Mutant Musume!!

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 20 – Mission START!

The next day, Fujimoto attended her regular classes, yet all throughout the day, she did not see her friends, not during breakfast or lunch or even for supper, and they were nowhere to be found inside the school.

"This is so strange..." Fujimoto thought to herself, as she waited nervously in her dorm room later that evening.

A knock on her door broke the tense silence and Fujimoto very nervously made her way towards it, reaching out her trembling hand to turn the knob. Upon opening the door, she saw Angel, wearing his long black trench coat, black cargo pants and black combat boots, standing in the doorway. He was also carrying more black clothes in his arms.

"Put these on," Angel said, handing Fujimoto a long sleeved black shirt, black pants and some black combat boots as well. Fujimoto nervously looked at Angel and he cracked a weak smile and nodded to her. Fujimoto sighed and took the clothes from Angel, quickly putting on the outfit, before proceeding outside with Angel.

As Fujimoto and Angel stepped into the cool night outside, they saw Flea, Deluge, Quake and Syther waiting outside beside a big black van, all of them wearing the same black clothes, trench coats, in addition to some large backpacks.

"What exactly are we going to do?" Fujimoto asked, her heart beating faster as she neared the van, eyeing the very serious expressions on everyone’s faces, not the usual smiles she was used to seeing from her friends.

"Our job..." Angel said. He and Fujimoto then reached the van, as Quake hopped into the driver’s side and Syther into the passenger’s side, while everyone else hopped into the back of the big van.

"Here put this on," Deluge said, handing Fujimoto a big black, and rather bulky, vest.

"What is this?" Fujimoto asked, examining the vest in her hands, turning it over and over again.

"It's Kevlar," Deluge said. Fujimoto’s eyes then shot wide open.

"Kevlar?!! ...This is a bullet proof vest isn't it?!" Fujimoto shouted, as everyone else weakly nodded their heads. Quake then started the van and began to leave the compound.

"I don't think I want to do this..." Fujimoto said, now feeling terrified, trembling in fear.

"Don't worry, we're professionals. We'll take care of everything. Overlord just wants you to tag along for the ride and see how things are done," Deluge assured, smiling weakly at Fujimoto.

"I think we'll need Archangel for this job," Syther said. "And he'll need to be in full control..."

Angel nodded and moved away from everyone else, as he then began to yell as if in pain. Slowly, Archangel began to appear, though this time they didn't separate. Fujimoto watched on as Angel slowly changed into Archangel.

Archangel took in a deep breath of fresh air. "Ah free...and in total control!" Archangel said, Fujimoto quickly moving away from him and cowering in the corner of the van.

"Archangel, you have direct orders from Overlord to assist us in a special task for him. You are told to leave Fujimoto alone and follow our orders," Quake said as the van left the compound and began to make its way towards Tokyo.

"Is that so?" Archangel said, looking over at Fujimoto and grinning at her, baring his pointed teeth. "Well I guess I'll just have to be a good boy then, won't I?"

"Someone please tell me, what the heck we're going to do?!" Fujimoto demanded. Deluge quickly moved over beside Fujimoto and sat with her.

"We're going to hit Tokyo bank, and rob it." Deluge said.

"Rob?!" Fujimoto exclaimed, as the others nodded. "Why!?"

"How do you think we fund the Mutant Brotherhood?" Deluge asked. "Besides, we're stealing from humans. Why should we necessarily care about stealing from them?"

Fujimoto began to feel scared of her friends, her idea of the Brotherhood being a haven slowly fading.

"Trust us Typhoon, we're your friends. We'll watch over you. And we've done this sort of thing before without any problems. Now put on your Kevlar," Deluge said. Fujimoto exhaled a nervous sigh and then put on her bullet proof vest, Deluge then handed her a long black trench coat, which Fujimoto put on as well.

"I can't believe we're going to actually do something evil such as this," Fujimoto thought to herself as she sat huddled up in the corner of the van, her friends talking amongst themselves in hushed whispers as they went through the plans for the heist. In her heart, she knew what they were about to do was evil and just plain wrong. Yet she felt compelled to follow Overlord’s wishes in a way she could not explain.

Everyone then sat in silence as the van made its way to Tokyo. An hour later, the van stopped outside Tokyo bank in the darkness of the night. Everyone got out and slowly made their way to a dark alley beside the big bank and waited.

"Ready Flea?" Archangel asked. Flea nodded, then crouched down and jumped up, soaring high into the air and then landing on the high rooftop of the bank.

"Oh my god!" Fujimoto exclaimed in surprise, everyone quickly shushed her.

"Why do you think we call him Flea?" Archangel said, as Fujimoto shook her head.

"He can leap great distances, just like a flea," he whispered, as Fujimoto nodded in understanding.

"Ok, you next Archangel," Deluge said, as Archangel nodded and took off his long black trench coat and extended his large dark wings outwards. "Take Typhoon with you as well." Archangel’s gaze turned to Fujimoto, grinning. He then walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, flapping his large dark wings, and quickly rising upwards with each beat of his wings. Soon, Archangel and Fujimoto reached the top of the roof. Flea was taking a long black rope out of his backpack, which he then tossed over the edge of the building and lowered to the ground. Fujimoto looked down and saw Deluge tying the rope around her waist. She then pulled on the rope and Archangel quickly began to pull Deluge up to the rooftop.

Fujimoto gazed back down at Quake who was still on the ground. He reached into his large backpack and pulled out a large disc-shaped piece of rock, set it on the ground and stood on it. He then raised his right hand upwards and the rock began to levitate off the ground and rise upwards towards the rooftop. Soon he was on the roof as well, placing the disc-shaped rock back in his backpack.

"Here we go," Deluge said as she and everyone else made their way towards a rooftop entrance into the bank. She turned the handle, but it was locked.

"Put your masks on," Deluge said, and everyone reached into their backpacks and pulled out gas masks, putting them on, then took out black helmets and put them on as well. Fujimoto stood still, looking at everyone, not really liking what she was witnessing.

"Here, put yours on now," Deluge said, handing Fujimoto a gas mask and a black helmet with a clear visor.

"Why do we need this?" Fujimoto asked.

"Once we break this door down, it'll trigger the main alarm, notifying the police. They'll be here in 15 minutes and they'll be sure to use gas," Deluge replied. Fujimoto trembled, yet obeyed and put her gas mask and helmet on.

"Is everyone ready?" Deluge asked. Everyone nodded, including Fujimoto. "Ok Archangel, do your thing."

Archangel then stepped forward and kicked the door in. A loud alarm began to beep over and over again.

"Go Go GO!!" Deluge said and everyone quickly ran inside, Fujimoto following last.

Once inside, Deluge quickly heard footsteps fast approaching.

"Take cover!" Deluge called out and everyone ducked into doorways in the main hall, Archangel remaining in the hallway with an evil grin on his face. Suddenly, four armed security guards rounded the corner.

"Freeze!" one of the guards ordered as he aimed his handgun at Archangel, Archangel began to walk towards the guards, smiling evilly.

"Get down on the floor!" the guard ordered, yet Archangel continued walking towards them.

"Fire fire!!" the guard shouted and the four guards began to fire at Archangel, bullets hitting him as he fell back and didn't move.

"No!" Fujimoto cried out as she quickly left her hiding spot and rushed out into the hallway.

"Stop right there!" the guard yelled. Fujimoto stopped in her tracks and held her hands up as they slowly began to approach her, walking past Archangel’s body.

Fujimoto’s eyes then shot wide open as she saw Archangel quickly get up, and open his hands, extending his fingers outwards. Large sharp claws quickly emerged out of his fingernails, as he then stabbed two of the security guards in the back, pulling his claws out of their backs then slashing another guard’s throat with his large claws, sending him to the ground. The last guard fired his handgun at Archangel, then his gun clicked, all rounds exhausted. Archangel then grabbed the guard by the throat and lifted him off the ground, the guard gasping for air as he was raised higher and higher. Archangel grinned evilly then with a quick move of his hand, he snapped the guard’s neck, breaking it and killing him outright. Archangel tossed the dead guard aside.

"All clear!" Archangel called out, and everyone else came out of their hiding spots.

"But you...you were shot!" Fujimoto said, quickly approaching Archangel and examining his open wounds, which began to quickly heal up and within seconds were completely healed.

"Ok, let’s continue and get this over with," Deluge said, as she led the group down to the lobby and the main bank vault. Fujimoto stopped for a moment and looked at the dead security guards.

"No turning back now..." Fujimoto thought to herself before she followed everyone else down to the lobby.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 21 – Mutant Encounter

The Brotherhood mutants were nearing the lobby and bank vault as they made their way down the stairs from the roof to the lower levels. The group then exited the stairway and slowly made their way down into the dark lobby, Deluge quickly scouting the area.

"There're three more sentries down here, two on the left and one behind the security counter," Deluge said, the guard behind the desk was on the phone, and he seemed to be talking to the police as the alarm continued to beep loudly.

"Well, the police are definitely on their way," Deluge said. "Quake, take those guards out." Quake nodded, took off his backpack and silently opened the side pocket, taking out two long, slender, pointed rocks. He then placed one in each hand as they began to float out of his hands. He looked at the guards and concentrated as the rocks swiftly left his hands and nailed the two guards in the chest, sending them to the ground.

"Quickly, send back up!" the last remaining guard shouted into the phone. Archangel then pulled out a large throwing knife from a sheath on his waist and threw it at the guard, killing him.

"Ok, let’s quickly get the money and get the heck out of here," Deluge said, quickly leading the group towards the bank vault.

Upon reaching the vault, Syther, Quake and Flea began to take out some strange equipment and began to crack the bank vault’s systems.

"How long is this going to take?" Deluge asked. Flea thought as he and the others continued working on cracking the vault open.

"I dunno, maybe 15 minutes," he replied.

"Oh great...the police will be here in less than ten," said Deluge.


Meanwhile, back at TV Tokyo, now the headquarters for the Special Mutant Assistance Team or S.M.A.T., Hitomi Yoshizawa, Yuko Nakazawa, Kaori Iida and Rika Ishikawa were having a seniors’ staff meeting. After hearing about the heroic efforts of the Morning Musume girls and their fight for justice against crime, many more Hello! Project girls came forward and revealed their powers. It seemed almost every girl in H!P was a mutant.

"Seems as though crime is down in Tokyo these days," Nakazawa said, after reading a report given to them by the Tokyo police department.

"Yes, and we're doing a great job in changing that stereotype and law against mutants," Yoshizawa said.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, as Ai Takahashi appeared.

"Sorry to interrupt, but it seems as though there's a robbery in progress at Tokyo bank," she reported.

"Hmm...Threat level?" Iida asked.

"The police aren't entirely certain, but they’ve determined that there're no more then four or five robbers inside." Takahashi said.

"Doesn't sound too bad... I think we should send a few of the younger members in. It'll give them some experience," Nakazawa said.

"I agree, but we should send a senior member with them, just in case," Yoshizawa said. "Someone older and more experienced."

"I agree. Find Kei Yasuda and take her with you, Takahashi. We'll be sending in the Gokkies for this one," Iida said.

"Right away!" Takahashi said excitedly. She left the room, quickly found Kei Yasuda and the other 5th generation members and headed outside.

"Tokyo bank is pretty far away... how will we get there?" Konno asked, as Takahashi just smiled.

"I'm a teleporter, remember?" Takahashi said. "Now everyone join hands." Konno grabbed Takahashi’s right hand, while Niigaki grabbed Takahashi’s left hand, Ogawa and Kei Yasuda then held onto Niigaki and Konno’s other free hands, forming a circle.

"Ok ready, in 3...2...1..." Takahashi said. Everything then went black for a moment as the entire group was instantly teleported from TV Tokyo to Tokyo bank. When everything reappeared, they were standing outside Tokyo bank, amidst many Tokyo police cars and special tactics vans already outside the bank as well.

Kei Yasuda, being the senior member, approached the leader of the Tokyo police for operation.

"So, what have you got?" Yasuda asked.

"Not much, we can't determine just how many are in there. But we do know they're ruthless and determined. They've killed all the security staff inside already..." the police chief said. "But don't worry, we've got the situation under control and we'll handle it from here. We're about to send in a SWAT team for a dynamic entry."

A large group of ten police officers in SWAT gear quickly formed up at the front of the police barrier, Yasuda, having faith in the police force, told the Gokkies to hold their group and let the police handle it.


Meanwhile, back in the bank...

"SWAT’s coming!" Deluge called out as she quickly rushed back to the vault area at the back of the bank.

"How's that vault coming?" Archangel asked.

"No good, we've still got a lot of cracking to do," Syther said.

"Ah screw it, stand aside!" Archangel said, as he then walked in front of the bank vault, holding his hands high in the air. The bank vault was enveloped in a black substance, as Archangel then brought his hands back towards himself and the bank vault’s big metal door broke off instantly and landed on the ground. Everyone just stared at Archangel in disbelief at his powers.

"What?" Archangel asked.

"Why didn't you just do that in the first place? Why did you make us waste so much time trying to crack it open?" Deluge asked.

"Hey, you never asked," Archangel said. "And besides, I've been dying for some action, but enough of that. Just start gathering up the money and get it into the van. I'll take care of the police." Archangel then reached into a large duffle bag and pulled out a samurai katana and made his way to the front entrance.

"Think we should help him??" Fujimoto asked.

"No, he'll be fine. Let’s just get as much money into these duffle bags and get out of here," Deluge said, taking out more large duffle bags and tossing them to the rest of the Brotherhood mutants.


Back outside Tokyo bank, the SWAT team was ready to infiltrate the bank at full force.

"Now!" the police chief shouted, as two police officers fired two large gas launchers, sending out two smaller tear gas canisters that flew towards the bank, then smashed through the windows and rolled along the floor inside the bank. The officers then fired in two more canisters and waited a few moments.

"GO!" the police chief shouted and the SWAT team quickly moved towards the bank. The lead SWAT officer smashed in the doors with a big battering ram and the doors flew open, as all the officers then rushed inside, spreading out as they entered the bank. One officer made his way through the bank, tear gas floating everywhere when, suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his gut and groaned. Looking down, he saw a long sword sticking out of him. He looked up and saw Archangel. Archangel let out a loud, demonic roar, baring his large-fanged teeth.


Back outside, the girls and other officers could hear horrible screams and gunfire going off inside. A few moments later all was dead quiet, as the girls stared at the bank doors. Just then, a small object was thrown from the bank, landing on the police chief’s squad car and coming to a stop. It was one of the SWAT officers’ severed heads.

"Oh god..." the police chief exclaimed in disbelief, Yasuda and the other girls looking away.

"Let us take care of this!" Yasuda said, as the other girls bravely nodded in agreement.

"Alright, get in there!" the police chief said, still sick to his stomach and horrified that his officers were slaughtered so easily.

Yasuda and the other girls made their way towards the bank. As they neared the door, gas was being blown out the door by some sort of strong wind. The girls quickly stepped back and let it clear. Soon it was clear enough for them to enter, and after stepping inside, they saw a very tall teenager standing in the lobby with a sword, dead officers all around his feet.

"Pft, how pitiful, they send in teenage girls after a SWAT team!" Archangel said, laughing evilly.

