Chapter 13 - Failure
Upon arrival in Trabia Garden's car park, two of the group grabbed the two hostages from the cars, and took them to containment cells in the Garden's basement. The retrieved equipment was taken to labs in the Garden, and the six people were then told to relax for a while. Outside her dorm, Sonnet found a note from Morgan stating that they would be sent copies of any reports when there were results available from the 'material' retrieved. The last part of the message was what caught Sonnet's attention though: all five of them were excused from any duties at Trabia Garden now, and were free to return to Balamb Garden for reassignment.
That means I can get my programming checked out at Bird's soon. Sonnet thought, with a feeling of relief, before going to find the others.
Asuka and Rei, to her surprise, were in the library, reading books. A book about basic martial arts for Asuka, and a book about hacking countermeasures for Rei. Sonnet sat down near them, and asked:
"Heard the news?"
Upon seeing the blank looks on their faces, she passed Rei the note she had found at her dorm. Once the two of them had read it, Asuka said:
"We'd better check with Irvine and Selphie. I get the impression they didn't come here the same way we did, so we might be able to get home quicker than how we got here."
"Before you do that, can I do something first?" Sonnet asked.
"What?"
"Write a request letter to Commander Leonhart, for my time off."
"Right," Rei replied, "I forgot you said you'd visit Bird."
"Little sneaky isn't it?" Asuka queried, "Writing the letter, then taking the time off BEFORE the letter even reaches the Commander?"
Sonnet shrugged:
"I guess so, but I don't really want to have to go back to Balamb, get the time off, and then come back here again."
"Come back here for what?" A voice asked.
Turning around, Sonnet spotted Selphie a few feet away.
"I wanted to write a letter requesting a few days off, to visit family," Sonnet explained, "However, the family in question lives near the Trabia ferry docks. So, I was going to write the letter, ask one of you to deliver it to Balamb Garden. I'd then visit them as you headed back, and then return in a day or two after the visit."
Selphie smiled, as she said:
"The letter won't be necessary. Irvine and I just spoke with Squall on the phone. Apparently, we all have three days leave starting tomorrow morning."
"That's helpful," Sonnet replied, "Thanks for informing us."
"That's why I was here, actually," Selphie continued, "Irvine and I came here on the Ragnarok, and we were going to offer you a ride home that way. It would be quicker than the ferry."
Sonnet could have sworn that Rei's eyes flashed as Selphie made the offer. No doubt the brunette was interested in examining the computer systems on the Ragnarok, seeing as it was an example of Esthar's technological superiority over the rest of the world.
Sonnet watched Asuka and Rei accept the offer, before giving Selphie her answer:
"Thanks, but I won't be heading back immediately. I'm going to go and visit my adoptive father while I'm in Trabia."
Selphie nodded:
"Understood. See you when you get back then. We'll be leaving at 18:00."
She then left the room, and it took about a minute before Rei said:
"I'm going to go and check I've got everything, then I'm going to get something to eat."
"See you later then." Asuka replied.
Once Rei had left the room, Asuka turned to Sonnet.
"I've got a favour to ask of you."
"What's that?" Sonnet asked.
"Could you show me some basic martial arts? I'm thinking about learning, but I'd like to sample it a little first."
Sonnet smiled:
"It's not food, Asuka, you can't 'sample' it. But, yes, I can give you some basic training before you head back."
Asuka smiled back:
"Great. Can we do this now?"
"Sure."
Asuka followed Sonnet to the dojo area, where they both took off their shoes, and removed any weapons that they were carrying, before walking onto the mats. Sonnet spent the better part of an hour showing Asuka how to do a few basic martial arts moves and katas. After an hour, however, Sonnet decided to end the little training session. When Asuka queried how she did, Sonnet's reply was:
"Pretty good. But you shouldn't get overconfident, as they were the very basics."
"Why end now?"
"Because I shouldn't be doing this. I'm not a qualified Instructor in martial arts."
"You probably have enough knowledge to qualify."
"Maybe, but that knowledge wasn't something I gained in the traditional sense of the word."
Asuka walked off the mats, put her shoes back on, and then picked up her coat and katana.
"I'm going to get a shower. Should we meet in the Cafeteria in about an hour?"
"Ok, I'll see you there."
"Right. I'll let Cipher-girl know."
Asuka then left the dojo area, and then the gym itself. Sonnet spent the next 40 minutes practising a few katas, before heading to her dorm so she could also shower and change.
20 minutes later, she was heading to the Cafeteria to meet her friends. When she entered the room, she saw Asuka, Rei, Selphie and Irvine all sitting around a table.
"Hey there." Irvine greeted her as she sat down.
Sonnet nodded in response, and repeated the gesture to the other three sitting at the table.
"Selphie here tells me your not coming back with us," Irvine stated, "Is that right?"
"Yes," Sonnet replied, "The man who adopted me after my parents disappeared is currently living near the Trabia Docks. Since we have leave time, and are nearby, I thought I'd visit."
"How will you get back?" Selphie asked her.
"I'll catch a ferry back in a day or so."
"Ok," Irvine stated, "We're just trying to make sure we don't leave any loose ends when we do go home without you."
"Understood."
"Also," Irvine said, turning to Rei and Asuka, "We'll be going back to Esthar first, on the way to Balamb. We need to pick up a SeeD team that was sent there for a monster cleanup mission."
"Ok." Asuka replied.
"Cool." Rei replied.
Sonnet guessed her enthusiasm was from being able to see the technological city first hand, as well as the chance to see some of its technology in action.
"You're leaving at 18:00, right?" Sonnet queried.
