memories.?
?Urzu 2 to Urzu 6, over.? It was Melissa. Kurz turned up the volume on the portable communicator.
?We?re here, babe.? Kurz gave Melissa an idea of their current position.
?Sousuke, can you hear me?? Melissa asked after she had gotten all the information she needed, and had given the orders she needed to give.
?Affirmative, Sgt. Major.?
?Is that asshole Kurz giving you any trouble, sergeant??
Sousuke didn?t answer. That was answer enough for Mao.
?I see. It?s too bad I?m not with you now.? Melissa?s knuckles could be heard crackling over the open channel.
?Sgt. Weber expressed the same thought. Something about moaning, shouting, sweating?.. and you, Sgt. Major.?
Kurz took both hands off the wheel and plastered them over Sousuke?s mouth. It was too late. The damage was already done.
?We can?t worry about that now.? Kurz let out a large breath after hearing that. ?You two get to Kaname?s location?.. report in what you find?.. and wait for further orders. Let?s get this thing done quickly, boys. We don?t want to miss the funeral.? Melissa chuckled.
?Funeral?? Sousuke sounded confused. ?The idea is to rescue Miss Chidori alive, is it not??
?Of course, Sousuke. It?s for someone else we all know. Ask Kurz.?
Kurz was sweating heavily.
********************************************
Kaname was manhandled roughly into a Bait and Tackle shop at the edge of a dirty and run down old pier. She was thrown hard upon a stack of coiled rope, boots, and soiled rags.
?I hope you decide to be troublesome? a large tattooed man said with a near toothless grin. He had a large knife in one hand. ?We might want to do some fishing on the way out. If you don?t give us what we need, at least we will have us a whole lotta chum!?
Kaname tried to burrow under the rope.
?Kanataro, enough of that! You know we need to keep her alive, no matter what.? A man with a long Fu Manchu mustache was shooting a spear gun at clothing dummies.
?Awww, Mitoki. She can stay alive without any arms or legs, can?s she?? The man began picking his remaining teeth with the knife.
?Keep it down, you fools.? The bald scarred man walked into the room after giving the surroundings a good once over. ?We need to get her on board. The Captain is ready to move out. We can?t afford to miss that sub.?
***********************************
As Kurz drove them quickly across the city towards the wharf, Sousuke was deep in thought.
He was concerned about Kaname. They were taking an awfully big risk. It hadn?t been his decision.
Mr. Kalinin had reported to him that the Intel Department had been picking up subtle signs that some kind of operation was in the works. All signs pointed towards Tokyo. It wasn?t too hard to guess who the target might be.
With a lot of time and careful planning, any talented group of kidnappers could come up with a very good plan, one that would be very difficult to defend against. But, what if a golden opportunity appeared to fall directly into their lap? Would they abandon their other plan and grab the low-hanging fruit? It was certainly worth a try. What did they have to lose?
They could lose Kaname. Sousuke knew that she would be in danger from the men any way, but somehow he still felt as if he had set her up. After all of his talk and show about honor, he felt like a deceiver and a cad. He really would have acted pretty much the same, had he not called in to report his pledge. But, he never would have let lives be at risk, if he could have prevented that. He felt some guilt about the bank. It was hard taking that beating at the hands of those gangsters.
There was no choice but to behave the way he had. He knew that the word of his situation---and his subsequent actions--- would make it to certain people. That was the whole idea. If the right people thought that Sgt. Sousuke Sagara was out of the picture, their task would be so much easier. The time limit of one week would allow Mithril to assign time-sensitive resources appropriately.
Sousuke guessed that there had been good things that came from his deception. He had learned a lesson about ?normal? students, and how they might feel. He had seen the good and the bad in his classmate?s feelings for him and Kaname. He had learned a little something more about Kaname.
?Over there! They should have driven it off of the wharf and into the sea. That?s the truck.? Sousuke had spotted the vehicle. They had already been brought to the general vicinity by the tracking device he had planted.
?Oh yeh! It?s time to get happy. I?ll call Sis.?
*********************************************
The freighter Ataturk out of Gazipasa was a smallish ship. It was heavily rusted, and the decks were awash with refuse and loose cargo. It was not the type of ship most people would turn a suspicious eye towards. However, if they looked beneath the filth, and under the seemingly haphazard arrangement of tarps and coverings, they might be somewhat surprised.