"We're the Special Mutant Assistance Team, and you’re under arrest!" Yasuda shouted. Niigaki screamed loudly as electricity began to emanate around her body, crackling loudly, as she then took a fighting stance, the bright blue electricity flowing all around her body as she glared at Archangel. Takahashi took a fighting stance and prepared to fight, while Konno closed her eyes and a bright yellow glowing light began to emanate from her body. Ogawa and Yasuda then took a combat stance and prepared to fight as well.

"You’re mutants huh?" Archangel said, his eyes beginning to glow bright red. He swiftly took off his trench coat and extended his large dark wings outwards. The girls’ arms dropped to their sides, their eyes growing wide with surprise and shock.

"I guess that makes two of us," Archangel slyly said, grinning and baring his large fanged teeth. He then raised his sword. "So come on... LET’S DANCE!!" Archangel yelled as he rushed towards the girls, his sword high in the air.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 22 – Dispatch

"Oh no..." Konno thought as Archangel charged towards her, sword held high. His sheer size and demonic appearance terrified her as she was frozen in place, her guard totally dropped.

Archangel roared as he neared Asami, then swung his sword down on her. Suddenly, Kei Yasuda rushed in between Konno and Archangel, his sword making contact with Yasuda’s forearm as she held it high. But a loud clang rang out as the sword hit Yasuda. Archangel stared more closely at Yasuda and saw that her forearm had changed to stone and stopped his sword cold in its tracks.

"I don't think so," Yasuda said, as she then drew her hand back, then threw it forward in a powerful punch. Her fist hit Archangel square in the stomach, sending him flying back across the lobby. He then smashed into a large stone pillar and shattered it to pieces. Dust floated in the air, and there was no movement from Archangel as he lay in the rubble of the stone pillar.

"Rule 3, Konno!" Yasuda yelled as she turned to Asami Konno, still frozen in fear. "Never EVER drop your guard, and never freeze up like that again. I won't always be around to protect you."

Just then, a terrifying roar rang throughout the lobby. Archangel then quickly got up and glared at the girls, baring his large sharp fanged teeth. Niigaki reacted quickly and swung her arms around gracefully, electricity building up and becoming more powerful the more she moved her arms around. She then stopped swinging her arms and pointed her fingertips towards Archangel as powerful, blue bolts of electricity came out of her hands and flew towards Archangel, hitting him and halting his advance, yet he roared angrily and continued to slowly walk towards Niigaki and the other girls.

"Come on, let's get him!" Yasuda yelled as she powered up her mutant powers, her body changing into stone as she and the other girls charged towards Archangel.


Meanwhile, back at the vault area, Deluge and the other Brotherhood mutants could see bright blue flashes coming from the lobby area and heard lots of yelling and commotion as well.

"Come on, we’d better go and help!" Deluge yelled. Syther, Quake, Flea and Deluge then dropped the large duffle bags, filled with millions worth in yen and ran towards the lobby. Fujimoto dropped her bag as well and began to follow them.

"No, not you Typhoon!" Deluge said as she stopped in her tracks, the rest of the Brotherhood mutants continuing towards the lobby area.

"But I can help!" Fujimoto said.

"No, you’re not ready yet."

"But I'm ready, and I want to help!" Fujimoto said, wanting to help her friends in battle.

"You’re still very new here, and you don't have the same level of control as we do with your mutant powers," Deluge advised, as her attention then turned to the numerous duffle bags filled with money. "We'll keep them distracted, you take the money to the rooftop and wait for us. We'll be along shortly." Deluge then left Fujimoto and made her way down towards the lobby area.

"But I can help, I know I can..." Fujimoto said softly, disappointed that Deluge didn't allow her to prove herself. But she quickly shook that thought away and ran back to the duffle bags, picking up one heavy duffle bag and made her way up the stairs towards the rooftop.


Meanwhile, back in the lobby, Archangel was having a difficult time fighting five mutants at once as he was getting thrown around the lobby like a rag doll by Yasuda, electrocuted by Niigaki and kicked around by Ai Takahashi as she teleported herself all around him, landing hard blows to his torso and face. Archangel then landed hard on the ground and laid there.

"Give it up! We outnumber and overpower you," Yasuda yelled. Just then, Syther, Quake and Flea came bursting into the lobby and took a fighting stance, followed quickly by Deluge.

"How about we make this a fair fight!" Deluge said, Archangel then got up and joined his fellow brotherhood mutants, Yasuda’s side joining up once again as well on the opposite end of the lobby.

"Are they mutants?" Konno whispered, as Syther then drew his right hand back and threw it forward, a large green crescent-shaped beam of energy leaving his hand and flying towards the girls. They all ducked as the beam flew over their heads and slammed into the wall behind them, exploding on impact and sending a brilliant bright green light into the air.

"My guess would be yes." Yasuda said as she and her group stood back up. "Ok everyone, pick a villain and fight!" Yasuda then charged towards Quake, while Takahashi went up against Flea. Ogawa took on Syther, and Konno ran towards Deluge, leaving Niigaki to try and take on Archangel.

Quake smiled evilly and held up his right hand towards Yasuda and she froze in her tracks, not able to move an inch.

"What's happening?" Yasuda exclaimed as she tried to move her stone limbs but couldn't. Quake then raised his hand towards the ceiling and Yasuda began to rise up as well. Quake’s ability to control rocks and earth elements gave him the edge against Yasuda’s ability to change into stone. Quake then quickly raised his hand towards the ceiling and Yasuda followed suit, slamming hard into the ceiling and sending chunks of debris falling to the ground. Next, he swung his hand to the right and Yasuda slammed hard into the side of the lobby. Quake then threw his hand left, causing Yasuda to fly across the lobby and slam into the other side of the building. He then dropped his hand towards the ground and Yasuda fell to the ground below, violently slamming into the ground, causing a violent tremor to shake the entire building. Yasuda’s body quickly changed back to normal as she fell unconscious and lay in a small crater of rubble.

"That's one hero taken care of!" Quake called out as everyone else continued to fight.


"I wish I was down there," Fujimoto thought as she reached the roof and dropped off the first duffle bag of money. She then made her way back to the vault area to grab another bag of money.


On the other end of the lobby, Takahashi was trying her best to fight Flea, but he was just too fast for her. With his extremely fast reflexes and astonishing jumping ability, Takahashi was having a hard time against this brotherhood mutant.

Takahashi threw another punch towards Flea but he quickly ducked, laughing giddily as he easily dodged her punches. To him, Takahashi’s punches seemed to fly towards him in slow motion, despite how fast they truly were. Takahashi breathed hard as she burned up a lot of her energy trying to fight Flea, sweat running down her face.

"Got to get away from him just for a minute," Takahashi thought, as she was not able to keep this up for much longer and needed to catch her breath.

Takahashi closed her eyes and tried to teleport herself away from him, in order to give herself some breathing time. But, as she disappeared, Flea quickly sensed where she would teleport herself to next, leapt into the air and flew majestically through the air and across the room.

"Hai-ya!" Flea yelled as he quickly drew his legs into his body, then extended them outwards, just as Takahashi appeared in front of him. He kicked her hard in the back, sending her flying through the air. She slammed into a stone pillar, knocking her unconscious as she lay on the ground.

"You’re just too slow!" Flea said, a sly smile spreading across his face. "That's another hero taken care of." He then just sat back and watched the others fight.

Yasuda then began to regain consciousness and looked around as she lay on the ground. She could see the Gokkies weren't having much luck against these powerful Brotherhood mutants, so she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small remote device and pushed a small red button before falling unconscious again.


Back at TV Tokyo, in the meeting room, now also the main control room for the S.M.A.T. headquarters, Yurina Kumai from Berryz Koubou, was busy monitoring a large digital map of Tokyo. All over the board were small green-colored dots, representing every mutant H!P girl in Tokyo and where they were, Yurina was now the main operator of the H!P SMAT Force switchboard, and her job was to monitor the girls’ progress throughout the city and to direct the girls to crime scenes and other areas that needed assistance.

An alarm began beeping and Yurina turned her attention to the large digital map. One of the green dots was glowing bright red, signaling there was trouble and assistance was needed. Yurina quickly put on a headset.

"This is Yurina Kumai of the Special Mutant Assistance Team. To all members, we have a distress signal coming from Tokyo bank. Anyone in the vicinity, please respond." Yurina said, hoping for a reply. Moments later, a radio signal was picked up and a response came in.

"This is Crynon and Bonfire. We are less than five minutes from Tokyo Bank and will lend assistance," Nono replied. Kago and Tsuji quickly began making their way towards Tokyo bank to help out, just as another radio response came in the switchboard.

"This is Aya Matsuura. I am less than ten minutes from Tokyo bank and will respond to the distress call as well." Matsuura then did a quick U-turn on the Tokyo streets and quickly began to race her blue sports car towards Tokyo bank.

"Thank you. Crynon and Bonfire, upon reaching Tokyo bank, you are ordered to wait for Aya Matsuura to arrive before proceeding," Yurina said, as she then pressed a small blue button, shutting off the alarm. Looking back at the digital map, she could see three small green dots moving towards the bright glowing red dot in the center of the map as Matsuura, Tsuji and Kago made their way towards the distress beacon.


Back in the lobby, the remaining H!P S.M.A.T mutants continued to fight the evil Brotherhood mutants, while Fujimoto was collecting the last two duffle bags of money and taking them to the roof. As Konno battled Deluge, her heat abilities were quickly being extinguished by Deluge’s ability to control water from a large fountain in the center of the lobby.

"Can't...beat her..." Konno thought, trying her best to use her heat abilities but kept getting splashed by Deluge, who used powerful and skilled water attacks.

"This is the end for you!" Deluge said, gathering a large stream of water from the fountain. It curled around her, as she then threw both her hands forward and the large stream of water flew towards Konno, slamming into her and causing her to fly back. She slammed through the glass window of a small office and was knocked unconscious as steam began to rise from her water-covered body.

"Let's take care of the rest of the girls and get out of here!" Deluge called out. Syther nodded as he and Ogawa continued to battle.


Meanwhile, Tsuji and Kago finally reached the rear of Tokyo bank, and decided to make a stealthy rooftop entrance. Tsuji knelt down and placed her palm against the concrete sidewalk. It quickly began to freeze, as a large column began to form as it slowly rose towards the rooftops. Soon, they were on top of the roof, but were surprised to see that there were signs that someone had already been there.

"What are these?" Kago asked, seeing five large black duffle bags.

"What's that?" Tsuji exclaimed, hearing footsteps fast approaching the rooftop doorway.

"Someone's coming!" Kago said, grabbing Tsuji’s arm and leading her behind the rooftop entrance, keeping out of sight as one of the robbers exited the building, carrying two large duffle bags on her shoulders. The robber then dropped the duffle bags and stood still, seemingly waiting for something.

"Come on Aibon, we can take this robber," Tsuji whispered.

"I agree, it's only one person and there're two of us," Kago said. "Ok, one...two...three!!" Tsuji and Kago then leapt out of their hiding spot.

"Freeze! We're with the S.M.A.T and you’re under arrest!" Kago shouted, surprising the robber.

Fujimoto quickly whipped around and spotted Tsuji and Kago.

"No...Not you two," Fujimoto thought, but then a thought quickly came to her. "They can't see my face, so they don't know who I am. Mustn't let them find out..."

"This is your last chance! Surrender now!" Aibon ordered, quickly opening both her palms, as two brightly burning balls of fire appeared.

"Got to act fast!" Fujimoto thought. She then closed her eyes and concentrated, as dark storm clouds then began to appear. A loud clap of thunder then rang out, as Fujimoto opened her eyes, raised her hand towards Tsuji and Kago and a bolt of lightning descended from the sky and landed behind them, knocking the girls off their feet.

"The robber’s a mutant!" Tsuji said, as both she and Kago quickly got back up and ran towards the masked robber. Aibon then screamed in rage, closing her palms into fists, which quickly became engulfed in flame. She threw a flaming punch at Fujimoto, who quickly ducked, dodging the punch. Tsuji then threw a high kick towards the robber, but Fujimoto quickly dodged it as well. Kago opened her palms and formed a basketball-sized sphere of fire between her hands and threw it at the robber. Fujimoto quickly ducked as the flaming ball of fire flew over her head.


Back on ground level, Matsuura’s blue sports car pulled up to the rear of the bank and she quickly got out. She looked up and saw a ball of fire fly through the sky.

"Tsuji, Kago!" Matsuura thought, knowing it could only be them who were on the roof after seeing the ball of fire. She quickly opened her palms and two yellow balls of energy began to form, quickly growing bigger. Matsuura rose off the ground and flew towards the rooftop. She soon reached the roof and saw Tsuji and Kago fighting a masked robber.

"Freeze!" Matsuura yelled at the masked robber. Fujimoto jumped in surprise and quickly turned around and spotted Matsuura. Kago took advantage of the situation, igniting her palm and throwing a flaming punch at the masked robber, her fist connecting with the robber’s gas mask, which began to smolder and melt from the heat of Kago’s flaming fist.

Fujimoto screamed as the heat from the smoldering mask began to burn her face. She then dropped to her knees, tore off her helmet and quickly ripped off her gasmask, finally revealing her true identity to the other girls.

"It can't be..." Tsuji said, staring wide-eyed at Fujimoto, who was holding her face where Kago had punched her.

"It's...Fujimoto!" Kago said.

"Miki-chan!" Matsuura said, shocked to see her best friend on the enemy’s side.


Back in the main lobby, Syther had beaten Ogawa and brave Niigaki was the last one left standing as she fought against Archangel, shooting powerful bolts of electricity at him, but they didn’t seem to have much effect on someone as strong as him.

"Just finish her and let’s go!" Deluge called out, as Archangel groaned then turned and faced Niigaki.

"Well, fun time’s over," Archangel said, as he grabbed the small girl by the throat and threw her over his shoulder. She flew across the bank and slammed into a wall at the back of the lobby and didn't move.

"Now come on! Let’s go!!" Deluge ordered, as she and everyone else began running towards the stairs leading to the rooftops.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 23 - Rewards

Back on the rooftop, Fujimoto got back on her feet, while Matsuura joined Tsuji and Kago. Matsuura slowly approached Fujimoto, a sad look in her eyes.

"Miki-chan... Why are you doing this?" Matsuura asked, but Fujimoto shook her head.

"I'm sorry Aya-chan, but you just wouldn't understand." Suddenly, Fujimoto raised her hands towards the three girls and three lightning bolts descended from the sky, striking Tsuji, Kago and Matsuura in the back, the girls yelling in pain before falling to the ground, unconscious but alive, smoke rising from their backs from where the lightning bolts struck them.

Fujimoto got back up and looked down at her friends, and shook her head sadly. She only used enough power from her lightning to render them unconscious and not kill or seriously harm them. She then heard footsteps fast approaching. Just as she turned around, she saw Quake, Deluge, Archangel, Flea and Syther burst through the doorway.

"Whoa!" Quake said, seeing three more SMAT mutants lying motionless on the ground.

"Typhoon, did you do this?" Deluge asked, and Fujimoto nodded her head.

"Well, I guess you could have helped us out then," Syther said, impressed that Fujimoto had single-handedly taken on three SMAT mutants by herself.

