FullMetal*Panic!

Kaname was not happy.

Her blouse was torn. She had just bought it a few weeks ago.

There was mud on her skirt. It was in deep. She didn’t have any spare clothes.

Her arms itched. Her legs itched. Even her ears itched.

Damn that Sousuke.

Somehow.... somewhere.... some day he will pay. Yes.

He’ll get what’s coming to him! She would treat it like a loan. There would be interest due.

Interest that started accruing since the day he was hatched!

Even so, she would be ridiculously generous.

It never occurred to her that she shared any of the blame Nobody had forced her to follow after Sousuke, hiding as if she was doing something wrong.

Kim was at risk. That’s why she was following them. She obviously had some personal issues, and Sousuke is more than a handful for someone who is well-balanced and sure of themselves.

The torn shirt? Sousuke’s fault.

If he wasn’t a risk to a new student, Kaname wouldn’t have to follow him. If she wasn’t forced to follow him, she wouldn’t need to employ stealth techniques. If she hadn’t needed to conceal herself, there would have been no encounter with that shrub. And no shrub would mean no ruined blouse, no poison ivy.

Stealth techniques?

Good God, she sounded like an otaku herself! That was Sousuke’s fault too!

She kept upping the interest rate.

“Focus, Kaname!”

She chided herself. If she kept worrying about what had happened to her, she would miss what they were saying.

It’s not as if she was worried? Why was she even thinking the word ’worried?’ What did it matter what some girl said to Sousuke? No, she had to pay attention to what HE said to HER.

Yes.

That way she could undo whatever Sousuke did. It was simply a way of being well informed. Kim would probably be too embarrassed to give her any details. Sousuke would be too oblivious. She needed sufficient intelligence data.

Intelligence data?

“Damn that Sousuke!”

What was that thing that Kim gave Sousuke? The thought kept gnawing at the back of her mind.

Naturally it was not jealousy.

If it was an important gesture to Kim, then Kaname should make certain that Sousuke understood that. Yes. That was the proper thing for a proactive and considerate Class Representative to do! Definitely.

Look out!

Kaname jumped behind the corner of the out building. She banged her knee painfully. It would probably bruise.

Sousuke had turned back in her direction.

Damn that sixth and seventh sense of his!!!

This was close enough. She might not see everything, but she could hear readily enough.

“The tiger got my mother and father, Sousuke.” Kim spoke steadily, but her voice cracked occasionally. “He was driving the other car. He got my brother, too."

Sousuke waited stoically as Kim wrestled with her emotions. She thought she had buried her feelings about her brother deep enough so that they couldn't hurt her any more.

She was wrong.

"Our mother always finished her story by saying I would be the sun.... my brother would be the moon.... and we would always be happy together. I believed that with all my heart." Kim glanced up at the sun, squinting. She shook her head sadly.

"We went to live with my mother's brother and his family. When my uncle...” Kim stopped, then looked away. She steeled herself and looked back at Sousuke.

“It is not a problem if you wish to stop.”

“No. I’m OK. It helps to talk about it. My uncle too great a liking to me.” Kim had expected Sousuke to understand.

“He was fond of you? That is a good thing, correct?” His look was so clueless, that Kim wanted to grab him by the ear and slap him silly. "When my parents and siblings died, I had no other family."

“He found me to be very attractive, Sousuke. In a way he shouldn’t have.” That should do it.

“His eyes were drawn to your posterior? I understand. I....” Sousuke stopped. He began to sweat. What had gotten into him. Hadn’t Kaname schooled him about making certain observations. “I do not see how that is a problem. I thought that girls were proud if their family and friends found them attractive.”

Kim paused a moment, looking at Sousuke. Did he almost let something slip? Why did she suddenly feel like she was walking on pins and needles?

“Sousuke, he made advances at me....” Did she have to take an hammer and nail her point into this boy’s head. It was a refreshing naivite, but would begin to grate on her soon. “Inappropriate advances.”

“He approached you? In some wrong fashion?” Sousuke ran his hand through his hair. He looked perplexed.

“HE.... WANTED.... TO.... HAVE.... SEX.... WITH.... ME!!!” Kim regretted her shout as soon as it left her lips. Damn that Sousuke. She felt the heat rush to her cheeks.

Tears came to Kaname’s eyes. Yes, the story was sad. But, that was not the reason. They were tears of mirth. It was wonderful seeing *someone else* driven to distraction by Sousuke.

“But he was your uncle. And, you were too young. That was wrong.” Sousuke’s look calmed Kim. He was angry. That touched her heart in a way she wouldn’t have expected.

“Yes. So, I ran away from that home. My brother stayed behind. He and my cousins became involved with gangs, I later heard. My brother was killed during an attempted hijacking of a drug shipment.

“Do you blame yourself?” Sousuke did not usually ask personal questions. But, he had wrongly accused himself on too many occasions.

Kim was quiet. She opened her mouth a number of times, only to close it.

“Sousuke! You big idiot. That’s not something you should ask.” Kaname Kicked the school building, then winced. She looked down at her shoe. It was scuffed.

Luckily, neither of the two heard her initial exclamation, or her subsequent howl when she realized she needed new shoes. That was her favorite pair.

If that melancholy military mutant got too personal, she would march right out there and clout him across the ear.

“Sometimes.” Kim looked away.

“I have walked that road myself. It is very dangerous. It has a dangerous slope. Once you head down it, it is difficult to get back up.” Sousuke described more parts of his early life to Kim, making it a point to describe how he had blamed himself for any number of things that were not his fault.

Kim looked back at Sousuke.

“There is a saying I read once. It is relevant. I will tell it to you, if you like.” Sousuke waited for Kim’s response.

Kim nodded her head.

“One does not drown by falling into the water. One drowns by staying there.”

Kim touched Sousuke’s hand briefly, then went to her eye, to wipe way a tear. It was good to have someone understand what she was dealing with, if only in a general sense. She felt on the verge of sobbing uncontrollably. This was not the place for that.

Kaname forgot about her blouse and her shoe. Sousuke’s words hit her hard. They rang so true. She remembered how she felt going to America. She remembered how she felt when her mother died. It had been very rough on her when she came back to live in Tokyo, alone.