The ship was a Trojan Horse of sorts. It has equipped with oversize engines, the most sophisticated nautical equipment available, and a staggering amount of firepower. Her crew was a hardboiled group of sailors, just one step removed from brigands and cutthroats. The idea was to sneak out unsuspected. They did not want any reason to fight. But if they had to, they would make someone pay dearly.
?I don?t want to go up there!? Kaname shouted when they dragged he towards the wooden gangplank. ?Let? me? go!!!?
?No chance of that in Hell, missy!? The bald man was still laughing when his head exploded. Score one for Kurz.
?What the f@ck? We?ve been screwed. Kill that bitch and make a run for it!? The man with a mustache clutched his chest. Blood fountained out of his mouth. Kurz had struck again.
Either the third man was stupid, or had a greater desire to inflict pain than he did to survive: grinning like a moron, he pulled Kaname behind a large stack of crates, out of view. He raised his knife over Kaname?s head.
Something black flashed out of nowhere. The man?s grasp on Kaname?s wrist was gone. There was no sign of the man. A loud gurgling cry of pain came from inside a nearby shanty.
Kaname wanted to run, but she didn?t know where. Were the unseen men her rescuers? Or, where they a rival gang or group after the same prize? Her! She didn?t have time to decide. The crates disintegrated, hit by a buzzing swarm of projectiles. She watched in horror as a large section of planks began jumping off of the wharf. The trail was headed right in her direction.
Someone grabbed Kaname and moved just as the fire from the Black Market multi-barrel gun passed through the spot she had been standing on.
?We need to move, Kaname. This area is not safe. That ship will come under considerable attack soon.?
Kaname blinked twice and rubbed her eyes. It was Sousuke! Sousuke dressed in his usual combat gear.
?Sousuke?.?
?There?s no time. Move!? He dragged her roughly along, just as his earlier words became prophetic.
Melissa had turned off the ECS on her Arm Slave. A well-aimed flight of missiles tore the early model Phalanx to pieces. She next targeted a cannon that had been hidden underneath a pile of tarps. The shots from her Bofors ripped the gunners to shreds.
?But Sousuke?. your promise?.. how?..? Kaname fell hard to the ground on top of Souske when he kicked her legs out from under her. Gunshots threw huge splinters off of the fence posts she had been running by.
?Urzu 2, we are under considerable sniper fire. It looks to have come from the ship?s superstructure.? Sousuke pulled his leg into cover just ad more shots pock-marked the old wooden planks.
?I hear you Sousuke. I?m on it.? Melissa had a new primary target. Before she pulled her trigger, she saw one man fall off of the high structure, soon followed by another. Kurz was getting his money?s worth.
Two more missile streaked away from Melissa?s M9. There was a massive explosion. The superstructure seemed to collapse in on itself in slow motion. More missiles followed. The ship was taking on serious damage. Men were jumping overboard. Others ran for any and all firefighting equipment available. Kaname was no longer their primary concern.
?Chidori, are you hurt. Do you have any wounds?? Not waiting for an answer, Sousuke swept Kaname up into his arms and began running. He did not stop until he was back at the parking area.
Kurz had ?requisitioned? a new vehicle. He was leaning out the window, a devilish look on his face. ?That?s some maiden you have there, Sir Sousuke. Are you ready for your reward??
?Uh?? Sousuke was so taken aback, he forgot to set Kaname down.
?Don?t want to let go of her? I can?t blame you. A girl like that doesn?t come around too often.?
?Uh??
Kurz waved his hand towards the rear of the vehicle. ?Now you can see why I chose a full length van. You two ought to have plenty of room back there.?
?Uh??
Kaname?s shock was wearing off. She did not liked to be talked about---or ?Uh-ed? about---as if she wasn?t even there.
?Sousuke, are you going to keep your hand on my butt all night?? There was no trace of humor in Kaname?s voice.
?Kaname!? Souske dropped her hard onto the ground.
?Sousuke! That hurt! You moron!? Kaname was close to being her old self again.
?Weber, you horse?s ass! What are you still doing here? Get Kaname out, NOW!? Melissa?s M9 seemed to vanish into thin air when she reactivated its active camouflage system
?All aboard the Love Machine, boys and girls. Knights and their ladies to the rear, please.? Kurz was laughing. As Sousuke went to open the rear of the van, Kaname had different plans. Seeing a bunch of see gulls fighting over some form of stinking fish carcass, she shooed away the birds and picked up the disgusting mess. She rubbed it all over Kurz? hair.
