Standard Disclaimer
Sorry for the delay in the chapter, life has not been kind lately. We're all going through stuff, this Covid stuff is a real pain. But Halloween was one of the big events I liked, losing the pool was a big hit to my self medication treatment. All of that stuff just hit and work was extra hard so depression and 'what does it matter' all hit at once. And my brother almost got arrested but it was thankfully was a mistake. Just a lot all hitting at onces.
On Angels' Wings
Chapter – 13
It took all of Gendo's considerable willpower to maintain his calm demeanor, but it was nearly the straw that broke him. Another betrayal, everybody had their own little games and machinations, and Gendo was learning those he thought were trustworthy were proving otherwise. It might be time to push things ahead and damn the consequences. To much had been sacrificed for it to end because of anybody else leaping before he did. Clearing his throat, he picked up the stills from the hospital security feed. "This is a gross abuse of his authority, he has over stepped his place," Gendo sounded calm, but was livid.
"Yes sir, I thought it best to bring this to your attention. I wasn't sure I believed the boy's comments until I saw the footage from the cameras. He has been there several times, and I have spoken now with Uzume about his blackmailing. Apparently he was going under the name Izumi Higa," Katsuragi had that hint of indignation about her. Woman was driven but to emotional and volatile to be of use to Gendo. Women, they just plotted and teased men to get there way…Ritsuko's cheating still stung.
Ah yes, so Fuyutski was the infamous Higa from all those Sekirei reports, the great Ashikabi of the East. Gendo hated MBI and its insipid Sekirei plan, but that didn't mean he left it to fester in HIS city. Spies were everywhere, and he had many in his employ. But to know Fuyutski, who was the one to collate all this nonsense, had been a poison pill all along. Seeing Katsuragi still standing, still wanting his attention, "Was there something else, major?" Katsuragi was an unknown, all listening devices failed to take in that den of MBI lackeys.
Nodding briskly, her hat nearly falling off, "Several things actually sir. Permission to offer full compensation to the Suzuhara family for Fuyutski's actions. Medical treatment of all casualties is part of Nerv's responsibility, and with how he was holding that over them, it could be a lawsuit if pushed. A terrible PR disaster if it was known that Nerv was doing so." With her face going a little white, eyes not focusing, she was building up to something bigger, Gendo prided himself on his ability to read people.
"Acceptable. Make it known that Fuyutski was acting outside of his official capacity when you do. Nerv does not condone the actions he took for personal gain," Gendo did need to keep Nerv clean. If people learned more of the true nature he'd risk being deposed. Holding the life of a child hostage for some fighting game of artificial alien life forms, people would demand action. If it came to it, Gendo would gladly feed the press Fuyutski now. Feeling his phone start to vibrate, Gendo's breath caught in his throat, it was THE phone. Kehl was contacting him. Pulling out the phone, it had a message that just said 'contact me', he set it down, "What else, I have a UN meeting to attend."
Gendo could see the woman warring with herself about if it was smart to proceed or just accept her minor victory. She fell to the thing that all 'brave' people, recklessness, "Sir, who are Seele? I do not know how closely tied to Nerv they are, but news reports are starting to leek to me. I thought we reported to only the UN council, yet the arrested members are talking about us." She knew more than she was letting on, she was baiting him for information. Time to put a man on her, watch her, maybe time to replace her. Easier to replace that to reeducate.
"I know little more than you do. Some of those arrested were part of the UN council and likely they are only saying things to protect themselves," Gendo reclined in his seat. He wouldn't give anything without a fight. But if he was put in a room with a few of the members of Seele that had been exposed and now arrested…he'd need ice for his knuckles. Everything was falling apart very rapidly, and that would have people frightened. Scared people act poorly. Using one of the Fuyutski images to fan himself, "I will keep you posted as I am given more info. Now I do have other matters to attend to. Deal with the Fuyutski issue and keep this hush-hush. Offer the family what is needed to keep them quiet."
With a sharp salute, disappointment registering in her shoulders, Katsuragi didn't push as she had no grounds to, "Sir," was all she said and turned. Woman was attractive, Gendo did watch her leave and had to appreciate her. Trim waist, rounded and full gluts, and an athletic build. He wasn't devoid of appreciation, it just never worked out. Naoko wanted him to stop his aims for Yui, Ritsuko was playing both sides of the Nerv/MBI coin, and Gendo was not a young man. He had his plan, and he was going to leap before the others.
Hitting the button to lower the blinds in the office, it became dark neigh instantly after Katsuragi left the room. Another button and he heard the soft click of the door locking. Getting up, his knee popped and his back ached, age was not kind to him or his lifestyle. Moving to the illuminated circle, Gendo fixed his collar, and readied himself for the meeting, connecting himself to the 24/7 ongoing meeting of Seele, "You needed me?" Gendo noticed only Kehl and one other obelisk was light up, not good.
"Ikari, you know you are to report the instant I contact you. Have you seen the latest reports? Seele-02 and 03 have gone dark. The damned American is singing about everything to avoid jail time, agents have been sent to deal with him," Kehl slammed him fist down on a table. Who was paying for said agents, Gendo wondered. It was the biggest problem Seele was facing, financing. Somebody hacked them, stole the vast majority of their funds, and now their power over others was fading with those dwindling accounts.
Reaching into his inner pocket, Gendo couldn't keep his smirk from forming, he got a stick of gum. He had a dragon to expose here. "I was delayed by one of my Majors. It appears that Fuyutski has been night lighting around as an Ashikabi with the name of Higa. He's been working with MBI this whole time, and if you think about it. Who has the resources and the knowledge necessary to strike at Seele?" Gendo casually offered.
Whatever Kehl was going to say it got lost in the info Gendo just dropped. "MBI, but why? If we…never mind that for now. We have to move forward with the plan faster than expected. With current events, we will need all of your data about the black projects. Have the pilots made available for us. Our efforts are not ready yet. We thought we would have several more months to finalize things. But with the noose tightening, we may have to adapt," Kehl rubbed at his temple, this visor moving just enough for Gendo to see the empty sockets behind it.
"I cannot allow that. The pilots are necessary for the defense against the Angels," Gendo countered. They'd try and take his playing pieces for their own uses, that was not something he could allow. And it was proof that Seele was working on their own Dummy Plug and the Mass Production units were not ready.
The digitized voice of Seele-06, Gendo thought they were British, warbled painfully, "You are not in the position to deny us this. The Red Earth Ceremony is all that matters. Certain interpretations of the Dead Sea scrolls would allow for us to proceed with it before the Apostles fall. Some of our tests even…" Kehl's hand moved and Seele-06 vanished. Fear…fear made people do foolish things.
"Ikari, I will send you some details about what we have learned. When we need the Evangelions and their pilots, we will have them. It is for the evolution of mankind. And…about Fuyutski and MBI…we will take steps. These are the end times, we will succeed," and like that Kehl vanished and the lights came back on.
Kehl would make a play, but when and how were the mysteries. Gendo had to act faster…but he needed his principle piece! The failed Ayanami needed to be replaced and done NOW. Well Akagi was on site today right? Time for a little visit to his little turncoat. Taking the elevator that was in his office down into the bowels of Nerv, Gendo hoped when Seele got ahold of Fuyutski they'd try to barter the pilots for him. Then he could look his old professor in the eyes one last time. Nobody betrayed Gendo and got away with it. His ears popped as the elevator went further and further down. A spike of pain blossomed in Gendo's chest, his upper right side, as he stepped out into the dark corridor. Age was against him.