"Ok, let’s just get the money and get back to the compound," Deluge said, as she and the others each grabbed a large duffle bag full of money.

Just then, one of Matsuura’s eyes began to open, as she slowly regained consciousness. She then opened both her eyes and gazed towards Fujimoto, who was grabbing a bag of money. Fujimoto looked back at Matsuura, then quickly back at her fellow Brotherhood mutants. Fujimoto quickly lowered her palm to the ground and waved Matsuura down, gesturing her to remain on the ground. Matsuura obeyed and closed her eyes again.

The Brotherhood mutants then tossed the duffle bags off the roof, which then landed near their getaway van. Quake took the large disc shaped rock back out of his backpack and stood on it. He helped Deluge stand on it as well then used his powers to descend from the rooftop towards the ground. Flea followed close behind as he jumped from the roof and landed on the ground, though he was able to absorb the impact because of his mutant powers.

Fujimoto then stood next to Archangel, who grabbed her by the waist and began to flap his dark wings and rise off the rooftop, then gently glided to the ground below. Once everyone was back on the ground, they quickly loaded the money into the van. Fujimoto, Syther, Flea and Deluge got into the back of the van, while Archangel and Quake got into the driver and passenger side. The van then took off and began to speed back towards the Mutant Brotherhood compound. As soon as they got onto the streets, however, a few police cars patrolling the area spotted the van making a getaway and quickly began to pursuit them.

"Car chase! Cool!" Archangel said, laughing giddily as he began to accelerate even faster, four police cars on their tail.

"Hello, a little help here!" Archangel said, as Quake nodded, closed his eyes and concentrated. The road behind them began to tremble, as large columns of rock began to rise out of the ground, causing two of the police cars to smash into them, taking them out of the chase, while the other two swerved out of the way and continued pursuit.

"This is police unit 38, in pursuit of a white van, requesting immediate assistance and air support," a police officer in the lead pursuit car said into his radio.

"Roger that," a female dispatcher replied, calling in more police units and a support helicopter into the area.

As the van continued to drive away, three more police cars quickly joined the pursuit, lights flashing, sirens blaring. A police helicopter joined in the pursuit and flashed a spotlight on the getaway van as it continued to speed away.

"Move!" Syther yelled as he pushed Quake out of the passenger side seat, Syther then rolled down the window, stuck half his body out and began to throw green crescent beams of energy at the pursuit cars, one of the scythes hitting the lead police car, causing it to explode and flip into the air. While two other police cars spun out of control and smashed into buildings on either side of the road, the last two remaining police cars and helicopter continued pursuit.

"Come on Typhoon! Help us out here!" Deluge shouted. Fujimoto was unsure of what to do, but she quickly closed her eyes and concentrated.

The sky began to get dark and cloudy, and fog began to appear behind the van, such that the two police cars could not see five feet in front of them. The van then made a sharp left, while the two police cars continued forward, smashing into a building. However, the police helicopter was still following them.

"Someone take out that helicopter!" Archangel roared.

"I can't, it's too high up!" Quake said, not able to reach it with his powers.

"I can't get a clear shot!" Syther said.

"Typhoon’s going to have to do it then!" Archangel said. The others nodded and looked at Fujimoto.

"Come on Typhoon, hit it with a lightning bolt and get it off our backs, then its smooth sailing from here on out," Deluge coerced. Fujimoto didn't want to do it, as it would kill the pilot...but nevertheless she obeyed. Fujimoto concentrated and caused two large lightning bolts to descend from the sky, striking the helicopter, and causing it to explode into a thousand pieces, that then rained down on the city.

Everyone in the van began to cheer wildly as they were now safe and didn't have to worry anymore. Fujimoto meanwhile hung her head in shame as she had now betrayed her friends and broken her best friend’s heart.


Back on the roof, Matsuura began to get up, but she still felt very weak from getting struck by Fujimoto’s lightning bolt and collapsed back onto the ground. Tsuji and Kago began to stir and moan as well, Matsuura quickly reached into her pocket and pulled out the same remote device Yasuda had and pressed the small red button, calling for help before she laid back on the ground and waited for help to arrive.

"She betrayed us!" Kago said, as she lay on the ground.

"No, don't you see? She saved us. She could have easily killed us with her powers if she wanted to, and were it not for her, we would’ve been ambushed by the rest of the robbers who came out, right after we were struck by Mikitty’s lightning," Matsuura said.

"But she's with them Matsuura, she helped rob the bank and make away with the money," Tsuji said.

"I can't explain why she did it, but I know she must have had a good reason..." Matsuura said.


Arriving back at the Mutant Brotherhood compound, Fujimoto and the other Brotherhood mutants pulled up to Overlord’s private mansion and got out. Everyone then gathered a duffle bag each and made their way towards the mansion.

"You did good Typhoon," Deluge said happily. "I'm very proud of you. You performed much better then we ever expected."

Fujimoto nodded, but didn't say a word as she and the others proceeded inside.

"Ah, welcome back! Did all go as planned?" Overlord asked, Deluge nodded happily and quickly ran up to Overlord’s desk.

"All that and more, Typhoon here single-handedly took out three mutants who were in allegiance with the Tokyo police force, and she helped us escape from a police pursuit," Deluge said, Overlord raised his eyebrow intrigued.

"Is that so? Well then, that means a bonus for you," Overlord said.

"Bonus?" Fujimoto asked. Deluge emptied her large duffle bag onto Overlord’s desk, revealing hundreds of millions worth in yen. The others did so as well and soon, an enormous pile of money covered Overlord’s big wooden desk as he chuckled happily, eyeing greedily the millions worth in yen. He then grabbed a large handful of money and counted it out, then walked over to Fujimoto and handed her over seven million yen.

"Here's your share of the heist," Overlord said, smiling at Fujimoto.

"Are you serious?!" Fujimoto said, not able to believe how much money she was holding in her hands, as Overlord nodded

"Like I mentioned before, those who serve me well, get well paid," he replied, before handing the others their share. Overlord’s servants collected the rest and took it away. Everyone bowed then left Overlord’s mansion.

"See? Working for Overlord definitely has its perks." Deluge said, happily holding her share in her arms.

"I can't believe this...what I'm holding in my arms is over a year’s worth of salary from my singing career," Fujimoto thought, still bewildered at just how much she had earned from just one task for Overlord.

"Come on! Let's go back to your dorm!" Deluge said as the two friends walked to Fujimoto’s dorm together.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 24 – Flashback

Deluge and Fujimoto were relaxing in Fujimoto’s dorm room after the heist. They had each laid their share from the heist onto Fujimoto’s bed.

"Just look at how much we made!" Deluge said proudly, as Fujimoto just nodded her head.

Deluge noticed and got worried. "What's the matter Typhoon?" she asked.

"It's nothing really..." Fujimoto said, but Deluge could tell something was definitely wrong.

"Come on, please talk to me," Deluge said, wrapping her arm around Fujimoto comfortingly.

"It's just...the way we earned this money..." Fujimoto said. "And you all...kinda changed so suddenly. It really scared me."

"It's understandable," Deluge said. "When I got called for my first assignment years ago, I didn't know what to think. It all seemed so evil and wrong." Fujimoto just nodded in agreement.

"But it's all done to help us, our kind, to survive," Deluge went on. "Besides, we're stealing from humans, who despise us unreasonably."

"I know. I just didn't think you, or any of the others, had what it takes to kill someone..." Fujimoto said, remembering all the security guards and police officers the brotherhood mutants slaughtered during the heist. "You all seem so nice and friendly..."

"And we still are. We're your friends," Deluge said. "Don't worry. We would never do anything to harm you or another brotherhood mutant. We're all family here and...I know this is going to sound odd, but if you’re called out on another task, try to suppress your feelings, for if you don't, you'll probably hesitate and get killed. Remember, these humans hate us, and they won't hesitate to kill you for a second if they get the chance."

Deluge’s gaze suddenly turned very serious. "Before our first task, Overlord told us one thing. One thing you should remember: All you need to think about is your task, nothing else. If you have a heart, that could be fatal on the battlefield, for if you think too much, care too much, you'll lose focus and probably end up getting killed for it. What you do, you do for us, for our survival, for mutants," Deluge said, quoting Overlord.

Slowly, Fujimoto began to see Deluge's point. "I think I understand now," Fujimoto said, as her smile returned.

"That's better," Deluge said, smiling brightly back at Fujimoto. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Both girls turned their attention towards the door, and saw Quake standing in the doorway.

"Yes?" Fujimoto asked.

"I need to speak to Deluge for a moment," Quake said. Deluge looked at Fujimoto then made her way to Quake. The two began to speak in hushed whispers while Fujimoto watched from her bed.

"Are you serious?!" Deluge suddenly said, with a surprised and happy twinkle in her eye. Quake nodded and smiled, as Deluge dashed back towards the bed and grabbed Fujimoto by the shoulders.

"We're allowed to go to Tokyo and have some fun. Overlord was so impressed with our progress during the heist that he's personally given us permission to go to Tokyo tomorrow evening."

"Really...well, that sounds great!" Fujimoto said happily.

"I know. We don't often get to go out on our own and have some fun!" Deluge said. "Let's say just you and I go out, and have a girl’s night out!"

"Sure, that sounds like fun," Fujimoto said.

There was another knock on the door. This time, it was Angel. He had finally returned and seemed to be in full control once again.

"Oh. Hello Angel!" Deluge said, as Angel smiled and nodded.

"Would you mind if I had a few moments alone with Typhoon?" he asked.

"Yeah sure!" Deluge said, grabbing her share of the heist from Fujimoto’s bed and walking out.

Angel entered the room, and strode over to Fujimoto, stopping in front of her. She smiled and wrapped her arms around Angel’s broad shoulders and gave him a quick kiss.

"I take it that all went well?" Angel asked, as Fujimoto nodded. "He...didn't hurt you did he?" Fujimoto shook her head.

"No, Archangel loyally obeyed Overlord’s wishes. He didn't hurt or come after me this time, and he did very well during our mission," she replied.

"That's good." Angel then bent down and locked lips with Fujimoto in another long passionate kiss. Fujimoto’s eyes sparkled as she blissfully looked back up at Angel after the kiss.

"But it's so good to have you back!" Fujimoto said joyfully, as she buried her head in Angel’s chest and gave him a warm hug.


Back at Tokyo bank, help had finally arrived, as nearly all the H!P S.M.A.T force had responded to Matsuura’s distress call.

All of the Morning Musume girls had arrived, as well as Melon Kinenbi, along with Nakazawa and Iida. The Biyuuden girls quickly formed up outside and waited for the supreme commander Nakazawa's orders.

"Attention!!" Kaori Iida yelled, as Nakazawa approached the neatly formed up S.M.A.T forces. Led by Yoshizawa and Rika Ishikawa, the senior members of their respective groups, all the girls quickly came to attention, and a loud thud rang out as they all stomped their feet and stood up straight, then turning silent.

Nakazawa reached the front ranks of her S.M.A.T forces and looked them over before speaking. "Clearly, we have underestimated the threat level. If these robbers that the Gokkies, W and Matsuura went up against were so powerful that they easily defeated our team members, then we'll have to be a lot more careful in the future. But for now, let's all enter as one!"

"HAI!" all the girls said in unison. Everyone then slowly began to approach the bank’s front doors, with Nakazawa in the lead.

Soon, they entered the bank and slowly surveyed the area, making sure no more enemies were inside. Ishikawa spotted Kei Yasuda lying unconscious in the center of the bank lobby, with more of the Gokkies’ bodies sprawled about.

"Yasuda!" Ishikawa yelled out. She turned around and waved Miyoshi and Yui to follow her, as she led her group to the center of the lobby and checked on Yasuda. Nakazawa looked over to her left and saw Niigaki and Konno lying motionless on the ground. She waved her hand to the left and half of the H!P girls spilt off from the main group and ran over to check on the unconscious girls. Yuko’s attention then turned to the right and, spotting Takahashi and Ogawa on the right side of the lobby, Yuko waved her hand to the right and the rest of the girls ran to check on the others.

"Yasuda’s waking up!" Ishikawa called out. Nakazawa nodded, as she and Kaori then walked towards the center of the lobby of the bank and knelt down next to Yasuda as Ishikawa cradled her in her arms. Yasuda’s eyes then turned to Nakazawa as she gazed up at her weakly.

"Yuko...I'm so sorry....we've...failed..." Yasuda said softly.

"It's alright, I forgive you," Yuko said. "Tell me, what happened here? Who were the robbers?"

"The robbers were...mutants, Nakazawa...Powerful mutants..." Yasuda said. "We didn't stand a chance."

"Mutants!?" Nakazawa said. "Oh my god...we were fools to send in such young S.M.A.T members to handle a situation like this."

"There was no way we could have known the bank robbers were mutants Yuko." Iida said, but Yuko grunted angrily and gritted her teeth.

"Yasuda, tell me more!" Nakazawa ordered, but Yasuda blinked hard, looking rather disoriented.

"I...I ca-..." Yasuda stuttered, the disoriented look in her eyes showing confusion. She obviously didn’t have enough energy to narrate what happened earlier.

"Damn...I need more info!" Nakazawa fumed.

"Don’t worry. Kei, get some rest. I'll get the info for you Nakazawa," Kaori said. Nakazawa looked at her curiously, as Kaori then stood up and walked to the center of the room and held her arms out to her sides.

"Everyone, remain perfectly still!" Kaori called out. Everyone looked at each other and nodded their heads, staying where they were, not moving, and barely breathing.

Kaori closed her eyes and concentrated hard, as everything around her began to fade to black, all the girls disappearing. Suddenly, everything reappeared, figures moving quickly around her, though in reverse. For Kaori, and Kaori alone, time began to rewind from the moment the Brotherhood mutants left the room after the fight with S.M.A.T., and continued backwards, the next images being the Brotherhood mutants’ battle with the S.M.A.T girls. Time continued its backwards run, continuing past when the S.M.A.T girls were fighting Archangel, and continuing on until it came to the moment the three security guards were at the desk calling for help. That’s when Kaori stopped time, opening her eyes. She casually got used to her surroundings, as time once again ran its normal course. In spirit form, Kaori then began observing the events that had transpired just a few hours ago. She was a powerful psychic, her prime talent being the ability to tap into world memory and observe events that have already passed. She uses her powers mainly to gather information for Commander Nakazawa.
 
------

"I say again, we are being robbed. We just heard gunfire a few moments ago from our fellow security guards," said the guard behind the security desk. Kaori began to walk towards the desk, watching the guards’ every movement, though they didn't seem to see or notice her.

Kaori then heard soft whispers coming from above. She turned her attention towards the upper levels, when  suddenly, two long sharp flying objects flew over her head, Kaori whipping her head back around as she followed them with her eyes. She then saw the two pointed objects hit the guards, killing them outright, as they fell to the ground.

"Quickly, send back up!" the guard behind the desk yelled into his radio. As Kaori gazed at him, suddenly a whistling sound flew over Kaori’s head and she saw him get stabbed in the chest with a large throwing knife. Due to the impact, he flew back and fell to the ground dead.

