Chapter Eight: Rain
Momo's pink head of hair bobbed excitedly as she lead Allen down the stairs. Although their conversation was mostly one-sided, it didn't deter Momo from taking pleasure in Allen's company. The more time she spent with him, the more similarities she could see between them. They were both tender hearted and a bit unsure, but they felt the same way about one thing. They knew that when the time came, they would make their stand beside the ones they loved.
Allen's blue eyes were darker than usual. The light that sparked in their depths now seemed a light sunken in troubled waters. Momo noticed this immediately but didn't have the heart to ask what was bothering him. Then again, she didn't have to guess what was on his mind. As they passed the door to the library, she saw him glance inside.
She's still there, Momo sighed. She hasn't gone to bed, yet.
We've been at this for weeks, he answered. He turned his head away from the room without catching a glimpse of Shion. We've gone over every bit of information we could find and we're no closer to the answers than when we started.
Momo's smile disappeared momentarily. Most of the records on Miltia had been lost and those that still existed were restricted to government personnel of the highest level. The search for the boy from Shion's memories was a daunting process that left them frustrated and hopeless. Yet, for Shion, it was quickly becoming an obsession.
She's barely said two words to me since we arrived, Allen said grimly.
Momo looked up at his dejected expression. I'm sure she doesn't mean to...
I know...
She hesitated, carefully choosing her next words. You're worried... that you're going to lose her, aren't you?
Allen was silent. The colour seemed to drain from his face. Suddenly, a smirk twisted his normally pleasant features into a scowl.
I can't lose someone I never had to begin with, he replied.
Momo managed not to wince at his words, but she felt his pain as if it were her own. She looked down at her feet.
You're afraid... she began, timidly. that the old Shion you knew won't ever come back... I'm afraid of this, too, but neither of us can stop her. Even if she never finds the answer... she'll keep looking. That's how she is.
Allen sighed, feeling his chest tighten.
I know, but it's a horrible thing to watch someone you care about suffer and know there's nothing you can do to help.
All we can do, Momo said, smiling sadly, is be there for her.
It was the simple truth. Allen stared down at her round, childish face, seeing someone else... someone much older and wiser than they all realized. Her steadfast loyalty and unwavering support of her friends humbled him. It dared him to believe that everything would work out in the end.
Let's get going, shall we? If Gaignun's back, he might have some good news.
Momo nodded, her smile brightening as she remembered where they were heading. She was feeling optimistic this morning and knowing Gaignun's penchant for finding rare and valuable things, their luck might finally be changing.
You have to eat something, Shion, said her brother, exasperated. It's way past lunch and you've been sitting here since last night. If you're not going to sleep, at least nourish your body.
Shion squinted at her brother, noticing the hard line of his jaw. They were both very good at playing the stubborn game and could probably argue back and forth all day, but she had no time to waste. She decided it would be easier to give in this once and picked up the bowl of rice.
Jin gave a satisfied snort as she began spooning the food into her mouth. Her irritation eased somewhat once her stomach was filled, but she wasn't about to admit that lunch was exactly what she needed at the moment.
As she ate, Jin sifted through the information scattered across the screens in front of her. He kept his thoughts to himself, standing so still that Shion thought he had turned to stone.
What do you see? she asked, wondering what had caught his attention.
He stirred from his spot, shaking his head.
I was only thinking about the last two years. You've been away so long, I forgot what it was like having you around.
The intensity of his expression dulled momentarily.
It brings out the protective older brother instincts in me... he said, his lips quirking upwards in a self-mocking smile. But I can't protect you anymore, can I?
Shion shook her head slowly. I don't need to be protected.
Jin nodded reluctantly. No, you certainly don't. Allen has been telling me stories.
You mean he's been tattling on me?
Jin's soft laughter quickly faded into silence. Conversation suddenly stilled until the sound of an engine approaching the house brought Jin to the window. He recognized the vehicle at once.
Gaignun's back.
Jin watched him emerge from the car and look up towards the window. Their eyes locked for a split second. A look of understanding passed between the two of them. There was something in Gaignun's expression as he looked away that made Jin wonder.
Allen and Momo were next to exit the vehicle. The looks on their faces seemed to confirm Jin's suspicions. Gaignun had come through for them, as promised. As the Director of the Kukai Foundation, his influence was exactly what they needed to clear away some of the roadblocks in their search.
Does it look like good or bad news? Shion asked.
Jin's smile was bittersweet. Looks like he might have something. Whether it's good or bad... I can't tell.
