Disclaimer: See Prologue
"abc" - Spoken
abc - Thought
abc - Sound Effects
A Tale of Two Cursed Souls
Chapter Eight: ActionReAction
Part Two
7:58pm Streets of Tokyo-3
"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action."
Shinji says this aloud to himself as he walks down the empty Tokyo-3 streets. They remain void of human life as the current state of emergency is still in effect. That's perfect considering that Shinji is currently dressed in his plug suit and a makeshift cloak (he's made out of a tarp he's "borrowed" from a sidewalk café), as he continues on his way he wonders about the importance of that phrase - the way it's driven his actions as of late.
He remembers reading that once while flipping through a book of quotations, and ever since then it's sort of become his secret motto. With this in mind, he's decided to always act no matter what the outcome. He figured it be better than doing nothing, this way whatever the outcome he could say it's because he had acted. And, since it was his actions that shaped the outcome, he'd be able to deal with any and all reactions that may occur as a result of those actions.
He sighs loudly as he adjusts his cloak, tightening his grip upon it and wrapping it tighter around his chilled frame, while scanning the surrounding area. One would be hard pressed to believe that only a short while ago this city was a warzone, but as he continues on his way he passes what one can only call a unique form of collateral damage – laying encased in a nearby building is a stray shell ejected from his Eva's rifle, which only serves to remind him of the surrealness of his current situation.
And, as Shinji once again lets his thoughts wonder to the events of early today, a sad truth reveals itself to him...
But - but, I was wrong.
1:08pm Furinkan High, Class 1-A
People have been known to say that during a car crash (in those moments before impact) it sometimes appears like time has comes to a stand-still, as if serving to only prolong the inevitable.
And, while Shinji may not be in the midst of a car crash the following moments will have effects just as devistating on any chance he may have had of attaining a somewhat normal schooling experience.
He can only sit there in his seat as time seems to slow – then, suddenly he's surrounded by almost every student in his class. As they shout question after question - Shinji just sits there - as his mind begins to drift… as if he's observing the scene happening to someone else.
But, despite how he may like to let his mind fool himself, he's fully aware what's happening to him which only leads to the questioning of his drifting mind...
Why did I answer that message?
And, as quickly as it is questioned his mind replies...
Because, despite how I may try to fool myself into believing otherwise - I can't live life not feeling - not acting - my heart can't remain locked away and not feeling – because, it does fell… It feels... lonesome.
But, before his mind can reveal anymore of his truest thoughts and feelings, it's brought back to reality, as a familiar voice shouts his name and has the desired effect of ending his little reprieve.
"Huh?! Oh... Ranma, what's up?"
Ranma, stares baffled by his cousins odd response, but quickly shakes it off as he tries to knock some sense into Shinji - literally.
"Oww! What was that for?" Shinji shouts, rubbing his head and pouting much to the amusement of several of his female classmates.
"Are you really that robot's pilot?!" Ranma yells, ignoring his cousin's reaction to his method of enlightenment and getting straight to the point.
"Huh? Oh, yeah1" He quickly answers, sounding a little unsure of himself or it could be he's still dazed from the blow to the head.
Either way it doesn't matter as it happens again. Ranma bops him over the head yelling - "How could you do something so..."
But, Ranma wouldn't get to finish his reprimanding of Shinji because he's suddenly cut-off by a really loud exclamation of - "Cool!"
And, then it begins anew as Shinji is once again bombarded by questions, only this time his mind is fully present to try a field a few of them.
"How'd they choose you?"
"I was summoned." he responds, a slight hint of resentment in his voice.
"Weren't you scared?"
"Yeah?!" he answers, a little embarrassed by the question and his answer.
"Does it have a special attack? What's its main weapon?"
"Well, it has something called a "progressive knife" and something else called an 'AT Field'."
"You where summoned... by who?"
"Father?" he whispers, his voice filled with conflicting emotions.
"What?"
"Nothing?"
"What was that monster? Is it some country's weapon?"
"I don't really know... they called it an 'Angel'. I'm sorry I don't know much. Only that I fight and try not to..."
"Lose?!"
Someone shouts finishing his sentence for him to which he only nods as he finishes his thought to himself.
"...die."
No one seemed to notice his darkened demeanor at the end of that comment, except two female students. Neither, knowing what to make of it or this sudden turn of events (one is his friend, the other his entrusted).
Shinji, continues to sit there trying to field more questions when suddenly one is heard above all the others, this one capturing his full attention.
"Do ya think your a hero, or something, just because they're all over you?!"
"No - I'm no hero."
Is Shinji's honest response (which goes unheard) as everyone is focusing on the source of the sudden and rude outburst.
"SUZAHARA! Where have you been? You've missed almost two weeks without permission." Hikari, in full-on class rep mode yells.
To which she gets no response as Toji marches straight towards Shinji's desk. Seeing the look in his friend's eyes, Kensuke tries to intercede as he steps in Toji's way.
"Move."
"This isn't smart... I said, I'd ask him for you, but... " Kensuke, whispers so no one but Toji can hear.
"Kensuke, ...move."
"All right, I tried. But, remember I showed you the video... so, don't come crying to me when he wipes the floor with you." He replies stepping aside.
"Whatever." Toji growls, as he pushes past Kensuke.
Who wonders as he watches his friend march towards his own destruction...
Man, I better get the boss! Maybe she can stop him, and if not... she'll definitely want to be in on any potential profits to be made off this massacre.
And on that note, Kensuke quickly exits as he hands his camera to Hikari and yells...