There was more depth to Sousuke than she had realized. It had probably been there in other ways, but she had been too busy taking offense or looking for flaws to see it.

“It’s hard Sousuke. It’s very very hard. Even Jor---” Kim stopped, and wiped hr eyes again. “No one ever had a similar tale to tell before---so I found it hard to listen, and even harder to believe, when they said anything similar.”

“Yes. It is hard even when people listen. But, you can head back up the slope. I did. I found a much better place. To climb steep hills, a slow pace is required at first.” Sousuke rubbed his chin.

“Allowing your uncle to have.... uh.... having contact with your uncle would not likely have prevented your brother’s actions. A man I admire once explained something to me. There are times when men wish to group together. It has to do with pride, fear, or personal gain. Sometimes it is merely a need to belong to a group of some sort. I have been there. I have shared common enemies with others. There is safety and efficacy in numbers.”

Sousuke went on to tell more of his life.

Kim reciprocated.

Kaname wished more than anything, that she could have bared her soul to the two of them as well. She had to fight the urge to walk in on them. That would be selfish. It would also be very hard to explain, even if she did not short circuit the mood.

Kaname found herself staring intently at Sousuke. She had been so certain that she could help Kim. Sousuke was doing more than she ever could.

She admitted to herself that she was jealous, but shoved away any notion of romantic envy. Sousuke had never shared this much with her before. Then again, she never had the need, and had never given him opportunity or reason.

Right now it was important just to listen.

“An axe, no matter how small, can bring down the largest of trees. It just takes more strokes with a smaller axe.” Sousuke had shared his own trouble with rising above self-loathing and self condemnation.

“I know, Sousuke. But sometimes, the tree is so large, the job looks hopeless. Many days, I feel I don’t have any right to cut down that tree. I want to have others cut it down for me. There is a... there are people who help me. They carry big axes. I know they can do things right. I feel I will miss and cut off my own foot if I try it on my own.” Kim thought of Jorgen. No matter how many trees grew in front of her, he would be there to cut them down, wouldn’t he? Whether it was a sapling, or an entire forest.

“If you do not do it yourself Kim, the tree will always grow back. You will have failed yourself by handing the task over to another. Inside, you will know that. It will be like the heads of the hydra.”

“Hydra?” Kim had no idea what Sousuke was talking about.

“No, don’t ruin it by spouting nonsense, you jerk!!! More stupid Sousuke legends,” Kaname groused. She was peeved because she had already heard this tale. Heracles. Swords swinging and serpent heads flying. Cauterizing the neck stumps. At least he could use a new legend. Something she never heard before. Not that it really matters, however.

“Yes. A monster with many heads. When a hero would cut one off, multiple would grow back in its place. If you only have a sword against the hydra, you will not succeed. Other people are your sword, Kim.”

Kaname stood corrected. When Sousuke’s nonsense wasn’t directed at her, it didn’t sound like nonsense any more. Why was that?

“But....” Kim needed Jorgen to tell her how to feel, didn’t he. She needed his understanding and his assurances. There was no peace, no happiness when she had been on her own.

Kaname had done much of her growing on her own. She had wrestled with her own beasts, and come out intact. If she had a chance, she would reinforce what Sousuke had said.

“Again, I have been there. You are not alone in this. You wear no shame that others have not worn before you. In truth, the only shame is in denying the truth when one sees it and knows it for truth. I have done that too. Numerous times.” Sousuke twirled the ring on his finger. That which did not kill him had made him stronger. But how many men had died before he found his own truth. The fact that they were men who deserved to die was not the point.

“There are other sayings that have served me well. Perhaps you should think on them at your leisure. Facts are the enemy of truth. Our greatest foes, whom we must chiefly combat, are within. A man who commits a mistake and doesn’t correct it, is committing another mistake.”

“But there’s nothing wrong with having help!” Kim sounded more desperate than she had wanted too.

“Affirmative. It is good to have those who help. But, not to do everything for us. Better to give us the tools we need, and let us do the job ourselves, with instruction and support when needed. That way we find our truth, not their truth.”

Kim almost shouted. That touched close to the point she so dearly needed to be affirmed. But it was at odds with that point. Could Sousuke convince her otherwise? Why did part of her long for him to do just that?

“But there are those who are wiser than us. There are those who might even care more about us than we care for ourselves. Why shouldn’t we just listen to them? Should we suffer reinventing the wheel, if there is a car in the garage?” Jorgen had used just that analogy. It made so much sense. Kim saw no way around it.

If Sousuke did, would that be an epiphany, or a tragedy?

“I will not speak specifically about those who you feel have served you so well. I do not have time now to give you the examples from my life that have convinced me of the rightness of what I am about to say. I will say that I carry many scars that I would not, had I understood this truth earlier on.” Sousuke rubbed at a scar on his ankle. Kim looked at it, here eyes attracted to it like a magnet to steel.

“The pastor aboard the.... a man of the cloth once told me that the Devil can cite Scripture for his own purpose. And, I have learned the hard way that false friends are worse than open enemies. Easy solutions are often neat, plausible.... and wrong. Furthermore, most of the great evils that man has inflicted upon man have come through people feeling quite certain about something which, in fact, was false.”

“How?” Kim did not quite grasp the entire picture. Just what was Sousuke trying to say? Was it all gibberish, or was she trying not to see his point?

Kaname’s mind was spinning.

“If we rely on others to tell us the truth Kim, we are at their mercy. Even good men are tempted. Even wise men don’t know all of the answers. It’s not fair to blame them if they steer us wrong, when we never have the courage to put our own hand on the rudder. If we can learn to see our own truth, we can judge the wisdom in what others try to teach us. We are also less likely to be fooled or led astray, either innocently or maliciously. Others have tried to teach me this, but is was my own experiences that made me finally believe.”

Sousuke mopped his brow. That was quite a speech for him. He was feeling winded. It was simpler to do a double time march for two miles with heavy pack.

“But Jor---” Kim bit her lip. Her eyes flashed. “The people looking after me would never lead me astray. They were the ones who helped me. They were the ones who gave me reason to have faith again.”

