FullMetal*Panic!

Tsukiji.

Originally just a marshland along the edge of Tokyo Bay.

When foreigners began to arrive in the latter half of the 19th century, that was where they were required to live.

After the great Kanto earthquake in 1923, it became the home of the new central fish market.

Over time, the market grew to be one of the largest in the entire world. It now supplied nearly all of the seafood consumed by the country.

The facilities spread over 54 acres, made up of the central market and more than one thousand wholesale shops.

There was a lot of ground for Sousuke to cover, trying to pick up the locator signal put out by a small unimposing piece of technology. Failure was not an option.

Kaname’s life depended on his diligence.... his drive.... and his good fortune.

This mission had grown to be much more than the rescue of one single kidnapped Whispered girl. Mithril had launched a number of helicopters some time before, but there was no telling if they would get there in time. For the mercenary organization, the goal was to capture or kill Jorgen Wagner. He could well escape before the troops arrived. They had his photograph. Sousuke did not.

The longer Sousuke held off, the more likely the enemy would lay low, if they hadn’t moved on already. But, the longer he waited, the chance the chance was that Kaname would be killed or spirited away.

It was not a problem, however.

There was no dilemma for the young sergeant.

It was his job to locate the bastard. If Fate forced him to rush into battle, he would. If Jorgen Wagner happened to get killed in the process, blame it on the Fog of War. That would be his claim.

There would be no waiting.

Kaname was in danger.

He passed by steel and concrete warehouses and recently built office buildings. Countless people and delivery trucks jostled for space. Shoppers carried bundles of fruits, vegetable, seaweed, tea, spice, and fish. They were all very animated, talking, buying, and selling. Any one of them could be an enemy look-out. None probably were.

Did Jorgen and his cronies know what to look for, or who might be looking for them?

Did Kim have secret knowledge of Sousuke and his assignment?

Was Kaname the specific target?

Or was Kim a low level operative tasked with beating the bushes, with Kaname being the quail who took wing?

It was like a human maelstrom. More than fifty thousand people came daily to this bustling spot. The huge complex would some day be moved due to the dreams of city planners, but for now the huge numbers of buildings presented Sousuke with a daunting task. The facilities may have grown too small to cope with the demands of a country and a city of eleven million--- they were more than large enough for a questing sergeant.

It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Sousuke’s mind was on fire. If he could, he would burn the whole place down looking for that needle.

“Ohayo gozaimas.”

He lost track of how many times he was greeted. He was in no mood for conversation. If he didn’t pick up a signal soon, he would try something dangerous---he would ask if anyone had seen a blue-haired girl. He would become a sparkling conversationalist if that was necessary. Relatively speaking, of course.

Sousuke took little note of the wealth of historic architecture in the area. While much of Tokyo had been wiped out by fire and bomb raids during World War II, Tsukiji and the surrounding area had come through undamaged.

The sights and sounds were those of a cheerful and traditional way of life, something totally at odds with the situation the young soldier found himself in. Most of the people milling about probably took their level of comfort and safety for granted. Sousuke never did.

Bowls of noodles gave off big clouds of steam at the street-side stands. Sousuke’s stomach rumbled, but he would not eat.

He bumped elbows with chefs carrying large baskets of octopus, silver eel, and crabs. They were preparing for the days work, just as he was. His face was intense. Bargain hunting housewives quickly stepped out of his way. Hopeful hawkers of shitake mushrooms, ginko nuts, bamboo goods, and pottery knew better than to approach him.

The young agent’s very appearance resonated with an unspoken sense of purpose. He wore a change of clothing that had been intended to help him blend in, but the shoppers and sellers alike instinctually knew he was not one of them. The large bag he carried on his back might have been just another sack used to carry the day’s purchases. It was not---the contents were skewed towards lethal persuasion, with some space researched for more gentle means.

The bag was heavy.

Sousuke’s shoulders ached.

He wouldn’t have it any other way.

‘Like a rich armour worn in the heat of day, that scalds with safety.’ Shakespeare could just as well written ‘Like a weighty sack carried far, that brings more death than a small squad.’

He could see a huge parking lot crammed with trucks, fronting a huge two- story building. As he headed in that direction, the locator in his pocket began to vibrate ever so slowly. Yes! He would continue walking in whichever direction caused the greater mechanical response. He could only hope that Kim’s purse had not been thrown in the garbage, or did not grace the carry bag of some small time thief.

Blue motorized vehicles darted here and there, like large oversized golf carts. Each carried a wide variety of crates and barrels precariously perched on a small stacking platform. The propane-powered engines made a terrible racket as the drivers wove in and around the seeming unconcerned consumers and busy truck crews.

Sousuke had to fight the urge to toss a grenade after one reckless driver who ran over the tip of his boot without so much as an apology.

There was no time for instant gratification.