"Film this... I'll be back!"
Baffled as to what she's supposed to do now, Hikari hits record and starts filming despite her better judgment as she wonders...
Why do these things always happen in my class?
"Well, what does the conquering hero have to say?" Toji, now standing in front of Shinji, mockingly asks to which Shinji says nothing.
"Yo! New kid... I'm talking to you!"
Again, Shinji doesn't respond to which Toji slams his palms down on the desk trying to get a reaction of some short out of his target. But, Shinji only continues to sit there and stare down at his desktop.
"Hey... I said..." Toji begins another verbal assault. At the same time -
"Ranma! No!"
Shinji, suddenly speaks up causing everyone to look over to Ranma - who has been silently watching the entire confrontation from behind the mass of students. After, being unceremoniously shoved back there by the Pilot's adoring public following his successful attempt of getting the truth out of a less than responsive Shinji.
"Fine." Ranma hastily replies, as he walks over to Akane's desk and sits on it.
"Hey! Sit on someone else's desk." Akane yells.
"Quiet! I have a clearer view from right here." Ranma calmly states, pointing at the back of Toji's head, as Shinji finally looks up at his assailant.
"I said, I'm no hero." Shinji calmly and without a hint of emotion states.
"Well, I coulda told ya that… but, I'm gonna do ya one better and prove it."
"What?" Shinji replies, his stoned resolve of a moment ago - gone.
"Come on, Hero! Step outside... Now!"
Moments later, Kensuke and Nabiki come running into Class 1-A only to find it nearly void of human life except for the still rambling teacher and Rei who hasn't moved an inch from her seat.
"Shit! Where'd they go?" Nabiki yells, her tone betraying how worried she really is.
"I don't know!" Kensuke yells. "I only hope Hikari's still filming whatever's going on."
Nabiki looks at him like she's ready to throttle him but quickly scans the room to notice Rei sitting there. And, while she's fully aware of Ayanami's less than hospitable demeanor she still approaches her as she notices something different about the reserved underclassman.
She's watching something... intently.
Making the unusually observation, Nabiki comes to a stop in front of Rei's desk as her earlier question is instantly answered upon viewing what has captured her full attention.
"They're all outside! That blockhead's actually trying to fight Shinji?"
Unbeknownst to Nabiki, but word has quickly spread throughout Furinkan of that blockhead's current course of action. And, as a result almost the entire student body has gathered to watch as Toji Suzahara challenges "The Other New Kid" (who up until now had managed to slip under the radar following his grand entrance). As most of the schools attention has been focused upon Ranma and Kuno's continuing battles over the affections of Akane Tendo.
Alas, now that the once thought absurd rumor of him being that robot's pilot has proven true, he is once more thrusted into the spotlight, and with it the scrutiny of all those around him. But, at the moment only one thing matters to Shinji and Ranma - -
"How strong is this kid? Does he stand a chance against Shinji?!" Ranma asks, voicing his and Shinji's shared concern.
"Well..." Akane, the target of his inquiry, begins.
"Well... what?! Are you saying that he can beat Shinji?!" Ranma yells, interrupting Akane before she can even begin to answer his original question.
"Well... If you'd let me finish I'd tell you!"
"Sorry." Ranma says, slightly embarrassed.
"All right, as I was saying... Well, that depends..."
"Depends on what?!"
"Ranma!!!" Akane yells, her disbelief to his apparent stupidity written clearly on her face.
"Sorry." He mumbles to which Akane rolls her eyes as she continues.
"Anyway, it depends on how serious Toji is... while nowhere near as talented as you two. He's definitely a street fighter if there ever was one."
"Meaning..."
"Meaning, he fights to win and doesn't care what it takes for him to do so."
"All right, so he cheats. Nothing, Shinji can't handle..."
"No, never?" Akane is quick to dispute his statement surprising Ranma with the venom of her response.
"Huh? But, you just said..." Ranma says - puzzled.
"No, I never said anything about cheating, I meant that he doesn't care what it causes him to win. He has a real weird sense of justice that would never allow him to cheat."
"And, how do you know so much about this guy?" Ranma asks, eyeing the still pacing Toji, who continues to circle Shinji.
"Well..." Akane, hesitantly begins knowing full-well what type of reaction to expect from Ranma.
"He works for... Nabiki?" Ranma shouts, unable to contain his surprise at what Akane's explained to be Toji's relationship with Nabiki that being something along the lines of an evil genius and her minion.
The shouting of her name not only catches the full attention of Nabiki, as she and Kensuke arrive on the scene, but also that of Shinji. He looks in Ranma's direction upon hearing him shout the name of that girl (on the phone last night) in such a surprised manner. But, in doing so he lowers his defenses leaving himself open for attack.
"Now!" Toji yells, as he suddenly charges forward slugging Shinji across the jaw with a massive right hand.
Everyone's attention is instantly drawn to the two combants as the shock of seeing Shinji knocked down sweeps across the crowd.
"Not the most honorable of tactics - but effective."
"Kuno?!" Nabiki shouts, surprised by her usual prey's sudden appearence.
"Come, Nabiki Tendo. The fair Akane and that cur Ranma are this way and we do not want to miss how Ikari will react to such an act."
Nabiki, lets herself be lead through the mass of students, as Kensuke goes about finding Hikari and his prized possession.
"Sorry, new kid. But, I've seen how you fight and I had to get at least one blow in... you know, for my satisfaction." Toji clearly states with a sly smirk as he cracks his knuckles and prepares for whatever Shinji has in store for him.