“You may well be correct. If that is true, then you stand at no risk from learning your own truths. Am I somehow mistaken?”

“Uh...” Kim knew his point was valid. It still felt wrong, somehow.

“Miss Chidori would strike me with a paper fan for making that noise.”

Kim smiled briefly.

Kaname growled.

Out of site, and watching Kaname’s every move and mood, Ryo, Maya, and Kyouko snickered.

“I will not make that noise again.”

“It is not a problem. But I have made that claim myself. Perhaps you are made of stronger stuff than me.” Sousuke nodded.

Kim shook her head. She had her doubts. Not because of her own faults. Sousuke was ever more remarkable, the more she looked. Different, surely. But, amazing just the same. She wished she didn’t feel guilty making that observation.

“It is time for us to go back in. I wish to make a few more points, having suffered much at the mercy of obsession. It is easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them. When a stupid person is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty. Nothing tranquilizes the mind more than a steady purpose. Preoccupation with anything can blur one’s view of reality.”

“But, I....”

“Kim, I wish to finish. It is not always easy for me to speak. These words must want to be spoken on their own accord. Obsession can inhabit a man, like a spirit taking over his body and mind. It controls the senses. It narrows his vision, limiting it to objective, mission, and purpose. All other aspects of life fade away, becoming nothing more than chess pieces in some game. It gets dangerously close to madness, and is very hard to pull away from.”

Sousuke, unbeknownst to himself, had been pulling at his own fingernail. Blood covered his hand. His eyes were unbelievable intense.

Kim found herself repulsed by Sosuke’s understanding about obsession, but attracted to his utter conviction. There was a message there for her, if only she would allow herself to see it. Just talking about the subject had Sousuke upset, but he was willing to suffer that for her.

Kaname found it hard to breathe. She couldn’t imagine what Sousuke had gone though. She marveled at the amount of strength it must have taken to bring himself back from the brink. Her own struggles no doubt paled in comparison.

“You have mentioned the word obsession before, Kim. I hope you are not trapped as I was. I would not wish it to devour your life, leaving you incomplete. You.... you have much in common with me. I do not wish you to share that as well.”

“Thank you, Sousuke.”

The bell sounded.

It was time to head back in.

Kaname found herself unable to move. She needed to pull herself together first. It might have been wrong to eavesdrop, but she had so much to think on. She wasn’t ready to deal with other people yet.

“O, Kaname.....”

It was Kyouko.

“Kaname, would you like to see some interesting snapshots?”

Hopefully only Kyouko.

“Really interesting....”

Ryo was there too.

“Really really interesting....”

Maya too.

Great.


*************************

*************************

*************************

The school day was over.

The moment the end bell rang, the class was like a single organism, feeling the same feeling, thinking the same thoughts.

Time to leave the building. Time to go home. Time for some fun.

Kaname had thought long and hard about what she wanted to do. Shopping. She needed a new blouse, a new skirt, and some new shoes. But, that wasn’t her top priority. Kim was.

What better way for two girls to form a bond, and maybe share some worries and concerns, than to hit the stores together?

We can walk and talk.

We can shop and shoot the breeze.

It would be nice to take some time for food and some soul searching.

Kim could certainly use a friend, given all the things she had been through. Sousuke had brought that out into the open. But he was NOT the one she needed to hang around.

Most definitely not!

Kim had begun to show him altogether too much attention.

Not that I am jealous or anything.

It is just that Sousuke was an acquired taste, an advanced lesson. Anyone who is weak at heart, or not at full strength, doesn’t stand a chance.

I’m only looking out for Kim.

It never hurts to have a kind heart!!!

Yes, that‘s it.

It’s for Sousuke’s good as well.

Isn’t it?

Yes, there must be some good reason.

Right!

Sousuke’s adjustment continues to be too slow, but he was making good progress. That is due to ME, Kaname Chidori, acting in my capacity as Class Representative.

Any less capable girl---especially one who is not as self-assured---would simply ruin all of my hard work.

Sousuke wors hard to watch after me. Shouldn’t I return the favor?

Of course!

Now, how to get Sousuke out of the picture. The last thing I want is to have him tagging along. This needs to be girl to girl, not girl to otaku to girl.

OK. Yes. Brilliant. THAT should work. It’s a little bit dirty, I guess. But, if it works....

The principal was very interested to learn that Sousuke had been the one to blow up the rugby team mascot, thinking it was the Pony Man up to his old tricks. The young man entertaining the crowd had lost every hair on his body in the fuel-air explosion, and the Stallion costume was a pile of ashes and melted plastic hooves.

With Sousuke under lock and key, all that was left was for Kaname to convince Kim to join her. It took a little work. The Korean girl insisted that she needed to make a phone call, but decided she could do it later. She said she was glad to be able to go out on the town, mingling with as many people as possible.

Kim had asked if Sousuke could join them. She was crestfallen when Kaname told her that he was otherwise occupied. She perked up when Kaname mentioned some of the things they could do. When she heard that they could shop for clothes, shoes, perfume, and the like, she smiled and grabbed her purse.

Good.

I’m glad that Kim is not a shrinking violet. It would be hard to make friends with someone like that.

Kyouko, Maya, and Ryo weren’t too pleased when I told them I wanted to spend time alone with Kim. I told them why, and I suggested that they might try the same thing themselves some day.

Still, something about Kim creeps me out. I’m not sure what it is. Maybe because she is too much like Sousuke in some ways? Could be the way she seems so calm and emotionless on the surface, but has a lot of fear and anger hidden on the inside?

Why do the hairs on the back of my neck always seem to be standing up?

I just can’t put my finger on it.

But, it’s something we can work on!

I know what it’s like be the new girl. I know how hard things can be, trying to fit in. It wasn’t as if I was a bubbling vat of happiness and good cheer in Junior High. Right?

We can start the ball rolling.

Without Sousuke.

Most definitely.

**************************************

**************************************

The Finance Department was not happy.

I refrained from informing them that the use of such language was not appropriate in conversations with field operatives. We are on the same team, are we not?

The level of anger and passive aggressiveness was unsuspected. Why should they be upset about this bill? The costume was not the Pony Man.

That was a good thing.