"Yes, why?" Irvine confirmed, and asked.
"I'll leave a bit before then, so I can reach the docks before it gets too dark."
Not that that would be a problem for me, as I can use my night vision. She thought.
"Ok. Any idea when you'll be back?" Selphie asked.
"At Balamb Garden? I'll be back before the leave ends, but I don't know exactly when."
"Ok, that's fine." Selphie replied.
Sonnet then realised that everyone else had either empty or close to empty plates in front of them, so she decided to get something to eat too. She left the table briefly, and got herself some food. As she sat down, Irvine commented:
"Interesting. You don't strike me as a salad person."
"Why's that?"
"I don't know, to be honest. I just didn't think you'd eat salads."
"I don't eat them all the time. Just a lot of the time."
Selphie whispered in Irvine's ear:
"Wonder if that's how she keeps her figure?"
Irvine whispered back:
"Maybe, why don't you ask her."
Sonnet decided to save them the trouble, and be honest about her hearing.
"You can ask if you want, Selphie, I don't mind."
Irvine and Selphie looked at her in shock.
"You've got good hearing." Irvine commented, recovering first.
She nodded:
"Yes, I have. Sorry about that, I wasn't intentionally eavesdropping, but I managed to hear you anyway."
Selphie looked annoyed for a second, and then said:
"No big deal. So, how do you stay so thin?"
Sonnet couldn't tell her the truth, so she decided to use part of her cover story, that her and Bird had thought up when she was applying for Garden.
"I have a high metabolism, and I work out quite a lot."
True enough, She thought, I just have to be discreet in a gym or on a running track.
A few minutes later, as Sonnet was finishing her food, Asuka excused herself, got up from the table, and left the Cafeteria.
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Once she left the room, Asuka decided to jump ahead her plan for the next few days. She had initially planned to phone Shinji once she returned to Balamb Garden. However, on a hunch, she had decided to phone him from Trabia, and improvise her plan from there.
After asking a member of staff where the phones were, and checking she had some change on her for the phone, she stepped into one of the cubicles. The glass walls between the two should give her enough privacy, since she couldn't hear the man using a phone next to her; she assumed that the glass was sound proof. Once she put a coin into the phone, to allow her to use it, she dialled the number of the Ikari's apartment in Deling City, hoping that they still lived there. After a few rings, a voice answered:
Hello?
Asuka frowned for a second, not recognising the voice, and then decided to take a gamble.
"Mr Ikari?"
Yes. Who is this?
"It's Asuka Sohyru."
There was a short pause from the person on the other end of the phone. During that time, Asuka was afraid she'd phoned the wrong number, but the reply proved that fear meaningless.
Ah yes. Asuka. Shinji's friend. How are you?
"I'm fine, thank you sir."
No need to call me that. Gendo will do fine.
"Ok. To your question, Gendo, I'm fine. I passed my SeeD exam just under a week ago."
Well, congratulations Asuka. I'm happy for you.
"Thank you. I'm enjoying it so far as well."
There was a brief rustling noise in the earpiece of the phone, and then Asuka heard another voice:
Hello Asuka, and congratulations.
She recognised the voice of Yui Ikari instantly.
"Thanks Yui."
How's life as a SeeD then?
"It's good so far. I've made a few good friends while I've been at Garden."
That's good to know. Gendo and I were wondering about you a few weeks back, as you hadn't written a letter for almost six months.
"I know about that, Yui, and I'm sorry. I'll do what I can to write more, when I have free time."
That's good to know. I can understand that your time might be limited now though.
Asuka put a few more coins into the pay slot before continuing:
"That's actually part of the reason I'm calling. I've been granted a few days leave, and I was planning on visiting. If that was ok with you?"
Are you kidding Asuka? We'd love to have you visit.
Asuka smiled:
"Great. Could I talk to Shinji please?"
There was another pause on the phone.
Sorry Asuka, but he's not here.
Asuka was worried for a second, put ignored that concern as she realised that she didn't have the full story. Her next question was:
"Where is he?"
He moved out about six months ago. He's living in Dollet now.
This fascinated Asuka.
"Really? What's he doing in Dollet?"
He's working at the Weapons Shop there.
Although Yui couldn't see her face, Asuka felt her jaw drop slightly at that news.
"I'm quite surprised, to be honest. I didn't think he'd work at a Weapons Shop."
Yes, it surprised us, that's for sure.
Asuka then made a decision.
"Don't take this personally Yui, but would you mind if I didn't visit so soon? I want to catch up with Shinji first."
Asuka heard Yui explaining the situation to Gendo, and his faint replies in the background, before Yui replied:
There's nothing to be bothered by Asuka. We understand. Do you want his address?
Asuka glanced next to the table the phone was on, and saw a pad of paper and a pencil there, presumably for messages. She grabbed the pad and pencil, and then said:
"Please."
She wrote down the address as Yui dictated it to her.
"Got it. Thank you. I promise I'll phone again sooner than six months from now."
You're welcome dear. Feel free to visit anytime you can.
"I will. Oh, one more thing. Can you not mention to Shinji that you've spoken to me? I want to surprise him."
Not a problem. See you soon.
"Thank you. Bye to you both."
She then hung up the phone, and left the cubicle, sliding her old friend's new address into a coat pocket as she did.
This could be fun. She thought with a smile, as she headed back to her dorm to pack the things she had brought with her to Trabia Garden.
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About 17:00, Rei heard a knock on her dorm door. Opening it, she saw Sonnet on the other side carrying a bag.
"You're leaving now?" Rei queried.