Shinji, simply rises to his feet, dusting himself off, as Nabiki and Kuno arrive at their destination, while Kensuke succeeds in locating Hikari.
"Perfect spot... you can see everything from here. You have a good eye, I see."
"Kensuke... I did as you asked, but..." Hikari responds, quickly, handing him is camera as he instantly begins shooting the crowds reaction to the fight so far.
"Huh?!" Kensuke's surprised when Hikari jumps in front of her camera.
"Why is Toji doing this? He doesn't stand a chance of winning... I mean, Shinji beat Kuno and all those other guys! And..." Hikari states, her calm quickly slipping as Kensuke states his piece while keeping an eagle eye on the action.
"Yeah, I guess, but you know him, once he sets his mind upon something - heaven help anyone who gets in his way."
"Yeah, I know." she sadly replies.
"Well, I... Um, I should..." Kensuke mumbles not sure how to handle the emotional Hikari while also dying to resume shooting. Seeing Kensuke's panicked expression brings a smile to her face as she waves him off.
"Go ahead, I'm fine. Film it or your master will be angry."
"Thanks! Hey..."
Hikari laughs as she watches him take off in search of a closer vantage point. Watching him push his way threw the crowd and Toji standing there with that cocky grin on his face, she laughs thinking, "Those two will never change, but..."
She looks towards Shinji, "Please, don't let them get to you. They're like you... good people."
Finding some comfort in that thought, she heads back towards the building refusing to watch any further. At that same moment, Ranma turns around to face who he blames for this mess and voices his opinion on the matter.
"Call of your lackey... Now!" he orders, his tone not leaving room for defiance.
"He wouldn't listen even if I did... and, he's not my lackey!" Nabiki replies, her calm, indifferent tone hiding her frazzled nerves under Ranma's intense gaze.
"That's not how it sounds to me." he says in a huff.
They quickly shift their attention to Akane, who shrinks in under the combined intensity of both Ranma and Nabiki's gaze as they both vie for her support. A mere moment of hesitation runs through her before she voices her opinion.
"Well, you do boss them around and they..."
"Silence! Ikari speaks." Kuno interrupts Akane as Shinji begins to address his assailant.
"Why are you so angry... I haven't done a thing to you. Heck, I don't even know who the hell you are? Or, is it that… you're just like this all the time?"
"Shut up!" Toji shouts at he top of his lungs.
"I mean, if that's the case it could all be a matter of way to much stress. I know – maybe - you're just a little backed up? Not getting enough fiber in your diet… that could make anyone grouchy."
Shinji says all this with a straight face while speaking with a purely innocent, slightly naive tone which only leads to much amusement for the sizeable and growing crowd. To which Toji responds the only way he knows how, "Shut up! Stop laughing or else…"
Seeing Toji's reaction of barely restrained fury, Shinji smirks openly for a moment before regaining his stone cold facade. But, his open enjoyment of Toji's irritation didn't go unnoticed.
"Is he playing with him?!" Nabiki asks, an incredulous look upon her face.
"Yup. Remember, Shinji is a student of Anything Goes Martial Arts and trash talking is a valid method of throwing your opponent of his game." Ranma states - sagely.
"Of course, I'd expect this from a deviant like yourself, but from Ikari - I'm quiet frankly shocked." Kuno announces.
"What you say?" Ranma yells, as Kuno responds with a smirk of superiority.
"Wait, you call that trash talking?" Akane wonders - aloud.
"Yeah, well, Shinji's just to much of a nice guy… I guess? Pops actually says that it may be the only real flaw in his technique." Ranma explains, sounding slightly embarrassed by his cousin's saintly persona.
"Only your father, Saotome, could see being a nice guy as a weakness. I bet he doesn't see you as having the same problem?" Nabiki says snidely.
"Nope, of course not." Ranma boosts.
"Not surprising." Akane adds.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ranma asks, not sure if he should be upset.
"It means that you're a mannerless cur unworthy of the fair Akane." Kuno answers.
"Just keep it up and I'll…" Ranma begins, but Nabiki interrupts, "Shut up, Shinji's speaking."
"Not that I mind, but I thought you where pissed at me… not the mindless masses around us?" Shinji says, his voice betraying more than he probably would have liked.
"Now, that's harsh." Akane says.
"Did I forget to mention he has an inert mean streak… he probably gets it from… Gendo." Ranma explains, his tone – ill-affected - upon speaking that particular name.
"Who?" Nabiki asks, her full attention caught by Ranma's dour expression.
"His father… birth father, I should say." He explains rather sourly.
Nabiki looks back at Shinji and the deathly serious look on him and wonders to herself - His father… what about his mother?
Toji manages to calm down as he continues to stare Shinji down. Finally, breaking the tension in the air with his eloquent banter, " You bet your ass I'm pissed!"
"Why?!" Shinji asks, his tone firm and to the point.
"Why?! Why?! You wanna know why?!" Toji shouts, sounding on the edge of hysterics.
"Yes." Shinji softly yet sternly declares.
Silence fills the air once more as Toji quiets down and collects his thoughts before mumbling something just under his breath.
"What… could you repeat that?" Shinji asks, his voice set to an eerie tone of indifferent.
"My sister?!" Toji mumbles again.
"Your sister?" Shinji repeats.
"Yeah! My sister… my sister who you almost killed!" Toji shouts, shocking all present none more so than Shinji himself.