Kaname Chidori remains safe.

Another good thing.

No funds were required for hospitalization, grounds work, or funeral proceedings.

That was also favorable.

How much can a simple costume cost?

Why did the one woman break down and keep mumbling ‘It all adds up.... It all adds up....’?

We must all learn to deal with adversity. I cannot see how a job in accounting could be so stressful. Perhaps some people have a phobia against numbers and statistics. They should look for a different career.

The principal was not happy.

I explained my reasoning. His words were confusing as well. ‘I can almost see you point, Mr. Sagara. God help me, that’s what has me so worried. One of us needs some help, that much is for sure.’

I did not think the time was right to suggest he seek out a counselor. There is much responsibility resting on a school official’s shoulders. He should not be ashamed to be human.

The phone call to Mithril did brighten his spirits, however. I was not privy to the conversation, but his responses were telling. I am fortunate to be working for a philanthropic organization. I know that the school planners had always been wishing for a new science lab---even after the last one was repaired again. It seems their wish has been granted.

There was a strange look on the principal’s face. He told me that the school could use a new heating plant. I do not understand why he mentioned that the soccer team was looking to get its own mascot.

It is good to plan ahead. Kaname has told me that, again and again. She should be happy, then, that I secreted a homing beacon in her purse.

Now, all I have to do is catch up.

I will not disturb them.

They must be kept safe.

*********************************

*********************************

So much noise.

So much movement.

So many people.

But, that is what a city is. It is not as if I haven’t been out in a city before. Quite the opposite.

It’s just that my mind is already so jumbled, thinking about Sousuke and all that he had said. Worrying about Jorgen, and whether or not he is what he seems to be. Frightened that I might be coerced into giving my task too little attention. Trying to listen to what Kaname is trying to say.

I have to settle down.

I need to take a deep breath, put my thoughts in neat little piles, and handle one thing at a time.

To fish, one must be able to judge the water. The angler must be able to keep calm waters calm, and must find a way to make use of strong currents and natural obstacles.

It does no good to frighten the fish.

Paying too much attention to the environment serves no purpose.

Forgetting to pay attention to the line will let potential catches swim free.

Besides, this is all part of my mission. Getting close to Kaname will bring me close to others. Seeing new sights and buying music and other things will give me something to talk about. Jorgen has said I should be as presentable as possible. A new dress may help. So might a blouse and skirt. Shoes. Perfume. So many things. Kaname said as much to me, so I feel the idea is a good one.

I hope that this also allows me to get Sousuke off of my mind.

Why am I thinking so much about him?

Yes, he did share his thoughts and history with me. It was good to have something in common. The things he said will be good to think about.

Later.

My assignment remains.

In this city.

At that school.

Jorgen grows impatient. I owe it to him not to be distracted. He saved me from the gutter. When I thought all was lost, he took me away from those scientists and their machines. If I succeed, he will think more highly of me. Maybe.... Maybe.... Maybe if I buy clothes and perfume, he will think it is time to start thinking of me as a woman. He promised. I know he did. That’s not just my fantasy.

Perhaps Kaname can offer advice on what men like. She is an attractive and popular person, even though she does not seem to have a beau.

Yes.

Maybe she could tell me what Sousuke might like.

No.

NO!!!

Not Sousuke.

Not Sousuke Sagara.

Jorgen.

Only Jorgen.

I must stop thinking about that boy. It is fortunate that he will remain back at the school.

Now is a good time to speak with Kaname. Like Sousuke, she seems to have a difficult past. Like Sousuke Sagara, she seems to have found the strength and courage to make something out of her life. Like Sousuke, she is reaching out, trying to help. Like Sousuke. Sousuke Sagara.

ENOUGH!!!

I cannot fixate on Sousuke. He is not even here. There is nothing he has to offer me that will ensure the success of my mission.

I should think about Kaname Chidori.

I should take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Tokyo.

I should make a strong cast and watch my line. I must be ready if I feel a bite. I have been waiting too long.

Patience.

Confidence.

Alertness.

Human madness is a cunning and most feline thing. When you think it fled, it may have become transfigured into some subtler form.

The Whispered may seem like people.

They may appear to be rich in all of the human virtues.

But, deep inside an evil lurks.

Jorgen said so.

He wouldn’t lie.

Not to me.


*********************

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Sousuke lay flat on top of the bus. Yes, it was standing room only on the inside of that vehicle, but that was not the reason. So far, neither Kaname nor Kim had caught sight of him. He intended to keep things that way. Hopefully, no one looking down from a high rise would decide that his striking method of travel deserved a call to the local police precinct.

He was fortunate.

People were too busy.

And who would believe such a tale?

“Mommy, look---there’s a boy on top of that bus!” That statement earned one boy a swat on his behind, along with an admonishment against telling fibs.

“Whoa. How’d he get up on that bus?” The man asking that question had his fruit juice thrown in the gutter by his irate wife.

“I told you, no alcohol in public!!!”

Inside the bus, the tales were just as fanciful, but they were believable--- Kaname and Kim swapped stories about their childhood.

At one point, Kaname was taken aback by what she heard.

“I was never very pretty, so I have never had a boyfriend, no matter what country I’ve been in.” Kim knew that was not the reason, but she felt that way about herself just the same.

“What? You’re joking, right?” Kaname was incredulous.

“Huh? Why would I do that?” Kim was confused.

“I don’t know. But you must look in the mirror sometimes.” Kaname had Kim pegged for someone with low self esteem. That was an understatement.

“Yes, but....” Kim was suddenly on the defensive. Why did she feel a need to press her point?

“With both eyes open?”

“Of course, but...” Kim didn’t like trying to defend her opinion. That was Jorgen’s job.

“And you are the one in the mirror, aren’t you?”

“Naturally. How else...” Kaname was relentless. Even Jorgen allowed her to get a breath in.

“Then you simply don’t want to see yourself as other people see you. That’s OK. I’m not saying it’s wrong or anything. But you shouldn’t try to convince people otherwise.” Kaname added a ‘Hmmppff’ for good measure.

“But you..... you are so much more....” Kim held her hands out in front of her chest. “And....” Kim exaggerated Kaname’s other curves. “Your hair, it’s so long and beautiful.”