"Yeah," Sonnet replied, "I've already handed the dorm key to one of the staff. So I'll see you at Balamb in a few days."
"Ok. Have fun then."
Rei hugged Sonnet goodbye, and then continued packing her things.
At 17:50, she went into the hanger area where the Ragnarok was stored, and waited for Asuka, Selphie and Irvine. Like Sonnet, she had packed her things up, and returned her dorm key to the Garden staff. While she was waiting, she looked at the dragon shape of the ship.
This thing is incredible, and it was built over 20 years ago. She thought.
"Obsessing over technology again, Cipher-girl?" She heard a teasing voice ask.
Rei turned around to see Asuka standing in the doorway. She shrugged at the redhead:
"So what? Everyone has an interest of some sort."
"True," Asuka replied, walking towards her, "Listen. I might not be going back to Balamb with you either."
"Why not?"
"I phoned an old friend a while ago. He used to live in Deling City, and I was going to visit him and his family while we had leave. However, it turns out he's moved to Dollet. So, I'm going to see if I can get dropped off there on the way back."
"Old friend?" Rei queried.
"Yeah. He's not too far off being a brother to me really. That's how close we were as friends."
"Cool. I guess I'll be alone at Balamb Garden then."
Rei faked a sad face, which caused Asuka to frown.
"It's not going to bother you, is it?" She asked.
Rei then grinned:
"Nope. Not really. I'll probably research something again for a few days."
"Wouldn't put it past you."
"Hey there." A voice suddenly said from the doorway.
The two women turned to see Irvine and Selphie entering, also carrying bags. Asuka approached him.
"Mr Kinneas." She began.
"Irvine, please," He interrupted her, "I don't like being called that."
"Ok. Irvine. I was wondering if we could make a detour on the way home?"
Irvine then looked suspicious.
"Where to?"
"Dollet. I made a phone call earlier, and found that a friend of mine has moved there. I want to visit."
"Is everyone visiting family all of a sudden?" He asked, glancing at Rei. The brunette, however, shook her head.
"I'm not sure about that." Irvine said.
"It's not a problem if not. I'll just catch a ferry from Balamb Town as soon as we land."
"We'll see how we're doing for time after we pick up the team from Esthar. Ok?"
"Fine. Thanks Irvine."
Selphie moved to the landing ramp of the Ragnarok, and pressed her hand against a panel. She also typed something into a keypad next to the ramp. A few seconds later, the landing ramp lowered from the ship.
"Ok, all aboard." She said, smiling.
As Asuka walked up the ramp, Selphie said to her:
"By the way, your friend Sonnet left earlier."
"I know. She called by to let me know. But thanks anyway."
Selphie nodded, and then followed her into the ship. As she was the last person to board, she sealed the ramp shut behind her. Asuka then wandered around the ship until she found the passenger room. She took a seat there, and watched out the view port at events outside.
A few minutes later, the ship lifted up into the sky, and started moving towards, Asuka assumed, Esthar City. Asuka watched the view out of the view port for a few minutes, and then wondered what to do for the rest of the journey.
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About two hours after leaving Trabia behind, the Ragnarok landed at Esthar Air Station. Irvine briefly left the ship to meet with Esthar's President, and the leader of the SeeD Team sent there. Once he entered the President's Office, he saw Laguna handing something to Rinoa. She then saluted him, and turned to Irvine.
"Hey Rin." He greeted her.
She smiled:
"Nice to see you too Irvine."
"How did the mission go?" He queried.
"Pretty well. SeeD Davidson was pretty heavily injured by a couple of Toramas, but we were able to patch him up with Cure spells until Esthar Medics could treat him properly. Aside from that, there were no complications."
"Good to know. I'm sure Squall will be happy to hear that too."
"The others are assembled outside the Presidential Palace. We can all leave at anytime."
"Actually, they're not. I sent them to the Ragnarok as I passed them. Anyway, is everything taken care of here then?"
"Yep. I think so. Mr President?"
She turned to face Laguna as she said this.
"I think so too. You're free to go. And, thank you."
He got up from his desk, and hugged Rinoa.
"See you again soon, and keep an eye on my son." He whispered to her.
He then moved and shook Irvine's hand.
"Nice to see you again too Irvine."
"Likewise Laguna. See you soon."
The two SeeDs then left the office, and headed back to the Air Station. They chatted briefly as they walked the short distance to the Air Station. As they approached the ships ramp, Irvine warned her:
"Brace yourself. Selphie is still on board."
His warning was unnecessary, as Selphie simply waved at her from the top of the ramp.
"Hi Rin." She called.
Rinoa simply waved back.
"I think we can drop Miss Sohyru off in Dollet on the way to Balamb," Selphie stated, "As we got here a little sooner than expected."
"Who's that?" Rinoa queried.
"One of the SeeDs that we had to work with in Trabia. I'll explain it all to you later."
"Ok," Rinoa replied, "I'm going to go and stretch my legs for a bit. I'll meet you on the bridge later. If I see the person you mentioned, I'll tell her she's going to Dollet."
Irvine and Selphie nodded, and then left her in the corridor. Rinoa instantly went to a small room near the entry ramp, one that she and Squall (and probably many other SeeDs) used as a training room when on board the ship. Her intent was to practise casting her magic on a few dummy targets that were kept on board. However, this plan was made impractical as she entered the room, as there was a tall redhead, armed with a katana, running through a few katas, in there already.
Approaching closer than was probably safer, and taking a precaution first, Rinoa moved to observe the redhead. Suddenly, as she was less than a foot away, the redhead spun round with the katana, and stopped the blade less than an inch from Rinoa's neck.