Sousuke’s path took him into a huge building, its floor covered with giant wooden platforms. Hundreds and hundreds of huge blue-fin tuna were lined up like torpedoes. In one area, a busy auction was underway. Elsewhere, suppliers were walking around in boots, carrying the big hooks, flashlights, paper, and pencils they needed to test the fish for quality and record their results.

Sousuke felt uncomfortable....being on a mission.... walking out in the open.... surrounded by so many people.

He stopped, shocked, not believing what he saw. An eight hundred pound tuna had sold for close to ten million yen! And Sgt, Major Mao complained about the cost of canned crab in the supermarket.

The growing signal intensity drew him next into a hangar-sized room filled with countless tables. A tremendous mass of humanity moved and surged with organized chaos.

Sousuke enjoyed seafood, but was far from an aficianado. There were many types of fish and sea life he didn’t have a name for.

Hands appeared as if out of nowhere, offering him samples to eat. He took some. A good soldier needs to keep up his strength for battle. His eyes continued to moved hither and yon and his hackles stood constantly on edge-- -everywhere he looked, knives of all sizes and types flashed about, chopping off fish heads and carving up filets. People were showing off their skills to the onlookers, but the countless blades made him nervous.

His eyes and ears were nearing sensory overload, but not his nose. He didn’t know why he had expected this place to stink of fish. It didn’t. Everything was fresh off the boat. That’s why Kurz and Melissa would head here early in the day when they wanted top notch sushi or sashimi.

He wished they were here with him now.

The locator began to emit sounds. That meant he was getting significantly close to his destination. He could now use the visual display to records specific signal levels, allowing him to eventually triangulate the exact position.

“I’m almost there, Kaname.”

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Kim still remembered the sound of Jorgens’ boots on the floor, as he laughed and walked away. The receding noise beat in time with her heart. Would those heartbeats fade away too, until she was dead?

She wished it were just that simple.

The knife lay where Jorgen had left it. It looked lonely without its sheath.

The young Korean girl thought of the perfect place to sheath it, but she didn’t have the courage.

She knew it wouldn’t hurt for too long.

But, some tiny part of her was scared, and still clung to life.

Why?

What was there to live for? Jorgen had fooled her, and had torn her life into tiny pieces, leaving them in a pile at her feet.

He had said that he was on his way to see one of the few people who had tried to help her.

Kaname.

She stared at the knife again. Would Jorgen actually let her kill Kaname, if she were so inclined?

There was no telling what a mad man might do to someone he hated so very much.

Could she end Kaname’s suffering, and after that find the courage to take her own life?

She didn’t know what to do.

If Sousuke were caught in the same exact situation, what would he do?

There was no longer anyone to make her decisions for her.

She was on her own with this one.

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The lights went on without warning.

Kaname closed her eyes tight, momentarily blinded. She blinked repeatedly, tears coming to her eyes.

The door opened.

An extremely vicious man looked in, scanned the room, then stepped away.

Moments later, a sveldt man with close cropped blonde hair walked in, dressed in a pair of loose fitting slacks and a dark green cardigan sweater. He carried a canvas tote bag. The sounds of metal objects jangled inside.

He looked innocent enough, but Kaname instinctually loathed him. She didn’t know why. They was an sickening smugness about him, and he hadn’t even spoken yet. He made as if he wasn’t interested in her, but she could see his eyes repeatedly glance in her direction.

For minutes, he just stood there quietly, tapping against the wall with one fingernail.

Kaname began to feel more irritated than frightened.

“Is this bothering you, Miss?” His voice was rich, and overly eager.

“Yes.” Kaname answered honestly.

“Ahhh.....” He continued for a few minutes more.

Kaname gritted her teeth together. She didn’t like to be toyed with. She hated feeling powerless.

“Would you like me to stop?” He tried not to sound amused.

“Yes.” You bastard!

“I see....” The man stopped, walked to a new spot in the room, then began again.

Kaname glowered at the man, despite being fully aware that she might be in serious enough trouble as it was.

“If you ask me to, I will stop.”

Kaname’s pride objected, but was overruled. If she was going to learn something---good or bad---she’d rather get it over with as soon as possible.

“Would you please stop?” She cursed herself, waiting to see what the man would do next.

“Of course.” The man turned and gave her his full attention. “But, I must say that you showed a embarrassing lack of personal fortitude, even for a girl with blue hair. But that’s to be expected. Frailty, thy name is woman.” He shook his head and sneered.

“Uh huh. Like I’m supposed to feel bad about myself, hearing that from some guy who has nothing better to do than tap on the wall?” Kaname’s temper threatened to run amok. “I just didn’t see you as anyone worth impressing.” She couldn’t help herself.

The man’s face went from calm to rage incredibly fast. He closed the distance to Kaname quicker than she would have thought possible. He wrapped one hand around her neck and squeezed.