"I… I almost killed…" Shinji stammers out, his head lowered an expression of shock obscured from view.
"Yeah, you did. She was hurt bad and is still in da hospital! All because you had to go crashing around in that - that thing of yours. I mean… what if she ends up with some horrible scar?! She'll never be a babe then… WHAT?!" Toji yells, ending his rant as he points menacingly at Shinji.
Shinji mumbles his remark again as his body shakes uncontrollably with what some may think is rage, but is actually soul-retching sorrow.
"What you say – H-E-R-O?!" Toji asks, now standing inches away from his prey.
"I'm sorry." Shinji answers, looking up and straight into Toji's eyes.
"Sorry!! Sorry?! Ya makin' fun of me?! Do you really think I'm sorry is gonna cut it?!" Toji yells, grabbing Shinji by the collar and hoisting the shorter boy up to eye level.
"I'm sorry is all I can offer… what do you want me from me? To kneel down and beg for forgiveness?" Shinji replies, without a hint of sarcasm or malice. But, Toji's rage won't let him hear it as such. He slugs Shinji in the midsection sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Hey! That's enough…"
Is suddenly heard from the crowd in plural as both Ranma and Nabiki shout out surprising all present including themselves. But, their surprise is quickly displaced as Toji responds to their objections.
"Enough - not by a long shot! This is between me and the hero."
Hearing this both Ranma and Nabiki go to object again but are halted as they notice the look on Shinji's face as he glances their way. Seeing the look on his cousin's face causes Ranma to shake his head and turn to Nabiki.
"Enough… This is Shinji's fight. We must let him handle it the way he wishes."
"But…" Nabiki begins.
"Don't worry, it'll be over soon."
"Huh?" Nabiki questions, as she notices Shinji rising to his feet.
"Oh! Look, you're the picture perfect example of da tragic hero." Toji, mockingly, calls out as Shinji slowly rises to his feet, dusting off his clothes and notices his now ripped shirt.
"I already said I'm no hero and that I am sorry. What else can I do to appease you?"
"Appease me?! Well, for one thing you can fight me or did you think we where just out here for the scenery?" Toji says, with a laugh as he drops into a hap-hazard fighting stance.
"I will not fight you."
"Yeah, that's more like it… WHAT?!" Toji shouts, obviously as shocked as the murmuring and gossiping crowd.
"I will not fight you. I've already caused you and your family enough harm." Shinji states, his head lowered once more.
"Harm - harm is what I'm about to do to you if you don't defend yourself!"
"Go ahead."
"What?"
"Go ahead. If that's what it takes for some semblance of penance to be met?" Shinji states, his head no longer lowered in shame but bow in repentance.
"You… you… don't you have any pride… any honor?! Fight me - like a man!" Toji yells in a state of complete disbelief. He, like everyone else present, doesn't know how to react to the change in tone this whole thing has taken on.
"It's what remains of my pride that will not let me harm the brother of one I have so gravely failed."
"Your honor… yeah, right! You're just a coward and feeling sorry for yourself. So, be it. If that's the way you want it… I have no problem giving it to you!"
Toji pulls back to let loose with yet another powerful blow to the jaw, but stops just short as a third party makes her presence known.
"Ikari."
"Ayanami?!" Shinji replies, surprising all present including a baffled Toji.
Where'd she come from? Toji ponders.
"We've received an emergency call. I'll go ahead. You - end this."
And, as suddenly as she appeared she leaves heading for the front gate leaving everyone in her wake speechless. Quickly coming to his senses, Shinji shouts out after his departing. teammate.
"Ayanami, I'm coming too. Hang on, Rei! I'm coming too!"
Shinji begins to run off when he suddenly stops mid stride and turns to face the mass of befuddled students, but more importantly he faces his opponent.
"Um.. I gotta go. Again… I'm sorry."
Shinji bows, turns, and continues on his way when suddenly Toji yells catching just as he's passing through the front gates.
"Hey, hero!"
"Huh?!"
"Listen up, you putz! A little advice… your-no-hero because of that thing - Got Dat?!"
Shinji nods slightly and then vanishes from sight leaving behind the surprised and confused student body of Furinkan High.
"Wait, if he's been called…" a boy begins.
"…Then that means…" a young lady continues.
"There's going to be another attack!" Several students shout at once as panic descends upon the students of Furinkan.
And, with that pretty obvious revelation all hell breaks loose as students start running off for the nearest shelter even though no state of emergency has been declared. But, amidst the panicked masses stands Toji, still starring at the spot where Shinji last stood.
Kensuke walks up to his friend, seeing the angry yet slightly confused look upon his face, puts a hand on his shoulder; Kensuke speaks, " Hey, man. I'm sorry about your sister. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was a little preoccupied." Toji replies with a laugh.
"Yeah, we noticed." A slightly annoyed voice chimes in.
"Oh, Boss… enjoy the show?!" Toji asks sheepishly.
"Not really. Was all that really necessary?"
"Necessary? Are you… are you taking that punk's side?!" Toji explodes, surprising Kensuke and Nabiki.
"No! I'm just saying that…" Nabiki replies, trying to defend actions, even she's not sure off.
"Well, to be honest. I don't really care what you have to say on the matter as it doesn't concern you."
"Toji!"
"Shut up, Ken! And, Get off - me!" Toji yells, shrugging his friends hands from his shoulder. "If you haven't noticed this isn't exactly going to be the best place to be in a few minutes." Toji states, looking over his shoulder at his friends and cohorts. And, as the three of them walk off another odd trio looks on.