“That’s right. You are quite the fox, pretty gal!” A man with thick glasses- --and cologne reaching into another postal zone---leered at Kaname.

“Get away from me. Creep!!!” Kaname’s look and tone of voice had the man quickly standing up. Kim was impressed at the way Kaname stood up for herself.

The man never realized that he had been viewed through a small fiber optic cable drilled through the bus roof.

“Where were we? O, yes. Another pretty girl who can’t admit it to herself. You‘re convinced of one thing, while everyone else sees something different. If that’s what you want, go for it! But, I’ll give you something to think on later. Just in case you ever change your mind.” Kaname smiled. Sousuke was not the only one with a wise tale or two. The jerk!

“Kaname?”

“Don’t laugh, Kim. But, have you ever eaten exotic fruits?” Kaname grinned. There was no way that Kim could have seen that one coming!

“Yes, but...”

“Some fruits are popular with certain crowds, no matter how they look. Have you had dragon fruit? So scaly, spiky, and knobby that it looks like it belongs on the end of a mace.” Kaname grimaced. Mace? Another damn Sousuke influence.

“It’s good, but...”

“Others taste really good, but don’t sell well because of bad marketing. There’s something called the Ugli fruit.... U...G... L... I...awfully close in sound to the English word ‘ugly,’ which means unattractive. The fruit is a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine, and it’s delicious.”

“Yes, but my name...”

“Listen up! Because everyone was so certain that anything called an Ugli fruit couldn’t taste good, few people realized the truth for a very long time. And, no one wanted to buy Chinese gooseberries. No one. That name just didn’t do it for anyone. Again, people convinced themselves that the fruit couldn’t possibly taste good. But, the very same fruit started flying off of the produce shelves when someone started calling it kiwi fruit.”

Kaname had a stern look on her face. “It was the same fruit, Kim.”

“I see. How...”

“The bottom line? You don’t have a funny name. You aren’t all knobby or scaly or spiky.” For a moment, Kaname wished that Kim were. That thought was ungracious, and embarrassed her. Why did she keep seeing Sousuke’s face in her mind? That loser!

“You are very attractive, Kim. God willing, that won’t change any time in the future. If no one has told you that, it’s because you were too shy to approach...didn’t want to hear anybody say that... or refused to remember if someone did. There must have been someone who paid you some attention.” Kaname was not in the mood for subtle. Kim needed the full Chidori make over.

“Uh...”

Kaname’s eyes narrowed.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to....” Kim stopped. She saw the look change on Kaname’s face. Both girls smiled.

“That’s OK,” Kaname laughed. “Just don’t do it again.”

“Sousuke....” Kim said, blushing.

“That’s right. He’s the one who’s made that word cause for capital punishment!” Kaname folded her arms across her chest.

“No. I meant that he said I was pleasant looking. I also think I caught him looking at my.... at me.” Kim couldn’t help it. She smiled. Then she blushed. “Do you think I might be... well, could he... uh.”

“WHAT?!!” Kaname grabbed the arms of her seat.

“Is something wrong? ...I mean, I though you said you and he... or is it that I am not pretty enough for someone like him? He’s been so many places.... must have seen so many women....” Kim was wringing her hands.

“I apologize, Kim. It was simply a reflex reaction. I don’t think Sousuke would notice a naked super model if she sat down on his lap. Unless she carried a submachine gun or a copy of Arm Slave Quarterly. Big stupid head!” Kaname scowled.

“You sound angry....” Kim sat back further in her seat.

“Yes! No! Of course not. You haven’t been around Sousuke long enough to know the havoc that he causes. He is so clueless, that any mention of his being like a normal boy is enough to cause people to stand frozen in disbelief.” Kaname tossed her hair, forcing herself to smile and calm down.

“I see. Maybe he just needs a girl who will try to understand him. Someone who would be patient, and help him find his way....” Kim’s eyes looked distant.

“He doesn’t need a girl, he needs a seeing eye dog.... or a Saint. But, not many girls in our school can qualify for that. You don’t carry a miracle around in your pocket, do you?” Kaname shook her head, doubting anyone did.

“Maybe I can find one today.” Kim’s answer scandalized herself. She bit hard on her finger. Kaname thought she heard her whisper some name.

Kaname almost swallowed her tongue. The more the Korean girl spoke, the more it seemed she might be interested in Sousuke. That would never do.

Wait, it was none of her business.

What did she care?

In fact, to prove how unconcerned she was.... no, how uninterested she was.... she would make certain Kim would come away from shopping with whatever a teenage girl needed to catch a boy’s attention.

The only reason she felt hesitant was that she didn’t want to force things on Kim.

“We‘ll just have to see what we can do. At the least, we will make sure to pretty you up even more today!” Kaname sounded rather enthusiastic.

Kim didn’t know what she was feeling. She tried not to think about Sousuke. It seemed that there was a small bond growing with Kaname. Was it wrong to want that? She knew what Jorgen thought about gratitude, or becoming attached to people.

It was so hard relaxing around Kaname. She was so energetic, so forceful. But, she had to find away. She had to be alert for any slight tugging at her mind.

“My my my. I certainly think that’s she’s quite the hottie, just the way she is. There is something about a girl in a school uniform. If you are going shopping, you can head out with me. I have a Platinum card.” The small man---dressed in an expensive but threadbare suit---draped his arm around Kim’s shoulder. “Just don’t tell my wife, OK sweetie?”

Kaname whispered in Kim’s ear. “Just do what I did.”

Kim sat quiet, shaking. She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t bring herself to speak the way Kaname had.

She had never raised her voice around Jorgen.

Kaname sighed.

“If you don’t remove that arm, mister, I’ll mail it back to you in a number of boxes.” Kaname stood up. Any man but Sousuke would have gasped for air seeing her face. “Leave.... my.... friend.... alone!”

The man moved away from the girls. He too did not take notice of a small glass thread pointing in his direction, emitting the slightest amount of light.

“Thank you,” Kim said. Kaname had saved her. No one had done that for her before, except for Jorgen.

“I wish I could be more like you.” Kim felt funny inside. Her silent thought was ‘I wish I was allowed to like you.’

