[FIC] Class Act (part 3)
Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:59 pm
After Miss Okibasu woke up, things went smoothly for a while. Little traffic. No blue sedans. No gossip.
Apparently, their teacher was still tired. With each passing mile, her eyelids dropped down a notch. When they touched bottom, she fell asleep again.
Staring out the window, Kaname prayed for a change in fortune. Tackled pizza delivery men. Rough handling of miscreants in the gym. Heavy weights falling on her foot. Conducting a weapons search in front of a busload of her fellow classmates. Sousuke driving. Gossip about her. Innuendo about her and Sousuke. A boy with his hand in her shirt. The bus roaring along without a driver. Blue cars. Stunt driving.
Why her?
One word--Sousuke. He had mentioned something he saw in an anime once…like she cared. In one show there was a hero named Vash. His nickname was the Humanoid Typhoon. That was the perfect nickname for Sousuke!!!
Of course, he did stand up for her and had come to her rescue.
Looking at her watch, Kaname realized that she had been thinking about a certain Mithril sergeant for an absurd amount of time. She needed something else to do. Kyouko and Ren were fast asleep. Mizuke was awake, but she was still on Kaname’s bad side. What did she use to do with Ayame when they were younger? Oh yes, the ‘car game.’ They used to count the number of cars they saw of each color. She was much to old for that now.
She drummed her fingers against the base of her window. One green car. One white car. Two blue cars.
Two blue cars???
Kaname hesitated saying anything. Who knows how long they had been back there. Nothing had happened. But, every time someone took notice of them, Sousuke became overly reckless. Only by good fortune had then remained wreck-less.
No. She would not say anything.
But, what if they were terrorists? What if it was those gangsters again? Sousuke didn’t have the Bonta-Kun suit with him now. There was no way it would fit in his bag, and she had checked the cargo wells before they had left Jindai High.
“Damn!”
Kaname’s exclamation woke Kyouko. “Ka-naaaa-may. What time is it? What’s wrong?” Kyouko bent over and looked out the window. “The blue cars! Kaname, it’s the blue cars again. I’d better go tell Sousuke.” She hopped up and headed towards the front after snapping a couple of pictures of the cars.
“Kyouoko…NO!” Too late. She would need to take care of this before things got out of hand. She ran to the front of the bus.
“Sousuke….” She would ORDER him to drive safely this time.
“Kaname! Good. You are here.”
“Sousuke, I do not want any vehicular nonsense. Do you understand?”
“Perfectly. You are in charge. Take the wheel.” Grabbing his weapons bag, Sousuke stood and vacated the driver’s seat. He looked at the road, and then at Kaname. “I suggest you take over, Chidori. Otherwise, the drift into the left lane will cause a collision.”
“SOUSUKE!!!” Kaname jumped into the seat and jerked the wheel too strongly, causing the bus to shake for a moment. “What are you DOING???”
“I am going to determine the nature of those two cars once and for all. If they represent a potential threat, I am going to radio for assistance." Now was not the time to tell her about Mithril specifically. "If they pose an immediate danger, I will take them out, drawing as little attention to myself as possible.” Before Kaname could argue against his plan, Sousuke opened the bus door, grasped the top of the bus, and swung himself up and out of view.
There was a thump on top of the bus.
The students who were still awake and had taken notice looked at one another. Then, they simply shrugged their shoulders. It was Sousuke, after all. They also ignored the steady stream of curses that fell from Kaname’s lips. They were used to that, too.
Kyouko pouted. The most exciting stuff yet, and there was no way for her to get any pictures of any of it. “Kaname…try not to shake the bus. We wouldn’t want Sousuke to fall off!” She bit her tongue. Maybe she shouldn’t have brought that up, given Kaname’s current state of mind. Uh oh.
“Don’t tempt me, Ky. Don’t tempt me.” Kaname whispered under her breath. She had to force her hands to stop shaking. What did she think she was doing? She didn’t have any experiencing driving a car much less a bus. Now the lives of all her friends and fellow students were in her hands. Damn that Sousuke! She swallowed hard. He was up on the roof of a bus cruising along at nearly 100 km/hr. If he should slip…. “Sousuke….”
Sousuke, the wind blowing his hair wildly, slid his way along the top of the bus, belly down. His bag dragged along behind him. He was caught up in the moment. Memories of his earlier life in Afghanistan returned uninvited.
He was wounded, blood pouring out of a gash on his leg. The dust was swirling about him fiercely. Grenade in his hand, he inched forward on the turret of a T-62, ready to drop it down a hatch.
Blinking hard, he forced his thoughts to return to the present. They did not stay there for long.
One hand, nearly too numb to use, clung to the canvas on the top of the Soviet truck. Crawling over the metal ribbing, he was almost thrown off when the rear wheels sank hard in a deep rut. AK-47 ready, and knife in his teeth, he made his way towards the driver’s compartment.
There was no time for this. His classmates were depending on him, whether they knew that or not.
It was night time. The sound of laughing soldiers came from the area of the cookfires. He saw the flicker of a flame as a sentry lit up a cigarette. Crawling slowly on his belly, he moved under a series of armored vehicles, placing magnetic mines on their steel bellies. He prayed fervently, hoping the camp dogs would not pick up his scent.
“ENOUGH!” He rammed his own fist into his face. “Enough. There is work to do.” The memories fled.
When he reached the rear of the bus, Sousuke assembled his H&K MSG 90 sniper rifle. He put in a full clip. Slinging it over his shoulder, he took out his binoculars. Trying not to be seen, he zoomed in on the lead car. The driver had glasses and curly gray hair. Her skin was wrinkled. It was a woman. An elderly woman.
Could that be a terrorist? Possible. One cannot assume nothing. There might also be someone in the rear seat with a gun, forcing the woman to drive. To assess that possibility, Sousuke continued with his observation. There was a woman in the passenger seat and two more in the rear. All elderly. All dressed in nice coats, wearing flowered hats on their heads. One had a bead necklace suspending a large cross.
He rolled to one side of the bus. Checking there rear compartment, he saw no evidence of anyone else crouching down or pushing any of the women to the side. Scanning along the car, he came across a series of letters on the front door: JAPAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TOKYO CHURCH
Swinging his view over to the second car, he noticed similar letters there as well. Church vehicles. Driven by members of a prayer circle. To be certain, he let himself be seen, so as to judge their response. They would probably ignore him or wave politely.
The front seat passenger pointed at Sousuke. She and the driver stuck their hands out of their windows and held them up. Both gave Sousuke the finger.
Sousuke was aghast. That was not appropriate behavior for matronly women of any denomination. But, church women? Could they indeed be terrorists? Amazing things could be done with latex and make-up. Or, could they have been recruited by some other group, gangsters perhaps? What should he do? Reaching into his bag, he pulled out two nail bombs, potato-masher grenades coated with resin and a thick covering of nails.
“No. I can’t use these on them.” There might be significant collateral damage to innocent motorists. He unslung his rifle. It shouldn’t prove difficult to take out a tire on each car. He put the rifle to his shoulder and waited. If he saw anything suspicious, he would fire.
Minutes passed. Sousuke had no idea how many, as he would not spare a glance at his watch. Finally, with a flippant honk of their horns, both blue sedans pulled off the highway, making their way up an exit ramp. Sousuke breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that he had exercised restraint. Those women were certainly fortunate that it was Sousuke Sagara they had been dealing with. Who knows what tragedy might have ensued if they had crossed paths with someone less patient and forgiving.
When Sousuke pulled the bus doors back open again, Kaname almost jumped out of her skin. "Sousuke, were you raised in a BARN?!!" He breathing was rapid and her pulse was up. "Didn't anyone ever teach you to knock?"
"Kaname?"
"Never mind, Sousuke." She hesitated. "I'm just glad you're safe." That last had come out in a rush. "What happened out there?"
"I took stock of the situation. It proved safe, if somewhat unique. The potential threat vehicles took an exit, and I returned inside. Do you wish to continue driving?"
"Oh..." The fact that she was still behind the wheel hit Kaname like a load of bricks. She had stopped giving it any thought. In fact, she had actually begun to enjoy it. "I think I will, for just a little while longer. But, stay up here by me, in case I need your help."
Kyouko walked up to join them. Then Ren followed suit. Shinji too.
"Is there a convention scheduled up here, one I don't know about?" Kaname sounded sort of cross. "Hmmppff!"
"What's with her?" Ren asked Kyouko. "Did Sousuke do something we missed?"
"I don't know. Maybe she just wanted to spend some quiet time with Sousuke...." Kyouko snapped a number of pictures of Kaname behind the wheel.
"That's...NOT...it..." Kaname did not need a crowd. Driving did not come that naturally.