His feel made ominous echoes as he walked, if he were a more fanciful man he'd be unnerved. But there were no ghosts, no poltergeists, and the only demons were those of the mind. The clacking of a keyboard was faint, it steered Gendo's walk. Not the Dummy Plug, not the chamber of clones, but one of the many side rooms. What was she up to down here? Listening to her for a little bit, those emotions he once had for her tried to bloom but he crushed them. Not a replacement for Yui, not a woman he had started to care for, she is just a tool. And a broken tool could be fixed or replaced. The door was to thick for him to make out her talking to herself, but she was sounding happy.
Gendo left. He went to the Dummy Plug and waited. He wasn't always strong, and hearing her happy…he enjoyed that. He had enjoyed being with her until he saw her betrayal. Was it love or loneliness he didn't know, but at the time he had allowed for weakness. Not anymore. Putting his hand, Adam squirming all the while, against the empty amber tube. He had to be strong, had to make the hard choices.
"Sir, what are…were you down here long?" Ritsuko gasped out as she joined the commander. Her lab coat was hanging low, not on her shoulders, and she had a very relaxed air about her. It was almost sensual, but Gendo saw through it. It was just an act. Fixing herself as she approached, laptop nestled under her arm, "Did you try to contact me? I've been down here all day, and you know how it messes with phones." She was worried, nervous about his sudden appearance.
Waving off her anxiety as best he could, "Seele is getting desperate after the American was arrested. They're clamoring to get their pieces together, we will beat them to the punch. Have the next clone prepped and ready to go as soon as possible." Another momentary flicker of emotion tried to flare up. Ayanami. A loyal pet until she was modified by the MBI corruption. The occasional meal with the girl, talking to her, and now he was advocating her replacement. Tools, think of them just as tools.
Setting her laptop down, the woman just swayed that little bit extra that always got Gendo's attention. Keeping her head down, the dutiful daughter look, "Was that all Sir? It has been awhile since we…" Did anything. No meals, no sex, no talking. Was she trying to get his attention, continue this farce so she could play her own twisted little game?
"It has been awhile," Gendo confessed and gently caressed the side of her cheek with is normal hand. She 'swooned' into it, a clever act but now that Gendo knew to expect it, he saw it was just that…an act. Flinching his head at her computer, "Did I interrupt you from something? I had my meeting with Seele, and before that Katsuragi let me know of Fuyutski's dalliances with MBI." He let his palm trail down and lightly grip her chin for a moment, in times past this was something he thought she enjoyed.
Letting her coat fall off, she was in the dark blue top and black skirt that made her pale skin really pop, Ritsuko put her hands around Gendo's head. "Nothing that can't wait. I've some tests running on a few sample sets. I can have the next clone ready in a week or so. And what did that old man do now?" she leaned in closer, the stench of cigarettes wafted out of her mouth.
Could he keep playing this game with Ritsuko, or would it be better to just end it now. If he didn't play along, she'd know she was suspected. So he acquiesced to the flirtation, the medical bed was satisfactory. The sounds though, they all sounded to fake, to rehearsed, so he just focused on the task and played along. He covered the sleeping woman with her coat when he left to take a shower in his private bathroom.
"I will be the one in the end to laugh," he told his reflection as he got dressed. Minaka's little game would be squashed, Seele likely was already mobilizing something against them now. Fuyutski's actions lighting a fire of doubt and uncertainty that would destroy the company. Ritsuko's little involvements would drag her down with Minaka. And with all the other players bickering and posturing, Gendo would nab the prize.
Going through the rest of his day, Gendo saw to his job as best he could. The damage the Magi received during the last attack was nearly fixed, but it did slow down a lot of daily operations. Fuyutski never appeared, if the old man knew he was now exposed would have to wait. He ate alone, instant noodles with a little chicken, nobody would know he was actually a good cook, he never shared his personal creations with others. The rest of his night was reading reports, a few were stating that MBI might be put under observation, and more talks about the random 'fights' in the city.
"Let them pretend and think they know what they're doing, enjoy it while it lasts," Gendo tossed this papers into a shredder. Endgame was upon them, and he'd watch MBI, those Sekirei, and Minaka burn from his position atop all of it! And Kehl would never succeed now that his minions were going underground or arrested. It was his time now, and he would not spare those that betrayed him. As for those he hurt along the way…
He looked at his phone, it had two numbers…he deleted one leaving only Ayanami's left. Maybe he would have a meal with her before the exchange, she was owed that much. Sleep came to him after he had a small brandy to steady his nerves, it was getting late and he had to be ready.
X-X
She wanted a drink, she was going to get a drink, and she wanted to relax. Nobody told her one day she'd be dealing with an angry father about his daughter's medical care. But Nerv, the commander, gave her a blank check to deal with one elder Suzuhara. Two days since her chat with the man, little over two weeks since the last angel, Misato was sitting in a nice restaurant talking to the father of one of Shinji's friends. Kaji was at the bar waiting for her, part of the plan for the day, she just had to last that long. Life was a strange bird right now, and Misato wasn't sure she understood anything that happened outside of the Izumo House anymore. Even that was confusing at times.
"So Nerv will pay the remaining bill for Mari's stay and continue until she is released then. And what is this about a non-disclosure agreement?" Tendo Suzuhara had a very bookish look about him. Having seen Touji, Misato was not expecting a rail thin man with a neatly trimmed mustache. Having done her homework she knew the man and his own father were engineers that worked on the city grid, good workers but not essential. All questions he had came from a little notepad, asked in a thin authoritative voice.
Not being skilled in legal terms, Misato was regretting doing this herself and not just letting some paper pusher do the job. But she knew the family, wanted to insure they were taken care of. No good deed goes unpunished. "Yes, due to Fuyutski's actions being beyond his abilities, we'd like to keep this quiet. So if you agree to not tell the press about this, Nerv is willing to offer you suitable compensation for your silence. Keep quiet, and both your kids can choose whichever college they want and have a free ride," she slid the check over to the man along with a bundle of papers.
"That is…dubious Katsuragi-san. A man was threatening to remove my daughter from hospital unless some other woman worked for him. Hardly an acceptable action for somebody in power in an organization like ours. Has he been removed from his official capacity?" Tendo took the check and the papers. Let the man read all the fine print at his leisure. Drinking his tea, he swabbed his head with a handkerchief, and tried not to look at Misato in her 'formal' attire.
Dress to impress or at least disarm was Misato's plan for the day. Thankfully the elder Suzuhara was not as lead by his libido as his son, and was to nervous and offset to act on Misato's daring choices. Pouring herself a little more tea, she eyed the bar as she did, "He is still vice commander, but in name only. The commander has taken over seeing Fuyutski's actions now. Part of why we're asking for silence. If the populace knew he was working with MBI and its odd little plan…MBI would get involved and we all have a bad day." Let the man know it wasn't JUST Nerv involved, drop the big name, let him draw his own conclusions.
Nodding and putting the papers into a satchel at his side, Tendo extended his hand. His hand was dry and thin, "That concludes our business then. It was unfortunate that things had to go this way. Nerv originally agreed to Mari's medical bills after all. If you'll excuse me, I have some work left to do, and I will have these signed and returned by morning." Finishing his tea, he left showing Misato the slowly growing bald spot on the back of his head.
Dropping a wad of cash for the tea and appetizer that went untouched, Misato headed to the bar and the grinning Kaji. Waving down the bartender, it was a western styled bar so it wasn't as easy to get service, "Don't you say anything. That went far better than I expected actually. Man was just wanting confirmation he didn't need pay anything and Fuyutski couldn't do his bullshit again." Misato crashed into her chair and leaned heavily against the leather back.
"Want a back or shoulder rub to knock that tension out of you? Wasn't expecting your text today," Kaji already had a drink. Judging by the rosy cheeks he had several as he waited. Grabbing a handful of peanuts from a waiting bowl, he gobbled them down.