“It’s OK. Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Kaname brushed away an errant thought. She was glad Sousuke wasn’t there. Those two men would have probably ended up in the infirmary, and the three Jindai students would likely end up behind bars.

No, she didn’t want to think about Sousuke now.

Big idiot.

Moron.

On top of the bus, Sousuke sneezed. He took out his log book and scribbled in

it. He would have allergy testing performed the next time he returned to Da

Danaan.

The two girls chatted about inconsequential matters for a short while. Kaname then pushed a large bar on the bus wall. A chime sounded.

“Here we are, Kim. This is where we get off. Time to shop until we drop!” Kaname took Kim’s hand and led her from the bus. Kim didn’t pull away. She surprised herself, just going with the flow.

This must be what it’s like to be a normal teenage girl.

As Kim and Kaname made their way along the busy walkway, they had no reason to look back at the bus. Even if they had, they most likely would have missed the action.

Sousuke came down from the bus roof.

The man with too much cologne was later found stuffed entirely inside a trash receptacle. He spent a number of hours with his feet pushing back his ears. He was glad he had paid the extra money for comfortable footware.

The married man with an eye for young girls was pulled high up the side of a skyscraper, hanging from the bottom of a window washer’s rig by one shoe lace. No one could explain how he got there. The window washer had been at an early supper.

Neither man had seen a face.

Both men were likely to remember their new lessons on appropriate behavior.

Sousuke checked his tracking device and moved on.

********************************************

********************************************

Their first stop was nowhere glamorous or exciting.

It was a pharmacy.

“Yes, I have noted the swelling on your face Kaname. And, you keep itching your arms and legs. Will you be alright? Should we head home?” Kim surprised herself by being truly concerned for her companion.

“I’m fine, Kim. At least I will be, eventually. It’s only poison ivy.” Those words sounded hollow in Kaname’s ears. It was a big deal, to her. A hair shirt or other form of torture would not seem so vexing.

“I see. How did you get poison ivy? You seemed fine, earlier this morning?”

Kaname could tell the truth. She could come out and say ‘I was spying on you and Sousuke. I hid in a bush so no one would see me. Don’t ask me why I did it, because I’m not entirely certain.’

In a pig’s eye!!!

“Uh....”

Kim turned a stern eye on Kaname, who blushed.

Kaname didn’t like to lie. It was a sign of weakness and ill character. It was beneath her. So, she decided to bend the truth instead---twist it far beyond the bounds of reality.

“I dropped something in a bush outside, and had to reach far in with nearly my entire body to get it back out again. I have to admit I was foolish, failing to look first. But, who in their right mind would have expected poison ivy at school? AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAH.”

Kaname was afraid that she had started to sweat.

Kim thought a moment.

“Bushes? Oh, yes. There are some out back. I did not see you there. Sousuke and I were there for a good while, talking.” Kim’s eyes narrowed.

“Well... uh... you see...”

Kaname’s search for a believable answer was interrupted by a pair of punks dressed in gang colors. They snatched her purse, knocked over an elderly woman, nearly trampled a young child, then disappeared around a huge display rack.

“HEY!!! YOU!!!” Kaname didn’t want to lose that purse. It had all of her credit cards, her house key, and her event planner.

More important, it had been one of her mother’s favorite purses.

Part of Kaname’s mind nevertheless gave the other parts a ‘V’ sign for ‘Victory.’ This little incident ought to serve as an effective distraction from Kim’s latest line of questioning.

There was a long drawn out scream, that ended as a high-pitched squeal. A huge crashing sound could be heard. A cry for help in a different voice rang out. A second loud noise filled the room.

Display cases tumbled over like dominoes. Flourescent lamps were caught on the tops of those cases and yanked free of the ceiling, flickering on and off like sex-starved fireflies. Jars, bottles, tins, and barrels rolled hither and yon.

Pitiful moaning could be heard.

The lights went out in their entirety for a moment.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK

“O, God..... No.... Noooooooooooooooooooooooo.....”

WHAM STOMP BOOT CHOP SMACK PUMMEL PUMMEL

“Make it stop.... In the name of all that is holy, make it stop....”

KICK KICK KICK THUD WHOMP SLAM WHACK

“Oooooooooooo... ooooooooo...oooo... oo....”

The lights came down. Kaname’s purse flew through the air, landing at her feet.

“I wonder what just happened?” Kim’s hand covered her mouth, muffling her voice. Her eyes darted across the room.

“I don’t know. But it sounds like those bastards got what’s coming from them. They must have some nasty security guards in this place.” Kaname secretly thought they must have been trained in the Sousuke Sagara Full Style Otaku School of Violence and Mayhem.

It was a good thing he wasn’t here. He’d probably want to go up and compare notes or something.

Kaname laughed. He was so predictable. Big idiot.

“Do you find the situation comical, Kaname?” Kim looked around the room.

It looked as if they had just been through a technicolor rainstorm, given the spreading pools of variably hued liquids. Pills of all sorts littered the floor like hailstones.

“No, not at all.” Kaname sobered up. “I was just thinking that this looked the aftermath of one of Sousuke’s misadventures. You don’t know what you’ve missed. It’s better that way!”

“Ah. Sousuke, again.” The tone in Kim’s voice was unreadable. “For someone you claim not to like, you certainly seem to talk a lot about him.” Kim looked Kaname straight in the eyes.

“Sousuke? AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. What makes you think I’m interested in him? He’s so scruffy, bone-headed, and unpredictable. He’d probably be the last person I’d dream about!” Kaname’s laugh could be heard over the sound of police whistles.

“I didn’t say anything about your being interested....” Kim’s eyebrow rose. She curled her hands into fists. Finding her teeth clenched, she was somewhat for a loss to explain her own behavior.

“But if you’re not inclined to think of him that way, it’s probably your loss. He may be scruffy, but so are kiwi fruits, right? I’m certain some lucky girl will learn to appreciate his good and rare qualities....” Kim became weak in the knees. She couldn’t believe she had said that. If Jorgen ever got wind of how she was behaving....

Rising too quickly after picking up her purse, Kaname banged her head hard on the overhead shelving when she heard Kim’s statement.