Hearing a lot of commotion coming from the upper levels, she quickly whipped around and looked up. She could see the robbers coming down the stairs. There were definitely six of them, Kaori counting them as they ran down to the lower levels, passing her. Kaori then followed the robbers to the back of the bank,

"This must be what happened before Yasuda and the Gokkies came," Kaori thought as her vision played on.

A few moments later, one of the robbers quickly parted from the others and made her way to the front of the lobby, Kaori following her. The masked robber looked outside and saw many police and Special Tactics vans outside and cursed before quickly leaving. Kaori remained at the front doors for a moment, gazing outside.

"There’re Yasuda and the Gokkies," Kaori said softly, seeing Yasuda and the 5th generation girls standing behind the police barricade. She then departed and quickly ran after the masked robber towards the back of the bank.

"SWAT’s coming!" the masked robber yelled. Iida could definitely tell it was a female’s voice, despite her face being covered by a gas mask and big black helmet.

"How's that vault coming?" another one of the robbers asked. This particular robber didn't wear a gas mask and she could see that it was a very tall teenager.

Iida looked towards the bank vault and saw two other robbers attempting to crack the vault with some strange devices.

"Ah screw it! Stand aside!" the tall teenager shouted. Kaori stepped back in surprise as she observed the teenager using his powerful mutant abilities to rip the bank’s heavy vault door off the wall.

"I'll take care of the police," the tall teenager said, taking a katana out of his bag and slowly walking to the lobby area.

"Should we help him?" another robber asked. Once again, Iida could tell this was a female, but something struck her as odd. It was the voice that made Iida look twice. It somehow sounded...familiar.

Iida began to follow this masked robber, at times getting nose-to-nose with her, trying to figure out who she was, but it being only a vision of events past, Iida couldn’t do anything to get a clearer view. Suddenly, she heard glass break and saw some sort of thick smoke begin to make its way into the vault area.

Kaori quickly diverted her attention from the masked female robber and quickly ran to the lobby area and arrived just as the tall male teenager was slicing the SWAT team to pieces. He then chopped off one dead officer’s head and threw it outside, laughing evilly. Kaori felt sick as she watched on, observing the tall teenager take off his trench coat and extend his dark wings outwards, making her eyes grow wide with shock.

"Yeah....he's definitely a mutant." She then watched as he stood still and began to flap his wings forward, causing the tear gas to blow out of the bank, out the exit, clearing everything up. Moments later, Kaori saw Yasuda and the Gokkies rush into the bank.

Kaori then watched on as Yasuda ordered the teen to surrender and watched the girls power up. This is what Kaori was waiting for; she was about to find out what really went on.

She watched the Gokkies and Yasuda fight the demonic teenager, at times cheering, as she saw they were winning. However, moments later, she heard many footsteps fast approaching and saw the rest of the masked robbers appear, joining up with the tall teenager, while Yasuda’s side joined up on the opposite side of the bank, Iida watching from the sidelines.

She watched as they fought each other. She observed Yasuda getting easily beaten by one of the teenagers, saw Takahashi get kicked across the bank and slammed into a pillar, watched Konno get splashed, then slammed through an office window by the female masked robber. She watched Ogawa also losing, her powers of magnetism having no effect on her foe, who was simply slicing up everything she tossed at him. And lastly, she witnessed as Niigaki’s electric powers could not even faze the winged teenager as he neared her. Upon reaching her, he grabbed her by the throat and tossed her across the lobby, slamming into a wall.

"They were so powerful..." Iida thought, finally seeing how the battle went and how the H!P S.M.A.T girls easily lost. "Nakazawa’s not going to like this..."

"Wait a second...one, two, three, four, five..." Iida said, counting the robbers in the lobby, "Where's the sixth robber, the other female?"

"Now come on! Let’s go!" the female robber called out, as she and the others quickly left the lobby and began to run up the stairs, Kaori following close behind.

Soon the robbers reached the rooftop, when they suddenly stopped after opening the door.

"Whoa!" one of the robbers said. Iida slipped past them and saw Tsuji, Kago and Matsuura on the ground, smoke rising from their backs.

"Typhoon, did you do this?" the female robber asked. Kaori’s eyes were still on her friends then she looked at the feet of the female robber, standing in front of her fallen friends. Slowly, her gaze made its way up towards the robber’s head. Her face was now visible, as her mask and helmet were taken off. Getting a closer look, her earlier suspicions have been answered.

------

Back in real world, all the other H!P S.M.A.T girls were still standing still, vaguely aware that any sudden movements might disrupt Kaori’s concentration. Suddenly, Eri Kamei inhaled some dust particles that were hovering about in the air. Feeling a sneeze coming on, she slowly moved her hand to her face and tried as hard as she could to prevent it...but to no avail. Eri decided to just try to muffle it as she drew her head back slowly. However, she lost control and let loose a loud sneeze, inadvertently changing into a pink human-sized rabbit. Reina, Sayumi and Koharu couldn’t help but squeal in delight.

“KORAAAAAAAAAA!!!” Nakazawa bellowed, before quickly covering her mouth.

Suddenly, Kaori Iida gasped loudly as everything began to play forwards, then all turned black momentarily. Within moments, she had snapped back to reality and was in the lobby once again, but with the whole H!P S.M.A.T force there.

"What?!" Nakazawa asked. "What is it?"

"It's...it was..." Kaori said, clearly shocked as to what she saw in her vision.

"Come on, tell me!" Nakazawa barked.

"Fujimoto! She was one of the robbers..." Kaori said, her eyes still wide with surprise and shock.

"Fujimoto?!" Nakazawa exclaimed, as the other girls gasped loudly and stared at each other.

"Are you certain?" Ishikawa asked. Kaori then remembered also seeing three more of their teammates on the roof.

"The others... Tsuji, Kago and Matsuura are up on the roof as well. Someone, anyone! Go help them!" Kaori said. She suddenly felt weak at the knees and moved off to one side of the lobby and sat against the wall, still unable to believe what she saw in her vision.

"I can't believe it was actually her..." Iida thought.


On the rooftop, Tsuji, Kago and Matsuura waited for help to arrive.

"What will we tell them?" Kago asked. "Do we tell them about Fujimoto?"

"NO!" Matsuura shouted. "No...We can't tell the others, not yet..."

"But how can we keep something like that a secret?" Tsuji asked. Matsuura just shook her head.

"I don't know, but we mustn't tell them, we just need to..." Matsuura was unable to finish her sentence as she heard noise and a lot of footsteps fast approaching the rooftop entrance.

Moments later, the Melon Kinenbi girls burst through the door and spotted their fallen comrades on the floor.

"Guys, are you alright??" Shibata asked, kneeling beside Matsuura. Murata and Saito knelt next to Tsuji, while Masae Otani checked on Kago.

"Yes we are...oh...but we need to get treated," Matsuura said, as she then rolled on her side. Shibata looked down and saw a big black scorch mark on Matsuura’s back.

"Ok ok. Hitomi! Masae! Megumi!" Shibata called out. The other girls looked at her. "Come on, help the girls to their feet and let’s regroup back downstairs!" The others nodded and helped Tsuji and Kago to their feet, while Shibata helped support Matsuura on her shoulder. They then carried the injured back downstairs to the main S.M.A.T group in the lobby.


"Are you certain it was Fujimoto?" Nakazawa asked, sitting next to Kaori. Kaori nodded her head.

"I'm positive. I saw her face and recognized her voice. It was undeniably her," Kaori said, feeling a little better now.

"Hmm...Who did you say was on the rooftop?" Nakazawa asked, as Kaori thought back to her vision.

"It was...Tsuji, Kago and Matsuura."

"Matsuura..." Nakazawa thought. "I'll have to confirm this with her, maybe she saw Fujimoto as well."

Just as she finished that thought, she spotted Melon Kinenbi bringing down Tsuji, Kago and Matsuura.

"I'm going to ask her," Nakazawa said, as she stood up and waited in the center of the lobby.

Soon, the Melon Kinenbi girls had brought W and Matsuura to the center of the lobby where Nakazawa was waiting.

"Progress report?" Nakazawa asked.

"Not good. We didn't stand a chance against these powerful mutant thieves. They were definitely well-trained and professionals," Matsuura said, avoiding eye contact with Commander Nakazawa.

"I see. Is there anything else you wish to tell me?" Nakazawa asked, moving closer towards Matsuura.

Matsuura paused for a moment then lowered her head, "No..."

"When was the last time you saw Fujimoto?" Nakazawa asked sternly.

"I don't know, not since she ran away after the Tokyo storm incident," Matsuura lied.

"Are you certain!?" Nakazawa said, getting nose-to-nose with Matsuura.

Matsuura’s heart began to race, as she tried her best to keep her composure.

"Yes Nakazawa," Matsuura said, barely able to keep eye contact with her commander.

Nakazawa then nodded her head. "Very well. That is all, let's get out of here." The other girls helped pick up the Gokkies and Yasuda and began to file out of the bank. Kaori got up and walked over to Nakazawa.

"She was lying," she whispered into Nakazawa’s ear.

"I know she was. I could see it in her eyes."

"Then why didn't you do something?"

"As far as we can tell, Matsuura didn't do anything wrong. Sure she may have lied about seeing Fujimoto, but she only did it to protect a friend’s identity," Nakazawa replied.

"Suppose she's done it before, lied about not knowing where Fujimoto is. Suppose she knows where Fujimoto is right now. We can't let her keep secrets like that from us!" Kaori whispered.

"Well have to interrogate her later, after she's all healed up," Nakazawa said, watching all the girls leave the bank. She then spotted Matsuura looking back at her and Kaori.

"That was close..." Matsuura said, with a sigh of relief.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 25 - Confession

The S.M.A.T forces finally arrived back at TV Tokyo. Nakazawa then instructed the Morning Musume girls to help the injured S.M.A.T members into the medical room inside the building. The girls had no need to go to a normal hospital as the S.M.A.T forces had H!P girls with healing powers on their side. On her end, Yoshizawa was helping Yasuda find a medical bed to lie down on.

"Ouch, please go a little slower," Yasuda pleaded. Her body was very sore and bruised from the fight with the Brotherhood mutants earlier.

"I'm sorry," said Yossi, as she then slowly lowered Yasuda onto the bed then walked away.

Reina Tanaka and her sempai, Mai Satoda then entered the medical room. Despite the depressing sight of many of their mutant colleagues injured, Mai still seemed very high-spirited and cheerful as she strolled over to her first patient, Kei Yasuda.

"How are we feeling today?" Mai asked cheerfully. Yasuda just chuckled then winced in pain.

"I've been better," she replied, cracking a weak smile.

"Ok, now just lay back and try to relax." Yasuda nodded and rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes, as Mai then placed both of her hands on Yasuda’s shoulders just above her chest. A bright yellow light filled the room as Mai began to heal Yasuda. She felt her body getting warmer, a tingling sensation flowing up and down her body, seemingly cleansing her of all ailments.

Moments later, Yasuda was fully healed. "There, all done," Mai said cheerfully as she took her hands off Yasuda’s shoulders and stepped back. Yasuda then sat up and did some light stretching, and amazingly, all the pain and soreness was gone from her body and she felt more energized.

"Thanks!" Yasuda said, walking over to Mai and wrapping her up in a stone grip hug.

"Just doing my job," Mai said. Mai and Reina then walked over to the other patients and healed them in the same way. Pretty soon, all of the girls injured in the earlier battle were back to their regular bouncy selves, ready to go back on the streets.

Matsuura, in particular, sat up and swung her legs over to the side of the bed. The pain from the burn on her back was gone and she felt a lot more energized then before.

"Thanks," Matsuura said, a bright smile spreading across her face as she looked up at Mai, Mai returning the gesture with a sweet grin of her own.

"Matsuura!" a voice called out. Matsuura looked to see who it was and saw Nakazawa standing in the doorway of the medical room, with Sayumi and Kaori standing on either side of her.

"I need to speak with you," Nakazawa said. Upon saying that, Kaori and Sayumi left Nakazawa’s side and marched over to Matsuura, halting in front of her. Matsuura very nervously stood up, as Sayumi and Kaori then took a step back and a step off to the side and cleared a way for Matsuura as she walked towards Nakazawa. The two girls then walked in escort behind Matsuura.

Matsuura stopped in front of Nakazawa. "This way," Nakazawa commanded as she turned around, and left the medical room, walking down the long hallway, with Matsuura following close behind, and Kaori and Sayumi trailing them. Matsuura could see that they were headed towards the interrogation rooms, as fear built up steadily inside her with every step.

"What's this all about anyways?" Matsuura asked nervously, yet no one answered her. Nakazawa then stopped in front of a door. Matsuura looked up and saw a sign reading "Interrogation room #1". "I don't like the looks of this..." Matsuura thought.

Nakazawa then opened the door and stood aside. "Come on in and take a seat in front of the table," she said. Matsuura nodded slightly, went inside and sat in front of a large metal table in the small dimly-lit room.

"Now, we're going to question you about the Tokyo bank heist and I want the truth," Nakazawa said, pulling another small chair out from under the metal table opposite Matsuura, as Kaori and Sayumi both stood on either side of the commander and stood at ease.

"How many robbers were there at the heist?" Nakazawa asked. Matsuura lowered her head and thought for a moment.

"I'm not sure, maybe five or six," Matsuura said softly, nervously.

Nakazawa looked up at Kaori and she nodded her head, signaling that Matsuura was right.

"Ok next question. Yurina tells me you, Tsuji and Kago all responded to the Yasuda’s distress call, is that correct?" Nakazawa asked.

"Yes, that's right Commander Nakazawa," Matsuura said. So far, none of the questions seemed to be about Fujimoto, which helped Matsuura feel a little more at ease.

"After you reached the crime scene, what happened next?" Nakazawa asked.

"Well I... once I reached the crime scene, I saw Tsuji and Kago fighting a masked robber," Matsuura said, as she then paused.

"And...?" Nakazawa said impatiently.

"I don't know. I don't remember much after that. We were all knocked unconscious," Matsuura lied. Sayumi then gazed at Matsuura.

"She's lying," Sayumi said quickly. Nakazawa angrily pounded the metal table, sending out a loud bang.

"Damn it Matsuura, don't play innocent with me! I have two psychics here, if you haven't noticed!" Nakazawa said, motioning her arm over to Kaori and Sayumi.

"Now, we have reason to believe that Fujimoto was one of the robbers, can you confirm that?" Nakazawa asked, this time glaring at Matsuura, who lowered her head.

"I don't k..." Matsuura started.

"Yes you do!" Kaori interrupted quickly. Matsuura then placed her elbows on the table and buried her head in her hands, defeated. There was no way she could get any lie past these two powerful psychics, who could read what she was thinking before she even got a chance to speak.

"Ok, yes I admit it. I saw Fujimoto...my best friend. She was one of the robbers," Matsuura said sadly. "But she's not a bad person. She actually saved Tsuji, Kago and me."

"Saved? ...how?" Nakazawa asked curiously.

"When we found out her identity, she attacked us, but I believe she did it to save us. After we found out, we were too shocked to do anything, and our guards were dropped. That’s when she attacked us, striking all three of us with a lightning bolt that rendered us unconscious."