"Oh my, why's our fearless leader so cranky? Water weight gain?" Mizuke was not about to miss whatever was happening.
"NO!"
"Woman driver..." Shinji said, louder than he intended.
Kaname reached for the whisk broom.
"I would request that you all return to your seats. It is best not to disturb the bus driver. This is not a game. Safety is of utmost importance." Sousuke had correctly interpreted Kaname's feelings and state of mind.
The small cluster of friends stared at Sousuke incredulously. He dared say that after his driving exploits?
"I just wanted to find out what you were doing outside, Sousuke!" Shinji was insistant.
"I just wanted to make certain that Kaname was OK" Ren added truthfully.
"Me too," Kyouko said. "And Mizuke only came up to be an annoyance."
"Did NOT!" Mizuke refused to be painted in a bad light.
"You certainly did."
"Stop." That single word caught everyone's attention. It was not the volume, as Sousuke had not shouted. It was his tone of voice. "Kaname must not be disturbed." He patted a bulge in his pocket. His friends got the point. Mizuke, Shinji, and Kyouko flew back to their seats. Ren gave Sousuke a smile before gliding gracefully back to her spot.
"Thank you, Sousuke." Kaname sounded very grateful. She even flashed Sousuke a grin.
"It is not a problem. Things should be simple from here on out."
No sooner than the last word had left Sousuke's lips, the sound of a siren caused Kaname to jump in her seat. Looking in the side mirror, she could see the flashing red and blue lights of a police cruiser.
************************************************************
By now, Kaname was a veteran of mishaps and minor crises. She usually did very well under pressure. Today, however, her nerves were frayed, tattered, and torn.
“Oh no! I don’t have a license. I’m under age. I’m headed for jail, or worse. My permanent record!” She was trembling. Sweat was beading up on her forhead. It felt as if her heart were trying to jump out of her chest. What could she do. “Calm down, girl. Think. Think!”
A hand came down gently on her shoulder. “Chidori, you should return to your seat now.”
“Sousuke? I…I…I can’t let you take the blame for me.” Kaname’s eyes were soft, tearing. Then, without warning, lightning flashed deep within them. “But, I should! After all, it IS ultimately your fault.
He ignored her. Stepping over to the snoring old gentleman, Sousuke shook him. When that didn’t work, he tried smelling salts. Time was becoming critical. The officer must have called in his report by now. Sure enough, he saw movement outside near the rear of the bus.
The wire trick worked again. The man shot upright. His eyes opened abruptly. “Where am I?”
“You are on the bus. You walked back here and fell asleep after you pulled over to the curb. Here, I shall be of assistance. You really should return to your seat.” Sousuke walked the wobbly old gent to the driver’s seat and sat him down.
“I really don’t remember anything…” the man protested. “It’s almost like I just woke up.” He rubbed his unshaven chin. “Hey, I remember you. Weren’t YOU going to drive the bus?”
“That must have been some dream, sir.” Kaname had walked back up once she realized Sousuke’s plan. She had to give her bodyguard grudging respect. It was a clever idea. A bit unfair, perhaps---but, it might just work. “Why would a high school boy be driving a BUS?”
“Oh…hmmm…yes...why…hmmm” Rubbing his eyes, the man turned his head when he heard a rapping sound on the bus doors. “Who’s that?” He pulled back on a lever, opening the doors.
Kaname gasped, and quickly turned her back to the entryway. She had seen that police officer before. More times than she wanted to. What was she doing here?
Her uniform was immaculate. A nightstick swung in her hand. The hat on her short cropped hair sat slightly askew. Her smile looked predatory. And those eyes. Those eyes. Officer Wakana put one foot up on the stairs. “Keep your hands where I can see them. Exit the bus slowly. Now!”
“B-B-But, officer…I…what could…why…” The man looked at a loss for words.
“NOW!!!” Wakana slammed her stick against the sidewall, placing a deep dent on the Watch Your Step sign. “I will not be this polite for much longer.”
The man stumbled, standing up. Sousuke moved to assist him. As he moved, Kaname was exposed.
“You there. Girl. That hair. Turn around.” Kaname did as she was instructed. “You. I know you. Don’t I? Yes, the pony man. And that…that…that damn THING. I suppose your being her is suspicious, no matter what is going on. Off the bus. You…that old geezer…and that boy.” She waved her stick towards Sousuke.
Wakana led them all to a small clearing at the side of the bus. Not long thereafter, every window on that side of the bus opened. Kids fought to hang over the side. A camera flash went off so often, it looked like someone was trying to send Morse Code.
The officer drew her gun, and pointed it towards the bus. ”NO MORE PICTURES!!!” There were no more flashes. Kyouko had turned off the flash. “Now, driver, you have a lot of explaining to do.” She put the gun back in its holster.
“Uh…but I…nothing…how…”
“QUIET!!!” Wakana stuck the end of her nightstick firmly against the base of the man’s nose. “You may be in serious trouble. MAY. It will depend on how you answer my questions.” She turned to Kaname. “Pony pony pony pony pony….” Her smile was crooked. Her eyes lit up in frightening fashion. “We meet again. Every time you cross my path, something happens. Nothing had better happen this time. Since I know you, and you have served me before, you will be able to tell your view of things too.”
“But officer, aren’t you a good bit out of your regular territory? Have you been following the bus all the way from Tokyo?” Kaname hoped not. There would be no denying the things that happened if that were the case.
“Oh. You had to remind me. THANK YOU.” A small drop of spittle at the corner of Wakana’s mouth grew steadily larger. “I was reassigned. I will NOT go into the details with any of you. Why don’t you just give me a nice paper cut and pour some lemon on it?!”
“Miracle Max.” Sousuke nodded his head.
“WHAT?!!!” Wakana stepped over to Sosuke and stared up into his eyes. “Is that some kind of code phrase. Are you planning something? I hope so!”
“No. Miracle Max was a character in The Princess Bride. He used the same line you did, about cuts and lemons.” Sousuke would watch his words and movements. This woman was good, if mentally unbalanced.
“Lucky for you.” She stood a moment, eyeing Sousuke up and down, trying to take his metal. “Should I know you? I somehow feel I should. Why? Never mind” She straightened her hat. “Back to business. Everyone, feel free to speak up while you still can.” She grinned at the old man. A shark would have fallen madly in love, or turned tail and fled. “First, do you have anything to declare?”
“I…um…I’m very tired. If I may, I’d like to lay down and take a short nap…”
“IDIOT! You will take a nap when I lay you down. That might be very soon. A lot of interesting reports came in about a bus. Is there anything ANYONE would like to confess?
“I bet Chidori wants to confess her love for Sagara!” A boy leaning out the window basked in the laughter that followed his poorly timed joke.
“There have been calls about a bus driving hazardously along the shoulder and weaving in and out of traffic.” Wakana was walking towards the bus. “There were even people who swore to see a bus jump up on one side and travel some distance that way. Remarkable. Really amazing.” She stood smiling up at the young man who called out the joke. “But, the most disturbing claim came from two cars full of church women.”
Kaname looked at Souske and mouthed Church Women???. Was that who was in those blue cars? She began to growl.
“You have something to say, blue hair?” Wakana didn’t bother looking back at Kaname.
“No.”
“Better fix that. It will be your turn soon.” The officer looked up at the windows full of high school kids. “First, we must establish appropriate appreciation of the law and its hard working personnel.” Wakana took out her pistol. “Please take hold of the young man who spoke, uninvited. Throw his sorry ass out the window.”
No one moved.
Three shots were fired up into the air. “Young man. Ground. NOW!!!”
With a loud Ooompppfff the boy landed face first in the dirt. Wakana yanked him to his feet.
“I…I…I didn’t do anything, officer. Please…”
Wakana’s nightstick slammed into his calf, then his belly. “You made a joke at Chidori’s expense. I like Chidori, I really do. Perhaps I will not teach you the error of your ways if YOU tell me what has been happening on this bus.”
The boy was caught between a rock and a hard place. He shot a glance in Sousuke’s direction. With one finger, the young soldier made a slashing motion along his neck. The boy swallowed. The cop was scary. Really scary. But she wasn’t Sousuke.
“There have been sing alongs. We teased Chidori unmercifully. Snacks and drinks. Gossip. Magazines and music. The usual….” The boy nodded his head, trying to look sincere. Sousuke gave him a secretive thumbs up sign.
“I see. That answer BORES me.” Wakana slammed her nightstick into the boys groin. “Maybe I can find a reply I like better.” Her teeth were completely visible now. The smile was horrific. She walked over to stand in front of Kaname.
“Chidori…Chidori…Chidori. Do you remember that I said I like you? Well I do. Do you want me to tell you how I like you?” Wakana was chuckling. The sound sent chills up and down Kaname’s spine. “Never mind. How about you tell me what’s been going on? As I was saying, the old bitties said that a man had been on top of the bus. They thought he might have a gun. You see, I‘m only looking out for your welfare.”