“Your life is in my hand, monster. Literally and figuratively. Don’t think that I couldn’t snap your beastly neck with a flick of my wrist. The amount of time you have left.... and the way that you spend it.... depends entire upon ME. Now, that fact should impress you, right?” Jorgen’s eyes held little sanity. That much was obvious to Kaname.

She began to sweat.

“I am not some monster as you called me. You must have me mistaken for someone else. I’ve never even seen you before.”

“Ahhh.... you’re a monster alright.... you ALL are.... no use in denying it.” Jorgen took out a knife, waved it slowly in front of Kaname’s eyes, then began trimming his fingernails with it. “They ALWAYS deny it....”

“What ‘all’?” Kaname asked, perplexed. What was this psycho talking about?

Jorgen walked over to a pair of heavily barred windows and looked outside. “But look, the morn. In russet mantle clad, it walks over the dew on the cargo ships at yon eastern berth.”

Kaname knew she was right. This guy’s freight elevator definitely did NOT go all the way to the top.

“He was a man. Taken all in all, the world will never see his like again!” Jorgen rammed the knife deep into the rotting wood bordering the window.

Kaname gulped. Her thoughts grew more frantic. ‘OK Sousuke.... if you’re coming.... now would be a great time to get here....’

“Yes, I must revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. On each of you. On ALL of you.” Jorgen wrenched the knife back out.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Kaname said. “I haven’t murdered anyone. No one at my school killed anyone.” She forced herself to catch her breath. She tried to project a front of smiling innocence.

“O most pernicious woman! O villain, villain, smiling damn villain! The Devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape. And innocence sounds so more convincing on a pretty girl’s lips.” His hands flashed outward, twice. Small locks of Kaname’s hair floated to the filthy floor.

“Just what am I supposed to have done?” Kaname had begun to tremble. All she could think to do was keep the man talking. “I mean, I’m just a student, what could I have possibly done that would be bad enough to keep me trapped in here?”

Her mind spun wildly, looking for answers. Could something she had done as Student representative or Student Council Vice President effected someone outside of Jindai High?

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks. But, that’s no surprise---they ALL do.” The knife swung out again, again, and again. The last swing nipped Kaname’s ear. She winced.

“Please....” Kaname hated the sound of desperation in her voice.

“You really shouldn’t fret about it so much, you know. All that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity. What are the short years of a lifetime compared to the endless stretch of eternity?” More hair littered the floor at Kaname’s feet.

Kaname had known what might be in store for her. She had hoped for something different. Realizing that her worst worries were true, she found her remaining courage running out of her like grains of sand coursing down an hourglass. The analogy was too apt.

How much time did she have left?

She didn’t want to die!

There were so many things she had wanted to do.

There were things she had wanted to say.

“Listen. I really don’t know what you want from me. I don’t deserve this.”

“I must be cruel, only to be kind. If I were to let you live on as you would, some day you would commit unspeakable crimes against mankind. Just as your kind has done before. To me and mine.” Jorgen’s eyes closed. He lashed out with the knife purely from memory. “That would be a terrible stain on your soul.”

Large chunks of hair tumbled along the gleaming knife blade, dancing across the crazed man’s wrist before plummeting downward. A severed earring clattered at his feet. A shallow gash in Kaname’s neck began to ooze blood.

Kaname’s throat was tightening up. She nearly made a croaking noise, getting out her question. “What are you talking about. WHO are you talking about?”

Jorgen licked the knife edge, tasting blood.

“I’m glad you asked. Angels and ministers of grace are not enough to defend us all. Why? Because people like you may seem a spirit of health, but actually be a goblin damned, bringing with you blasts from the very depths of Hell. Yes, their intentions may well seem charitable---but, their knowledge is nothing less than wicked.”

He looked at her, almost as if he expected her to sprout horns or breath fire.

“There are those who look out for them. Sinners. Destroyers. Fortunately you seem to have none. Let Hercules himself do what he may, but the cat will mew and the dog will have his day.”

Jorgen’s sudden barking laughter sent chills running up and down Kaname’s spine.

She had a protector.

She always complained about him... belittled him.... or yelled at him.

She had sent him away.

The knife reached out again, slowly this time. A forceful plunge and downward thrust tore open one side of her skirt, exposing the entire length of her thigh. The madman stared at it for a moment, then repeated the action on the other side. He then put the tip of the knife at the ‘V’ in Kaname’s neckline.

“Dare I look upon you? You are pleasing to the eye, that much is true. But you are a monster. Would it sully me to take enjoyment from a monster?” His eyes looked glassy, as he struggled with some internal debate.

“Sousuke....” Kaname whispered.

“I could take so much more....” Jorgens’ eyes violated Kaname in a way she had never felt before, and hoped never to feel again.

“NO! What would he think? That I was growing soft? That I was doing all this simply for myself? I can‘t allow that!”

