Disclaimer: See Prologue
Author's Note: See Profile
"abc" - Spoken
abc - Thought
abc - Sound Effects
A Tale of Two Cursed Souls
Chapter Nine: A Lost Boy, A Lost Soul
Part One
God, I hate the rain! It's all gloomy – like my roommate.
Misato stands before "Shin-Chan's Lovely Suite" the room of said gloomy roommate and briefly checks her watch, thinking, Noon… Is he ever going to come out?
She thinks of just leaving him in there but wisely thinks against it. Gently she knocks on his door calling his name, no response is given. Quickly opening his door, she's not that surprised to find an empty room. Scanning the room a few things leap out at her: first - the lack of personality, as if the owner of the room is ready to leave at a moments notice, two – the katana, resting within it's hilt atop the dresser in the corner, and three – the cell phone, ID Card, and two envelopes resting atop the desk.
Accessing the scene before her, Misato comes to two conclusions – he's gone, but he'll be back.
"He'll definitely be back for his sword… question is when?" she says, voicing her one concern.
Entering the room, she makes her way to the desk and the two envelopes resting on it. Picking them up she notices the piece of paper they rest upon and begins to read the note it contains; it is brief and to the point, she reads it aloud with a laugh, "Need time to think."
Sighing, she crumbles the note thinking, as she turns her attentions to the envelopes in her other hand, I guess we all could use a little time…
Hindsight – Webster's defines this term as the "understanding of an event after it has happened." Misato Katsuragi defines it as "being to boneheaded to notice something's up when something's up."
"So, in hindsight…" Ritsuko begins, looking away from her terminal and over her shoulder at Misato.
"In hindsight, I should have known something was up with him after the way he returned home that night."
"And, how was that?" Ritsuko asks, her amusement at Misato's predicament only serving to further infuriate the Captain.
"Well…" Misato starts to reply, as her mind wanders to that night.
"I'm home." Shinji announces, crossing the threshold into the apartment.
Hearing noises coming from the dinning room, he quietly approaches to find Misato sitting at the table. He doesn't avoid conflict rather he dives head long into it, looking Misato right in her upset eyes without hesitation.
"Before you say anything let me just say, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, for disobeying your orders in battle… that's not my place."
"Okay, but…" Misato replies, but is cut off as he continues.
"But, let me just say, I don't regret letting them into the plug as it could have meant their lives if I didn't. And, while I again apologize for not retreating when you order it, I still believe I made the right choice… I mean, who knows how many lives could have been lost while I stuck my tail between my knees and ran from battle like a coward. But, in the end, that was not my choice to make – it was yours. And… as for Toji and Kensuke…"
Shinji pauses momentarily, as Misato notices what looks to be tears trying to form at the corners of his eyes.
"Well, they now know my secret. So, I guess having them killed is out of the question, right?" Shinji says with a dry, unsure laugh.
"Well, I could consider it. But…"
"But, that would be wrong. I know and I'll deal with it… somehow. Anyway, I apologize for this entire situation and will gladly accept any punishment that awaits me."
"Okay, well, I think you should eat something and we can finish discussing this in the morning."
"That's all right, I'm not hungry. So, I'll be turning in for the night." he quickly answers.
As he makes his exit, Misato comes out of the slight daze his rapid fire apologizing had left her in to notice something peculiar – Was he wearing a cape?
"Gloomy... like a rainy day." Misato states finally, as her memory of that night comes to an end.
"Feeling philosophical, are we?" Ritsuko jokes, again looking away from her terminal which displays the results from Rei's latest check-up.
"Nope - just making an observation?"
"And, while we're making observations… Please, explain why you believe he'll return in the first place?" asks Ritsuko, feeling the chances of Shinji returning are slim at best.
"Well, beside his pack, S-Dat, and cape he left everything as it was. More importantly he left his sword behind so I know without a doubt he'll be back." Misato replies.
"A cape...?" Ritsuko asks, as the mental image of Shinji dressed like a superhero brings a smile to her lips.
"Well… more like a cloak. Anyway, I guess it works for him because it's also gone." Misato explains.
"And, his sword... What is he supposed to be… some sort of ronin?" Ritsuko says with a laugh.
"Yeah… I guess. It is a katana that he left behind. But - oh, man, Ritsu… You should see him with that thing. The intensity and emotion he shows when he's holding it… it's… wow."
"We're talking about same kid you just described as gloomy?"
"I'm telling you when he's training it's like he's a different person. Not the shy, gloomy, meek Shinji but a confident, aggressive, sexy Shinji?" explains Misato, sounding quite flustered by the end of her explanation.