But at least he has something, she said, looking down at her hands.
Jin nodded in agreement, but, inwardly, he felt that they desperately needed some good news. He didn't know how much more disappointment they could take.
Gaignun strolled in through the door a moment later. His quick visit to Representative Helmer's office on the way back from a business trip was solely for Shion's benefit and Shion, although grateful, was a bit baffled by his generosity. First, he had insisted that they stay with him as his guests. Then, he had given them access to Kukai's databanks and all the information they had accumulated during the Miltian Conflict. And now... what other favour would Shion end up owing him?
Shion's attention drifted to Allen and Momo as they entered the library behind Gaignun. Lately, the only thing that could break the tense mood was Momo's cheerful chatter, but presently, she was standing next to Allen silently with her head bowed. Her silence was a sure sign that something was wrong.
What is it? Shion asked, the anxiety growing with each passing moment.
Some... unfortunate news... no, it's not related to you, Gaignun answered, quick to put her mind at ease. He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and produced a small plastic case with data chip inside. This, however, is related to you.
Gaignun set the case down on the table and slid it towards her.
It's a recording--a video feed I managed secure from the Subcommittee's databanks-- along with some case files that Mizrahi was working on at the time your mother was staying at the facility.
Gaignun straightened and looked out the window at the gleaming bay beyond the rows of trees that lined his property. His voice sounded far away when he spoke again.
Shion... have you ever wondered about the possibility that it was Mizrahi and the facility that brought you and your father together?
Shion bit her lip to keep the gasp from escaping. She had never considered the possibility, but now that Gaignun had suggested it, she wondered why it never occurred to her. Mizrahi was a strange, mysterious figure who seemed to crop up again and again, but she had never given him much thought. She had always assumed his rare appearances in her life were merely coincidental.
It's just a thought, Gaignun continued. Have a look at that footage. I don't know if there's anything useful...
His words trailed off and his eyes strayed once again to the window. For the first time, Shion thought that Gaignun seemed unsure and even a little lost. She followed his gaze outside.
A view of the sky stretched out in all directions, a muted, artificial blue that reflected no sense of warmth or cheerfulness. Only a sense of loss. The unobstructed view of the skyline meant the absence of the Durandal. Gaignun's mouth was pressed into a thin line. When he spoke again, his words sounded more abrupt than he intended.
I will be staying in town for the next few days. You can reach me there if you need anything. Without further explanation, he straightened and turned to leave. He was definitely not the cool and collected Master Gaignun they were used to seeing.
Shion reached for the disk he had placed on the table in front of her. Her mind was still swirling from all the things he had done for them. As Gaignun walked past Momo, Shion saw his hand drop to her shoulder before falling to his side. Momo's face remained fixed on the ground. The silent exchange between them sounded warning bells in Shion's head. Gaignun was halfway out the door when her thoughts cleared and she recovered the use of her voice.
Just a minute! she called out. What is going on? Something's happened, hasn't it?
Momo's head snapped up. Her eyes were wide with worry. Gaignun paused just outside the door, looking over his shoulder at them.
I'm taking care of it, he answered.
Of what? What aren't you telling us?
said Momo suddenly, biting her lip in regret for having spoken. Allen reached out and patted her shoulder reassuringly.
Shion looked at them in confusion before turning towards Gaignun.
Jr. has disappeared, he answered without looking at her.
What do you mean disappeared? asked Shion, rising halfway out of her chair.
I received a report from the Durandal a short while ago... He and Mary went to the Graveyard colony to do some investigating, but he never showed up at the rendezvous point. All the Observational Realians onboard scoured the surface for hours... there's no sign of him.
Shion could see a crack form in his calm facade. She slumped back into her seat, stunned by the discovery. Gaignun was worried and that was no a small thing. Suddenly, her problems didn't seem so important.
What are you going to do? she asked.
I don't know, he admitted. Until I learn more... there's nothing I can do but wait. Don't worry. I'm sure he'll pop up somewhere.
Gaignun tipped his head at them and went on his way with more urgency than expected from someone who's advice was not to worry. Without a word, Momo left the room, seemingly unaware of the stares her silence had drawn.
This is not good, said Allen, looking after them. Poor Momo...
Jin nodded in agreement.
Shion looked down at the data chip in her hands.
What? She wondered to herself. What should I do? Jr.'s in trouble. I can feel it. And Momo... I can't just sit here and ignore this.
Shion put the chip aside and got to her feet.
said her brother, confused by her actions.