Jorgen walked over to one corner of the room, grabbed a moldy old drop cloth, and threw it over Kaname.

“Cover yourself, slut. Your attempts to seduce me with gain you naught.” Jorgen could feel the soothing caress of his madness.

He knew he had snapped, but he didn’t care. As long as he did God’s work.... as long as he championed good over evil.... it was a noble sacrifice. Once again, the White Whale stood before him. Unlike Ahab, he would triumph....again.... again.... and again. If that wasn’t a sign of the Lord’s approval, what was?

“You asked why? Well, I’ll tell you why. You’re different. You hold knowledge others don’t. That information leads to devices that kill.... and maim.... and destroy. It did so to my brother. It could do so again.” The sound of his voice was absolutely flat and soulless.

Whispered.

He must know she was Whispered.

Kaname cursed again. She had never asked for that!

“But, the knowledge doesn’t kill anyone! It’s just like a gun. It depends on how someone uses it!” Kaname had little hope her argument would reach the man. Still, part of her was unwilling to go down without saying something in her own defense..

“If someone wanted people dead, they could just as easily kill them with something else, right?” Kaname’s voice grew stronger. She knew she was right.

“YOU THINK I HAVEN’T BEEN THROUGH ALL THAT, BEFORE?”

Small flecks of spittle clung to Jorgen’s lips.

“Yes, something else could have killed Franz. Yes, the men who slaughtered him were directly to blame. They died. I don’t worry about them any more. But, those men may not have been so bold without their special new toys. The only reason those Toys existed was because of some damn witch. And those witches can be anywhere. They could be everywhere.”

Jorgen walked over, nearly nose to nose with Kaname. He put the neck flush against her throat. “Doubt thou that the stars are fire; doubt thou that the sun dost move; doubt truth to be a liar; but never doubt love! I loved my brother. Because of that, I hate you, and everyone like you.”

Kaname had to fight the overwhelming urge to scream for help. She knew that would bring an immediate end.

“But, I should be cruel, not unnatural. I will speak daggers to you, but I should use no more. There may be another who would wish that chance. I would like nothing more to see her damn herself more, while doing what she thinks is a kindness.” Jorgen smiled as he placed his knife back in his bag.

Abruptly, he turned to Kaname and spoke in a conversational tone of voice. “You think me mad, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Kaname said. She managed some fire in her eye, and lifted her chin up some.

“Well, you are right.”

His laughter took on a life of its own.

“It wasn’t always like this, even after he died. At first I only played at madness, frightening those around me, making them serve me with question or delay. But, the pull of true madness was too strong. I never knew when I crossed the border.”

His eyes grew harder, and his voice changed over to a growl. “But whose fault is that? TELL ME!!! WHOSE FAULT IS THAT??? I know. You must know too. The Whispered.”

He spat.

“People like you.”

Curiously, despite the horror of the situation, Kaname found herself fascinated by the man’s condition. It was amazing to what depths a man’s mind could fall. It was frightening how some people could convince themselves of anything.

Jorgen began pacing the room. He had a captive audience. Something within him had the need to speak.

“To be or not to be? No, rather ‘to do or not to do‘? Should I simply suffer the cruel tragedy brought by Fate, or should I strike back, trying to oppose those who birthed such trouble?” Jorgen kicked an old rusty tin far across the room. He stopped and rubbed his hands across his eyes.

The direction of his speech was somehow familiar, but Kaname could not place it.

“I almost died. After it all, I could have chosen that end. But, should I have embraced that sleep? Perhaps the eternal rest would have eased my broken heart. But, what types of dreams might come in that sleep? Might I see his death over and over again? Might that great blade come plunging down for me until the crack of doom?” He shivered, and pounded his fist against a wall.

Kaname considered making a run for it. But she knew that there must be at least one man waiting outside that door.

“Should I instead sacrifice myself by staying amongst the living, suffering more of the whips and scorns of time? If not, then who will strive to stop the oppressor’s wrong doing? Who else will act while insolent officials delay, and the worthy men grunt and sweat under the threat of a calamity they know nothing of? Nations sit and molder in their ignorance. How could I do the same, when I was no longer blind to the danger?”

Jorgen took out his pack of cigarettes, but fumbled it in nervous fingers.

“It’s not the dread of something after death that keeps me going. Hat undiscovered country both tempts me and taunts me. Unlike those whose fear and conscience makes them cowards afraid to die, I will live on to continue my duty, an enterprise of great moment. I will NOT lose the name of action.”

With that, he ran back over to Kaname, his face beading with sweat.

“Tell me. Tell me true. If the Great Whale stood before you, would you thrust the harpoon at its head, or would you meekly turn your back and hand over the fate of your ship and crew to the mercy of the soulless beast?”