Nakazawa looked up at Sayumi. Sayumi gazed at Matsuura for a few moments, then looked down at Nakazawa and nodded. "She's telling the truth so far."

"Go on," Nakazawa said.

"I then remember waking up a few moments later, seeing all five of the other robbers and Fujimoto collecting the money and fleeing the area," Matsuura said. "But I know Fujimoto saved us. If she didn't knock us out, we would have been ambushed by the rest of the group, been outnumbered and possibly killed."

"That's true. As soon as the robbers finished Yasuda and the Gokkies, they proceeded upstairs and upon reaching the roof, I did see the three girls lying on the ground already," Kaori said.

"But you said she attacked you, deliberately," Nakazawa pointed out.

"Yes she did, but I know, as I'm sure you do, how powerful Fujimoto’s mutant powers are," Matsuura said. "I've seen her lightning bolts sever a house in half, yet all it did this time was knock us out. It’s as if she only meant for it to knock us out and not kill us. If she wanted to, I wouldn’t still be here talking to you."

"As far as I can tell, she's right about that," Sayumi said.

"That may be true, but the bottom line is, she's on the enemy’s side, Matsuura. Seven security guards and over a dozen police officers died in that heist," Nakazawa said sternly.

"No, not Miki-chan. She couldn't have had anything to do with that. I know her. I was her best friend..." Matsuura said, quickly standing up and sliding the chair away from the table. "She's still a good person. I... I know she is."

"Enough, sit back down!" Nakazawa ordered. Matsuura then took some deep breaths and sat back down.

"Ok, I think we've gotten all the information we need," Nakazawa said, as Kaori and Sayumi nodded. Nakazawa then stood up and walked towards the door.

"Will that be all?" Matsuura asked.

"Yes," Nakazawa said plainly. Matsuura then stood up. "And since you’re feeling better, I want you to go back on patrol in Shibuya tomorrow, understood?"

Matsuura stood up straight in attention and saluted her commander, shouting, "Yes ma'am!"

"Dismissed!" Nakazawa said, as she left the room, escorted by Kaori and Sayumi.

"I'm sorry Miki-chan... I couldn't keep your identity a secret..." Matsuura thought sadly.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 26 – Another Mystery Solved

"I can't wait till after school!!" Deluge said excitedly, eager to spend her hard-earned money on a wild night on the town.

"Yeah I know. With how much we made, we'll be able to party in style!!" Quake said.

"I don't think I've ever had this much to spend freely," Fujimoto said.

"So where are we going to go?" Angel asked. Fujimoto thought for a while.

"I think we could spend the early evening in Shinjuku, then party the night away in Shibuya," Fujimoto said, the idea of having a fun night on the town seeming like such a good idea.

The group of friends then exchanged small talk and laughter, eagerly awaiting the final bell to ring, so they could get to partying.


Meanwhile, back at TV Tokyo, Matsuura was just getting ready to go out on patrol. She was in the locker room, slipping into her tight, black leather S.M.A.T uniform, her first layer of the S.M.A.T forces’ sleek uniform. Next she slipped on her black combat boots and tied them up, clipping on her knee and elbow pads and hard plastic shin and forearms protectors next. She then slipped on her clear, hard black padded chest and spine protector vest, upon which, by turning around, the letters S-M-A-T were visible in large yellow lettering on the back. Lastly, she proudly slid her gold S.M.A.T badge into its clear zippered pouch on her chest, just below her name tag. She was now ready to begin her patrol routes.


At the Mutant Brotherhood compound, the final bell had rang, freeing the group of Mutant Brotherhood friends. All of them rushed back to their dorm rooms, put on their nicest shirts and clothes, grabbed tens of thousands of Yen bills and headed outside.

"Ok, everyone in! We're heading out!!" Quake called as he started up the big black van and got ready to depart.

Syther, Angel, Fujimoto, Flea and Deluge then hopped into the back of the van, all of them eagerly bouncing up and down with anticipation.

"I can't wait, this is gonna be so much fun!" Fujimoto shouted happily. The others began to shout in excitement and give each other high-fives.

The van then left the compound and headed towards Tokyo. An hour later the van reached the bustling city at around 5:30 P.M.

"Where are we going to go first?" Quake asked. Fujimoto thought for a moment.

"There's a really nice fruit parlor called Takano Fruit Parlor. It’s a small cozy restaurant in a mall just behind Shinjuku station. Goto Maki and I used to go there back when..." Fujimoto drifted off at the end. "Never mind, I'll show you all where it is. They make real fruit smoothies and the best fruit sandwiches in the world!!"

"Alright, let's go!" Flea said, as the group of friends made their way to the fruit parlor, arms around one another. Arriving at the said fruit parlor, everyone ordered the most expensive items on the menu, as money was not much of an issue for any of them.

"Excuse me! I just need to stop off at the bathroom," Deluge said. She then got up from the table and made her way to the restrooms.

"I think I also...need to stop at the bathroom..." Quake suddenly said, getting up and walking towards the restrooms as well.

"Oh man, could he be anymore obvious?!" Syther said teasingly, as Angel and Flea laughed as well.

"Why, what do you mean?" Fujimoto asked curiously.

"Oh, you can't tell?" Syther asked, as Fujimoto shook her head.

"Quake’s crazy for Deluge. He just goes on and on about what a wonderful and beautiful girl she is whenever he’s alone with us," Syther said.

"He came to my room when I first arrived at the Mutant Brotherhood compound..." Fujimoto thought, piecing together every past observation she remembered. "Oh, and I also saw him and Deluge talking at the monthly getaway. He also helped her more then anyone else during the bank heist...now it all makes sense!!!"

Just then, Deluge came walking back to the table, giggling to herself.

"But you mustn't tell Deluge, Quake told us to keep it a secret, as he wants to tell her himself when he's 'ready'," Angel whispered.

"I'm surprised Deluge doesn't know herself by now," Flea whispered, as Deluge rejoined the group.

"Hey guys, was Quake ok when he left?" Deluge asked. Everyone shook their heads.

"Why?" Fujimoto asked, as Deluge giggled again.

"Because he came up to me and seemingly tried to say something, but it looked like he was really sick or something. He kept stuttering and was sweating profusely." That caused everyone to burst into uncontrollable laughter.

A short while later, Quake came back from the restroom and rejoined the group.

"You ok buddy?" Angel asked. Quake nodded his head.

"Yeah, I guess there was something in that fruit drink that didn't cooperate with my stomach," Quake said, blushing bright red.

The group then finished up their meal, paid and left the small restaurant. As they were riding up the escalator to the upper levels, Deluge spotted a clothing department on the current level they were at.

"Oh, Typhoon, we need to stop here!" Deluge then grabbed Fujimoto by the wrist and led her off the escalator.

"We'll catch up with you guys later!" Fujimoto shouted back as she was being dragged away by Deluge. The guys nodded, waved and continued on up to the higher levels.

Deluge and Fujimoto then began to browse through many expensive looking clothes, but Fujimoto’s curiosity got the best of her.

"Say Deluge..." Fujimoto said, feeling a bit embarrassed to bring up the subject.

"Yeah?" Deluge asked nonchalantly, as she was still rummaging through a rack, full of fancy shirts.

"I was wondering," Fujimoto said, releasing a giggle. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Deluge giggled and set down the pile of shirts she had in her arms. "No, I don't, not at the moment anyway....why??"

"Oh it's nothing, I was just curious."

"Right..." Deluge said slyly, "What a random question that was."

"So...do you like anyone??" Fujimoto asked, blushing bright red.

"Maybe... why? You coming on to me?" Deluge said playfully. Fujimoto laughed out loud, causing Deluge to laugh as well.

"Come on, do you?" Fujimoto asked. Deluge then leaned against the rack of shirts and bit her lower lip.

"Well... there is this one guy. I've liked him for a long time," Deluge said, looking down at the ground in embarrassment. "He's tall, very handsome and an all-around great guy..."

"Quake??" Fujimoto asked, as she then quickly cupped her hands over her mouth, the word just slipping out. But to her surprise, Deluge placed her hand over her chest and nearly fell over.

"Oh yes, Quake! I'm absolutely in love with him!!" Deluge shouted. This time Fujimoto shushed Deluge as both girls giggled loudly.

"So why don't you tell him??" Fujimoto asked, but Deluge just turned away.

"I don't know. I guess we've just been best friends for so long, that if I tried anything it might creep him out..." Deluge said, Fujimoto then opened her mouth and was just about to tell her how Quake felt, but then stopped.

"This is something he needs to tell her himself," Fujimoto thought.

"But enough of that for now. Let's just go to the cash register and pay for all this stuff," Deluge said, picking up the pile of clothes she got off the racks. Fujimoto nodded and picked up her equally large pile of fancy clothes and followed Deluge.

A short while later the girls met up with the guys, then headed back down to the ground level.

"So how was the shopping spree?" Quake asked Deluge. Fujimoto looked over and smiled.

"It was great, did you buy anything?" Deluge said, placing her arm on Quake’s shoulder, Angel and Flea looked at each other, smiled and nodded.

"They're crazy for each other and they don't even know it..." Fujimoto thought to herself.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 27 – Friendly Encounter

Matsuura let out a long sad sigh as she continued to walk down the busy streets of the Shibuya district.

"This is so boring..." she thought to herself. Matsuura knew Nakazawa had purposely placed her on patrol in a district that saw the least action.

Matsuura then sat down in a small noodle shop and rested her head in her hands, her best friend Fujimoto still on her mind. She did not want to believe what she saw the previous day, her best friend as a bank robber.

"I cannot deny what I saw, but at the same time, I know she's still a good person," Matsuura thought.


Back in Shinjuku, the group of Brotherhood friends dropped off all their shopping bags into the back of their van.

"Do you wanna take the train, rather then drive the van around? Then we can walk it from there around Shibuya," Quake asked as he shut the van doors. The others looked at each other and nodded yes. They then headed into Shinjuku station.

The group went over to the ticket machines and bought tickets to Shibuya, then walked onto the platform. Some pedestrians stopped in their tracks as Fujimoto and her group of friends passed through the long underground corridors.

"That's Fujimoto," one boy whispered. Fujimoto looked at the small boy and hurried her steps.

"What's wrong?" Angel asked, Fujimoto’s hand nearly slipping from his grip.

"We just need to get there faster, ok?" Fujimoto said.

"Fujimoto?! I thought she was in America!" a teenage boy voiced out, his group of friends nodding as well.

"Come on, let's just go and fast!" Fujimoto pleaded. She then hurried her pace into a jog, her friends following suit.

Soon they reached their platform.

"What was that all about?" Angel asked, seeing that Fujimoto looked so mad.

"I had forgotten what a hassle it was to go outside and walk around freely," Fujimoto said angrily, more people pointing and staring at her. Fujimoto just opened Angel’s long trench coat, stepped in front of him and covered herself. Her friend noticed and glared at the people staring. Soon, the bystanders all looked away, as the train then reached the platform. The group of friends got in, with Fujimoto plopping down on one of the empty seats, as she hung her head.

"Seems people still remember me for what I used to be..." Fujimoto said, as Angel sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"Don't worry, we won't let anyone hassle you any longer," Angel said, as the others nodded in agreement.

"Thanks guys," she said, as the train then came to a halt.

"Shibuya, Shibuya," an automated voice said, as the group then got off, stepping out into the busy Shibuya district. It was now 8:30 P.M.

"Ok! Let's go Typhoon!" Deluge said, once again grabbing Fujimoto by the wrist and leading her away. "Girls night out, remember?" Fujimoto nodded, then waved goodbye to their male companions.

"I know a really nice restaurant. It's where I used to go with my...other friends, back when I was still a part of the Hello Project empire." Deluge nodded in agreement and the two walked down the Shibuya district, arms interlocked.


Matsuura was sitting in a large, fancy restaurant, taking her break, digging into a Chocolate Banana Sundae, something she and Fujimoto used to do a lot. As lonely as it was, it still brought Matsuura some comfort, being in a familiar restaurant, eating a familiar dessert.

Just then, the door opened up. "Good evening, a table for two," a familiar voice said. Matsuura’s eyes shot wide open and she quickly whipped around, spotting both Fujimoto and another teenage girl being escorted to a table on the other side of the restaurant.

"It can't be!!" Matsuura thought, "But it is..." She stood up, took a deep nervous breath and walked across the restaurant, towards Deluge and Fujimoto.

"I must say this certainly is a very beautiful rest..." Deluge said, trailing off at the end upon seeing an S.M.A.T member walking hurriedly towards them.

"Look out, S.M.A.T!!!" Deluge said, quickly standing up and sliding her chair away. Fujimoto quickly turned around and spotted her best friend, Aya Matsuura walking towards them.

"Aya-chan!!" Fujimoto squeaked out. Deluge quickly ran in front of Fujimoto, protectively shielding her.

"Whoa, wait a minute!!" Matsuura shouted, surprising a few other diners and waitresses in the restaurant, "I just came here to talk, with my friend."

"Your friend?!?" Deluge said, turning around and looking at Fujimoto. "She's your friend??"

"Well yes, I mean...she's..." Fujimoto said. "Don't worry, I'll be alright. Just give us a few minutes alone... please."

Deluge sighed, then nodded and walked away, sitting at the bar on the opposite end of the restaurant.

Fujimoto and Matsuura just stood across from each other, looking at one another, neither uttering a word for a few seconds.

"What do you want...?" Fujimoto said softly, averting her gaze.

"I just came here to talk." she replied. She then opened her clear zippered pouch and took out her gold S.M.A.T badge. "As your friend, I'm not a S.M.A.T agent right now." With that, she tossed her badge onto the table beside them.

"Alright, let's just take a seat then," Fujimoto said, pulling a chair out from the table and sitting down, with Matsuura sitting across from her.

"Miki-chan...why did you do it?" Matsuura asked. "Why did you help rob Tokyo bank last night??"

"Is that what you came here for, to lecture me??" Fujimoto asked, anger in her voice.

"No, No...that wasn't my intention," Matsuura said. "I'm just worried, that’s all. You’re a good person...to do something like that was unimaginable for someone like you."

Fujimoto sighed, "I don't know... I just...even I didn't know that we were going to do that."

"We?" Matsuura asked.

"I can't say, but all I can say is I found people, our people, mutants, who took me in when everyone else turned on me. They gave me a new home, a new life, a much better one I must say."

"Are you certain about that?" Matsuura asked. "If they make you rob a bank, without your approval or consent, is that a better life??"

"I serve my new master loyally, Aya-chan, as it looks like you do as well," Fujimoto said, eyeing Matsuura’s S.M.A.T uniform.

"Only I serve to protect the innocent and those in need. All of us in Hello Project have formed our own mutant police force and help the Tokyo police now," Matsuura said. "We're doing our best to have that law and stereotype on mutants changed."

"Is that so? Well good luck! I know that humans will continue to hate us, no matter how hard you try,"

"Regardless, I will continue to serve humanity, for it is the right thing to do."

"Right is a point of view. What I do is serve our kind, mutants," Fujimoto shot back. "So does my master, he only wants the best for our kind. He wants us to prosper, away from humans."

"Even if it means committing serious crimes and killing innocent people?" Matsuura asked. Fujimoto let out a long sigh.