Kaname reinforced what the groaning boy had said. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sousuke moving, almost imperceptibly. He was closing the distance between himself, herself, and Wakana.
“That’s just not good enough. I want to hear a confession, even if it means you have to lie. Of course, I’ll let you go free eventually. But not until I do my job. So, what trouble have you all been into…” Putting the nightstick tip between Kaname’s breasts, Wakana pushed her back viciously, knocking her to the ground. “If there really IS a gunman holding you hostage, I will treat you as an accomplice if you do not answer now. If he shoots you for talking, don‘t worry…your death won‘t be in vain.”
Like a striking snake, Sousuke moved. The nightstick spun through the air, landing in a sludgy drainage ditch at the side of the roadway.
“You will NOT hurt Kaname. We should establish that fact now. Things will go easier that way.” Sousuke stepped between Kaname and Wakana. “You may ask her any queston you wish, but you will not be allowed to strike her again. Ever.” The tone in Sosuke’s voice could have shattered iron.
Kaname touched Sousuke’s back lightly, fleeting. “Sousuke,” she whispered.
“Assaulting an officer? NOW I have something. Thank you!” Wakana could barely contain her excitement. She took a step back and drew her revolver. “I WILL interrogate pretty little Chidori again. After I stop the crazed boy who jumps me, trying to steal my weapon!” Her laughter rang out. It stopped abruptly. Sousuke now HAD her gun. How the Hell.
Sousuke emptied the bullets onto the ground and tossed the gun back to Wakana. He crossed his arms on his chest and stood quietly.
“Well…well…well. You really ARE intersesting, Sousuke. I think I like you. But, I will like you more when your bruised and bleeding.” Wakana raised her voice. “You all saw it. The boy grabbed a police officer’s weapon. After a valiant struggle, she won it back again. Burdened by responsibility, she chose not to shoot he dog the way he deserved. She used reasonable force to subdue him.”
Without telegraphing her move, Wakana struck. It was Men-uchi, the strike to the head. She had been trained in Aikido, an art that had mistakenly earned a reputation of bein non-violent. True, it is a primarily defensive technique usesd by police forces to subdue attackers without injury. But, it does provide the framework for offensive attacks.
Sousuke stepped slightly to the side and back, turning. The attack missed.
Most teachers of aikido would stress that the offensive type moves should never be used to commit unprovoked attacks on innocent people. The policewoman must have been absent from class on those days.
Wakana looked enraged. “Lucky. Too lucky for your own good. I WAS going to take it easy on you, stopping when you were unconscious or after the first bone broke.” She moved again, to fast to follow. Stepping behind Sousuke, she went for a double shoulder grab, Kata-tori. “Was…”
Spinning, Sousuke slapped both hands away.
Wakana spat. “Maybe its not luck. Are you a martial artist, Sousuke? It’s been too long since I had a good match.” The look on her face had changed. Her eagerness was a palpable thing. “Class is in session. You may call me sensai.”
Soususke was not usually one for bravado. He remembered something from one of his favorite Bruce Lee movies. Closing off one nostril, he blew the contents of the other onto the ground.
A cheer of “Sooouuusssuuukkkeee” came from the bus. If Wakana had been a bull, that show of support and admiration would have been a red flag.
Scowling, Wakana removed her belt. Moving with blinding speed, she trapped Sousuke’s nearest arm, enacting Tenugui Waza, throwing him. In mid air, Sousuke righted himself, grabbed the belt, and landed. The officer was pulled close to him. She was breathing very hard.
“Is it all you can do to fend me off, Sousuke? Aren’t you skilled enough to attack? Or did you want to get me close to you?” The look on her face was indescribable.
“Oooooooooooooooh. Kaname, it looks like Sousuke has the hots for another girl.”
Kaname had to fight the urge to run on the bus and grab her halisen.
“It is likely that you will twist my efforts to protect an innocent girl into some false charge as it is. Perhaps I could avoid conviction by telling the truth. But, were I to strike you now, no doubt I would face serious charges. I might not be so lucky then, as I would not lie under oath.”
“Well then, I’ll make you a deal. On my word of honor. Nothing will be said about this fight. If you win, you are all free to go, with no further questions. If I win, you will come down to the station with me. Shake?” She held out her hand.
“Sousuke, no! It’s not fair. You could get hurt.” Kaname looked worried. She knew Sousuke was good, but he had seen Wakana hold her own against the Bonta-Kub suit. At least it would only be hand-to-hand.
Sousuke shook the police officer’s hand. “I will trust in your word. You have a warrior’s spirit. Despite your other actions, I do not think you would betray that trust.” Sousuke looked down at the ground, where the bullets still lay. “A question. Will you be using weapons?”
Wakana grinned. “Of course. But I’m quite willing to share. I’ve got a pair of pump shotguns in the trunk and a grenade launcher in the passenger’s seat. We can place them out on the ground, and anyone can use whatever they claim. Does that suit you, Sousuke?” She wanted him to say ‘yes’ more than she had wanted anything for a long time.
“Yes, with a proviso. I need not use weapons unless I choose. And, I may use weapons of my own.”
Wakana’s eyebrows shot up. “Your own? My, aren’t you a mysterious character. Now I’m REALLY starting to like you. Sure, why not. I wouldn’t want you to feel as if you were at a disadvantage.”
“Chidori, please get my bag for me.”
“Sousuke! You can’t seriously be going through with this…you could be badly injured. You could be killed!” Again, Kaname’s expression changed. “And, I am NOT your slave girl! HMMPPFF!!!”
“DO YOU WANT TO BE??????????” The concerted shout from the bus caused Kname to jump, then blush.
Kaname faced the bus and shook her fist.
“Kaname, they will no doubt keep it up while you delay. If I must, I will get down on one knee to ask your assistance. However, if they misinterpret that….”
“Oh.” Kaname could just hear the shouts from the bus if everyone saw something like that. “Alright, Sousuke. Just this once.” She ran to the bus, then returned, carrying the heavy bag.
“Thank you , Kaname. Now, help the old man and that boy back onto the bus. It is time that you all depart. The bus must not remain in this area if there are gunshots. I will lead Officer Wakana towards those warehouses over there. You would not be able to see our actions there, in any case.”
“But, how will you catch up with us if you win.” The look on Kaname’s face made it clear that was not her top concern.
“It will not be a problem Kaname. My only concern would be that you might face some danger in my absence. Otherwise, no doubt you have been wishing all along that I was not on this trip, correct?” There was no anger or sadness in Sousuke’s voice. “Perhaps things will be more enjoyable for you this way.”
“Sousuke….”
“Hurry now, Chidori. The battle is about to begin. It is time for you to go.” With that, Sousuke unzipped his bag, stood straight, and saluted Wakana.
The old man hobbled to and fro, resting his weight on Kaname’s shoulder.
************************************************************
Kaname had a difficult time climbing the stairs onto the bus. She kept looking back at Sousuke. He may drive her crazy in more ways than she cared to imagine, but his priorities never changed. It was his mission to look after her well being and to protect her. Now, when he was in danger, there was no way for her to return the favor. Somehow, she felt as if she were abandoning him. “He would never do that to me” she whispered.
Miss Okibasu was waiting at the top of the stairs, wringing her hands. Tears welled in her eyes. She bowed her head when Kaname stood before her. “I’m so very sorry, Miss Chidori. I failed you. I woke up in the middle of that nightmare, so I was confused and disoriented. After things were explained to me, I was too afraid to step outside. I avoided my responsibility. I let you all down. I‘m not fit to be your teacher.”
Ren and Kyouko walked up to comfort their teacher, trying to convince her to sit back down. “No, I cannot. There is something I can do. Our bus driver still is in no shape to drive. I will take his place. I will take….” Miss Okibasu’s voice caught in her throat. “I will take….Mr. Sagara’s place….”
Kaname placed her hand on her teacher’s arm. “I’m worried too, Miss Okibasu. But, Sousuke is a survivor. You know some of his history. As a child, he faced more than most adults will ever face in an entire life time. He is one of the few people that I know who would have a chance to win here. All we can do now is cross our fingers and pray.”
“But…”
“He made this choice, mam. No one else did it for him. We have to trust in his judgment.” Those words rang ominously in her own ears. Trust Sousuke’s judgment….
Kyouko and Ren echoed Kaname’s words. They stayed in the front seats to offer their teacher encouragement.
As the bus began to roll again, Kaname reached her seat. The mood amongst the students had certainly changed. No one was rushing to tease her or start a scandalous rumor. Everyone was solemn, offering their support to Kaname and voicing their concern for Sousuke. The junior Rugby squad all wanted to sneak out the back of the bus, ambush that cop, and beat her unconscious. They were willing to take their chance on the run. This just wasn’t right.