"I'd suggest we do the same, Akane Tendo. You too, Saotome." Kuno says, gesturing after Nabiki and the others.
"Right, Akane, you coming or what?" Ranma yells, looking back to find Akane unmoved from her spot.
"Yeah, coming." she replies, quickly hurrying to catch up.
And, as she does, she can't help but let her mind wander back to what Toji had said to describe Shinji.
"A tragic hero… is that really what you are, Shinji?"
Catching up with Ranma and Kuno she lets that thought drift off as a more pressing matter comes to mind. Namely, the fact that hers and the lives of everyone else in the city now rest in the hands of that tragic hero.
1:33pm Underground Geo-Shelter 334
"And, why are you sitting with us?"
"Why to offer any comfort that I may to Akane in this time of unknown peril." Kuno replies to Ranma's dubious question.
"And… you?" he asks looking to the 3rd person sharing their spot on the floor.
"Families gotta stick together. Ain't that right, Akane?" Nabiki replies sheepishly, trying to hide the fact that there's no place else for her to sit. As, everyone quickly broke of into their own little groups quickly filling up all the blankets on the floor. Not that she and her subordinates would be welcomed onto many of them anyway.
"Don't be dragging me into this! And, don't we have more important things to be worrying about?!"
"Huh… like what?" asks Ranma.
"Man, Saotome, you sure are something?!" Nabiki breathlessly says.
"What? What I say?"
"Your cousin, Shinji!!! Out there…. FIGHTING!!!"
"Oh, you mean your fia…" Ranma begins but is quickly silenced by an elbow to the ribs from Akane much to Nabiki's relief.
"Thanks." She whispers to Akane.
"No problem. I quite enjoyed that." Akane replies, ignoring Ranma's pained disposition.
"But, speaking of Ikari. To selflessly put one's life on the line in the service of others, is the true mark of an hero… despite what that ruffian, Suzahara, has to say." Kuno states with a passion usually reserved for his outrageous declares of love directed to Akane and a certain pigtailed girl.
"I agree one-hundred percent. I guess that explains why he's always running of after school. It must be for training, I bet." Agrees Akane.
"Yeah, for once I agree, Swordboy. I just wish he had knocked that guy out… talking to him like that! Hey, Nabiki!" Ranma shouts, letting his emotions get the better of him.
"Huh, yeah?!" she replies, being brought out of her own musings on the topic of her fiancé being out there fighting God only knows what.
"What's with that guy? I understand he's upset about his sis? But, how can he possibly hold Shinji responsible for what's clearly an accident… tragic as it may be?"
Nabiki sighs as she begins to explain, "Toji's a good guy… he's just stubborn as a mule that's all. He's really protective of his friends and family, especially his kid sister. Ever since his mom passed when he was younger, he's taken it upon himself to always be there for her. In the end, I bet he blames himself more than he does Shinji and that was just his way of dealing with it all."
"And, that makes it all right?!" Ranma asks sharply, showing his own protectiveness towards his family.
" No, I'm not saying that… I'm just trying to explain that…" Nabiki tries to explain, but is quickly cut off by Ranma. "That what… that you'll make a nice profit from the footage that four-eyes was filming?!"
"What?!"
"Don't play dumb! I'm not blind you know… I've seen you and that kid filming us every morning. Imagine my surprise when some kid asked me to sign a copy of "Strangers from the East V.S. Blue Thunder: For the heart of Akane."
Nabiki freezes as all eyes are on her, which normally wouldn't ever faze her but ever since Ranma and Shinji entered her life she's been a little off her game. Quickly, regaining her composure, Nabiki replies the only way she knows how… smugly.
"Yeah, and… I mean, a girls has to make a living."
Neither Akane nor Kuno are surprised by her response, as both have known about the discs since their inception having even been interviewed for special features on past editions. And, knowing how Nabiki gets when it comes to money, but neither could expect how Ranma would react. And, react he did proving just how adapt at mindgames he truly is as he aims directly for what he's noticed is a sore spot for Nabiki.
"Yeah, and I wondered what Shinji will have to say about this? Oh, why don't I ask him… Shinji? Shinji? Oh, yeah, I can't he's out there risking his life to protect everyone else's including yours!"
To say everyone was surprised would be an understatement. In a matter of seconds, Ranma had clearly changed the way those around him viewed him. He was clearly more than a hot-headed, loudmouth of a martial artist. And, as Nabiki struggled to find a comeback only one thought kept coming to mind, a thought shared by Kuno and Akane.
This is obviously Shinji's influence showing.
Failing to find a barb worth throwing, Nabiki sighs in defeat, "What do you want?"
Shocked by this turn of events, Akane and Kuno look to Ranma for his answer as Kuno thinks, You may yet prove to be a worthy opponent for the great Takiwaki Kuno.
And, with that thought Kuno breaks into a boastful laugh to which no one pays anymind. As, Ranma smugly smirks at Nabiki thinking to himself - Gottcha!
"I want you to swear you'll never release any footage of today's fight. Otherwise… I might happen to forget a certain promise next time I speak with Shinji."
"Fine. I'll give you the tape, how about that?!" Nabiki yells, her anger at letting Ranma get the better of her showing; or is it perhaps that she's really upset that he thinks she would do such a thing.
Little do they know but she had no intentions of releasing the footage in the first place. Despite her better judgment, as she's told herself, knowing how much there is to make of such footage and the possible rematch.