"I don't know..." Fujimoto said. "But regardless, I will continue to serve my master, Aya-chan."

"And I will continue to serve humanity and the S.M.A.T forces." Matsuura then picked up her badge and replaced it in its clear plastic sleeve on her chest.

"So are you going to arrest me now?" Fujimoto asked, as she stood up, Matsuura standing up as well. The two girls then looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments.

"No, but just remember, no matter what your master says or tells you to do, you have a choice. You decide whether you use your mutant powers for good or for evil," Matsuura said. "I will not arrest you because I believe you still are a good person, and as long as you remain good, I will always be your ally and friend."

Tears began to well up in Fujimoto’s eyes. "Thank you..." Fujimoto said, as two teardrops trickled from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Matsuura then moved close to Fujimoto and wrapped her in a warm hug, Fujimoto returning the gesture.

The two then broke apart, Matsuura smiling at Fujimoto once more before exiting the restaurant.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 28 – Troubled Minds

"What was that all about?" Deluge asked. "Your friend is an S.M.A.T agent?"

"Yes, she used to be my best friend. We used to be in the same musical empire," Fujimoto said. "But please, I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Deluge nodded and smiled, picking up a menu. "So, what shall we have to eat?"


Matsuura got in her black S.M.A.T-issue squad car and returned to T.V. Tokyo. Upon arrival, she parked her squad car and got out, heading inside towards the gym for some training.

Upon entering, she saw Takahashi working on her teleportation skills. She was quickly teleporting herself all around the room, hitting small red punching bags hooked up all over the gym to a timer. After hitting the last two targets, she teleported herself back down to the ground, sweat pouring down her face.

"What are you doing?" Matsuura asked as she put on her punching gloves.

"Hold on!" Takahashi said, as she quickly ran over to the timer station and checked her time. "Damn it!" Takahashi yelled. "Still too slow"

"SLOW?!" Matsuura exclaimed. "I've never seen you teleport yourself like that before, or strike the targets that fast."

"Yes, but it's not fast enough...I need to become faster," Takahashi said, clearly disappointed by her time.

"Why?" Matsuura asked curiously.

"The last opponent I went up against at Tokyo bank... that mutant. He was the fastest mutant I’ve ever seen. He dodged my punches with such ease, and he was so quick, he even managed to knock me unconscious after I tried to teleport away from him," Takahashi said.

"I see... Well, good luck. Just don't push yourself too hard." Matsuura then proceeded to the other side of the gym where the punching bags were and worked out for an hour. Afterwards, she went into the locker rooms, showered, and then changed clothes to finish her shift.

"Hey Matsuura, how was work?" a cheerful Eri Kamei asked. Matsuura smiled.

"Uneventful and boring as usual. Shibuya is definitely the safest district in Tokyo."

Just then, Nakazawa and Kaori entered the locker room. "Matsuura, status report!"

"Nothing new to report. There was no crime or other disruptions." Matsuura said, as Kaori gazed at Matsuura.

"She's hiding something," Kaori whispered into Nakazawa’s ear.

"Anything else you wish to tell me?" Nakazawa asked, as Matsuura sighed.

"Yes, I will not lie. I saw my friend, Fujimoto, in Shibuya," Matsuura said, without turning around to face Nakazawa or Kaori.

"You what?!" Nakazawa screamed. Eri jumped in surprise and quickly left the locker room.

"I said I saw Fujimoto in Shibuya tonight!" replied Matsuura, facing Nakazawa.

"And you didn't arrest her?" Nakazawa yelled, with anger clearly in her voice.

"No, for I do not believe she is a bad person. From what I was told, even she didn't know that the mutants she went with were planning to rob Tokyo bank. They just took her along without telling her. And nothing in Kaori’s vision showed that she killed any security guards, or viciously attacked Yasuda or the Gokki girls."

"And you believed her, about not knowing she was going to help in the bank heist?" Kaori asked.

"Yes I did. Unlike you, I do not have to read a friend’s mind to know when she's telling the truth or not," Matsuura said, glaring at Kaori.

"You’re too soft Matsuura!" Nakazawa said, stepping closer, getting nose to nose with her. "You are an S.M.A.T agent, an officer of the law. Your job is to arrest criminals and protect the innocent. You had a chance to take a criminal into custody and you didn't take it."

"I am sorry Commander, but I will not arrest Fujimoto, not when I know she's still a good person."

"Nakazawa, that's partly true. I did not see Fujimoto kill any security guards or do any real harm," Kaori said. "I remember one female robber, who was obviously Fujimoto, looking out of place, not really knowing what to do or if she wanted to be there."

"Fine, I will overlook this incident," Nakazawa said between clenched teeth. She then turned around and began to stomp away.

"Will that be all?" Matsuura voiced out. Nakazawa turned around, looking a little calmer.

"Yes, you may leave now," Nakazawa said. Matsuura then stood in attention and saluted her commander, before getting out of uniform and changing into street clothes.


At the restaurant, Fujimoto and Deluge were just finishing up a scrumptious late night dinner.

"That was delicious," Deluge said, sliding her plate away from her and stretching out in her chair. "This place is definitely worth coming back to in the future."

"I'm not sure about that. I don't think I'm willing to come back here, after seeing her again..." Fujimoto said, as Deluge just nodded.

The two girls then left the restaurant and continued to walk down the streets. They eventually met back up with their male brotherhood companions.

"What shall we do next?" Deluge asked, but Fujimoto just shook her head.

"Sorry, but I just feel like going back to the compound. I've had enough for one day," Fujimoto said, as Deluge nodded.

"I'll take her back," Angel said. "You guys can stay here for a few more hours."

"Alright, sounds good," Deluge said. "I hope you‘ll feel better." Deluge and the others then walked away.

"Not feeling so good?" Angel asked.

"Something like that..." Fujimoto said quietly. The two then walked into a deserted alley. Angel quickly looked around to see if anyone would notice them, then took off his trench coat and extended his white feathery wings outwards. He then grabbed Fujimoto by the waist and began to flap his wings, rising off the ground then flying in the direction of the compound. A little while later, they both reached the compound, Angel slowly descending to the ground and then landing softly.

"Thanks..." she said, turning around and quickly proceeding to her dorm room. Upon reaching it, she threw open the door, leaping onto her bed, and started to sob loudly. She then cried for nearly an hour.

"I can't do it...I want out," she thought. As much as she loved being with the brotherhood, she wanted to go back to her best friend Aya Matsuura. The kindness she showed her earlier made her change her mind about where she wanted to be.

Wiping away her tears, she proceeded over to Overlord’s private mansion at the back of the compound. She knocked on the door and waited for an answer.

"Come in," Overlord said, and Fujimoto headed inside, her heart beat rising in anxiety.

"Ah, Typhoon, what are you doing back so early?" he asked.

"I... need to ask you something," Fujimoto said. Overlord looked at her curiously before nodding his head.

"Alright, just take a seat and tell me." He then gestured her to sit in the chair in front of his desk.

"It's just that...I want to go back to Tokyo. I want to go back to my friends," Fujimoto said. Overlord looked very surprised.

"But you have a whole new life here, with us. If you go back to Tokyo, aren't you afraid of what the humans will do to you? They'll arrest you and throw you in jail for being a mutant."

"I know, but my friends...they work for the Tokyo police department. They'll protect me," she said. "They work with the humans, trying to change the stereotype against mutants by helping humanity. So far, they seem to be achieving that goal."

"Ah...very well, I will let you leave if that is what you desire. But at least stay with us until the end of the month."

"Alright, and thank you." Fujimoto said, as Overlord smiled at her. She returned the smile, got up and left.

When he felt that she was well outside ear’s notice, Overlord then slammed his fist onto his desk so hard it shattered in half.

"Damn it...well, it looks like I'll have to accelerate my plans even further, in order to keep Typhoon on our side in the upcoming war."

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 29 – In or Out

Fujimoto returned to her dorm, slightly happier then before, the thought of returning home to her best friend a welcoming thought, for she knew she could trust Aya to stand up for and protect her.

"I'm going home..." Fujimoto thought to herself with a smile. She then got into bed and drifted soundly off to sleep.

The next morning, Fujimoto woke up then proceeded down to the cafeteria for breakfast. She spotted her brotherhood friends, Flea, Deluge, Syther, Quake and Angel sitting at a table at the back of the cafeteria. After grabbing a tray of food, she made her way over to them, sat down and smiled brightly.

"Hey, feeling better?" Deluge asked cheerfully, as Fujimoto nodded.

"I have something to tell you guys," Fujimoto said. "I'll be leaving. I'm returning to Tokyo, so I can be with my friends and family once again."

"Leaving?!?" Syther said loudly, "But why?"

"Because...Well, I met a friend last night. I thought she would hate me forever because... she's an S.M.A.T agent, and I knocked her out during the last bank heist." The others all gasped, as she continued, "But she was so kind to me when we met again. It showed I could still trust her."

"But aren't you afraid of what'll happen when you return to Tokyo?" Quake asked, but Fujimoto shook her head.

"My friends will protect me. They'll stand up for me."

"That's so sad..." Deluge said, her normal cheerfulness replaced by sadness. "...that you'll be leaving."

"Guys...come with me," Fujimoto said, causing the brotherhood mutants to look at one another in confusion. "Come with me to Tokyo. We can all go together."

"Sorry, but my place is here. This is my home," Deluge said, as Fujimoto nodded.

"I'll...I'll go with you," Flea said, "I haven't seen my family for a long time and... it would be nice to go home."

Quake looked at Deluge for a moment, before saying, "I'm gonna stay as well."

"I'll go with you too," Syther blurted out, making Fujimoto smile.

"And of course, I'll go with you as well," Angel said, wrapping his arm around Fujimoto’s shoulders.

The small clique of friends, each having made their decision, went on to chat about their plans of what they’d do after they split up and what they should do in the upcoming days to prepare for it, not noticing a nearby guard slip out of the cafeteria quickly, making his way to Overlord’s mansion. Clearly, he had overheard the entire conversation.

"Sir!" the guard said as he burst into Overlord’s office.

"Yes, what is it?" Overlord asked.

"Some students... they're talking about leaving the brotherhood and returning to Tokyo!"

"Damn it!" Overlord said, "This is very unfortunate and unexpected." The guard nodded.

"You’re dismissed!" Overlord said, as the guard saluted then left. After a few moments of thought, he picked up the telephone on his desk and dialed a number.

"Hello?" a voice on the other end said.

"Commander Kage, we have trouble. Some of my students are talking about leaving the brotherhood, so it looks like we'll have to go with order 43," Overlord said. "That'll make sure they stay here, on our side, in the upcoming war."

"Yes sir!" Captain Kage said.

"Begin prepping your troops," Overlord said, as he hung up.


The rest of the week saw a series of sad goodbyes from Fujimoto to her teachers, for they were all so kind and friendly to her.

"Keep practicing your mutant powers on a daily basis and soon you'll master them," Boa said, her voice cracking with sadness.

"I will, and thanks for helping me learn to control them better Boa," Fujimoto said. She then left Boa’s classroom and went back to her dorm room, where Angel was waiting.

"Hey, how's it going?" Angel asked, as Fujimoto smiled and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, giving him a light kiss.

"Good... and thanks. Thanks for wanting to go back with me."

"You’re sure you want to do this?" he asked, as she just nodded.

"Yes. As much as I love it here, I want to go home and be with my best friend Aya."

"Alright, I'm gonna miss this place as well, but I do still have family in Tokyo as well," he replied. "So I do look forward to leaving with you."

Happy to have similar goals, Miki embraced him tighter and leaned in. Angel got the idea and reciprocated the gesture, their lips locking in another deep and passionate kiss. At that moment, they were oblivious to the world around them, totally unsuspecting of a plot that could change their very lives.


At a military base not too far from the brotherhood compound, Commander Kage, Overlord’s loyal servant, was addressing his fellow officers in expectance of an upcoming battle.

"Listen up everyone! We've just received word of a mutant terrorist training facility, the same terrorist mutants responsible for all of the recent bank robberies, assassinations and destruction of government buildings. We are to attack this facility full force in the upcoming weeks and eliminate the mutant terrorist threat once and for all!"

Commander Kage’s lieutenants and high ranking officers all clapped and cheered. Commander Kage then laid down satellite reconnaissance photos of the mutant brotherhood compound and began drafting up strategies for the attack with his officers.


Nearing the end of the week, Fujimoto was peacefully relaxing with all her brotherhood friends, when a knock on the door stirred her to get up and respond. Standing there was a cheerful looking teenage girl, with a glassy glazed look in her eyes.

"Yes?" Fujimoto asked.

"Overlord wants me to give you these," the girl said, handing Fujimoto a small bag of blue pills. Fujimoto immediately recognized them as the same pills she took at the monthly getaway.

"What for?" Fujimoto asked, but the girl just shrugged.

"He says it’s a time for celebration, as some of you will be leaving. He wants you to have a good time while you’re still here, so rather then taking them at the end of each month, he's allowing us to take them at the end of the week and have a good time."

Fujimoto nodded her head, "Ok, thanks." She then shut the door and walked over to her brotherhood friends, bag of pills in her hand.

Quake and Flea, spying the pills, looked at each other excitedly. "AWESOME!! Let me have one!" they said in unison. Flea snatched the bag out of Fujimoto’s hands and eagerly opened it, popping a pill into his mouth. Quake and Deluge followed suit and pretty soon, they were high as kites, laughing giddily.

"You having one?" Angel asked, taking a pill out of the bag and putting it into his mouth, swallowing it. Fujimoto, not wanting to be rude and not have a good time with her friends, nodded her head, grabbed the bag of pills and took one out, though she paused and hesitated, looking at it in her hands. Slowly, she began to move it towards her mouth.

However, a little voice in the back of her head went off, causing a wave of uneasiness and nervousness to wash over her entire being. Deciding on a course of action, Fujimoto put the pill in her mouth, but quickly shifted it underneath her tongue and faked the same effects her friends were displaying. Soon after, she excused herself and went to the bathroom. She spit the pill into the sink and watched it slide down the drain. Divested of the suspicious azure capsule, she rejoined her boisterously high friends and partied with them.

[littlepink_missy]

wahhh!!! this is so addictive!! heheheh I really want to know what's going to happen next. Great job Tyler_wood!! hehehehe it's so cool!! You based it from X-men right?

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 30 – New Heights

The entire S.M.A.T forces were gathered at TV Tokyo’s vast and newly built training facility and all the girls from H!P were lined up neatly, awaiting Commander Nakazawa’s arrival.

"Do you know why we're all here and not out on patrol?" Kamei asked Matsuura, who was standing at ease next to her.

"No idea, but it must be important if we're all here and not out on duty. Look, even Berryz Koubou and the H!P kids are here," replied Matsuura, as Vice-Commander Kaori Iida suddenly appeared.

"Attention!!" she yelled. Everyone came to attention, and a loud thud rang out as everyone stamped their right foot against the ground. Commander Nakazawa then entered the room and strutted to the front of the neatly lined up S.M.A.T forces. Matsuura watched on as Nakazawa then whispered something into Kaori’s ear, as the latter then took out a clipboard and began to take roll call.