"Thanks for stopping." She quipped.
"Instructor Leonhart! I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were there." The redhead apologised.
Rinoa waved her off.
"Don't worry about it. I was Protected anyway."
The redhead tapped the air in front of Rinoa with her other hand, which hit a blue Protect field.
"Still," she said to Rinoa, "Sorry anyway."
"You have some skill with a katana." Rinoa complimented.
"Thank you. I like to keep in practise."
Sounds familiar. Rinoa thought.
"Are you Miss Sohyru by any chance?"
The redhead slid the katana into a sheath that was stitched into the lining of her leather trench coat, before replying:
"Yep. That's me. Asuka Sohyru. Nice to meet you."
She shook Rinoa's hand, before Rinoa said:
"I've got a message for you then. Selphie said that they can call by Dollet on the way to Balamb Garden."
A grin covered Asuka's face.
"Great. I can visit Shinji then."
"Shinji?" Rinoa asked, and quickly said, "Sorry. It's none of my business."
"He's a childhood friend who I haven't seen for nearly three years, since I started at Balamb Garden."
Rinoa smiled at her.
"I can see why you'd take an opportunity to visit then. Anyway, I'll leave you to work out now."
Asuka bowed slightly to her.
"Thank you."
"See you around." Rinoa replied, before leaving the room, and heading for the passenger room. The other five SeeDs that she had commanded during the recent mission were in there. The majority of them were dozing, or simply relaxing. There was one person in there, however, who she didn't know: a brunette who was reading a computer magazine. As she liked to get to know as many SeeDs, and Cadets, as possible, she stood next to the brunette.
"May I sit down?" She asked.
The brunette simply gestured at the seat, not even looking at Rinoa.
She must be really interested in that magazine. Rinoa thought, taking her blue half cloak, and placing it across her knees as she sat down.
"Are you one of the SeeDs that was sent to Trabia Garden temporarily?" She asked the brunette.
This resulted in her putting the magazine down, and facing Rinoa. She then realised who she was talking to. But, before she could do anything, Rinoa said:
"Don't get up. I just want to chat."
The brunette frowned, causing Rinoa to explain:
"I like to get to know as many SeeDs as possible. I never know when I might be working with them, so it may come in handy."
"Ok. I'm Rei Ayanami."
"Rinoa Leonhart."
As they shook hands, Rei flashed Rinoa a look that said 'I knew that.'
"What about the third SeeD?" Rinoa asked.
"She's visiting family in Trabia, so she's coming back another way in a day or so."
"What's her name?"
"Sonnet Baji."
"Ok. So, Rei, I take it you're interested in computers?"
"Yeah. It's always been something I've had a fascination with."
"I can't say I'm the same. Beyond using them for tasks like writing reports, archiving important information, and a little research, I don't like computers."
"You sound like Asuka." Rei said, with a smirk.
"She's the same?"
"Yep."
The two of them continued to talk for a while longer, until Selphie announced they were approaching Dollet over the intercom. Rei then stood up, and moved towards the door.
"I'll be back soon," She said, "I just want to see Asuka off."
"Ok."
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It was close to 10:00 as they landed in Dollet. Asuka got off the ship, walked a safe distance away, and then shielded her eyes as the Ragnarok took off, heading to Balamb. Once it was out of sight, she turned for a second to get her bearings, and then headed towards Dollet. After a few seconds walking, she put on a pair of sunglasses, as the sun was ahead of her in terms of direction.
Surprisingly, she was only attacked twice on the way, and she could handle the monsters relatively easily.
That's odd, She thought, as she entered the town, Oh well. No point worrying about it. Now, where's the Weapons Shop?
She managed to spot the building easily enough. After getting a quick snack, and a drink, from a nearby café, she returned to the shop and entered it. The young man working behind the counter was a familiar enough face. She could see a nametag clipped to his shirt, but it was mainly hidden under a waistcoat he was wearing over it. She smirked inwardly, deciding to have a little fun, before walking to the counter.
"Hello. How can I help you?" The young man asked.
"Do you sell any gunblades?" She asked.
"Yes. We have a few, but they are all basic models. Is there a particular one you want to see?"
She thought for a second: Might as well play this as much as possible.
"Hyperion?"
"I think we have one in stock. One moment please."
He disappeared into what Asuka assumed was the storeroom, and emerged a minute later carrying a large case. He walked around the counter, to her side, placed the case on it, and then opened it.
Admiring the weapon, Asuka briefly wondered:
Could Sonnet use one of these? I might buy it later, and then ask her to try it when I see her again.
"It's a deadly looking weapon." She commented.
"Yes. Gunblades are hard to use. Harder still to master. Very few people have been able to do so, compared to other weapons."
Ok. Time to let the cat out of the bag.
"So I've been told. Tell me Shinji, is that something from a book, or something you came up with as a sales pitch?"
The young man looked shocked, but she continued before he could speak:
"If it's supposed to be a sales pitch, I'm afraid I'd be put off by that comment."
Again, before he could speak, she removed her sunglasses, and looked directly into his eyes.
"Besides," She stated, "You know I prefer a katana any day."
She watched, with some pleasure, as a look of recognition spread across his face.
"Asuka!!"
She smiled:
"Hello old friend. It's been a while."
Before she could react, Shinji pulled her into a hug. Luckily, the shop owner/manager wasn't there at that time of the day, otherwise Shinji might have been in trouble for that behaviour.
"I don't believe you're here! Why are you here?"
"I wanted to visit an old friend. I phoned your parents earlier today, or yesterday, depending on how you look at it, and they told me where to find you."