Shoulder checking the man, and winking at the bartender, Misato laughed with little humor in it. "Knowing you it wouldn't stop with just a little massage," not that Misato was against the idea of it. Having Shinji's little squadron of Sekirei and him rubbing their happiness in her face, it was a reminder of how long she'd been alone. It wasn't bad, but she was a physical person. Knocking back half of her drink in one gulp, it burned contently down, "So tell me you have good news for me. MBI turned over a new leaf, no more fighting, the angels signed a peace treaty, or Yebisu is free?"
Turning partially towards Misato, slinking his left leg off the bannister, "No such luck on those fronts sadly. But more of Seele has been caught. Only three of them running around now. So unless they do something stupid drastic, think that front is dealt with. Hopefully one of them cracks and confesses to just what the hell they were up to. MBI is still hording tech and fighting with the city to impose more crazy rules." Gliding off the chair more, he did start working some tension fighting magic on Misato's shoulders.
"Don't get to handsy with me today, I can't stay out to late. But maybe we can set up an actual day to go over all this," Misato bucked against Kaji's hands. Stupid jerk was doing wonders on her tense muscles, the drink doing the rest. But if she didn't show up back home, Miya would do be upset with her. Running her finger around the rim of the glass, "We find where Fuyutski ran off too?"
Pulling his hands away, holding them up defensively, Kaji just shrugged, "Nope. But if he has as many Ashikabi and Sekirei answering to him as Uzume said, he could be anywhere in the city. Small army it seems. Have to wait for him to make a move." Reaching to spin his chair back around, he stopped and reached into pocket. Reading whatever message was there, "Shit, I have to take this. Text me sometime you want to go out and get a good bite or something. Say hi to Asuka for me." Kaji appeared to sober up very quickly at whatever he read, and with a pat on Misato's back he left as well.
Everybody left in the end, nobody stayed with her. Just a quick little play, a smile, and a 'see you later' if she was lucky.
"Well…people that I don't live with," Misato finished her drink, paid for herself and Kaji who stiffed her with the bill, and ventured home. Glad she didn't drink too much, drunk driving was not a happy way to go. As she drove, she did remind herself that she did have a family now, and they weren't going to leave her. Just had to protect them. Parking her car, "Wouldn't be so bad though if I had a special somebody…Seto what are you doing here? Where are Hikari and Hibiki?" Misato's happy thoughts instantly dropped, him being here had many possibilities.
With a wink and a strange hand gesture, Seo flinched his head towards the door, "Helping my favorite little Ashikabi home. They had their first battle of this phase, he took a nasty blow to the head, they all got roughed up pretty badly. But they won, got their Jinki. Hikari is helping them dress their injuries and Hibiki is…"
"Getting the handout of food we need so we don't starve. Katsuragi just say the word and I'll zap him and drag him away," Hibiki had a massive bag of rice over her shoulder as she exited the inn.
Fight, they had one of those stupid battles!? "I thought they were supposed to be given advance knowledge of this! He got hurt," Misato started to rush in, but stopped as Hibiki and Seo blocked her entrance.
"Hikari, head on out, our time is up," Seo offered Misato a smoke that she declined. Taking a deep drag, he thankfully didn't blow it in anybody's face. Once Hikari joined them, "Take some time to collect yourself. They're all good, hurt yes, but not serious. Right now they're in a good place, they are good unless they get targeted. That blonde and her Ashikabi however…" Before he could say anything else, Hikari gave him a good jolt and hefted him over her shoulder.
Bowing just a little, the mass on their shoulders prevented more, "Pig was looking at that blond since we got here. That boy got a nasty hit, knocked that purple nightmare out of the way of a nasty blow…Seo was watching her too…have to watch him all the time. YOU keep your distance, he is ours." The pair nodded and leapt off into the night.
Taking a few calming breaths, getting agitated and assaulting them wouldn't help. They had a scare, but they succeeded. Gods she hated this, she could do NOTHING to help with this. Finding Miya standing outside the common room, a very guarded expression on her face. Misato waved and she slowly approached, "I heard they had an exciting day? They doing alright?" Peaking in the room, she saw Musubi topless…a light breeze ruined her top…Kazehana was dirtied, Kusano sleeping with her head on Shinji's lap, and Matsu off somewhere. They looked ragged for sure.
"Homura is off getting more supplies. The exhibitionist had another fight with Benitsubasa and she is the one that did that," Miya's finger pointed at the shiner and goose egg Shinji was sporting. Gliding away from the doorframe to Misato, the guarded expression darkened to frightening, "I am not happy about this. Fights for the Phases is one, now we have a Disciplinary Squad with a vendetta. Excuse me, I am not presentable right now."
Watching Miya head to the kitchen, Misato felt a chill run down her spine. Whoever this Benitsubasa was, woman was in for a bad day if Miya ever found her. Giving her cheeks a few pep-up slaps, Misato rounded the doorframe into the room, "So sounds like you guys had an interesting…day." Misato met the groups gaze and was not ready for the overall positivity of it. They were bruised, bloody, and covered in dirt, yet they were happy?
"Misato-san, you're home…early…late? Sorry I'm a bit off on my time," Shinji had some gauze and was tending Musubi's arm. One of his eyes was nearly swollen shut, his chin a crisscross of cuts.
Legs wrapped around Shinji's waist but avoiding Kuu-chan, resting her head on his shoulder, near napping, "It's late. We need food, I want some booze, and then it's my turn to share the honeymoon suite," the yawn she let loose was enough to prove she wasn't in the mood for anything physical.
"Musubi-chan, you want me to get you a fresh shirt, Shinji-kun you alright with her showing the goods to the room?" Misato doubted Shinji could even see much right now. Keep it together, keep it together. Her anger was rising, threatening to spill over, it was just their pride and joy for having won the day that kept Misato from running off. Shinji was a pilot! He was needed for the worlds safety, and here he sat covered in injuries all over some game! "Where is Ayanami and her little bodyguard?" Misato wondered where the ever present extra bodyguard was.
Smiling ear to ear, Musubi just let Shinji tend to her, "Rei-chan chased the second group of Sekirei away that were going to jump in on us. We would have won if they did, but I'm glad we only had the two fights today. Shinji-sama got hurt and I wanted to get him home. Where did Seo-san and his Sekirei go? They helped us get back here." Girl literally had no qualms about her state of dress, and was overjoyed to be tended to by her beloved Ashikabi.
"I'll get you a shirt, Shin-chan…you need anything?" Misato could barely look at him. This wasn't due to an angel, this was some man's obsession forced on Shinji. If she had the chance, she'd deck that Minaka! Ruffling Shinji's head, noticing he winced in pain, she yanked her hand back.
Rubbing at his eyes, Shinji gasped a little, "Musubi-chan your top has been destroyed? How long has that been that way? I'm fine Misato-san." He was not fine if he didn't notice the girl sitting right next to him was topless, but Misato wouldn't push right now. Tomorrow he was getting a checkup complements of Ritsuko, just in case.
Leaving the battle troupe to continue to bask in the afterglow of a fight hard fought, Misato went to get the umpteenth top for Musubi. Didn't get far though until she ran into a duo of worried girls. "Asuka, Tsukiumi, how are you two doing?" Misato found the two oddly silent. Opening the door to her room, scooping up Pen-Pen, Misato found the first of Musubi's dirty tops.
"If we have to fight like they did today…" Asuka clenched her fists tightly. Guess it was an eye opener for the two. Where Shinji had a squad, Asuka only had one Sekirei. The squad was all needed to earn their victory, how was Tsukiumi stand on her own. What would happen to them if they lost?
Trying to keep her air of superiority up, arms crossed against her stomach, Tsukiumi showed more confidence than Asuka did. With a shake of her head, her hair flailing out, "Bouts are to be one to one, not one to many. I shall stake my name and my love upon my ability to defend my Ashikabi! And I haft not gained the ire of the squad of fools as Musubi haft. They shall be our guards of honor, and I shall present my victory to my Ashikabi and my beloved with my own hands."