Calmer heads prevailed. Everyone watched silently as the bus drove away, seeing Sousuke’s figure fade from sight. Would that be the last that anyone saw of him?
************************************************************
Sousuke did not watch as the bus pulled away. If Fate would have it, he would catch up with his classmates again. If his skill was great enough, he would be able to protect Kaname once more. He took not of each place that officer Wakana placed one of her weapons. She had them spread out in an arc, centered on a small clearing between some road signs and a grove of scraggly trees. No doubt, that was where she wished to start their confrontation.
When his opponent returned, her eyes aglow with a sickly light, Sousuke hoisted his opened bag and moved closer to the epicenter. Wakana watched zealously as he took out his weapons and placed them on the ground. Not surprisingly, she was a weapons afficianado.
“Glock 17. A very nice choice. Certainly more reliable and effective than my poor service revolver.” Wakana rubbed her hands together. She liked to talk shop.
“Yes. It has saved my life on a number of occasions.” Sousuke knew it was not wise to say too much. But, only a fool would look at the weapons he had without coming to a number of obvious conclusions. Also, this was a kindred spirit of sorts. He did not approve of her demeanor. He did not respect her abuse of power. He disliked her willingness to embrace madness. Despite all that, she was a warrior.
“Steyr TMP. If only the force would allow us to carry those. Believe me, I HAVE asked. Is that’s what’s high on a high school boy’s list this year? Aftershave, girlie magazines, condoms, and a submachine gun?” Her laughter danced beyond sanity and back again. “Wish I could be your prom date, or at least get to see the look on your date’s father’s face.”
“It too has served me well. I would take something much less conspicuous to any formal social event.” Sousuke could tell by the look on the policewoman’s face that there were countless questions she wanted to ask if she had the time.
“Ahhh. I do NOT recognize that. HK would be the manufacturer, given the styling. It’s not often that I’m stumped.” There were touches of respect and avarice in her voice.
“Special made, based on the discontinued HK-Olin CAWS project. 12 gauge shotshells, tungsten buckshot or flechettes. Fully automatic, with 10 round magazines. Dependable enough to replace my Franchi SPAS-15 with no regrets.” He stopped short of telling her that it was manufactured at Mithril’s behalf.
“Oooooh. What girl wouldn’t want one of those? Now I most certainly need to defeat you. When I do, my personal collection will become even more exotic. Be still my beating heart.” She licked her lips, twice.
Sousuke ignored her commentary. He placed his last items out on the weed infested dirt.
“Nail bombs. Tonfa. Combat knife. Frag grenades. Smoke. Flashbangs. Flare gun. You must have been a member of the Nippon Boy Scouts.” Wakana chuckled.
“No. Afghanistan branch.” That was the closest Sousuke would come to making a joke.
“I see.” Some of her guesses were awfully close to the mark. “Are you ready to begin? It would be nice to prolong the moment, but I do need to get back on patrol sooner or later.” She took up a fighting stance.
“Ready when you are.” Sousuke stood casually. He noted a leather case at Wakana's side. What could be in there?
“Aren’t you going to say something all noble and cliché like ‘Ladies first?' ” Wakana’s voice practically dripped with contempt.
“No.” Sousuke smoothed his hair back with one hand while turning slightly. His action blocked from view, he reached into his pocket and took out a flash bang. He tossed it at his adversary’s feet.
Wakana did a back handspring away from the detonation. “Good. We’ll save the platitudes for the weak-willed and wishy-washy.” In a fluid motion, she took off her hat and withdrew three shuriken. Shuriken jutsu, the technique of using the thrown weapons as a distraction or tactical move, not a primary weapon.
Fluidly, Sousuke easily dodged two of the spinning blades, but was forced to block with one arm while sliding downward. The third blade did no damage, but the split second Sousuke’s move afforded the police woman allowed her to launch Yokomen-uchi, striking hard with the edge of her hand against the side of Sousuke’s body. His level of respect had skyrocketed. She had closed the distance remarkably fast.
Sousuke countered with a powerful sweep, watching incredulously as Wakana vaulted over his leg. Landing, she responded with Tenchi Nage, the “Heaven and Earth throw.” Sousuke landed hard. In the process of righting himself, he almost lost the fight then and there. A manriki shot out of the officer’s sleeve with shocking speed and precision. The weighted chain was aimed for Sousuke’s temple.
Instinctual actions sometimes save lives, and sometimes play into an opponent’s hands. In Sousuke’s case, his quick tilt to the side prevented a fractured skull. He rolled quickly to the side, trying to get safely to his feet. Wakana did not intend to allow him that luxury. The chain came swinging around in a vicious horizontal backhand, targeted for his legs.
Sousuke leaped straight up, the height of his jump drawing a gasp of admiration from Wakana. Landing, he knew the chain would be coming around again, probably as a vertical strike or a 45 degree forehand towards his head. Fortunately, this was not his first time against a chain fighter. He knew what to do. He rushed straight at her, getting inside her arc, and turning towards the direction from which the chain would come. Grabbing Wakana’s arm, he pulled her roughly to the ground.
“Nice!” Wakana grunted. “And convenient!” She withdrew her hand from the bag at her side. Her hand held a wicked looking edged weapon, her forefinger and pinky through iron rings at the end of a short iron rod. Four sharp curved blades were attached to the rod, making it a hideous and fearsome device. Bich’ hwa bagh nakh, the Tiger Claw of India. Its target was Sousuke’s face.
His knee slamming under his opponent’s chin, Sousuke pulled back from the the swipe, the wind from the weapon’s passing causing him to blink. That was MUCH too close. The woman was NOT playing around.
Both combatants got to their feet and circled one another warily.
“You’ve had good teachers. Or, you have consumate instincts and reflexes. Either way, I have to say I’m impressed. And intrigued. Do you have a girlfriend?” Wakana’s look certainly was not seductive.
“No. I have not been assigned one yet.” Sousuke had answered matter-of-factly. Beads of sweat sprang to his forehead. The policewoman noticed and chuckled. Anything could be used as a weapon.
“Oh, how very fortunate.” She unbuttoned her blouse slowly, keeping eye contact with Sousuke all the while. “I’m currently unattached. You might be worth a tumble or two.” She slowly hiked up her skirt.
“Uh….” He was not exactly fascinated, but Sousuke found he could not pull his eyes off of her, whether or not that might be tactically inadvisable.
“Even a tiger needs a mate, Sousuke….” Wakana licked her Bagh Nakh in erotic fashion. “Right, tiger?”
“Errr….”
“Ummmmm. Do you like slit skirts, lover boy?” She used one of the blades on her weapon to rip a neat gash in her skirt, exposing her thigh all of the way up to her panties.
“I…uh…”
Wakana struck. The chain slammed hard against Sousuke’s calf, winding around. Pulling hard, she sent Sousuke hard to the ground. With a feral growl, she sprung, deadly claw speeding towards her intended victim’s groin.
A boot to the face bent back the policewoma’s neck and caused her claw to fall just short of its intended target. Rolling towards Wakana, Souske pulled the wrist with the Bagh Nakh behind her back. Swinging out his leg, he pulled the chain out of her grasp.
“The male black widow spider or praying mantis do not always fare well in their choice of mates.” Sousuke stood and took the chain off of his lower leg. “But that is neither hear nor there. You do not seem like a woman who would attract a likely suitor.” He was making a general observation.
“Attract? Are you saying I am unattractive?” She might not be one to spruce up, but that did not mean that Wakana was entirely devoid of female pride. Her face contorted with rage. Throwing off the Tiger Claw, she charged. Her blows were viscious, aiming in succession for the various accupuncture points of the body.
Sousuke did not have time to reply. For the first time, he was truly concerned. If enough of those blows were to land, or if she connected in the right spot…. The officer was using some form of Dim Mak, the “Death Touch” employed by a number of different Chinese martial arts techniques. He wondered what master in his right mind would teach such a restricted technique to someone with such a dangerous personality and diminished integrity.
The fact that Wakana attempted such a technique spoke of her level of skill. It was not enough for the martial artist to know the precise target points. He or she must also know the exact depth to strike, and how much pressure to apply. The resultatnt effect on the neurological and cardiovascular systems of the victim could cause knockout, instantaneous death, or delayed death.
Managing to block a powerful strike, Sousuke was pushed back against a tree. His movement was now limited. It was a bad situation. The hand technique had been the Fong Ngan Chui, the Phoenix Eye Fist. Wakana must be trained in Choy Li Fut. That form of Kung Fu certainly was not taught by the police force or its favored instructors.