Shinji looked a little annoyed.
"Looks like dad got his own back."
"I don't think so. I asked them not to tell you I was coming."
Asuka then frowned at him:
"Got his own back with what?"
"I'll explain later. Listen. I'm working until 16:00, then someone else comes and does a later shift until about 20:00."
"Ok. I'll get a room at the hotel, and you can come and visit after work, if you like?"
"Sure. We should catch up."
"Definitely. I'll ask the receptionist to let you into my room when I check in."
Shinji smiled.
"Great, I'll see you later."
Leaving the Weapons Shop, she walked to the town square, and paused briefly to look at the fountain in the centre, before walking into the hotel. It took her a few minutes to get a room at the hotel, and ask the receptionist to show Shinji to her room, once he arrived.
Once in her room, she looked out of the balcony for a few minutes, before removing her coat, and lying down on one of the beds. Suddenly feeling a little jetlagged, she decided to take a nap.
She was woken up a few hours later by a knock on her door. Shaking her head to clear the sleepy feeling, she got up from the bed, and walked to the door. Before opening it, she made sure her katana was within reach should it be needed. However, once she did open the door, she found that it wasn't.
"Hello Asuka." Shinji greeted, and entering the room as she opened the door fully to let him in.
"Thanks for the wake up knock," She said, half teasing, "I might have slept all day otherwise."
"No problem," He replied, sitting on the end of one of the other beds in the room, "It's not like you to be tired. What's wrong?"
"I think its jetlag," She replied, "I was in Trabia before coming here. And the Ragnarok is a pretty fast ship, so I could have been jetlagged."
"Ok." He replied.
Asuka then realised that she wasn't sure where to start. She hadn't seen Shinji Ikari in almost three years, and she had quite a few stories. She suspected he was the same.
"So," She began, "You first. What have you been doing for the last three years?"
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After the Ragnarok landed back at Balamb Garden, Irvine, Selphie, and Rei all headed to the Commander's Office to report on their various missions. Rinoa headed towards her office, figuring Squall would contact her later on.
About an hour later, Commander Leonhart had finished hearing their reports regarding their mission, and dismissed them. Rei had planned to go and take a hot shower, before getting something to eat, and then doing a little more research into Esthar's Super Cyborg. Although she figured Sonnet was telling the truth regarding her programming, Rei wanted to see if any of the original project staff, excluding Dr Odine, were still alive. It might not yield any results, but it would allow Rei to help Sonnet by finding out if anyone could be in a position to send her the messages that were scaring her.
This plan was temporarily delayed, however, as someone intercepted her before she could reach the lift.
"Miss Ayanami. Can I have a word with you please?" A female voice asked.
Rei turned to the source of the voice to see Assistant Commander Quistis Trepe standing nearby, holding a folder. Rei instantly stood to attention.
"What can I do for you ma'am?" Rei asked.
Quistis lead her into a smaller office that, from all appearances, was simply a part of the Commander's Office, but spilt off by a dividing wall. Rei's assumption that this was the office of Quistis Trepe was proven correct when she sat down behind the desk, and offered Rei a seat in front of it. Once the brunette was seated, Quistis began:
"What do you know about Sonnet Baji?"
Rei internally frowned, but kept her face neutral.
Why is she asking this? Rei wondered.
"Can I ask why you're asking me this?"
"There appear to be a few inconsistencies in her personal records."
She faked most of her records with Bird's help. Rei thought, Maybe she didn't do a flawless job of it. Still, if that were the case, why would it take nearly two years for them to notice?
"I'm sorry Commander, but I can't help you with that problem. Sonnet is a good friend, and great support in a fight, but I don't know too much about her past, as she is rather secretive about it. I didn't pry after a while, as I realised I wouldn't get any answers."
If Quistis thought she was lying, which Rei was actually doing, she gave no noticeable sign.
"Very well, Miss Ayanami. Thank you for your time. Dismissed."
Rei stood up, saluted, and then left the office. This time, she made it to the lift without being intercepted. She took it down to the ground floor, and headed for her dorm. After sorting out her clothes from the mission, those that needed cleaning and those that didn't, into two piles, she then grabbed a towel, and moved into the nearby bathroom for a shower.
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"I have to admit," Shinji concluded, "My father was quite surprised when I told him I was moving here."
They had been talking for a couple of hours, giving each other bits and pieces of the things they had done in the three years since they had seen each other. Asuka glanced at her watch, and realised that it was just after 18:00.
"Shinji, wait," She said, "Have you seen the time?"
He glanced at her watch as she turned the face to him, and then frowned.
"Something wrong?" Asuka queried, noticing his expression.
"No, not really. It's just that I haven't eaten since about midday. Care to join me for dinner?"
Asuka wasn't surprised by the question, as she had gone to the Ikari's regularly for meals.
"Sure. I've got a little story to tell you about my SeeD exam."
He smiled:
"Great," He said, "I know this nice little restaurant about a ten minute walk away. Shall we go there?"
She smiled back:
"I'd like that. I need to shower and change first though. I've been wearing these clothes for almost 24 hours."
"Of course. I'll meet you at the reception area in 20 minutes?"
Asuka nodded. Shinji then got up and left the room. Asuka then went to the balcony doors and drew the curtains across them, giving her some privacy. She then went into the small bathroom, placed a towel on the lid of the toilet, and turned on the shower. While the water was warming up, she removed the clothes she had been wearing for a while, and then entered the shower.