Petting Pen-Pen, Misato couldn't say anything after seeing the aftermath she saw in the other room. There was no fair fighting right now, despite men and women trying to protect those they cared for. Offering a weak, "Good luck," Misato left the two to continue their vigil. If this ended before Tsukiumi and Asuka had to fight, well then it would be for the best right? No Sekirei Plan meant no fighting. Having all three Children involved in this madness should be a condition to end it or at least postpone it! Tossing the shirt at Musubi, it covered her head, "Put that on, stop flirting in front of us single women."
Musubi did put it on, then she tried to tend to Shinji's cuts to very minimal results. But they were at least relaxed. Food came eventually, Miya broke one of her traditions and let them eat in the common room. Then Miya forced Shinji to take a bath first, then let the Sekirei take theirs. Misato understood Miya far better that night. This was so stupid, fighting for unknown reasons, and maybe now that she had more reason, Misato could flex some muscles of her own to deal with this.
X-X
Walking out of the bookstore, bag hanging from her wrist, Asuka was having a better day than typical. Lately life had become very confusion and dare she think overwhelming. What with Angels to fight, Sekirei to deal with, and a living condition rife with insanity. Today was just a normal day for her, shopping with one of her friends, and enjoying typical teenager things. Hikari had asked if she wanted a day out, Asuka gladly accepted. Being who she was however, Asuka was waiting for Hikari to drop the real reason she asked for this impromptu outing.
"What to get some soft served? I'm a little hungry but have to make supper later so can't eat to much," Hikari had her own dating magazine purchase already in hand. The casual clothing she wore was simple but worked for the girl's lesser qualities to give her a very approachable vibe. Walking among the early afternoon shoppers, the teens were in their natural state.
Not really in the mood for sweets, Asuka bit the bullet and nodded, "I can find something. So how have you been? Things have been strange for me lately, strange for the whole house, so I haven't had as much time to relax as I'd like." Hell the fight a week ago was still leaving Shinji and his little harem with recovering bruises. All the secrecy Misato told them to take, knowing that the Vice Commander was a scumbag. It was a lot for Asuka to take in.
Drawing in on herself a little, head dipping down making those pigtails sway over her shoulder, Hikari lost some of the energy she had. She raised her hand up for a moment and then it dropped taking the magazine with it, "I…I think Suzuhara-kun has a girlfriend or something. He's been happier lately, and I'm pretty sure I saw him with an older girl outside of school once or twice. Other than that, Nozumi-chan is being a real pest lately. Stealing my stuff and hiding it."
Ah yeah, that. Asuka bet Touji wouldn't be telling anybody the truth and riding the false image hoping some other girl tried to 'steal' him. Linking her elbow with Hikari's in friendship, Asuka wasn't for this 'no-touching' thing the Japanese were fond of. At times hand touch meant more than words. Brightly, "You don't have to worry about that pig. Betting he has to keep quiet about it, Nerv stuff, but reason his is happy is his sister. Nerv is fitting her medical bills now." Misato did say she had to abide the rule of keeping Fuyutski's actions secret. Panicked sheep run off cliffs.
"Really, Mari-chan is…well that would explain some of it. But what about…the girl was really pretty," Hikari did perk up a little. She tried tugging free of Asuka's embrace a little but gave up once it was clear she was locked. They got in line at one of the street vendors, Hikari leading the way. Looking about suddenly a bit confused, "Speaking of really pretty, where is Tsukiumi-san? She is never away from you unless…"
Ah yes, that had to be brought up eventually. "I tried getting her to go out with that dork. They had a moment a few weeks ago and have been dancing around going forward with things. So she's either walking a track in the backyard, fighting with that fight-junky, or they're off fucking like rabbits," Asuka didn't know what she hoped for. Over her time with Tsukiumi…Asuka found her appreciation of a person that couldn't leave her growing. The old timey talking pattern was annoying, the arrogant attitude a pain, but having somebody was nice. It helped that those two got over their stupid emotional wall was great.
Gasping aloud, and blushing once a pair of guys heard and pointed at them, Hikari shushed Asuka right and proper. Girl was way to timid for today's day and age. Trying to keep her voice down and failing, "Don't say stuff like that out loud, Asuka! You'll start rumors…and are you alright with that? I mean…Ikari-kun and…" Hikari shrugged in a very telling way.
"Better Tsukiumi than that slut Kazehana! Woman is Misato taken to another level! I swear when those two…she has to be faking it," Asuka did not like hearing those perverts trying to be quiet. They never were, she heard so much more than she wanted. Couldn't they sound proof a room, use the attic, or a hotel or something?
"I don't…wait Ikari-kun is with…nevermind. I mean I thought you two…you talk about him more than other guys," Hikari suddenly didn't seem so keen on bringing up the topic. Making her selection, a boring vanilla soft-served in a cup.
Actually snorting out of her nose as she laughed, Asuka suddenly felt she wanted food. Ordering a hot chocolate Sunday, "I like that dork as a friend. He isn't as bad as I thought he was…still no Kaji-san though. I won't lie and say I haven't thought about it a little. I live with him and all…but I rather let Tsukiumi be happy than get in her way." Paying for her sugar, she nodded at her own logic. She wouldn't lie to herself. At times she wondered about her feelings for the Dork, they were strange for sure…but they were more friend than lover.
Not fully accepting the answer, but smart enough to eat and not press, Hikari focused on her quickly melting confectionary. After a few shaping licks, keeping the tower from falling, "If you're sure…what do you think I should do about the girl with Suzuhara-kun?"
Spotting something strange, a man in a suit was following them since the bookstore, Asuka started leading Hikari in a strange pattern to be sure. "I say you don't have to worry about it. That girl, Uzume I think her name is, is actually with Mari. Suzuhara is likely just wanting people to THINK he's with a girl that attractive. Make them wonder 'why is she with him' or something," Asuka saw the pictures of Uzume and Fuyutski. Stupid Sekirei were all stupid attractive…she hadn't had a dream about Kagari at all!
"A-are you sure? That WOULD make some sense. Maybe…maybe I should ask HIM out. Think that would…where are you taking us?" Hikari finally noticed the strange unwalked paths they were taking. Less people around now, moving to the outer ring of the shopping district, the older shops that hardly got traffic. "I have a friend asking me to ask you if you'd date a friend of hers. If you're not on the make for Ikari-kun…" Hikari was growing nervous.
Still followed, this wasn't paranoia anymore. But Asuka didn't know the reason, and had to protect Hikari. Coming up with a plan quickly, she pulled out her phone and typed into it. "I wouldn't mind going on a date, have to have some experience with guys if I want to entice Kaji-san away from Misato. Now why don't you go in there and pick me up some thread. That dork asked me to get some and I forgot, and I hate how those places smell. Use my phone to pay for it, I have the cash app," Asuka pushed the phone into Hikari's hand and towards the door of the textile shop.
Hikari took the phone, read the message, and hurried inside. Good girl, followed orders well and quickly. It was simple and to the point. 'We are being followed. Get inside and call Tsukiumi, direct her here. Tell her it might be Phase-3 related.' Asuka was confident in her martial arts skills, but if this was a Sekirei she'd be beaten down before she got a hit in. Another thing Asuka did come to terms with, Sekirei were vastly more powerful than humans. And if this was a battle, she'd need that Idiot and his crew to act as guards.
Her tail followed right up to her. The man was older, Kaji's age for sure, and had a fancy black suit on. "Soryu Asuka, you are to come with me. No questions asked, it is for your security," the glasses were tinted and still reflective.