Sousuke knew he was way overmatched in hand-to-hand. Somehow, he must reach his weapons.
************************************************************
End of part 3
Apparently, their teacher was still tired. With each passing mile, her eyelids dropped down a notch. When they touched bottom, she fell asleep again.
Staring out the window, Kaname prayed for a change in fortune. Tackled pizza delivery men. Rough handling of miscreants in the gym. Heavy weights falling on her foot. Conducting a weapons search in front of a busload of her fellow classmates. Sousuke driving. Gossip about her. Innuendo about her and Sousuke. A boy with his hand in her shirt. The bus roaring along without a driver. Blue cars. Stunt driving.
Why her?
One word--Sousuke. He had mentioned something he saw in an anime once…like she cared. In one show there was a hero named Vash. His nickname was the Humanoid Typhoon. That was the perfect nickname for Sousuke!!!
Of course, he did stand up for her and had come to her rescue.
Looking at her watch, Kaname realized that she had been thinking about a certain Mithril sergeant for an absurd amount of time. She needed something else to do. Kyouko and Ren were fast asleep. Mizuke was awake, but she was still on Kaname’s bad side. What did she use to do with Ayame when they were younger? Oh yes, the ‘car game.’ They used to count the number of cars they saw of each color. She was much to old for that now.
She drummed her fingers against the base of her window. One green car. One white car. Two blue cars.
Two blue cars???
Kaname hesitated saying anything. Who knows how long they had been back there. Nothing had happened. But, every time someone took notice of them, Sousuke became overly reckless. Only by good fortune had then remained wreck-less.
No. She would not say anything.
But, what if they were terrorists? What if it was those gangsters again? Sousuke didn’t have the Bonta-Kun suit with him now. There was no way it would fit in his bag, and she had checked the cargo wells before they had left Jindai High.
“Damn!”
Kaname’s exclamation woke Kyouko. “Ka-naaaa-may. What time is it? What’s wrong?” Kyouko bent over and looked out the window. “The blue cars! Kaname, it’s the blue cars again. I’d better go tell Sousuke.” She hopped up and headed towards the front after snapping a couple of pictures of the cars.
“Kyouoko…NO!” Too late. She would need to take care of this before things got out of hand. She ran to the front of the bus.
“Sousuke….” She would ORDER him to drive safely this time.
“Kaname! Good. You are here.”
“Sousuke, I do not want any vehicular nonsense. Do you understand?”
“Perfectly. You are in charge. Take the wheel.” Grabbing his weapons bag, Sousuke stood and vacated the driver’s seat. He looked at the road, and then at Kaname. “I suggest you take over, Chidori. Otherwise, the drift into the left lane will cause a collision.”
“SOUSUKE!!!” Kaname jumped into the seat and jerked the wheel too strongly, causing the bus to shake for a moment. “What are you DOING???”
“I am going to determine the nature of those two cars once and for all. If they represent a potential threat, I am going to radio for assistance." Now was not the time to tell her about Mithril specifically. "If they pose an immediate danger, I will take them out, drawing as little attention to myself as possible.” Before Kaname could argue against his plan, Sousuke opened the bus door, grasped the top of the bus, and swung himself up and out of view.
There was a thump on top of the bus.
The students who were still awake and had taken notice looked at one another. Then, they simply shrugged their shoulders. It was Sousuke, after all. They also ignored the steady stream of curses that fell from Kaname’s lips. They were used to that, too.
Kyouko pouted. The most exciting stuff yet, and there was no way for her to get any pictures of any of it. “Kaname…try not to shake the bus. We wouldn’t want Sousuke to fall off!” She bit her tongue. Maybe she shouldn’t have brought that up, given Kaname’s current state of mind. Uh oh.
“Don’t tempt me, Ky. Don’t tempt me.” Kaname whispered under her breath. She had to force her hands to stop shaking. What did she think she was doing? She didn’t have any experiencing driving a car much less a bus. Now the lives of all her friends and fellow students were in her hands. Damn that Sousuke! She swallowed hard. He was up on the roof of a bus cruising along at nearly 100 km/hr. If he should slip…. “Sousuke….”
Sousuke, the wind blowing his hair wildly, slid his way along the top of the bus, belly down. His bag dragged along behind him. He was caught up in the moment. Memories of his earlier life in Afghanistan returned uninvited.
He was wounded, blood pouring out of a gash on his leg. The dust was swirling about him fiercely. Grenade in his hand, he inched forward on the turret of a T-62, ready to drop it down a hatch.
Blinking hard, he forced his thoughts to return to the present. They did not stay there for long.
One hand, nearly too numb to use, clung to the canvas on the top of the Soviet truck. Crawling over the metal ribbing, he was almost thrown off when the rear wheels sank hard in a deep rut. AK-47 ready, and knife in his teeth, he made his way towards the driver’s compartment.
There was no time for this. His classmates were depending on him, whether they knew that or not.
It was night time. The sound of laughing soldiers came from the area of the cookfires. He saw the flicker of a flame as a sentry lit up a cigarette. Crawling slowly on his belly, he moved under a series of armored vehicles, placing magnetic mines on their steel bellies. He prayed fervently, hoping the camp dogs would not pick up his scent.
“ENOUGH!” He rammed his own fist into his face. “Enough. There is work to do.” The memories fled.
When he reached the rear of the bus, Sousuke assembled his H&K MSG 90 sniper rifle. He put in a full clip. Slinging it over his shoulder, he took out his binoculars. Trying not to be seen, he zoomed in on the lead car. The driver had glasses and curly gray hair. Her skin was wrinkled. It was a woman. An elderly woman.
Could that be a terrorist? Possible. One cannot assume nothing. There might also be someone in the rear seat with a gun, forcing the woman to drive. To assess that possibility, Sousuke continued with his observation. There was a woman in the passenger seat and two more in the rear. All elderly. All dressed in nice coats, wearing flowered hats on their heads. One had a bead necklace suspending a large cross.
He rolled to one side of the bus. Checking there rear compartment, he saw no evidence of anyone else crouching down or pushing any of the women to the side. Scanning along the car, he came across a series of letters on the front door: JAPAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TOKYO CHURCH
Swinging his view over to the second car, he noticed similar letters there as well. Church vehicles. Driven by members of a prayer circle. To be certain, he let himself be seen, so as to judge their response. They would probably ignore him or wave politely.
The front seat passenger pointed at Sousuke. She and the driver stuck their hands out of their windows and held them up. Both gave Sousuke the finger.
Sousuke was aghast. That was not appropriate behavior for matronly women of any denomination. But, church women? Could they indeed be terrorists? Amazing things could be done with latex and make-up. Or, could they have been recruited by some other group, gangsters perhaps? What should he do? Reaching into his bag, he pulled out two nail bombs, potato-masher grenades coated with resin and a thick covering of nails.
“No. I can’t use these on them.” There might be significant collateral damage to innocent motorists. He unslung his rifle. It shouldn’t prove difficult to take out a tire on each car. He put the rifle to his shoulder and waited. If he saw anything suspicious, he would fire.
Minutes passed. Sousuke had no idea how many, as he would not spare a glance at his watch. Finally, with a flippant honk of their horns, both blue sedans pulled off the highway, making their way up an exit ramp. Sousuke breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that he had exercised restraint. Those women were certainly fortunate that it was Sousuke Sagara they had been dealing with. Who knows what tragedy might have ensued if they had crossed paths with someone less patient and forgiving.
When Sousuke pulled the bus doors back open again, Kaname almost jumped out of her skin. "Sousuke, were you raised in a BARN?!!" He breathing was rapid and her pulse was up. "Didn't anyone ever teach you to knock?"
"Kaname?"
"Never mind, Sousuke." She hesitated. "I'm just glad you're safe." That last had come out in a rush. "What happened out there?"
"I took stock of the situation. It proved safe, if somewhat unique. The potential threat vehicles took an exit, and I returned inside. Do you wish to continue driving?"
"Oh..." The fact that she was still behind the wheel hit Kaname like a load of bricks. She had stopped giving it any thought. In fact, she had actually begun to enjoy it. "I think I will, for just a little while longer. But, stay up here by me, in case I need your help."
Kyouko walked up to join them. Then Ren followed suit. Shinji too.
"Is there a convention scheduled up here, one I don't know about?" Kaname sounded sort of cross. "Hmmppff!"
"What's with her?" Ren asked Kyouko. "Did Sousuke do something we missed?"
"I don't know. Maybe she just wanted to spend some quiet time with Sousuke...." Kyouko snapped a number of pictures of Kaname behind the wheel.
"That's...NOT...it..." Kaname did not need a crowd. Driving did not come that naturally.
"Oh my, why's our fearless leader so cranky? Water weight gain?" Mizuke was not about to miss whatever was happening.