?HMMPPFF!!! You got it easy. Wait until I deal with Sousuke.?
?It?s good to have you back?.? Kurz said, wincing.
**************************************
Bouncing around in the back of the van, Kaname was hugging her knees close to her. She kept staring at Sousuke?s outfit and his weapons bag. There was no way he would have had time to run home and get them. Did Kurz or Melissa bring a spare set with them, or had Sousuke been expecting something like this to happen.
?Sousuke?.?
?Yes, Kaname??
?I think you owe me an explanation.? Kaname looked Sousuke directly in the eyes.
?Explanation, Kaname??
Kaname scowled and remained silent. Her one hand gripped her pants leg tightly.
Sousuke knew that his usual response was inappropriate. He decided he would be completely truthful with her.
?Yes.? Sousuke rubbed his hand through his hair. ?The promise was real, Kaname. However, there were details you did not know about.?
?Obviously.? Kaname sounded very sour. She had just escaped by the skin of her teeth. Again. Sousuke had gone military. Again, and before the end of the week. The dance was under way. They probably wouldn?t let her attend it until they were sure she was safe.
Sousuke described the details.
?You went through a lot to preserve your lie,? Kaname said bitterly.
?Lie, Kaname??
?You never intended to keep your promise entirely, did you? You were just using me. Even if it was for my own good Sousuke, that hurts. It hurts more than an otaku like you could possibly understand.? Kaname looked away from him.
?No, Kaname. If you had not been kidnapped, I would have kept my promise, no matter what anyone else did to me---or to you. That is---? Sousuke stopped a moment. The adrenaline was still keeping him on edge. It was harder to keep his usual composure.
?Thinking up another good lie, soldier?? Kaname?s voice was low and nasty.
?No. If you were in real danger from those gangsters, I would have disobeyed my orders. If our classmates were going to violate you or seriously injure you, I would have aborted the mission. It would have gotten me in serious trouble. But?.? Sousuke went quiet. It was his turn to look away.
?You would have done that for me?? Kaname?s face softened. She wasn?t certain what she was hearing.
?I? uh?? Sousuke ran his hand through his hair again. ?It would not make any sense to allow you to get hurt, Kaname. After all, the goal of the mission was to maintain your well-being. Naturally, when they thought about it, my superiors would see the logic of my actions.?
?I see. Logic. Do you really believe that Sousuke?? Kaname looked over at him.
?Uh??
?Sousuke?? Kaname smiled. ?Uh? was actually a good answer.
?Errr??
?Take your time.? Kaname tried to stop smiling.
?Ummm??
?Does ?Ummm? mean ?Yes,? Sousuke?? Kaname fought to keep from laughing.
?Negative. ?Ummm? means ?Ummm,? and ?Yes? or ?Affirmative? mean ?Yes.?? Sousuke used his sleeve to mop the sweat off of his brow.
?So, what you were trying to say was that you were worried about me. You cared about me. You wouldn?t let anything happen to me, even if it got you in trouble.? Kaname allowed herself to smile. Sousuke was trapped.
?I did not use such words, Kaname.?
?Souske!?
?Uh??
?SOUSUKE!!!? Kaname stood up, banged her head on the van roof, then sat back down hard. The look on her face prompted Sousuke?s answer more than her shout had.
?Affirmative.?
No one spoke for a while. Kaname wasn?t certain exactly what she was feeling. Sousuke wondered if he had somehow broken some form of rule after all.
Kaname sighed. She put her head in her hands.
?Are you OK, Kaname? Do you need medical attention? I forget how strong you are---I should have asked you before. It is my mistake?.?
?No, Sousuke. It?s not that. You didn?t do any thing wrong.? Kaname leaned her head back against a rear panel of the van. ?It?s the dance, Sousuke.?
?Dance, Kaname??
?Yes, Sousuke. The Dance. You knew there was one tonight, didn?t you. Had you asked someone?? Kaname bit her lip. Why did that last question slip out.
?I was aware, Kaname. I would not have been there, however.?
?O, I see.? Kaname?s voice faded.