Ah, so they knew her name, this wasn't a Sekirei thing, they only cared about their own and never the names of the Ashikabi. Did she run and leave Hikari inside the shop, did she go along with the man, or did she fight? Best to gauge intent a bit more, "Sorry, but I haven't heard from Ibuki about any of this yet. Why should I trust you?" That was the name of the freak scientist's little bridge bunny right? Somebody that had no authority to tell her anything, but likely a name somebody outside of Nerv wouldn't know.
"Ibuki has been compromised," bait taken, "We have been asked to take you to a secure location until we can assess the event." The man was smooth, moved in close with an outstretched hand to shepherd the child in. Speaking into his wrist, Asuka saw a car pulling up just outside of the walking paths of the shopping district.
Faking concern, eyes wide with fright that wasn't easy to do when realizing she was in danger and her fighters instinct kicked in, Asuka nodded and let the man in close. "What about my friend, should I get her?" Asuka wasn't letting this man close to Hikari. She felt his hand go on her shoulder, it was firm but not painful, yet.
Guiding Asuka forward, the man shook his head, "I'll have an agent take her home. Just come with us, and…" The man was good. Asuka's downward swing towards his crotch was guarded with a quick shifting of direction and shoving Asuka way. Knowing his cover was blown, "Target is wise, get over here!" Arms going wide, bending forward, and getting in an aggressive stance, the man was done playing.
"Going to tell me the truth now, or is this just a sick kink of yours?" Asuka had to act fast. With an unknown quantity of people soon to be on her with an equally unknown skill level, any boon was needed. Throwing a quick jab at the man's stomach, faster than he expected she connected and he grunted.
Quick to recover, the man lashed out with a side kick to Asuka's side. She blocked, but the man's strength was enough to shove her to the side and she coughed hard. "Don't make us hurt you. We were just asked to bring you in, as unspoiled as possible. But we will bring you in," the man was not aggressive in his speech, cool and disconnected.
That was dangerous, this was dangerous! Asuka had her spars, was trained in Germany, but they were always against emotional people. She could get under their skin, get them to make mistakes based on frustration or agitation. Plus even though she fully blocked, her side hurt like hell! Hearing one set of feet coming, so it was only two…still not good. So if this man was trained, likely on her level or better, she needed unorthodox methods to overcome his strength. Dashing in, a typically bad move, she dodged his expected counter, slammed her foot on his, and followed with a chop to the neck.
Success! He was gagging, hadn't expected that had you! Big man brought low by a teenager! All she had to do now was quickly…pain lashed through her body, electricity coursed through her rump and all the way up to her head. A stungun? They were armed!? Slumping to the ground as another pulse rocked her body, she shamefully felt herself flush due to lack of muscle control.
"Hurry up and get cleaned up. People are coming. I told you just to shoot her, but you had to try this stupid act," the man that had the gun ordered. Pulling a set of plastic ties out of his pocket, he advanced on his fallen target.
Asuka could see Hikari in the window of the store, she was crying, Asuka felt actual fear now. One moment of over confidence was all it took for professionals to pounce. Now she was…she didn't know what was going to happen! Where was Tsukiumi when Asuka needed her? Had Hikari not called or texted? Was that stupid girl off with Shinji right now…oh gods if she was, would Tsukiumi ever forgive herself, allow herself to care for that idiot again? Trying to push herself up, she could hardly move her limbs.
As the man she clobbered caught his breath, Asuka saw salvation rushing towards them. Water torrents lashed out and knocked both men away from her. "Leave my Ashikabi unsullied vile ogres! Striking at one with tools and vices as you are to weak to win with strength of arms. Try my abilities and…" Tsukiumi spun around and sent the assailants to the ground. After covering the men in water long enough to knock them out, Tsukiumi rushed to Asuka's side. Helping Asuka to sit up, "Are you alright, they stopped before they could do anything else? They be not Sekirei…what is this?"
Hating feeling weak, being beaten, Asuka found that right now those thoughts were stunted. Hardly able to feel her arms, she forced them to wrap around Tsukiumi. "Don't know…tried to get me to go with them. I got careless. T-thank you…didn't spoil anything…did I?" Asuka's lungs hurt to take in air. Guess whatever they used on her was something special, as she was in a horrid state.
"Speak not to me of…softer matters. We were off enjoying the day and had left a room of utter respite. I sent him to gather his forces though, in case you were correct," Tsukiumi lifted Asuka off the ground effortlessly. So the two finally did make that next step, good for them.
Rushing out of the store, Hikari was still crying, such a kind girl, she had Asuka's phone out, "I…I called the police after calling her. They're on their way. But…but…Katsuragi-san is calling…what should I do?"
"Answer it," Asuka said plainly enough, looking up at Tsukiumi, Asuka was amazed at the concern there. It was…nice. Letting Hikari put the phone against her head, Asuka preempted Misato, "I'm fine. You never call unless it's an angel or an emergency. Betting you heard I was attacked."
Misato was quiet for a moment, thought cut short by Asuka's foreknowledge, "Thank the maker for that. I just heard from Ayanami that she was as well. She nearly killed one of them. We got some info out of the conscious one, there were watching you pilots for the last week. A coordinated strike. Trying to get ahold of Shinji, but he's off with Tsukiumi so…he's safe and likely occupied. Where are you, I'll come get you, Asuka."
Asuka and Tsukiumi both shared a horrified look at one another. "Call that idiot now! Tsukiumi is with me, I called her here thinking it was some Sekirei ambush or something. He…he's exposed. Tell those freaks at the house to go find him!" Asuka tried to move a bit more but was still numb and weak. "Lets go back to where you guys were, Hikari…go home. I'll tell you more later," Asuka ordered. Sirens were heard, those unconscious goons still out for the count and would be picked up. The idiot was what mattered right now!
But no matter how fast Tsukiumi might have been, they didn't find Shinji. They didn't find anything other than his phone in trashcan. It was likely he had been captured. It was him or her…and she was not upset at her self-preservation…but she would get vengence!
X-X
Out in the backyard, attacking the various vines that Kusano created for her, Musubi was frantic. Three days of her Ashikabi being missing and she still had nothing to direct her energy towards! Everybody else was out doing something except Kusano and her. Well, that wasn't true. Asuka, Tsukiumi, and Ayanami were all here as well. Just in case another attempt was made on them. It was unlikely due to what Misato got from the captured four agents, but it was deemed safer. Others however, they were doing things while Musubi 's anxiety grew in leaps and bounds.
Wrapping her fingers around one of the thicker vines, Musubi spun and pulled with all her might and tore it free of the earth. Hoisting the wriggling mass above her head she heaved it up high, and dove away when it crashed down where she had been. Not enough, she needed to do more! "Should I ask Tsukiumi-san to spar?" Musubi asked a very tired looking Kusano.
The child who had been tasked with keeping Musubi company, and to drain the fighter as much as possible, just wobbled. Clad in newly arrived mouse pajama, Uzume sent it, Kusano fell to her side and started snoring. Guess the few hours of constant vine manipulation and her own fear took their toll.
"Let her sleep for now, as for the Walking Faucet it would be best to let her alone for now. Her mind is not in a proper spot," Miya collected the sleeping Ku-chan. Miya fixed the girls hair and cradled her effortlessly. If Musubi was anxious, nobody knew what to consider Miya. Always the gentle smile, but they didn't see her actually walk, she just materialized with small sonic booms. Swaying the bundle in her arms, "If you need something to do, you can do strength jabs upward." She demonstrated and an overhead cloud dispersed.
Ears ringing just a little from the change in air pressure, Musubi nodded, "Is everybody angry at me? Nobody wants to talk, or spar, or…am I responsible for Shinji-sama being taken? Should I be doing more?" Musubi didn't know what to feel. She didn't blame Tsukiumi for heading her Ashikabi's call, she would have done the same if Shinji called her! So since it wasn't Tsukiumi's fault, did that mean it was hers, or her battle siblings for not taking Tsukiumi's place fast enough? She tried an upward strike to much lesser success as Miya.