“I.... I....” Kaname didn’t know how to answer. In a sick and demented way, the argument made sense. She herself had spent sleepless nights wondering about what might be done with the secrets locked up inside her head.

“Sir, it’s been twenty minutes as you instructed. I have the girl.” A sacr-faced man spoke to Jorgen.

“O, splendid. Bring her in. Miss Chidori could no doubt use the company.”

Kaname’s eyes widened.

Kim walked in the room.

She was carrying a knife.


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Ducking in a dark recess, Sousuke took out his cellular phone. He had located the cluster of building that held the microphone.

“Corporal Smithers, do you read me. Urzu 7 calling. Please answer.”

“Smithers here, Sergeant.”

“I have pinpointed a group of small barracks-like guildings. Supply sheds by the look of them. There are men occasionally walking in and out, appearing to be about unremarkable tasks. They may all be sentries, soldiers, or innocents. I won’t know until I see their response. I am going to probe for an answer Walking close and asking innocent questions ought to provide me with sufficient information.”

Sousuke supplied Smithers with the GPS coordinates. They would be passed onto the speeding helicopters, flying towards Japan under the cloak of ECS.

“Roger that, Sergeant. I have been ordered to remind you---do not take any rash action. ETA on the strike teams is one hour. You are to pay particular attention for a tall thin may with short brown hair. Jorgen Wagner is an ex-mercenary. He and his group had an impressive resume, before they were double-crossed and slaughtered by a group of politicos. Of note, those officials did not live long after perpetrating that double- cross. Any man you spy could have a considerable skill level.”

“Understood. Urzu-7 out.”

So. The main devil was a merc. It was not a problem. It was an incentive. Dealing with evil misguided military types did less to torment Sousuke’s conscience that acting against evil misguided civilian types. A soldier should have accepted the possibility that he would die in battle. There should be no surprise.

One hour?

Each minute felt like an eternity as it was!

He would not wait one hour.

There would be need to take a significant risk. But, it had the chance to bring the dividends he needed. He stashed his weapons bag in the shadows.... thought up a pertinent question to ask... then headed for the nearest men near the shacks.

One man was walking out of the nearest building. He carried an armful of mops and brooms. If Sousuke were not mistaken, he had carried a similar armful into the building. It was suspicious. He was a good one to approach.

“Excuse me, Sir. I have a question if I may.” Sousuke bowed. In his hand he held a small brown device, a microphone secreted inside of a cockleburr. He would throw it on the man when he had a chance.

“Sorry, kid. I’m too busy. Nothing back here you need, any way.”

The man was in very good shape. Nothing remarkable about that by itself. His exposed arms showed tattoos, some of which showed distinct characteristics from different points of the globe. Again, by itself, nothing. There was a small plastic device in one ear, barely visible. Of course, that could be a hearing aid.

Sousuke’s next comment would be telling.

“My apology. I did not wish to impede your duties. I will go and ask my questions of the people in those buildings.” Soususke pointed towards the sheds he was interested in. He started walking.

“Hey, wait! I’m not all that busy. It is one of our duties to always help the customers.” The man made a subtle head movement. Sousuke caught it. Two men over by the buildings did as well. They began headed in their direction. “And, the people working there are quite busy. It’s not a good place for shoppers or torists to wander. It’s a matter of insurance, you understand. The legal system makes it harder to follow the old courtesies, you understand.”

“I was merely interested in the buildings themselves. Their architecture dates back to before the war. I’m a student of history, and I’m doing a report on the Fish Market and Tsukiji in general. I would like to examine the buildings. I would like to learn all about them. Are you one that can tell me these things?”

Sousuke tried to sound somewhat shy or intimidated. He also made certain to put a touch of eagerness in his voice. This was his least favorite part of undercover work. Dealing with people.

“Well.... If I can’t, these two fine gentlemen certainly can.” The other two men stepped next to the first. The men nodded their head, trying to look friendly.

Sousuke gave them a quick once over. They were much like the first man.

“Say,” the smallest of the men started. “We can start by showing you things on the far side of the buildings. Down by the water. There are some historic locations over there.”

“Yes,” the third man added. “Do you have a camera? It is a great place for snapshots.”

Sousuke did not miss the eye signals passed between the men. No doubt they intended for him to disappear. They may find that they made a crucial error. If the location would make it easy for a young tourist to vanish, it would likely serve just as well for three suspected mercenaries.

“I do not have a camera. But I would like to see any place you suggest. I am very grateful.”

“It’s so great to see manners and enthusiasm in young people. There never seem to be enough like that any more.” The one man’s mouth turned up slightly at one corner.

“I agree. It’s being of service like this that makes my job truly satisfying.” Another man said. His eyes squinted just a bit.

“I thank you again. Your assistance is appreciated. I will make certain that your actions do not go unrewarded.” Sousuke could play that game too “I will make certain that you are mentioned in my report.”