Ten minutes later, she emerged from the shower, picked up the towel, and dried herself off. Once she was dry, she wrapped the towel around herself, picked up her dirty clothes, and moved back into her room. Once there, she dropped the dirty clothes next to her bag. Picking something clean from her bag, something that she had packed as a final thought before leaving Balamb Garden, and the red shoes that she wore with it, she placed it on a bed. She then retrieved some underwear from the bag, before removing the towel, and getting herself dressed.
As soon as she was dressed, she returned to the bathroom, threw the used towel into the bath so that the hotel cleaning staff would know that it was used, checked her appearance in the mirror, and then left her room, making sure she had her key card on the way out.
She spotted Shinji easily enough as she walked into the reception area. He was wearing what Asuka once dubbed his 'common' clothes: a pair of black jeans, with a white casual shirt, white socks, and white trainers.
"Nice to see some things never change." She commented to him, as she walked up next to him.
"I could say the same about you." He commented, looking her up and down.
Asuka was wearing the yellow sundress that she had recently worn at Balamb Garden.
"Yeah well, that might not be true for much longer." She stated, as they walked out of the door of the hotel.
"What do you mean?"
"First, could you keep hold of this please?" She asked, giving him her room key card. Her dress had, unfortunately, no pockets, so she couldn't carry things around. As requested, he took her key card, and slid it into a pocket of his jeans.
"Now, to your question," She stated, "I've become less fond of wearing skirts and dresses recently. As a SeeD, I could be in combat at a second's notice, and it is tricky to fight in a skirt."
"I'll take your word for that." Shinji commented, with a smirk.
She mock punched him, before continuing:
"Plus, in my opinion, the majority of skirts seem to be designed to be as revealing as possible, and you know how I feel about that."
Shinji nodded, thinking back to when they were in their early teens. During that time, when a lot of girls her own age were wearing (amongst other things) pretty short skirts, Asuka wasn't. The most revealing thing she probably owned was the yellow dress she was currently wearing. When Shinji asked her about it once, her reply was "I don't see the point."
A few years later, Shinji had asked her about it again, and her reply was similar: "I don't see the point of wearing a short skirt, and/or a revealing top just to show off some skin. Besides, all it is really for is to turn male's heads, and my height makes me stand out anyway." This was true. She had undergone a growth spurt to her current height before she turned 15, and she was taller than most of the other people her age. Even now, Shinji was only just a similar height to her now, being about an inch taller.
Before either of them could make another comment, they arrived at the restaurant. The waiter seemed to know Shinji.
"Hello again, Mr Ikari." The waiter said.
"Hello," Shinji replied, "Table for two please."
The waiter nodded, and led them through the restaurant, to a small table near a window. Once they were seated, they ordered drinks, and were each given a menu. While looking through it, Shinji asked:
"So what was that story you mentioned?"
"The one about the SeeD exam?" Asuka queried.
At Shinji's nod, she continued:
"Well I'd rather not reveal where we were, as it was probably classified afterwards. But, the mission involved…"
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Rei considered why Quistis might be asking her about Sonnet's records all of a sudden. The brunette was tempted to use the library computer in front of her to hack into Sonnet's files and examine them herself. However, she decided not to do this, as those files were probably being monitored now. No matter how good a hacker she was, she could still get traced if she wasn't careful and, right now, Rei figured that she wouldn't be careful, as she was concerned for her friend.
The only possibility that she could think of was that Sonnet had made a mistake when she faked her files. However, the problem with that was her original thought while talking to Quistis: why were the 'inconsistencies' only being detected now, after Sonnet had been at Balamb Garden for almost two years?
Abandoning her original plan to look into the Super Cyborg project more thoroughly, Rei instead left the library and headed for her dorm room to get some sleep. During her walk there, she wondered about Sonnet and Asuka, more specifically how they were. Based on what Asuka had said before she was dropped off near Dollet, her and her childhood friend should be catching up by now, and enjoying themselves too. Sonnet, she could only speculate on, and hope that Bird would be able to find and fix any problems that might be in her programming, as Rei didn't want to lose Sonnet as a friend.
Upon reaching her dorm, Rei slid her key card into the lock, and walked in. She pulled her glaive from her belt, and placed it on her desk, she then dropped her bag on the floor, next to the door, making a mental note to sort through it later, and then flopped onto her bed.
She then turned to face her desk, and spotted the envelope on it. Curiously, she pulled herself up from her bed, and picked up the envelope. There was nothing on the envelope, just the initials R.A. in a typed font. Rei opened the envelope, and pulled out a single sheet of paper. Just like the envelope, the contents of the paper were typed out.
Miss Ayanami,
By now, I'd wager your friend is worried about the messages she has received from me. It's also possible she's wasting the time of that former project worker, by asking him to examine her. I assure you, he won't find anything, nor will he be able to prevent the inevitable.
Your assistance at T-Garden was most appreciated. We may call on your services again soon. For now, sleep tight.
The envelope, which Rei had placed on her lap while she read the paper, suddenly felt warm against her legs. She picked it up and glanced inside, as a vial of some white powder cracked open, and sprayed close to her face.
On reflex, Rei covered her mouth and nose with her hands, but began to feel sleepy and light headed almost immediately. Realising she must have inhaled it before she managed to cover her mouth, she tried to leave her dorm, and alert the Garden staff to the powder. She got very close to her door, before she collapsed from the powder exposure.
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Sometime later, Rei woke up feeling like her head had been split in two. She opened her eyes, and then instantly shut them again as she was almost blinded by the lights in the room.
"Take it easy." A soothing voice called.
Rei waited for a few minutes, before opening her eyes again, this time slowly. Once her eyes focused, she realised she was in the Infirmary of the Garden.