"Kamei-san," Kaori called out, and immediately a loud "Hai!" rang out among the dozens of girls, this continuing until it was confirmed everyone was present. Commander Nakazawa then began her speech.

"I've called you all here for one reason. Today... is training day." said Nakazawa. "I've thought it best that we step up our training schedule and train even harder then before. Because we know now that not only humans are committing crimes, but other mutants as well."

Matsuura looked over at the Gokkies as they all lowered their heads, remembering how badly beaten they were on that day.

"I'm sure those of you..." said Nakazawa, shifting her gaze to the Gokkies, "that were called to answer the bank heist a few weeks ago, have not forgotten just how powerful those mutants were. Not only that, our response time was pitifully slow. Clearly we need to train harder, become stronger, and increase our mutant powers ten-fold!"

"HAI!!" All the girls shouted out loudly.

"Now, before we begin our training exercises, are there any questions?" asked Nakazawa. None of the girls raised their hands, and Nakazawa was about to dismiss everyone when she noticed a single hand rise up from the crowd. She gazed to see who it was and saw Matsuura patiently waiting.

"Yes Matsuura, what is it?" asked Nakazawa.

"I understand why most of us are here, but why are the Berryz Koubou girls and the H!P kids here? No offense of course, but none of them have any mutant powers," Matsuura asked.

"Ah, thank you for reminding me. Starting today, they are to become pilots and crew members, for our newly constructed S.M.A.T aircraft to help us fight crime," said Nakazawa. A large projection screen was lowered from the high rooftop behind Nakazawa, as the lights then dimmed and a very fancy looking aircraft was shown on the white projection screen.

"These three new aircraft will serve as small highly mobile bases so that we can spread out evenly across the city of Tokyo. They can travel up to 530 mph, and can achieve hover status as well, so we can both take off and land normally and vertically. They also only require a crew of five to operate; 1 pilot and 4 crew members."

She then clicked a small remote device and another picture of the aircraft was shown, this time showing the interior. First was a large passenger compartment. Next was the crew area, which showed a lot of buttons, computer screens and other instrument panels. The next slide was the pilot’s cockpit, which showed a joystick, throttle, rudder pedals and a lot of other instruments, switches and a few small monitors.

The S.M.A.T forces looked on with sheer amazement, their eyes wide open.

"These aircraft can each carry up to 20 people, not including crew, and are outfitted with the latest high-tech electronics, including radar, F.L.I.R. or Forward Looking Infra-Red so we can track criminals in the dark, state-of-the-art weaponry and countermeasure technology, plus some of the toughest armor available."

The lights then came back on and everyone’s gaze then turned back to Nakazawa. They noticed that the Berryz Koubou girls had all lined up single file, from left to right, behind Nakazawa. They seemingly slipped out during the presentation and were now lined up behind Nakazawa in sleek white flight suits. Momoko, Miyabi, Risako and Chinami were holding fancy-looking white helmets with black visors, while Saki, Yurina and Maasa had black head sets on.

"Allow me to introduce, Pilot Momoko Tsugunaga, pilot of the S.M.A.T aircraft 'Valor'." Momoko then took a step forward and bowed. "And her technical engineer Saki Shimizu, in charge of the aircraft’s electronics."

"Next up, Pilot Miyabi Natsuyaki, pilot of the S.M.A.T aircraft 'Godspeed'," Miyabi took a step forward and bowed, "followed by Yurina Kumai, her technical engineer."

"Next, Pilot Risako Sugaya, pilot of the S.M.A.T aircraft 'Justice'," Risako took a step forward and bowed, "with her technical engineer Maasa Sudou."

"And lastly, should the need arise, our reserve pilot Chinami Tokunaga." Chinami took a step forward and bowed.

"The remaining crew members will be made up of the H!P kids, spilt amongst the three S.M.A.T aircraft crew positions.” Loud gasps from the girls echoed as Nakazawa finished her speech.

"Pilots?! ...Crew members!! ...THEM?!!" protested Tanaka, clearly surprised.

"But they're so young! How could they possibly learn how to fly or operate aircraft such as that?!" shouted Matsuura, but Nakazawa just chuckled.

"Haven't you ever heard the phrase 'So simple, a child could use it'?" asked Nakazawa. "Believe me, despite how difficult and technical these aircraft appear, they're quite simple to operate." Matsuura reluctantly nodded her head, still in disbelief.

"Are there any more questions?" asked Nakazawa. "...No one? Alright then, let us begin our training. DISMISSED!"

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 31 – Eye for an Eye

Matsuura was on her way to the first station of her training day, the firing range, when she saw Saki and Miyabi talking at the back of the training facility. She broke out into a jog and made her way towards them.

"Hey guys!" Matsuura called out. Saki and Miyabi looked over and, spotting her, smiled and waved.

"So, you’re a pilot now huh?" said Matsuura, looking at Miyabi’s sleek flight uniform and white helmet.

"Yes I am!" Miyabi said proudly. "We were about to head over to the hanger for briefing on our new aircraft, would you like to come?"

"Yeah sure!" said Matsuura. The three girls then began the stroll to the newly built underground hanger underneath TV Tokyo. In the vast hanger, Matsuura spotted the amazing, black aircraft that Miyabi would be piloting. The sheer size of it was amazing, and as she scanned the hanger, she saw two more aircraft, the other Berryz pilots each standing beside their assigned aircraft.

"This is much bigger then it appeared to be on the slide show," said Matsuura agape, running her hand along the smooth undercarriage of the aircraft. "How were these...mobile stations built anyway?"

"I can answer that," said a familiar voice. Matsuura turned around and saw Ayaka Kimura of Coconuts Musume.

"Head Mechanic Ayaka Kimura at your service! I’m responsible for these flying wonders."

"...You?! Yourself...how??" Matsuura asked. Ayaka then took a power drill lying on a table nearby and threw it to the floor, breaking it into a dozen small pieces. Ayaka then held her left hand over the pile of broken pieces as they rose off the ground and floated in the air. She then waved her right hand in a circular motion in front of the pieces, as they quickly began to rebuild and form into the drill it was before, but good as new.

"How did you do that?!" Matsuura exclaimed, as Ayaka set the power drill back on the table.

"I'm a techno-path," Ayaka said, as Matsuura tilted her head, clueless. "I can control technology and other mechanical instruments with my mind. I can build things, take them apart and put them back together again. Basically, I possess a variant of telekinetic abilities, having built each aircraft from scratch in a month."

"Wow...that's amazing!!" Matsuura said, as Ayaka nodded her head and gave Matsuura a very bright smile.

"We're going to take them out on our first test flights pretty soon. We've been training hard in the simulations, day and night," Miyabi chimed in.

"Well, I wish you the best of luck, but I'd better be heading back to the training facility. Have a lot of training and drills to complete," said Matsuura, as she then broke out into a sprint back to the upper levels.


Saito and Shibata were heading into the weight room, where two large and muscular male police officers were already in their training.

"Looks like we'll have to wait until they’re done with the leg press machine before you can go," Saito whispered to Shibata, Shibata nodded and waited.

"Come on, just one more!!" one of the male officers shouted to his training partner, who was leg pressing 500 pounds for the ninth time. The officer screamed loudly and pumped out one more rep to make it an even 10, then slid the safety bars back into place. "Good set!" the officer exclaimed as he helped his training partner up and they began to move on to another leg exercise.

"How rude!" Saito said. "They didn't even put their weights back."

"Don't worry about it," Shibata said, as she took a spray bottle filled with a cleaning solution and wiped down the backrest. She was about to lower the amount of weights when...

"Hey! Hey honey!!" one of the male officers called out, as Shibata looked back at him. "Would you like some help with that? Wouldn't want you to break a nail or strain those little arms of yours." The two officers then broke out in raucous laughter.

Shibata thought for a moment then gave a sly smirk. "Nah, that's alright. This should be good enough for my warm up sets." Shibata then got into position and placed her feet on the metal footpad, the other officers looking at each other in doubt.

Shibata then raised the weight off the safety bars and began pumping out rep after rep after rep, a calm sly smile on her face as she looked over at the officers, who had looks of shock painted on their faces. They continued staring agape at this small girl, pumping out 10 reps, then 15, then 20 reps of 500 pounds, with no look of strain or visible effort on her face.

"This can't be possible...it's got to be some kind of trick!!" The dumbfounded officer said. "No, I used the same weights just a few minutes ago..." the other officer said.

Finally, after 30 reps, Shibata moved the safety bars into place and sat back up, "Don't judge a book by its cover," Shibata said, smiling rather evilly at the two officers. Saito couldn't control herself and broke out into laughter, as the officers nodded their heads and slowly turned around, walking away very slowly and shakily.

"You’re such a show off!" Saito said, as Shibata grinned. "I'm still impressed with just how strong you are, I'd never guess it just by looking at you."

"Thanks, though my superhuman strength is mainly in my legs. I'm not as strong in the upper body. I'm still able to maintain a 350-lb bench press easily, and 80-lb barbell curl, but that's seemingly nothing with my leg press of 2,000-lbs and my squat of 1,000-lbs."

"Yeah I remember that. They had to build a special, super strong bar just to hold 500-lbs per side for your squat."

"Well, I still have a lot of training to do, so let's continue," Shibata said, as she then loaded even more weight onto the leg press.


On the other side of the gym, Murata Megumi was making her way to the firing range. She looked in and saw Yaguchi already inside. Murata then backed out in disgust and waited outside. Matsuura finally arrived and made her way over to the firing range as well. She saw Murata standing outside the door, staring down at her feet, obviously idling around.

"Hey Megumi-san!!" Matsuura called out. Megumi looked up and saw Matsuura making her way over, as she then smiled and nodded. "Why aren't you training?"

"I will be, in a moment. I'm just waiting for 'someone' to finish up," Murata said. The way she said ‘someone’ concerned Matsuura, for she said it in a harsh tone. But her attention quickly turned to the firing range doorway, as Yaguchi walked out.

"Hi Yagu-chan!!" said Matsuura. Yaguchi looked over, smiled and waved. Her gaze then shifted to Murata Megumi and her smile faded. She stopped, fixing her stare, as she then took a hesitant step towards her.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!!" Murata said, backing away from Yaguchi in disgust. Yaguchi lowered her head, nodded and quickly turned around and jogged away in shame.

"Yagu-chan, wait!!" Matsuura called out, but she didn't respond and kept running. "What’s wrong Murata? Why are you so mad at Yaguchi??"

"I'll tell you...or rather, show you, in a minute," Murata said. The two then headed into the firing range, into booths beside each other. Murata then set her gym bag on the ground. "Can you help me for a minute?"

"Yeah... sure," Matsuura said, striding over beside Murata.

"I'm going to take my glasses off in a second, but before I do, I need you to reach into my bag and pull out my visor," said Murata. Matsuura nodded and opened Murata’s bag and took out a sleek visor and held it in her hands.

Murata then took off her glasses. Matsuura peeked over and saw that she had her eyes shut tight.

"Ok, now hand me my visor." Matsuura complied and placed the visor into Murata’s waiting hand. She then put it on and turned around to face Matsuura.

"What's that visor for??" Matsuura asked, as Murata pushed a button on the side of the booth and a plastic humanoid target moved out onto the range.

"For this..." Murata then looked down the range at the target, moved her right hand up to her right ear and pressed a small button on the side of the visor. Suddenly a long yellow light emerged out of Murata’s visor, shot downrange and slammed into the target, tearing it in half from the waist up. Matsuura’s eyes widened with surprise.

"WOW!!" Matsuura said, as Murata then turned back and looked at Matsuura. When she did, Matsuura quickly ducked down and covered her head with her hands.

"It's alright. The visor prevents me from firing, unless I want to. Same goes for my glasses that I always wear," Murata said.

"So that's your mutant power??" Matsuura asked, as Murata nodded her head.

"Yes, I shoot concussive beams of energy out of my eyes."

"Impressive, that's a nice mutant power to have," Matsuura said, but Murata scoffed.

"Is it? Come with me. Let me show you something." She then led Matsuura back into the gym, to the outside of the training facility, into the dark night.

"What are we out here for??" Matsuura asked.

"Ok, stand back!" Murata said, as she then took off her visor, her eyes shut. She then tilted her head up at the sky and opened her eyes, as large beams of yellow energy came streaming out and filled a large portion of the sky with brilliant energy. It continued to steadily flow out of her eyes skyward, until Murata then closed her eyes, put her visor back on, and collapsed to her knees.

"Megumi-san! Are you alright?!" Matsuura asked as she rushed over and helped Murata to her feet.

"Yeah, just get me back to a brightly lit area," weakly replied Murata. Matsuura nodded and headed back inside, towards the change rooms and relaxation area, turning on all the lights and heat lamps.

"You have no control over your powers do you?" Matsuura asked as Murata slowly recovered.

"No, I don't, at least not anymore I don't."

"Anymore...?"

"Back when I first discovered my mutant powers, long ago. I used to be able to control my energy beams at will. I didn't need my visor or my glasses back then to contain them... That's a whole other story. Back then, I was happy to have my mutant powers, my gift."

"I see."

"But...someone changed all that. Someone turned my gift into my curse. Her name is Mari Yaguchi," Murata said angrily, through clenched teeth.

"What did she do?" Matsuura asked.

"I'm not sure exactly, but you remember the tabloids, the ones that said Yaguchi punched me in the face?" Murata asked, as Matsuura nodded her head.

"Well she really did. I'm not sure how she did it, but she hit me in such a way that triggered my energy beams to be 'on' all the time. I lost control of my ability to control them at will."

"So that's why you were so angry at Yaguchi," Matsuura concluded, finally realizing the truth. "But she seemed sorry."

"She can be sorry all she wants. I will certainly never forgive her," Murata said angrily. "Haven't you ever wondered why I went from wearing no glasses years ago, to suddenly all the time??"

"I thought you did it because it made you look cute," Matsuura joked, yet it didn't help Murata at all.

"I hate these stupid glasses. I'm the only one in all of H!P who wears glasses full-time. I even wear them at concerts and other special events. That makes me an outsider and it makes me stick out like a sore thumb!! I hate being the outsider!! And it's all Yaguchi’s fault!"

"But I saw you without glasses at the sports festival."

"That's because I was wearing specially made contacts. They only work for a few hours though, then I have to put my glasses back on, as they can handle my energy beams and keep them in check with the special lenses, same with my visor."

"So what happened back there? You looked like you became really weak after showing me your mutant powers."

"There was no sunlight or other light source outside. I absorb sunlight and other light through my eyes and that's what powers my concussive energy beams, but if I drain out all my energy...I'll die," Murata said sadly.

"I'm so sorry Megumi-san. I never realized the whole story behind you, your glasses and your mutant powers," Matsuura said.

"It's alright. I've learned to live with it, but I'll never forgive the one who did this to me."

"I understand...but I was being honest when I said that your glasses make you look very cute," Matsuura said with a smile, as Murata chuckled and smiled back.

"Thanks, that helps a bit," Murata said. She then stood up and seemed to look a lot better. "Come on, let's get back to training!"

Matsuura nodded as they both stood up and walked back to the training facility to continue their practice.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Chapter 32 – Done By a Strand

Makoto Ogawa, Reina Tanaka and Eri Kamei were in the obstacle course, with Kamei getting ready to run the gauntlet.