The men led Sousuke to an isolated area of the wharf. In the distance, Sosuske could see a number of large ships ready to head back out to see. Closer by, small trucks carried recent purchases away from the auction. Overhead, a huge loading crane law dormant.

“Young man. Look, over by the edge here. There are a number of retaining wall built using the old style. You can see the change over to the new style just above the water line.” The man leaned over the edge of the wharf, pointing downward.

Sousuke did a quick scan of the area. No one seemed to be paying any attention to him and the three men. Perfect. They had done him a really big favor.

“Hey, why are those patrolmen running this way?” Sousuke asked, pointing between the two men behind him. They turned to look. He moved.

The man trying to bait Sousuke over to the side looked as well. He didn’t see any policemen. He saw a human missile. Two feet connected with his jaw, sending him over the low railing and down into the churning water.

“There’s nobody there!” One of the men said, angrily. He took out a large knife. “But, that’s OK. It will make this much easier.” He and his partner stopped, looking around. “Where’d Kurasawa go?”

“Something’s wrong. Let’s take care of this jerk and get back inside.” The other survivor started putting a silencer on his pistol.

Sousuke walked towards them both, seemingly unconcerned. Inside, he was scoffing. These men were sloppy. There were two of them. ‘They should have moved by now, no matter how helpless they might think I am.’ Each should be supporting the other.

His one hand went up. Two darts shot out of a taser, trailing long thin wires. The needle-like darts stuck in the neck of the man with the gun. Electricity sped down the wires, incapacitating him.

“What the fu---” The other man never had the time to finish his obscenity. A knife handle protruded from his anterior neck. The thrown blade had severed his windpipe. He would suffocate soon enough.

Looking around once more, Sousuke dragged both men over to the water’s edge and disposed of them. That made three less enemies to be concerned with.

He had to move very quickly. Someone should notice the absence of at least one of those mercenaries sooner or later. When they did, everyone would be on high alert. If Kaname was still alive, they might move to kill her then.

Of course, the official story would be that he had to move in immediately, lest Jorgen get wind of an intruder and make an effort to flee. Sousuke couldn’t allow that, could he?

After running stealthily back to his back, he reconnoitered with a small pair of field binoculars, then took out a small portable thermal scanner, learning what he could with it. He had seen enough to plan out his next series of moves.

Once again, he wished that Kurz and Melissa were here. Especially Sgt. Weber. He quickly pieced together a small but reasonably accurate custom made sniper rifle, affixing the scope last. He put in a clip of armor piercing bullets.

One look-out kept near a window. Another his inside a small cupola on top of the middle of the three closest shed buildings. If he kept to his fatally obvious schedule, a third man should be walking out of the one door.... heading to the edge of a small porch.... then peering out over the far railing.

There he was, right on time.

Thippp thippp thippp

The silencer was working splendidly.

The one man fell over the rail, a crimson stain spreading from the neck of his shirt down.

Thippp thippp

The man in the cupola slumped over.

Sousuke moved quickly to change the clip. After the next few shots, he’d have to leave the sniper rifle and sprint for the door, hefting his weapons bag with him.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

There!!!

Thippp thippp thippp thippp thippp

The armor piercing rounds easily passed through the thin metal of the shed. A number continued onward, passing through the third sentry as well.

Sousuke ran. It was time for close quarters work. It had to be quick and efficient. If he got hung up, who knows what might happen.

He grabbed his Steyr TMP.... tossed his heavy bag in before him.... and rolled inside the door of the middle building, the one the man in the cupola had been guarding.

“Hey, what---”

Ratta tat tat tat tat tat tat tat tat tat tat

A large bearded man with a huge combat shotgun hidden under his trench coat never got his gun out. The 9mm slugs thudded into his chest, ending his life before he even knew what happened.

Three doors.

No time to try and figure things out.

Choose one!!!

Some insurance first.

His movements a blur, Sousuke slapped three gummy blobs of plastique on the wall, one near each ddor. Each blob contained a mini-detonator.

The blue door! An image of shining blue hair.... a red ribbon.... a pink smile....

Sousuke went to kick down the middle door, but it opened before he could get there. Two men crowded each other, both carrying pistols.

Not enough in the clip to handle them both.

Gotta take the risk!

Sousuke threw himself to the floor and pushed the second switch on a small controller held snug in one palm.

Both adversaries---as well as the door, door frame, and a fair portion of the adjacent wall---were rudely torn into multiple pieces.

“Hurry. Call over to the other building.” One weasel like man shouted as he rolled out of the nearest door, submachine gun firing. His long pointed nose watch twitching with excitement and anticipation. He felt certain that his daring maneuver would do the trick.

He was wrong.

Not having time to reload the TMP, Sousuke pulled out a Glock after using his bag to shield himself from some of the wildly aimed fire. The stinging sensation at the periphery of one leg told him that he was not entirely successful.