"Are you ok, Rei?" A voice asked, the same voice who had told her to take it easy.
Rei turned to her left to see a friend of hers standing near the bed.
"Aside from a headache, Skye, I'm fine. But how did…"
"You end up in the Infirmary?" SeeD Skye Alexander finished for her.
At Rei's nod, she explained:
"I was in my room, reading a book, when I heard a thud. Since your room is next to mine, I guess the sound carried enough for me to hear it. I went and knocked on your door, but you didn't answer. Because of that, I went to get someone who had a Master Card key, who opened the door for me. We found you collapsed near your door, with a large cut on your forehead."
Rei frowned, reaching to her forehead. She felt a bandage covering one area of her forehead.
"Don't touch it." A Medic cautioned her.
"So, how did you end up collapsing against your door Rei?"
Before Rei could reply, she saw Instructor Leonhart peer round the doorway.
"I'd like to know that too." She said.
"Before you start asking questions, ma'am," The Medic interrupted, "Let me remove that bandage from her head."
He did so, and then whispered something to Rei before leaving the room. Rei then turned to Instructor Leonhart.
"What do you want to know, ma'am?" Rei asked.
"Just what happened to you."
Rei thought back, and summarised what happened to her for Skye and the Instructor, missing out that Sonnet was a cyborg, as well as explaining part of their mission at Trabia Garden. A couple of times during the explanation, Rei had to pull her hand away from her face, as she kept trying to scratch her cut.
"Here, let me." Instructor Leonhart said, before her hand glowed green, and was pressed against Rei's injury, healing it in seconds.
Nodding her thanks to the Instructor, Rei finished her summary, and waited for questions. The Instructor looked thoughtful for a few minutes, before asking:
"What happened to the powder?"
"I don't remember, I'm afraid. The vial in the envelope warmed up, and somehow shattered. Since my window was open, any effects it might have, have probably dispersed by now."
Skye raised her hand.
"Miss Alexander?" Instructor Leonhart queried.
"I think any effects cleared pretty quickly, ma'am. When we entered the room a few minutes after Rei collapsed, and nothing happened to us."
The Instructor pulled out a notepad, and wrote a few things down.
"You may be correct, Miss Alexander. I didn't realise that."
She finished writing, and turned to Rei.
"Is the note still in your dorm?"
"As far as I know."
"I'm going to get it and get it analysed, ok?"
Rei recalled what it said, and realised there was nothing in it to point to Sonnet's 'condition', thus nothing to really worry about.
"Of course."
Instructor Leonhart then got up to leave. Before she reached the door though, she turned around and came back.
"By the way, I think the Doc wants to keep you here overnight, for observation. While she does, I'm going to have your dorm examined for any more traces of that powder. When she releases you tomorrow, come and find me. I'll let you know if the investigation regarding the powder is done and if you can return to your quarters."
"Thank you." Rei acknowledged.
"Instructor?" Skye asked, before she could attempt to leave again.
"Yes?"
"I hope I'm not out of line, ma'am, but why are you heading this investigation? I thought you ran the Diplomatic Office?"
Instructor Leonhart smiled.
"Not at all. I'm running this because I also share the duties of Garden Security. The current Head is away now. He's investigating something in Timber, so I'm also running that department, as well as the Diplomatic Office."
"Understood."
"Don't worry about being out of line in the future, Miss Alexander. I like the people I work with to speak their mind. If you are out of line, I simply won't answer. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am." Skye replied.
Once the Instructor had left, Skye turned to Rei.
"I guess they want you in for observation in case you seriously hurt yourself when you hit your head."
"Probably." Rei replied.
"Not that that's going to happen," Skye said, smirking, "Since we both know you have a hard head."
"Hey!" Rei objected.
Skye continued, however:
"To be honest, I never understood how you managed to keep all that knowledge about computers and hacking in your head. Since it's that hard, there must be so much bone in it that there is little room for a brain."
Rei ignored the second comment, and plotted a way to get her own back. Skye used a scythe as a weapon, so maybe Rei could best her in a training fight.
"Anyway, joking aside, is there anything I can get for you?"
"Yeah, I left a magazine in the Library earlier, could you see if it's still there?"
"Sure. Be right back."
While Skye went to the Library, Rei pondered whom the note could have come from, and what the writer meant by 'Your assistance at T-Garden was most appreciated. We may call on your services again soon.'
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The following morning, Asuka got up at 09:30, a little later than she normally did. She hadn't suffered any parent related nightmares, so she had been able to sleep well. After a shower, getting dressed, and some breakfast, she headed for the Weapons Shop that Shinji worked at. Before he had headed home the previous evening, he had asked her to call by the shop the next day, so she decided to do that.
Entering the shop, she saw Shinji behind the counter again, as well as another customer who was looking at the gun selection. Shinji nodded to her as she entered, and then kept his eyes on the other customer. Asuka guessed that he wanted to wait until the shop was quiet before talking to her.
While she was waiting, Asuka positioned herself near the door. Wearing another all black outfit, she would probably stand out a little, but she didn't care. After a few minutes, the customer left without buying anything, so she then moved to the counter.
"Slow morning?" She asked.
"Morning usually is. I don't mind though, since I get paid by the hour, and not by number of weapons sold, or anything like that."
She grinned:
"Don't blame you then. So, what did you want me here for?"
He picked up a 'Weapons Monthly' magazine from a shelf behind the counter, and passed it to her.
"Page 6." He instructed.
Glancing at the date of the magazine, Asuka realised it was the latest issue, and then turned to the page he said. On that page was a beautiful looking katana that was three times the strength of her current one, as well as having a miniature carving of Ifrit on the blade. She glanced at the equipment needed to create one, and saw she could get it easily enough.