A heavy mortal and pestle bounced off of her aching crown, adding to her pain. She checked her purse. She was all out of aspirin. Convenient place to be, a drug store.

“I apologize, Kim. I know you have grown fond of Sousuke. But like I said before, you just haven’t seen the entire picture yet. I’ll clue you in some while we wait in line.” Laughing, Kaname began a synopsis of some of the young sergeant’s more notable comic misadventures. She touched on some of her favorites before reaching the checkout counter.

“You are surely joking now. He blew up school lockers? No one would blow up school lockers!” Kim looked shocked.

“No. It happened. That’s why some look newer than the others.”

Kaname continued with her tales while the store clerk went into the back room to get a new set of smaller bills.

“How could that happen at any school? The art class was caught in a series of traps? And, they all grouped together and hung him from a tree, bound with rope?” Kim shook her head in disbelief.

“Yes, mam. The art teacher still has the student sketches that prove it!”

Kaname didn’t stop with her expose while the two girls headed out of the shop.

Kim stopped, hands on her hips. Amused, Kaname stopped too.

“I do not wish to question the veracity of your words. But, are there not laws about carrying guns in this country? Why would he have had any at the beach? Shooting a watermelon?”

“Yes. I have no idea. And, he splattered it all over me.” Kaname did not mention the white bikini. She did not want to think about Sousuke’s lack of reaction to that. Stupid head!

“O my! I begin to see why you refer to him as the ultimate otaku....” Kim’s eyes were still wide.

Kaname laughed. It looked as if she had another convert. Mission accomplished.

Huh? What mission?

Well, at least Kim was clued in about Sergeant Cyclone.

Kim grew quiet. She certainly had a lot to think about. As unpredictable as Sousuke sounded, she found herself strangely attracted to that very characteristic. It was so different than her starched and folded, paint by the numbers, never color out of the lines life.

She looked over at Kaname, who walking with big strides, a huge grin on her face.

Yes indeed.

Her observation was certainly reinforced.

The blue-haired girl had spent a lot of time speaking about Sousuke, whatever her intent.

It made her wonder.

She felt prickly all over.

It was silly. It was not like they were in the middle of some kind of competition or something.

Especially not over some dyed-in-the-wool otaku, no matter how thoughtful.

That could never happen as long as she had someone like Jorgen waiting for her.

For a moment, she staggered. There was a sudden odd feeling in her head, but it soon passed. She hadn’t felt anything like that before. For some reason, she had found herself thinking about Sousuke. She saw an image of him assaulting a paper mache bust. Had Kaname told a story about that?

She must have.

There were so many tales told in such a short time, that it was hard to keep track.

As the two girls headed towards their next destination, Sousuke watched as the security forces dragged away the two men he had chastised.

Walking through the medical supplies part of the shop, he picked up a wig, a pair of sun glasses, and a large bandage to cover the tell-tale scar on his cheek.

He shook his head.

Once again, he marveled at how much trouble Kaname could get herself into.

************************************

************************************

“Hitomi, ‘Kokoro no Tabibito.’” Kaname picked up a CD single and tossed it in the air. Kim deftly caught it in a shopping basket.

“Ken Hirai, ‘Desperado.’” Another plastic case came flying. Another deft snag by the young Korean girl.

“Morning Musume, ‘Go Girl.’” The scene repeated itself.

“DA PUMP, ‘Get On The Dance Floor.’” Kim had to jump for that one.

“Sorry. My bad.” Kaname apologized.

“It is not a problem.” Kim said, after realizing that ‘Sorry’ was not a J- POP group and ‘My Bad’ was not a song title.

She also realized she had used a stock Sousuke phrase.

“Hitomi Shimatani, ‘Vibration.” That throw was better.

“Janne Da Arc, ‘Kiss me.’” Kim fumbled that one. She had remembered her accidental lip touching with Sousuke and was distracted.

No. She couldn’t have any of that.

“Tommy February6, ‘I Still Love You Boy.’” Kim missed that one altogether. She must have been thinking about Jorgen. Yes. Who else?

“You OK over there, Kim?” Kaname sounded concerned.

“I’m fine. Keep them coming.” Kim caught herself. She couldn’t believe she was doing this. Catching CDs thrown across a store by a blue-haired whirling dervish.

She couldn’t believe it was almost fun.

“You got it. Koda Kumi, ‘Crazy 4 U.’” Kim forced herself to focus. Why did she keep checking her pulse after hearing the song titles?

“Hiro, ‘I Love You.’” Kim caught that one in her hand. She dropped it like it were a snake or hot coal.

“Aiko, ‘Boyfriend.’” The basket fell to the floor when Kim’s hand involuntarily twitched. The CD case bounced and slid along one of the large racks of music.

“My Bad,” Kim said.

“If it’s getting too heavy, you can put it down.” Kaname walked over. “It’s time to check on how much I’ve picked out, any way.”

Sousuke had thrown a small inconspicuous microphone into the room, hidden inside a crumpled up gum wrapper. He had no idea what the two girls were talking about. It sounded like code, but his cryptography skills were limited. Did young women have a universal vocal code too?

“Will the school reimburse you, Kaname?” Kim asked. There were a lot of CD singles in the basket.

“Yes, but I’m not worried about that. I’ll bring these to the dance for the student DJs to use, but I’ll be keeping them for myself afterwards.”

“I see.”

“Is there anything you want? I hope I didn’t delay you, making you my assistant and all.”

“No. It’s OK. I have never listened to music much. I wouldn’t know where to start....” Kim looked around the shop.

There were so many kinds of music.... so many artists.... so many titles.

“Really? I can’t imagine being without music. When I went to America, I brought all of my CDs with me. It felt like a slice of home. Then, as I got used to the music over there, it helped me connect more with my new life. It helped ease in my return to Japan, too.... at a time when I might have.... well, I might have given everything up if I didn’t have something I could look forward to.” Kaname’s face grew serious for a moment.

“It sounds wonderful. But I never had time for music. Jor---” Kim brushed her bangs away from her eyes. “No one told me what I should enjoy. Besides, it probably would have been disruptive.”

Kim sighed. She couldn’t help herself. Somehow, she felt a hollowness at the pit of her stomach.