?I do not understand dances, Kaanme. No one has taught me about them yet. Their purpose escapes me.? Sousuke?s voice was flat, unemotional. ?Please do not get angry again, Kaname. I would have left you at the dance, purposely unwatched. It would have been a good chance to abduct you, had the kidnappers not acted earlier.?
?Ah.? Kaname nodded her head. It made good tactical and strategic sense. ?If there had been no mission, what would you have done, Sousuke??
?I would have gone and stood in a corner, Kaname. To keep an eye on you.?
?Of course. I should have known. You can dress an otaku up, but you can?t make him dance.? Kaname chided herself. That had been unkind. Sousuke had told her about his life. When had there been time for dancing? Sleeping with the dogs in Afghanistan? Awaiting possible court martial after Guatemala?
Souske didn?t speak. He simply leaned back against the van wall near Kaname and closed his eyes.
?I?m sorry, Sousuke.?
?Why, Kaname? What you spoke was the truth. ? His eyes remained tightly shut.
Kaname put her hand on his and gave it a brief squeeze.
?It was unkind just the same. You don?t deserve that. Sometimes I forget what you told me. I was confused once, Sousuke. I was lost with no idea what to do.?
?Kaname?? Sousuke opened his eyes and tilted his head a bit.
?When I first landed in America. And, after returning her,e used to the life over there. It took me a while to find my way too, Sousuke. I don?t have any reason to feel bad about that. Either do you.? Kaname wiped a tear from her eye.
It was quiet again for a while after that.
?Kaname??
?You worked very hard to arrange that dance, did you not. I remember you speaking with many people about it.?
?Yes, Sousuke.? Kaname sighed.
?It is very important for girls to go to dances? Even when it is not their responsibility??
?Yes. Affirmative, Sousuke.? She sighed again.
?We should tell Sgt. Weber to take us there. It would probably be safe, especially if he waited outside. We can go to a debriefing later. You should not miss your dance, Kaname.?
?What?!? Kaname sat straight up.
?The dance. If I can arrange it, do you still wish to go??
?Yes. Are you asking me to the dance, Sousuke?? Kaname?s stare was intense.
?Uh. I was just?.?
?It sure sounded like you were asking me to the dance Sousuke.? She smiled at his sudden discomfort.
?But. I was merely?.?
?In any case, that?s how I chose to see it! I accept, Sousuke. Tell Kurz.?
?Uh??
?NOW, SOLDIER!?
?Sir, yes sir!?
After Sousuke got back from talking with Kurz through the divider, he informed Kaname that they were now headed for Jindai High. If need be, Kurz would lie, saying they got lost?. were chased by police after the stolen van?. whatever.
?That?s wonderful Sousuke. I?m so happy. I will even overlook your terrible acts of dishonesty.?
?Uh?.?
?I will also let you escort me to the dance.?
?Uh??
?But, while we wait to get there, you can answer some questions for me.? Kaname smiled devilishly.
?Kaname??
?What was Kurz talking about there earlier. Something about a maiden and Sir Sousuke?? Kaname felt an evil sense of satisfaction as Sousuke looked to see if the van doors would open from the inside.
****************************************
The dance had gone very well. Everyone complemented Kaname on the arrangements. After she and Sousuke had arrived, it had been a wonderful evening.
The amazing Kurz Weber had lived up to his name. He always kept a dress jacket and a tie in his weapon bag. Kaname was going to seriously suggest that Sousuke start doing the same. The blonde-haired soldier took a perch up on the roof with his sniper rifle. There wouldn?t be a safer dance in all of Tokyo. But, that was only because Sousuke?s promise was still in effect.
The dress coat and tie worn over his combat outfit, Sousuke was an exotic sight. At first, Kaname thought it was cute. No, amusing. But, the bold look caught the eye of a large number of other girls. It seemed that an endless line of young ladies wanted to teach Sousuke how to dance. Kaname was no longer amused.
?Sousuke, let me get one thing straight. You will not learn to dance from anyone but me. Consider that an order!? Kaname shocked herself. Just what was she doing?
?Kaname, the promise is still active. Orders are a military thing.?
?SOUSUKE!!!?
?Yes, Kaname. By your command.?
Sousuke perspired heavily. He was obviously very uncomfortable. Kaname noticed. It made her very happy.
?You are a very good athlete, Sousuke. And your reactions are amazing. You will make a great dance partner.? Kaname laughed at the look on his face.
?If you say so, Kaname.?