"NO!"
"Woman driver..." Shinji said, louder than he intended.
Kaname reached for the whisk broom.
"I would request that you all return to your seats. It is best not to disturb the bus driver. This is not a game. Safety is of utmost importance." Sousuke had correctly interpreted Kaname's feelings and state of mind.
The small cluster of friends stared at Sousuke incredulously. He dared say that after his driving exploits?
"I just wanted to find out what you were doing outside, Sousuke!" Shinji was insistant.
"I just wanted to make certain that Kaname was OK" Ren added truthfully.
"Me too," Kyouko said. "And Mizuke only came up to be an annoyance."
"Did NOT!" Mizuke refused to be painted in a bad light.
"You certainly did."
"Stop." That single word caught everyone's attention. It was not the volume, as Sousuke had not shouted. It was his tone of voice. "Kaname must not be disturbed." He patted a bulge in his pocket. His friends got the point. Mizuke, Shinji, and Kyouko flew back to their seats. Ren gave Sousuke a smile before gliding gracefully back to her spot.
"Thank you, Sousuke." Kaname sounded very grateful. She even flashed Sousuke a grin.
"It is not a problem. Things should be simple from here on out."
No sooner than the last word had left Sousuke's lips, the sound of a siren caused Kaname to jump in her seat. Looking in the side mirror, she could see the flashing red and blue lights of a police cruiser.
************************************************************
By now, Kaname was a veteran of mishaps and minor crises. She usually did very well under pressure. Today, however, her nerves were frayed, tattered, and torn.
“Oh no! I don’t have a license. I’m under age. I’m headed for jail, or worse. My permanent record!” She was trembling. Sweat was beading up on her forhead. It felt as if her heart were trying to jump out of her chest. What could she do. “Calm down, girl. Think. Think!”
A hand came down gently on her shoulder. “Chidori, you should return to your seat now.”
“Sousuke? I…I…I can’t let you take the blame for me.” Kaname’s eyes were soft, tearing. Then, without warning, lightning flashed deep within them. “But, I should! After all, it IS ultimately your fault.
He ignored her. Stepping over to the snoring old gentleman, Sousuke shook him. When that didn’t work, he tried smelling salts. Time was becoming critical. The officer must have called in his report by now. Sure enough, he saw movement outside near the rear of the bus.
The wire trick worked again. The man shot upright. His eyes opened abruptly. “Where am I?”
“You are on the bus. You walked back here and fell asleep after you pulled over to the curb. Here, I shall be of assistance. You really should return to your seat.” Sousuke walked the wobbly old gent to the driver’s seat and sat him down.
“I really don’t remember anything…” the man protested. “It’s almost like I just woke up.” He rubbed his unshaven chin. “Hey, I remember you. Weren’t YOU going to drive the bus?”
“That must have been some dream, sir.” Kaname had walked back up once she realized Sousuke’s plan. She had to give her bodyguard grudging respect. It was a clever idea. A bit unfair, perhaps---but, it might just work. “Why would a high school boy be driving a BUS?”
“Oh…hmmm…yes...why…hmmm” Rubbing his eyes, the man turned his head when he heard a rapping sound on the bus doors. “Who’s that?” He pulled back on a lever, opening the doors.
Kaname gasped, and quickly turned her back to the entryway. She had seen that police officer before. More times than she wanted to. What was she doing here?
Her uniform was immaculate. A nightstick swung in her hand. The hat on her short cropped hair sat slightly askew. Her smile looked predatory. And those eyes. Those eyes. Officer Wakana put one foot up on the stairs. “Keep your hands where I can see them. Exit the bus slowly. Now!”
“B-B-But, officer…I…what could…why…” The man looked at a loss for words.
“NOW!!!” Wakana slammed her stick against the sidewall, placing a deep dent on the Watch Your Step sign. “I will not be this polite for much longer.”
The man stumbled, standing up. Sousuke moved to assist him. As he moved, Kaname was exposed.
“You there. Girl. That hair. Turn around.” Kaname did as she was instructed. “You. I know you. Don’t I? Yes, the pony man. And that…that…that damn THING. I suppose your being her is suspicious, no matter what is going on. Off the bus. You…that old geezer…and that boy.” She waved her stick towards Sousuke.
Wakana led them all to a small clearing at the side of the bus. Not long thereafter, every window on that side of the bus opened. Kids fought to hang over the side. A camera flash went off so often, it looked like someone was trying to send Morse Code.
The officer drew her gun, and pointed it towards the bus. ”NO MORE PICTURES!!!” There were no more flashes. Kyouko had turned off the flash. “Now, driver, you have a lot of explaining to do.” She put the gun back in its holster.
“Uh…but I…nothing…how…”
“QUIET!!!” Wakana stuck the end of her nightstick firmly against the base of the man’s nose. “You may be in serious trouble. MAY. It will depend on how you answer my questions.” She turned to Kaname. “Pony pony pony pony pony….” Her smile was crooked. Her eyes lit up in frightening fashion. “We meet again. Every time you cross my path, something happens. Nothing had better happen this time. Since I know you, and you have served me before, you will be able to tell your view of things too.”
“But officer, aren’t you a good bit out of your regular territory? Have you been following the bus all the way from Tokyo?” Kaname hoped not. There would be no denying the things that happened if that were the case.
“Oh. You had to remind me. THANK YOU.” A small drop of spittle at the corner of Wakana’s mouth grew steadily larger. “I was reassigned. I will NOT go into the details with any of you. Why don’t you just give me a nice paper cut and pour some lemon on it?!”
“Miracle Max.” Sousuke nodded his head.
“WHAT?!!!” Wakana stepped over to Sosuke and stared up into his eyes. “Is that some kind of code phrase. Are you planning something? I hope so!”
“No. Miracle Max was a character in The Princess Bride. He used the same line you did, about cuts and lemons.” Sousuke would watch his words and movements. This woman was good, if mentally unbalanced.
“Lucky for you.” She stood a moment, eyeing Sousuke up and down, trying to take his metal. “Should I know you? I somehow feel I should. Why? Never mind” She straightened her hat. “Back to business. Everyone, feel free to speak up while you still can.” She grinned at the old man. A shark would have fallen madly in love, or turned tail and fled. “First, do you have anything to declare?”
“I…um…I’m very tired. If I may, I’d like to lay down and take a short nap…”
“IDIOT! You will take a nap when I lay you down. That might be very soon. A lot of interesting reports came in about a bus. Is there anything ANYONE would like to confess?
“I bet Chidori wants to confess her love for Sagara!” A boy leaning out the window basked in the laughter that followed his poorly timed joke.
“There have been calls about a bus driving hazardously along the shoulder and weaving in and out of traffic.” Wakana was walking towards the bus. “There were even people who swore to see a bus jump up on one side and travel some distance that way. Remarkable. Really amazing.” She stood smiling up at the young man who called out the joke. “But, the most disturbing claim came from two cars full of church women.”
Kaname looked at Souske and mouthed Church Women???. Was that who was in those blue cars? She began to growl.
“You have something to say, blue hair?” Wakana didn’t bother looking back at Kaname.
“No.”
“Better fix that. It will be your turn soon.” The officer looked up at the windows full of high school kids. “First, we must establish appropriate appreciation of the law and its hard working personnel.” Wakana took out her pistol. “Please take hold of the young man who spoke, uninvited. Throw his sorry ass out the window.”
No one moved.
Three shots were fired up into the air. “Young man. Ground. NOW!!!”
With a loud Ooompppfff the boy landed face first in the dirt. Wakana yanked him to his feet.
“I…I…I didn’t do anything, officer. Please…”
Wakana’s nightstick slammed into his calf, then his belly. “You made a joke at Chidori’s expense. I like Chidori, I really do. Perhaps I will not teach you the error of your ways if YOU tell me what has been happening on this bus.”
The boy was caught between a rock and a hard place. He shot a glance in Sousuke’s direction. With one finger, the young soldier made a slashing motion along his neck. The boy swallowed. The cop was scary. Really scary. But she wasn’t Sousuke.
“There have been sing alongs. We teased Chidori unmercifully. Snacks and drinks. Gossip. Magazines and music. The usual….” The boy nodded his head, trying to look sincere. Sousuke gave him a secretive thumbs up sign.
“I see. That answer BORES me.” Wakana slammed her nightstick into the boys groin. “Maybe I can find a reply I like better.” Her teeth were completely visible now. The smile was horrific. She walked over to stand in front of Kaname.
“Chidori…Chidori…Chidori. Do you remember that I said I like you? Well I do. Do you want me to tell you how I like you?” Wakana was chuckling. The sound sent chills up and down Kaname’s spine. “Never mind. How about you tell me what’s been going on? As I was saying, the old bitties said that a man had been on top of the bus. They thought he might have a gun. You see, I‘m only looking out for your welfare.”