Blam blam blam blam blam

The small man was dead. A roll is a dangerous chance. If you miss your shots, you end up vulnerable on the flow, inconvenienced.

If the man still in that room was able to notify someone, there would be Hell to pay. Consequently, a fragmentation grenade flew into the room, ending that threat.

Sousuke would have to take the one man’s words at face value. Either Jorgen.... or Kaname.... or both.... Would be in one of the two other buildings.

Which one?

He had a fifty fifty chance.

Even if they hadn’t heard it, the grenade blast may have sent vibrations running between adjacent buildings.

The game was just beginning.

The hourglass was already close to running out.

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“Kim... Kim darling... my sweetest Kimmie... don’t be shy. You’re amongst friends, aren’t you?” Jorgen held his arms open wide, as if offering a hug.

Kim hesitated at the door. Jorgen’s words seemed to buffet her in a physical sense.

Kaname watched quietly. Her emotions were jumbled. Kim was alive. Kim knew the madman. Kim carried a knife.

“Miss Chidori, I’m certain you must be glad to see your new friend Kim. Right?” Jorgen smiled a sickly smile.

Kaname remained silent.

“You know, the new classmate at Jindai High....”

Kaname sniffed. She suspected that Kim was in cahoots with this man.

“The one you showed all sorts of kindness to, and took out for a night on the town....”

Kim cringed. She almost dropped the knife.

“Who then identified you as Whispered and called me....”

Kaname scowled. She looked ready to spit.

“Even though she is Whispered herself....”

Kim’s face went entirely blank. Kaname’s face showed a mixture of shock and hurt.

“Because she was so thoroughly indebted to me. Because she was so.... in love.... with me.” Jorgen laughed uproarishly, holding his gut. Then his face changed without warning, registering the greatest disgust. He spat.

Kim tried to back out of the room, but the unseen man pushed her roughly forward.

“So she had bad taste as well as being a traitor. Why are you telling ME this?” Kaname’s mood swung once again towards anger.

“WATCH YOUR TONGUE, FREAK! WITCH!” Jorgen fought to retain his dignity. He would not let some blue-haired bit of fluff set off his emotions.

“I’ll put it to you thusly. Little Kimmie grew up with a tragic life, until I saved her. After that, she carried out numerous tasks for me, certain she was doing what was necessary---willing to do whatever I asked in hope that I would care about her. Poor little fool.” Jorgen made as if he were wiping a tear from his eye.

Kim bowed her head. She felt as if she were filled beyond capacity with tears, but none would fall.

“Now little Kimmie has the chance to make a valiant choice. There are three options. Each no doubt has its own attraction.” Jorgen held his hand up. He folded one finger over.

“First, she could make a rush at me with the knife. Perhaps she wishes to kill the man that she thought gave everything to her, when he was actually using her. She may wish to cut the throat of the person she thought loved her, but instead detested her as much as the other Hell spawn.”

“But it’s too hard, isn’t it Kim? Those feelings still have a tight grip on your heart. What’s a poor girl to do?” Jorgen laughed again, blowing Kim a kiss.

Despite the fact that Kim was the reason she was trapped, Kaname began to feel a deep-seated sorrow for Kim. Her own sad years were nothing compared to this. Kim may have faced something even worse than Sousuke had.

“Second, I suggested that she might want to use the knife to end her own wretched existence, since she has even less to live for now than she did before. It’s hard for me to go on, it’s so terribly tragic. I will persevere.” He paused, looking over at Kim. “So many young girls gone, thanks to Kimmie. So many lies. No friends. No chance for redemption. No hope whatsoever. I’m, surprised she hasn’t taken her own life by know.”

Kim looked down at the knife, then closed her eyes.

Kaname began to realize how terrible Kim must be feeling. Doubly so, since the time they had spent together on the town must have shown her a taste of a better life---that life must seem even further from reach now.

Jorgen smiled. He looked over at Kaname. “Can you guess the third choice, Miss Chidori?”

Kaname couldn’t at first. Then, simply because there were three people in the room, it dawned on her that SHE was the third choice.

Why?

Did Kim hate her for some reason?

Was she jealous of her life?

“Despite my efforts over the years, little Kim remains a compassionate waif. Even though I have long counseled against it, I believe she found herself making friends. She was truly torn this time, doing her duty. I think she deserves a round of applause for being a true trooper.”

Jorgen began clapping his hands together at a furious rate.

He looked at Kim and Kaname, then grinned. “No feeling charitable, girls? Pity.”

“I any case, Kim came to understand just how much I loath the Whispered. She had a good idea of just what kind of torment you are in for, Miss Chidori. How horrid. How long.” Jorgen saw Kaname flinch and chuckled.