?Here, take my hands. I like this song. Let?s try some things together.? She grabbed Sousuke?s hands before he could hide them behind his back.
?We are touching, Kaname?? Sousuke?s eyes were wide.
?Yes, Sousuke. You noticed that, did you?? Kaname?s laugh was audible over the pulsing beat of the music.
?Uh??
?Are you uncomfortable, Sousuke?? Kaname?s smile grew larger.
?Uh??
?Or do you find the dancing fun?? She squeezed his hands tighter.
?Uh??
?Wait until we get to learn slow dancing.? She let go of Sousuke?s hands and stepped closer to him.
?Slow dancing, Kaname??
She whispered in his ear, telling him what that entailed. Seeing him blush, she whispered some more.
?Are you OK, Sousuke? Do you need medical attention? I forget how strong you are---I should have asked you before. It is my mistake?.? The Cheshire Cat would feel jealous seeing that grin.
?Uh??
That was exactly what Kaname was hoping to hear.
*****************************************
*****************************************
MONDAY
The weekend had gone off without a hitch for both Sousuke and Kaname. The young soldier was never faced with any situation that would require him to break his vow again. The young lady spent a large part of Saturday replaying the events of the dance in her mind, and the bulk of Sunday denying that it had meant anything.
When they both made there way to school on Monday, there were a number of surprises waiting.
The students had taken up a collection, and had visited an engraver. They had a medal made for Sousuke, in honor of his valiant efforts. He deserved it. They also hoped that it would touch Sousuke?s heart---maybe he would refrain from going back to his old ways.
The second surprise was even more significant. The Principal called an unscheduled gathering of the entire student body in the auditorium.
?It came to my attention early on, just what had been going on in the school over the past week.? The Principal moved his gaze from seat to seat, seemingly intent on making eye contact with every student. ?I must say that a number of teachers did not set a very good example for the students, but they have been spoken with.?
A number of teachers tried to sneak out of the doors. They were restrained by their fellows.
?Other teachers were rightfully concerned. They wanted me to put a stop to all of the pranks and other signs of poor character.?
Some students looked defiant. Others hung their heads, feeling guilty.
?But, as long as no one was seriously injured, I was content to let things continue. It was not as if the young man in question had not earned some of the response he got?.? The Principal nodded towards Sousuke. ??but more importantly, I thought it might serve as a good lesson for him, and for the rest of you. I would be very surprised if you have not learned good and bad things about yourself, and your fellow students.?
Some people had trouble making eye contact with their classmates. A lot of people glared at the members of the Rugby Club.
?I hope that the lessons you have learned over that week will serve you well in the future. I will leave you to your own private thoughts over such matters. For now, I wish to move on to something of a celebratory nature. An award. Mr. Sagara, will you please stand.?
Sousuke did as he was ordered.
?I know the two of us have had our differences. I know you and about everyone else in the school have had differences.?
?HELL YES!!!? Somebody yelled out. It was Kaname.
?But, I must say I am very impressed by the character it took to keep your word, especially given some of the situations you found yourself in. You should be very proud of yourself. I believe we all owe you a round of applause.?
The entire class---with the exception of the Rugby Squad, Shirai, and a couple of other malcontents---gave Sousuke a standing ovation.
?Now, Mr. Sagara. I would like you to join me up on stage.? The principal took a towel off of a large golden trophy.
Sousuke headed up the stairs. Everyone went dead quiet. They had good reason to. Some students sat uneasy in their seats.
?It is with great honor that I present to you this magnificent trophy of my own design. I hope you treasure it as you should, and use it as a reminder of the respect and good wishes you win from all of us when you are under your best behavior. Another round of applause, please.?
The room remained quiet. The Principal was perplexed.
?I am very grateful,? Sousuke said. ?But, I must regretfully decline the honor.?
?But, why?? The Prinicipal took the pad of paper that Sousuke handed him and began flipping though the pages.
Sousuke had carried his weapons bag up on stage with him.
Kaname shook her fist at him. He waved back.
?For the first award today, I shall mention the Rugby Club.? Sousuke pulled the pin on one of the dozen concussion grenades he had poured out at his feet.
********************************************************
THE END
[FIC] Cold Turkey (part 4)
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Perfect Soldier
- Fanfic demi-god(dess)|Fanfic demi-god|Fanfic demi-goddess
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