“Never had time?” Kaname laughed. “No offense Kim, but music can be a major thing, or just something in the background. It doesn’t have to be a distraction---it can help things go smoothly. Some kinds of music can be very relaxing.”

Kim’s eyebrows rose. That last point caught her attention. Music as a means to help relax her mind? That might help further her mission!

Why did she just find that thought irritating?

It was as if part of her were screaming for attention, tired of hearing about the mission-this, and the assignment-that.

Tired of thinking about Jorgen.

Kim stumbled, catching herself.

“Are you OK? Is there something the matter, Kim?” Kaname asked.

“No, I just turned my foot the wrong way.”

Tired of Jorgen? No! That was blasphemy! She had to bring her thoughts back in line.

“Be careful. I’d hate to have to carry you home.” Kaname smiled.

Kim found herself smiling as well, her trance broken.

“O, and one more thing. You are sounding too much like Sousuke again. People don’t assign you music. You find out what you like, then make your own selection. There’s no standard. You don’t have to please anyone else. It’s personal.”

Kaname thought a moment.

“Unless you end up liking bagpipes or military marches. Those are grounds for immediate expulsion from the country.”

Sousuke took notes. He would need to ask the Legal Department at Mithril about that. It would be embarrassing, if he were kicked out of the country before he finished his assignment.

“Bagpipes? I KNOW I don’t like those!” Kim stuck out her tongue. Kaname laughed loud and hard. “Who could possibly like something like that?”

Kaname drew an imaginary ‘X’ on one of her cheeks.

“O.” Kim just shook her head.

“I can’t believe you haven’t ever gotten into music. You should at least give it a try. Tell you what, it will be my treat. We’ll pick out a few CDs for you, and you can give them a spin the night you come over for dinner. You can come over and help me cook, if you like. Before Sousuke arrives with his so-called movie.” Kaname tossed her hair.

Generosity made her feel good.

“Really, you don’t have to do that. I have no way to reciprocate....” Kim felt uneasy. No one had ever made this type of gesture before. She had no idea how to respond.

“Don’t worry about it. You’re not obligated or anything. If you feel like I’m forcing this on you, let me know. I just love music, and want to see if I can spread that same joy.” Kaname began rummaging through various stacks, trying to figure out what to choose.

Kim was quiet. Jorgen never said that this specifically would be wrong or unacceptable. It might be nice, learning how to be a normal girl.

Kaname told Kim about her earlier years in more detail. Kim told Kaname those things she felt comfortable talking about in a public shop. They had more in common than either might have expected, but they were still from two greatly different worlds.

“OK. Here’s what I have so far. One classical music sampler. One easy listening compilation. A two disc set of contemporary ballads, as seen on TV....” Kaname struck a pose

Kim couldn’t help but giggle.

She couldn’t remember if she had ever giggled before.

“On the J-POP side of things, I picked out some of my favorites. Hamasaki Ayumi, ‘Love Appears.’ And,Namie Arturo, ‘Break the Rules.’” Both of those album titles had Kim biting her lip. “I’m looking for Hikuru Utada’s ‘First Love.’ Maybe it’s in the bargain bin.”

Kim rubbed her eyes. If she was going to picture anyone, it should be Jorgen, not Sousuke. Right?

“Can you excuse me, please?” Kaname spoke to a man standing behind a huge newspaper. She didn’t see the eye hole that had been cut-out.

The man did not move.

“Hey, there are benches and tables in the lobby for ready, buddy. This is a music shop.” Kaname was beginning to get steamed.

The man moved. For a moment, Kaname kept her eyes on him, wanting to get a glimpse of his face. Something about that posture and the newspaper reminded her of Sousuke. If that man had uttered the word ‘coincidence,’ she would have slapped him far into next week purely by reflex.

No, how could it be Sousuke? He never wore shades. And that hair! Poor guy, no wonder he hid behind a newspaper!

“Just one more now. Mai K, ‘Secret of My Heart.” Kaname began flipping through the stacks under ‘K.’ Kim found herself holding her breath.

“Bingo!” Kaname held up a CD.

“Thanks. Just what I was looking for.” A young man in pricey European style clothing snatched the disc out of Kaname’s hand and headed off towards the cashier in the front room. He dropped some coins at Kaname’s feet.

“OOOOOOOH!!!” Kaname’s face turned bright red.

“BAKU! Give that back. It’s MINE. That’s the last copy....” Kaname instinctually reached for her halisen, but hadn’t brought one with her.

“Really Kaname, it’s OK.” Kim tried to diffuse the situation. “You’ve been so generous as it is.”

“Loosers weepers, finders keepers.” The young man never even looked back. He showed the CD to a number of similarly dressed young men. “Newsflash, amigos. Blue-haired girls are good for something after all. Other than maids, that is....”

The resultant laughter was like a red flag waved in front of a bull’s eyes. Kaname even snorted, and pawed the floor with one foot. It was rare that someone pissed her off even more than a certain human catastrophe.

Kaname had no idea what happened next.

Kim was too shocked by the suddenness of it all to track any particular action.

The arrogant young blowhard suddenly hit the counter top, face first. His picture perfect smile was marred by the absence of the rogue tooth skittering across the shop. He fell to the floor, stunned.

Two of his cronies appeared to run into one another, then collapsed unconscious.

Three others disappeared from view, their vocalizations cut-off in mid syllable.

Someone put the CD on the floor, then kicked it to Kaname, who picked it up. When she walked up front, there was no one standing there. She rang the bell for the cashier, wondering what just what had happened.

Kaname and Kim left the shop, each carrying their own bag of CDs. Kaname sat on a bench when Kim made her way into the ladies room.

For a minute, Kaname felt sick. The room started to spin. For some reason, she thought the name ‘Jorgen,’ and then the spell was over.

That was weird.

Too weird.

When the two girls traipsed off to their next stop, Sousuke followed, still in disguise.

Sweat formed at his brow---he had been incredibly reckless.

In his bag, he had a copy of the ‘Amazing Grace’ CD by the Fourty-Eighth Highlanders and the ‘Men of Action’ CD recorded by The Royal Marines Band.