“But, she had within her power the opportunity to save you from all that. All she needs to do is walk over to the girl she viewed as a possible friend.... look her in the eye.... and slash her throat. Or pierce her dark evil heart, watching the lifeblood burble up out of her dying mouth.. It’s an artistic consideration, mind you. Personal preference. I wouldn’t dream about telling how she had to do it.

“Bastard,” Kaname growled.

“Yes, actually.” Jorgen said. “My brother and I both. Conceived out of wedlock. Doomed for life. Sexual desire is such a powerful thing. Though, not so strong as hate.”

He walked over and looked down at Kim.

“I know that Kim here is a virgin. She was saving herself for someone special, weren’t you dear?” He ran his hand over her shoulder, letting it linger on her breast.

The knife trembled in Kim’s grasp.

“How about you, Miss Chidori? Have you tasted the joys of the flesh? Or even the ignorant fumblings of teenage experimentation? No?” He shook his head. “Such a pity. Two pities, actually. You and Kimmie.”

He sat hard on the floor, adopting a pose similar to that of Rodan’s ‘The Thinker.’

“Ahhh! I have it. A bit more impetus for Kim to make her decision. There are plenty of virile men working for me who might enjoy some sport with two lovely young ladies. They do not share my aversion for witches like you. It might take some time for all of them to have their turn, but you girls don’t have any other plans, right?

Kaname swallowed hard.

Kim blushed.

“Yes, a wonderful suggestion if I do say so myself. Let’s do it that way. There’s still some time to act before your suitors arrive Kim. What are you going to do?” Jorgen lit a cigarette. “I have a number of these left. You girls can each have one when you’re through.”

Anger began to build in Kim. It was one thing to humiliate her, to toy with her heart. It was something else to play at this, and to threaten Kaname the same way.

She thought briefly of Sousuke, then blushed again.

That probably never would have happened.

But if it had, it would have been her choice.

“I hate you.” She spoke words to Jorgen she couldn’t have possibly imagined a day ago.

“What was that? Did the little mouse speak? Getting brave now, in the very face of the cat?” Jorgen was plainly amused.

“You read me a story once. I remember an overly proud falcon being struck and killed by an owl hunting for mice. But you aren’t even a falcon. A crow. A vulture.” Kim’s voice grew louder. All of her pain, anger, self- hatred, and feelings of helplessness built up behind her tongue as if it were a dam about to burst.

“Feeling owlish, are we pipsqueak?” Jorgen laughed.

“No. I just see you for what you are. That’s what hurts the most. I sold my life so cheap for someone like you. I’ve met someone.... uh... some people who showed me what a man could truly be like.” Kim blushed again.

Kaname’s eyes narrowed. She had her own suspicions about who Kim was referring to.

“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” Jorgen spat. “What do you know of men? Or thought, for that matter? Everything you think, do, or say comes from me. There is no Kim. Merely some robot I have controlled.”

Kim’s body jerked, as if she stepped on a high voltage wire.

Kaname felt like a voyeur, watching the pain Kim was put through.

“No Kim. You’re more than that. Don’t listen to that jerk!” Kaname was at odds with herself. Part of her hated Kim for what she had done. The other part felt sorrow for a girl whose actions were not entirely of her own doing.

“He tricked you. It wasn’t your fault. Fair is foul, and foul is fair. But you were too young to know which was which. He had a false face and a false heart. You didn’t. He took advantage of that!” Kaname’s situation felt surreal. She was captive in a room, caught between moping melancholy and moonstruck madness. This should be some kind of story or play. If so, she wished that someone hadn’t written her into it!

Kim’s eyes teared up. How could someone she betrayed come to her aid?

Jorgen walked over and slapped Kaname hard. “You should know better than to come between a dragon and his wrath. What does the opinion of some witch mean, any way? I’ve stolen everything she has. There’s nothing left for her but to feel the emptiness and the pain. Just the way that I felt when your kind took Franz from me!” He slapped her again.

As Jorgen walked away, Kaname stuck to her guns. “You don’t need to listen to him. He just showed you what is at the center of his heart. Hate. Anger. Selfishness.”

She tossed her hair, turning a defiant look on Jorgen. “He did steal something from you. But, if you smile at a thief, you steal something from him too. If you decide that the thing he stole from you was something you didn’t want, in a way you weren’t even robbed. The life you had then was already empty and sad, right? Don’t think about that. You could do like Sousuke did. You could find something better in the future.”

Kim looked up. The words had definitely struck a chord.

“Future? Your future last no longer than I wish it to!” Jorgen slapped his hand against his knee. “You are both the type who will turn your head away from God, if the Devil bids you. But, not for much longer. I know that revenge can seem sweet, but turn bitter when it recoils back on itself. It’s OK. I like both flavors!!!”

He took a pistol out from a holster under the cardigan. He took a whistle out of his pocket.

“It’s time to make your choice Kim. If you don’t, I’ll make it for you.”