Kaname reinforced what the groaning boy had said. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sousuke moving, almost imperceptibly. He was closing the distance between himself, herself, and Wakana.
“That’s just not good enough. I want to hear a confession, even if it means you have to lie. Of course, I’ll let you go free eventually. But not until I do my job. So, what trouble have you all been into…” Putting the nightstick tip between Kaname’s breasts, Wakana pushed her back viciously, knocking her to the ground. “If there really IS a gunman holding you hostage, I will treat you as an accomplice if you do not answer now. If he shoots you for talking, don‘t worry…your death won‘t be in vain.”
Like a striking snake, Sousuke moved. The nightstick spun through the air, landing in a sludgy drainage ditch at the side of the roadway.
“You will NOT hurt Kaname. We should establish that fact now. Things will go easier that way.” Sousuke stepped between Kaname and Wakana. “You may ask her any queston you wish, but you will not be allowed to strike her again. Ever.” The tone in Sosuke’s voice could have shattered iron.
Kaname touched Sousuke’s back lightly, fleeting. “Sousuke,” she whispered.
“Assaulting an officer? NOW I have something. Thank you!” Wakana could barely contain her excitement. She took a step back and drew her revolver. “I WILL interrogate pretty little Chidori again. After I stop the crazed boy who jumps me, trying to steal my weapon!” Her laughter rang out. It stopped abruptly. Sousuke now HAD her gun. How the Hell.
Sousuke emptied the bullets onto the ground and tossed the gun back to Wakana. He crossed his arms on his chest and stood quietly.
“Well…well…well. You really ARE intersesting, Sousuke. I think I like you. But, I will like you more when your bruised and bleeding.” Wakana raised her voice. “You all saw it. The boy grabbed a police officer’s weapon. After a valiant struggle, she won it back again. Burdened by responsibility, she chose not to shoot he dog the way he deserved. She used reasonable force to subdue him.”
Without telegraphing her move, Wakana struck. It was Men-uchi, the strike to the head. She had been trained in Aikido, an art that had mistakenly earned a reputation of bein non-violent. True, it is a primarily defensive technique usesd by police forces to subdue attackers without injury. But, it does provide the framework for offensive attacks.
Sousuke stepped slightly to the side and back, turning. The attack missed.
Most teachers of aikido would stress that the offensive type moves should never be used to commit unprovoked attacks on innocent people. The policewoman must have been absent from class on those days.
Wakana looked enraged. “Lucky. Too lucky for your own good. I WAS going to take it easy on you, stopping when you were unconscious or after the first bone broke.” She moved again, to fast to follow. Stepping behind Sousuke, she went for a double shoulder grab, Kata-tori. “Was…”
Spinning, Sousuke slapped both hands away.
Wakana spat. “Maybe its not luck. Are you a martial artist, Sousuke? It’s been too long since I had a good match.” The look on her face had changed. Her eagerness was a palpable thing. “Class is in session. You may call me sensai.”
Soususke was not usually one for bravado. He remembered something from one of his favorite Bruce Lee movies. Closing off one nostril, he blew the contents of the other onto the ground.
A cheer of “Sooouuusssuuukkkeee” came from the bus. If Wakana had been a bull, that show of support and admiration would have been a red flag.
Scowling, Wakana removed her belt. Moving with blinding speed, she trapped Sousuke’s nearest arm, enacting Tenugui Waza, throwing him. In mid air, Sousuke righted himself, grabbed the belt, and landed. The officer was pulled close to him. She was breathing very hard.
“Is it all you can do to fend me off, Sousuke? Aren’t you skilled enough to attack? Or did you want to get me close to you?” The look on her face was indescribable.
“Oooooooooooooooh. Kaname, it looks like Sousuke has the hots for another girl.”
Kaname had to fight the urge to run on the bus and grab her halisen.
“It is likely that you will twist my efforts to protect an innocent girl into some false charge as it is. Perhaps I could avoid conviction by telling the truth. But, were I to strike you now, no doubt I would face serious charges. I might not be so lucky then, as I would not lie under oath.”
“Well then, I’ll make you a deal. On my word of honor. Nothing will be said about this fight. If you win, you are all free to go, with no further questions. If I win, you will come down to the station with me. Shake?” She held out her hand.
“Sousuke, no! It’s not fair. You could get hurt.” Kaname looked worried. She knew Sousuke was good, but he had seen Wakana hold her own against the Bonta-Kub suit. At least it would only be hand-to-hand.
Sousuke shook the police officer’s hand. “I will trust in your word. You have a warrior’s spirit. Despite your other actions, I do not think you would betray that trust.” Sousuke looked down at the ground, where the bullets still lay. “A question. Will you be using weapons?”
Wakana grinned. “Of course. But I’m quite willing to share. I’ve got a pair of pump shotguns in the trunk and a grenade launcher in the passenger’s seat. We can place them out on the ground, and anyone can use whatever they claim. Does that suit you, Sousuke?” She wanted him to say ‘yes’ more than she had wanted anything for a long time.
“Yes, with a proviso. I need not use weapons unless I choose. And, I may use weapons of my own.”
Wakana’s eyebrows shot up. “Your own? My, aren’t you a mysterious character. Now I’m REALLY starting to like you. Sure, why not. I wouldn’t want you to feel as if you were at a disadvantage.”
“Chidori, please get my bag for me.”
“Sousuke! You can’t seriously be going through with this…you could be badly injured. You could be killed!” Again, Kaname’s expression changed. “And, I am NOT your slave girl! HMMPPFF!!!”
“DO YOU WANT TO BE??????????” The concerted shout from the bus caused Kname to jump, then blush.
Kaname faced the bus and shook her fist.
“Kaname, they will no doubt keep it up while you delay. If I must, I will get down on one knee to ask your assistance. However, if they misinterpret that….”
“Oh.” Kaname could just hear the shouts from the bus if everyone saw something like that. “Alright, Sousuke. Just this once.” She ran to the bus, then returned, carrying the heavy bag.
“Thank you , Kaname. Now, help the old man and that boy back onto the bus. It is time that you all depart. The bus must not remain in this area if there are gunshots. I will lead Officer Wakana towards those warehouses over there. You would not be able to see our actions there, in any case.”
“But, how will you catch up with us if you win.” The look on Kaname’s face made it clear that was not her top concern.
“It will not be a problem Kaname. My only concern would be that you might face some danger in my absence. Otherwise, no doubt you have been wishing all along that I was not on this trip, correct?” There was no anger or sadness in Sousuke’s voice. “Perhaps things will be more enjoyable for you this way.”
“Sousuke….”
“Hurry now, Chidori. The battle is about to begin. It is time for you to go.” With that, Sousuke unzipped his bag, stood straight, and saluted Wakana.
The old man hobbled to and fro, resting his weight on Kaname’s shoulder.
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Kaname had a difficult time climbing the stairs onto the bus. She kept looking back at Sousuke. He may drive her crazy in more ways than she cared to imagine, but his priorities never changed. It was his mission to look after her well being and to protect her. Now, when he was in danger, there was no way for her to return the favor. Somehow, she felt as if she were abandoning him. “He would never do that to me” she whispered.
Miss Okibasu was waiting at the top of the stairs, wringing her hands. Tears welled in her eyes. She bowed her head when Kaname stood before her. “I’m so very sorry, Miss Chidori. I failed you. I woke up in the middle of that nightmare, so I was confused and disoriented. After things were explained to me, I was too afraid to step outside. I avoided my responsibility. I let you all down. I‘m not fit to be your teacher.”
Ren and Kyouko walked up to comfort their teacher, trying to convince her to sit back down. “No, I cannot. There is something I can do. Our bus driver still is in no shape to drive. I will take his place. I will take….” Miss Okibasu’s voice caught in her throat. “I will take….Mr. Sagara’s place….”
Kaname placed her hand on her teacher’s arm. “I’m worried too, Miss Okibasu. But, Sousuke is a survivor. You know some of his history. As a child, he faced more than most adults will ever face in an entire life time. He is one of the few people that I know who would have a chance to win here. All we can do now is cross our fingers and pray.”
“But…”
“He made this choice, mam. No one else did it for him. We have to trust in his judgment.” Those words rang ominously in her own ears. Trust Sousuke’s judgment….
Kyouko and Ren echoed Kaname’s words. They stayed in the front seats to offer their teacher encouragement.
As the bus began to roll again, Kaname reached her seat. The mood amongst the students had certainly changed. No one was rushing to tease her or start a scandalous rumor. Everyone was solemn, offering their support to Kaname and voicing their concern for Sousuke. The junior Rugby squad all wanted to sneak out the back of the bus, ambush that cop, and beat her unconscious. They were willing to take their chance on the run. This just wasn’t right.