Suddenly standing before Musubi, Miya lightly tapped the troubled girl's cheek. "No, you are not at fault, nobody is. Until we get him back, ask him what happened, the only one needing punishment is that group that did this task," Miya's intensity was enough to rob some of Musubi's energy. A blink later, Miya was back by the backdoor. Gazing off into the night sky, day three was ending and still no new info, "As long as your crests are present we have hope. If…no…not again."
"Then why do I feel so bad," Musubi asked the now empty backyard, Miya hadn't stayed. Everybody was dealing with this in their own way, mostly independently. Taking Miya's training idea to hearth, Musubi sent punch after punch skyward, she heard her clothing tear from the strain, but right now she wasn't caring about it. This wasn't how things were supposed to be! They won their initial round in this phase, had the strange Jinki thing so were mostly safe! So why did this happen, she didn't feel safe anymore! Sweating profusely, "How can I protect Master if he is gone, how can people do this?"
After a good while of punching at clouds, finally making a tiny cloud shift, Musubi actually felt tired and went inside. Grabbing a bottle of water, she sat down at the table but tried to be quiet. Misato was on the phone, laptop open, and a pot of coffee mostly empty at her side. It had been this way each day when Misato got back from wherever she was at. Once the phone snapped shut angrily, Musubi tried, "Did you learn anything new?" Drinking her water, her body ached a little as did, maybe she overdid it a little.
Pouring the last amount of her coffee into her cup, Misato's eyes went to her private fridge of Yebisu hungrily. Shaking her head, "Nothing new. Section-2 is useless! Our lovely group of abductors knew the time they changed their watch and that is why we had no coverage. Everybody is just covering their asses. And they're not pressing those four agents we captured hard enough. They HAVE to know where the other safe houses are. Sorry…not your fault, venting. Going to put a tracking chip in his butt once we get him back!" Drinking her cold coffee, Misato grabbed a sandwich from a plate provided by Miya. Food was the word of the day as Miya kept everybody stocked on various foods.
"Everybody says that, that it isn't Musubi's fault. Why do I feel like it is?" Musubi felt a strange inner pain. Her eyes stung, her stomach ached, and her core just had a terrible emptiness in it. Food didn't cure it, sleep didn't lessen it, and training just covered it for a moment. Trying to keep her voice from breaking, "What can I do?"
Putting her hand on Musubi's shoulder, Misato gave it a good shake, "Same thing I'm doing. A whole lot of nothing, keep it together, and once we have a plan be ready to strike. From what we gleamed from our little guests, they wanted the pilots alive. But since they only got one of the three…they may try to take him out of country. So…MBI's little checkpoints might be…they'd have to have come into the city…" The woman continued to mumble various things, too low to hear.
"Hello, Misato-san? Can you hear me?" Musubi snuck a sandwich from the plate. Food did help calm her a little, and her stomach ached from all the training she did. Misato had been doing this lately, talking to herself and getting into strange fugue states. A knock to the door got both of their attentions, "I'll go see who it is. You…um…keep thinking?" Musubi slid out of her chair and hurried to the door. They hadn't had any company since things started. It wasn't Shinji when she opened the door, but for a moment when she saw a young teenage male her heart near split, but it wasn't him. "Uh…h-hm…hello, what do you need?" Musubi forgot who this boy's name was.
Scratching the back of his head, was one very confused and nervous Touji Suzuhara. Holding out a small plastic device, "Y-yeah hi. I know Shin-man is sick or something, but…Uzume got this from that vice commander guy. He said it has something to do with Shin-man. I don't understand anything, Uzume almost smashed the thing…but I got her to give it to me. Can I talk to Shinji, he got a minute or something? Haven't heard from him in a few days, and with Nerv and all…just worried about him." Touji nearly fell over with the speed of Musubi's grab. One second the usb stick was there, the next Musubi was grabbing his wrist to hold him up.
"Shinji-sama isn't here right now. But I'll let you know you miss him. I'll…uh…thanks," Musubi felt strange but she had to do something. It felt odd to kiss somebody not her Ashikabi, but Musubi felt it earned. A light brush against the cheek, and Musubi left the dazed boy rubbing the impact zone. Rushing back to the kitchen, USB in hand, "Misato-san! This came from Uzume and that guy that caused her to move out." Presenting the device to the woman, Musubi hoped it helped.
Snatching the offering from Musubi, Misato had it docked neigh instantly, "Why would that asshole give Uzume anything, and why would she trust him after what he did?" Despite her talk, Misato was opening the folders and looking through it, or at least trying. "This…is encrypted. Matsu!" Misato tore the USB out and fell out of her chair heavily on the floor. Rolling on her back, clutching her knee, "Stupid thing fell asleep. Take this to Matsu, she can crack it. I'll be there once my head stops spinning and my legs work again."
Reclaiming the tiny plastic device, Musubi could hear life in the Izumo Inn all around her. People were listening but pretending not to. Hurrying over to Matsu's loft, the last time she was up there she watched a strange movie with both Matsu and Shinji. It went over her head, some American movie about two brothers stuck in a time-loop thing…night ended very well. Good memories, they would have to watch it again once he was back. The door was open so she just leapt up, "Matsu-san, I have a…"
"Gimmie-gimmie Musubi-tan, I've been listening since Suzu-tan gave it to you. I HATE lacking info, and whoever these two that got Shin-tan are…they're being stupid careful!" Matsu was vibrating with the amount of caffeine in her system. Bottles and cans of energy drinks were everywhere and she smelt bad, no bathing for the busy hacker. Crawling back under her bay of monitors, "Two of them, man and a woman…the woman was…is…part of Section-2, a plant. I followed them from the Love Motel Shin-chan used to really get Tsuki-tan to gush to a car, car to car transfers…then a tunnel and nothing. Every tap I have on known Seele members, nothing leading back…they're waiting for something…"
Again and again since this horrible event started, Musubi felt useless. It wasn't like the fights between Master and those monsters. If she had trained more than just her body she could be helping. Kazehana was flirting info out of people, Homura was using their network of contacts, Misato's Nerv connections, Matsu the computer, and wherever Miya went when nobody saw her…they were all doing something. She wasn't, she wasn't doing anything but wait and be deadweight! Maybe it was time to start going to school with Master once he was back. Flex that brain muscle!
Watching Matsu work, Musubi felt her throat dry, "Can you…can you do anything with this?" For the first time in Musubi's recollection, Matsu was struggling with her computer. Boxes upon boxes opened, the woman hammered her fingers rapidly and all over the place, a very unique sight.
"Trojan, false-backend, Trojan, another Trojan, tracker…AH here we go! Whoever made this is…they're good but not as good as me," Matsu licked her lips as she opened a series of folders. More boxes opened, more documents flew past the woman and bathed the room in blue light.
Making her presence known, Misato pat Musubi on the shoulder, "Looks like she did it. Got a crowd down the ladder waiting for info. Got anything for us?"
Looking back to the ground floor, Musubi saw everybody was waiting down there, waiting for a location and the call to arms. One of their number was missing, and they might have a way to get him back.
"I've got more than a little for sure. This is all the missing pieces for all the shit your little group is doing, what they're really doing, and a list of safe houses in the city. I think your little Vice Commander is offering this as either a peace offering, or is worried about Shin-tan so is trying to help," Matsu waved at grainy images. A bar appeared on the screen and started the slow process of filling, "Unfortunately whoever he has working for him, they went stupid with their encryption. I'm running a cracker on it, but it'll take some time to full burst it open and give us something to act on. But by morning…morning…we'll have some places to visit."