"You ready?" Tanaka said over the loud speaker. She was upstairs in a control room above the mighty gauntlet course. Kamei took a deep, nervous breath and nodded her head.

"Ogawa-san, are you in position?" asked Tanaka. Ogawa was on a high platform overlooking the course, she was in charge of moving the gigantic chain saws, blades, metal doors, floor panels and various traps, thereby adding a greater level of difficulty to Kamei’s run.

"Yes Reina-chan, I'm ready!" Ogawa shouted back, as Kamei mentally prepared herself, getting into a running stance.

"WAIT!! Wait!!" a voice called out. Kamei looked over her shoulder and saw Masae Otani quickly making her way to the starting point. "Sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I go first? I really need to finish the gauntlet before I move on to the rest of my exercises."

Kamei looked up at Reina in the control room. Reina thought for a moment then nodded down to Kamei.

"Yeah sure, as of a matter of fact...gladly," Kamei said, rather relieved that she didn't have to run the course first. Besides, Kamei and the other girls never got the chance to see what powers Masae Otani had, so this would be their opportunity to see just what she could do.

"Ok then, Otani-san, are you ready?" Tanaka said once again. Otani got into position and gave the thumbs-up towards the control room. "Ok...GO!!!" Tanaka shouted, as a loud horn rang out.

Otani then began to run the first leg of the course, an 80-meter dash over a metal bridge, spanning a pool of water below. The metal floor panels that made up the bridge were randomly being lifted off the ground and into the air by Ogawa. If Otani slowed down, there would be less solid places for her to put her feet on and she would fall into the pool of water below, thus failing the course. Kamei watched her sprint, but at the same time noticed Otani’s hair changing from its usual long blonde hair, into short parted hair, one half turning black and the other orange. Metal panels then began to leave the bridge even quicker, Otani having to leap from panel to panel now, her run looking like it could be over with very quickly.

Otani touched the black part of her hair, then motioned her palm facing down towards the ground in front of her, as a black substance began to form on the floor, creating a black bridge which fully reformed the bridge with black energy. Otani then ran the rest of the way and completed the first leg of the course.

Next was the four-leveled course, the first level 10 meters below the next flat level. Here, Otani had to figure a way to get up as fast as she could. Otani closed her eyes and her hair transformed from being orange and black to short blue and thick spiked hair. Otani reached her hand up to her head and grabbed a handful of the spiked hair, which came off and quickly re-grew. Now armed with a handful of blue spikes, she threw them at the wall in front of her, forming hand and foot holds. She then ran towards the wall and began to scale up the wall, using the spikes from her hair to pull herself up, while keeping her feet placed on other spikes to keep her weight balanced. Soon she was at the top of the second level.

The third level was in front of her, but there was a gap of five meters which she needed to somehow clear to get to it. Again, Otani closed her eyes and her hair altered from short and spiked, into long, black and flowing, with a single green streak running through. Otani grabbed the piece of green hair and it came off, growing even longer, as another green streak grew back where the last one was. She now wielded a 12-foot long green whip of hair. She gazed above the gap and saw a metal beam running over it. She then flicked the whip, latching it securely onto the beam. Otani then swung across the gap and made it onto the third level. The fourth level was the most difficult to reach, lying 10 meters below, with a 5-meter gap which needed to be cleared, not to mention three giant circular saws buzzing over the gap, controlled by Ogawa.

Otani thought about using her whip again and tried, but just as the whip caught onto something solid on the other side of the gap, Ogawa commandeered one of the large circular saws, making the saw spin even faster, then fly towards the whip, splicing it. Otani then closed her eyes and her black hair began to grow longer, the green streak disappearing. Her hair then formed three long ponytails, two at the back, one on either side, and one more on top of her head. Her hairstyle was also wavy and had some blonde streaks in it. Otani then stepped closed to the edge, then leapt off, as her hair then spread outwards and formed what looked like wings of hair, which she then used to glide across the gap. Ogawa then controlled the circular saws to go after her. As the three saws neared her, Otani turned towards them, then swung her head down in a head-banging motion. The top ponytail of black hair, then turned into what looked like six long black whips and lashed at the saws in midair, knocking them down into the gap below. Otani then landed safely on the last level and continued on to the last leg of the gauntlet.

She reached the last part of the course, which was another 50-meter dash down a metal corridor, with long metal blades coming out of either side of the walls and from underneath the ground randomly, slicing and stabbing whatever came through, making this the deadliest part of the course. One last time, Otani concentrated as her hair transformed from three long ponytails into candy-flossed hair, just like she had in the HP All Stars PV. Concentrating more, her hair began to glow all the colors of the rainbow, as a multi-colored energy sphere formed around her. She then broke off into a sprint through the corridor. Some of the metal blades made contact with Otani’s protective energy sphere, but as they hit, they broke off harmlessly. She didn’t flinch nor even slow down as this happened. She then crossed the finish line, completing her run.

Ogawa, Tanaka and Kamei were still staring at her in disbelief. Everyone then gathered back down at the starting level.

"Just what exactly are your powers??" Tanaka asked, as Otani chuckled and wiped the sweat off her brow.

"I can use my hair as a weapon and other useful things. It all depends what style of hair I have, as you saw," Otani said, as she then changed her hair into the orange and black parted hair. "The black half of my hair, I can use to form bridges of energy, the orange half..." Otani then touched the orange half of her hair with her right palm, and a ball of orange energy formed in her hand. She then aimed and fired a long beam of orange energy down the gauntlet course, which slammed into a wall and exploded.

"Whoa!!" Reina said, "That's awesome."

Otani then changed her hair into the short blue spiked form, grabbed a handful of spikes, which came off, but quickly re-grew. "These, I can throw at enemies, much like throwing knifes, or use them for other purposes. I can also vary the sharpness, length and weight of them all with my mind." She then gave a spike to each of the girls. Much to their surprise, the spikes were hard as steel and had a very sharp point.

Changing her hairstyle into a long black mane with a single green streak, she said, "This I can use as a whip to either attack enemies, or other purposes, like you saw on the course."

She then altered her hair into the longer black, three pony-tailed style. "And with this style I can glide through the air, and use the top pony tail as a weapon when I swing my head forward. Those are just a few of my powers. With every different hairstyle, I get another power or weapon or tool I can utilize."

"So that's why your hair is different every time I see you!!" Kamei said. "You can change the color, style or length of your hair at will and use it as a weapon or tool...That's an amazing mutant power!!"

"Thanks, and thanks for letting me go first. I'll see you guys later," Otani said, as she then transformed her hair back into the long blonde hair she had before and headed out of the room.

[asheravel]

awesome storry!~ update soon ^^

[SeeYa]

holy sht...this just reminds me so much of x-men and gundam seed...LOL

great story.

why won't you update? Please update!! PLEASE! :baa60776:

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

*bump*, just don't want this to fall of the page, I'm still writing, and will probably post a few chapters soon, this is definately the longest story I've written so far.

[Tyler_Wood_2005]

Here's a new chapter to my Mutant Musume fanfic, others will come soon .
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Chapter 33 – Test Flight

Momoko had just finished strapping into her cockpit, getting ready to take her first test flight, along with the other Berryz pilots. She then proceeded to press a few start-up buttons on her control panel as the giant aircraft came to life. The engine roared as it powered up and the control board’s various buttons and switches lit up.

As energy slowly surged throughout the aircraft, Momoko looked out the right window of her cockpit and saw Miyabi inside the aircraft next to her. Miyabi then looked over and caught Momoko’s glance. She gave her a thumbs up and smiled at her, as Momoko nodded and turned her head to the left. Risako, on the other hand, looked very nervous, the anxiety on her face visible; she couldn’t blame her for that though, as it would be their first real test flight. Momoko’s heart was quickly beating with anticipation as the autopilot began to move the aircraft forward, towards the launching catapults a few meters in front of her aircraft.

Ayaka was on the ground, waiting for the aircraft to get into position and auto-lock into the catapult. The large aircraft then came to a halt and the sound of the catapult locking onto the front landing gear rang out and momentarily shook the aircraft. Ayaka then ran towards Momoko’s aircraft, knelt down and inspected the catapult, to make sure it was securely locked. She did likewise with the two other S.M.A.T aircraft. Upon checking the last one, Ayaka ran towards the control room at the back of the vast hanger and went inside.

"Everything's alright down here, you’re all securely locked into place and ready to go. How's everything on your end?" Ayaka asked into a radio.

"Is everyone ready?" Momoko asked into her helmet mic, placing her right hand on the aircraft’s throttle.

"Weapon systems... check!" Megumi Murakami shouted into her radio from her seat in the crew area, after quickly rechecking all weapons data in front of her.

"Communications systems... ready!" Saki Nakajima responded, as a large digital map of Tokyo turned on in front of her on a giant screen.

"Damage control... all set!" Saki Shimizu shouted, and with that, everyone onboard was ready to depart.

"We're all ready and set to go Ayaka!" Momoko said into her helmet microphone.

"Alright, the Godspeed and Justice have both reported in. All ships are good to go." Ayaka said. "Now get ready. You’ll all feel a slight jarring on your bodies. Miyabi, I'll launch you out first."

Ayaka then pressed a series of buttons as a launch tunnel began to open from the north side of the T.V. Tokyo building. From a flat surface, the platform rose upwards at a 35 degree angle slope, exiting the side of the building.

Miyabi wrapped her hands tightly around her joystick and throttle. "Ok, powering up the engines!" Miyabi said, her heart beating faster and faster with anticipation. She slowly moved the throttle forward, as the engines roared louder with more force.


Meanwhile, inside the training facility, all the S.M.A.T members who were currently in training could hear and feel something coming up from under them, slowly getting louder and louder.

"What is that?" Kamei asked Reina who was standing next to her, now able to feel slight vibrations underneath her feet, accompanied by a loud roaring sound.

"I don't know, but it's coming from underground!" Reina said, also unsure of what was going on.

Just then the facility’s PA system crackled loudly with static, before Ayaka’s voice rang out.

"Attention, all S.M.A.T members. The Valor, Godspeed and Justice will be launching from the north side of the building. I'd like you all to head outside right now and see them off."

Reina and Kamei both looked at each other for a moment, before a smile spread across their faces, as they quickly headed to the northern exit, as did all the S.M.A.T members, eager to see the newly-appointed young pilots handle their new aircraft.


As Miyabi’s aircraft neared full power, Miyabi pressed a yellow button on her control panel, causing Miyabi’s and the rest of the crew’s safety harnesses to automatically tighten against their bodies, securing them back into their seats.

"Engines at full power, ready for takeoff!" Miyabi said, as Ayaka pressed a red button, turning on a red light inside the cockpit, signaling the imminent launch. She then moved her hand towards one of three levers in front of her on the control panel.

Miyabi took a deep breath and wrapped both hands around her joystick and braced herself, as Ayaka then pulled down the lever. Suddenly, Miyabi and crew were pushed back hard into their seats as the aircraft shot down the long runway at an incredible speed towards the launch tunnel. The crew on the other aircraft caught their breath and their eyes bulged as they watched the launch on the sidelines.

"Whoa!" Momoko squeaked out.

As the Godspeed reached the end of the runway, exiting the building at breakneck speed, a few of the S.M.A.T girls who managed to make it outside, witnessed a large object exit the north side of the building, roaring overhead as it flew by, then climb steeply into the air.

"Wow, that was amazing!" Reina said. Kamei on the other hand, was covering her ears.

"And loud!" Kamei shouted in reply, before removing her hands from her ears.


Back in the underground hanger, Momoko still had her mouth agape, the shock at witnessing the launching speed still present. Glancing at the clock on the control panel, she noticed that no more than 8 seconds had passed since the Godspeed had cleared the entire launch track from one end to the other.

"Alright, Miyabi’s clear, She made it safely out of the hanger and into the air." Ayaka said over Momoko’s headset. "Are you ready to launch next?"

"No..." Momoko answered honestly, "But I guess I have to, so yeah, I'm ready."

Ayaka chuckled, "Ok, get ready, you'll launch in 10 seconds."

Momoko nodded, powered up her engines until they were at full power then pressed a yellow button as all the girl’s’ harnesses tightened against their bodies, securing them into place.

"We're ready for take-off!" Momoko announced into her helmet mike, as she then tightly wrapped both hands around her joystick and braced herself.

Ayaka then pulled down the second launch lever, and Momoko’s aircraft rocketed down the launch track. Momko was pushed back hard into her seat as the Valor rushed down the track, entering the launch tunnel and climbing steeply as it continued. It then exited the building, as Momoko pulled back hard on the joystick, quickly gaining altitude. After a few seconds, she leveled the aircraft out, and the plane flew much more smoothly as Momoko soared over Tokyo city.

"Wow..." was all Momoko could say as she looked down over Tokyo city, with its billions of tiny lights on the ground below.

"Momoko! Report!" Ayaka’s voice barked out on Momoko’s helmet speakers.

"All went well. I cleared the track and made it safely into the air."

"Ok, Miyabi’s is near you. I want to you pair up with her and fly over TV Tokyo together as I launch Risako out last."

"Roger that." Momoko said, as she then looked down at her radar. Noticing Miyabi’s plane a short distance from her, she glanced out the window of the cockpit to confirm, and sure enough, Miyabi was flying freely not too far from her.

"Miyabi!" Momoko said into her mic.

"Yes?" Miyabi’s voice answered back.

"Fly towards me then bank hard left. We're returning to TV Tokyo together to see Risako out."

"Roger, flying towards you now."

The two aircraft then paired up, tilting their aircrafts to the left and making a hard left turn, as they flew back towards TV Tokyo. As they hovered towards the building, they both looked down out of their cockpits just in time to see the Justice exit the launch tunnel and quickly climb upwards. Pretty soon, Risako’s aircraft was level with Miyabi’s and Momoko’s aircraft. All the pilots looked at each other with joy as they flew in formation over Tokyo.

"We did it!! We all made it safely into the air. All systems are fully operational and working like a dream!" Risako cheered. Momoko and Miyabi smiled brightly as they flew over Tokyo.

"Alright! Mission accomplished, return to base!" Ayaka said happily.

"Roger! Returning to base!" All the Berryz pilots said in unison

"But first let's do a fly by for our fellow S.M.A.T members down below!" Momoko suggested. The other two agreed, as all three pilots then pulled back hard on their joysticks, doing a half loop, then a 180-degree turn, back towards TV Tokyo. All flew in formation towards the hangar, their aircraft trailing tails of smoke.

All the S.M.A.T girls on the ground cheered wildly as they waved their hands towards the approaching aircraft, which roared overhead as they flew past them.

[JFC]

GJ pilots!

[lil_hamz]

Awesome! Berryz pilots :yay:

The two aircraft then paired up, tilting their aircrafts to the left and making a hard left turn, as they flew back towards TV Tokyo. As they hovered towards the building, they both looked down out of their cockpits just in time to see the Justice exit the launch tunnel and quickly climb upwards. Pretty soon, Chinami’s aircraft was level with Miyabi’s and Momoko’s aircraft. All the pilots looked at each other with joy as they flew in formation over Tokyo.

Chinami 's plane? I thought Risako was flying?