"Don't bother thinking about how to get the equipment to build one." Shinji's voice cut into her thoughts.
"How did you know I was thinking that?" She replied.
"Because I know you, remember."
"Ok, so why are you showing me this?"
"I phoned mum and dad last night, asking for their opinion on something. They agreed after a small discussion."
"Opinion on what?"
Shinji reached under the counter, and pulled out a sheathed katana. He offered it to Asuka.
"Try it." He said.
She took it from him, passing the magazine back first, and pulled the blade from the sheath. It was the same one she'd seen in the magazine. She experimented with it for a few minutes, realising it was perfectly balanced for her to use, and ideal for combat. She then sheathed it, and offered it back to Shinji. To her surprise, however, he didn't take it. At her frown, he decided to explain:
"Mum and dad agreed to send me some money to help pay for most of it. It's your birthday present."
Asuka looked thrilled for a second, but then said:
"I can't accept this."
"Why?"
"It's too much."
Shinji shrugged.
"So? I know your birthday isn't for another week and a half, but I thought you'd like it."
"I do. But it's too much."
Shinji smiled:
"I thought you might say that. That's why I said 'pay for most of it' earlier. You'll have to pay a little yourself."
Asuka smiled:
"In that case: how much?"
"500 gil."
Asuka reached into a coat pocket, and pulled 500 gil from her money, and passed it to Shinji.
"Happy Birthday, old friend."
"Thank you. I'll have to contact your parents afterwards and thank them too."
"Yeah. Good idea."
"How did you get this anyway?" She queried, gesturing to the katana.
"The shop gets the Weapons Monthly magazines regularly. We can also order a few samples of the products within them if necessary. I don't know where Hyuga gets them, but he does somehow."
"So, you ordered this last night, and got it this morning?"
"No," He grinned, "I ordered it not long after we got the magazine, as I knew you'd like it, and decided I'd persuade mum and dad to give me some of the money nearer the time. I was planning to drop into Balamb Garden on the date of your birthday, to personally deliver it, and surprise you at the same time. Guess I don't have to now."
"You can still drop in, if you like," She said, "The problem is, I can't guarantee I'll be there when you do."
"Probably just as well you appeared here then."
Asuka's reply was cut off by the sound of the door opening.
"Good morning Mr Hyuga." Shinji greeted the man who entered the shop.
"Hello Shinji. Usual day so far?"
"In terms of business it is."
Asuka turned to look at the man who Shinji was talking to. The man who, she assumed, was the shop owner and Shinji's boss.
He was a relatively small man, similar in height to Asuka herself. He was wearing a beige/white business suit, with a grey shirt. He glanced around the shop, checking all the shelves, and then looked at Shinji.
"How many sales so far?"
"Just one. A katana."
He then looked at what Asuka held in her left hand.
"Are you the customer who bought that katana, Miss?" He politely asked her.
"Yes." Asuka bluntly replied.
"Ok. Shinji, I'll be in the office most of the day, if you need anything, just call."
"Understood."
My Hyuga walked around the counter, and through a door behind it. Asuka turned to Shinji once the door closed.
"He's blunt, isn't he?" She asked.
"Yep. Not that I mind."
Asuka smirked:
"I wonder why that is, Ikari?"
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After returning to Garden in the middle of the night, Sonnet had gone to her dorm to sleep a little. She woke up just after 08:20, and decided to check on Rei. However, she didn't get the chance, as she found a note outside her dorm door, requesting her presence in the Commander's Office ASAP. Sonnet quickly showered and dressed, before going into the lift. She knocked on the door outside, and was told to enter.
"Reporting as ordered sir." She said, saluting.
"Relax, Miss Baji. I just wanted to give you this."
Commander Leonhart slid an envelope across his desk, towards her. Sonnet retrieved it, thanked the man, and then left his office. Sonnet opened the envelope in the lift, to see three smaller ones fall out: one for her, one for Asuka, and one for Rei. After opening the one meant for her, and leaving the lift, she headed to the dorms. She knocked on Rei's door, but got no response. After looking through the door using her infrared vision, she wondered where Rei could be, as she wasn't often up later than 09:00.
She saw Skye in the corridor as she left the dorm area, and got the news from her, before heading to the Infirmary.
She found where Rei was in the Infirmary, and sat on a chair next to the bed. Almost immediately, Rei spoke:
"Can I help you with something?"
Sonnet almost jumped in shock.
"I thought you were asleep." She stated to Rei.
"Not quite." Rei answered, opening her eyes.
"How are you now?"
"I'm fine thanks. Should be able to leave here today."
"I've got a little bad news, I'm afraid."
Rei instantly sat upright.
"Something wrong with you?" She demanded.
"No. I'm fine," Sonnet realised that Rei was referring to her programming, but couldn't say it directly in the Infirmary, as there were several people who might overhear, "I just got handed these."
She showed Rei the envelopes, and passed her the one with her name on it. She waited for Rei to read the contents of it, before saying:
"I thought we had something there too."
"So did I." Rei replied.
Sonnet then glanced at Rei's letter, seeing it was the same as hers, with the exception of the recipient name:
Dear Rei Ayanami,
Your recent assistance at Trabia Garden was most appreciated. However, interrogation of the prisoners you retrieved revealed that they were part of a local resistance against Esthar, and not responsible for the data thefts. The disks that were in the briefcase still require analysis, but we believe, overall, the mission was a failure.
Signed,
Shigeru Aoba
Trabia Garden Headmaster.