Calling up from the hallway, Tsukiumi summed up everybody's thoughts, "So another dark night of emptiness ended in glorious sun as we strike out to reclaim out lost piece. Come Asuka, I require your aid in…" Her voice went soft as she walked away.
Standing next to Matsu, a bucket of water and a rag in hand, Miya tilted her head slightly, "You will inform me the moment you know something correct? And you smell, either take a bath or use this. I allowed you dalliances in the last few days, but that ends. Katsuragi, you look tired, do you need aid getting to your room?" Already at Misato's side, gripping Misato's arm with both of her hands pulling the woman towards the entrance in the first showing of 'walking' in days.
"Yeah I could use some help, adrenaline and caffeine wearing off. Musubi-chan, you can sleep in Shinji's room tonight. We both could use a night to think, I think. Tomorrow when you all go off to do something…I'll sit here and wait. Useless. Matsu, forward me anything you think I can use from that windfall. I will do what I can to end this group!" Letting Miya guide her, the two women gave one another a thankful head dip and descended the ladder down.
Alone with Matsu, Musubi saw that even if she tried talking to the hacker nothing would come of it. Matsu was lost in the world she knew better than anybody else at the Izumo House. Leaving the woman to continue doing what she was doing, not that Musubi (or anybody else) could help her with it. Heading to Shinji's room, Musubi found a plate of food waiting for her and some warm milk, Miya was on the prowl. Nobody saw her sleep since the abduction.
Entering the quiet room, not entered for days, Musubi plopped down on the futon she oh so enjoyed sleeping in. Shrouded in darkness, Musubi had her late supper and just wrapped herself in the futon awash with her Ashikabi's smell. Building her courage, her resolve, Musubi went over all the ideas and plans she had to get him back. Once she knew where to go, where he was, Musubi was going to prove her value. Not to Shinji, or to anybody else, she knew they valued her highly. But she needed to prove to herself that she capable, that she could do something when the time needed it. Then…well maybe she was putting off things she was nervous about and was time to change. Change wasn't to be feared, and maybe if she was a bit smarter, bit more trained in non-fighting arts she'd feel better. But tomorrow as fighting day.
Sleep came slowly, it wafted into her tired mind like a vapor. When she woke, the sun streaming in the eastern facing window, she found Kusano sleeping with her. Guess the young one came here seeking some comfort as well, Musubi didn't mind. Covering the girl as she got out of the futon, she found the line at Matsu's annex was quite full. "Did she learn anything?" she asked with a little yawn.
"Yeah, but in typical fashion she's ransoming it off to us, well to you. I'll be taking him out on a little guys night out once I get the chance," Homura glared up at the dark entrance. The newest of Shinji's Sekirei had rings under his eyes from lack of sleep…or sleeping to much with people to get info, Musubi didn't know or ask.
Climbing down the stairs after a loud yelp, Miya handed out several lists of addresses. "She will be taking a nap, but she gave me these to hand out. When one of us find him, please let the others know, and do not press him until I see him. I would hate to have to discipline any of you," Miya covered her eerie smile with the arm of her kimono.
Sheet of paper and phone in hand, Musubi struck out and began running as hard as she could. With some luck, in an hour, maybe two…she'd give her Ashikabi a big ol' hug!
X-X
As Musubi was punching up into the air, Shinji sat comfortably on a couch in a nice apartment. Bored, a little worried about the girls, but otherwise fine. He missed everybody back at the Izumo House, but understood the necessity for safety. Until Kozo was apprehended Asuka, Rei, and he had to stay in hiding to be protected. Section-2 found evidence that Fuyutski was plotting something against them, so they were all moved into secret hiding. He had seen Kagome before, she had been part of his Section-2 watchers since he had his first run away, she knew Misato, so he followed her and her partner to this place.
"Kid you are a born cook, haven't had a meal like that outside a restaurant in ages," Togusa pat his belly as he sat down. The man of the Section-2 pair was shaggy haired and the lazy one of the two. Sharp featured, small scar on his neck, and generally an upbeat man. Putting his feet up on a coffee table, beer in hand, he flipped on the television. Taking a sip, "You want one kid? Might help calm you down. We should be moving in a day or so."
Playing a rather boring card game with Kagome, Shinji shook his head. Laughing just a little, "Misato-san let me have a sip of it before, can't stand the taste. How are the others, betting Asuka is getting really antsy about now." They gave him periodic updates on the others, but it wasn't the same. Hacked phones did mean he had to abide by the silence less he put them in danger for his own whims. Just hoped that Musubi and the others helped Tsukiumi if her fight came up.
"Couldn't tell you on a bet, Ikari-kun. We don't know where they are or how to contact them. Each of us were responsible for one of you three. Get in, get you, and get underground until we hear more. But if she is as good at cards as you are…" Kagome threw her hand down and pushed the chips over to Shinji. Game over, the long haired woman shifted to the couch, there was a space between the two so Shinji suspected they were just work friends, and stole the remote. Changing from the news to a game show, "I'll go out tomorrow to get more groceries if we don't hear anything tonight. Anything you want special. This has to be hard on you, away from everything."
It was, but they couldn't bring any of his family so Shinji wouldn't make it harder for them. With his mind accepting things, he shook his head, "No, I'm good. I've no real foods I dislike, so anything is fine." But this was just boring, stuck in this apartment at all times, no contact with friend or family, and his two flatmates didn't talk a lot. Section-2 work was secret after all, must be boring for them as well.
"You're making this too easy for us, kid. But thank you for that. Once we get out of here, I'll have to get you something. Game system, books, or something so be thinking," Togusa tipped his can at Shinji. The adults shared a worried look, but tried to hide it. Shinji noticed, he noticed a lot more than people expected, but he kept quiet. Suspicion was high in him, but with no option, what could he do?
Being fed, being treated very well, and Kagome told him of Nerv things on a daily basis it did great to ease his worries. But Shinji was a worrier. Some of the shared looks the two had, random comments, and being totally cut off from the others left that lingering doubt. Then the double thoughts hit. If they meant him bad, why were they feeding him and letting him wander about as they did. No negative attention or animosity. He just couldn't leave or contact the others, and the story did sound right. Misato did say Fuyutski couldn't be trusted, and if he was an Ashikabi as well…maybe Fuyutski was trying to cheat and win this whole mess.
The trio watched an Indonesian horror movie about a man who sold his wife and daughter to a witch for riches. Both adults had a few drinks, and at one point Kagome got her laptop out and informed the pair that Fuyutski had been found and a raid was planned for the next day. Two more days and this would be over, Shinji could accept that. Movie ending, Shinji wandered off to the small bedroom that was his. Kagome got the bigger while Togusa slept on the couch. Room was…depressing. Reminded Shinji of his old teacher's house, that empty room. His new room had pictures of everybody important to him…two days and he'd be back.
Waking just before midnight to a shout, Shinji's mind panicked and he fell back onto an old trick he learned. When he wanted to spy on his teacher and his wife, he'd fake sleep, they wouldn't talk about him when he was awake, and even then it was in soft tones. Good ears and ability to focus could gleam a lot of information.
"Shut the fuck up or you'll wake him! Go check, make sure he's still out," Kagome barked. Of the two she did seem the more on the ball.
When the door opened, Shinji saw the light from behind his eyelids, but he kept his breathing slow and steady, didn't move, showed no indication of faking. Togusa got closer, judging by the sounds he was right on top of him, breathing on Shinji's face with its alcohol soaked fragrance. Then that oppression left and the door left open a crack. "He's out. How he can sleep like this is…" and that was all Shinji got as they walked out of range.