Calmer heads prevailed. Everyone watched silently as the bus drove away, seeing Sousuke’s figure fade from sight. Would that be the last that anyone saw of him?
************************************************************
Sousuke did not watch as the bus pulled away. If Fate would have it, he would catch up with his classmates again. If his skill was great enough, he would be able to protect Kaname once more. He took not of each place that officer Wakana placed one of her weapons. She had them spread out in an arc, centered on a small clearing between some road signs and a grove of scraggly trees. No doubt, that was where she wished to start their confrontation.
When his opponent returned, her eyes aglow with a sickly light, Sousuke hoisted his opened bag and moved closer to the epicenter. Wakana watched zealously as he took out his weapons and placed them on the ground. Not surprisingly, she was a weapons afficianado.
“Glock 17. A very nice choice. Certainly more reliable and effective than my poor service revolver.” Wakana rubbed her hands together. She liked to talk shop.
“Yes. It has saved my life on a number of occasions.” Sousuke knew it was not wise to say too much. But, only a fool would look at the weapons he had without coming to a number of obvious conclusions. Also, this was a kindred spirit of sorts. He did not approve of her demeanor. He did not respect her abuse of power. He disliked her willingness to embrace madness. Despite all that, she was a warrior.
“Steyr TMP. If only the force would allow us to carry those. Believe me, I HAVE asked. Is that’s what’s high on a high school boy’s list this year? Aftershave, girlie magazines, condoms, and a submachine gun?” Her laughter danced beyond sanity and back again. “Wish I could be your prom date, or at least get to see the look on your date’s father’s face.”
“It too has served me well. I would take something much less conspicuous to any formal social event.” Sousuke could tell by the look on the policewoman’s face that there were countless questions she wanted to ask if she had the time.
“Ahhh. I do NOT recognize that. HK would be the manufacturer, given the styling. It’s not often that I’m stumped.” There were touches of respect and avarice in her voice.
“Special made, based on the discontinued HK-Olin CAWS project. 12 gauge shotshells, tungsten buckshot or flechettes. Fully automatic, with 10 round magazines. Dependable enough to replace my Franchi SPAS-15 with no regrets.” He stopped short of telling her that it was manufactured at Mithril’s behalf.
“Oooooh. What girl wouldn’t want one of those? Now I most certainly need to defeat you. When I do, my personal collection will become even more exotic. Be still my beating heart.” She licked her lips, twice.
Sousuke ignored her commentary. He placed his last items out on the weed infested dirt.
“Nail bombs. Tonfa. Combat knife. Frag grenades. Smoke. Flashbangs. Flare gun. You must have been a member of the Nippon Boy Scouts.” Wakana chuckled.
“No. Afghanistan branch.” That was the closest Sousuke would come to making a joke.
“I see.” Some of her guesses were awfully close to the mark. “Are you ready to begin? It would be nice to prolong the moment, but I do need to get back on patrol sooner or later.” She took up a fighting stance.
“Ready when you are.” Sousuke stood casually. He noted a leather case at Wakana's side. What could be in there?
“Aren’t you going to say something all noble and cliché like ‘Ladies first?' ” Wakana’s voice practically dripped with contempt.
“No.” Sousuke smoothed his hair back with one hand while turning slightly. His action blocked from view, he reached into his pocket and took out a flash bang. He tossed it at his adversary’s feet.
Wakana did a back handspring away from the detonation. “Good. We’ll save the platitudes for the weak-willed and wishy-washy.” In a fluid motion, she took off her hat and withdrew three shuriken. Shuriken jutsu, the technique of using the thrown weapons as a distraction or tactical move, not a primary weapon.
Fluidly, Sousuke easily dodged two of the spinning blades, but was forced to block with one arm while sliding downward. The third blade did no damage, but the split second Sousuke’s move afforded the police woman allowed her to launch Yokomen-uchi, striking hard with the edge of her hand against the side of Sousuke’s body. His level of respect had skyrocketed. She had closed the distance remarkably fast.
Sousuke countered with a powerful sweep, watching incredulously as Wakana vaulted over his leg. Landing, she responded with Tenchi Nage, the “Heaven and Earth throw.” Sousuke landed hard. In the process of righting himself, he almost lost the fight then and there. A manriki shot out of the officer’s sleeve with shocking speed and precision. The weighted chain was aimed for Sousuke’s temple.
Instinctual actions sometimes save lives, and sometimes play into an opponent’s hands. In Sousuke’s case, his quick tilt to the side prevented a fractured skull. He rolled quickly to the side, trying to get safely to his feet. Wakana did not intend to allow him that luxury. The chain came swinging around in a vicious horizontal backhand, targeted for his legs.
Sousuke leaped straight up, the height of his jump drawing a gasp of admiration from Wakana. Landing, he knew the chain would be coming around again, probably as a vertical strike or a 45 degree forehand towards his head. Fortunately, this was not his first time against a chain fighter. He knew what to do. He rushed straight at her, getting inside her arc, and turning towards the direction from which the chain would come. Grabbing Wakana’s arm, he pulled her roughly to the ground.
“Nice!” Wakana grunted. “And convenient!” She withdrew her hand from the bag at her side. Her hand held a wicked looking edged weapon, her forefinger and pinky through iron rings at the end of a short iron rod. Four sharp curved blades were attached to the rod, making it a hideous and fearsome device. Bich’ hwa bagh nakh, the Tiger Claw of India. Its target was Sousuke’s face.
His knee slamming under his opponent’s chin, Sousuke pulled back from the the swipe, the wind from the weapon’s passing causing him to blink. That was MUCH too close. The woman was NOT playing around.
Both combatants got to their feet and circled one another warily.
“You’ve had good teachers. Or, you have consumate instincts and reflexes. Either way, I have to say I’m impressed. And intrigued. Do you have a girlfriend?” Wakana’s look certainly was not seductive.
“No. I have not been assigned one yet.” Sousuke had answered matter-of-factly. Beads of sweat sprang to his forehead. The policewoman noticed and chuckled. Anything could be used as a weapon.
“Oh, how very fortunate.” She unbuttoned her blouse slowly, keeping eye contact with Sousuke all the while. “I’m currently unattached. You might be worth a tumble or two.” She slowly hiked up her skirt.
“Uh….” He was not exactly fascinated, but Sousuke found he could not pull his eyes off of her, whether or not that might be tactically inadvisable.
“Even a tiger needs a mate, Sousuke….” Wakana licked her Bagh Nakh in erotic fashion. “Right, tiger?”
“Errr….”
“Ummmmm. Do you like slit skirts, lover boy?” She used one of the blades on her weapon to rip a neat gash in her skirt, exposing her thigh all of the way up to her panties.
“I…uh…”
Wakana struck. The chain slammed hard against Sousuke’s calf, winding around. Pulling hard, she sent Sousuke hard to the ground. With a feral growl, she sprung, deadly claw speeding towards her intended victim’s groin.
A boot to the face bent back the policewoma’s neck and caused her claw to fall just short of its intended target. Rolling towards Wakana, Souske pulled the wrist with the Bagh Nakh behind her back. Swinging out his leg, he pulled the chain out of her grasp.
“The male black widow spider or praying mantis do not always fare well in their choice of mates.” Sousuke stood and took the chain off of his lower leg. “But that is neither hear nor there. You do not seem like a woman who would attract a likely suitor.” He was making a general observation.
“Attract? Are you saying I am unattractive?” She might not be one to spruce up, but that did not mean that Wakana was entirely devoid of female pride. Her face contorted with rage. Throwing off the Tiger Claw, she charged. Her blows were viscious, aiming in succession for the various accupuncture points of the body.
Sousuke did not have time to reply. For the first time, he was truly concerned. If enough of those blows were to land, or if she connected in the right spot…. The officer was using some form of Dim Mak, the “Death Touch” employed by a number of different Chinese martial arts techniques. He wondered what master in his right mind would teach such a restricted technique to someone with such a dangerous personality and diminished integrity.
The fact that Wakana attempted such a technique spoke of her level of skill. It was not enough for the martial artist to know the precise target points. He or she must also know the exact depth to strike, and how much pressure to apply. The resultatnt effect on the neurological and cardiovascular systems of the victim could cause knockout, instantaneous death, or delayed death.
Managing to block a powerful strike, Sousuke was pushed back against a tree. His movement was now limited. It was a bad situation. The hand technique had been the Fong Ngan Chui, the Phoenix Eye Fist. Wakana must be trained in Choy Li Fut. That form of Kung Fu certainly was not taught by the police force or its favored instructors.
Sousuke knew he was way overmatched in hand-to-hand. Somehow, he must reach his weapons.
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End of part 3