But, for some reason, she just knew she'd never be able to do so. Maybe it's her conscious, but then again, she doesn't have one as it's bad for business, or so she keeps reminding herself.
Quickly scanning the room, she gets even more frustrated when she can't spot her lunkies anywhere.
"Where the hell… Hikari?!"
"Yes, Miss Nabiki?" Hikari quickly answers, startled by the sudden beckoning of the upperclassman.
"Have you seen those lunkheads anywhere?"
"Actually, they left for the bathroom some time ago."
Nabiki sighs in disgust upon seeing the look of surprise on Hikari's face as she checks her watch.
"I'll check on them." Hikari shouts, running towards the restrooms.
"They wouldn't?" Nabiki says, instantly suspecting where a certain military fanatic might be.
Returning from the bathroom, Hikari yells, "They're not in there!"
Laughing at their stupidity, Nabiki mumbles, "They would."
1:41pm Entry Plug, Eva Unit 01
"Ahhh! Hurry… get in… NOW!" Shinji yells as she struggles to maintain her Eva's grip on the Angel, as Kensuke and Toji climb into the plugs access hatch.
SPLASH
"Ah… it's full of water!" Toji gasps, as the obvious hits him, "I can breathe?"
"Cool, it must be oxygenated. Good thing my camera's waterproof or I'd be screwed!" Kensuke adds, instantly proceeding to film every inch of the plug's interior.
Shaking off the initial shock, Toji quickly moves to the front of the plug.
"Hey, hero! What you try'n to… do?!"
Toji is shocked to find a young woman sitting where he had expected to find that idiot hero
"You're a girl!" Toji says, drawing Kensuke's attention from his preoccupation with the plug's ceiling.
"What… a girl?" Kensuke shouts, reaching to the front just as the pilot lets loose a primal grunt as she makes the Eva throw the Angel down the incline.
Within the Command Center, Misato sighs in defeat as Maya announce that Shinji's synch rate has dropped.
"Well, what did you expect letting to civilians into the plug?" Ritsuko yells.
"Hey, I didn't tell him to do it… not that it wasn't the right course of action - so don't be yelling at me?" Misato fires back before quickly regaining her composure. "Shi… Pilot, retreat. We'll retreat and commence the attack again."
But, no answer is forthcoming as only Toji and Kensuke's prodding for her to reply is heard.
"Pilot… Pilot… do you hear me? Respond! I said…" Misato repeats, but only the boys continued prodding answers.
Slowly the world around her begins to fade out of focus as the only thing that matters is the thing that lies before her… her target.. her enemy… her prey.
"Hey, um, that thing's getting up? Hey, are you awake?" Toji softly says, realizing that yelling at this girl isn't helping anyone. Sliding next to her he reaches out to shake her slightly. When he hears her mumbling to herself and much to his surprise it's about a familiar topic.
"I mustn't run away. I mustn't run away. If I run and people are hurt it'll be all my fault… just like his sister. No, I mustn't run. I mustn't run away. I…"
Toji doesn't make most of it out but he swears she's talking about him. He slides back next to Kensuke as he notices that she has tightened her grip around what he assumes are the controls to this thing with a deranged look in her eyes.
"Hold on, she's going for it!" Toji shouts.
"Hold on to what?" Kensuke yells back.
"Anything!" Toji yells and Kensuke obeys, "not me, you idiot!"
Meanwhile on the command deck, Misato is still reeling from what she has just heard.
"Did he say she's going for it?!"
"Yup." Ritsuko replies with an exasperated sigh.
"Pilot! Pilot! Retreat! You hear me… that's an order! Retreat!"
Misato continues her plea as Maya struggles to get her attention, "Ma'am! Ma'am! Ma'am!!!"
"What?!" Misato shouts at a startled Maya.
"Ma'am! He's… She's activated the prog knife."
Misato continues trying her appeal to no avail as for within the plug, Shinji hears nothing as she focuses in on two things: her enemy and her hands.
"So small and delicate… like that poor girl."
"Well?! That things coming!" Toji asks, as the pilot continues mumbling to herself ignoring both Misato and the two boys behind her. But, much to their surprise her mumbling is getting louder as they're finally able to make out what she is saying.
"I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away! I mustn't run… A HERO WOULDN'T RUN!!!"
And with that final proclamation, she draws the prog knife and charges forward as the unit's internal battery reaches thirty seconds of remaining activation.
00:30
On the command deck, all are surprised by Shinji's disregard for command none more so than his roommate.
"Idiot!" Misato breathes out harshly, as she looks away from the monitor in disgust.
"Ma'am, look at this!" Maya yells.
"Yes?!" Ritsuko replies, looking over her young assistance's shoulder.
"Amazing… his synch rate just jumped 15 points and climbing!"
00:20
"Huh?!" Misato replies, looking back at the screen in time to see Shinji lunge the Eva airborne.
Gliding threw the air the Eva prepares to deliver an over head blow to what appears to the Angel's face. Gripping the knife with both hands it descends on it's prey, but the Angel is ready launching it's tentacles at the descending behemoth.
With cat like agility the Eva shifts it's momentum avoiding the first tentacle's swipe, but the second hits it's mark grazing the right side of the Eva's face.
00:10
To the surprise of the boys, an identical cut appears upon the pilot's delicate features to match the blow received by the very machine she pilots. Paying no heed to the pain emanating from her cheek, Shinji puts the unit into a forward roll avoiding another assault by the Angel's whip-like appendages.