Now Shinji was growing a bit more worried. What had he missed, why were they up and fighting? So many things it could be, so many questions, but no answers. They dodged every question, told him only vague things, but their cover was perfect. It was 'stay silent until contacted' and made sense! Kagome was a known Nerv agent…this was too much for him. Misato said to only trust her, Kagome knew Misato…but she wasn't Misato! Could he escape if he needed? No, not alone. Computers were password blocked he learned first day, no phones he could access, and one of them were always around so he couldn't sneak out. And what if they WERE telling the truth and he get out and one of Fuyutski's Sekirei found him! Sleep eventually came, but it wasn't restful.
Waking early as he always did, Shinji took care of his toilet needs and did his best not to wake the two agents. Pulling out the few ingredients they had and the lone pan they had for cooking, Shinji wondered if he should leave. They were both sleeping, he could get out and…there was a device on the door? Putting the pan down, he approached the door and noticed it had some electronic device on it, each side of the door and a red lazar light seen connecting the two. Likely an alarm if the door opened, but why hadn't he seen it before? More suspicion.
"Cook now, think," Shinji muttered and went about his normal morning chores when Miya let him cook. Hope they were all good, the news had a few videos of Sekirei battles that was lacking known combatants so that was good. Setting the pot of coffee on, Shinji didn't think a few days away could make him miss them all so much. How he'd changed, gotten…weak? Strong? He didn't know. It was a form of weakness, being so sad at being away from others. But he didn't feel it was a fault of his, a strength. It gave him a reason to get stronger, better, continue.
Joining Shinji at the table once food was put on it, Togusa had his suit unbuttoned and a bit of drool leaking from his mouth. Rubbing at the fluid, "Kid, can I hire you to do this for me daily? Waking up to coffee and food…" He grabbed both and sat heavily and beset it. Kagome joined them after her shower, she demanded get shower first. They ate in relative silence, the two agents talking about who should go out and who should stay.
Just as Shinji was gathering plates, a light knock on the door interrupted the, until now, peaceful nature of the cohabitation. And with that both agents went into business mode. Drawing their weapons, Kagome directed Shinji get behind her and to keep quiet, Togusa went to the door. "It's a woman, real looker," he whispered to Kagome.
"Keep quiet now, Ikari-kun, this could be anything, but it might be a trap. So let us do our jobs," Kagome pushed him further back closer towards the refrigerator. Clicking the safety off, "Answer it, but get rid of her quickly."
Opening the door with a nod, keeping his armed hand behind the door, "Good morning, miss. What can I do for you?"
A soft voice responded very docilely, "I'm looking for my wayward tenant. He's been gone for a period and I find myself needing to collect him. If you know where he is…"
And it clicked in Shinji's head, "Miya-san? Is that you?"
Reality then happened in fast forward. The door flew open and Togusa spun around from the sudden impact of foot to metal. Shinji saw his gun go flying and bounce off the kitchen table. Next Miya walked in, and Kagome unleashed her salvo on the woman, only Miya was at her side the moment Shinji and Miya met eyes.
"Get dow…" Kagome tried to push Shinji down, away from the terror at her side. She coughed up some sick and fell forward onto the ground. In the span of maybe three seconds…all of that in three seconds.
Eyes watering, Miya was kneeling before Shinji hands on his shoulders, "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you did they?" She started to probe and prod him all over, checking for bruises, cuts, or anything to indicate he had been harmed. Finding none, she drew him into a hug Misato only wished she could muster.
Never one to turn down a hug from Miya, they were warm and chased away bad things as only a mother's hug could, Shinji returned it as best he could. Struggling to breathe just a little from the pressure, "What is going on, Miya-san? Why are here, they said they'd be bringing me home tomorrow after Fuyutski was captured." But with this show of emotion, of brutal efficient take down, Shinji was drawing his own conclusion.
Dabbing her eyes with her kimono sleeve, Miya stood back up and extended her hand. Once Shinji took it, she led him out of the apartment. Handing Shinji his phone, "Let Matsu know I've found you. Those two have much to answer for. That woman was working as a mole. They tried to get all three of you Children. But none of that right now, I'm sure everybody will want to hear. And I am just glad that you are unhurt. If you were…" Without even seeming to push it, the door to the outdoors burst open and went bounding down the street.
If he had been hurt, if something went against her wants…Shinji suspected they'd need a power washer to clean the gore off the wall. When the reality of what just happened hit him, Shinji's legs went weak and he nearly toppled. Miya caught him, "I never thought…they were so nice to me. Said…they said…what were they going to do?" Shinji asked knowing Miya had no clue. A trio of Nerv security vans came careening down the street and towards the apartment.
"Nor did we think this would happen. But it will be ending. People playing at being Gods. The world has suffered enough, but now let's get you home," Miya helped Shinji to walk as best she could without carrying him. Support did not mean doing everything, it meant helping the person as they needed and wanted.
In the comforting embrace of one of his two matrons, Shinji let it all wash over him. He had messed up, had trusted when he shouldn't have, and it nearly cost him. He wouldn't make that mistake again. He'd harden his heart, he'd trust only those at the Izumo…
"Don't let this spoil you for other people, Shinji-kun. I trusted Misato-kun and you when you first arrived. Be suspect, but don't shut others out. I can see it on your face, the worry and fear. That is natural after this…but if you shut others out, if you kept them out…like I tried…would that be for the best?" Miya hugged him close with one arm. He nodded, he understood. Just as quickly as he started to plan to be 'hard' it failed. If he had stayed the person he had been when he first moved to Tokyo-3, he'd not have stayed with Musubi, met Miya, or any of the others. Trust…it was dangerous but it did have benefits. Just had to be careful with trusting to blindly, being to open. Trust with concern.
The moment the Inn was in view, Shinji saw his family standing and waiting. Kazehana had Kusano and Musubi by the collar to keep them from running at him. Asuka and Tsukiumi were too proud to run. Misato and Homura had tired but relaxed smiles, but Rei and Akitsu however had no filter. Both of them walked…well tried to walk but when the other speed up they matched and by the end they ran and collided with him taking all three to the ground.
"S-sorry for scaring all of you. I…I messed up," Shinji was pinned by the unofficially his Sekirei. After it was evident the two quiet Sekirei weren't going to move, they were pulled off and replaced by others wanting to get their fill of relief. Dragged inside by Miya, Shinji went over his ordeal that nobody believed as it was to peaceful. Then they went over what they had done to find him. So much, so much effort.
After everybody had their fill of 'what I did' and 'did that really happen', Misato had a drink in hand and silenced the group. "Let this be a lesson, always have somebody you trust with you at all times going forward. This…this likely will be end of Seele, from what Matsu had for us we can expose the last of them and this mess is over. But what they wanted…what it ties to Nerv…we have to deal with that yet. And I for one would be happy if this stupid fighting business was over. In the bowels of Nerv…we have to get you three in there to take whatever monster down there out and…"
"I'll deal with that, either getting them in or dealing with the threat myself. And if the Perverted Four-Eye can provide me locations I will bring in the missing people who had the gall to assault you three. The Izumo House and its residents are under my protection, you three doubly so," Miya thumped her broom on the floor.
Surrounded by like minded people, most he considered his true family now, Shinji nodded. "Agreed. I'd like this fear to be gone. If you want to spar or have some non-threatening tournament that is fine. Never want you to stop doing what you like…but the threats over our head…I agree," Shinji reached out and took Musubi's hand. She was being oddly quiet for one so energetic, they'd talk in private that night and he'd learn of her fears and take them to Misato…Musubi would start school. But at that moment, Shinji was thinking as the others were, it was time to stop being reactionary and time to strike for what they wanted.
X-X
Notes
Moving into the last phase of this story, getting all the elements addressed and all those plot threads. The crew is set, their resolve firm, and their growth maturing...lets ride the wave.
Later
Mercaba