We've got to find Jr.
But what about that data? asked Allen.
It can wait. Do you think I would be that selfish? she asked, a bit hurt. We have to help Gaignun find Jr. It's all right. I've been waiting this long to find out where I came from. A little while longer isn't going to hurt me.
Allen whispered, hanging his head. Strands of hair fell in front of his eyes, hiding his expression from view. Thank goodness, Allen thought, overcome by relief. Thank goodness. This sounded more like the Shion he knew.
What do we do, then? asked Jin.
Well, first things first. We go after Momo. I'm sure that girl is halfway to the dock by now. She's probably hoping to hijack a ship to the Graveyard colony.
Jin's lips quirked despite the seriousness of the situation. Yes, that sounded like Momo, all right.
We better hurry.
Any sign of her?
No. I'm heading to the transport trailers now, she replied.
OK. I'll track down Jin. Maybe he's had better luck.
All right.
Shion closed the screen and hurried through the crowd. As she turned the last corner, she found herself at the edge of the market district. The lane was lined with vendors selling all sorts of crafts and confections, but the market's peek hours had long since passed and the crowds were thinning. A cloud seemed to pass overhead. The weather was shifting.
No...
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Not now.
A gentle rain began to fall. It was nothing more than a light mist at first, but it made her immediately apprehensive. Before long, her hair and clothes were dripping wet. She hurried towards the nearest shop and ducked under an awning, feeling the dampness already begin to dry. She was glad the weather system produced fairly mild storms. The thought of standing there under a downpour, with thunder and lightening overhead, filled her with panic.
It was only rain, Shion reminded herself. Shion could almost appreciate the quiet beauty of the moment. The soft putter of rain pelted the pavement, beating out a gentle melody she could almost hear. Light slanted down between the buildings, diffused and muted, lending a soft glow to the scene. A mist drifted along the ground, enveloping stray figures still scurrying home. The rain was harmless. It was beneath the surface where the real storm brewed.
A dark memory curled like tentacles around her heart. In the stillness of the moment, Shion remembered sights and scents with vivid clarity... things she hadn't thought about since the funeral. She could still smell the wet earth under her and feel the cold rain seeping through her clothes. She could hear her pitiful sobs as she knelt in front of Kevin's tombstone.
A strange presence pulled at her, drawing her attention towards the far end of the lane. Shion lifted her head and squinted into the rising mist. A shadow was approaching. It was a man. He was nothing more than a muddled, grey shape, but there was something familiar about him. Shion's heart began to race. Was he coming towards her? She stepped back against the building, suddenly wanting to hide.
When he was close enough that Shion could pick out the details of his clothing, he stopped in the middle of the lane and lifted his head in her direction. Half his face remained hidden in shadows beneath the heavy hood of his coat, but she felt his stare as if there were no barriers between them.
The rain was now a light drizzle. The mist seemed to roll back into the grey shadows, leaving the man standing in full view. Shion's brows drew together in confusion. She felt compelled to meet him and against her better judgment, she stepped out from under the awning and hesitantly walked over to where he was standing. When she was a few feet from him, she paused, overcome by the same sense of familiarity that she felt before.
I... I know you, she stammered.
The stranger remained unmoved.
What do you want?
With two long strides he was within arm's reach. Shion stumbled backwards, alarmed by the sudden nearness of his presence.
A warning, he said, grabbing her wrist and jerking her even closer. Leave the dead buried.
Shion's eyes widened, but not at his words. The touch of his hand on her wrist sparked an unexpected memory. She gasped and froze on the spot. How was it possible? she wondered. That memory. It was not her own.
Shion lifted her eyes, but she was unable to look further than his frowning lips.
Who... are you? she asked, feeling faint.
The strength in her legs left her. She reached out blindly as the ground beneath her feet tilted. The pavement sped towards her. Instead of a bruising fall, she felt herself being gently lowered.
She looked up at the blurry face that drifted above her.
It's you, she whispered, reaching up to touch his face.
The boy from the lab.
His hand closed around hers.
Another spark.
A memory that didn't belong to her.
Shion smiled, letting the images flood her senses.
I finally found you...
A/N:
Woah! Long time, no see. Between bingeing on anime, work and putting together a website, I've had zero time to work on this story, but don't worry, I will find time!
believe it or not, there's about 3 chapters left. I've finished writing the chapter summaries and will wrap everything up soon.
Next chapter: it was raining when he died. It was raining when he returned, but will Shion make the connection? Was he just a vision or was he real?