Rising quickly mere feet from her target's front, Shinji lets out a feral grunt as she commands the Eva to lunge forward, prog knife at the ready, driving it right into the very heart of her enemy.
The internal batteries clock continues to tick away as the plug is filled with the sounds of her struggle, as her knife digs deeper and deeper into the Angel's core.
00:05
"Aaahhhh!!!"
00:04
"She's not going to make it!" Misato yells.
00:03
"We're all going to die!" Kensuke shrieks.
00:02
"No, we're not. She's got this!" Toji shouts back.
00:01
"DIE!!!" Shinji yells, as she puts all her might into one more thrust.
00:00
Silence fills the plug and command deck as the battery dies out and with it…
My enemy… killed with these small, delicate hands… the hands of a…
Shinji's thought trails of as Kensuke and Toji stare in silent awe at the young woman before them. But, it's disturbed as quiet sobs begin coming from the front of the plug.
The surprised boys look at each other neither quite sure how to respond to her near-silent cries. Toji nods to himself as he slides forward and extends a hand towards the pilot's shaking shoulder. But, just as contact is about to be made he hears the last two words he'd expect to hear following the amazing display of courage and balls he's ever seen.
"I'm sorry."
Retracting his hands, he moves back next to Kensuke who looks to him as expecting the answer to an unspoken question. To which Toji simply shakes his head in response, as they both settle in waiting for someone to come get them. As Shinji's muted sobs continue to fill the plug and with it two boy's hearts with compassion for this stranger who just saved their and everyone they know lives.
3:45PM Entry Plug, Eva Unit 01
"Here… take my hand." Toji says, extending his arm down into the entry plug.
Shinji looks at Toji's outreached hand for a moment puzzled before looking at her own. Another moment would pass before she excepted his hand and Toji with the help of some NERV crew pulled Shinji out of the plug.
Upon finally reaching the safety of the ground, Shinji finds herself cornered by her classmate. The three of them stand there not a word spoken between them till Kensuke breaks the tension with a single word.
"Awesome."
"Huh?!" Shinji replies, unsure of how to act in this odd predicament she's gotten herself into.
"You where simply awesome! The way you took that thing out with a knife after your rifle did nothing to it… just awesome!"
Shinji lets loose a relieved giggle as Kensuke's overjoyed reaction to the battle seems to be slightly contagious.
"But, wait a second…" Kensuke suddenly says, bringing an end to the joy filled atmosphere, "I thought Ikari was the pilot… so where is he and who are you if you don't mind me asking?"
Shinji freezes as panic begins to over take her, as all the possible outcomes of her answering that question runs through her mind and comes to the conclusion that no matter the outcome it'll end badly for her.
"It doesn't matter who she is. She saved us and as for Ikari they probably replaced his sorry ass after the shitty job he did last time."
Shinji deflates at Toji's harsh words, but decides to defend her other self.
"Well, you see he…" she begins, but is interrupted by the appearance of an NERV officer.
"Pilot, sorry to interrupt but Dr. Akagi needs to see you, and these two are to speak with the Captain."
"Oh, all right, um… sorry." Shinji says, as she walks off to find Ritsuko leaving her classmates with the young officer.
5:16pm NERV Base Camp
No, this is all my fault... I could try blaming Toji for fighting with Ikari earlier... but, truth is it's my fault. I'm the one who helped him in the first place and then dragged him out to see the battle.
This is the conclusion reached by Kensuke, as he and his partner in crime are currently being chewed out by Misato.
"What the hell where you two thinking?! We have shelters and evacuations for a reason... or maybe you didn't know that?! You nearly caused Shi... the pilot the fight! I mean only idiots would..."
Man, this ladies weird... who is she anyway... she's been yelling at us since we got out that thing?! And, what's with that stupid look on his face?! I can only imagine what he's thinking about!
Kensuke tries to block out Misato's ranting as he notices the look on Toji's face. Unlike, his friend Toji has had no problem blocking the rant out, as he's had only one thought on his mind...
Man, she's a babe. No... she's an uberbabe!
Yep, that's about right. And, he probably hasn't heard a word she's said. Man, what an...
"Boys!!!"
Misato's outburst captures their full attention, as she suddenly quiets down as she stands menacingly over them. Calming herself, she takes a deep breath before continuing.
"Now, I really don't want to yell... but, what you two did wasn't just dangerous it was almost costly. It could of caused you your lives and maybe the lives of everyone in this city or the world. You're just lucky our pilot saw you two. Now, if you'll promise to never do anything so stupid again I'll let you go."
"We promise and we're sorry." They agree in unison.
"Good. Now, if you'll follow this gentleman here; he'll take you two back to the shelter."
They quickly jump to their feet and begin to exit when they both stop and turn around to face her again.
"Ma'am."
"Yes?" Misato turns around surprised they're still there. Hesitating for a moment, they both stand there silent till Kensuke steps forward.
"Um... Miss... I was wondering if I could get my camera back."
"Your camera's footage is being checked. Once, it's scanned and any confidential footage is erased your camera will be returned to you."
"Ah... but, that fight was so cool."
Misato laughs at his reaction, as Toji steps forward and looks her straight in the eyes. Throwing everyone of by his sudden seriousness.
"Excuse me, but who was that babe piloting that robot?!"
Silence fills the tent they're currently standing in as his question sinks in, and suddenly is shattered by laughter... Misato's laughter.
"What's so funny?" Toji asks, thrown by her reaction.
"Um... um... I'm... I'm sorry. I... well, I'm sorry that's classified." Misato answers, barely able to keep a straight face.
"Shinji... a babe?!"
Misato breaks into another fit of laughter as the two boys shrug their shoulders and follow the NERV agent out the tent.
"Man, she's weird."
"Yeah, but she's still a babe." Toji replies.
"True, but what about the girl in the robot... I thought Ikari was the pilot?"
"Yeah, what's up wit' that?!"
"I don't know, but why don't we ask her?!" Kensuke says, as he points over Toji's shoulder.
"Huh?! It's the babe!"
Standing over by a tree is the teal-haired girl who saved their lives by letting them into the Eva. She's drying her hair when some blonde lady in a lab coat hands her a tea kettle. They observe this as they walk over to her after asking if they could thank her. Their escort simply grunted an ok and nodded.
As, they quickly approach her they watch in awe as the babe begins pouring the kettle's contents over herself like something out of a swimsuit special, which is only enhanced by her skintight outfit. But, their euphoria is soon at an end as a sudden and shocking transformation takes place as their hot, mystery babe becomes...
"IKARI?!"
It's all Kensuke manages to get out as he and Toji stop in their tracks. Frozen by the sight before them, where one of the hottest chicks they have ever seen once stood now stands their newest classmate and Toji's sworn enemy. And, to make things worse he's still in that skintight suit.
Hearing his name called by a familiar, young, and male voice causes Shinji to freeze. Slowly turning like a deer caught in the headlights of a speeding semi, he turns to see his worst fears have been realized.
"Shit."
At hearing his voice and confirming the sight before them, Toji reacts the only way he knows how... by putting his foot in his mouth.
"Oh My God! He's... She's... They're a... Hermaphrodite!!!"
Hearing all the shouting coming from outside, Misato exits the tent and comes face to face with one of her most feared situations... probably only second to a face to face encounter with an Angel.
"Shinji?!"
Hearing Misato's worried outcry draws Shinji from his frozen state. Looking around the field at everyone present and ending on the shocked and nearly horrified faces of his classmates, Shinji does what can only be expected of anyone in this situation - he runs.
"Oh Man! I should be filming this!" Kensuke yells, as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a camera phone.
He quickly starts filming and follows as Shinji runs off. Turning to keep him in frame, he turns right into Misato's chest. Looking up, he's scarred by the sight before him as Misato looks to be struggling to contain her furry.
"Camera. Now."
"But, it's my phone. It's only a phone."
"Camera. Now!" Misato repeats, loosing her temper at the end.
"Yes, Boss... I mean Ma'am... Sir!"
Toji can only shake his head as his friend crumbles under the pressure and quickly hands over the phone.
"Man, Nabiki has him trained." he says, looking over to where Shinji vanished.
"But, man, was that freaky. She became a he! Wow, wait till everyone hears about this!"
Hearing this Misato quickly turns her fury upon Toji.
"What did you say?!"
Quickly grabbing both boys by the wrist she drags them off.
"Tent. Now!"
As, they're being dragged off, Toji looks to Kensuke who looks absolutely terrified.
"Hey, man. Do you think I said something wrong?!"
Kensuke can only sigh, as they're dragged into the tent and another hour rant begins.
Meanwhile, Shinji runs and continues to run till he can't run no more. Finally, stopping, he tries to settle his ragged breathing, dropping to his knees and bellying over as the tears force their way out.
"Damn it! Damn it!! Damn it!!! Damn it!!!! Damn it!!!!! Damn it!!!!!! Damn it!!!!!!!"
He repeats this over and over as his voice gets louder and louder, till all he can do is let out a soul-wrenching cry.
8:24pm Outside the Katsuragi Apartment
The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts.
Shinji, stands outside the domicile that has served as his home these past few weeks and ponders the true meaning of this quote, another of his favorites.
As, he does, another quote comes to mind. One that reflects him and his cousins out look on how to deal with most obstacles whether they be physical or emotional.
The best way out is always through.
Opening the door, he crosses the threshold into the apartment and announces his arrival...
"Misato, I'm home."
Hearing the sound of a sliding chair echoing from the kitchen, he can only assume it's his guardian. But, following what has accord today he can only assume that he's preparing to speak to her not as his fun-loving, slightly odd roommate, but as his tough as nails, by the book, commanding officer.
As he awaits whatever Misato has in store for him, he runs all his favorite quotes through his mind, once more, and as he notices the connection they all have it leaves him wondering...
"But, if that's true... what do my actions say about me?"
And with that thought he crosses the threshold to face what can only be describe as a fitting end to an otherwise disastrous day. But, then again...
For every action there is a greater or equal reaction.
Shinji sighs as this all too true statement comes to mind upon seeing the look of displeasure on Misato's face, he can only concur saying...
"This is going to be one hell of a reaction."
To Be Continued...
Author's Note:
Well, here it is at long last – chapter eight of TTCS. And, boy, has it been one hell of a journey… Plague, Conspiracy, Otakon, and one Virus-filled hard drive! All be told, I couldn't be happier to get this chapter done and over with.
And, now that it's complete I can hardly express enough how much the questions as to the future of this story have meant to me. And, to those who have been communicating with me threw e-mail – the mentioned virus wiped my hard drive clean and with it my address book, so my apologies for not contacting you as to the completion of this chapter.
Well, it's been a long time coming, but I hope you enjoyed this chapter. And, when you have the chance check out my Eva One-Shot – Brief In Time: A Smile's Requiem. The first in what may become a series of one-shots and please remember to Read and Review.