"Sexy?" Ritsuko replies, arching an eyebrow at that slip of the tongue.
"Um… pretend you didn't hear that?" asks Misato with a laugh.
"Right… Well, anyway, I have a theory on that, but… Have you ever heard of the Hedgehog's Dilemma?"
"The hedgehog's what?" asks a confused Misato.
"Dilemma – you see Hedgehogs have quills all over their backs which make for a great natural defense, but it also makes getting close to one another hard, because…"
"Because, they can't get near each other without being stuck by the quills" states Misato, finishing Ritsuko's thought for her.
"Exactly, so…" Ritsuko starts, wanting to see if Misato gets her point.
"So, it… um… in order to…" Misato's attempt to further explain is interrupted as her cell rings, "Katsuragi, speak."
Misato listens with great interest as a Section 2 agent fills her in on some hopeful developments. "What? Where...?" she asks, barely able to contain her excitement at his words, but does not wanting to get her hopes up if this turns into another false sighting.
"The Saotome residence..." she shouts, thinking, This is him… it has to be! Misato listens with bated breath as the Agent reconfirms his information and with a few words changes everything, "It's him… I mean her. Do we intercept?"
Misato hears him, yet doesn't, as all she can think about is that he's all right; Shinji, her Shinji, is all right. "Captain… Do we intercept the target?" the Agent shouts, trying to get confirmation from Misato.
"No, don't move. You'll spook her – I'm on my way." Misato answers, deciding that she must be the one to bring him back. She's not sure why, but it just feels right; she listens as the Agent confirms his orders, replying, "Correct, Katsuragi, out!"
Hanging up, Misato turns to face a suspecting Ritsuko, who asks, "Shinji?" despite already knowing the answer.
"Yeah, he-she's approaching the place where her uncle is staying. I'm going over there now." Misato replies, heading for the door.
"All right, but a quick question… who where those letters addressed to?" Ritsuko asks, wondering who'd Shinji contact and why.
"Oh, a Nodoka Saotome and Ukyo Kuonji… Why?" Misato answers, stopping at the entrance to Ritsuko's office.
"Just wondering... And, remember - the Hedgehog's Dilemma." Ritsuko replies with a shrug.
"Yeah, got it…!" Misato shouts, as she exits to which Ritsuko sighs, thinking, She didn't understand a word I said.
As, Misato races through the corridors of NERV, she thinks to herself… I didn't understand a thing she said.
Across Town…
Meanwhile near the Tendo Dojo, a slightly damp, more feminine Shinji approaches, thanks to a sudden shower. After wandering the city these past few days, observing the lives of its inhabitants. He's come to a not that entirely surprising conclusion – life goes on.
Despite, now, two Angel attacks the citizens continue to live their lives. People work, people cry, people love, and people hate, it's all as it should be. Of course, people have left the city, afraid of losing their lives; it would be crazy if none had. But, what about him, someone who can't leave? Can his life go on the way it has? Does he want it to? Its questions like these that have compelled him to take this excursion of his.
With these questions in mind, he approaches the place most of his family now calls home as one question rises above the rest – What awaits him when he returns to his everyday life?
So, with some hesitation she nears the front gate when suddenly she runs smack dab into a group of gossiping schoolgirls exiting the Dojo grounds.
"Oh, excuse me… This is the Tendo residence, is it not?" Shinji timidly questions the girls.
"Huh?" one of the girls responds, turning to find a petite girl of similar age with long teal hair tied into a ponytail and the brightest blue eyes she's ever seen. She's lost in them for a moment before responding, "Oh, yes, this is the dojo, but if you're looking for Shinji or Ranma their not here."
Wow, their actually looking for me! Shinji's amazement is hardly contained, as another girl speaks up.
"Yeah, or so she says… Man, that girl was rude." says Ayumi, one of four girls exiting the dojo.
"I know, like what she means he doesn't live here. Ranma does and he's his cousin." Eri, another of the girls, adds.
"Yeah, if you ask me she was acting really protective of him." states Yuka, the fourth girl in the group.
"Nah, Yuka, you don't mean…" Ayumi replies.
"Yeah, that's what I saw too, but then again she probably doesn't want to lose a potential cash cow." replies Eri.
"Now, Eri, that's mean." The girl Shinji had bumped into objects.
"I know, sorry, but she was really rude." Eri replies.
Feeling out of place amidst these four friends, Shinji decides to make a quick exit, "Um… well, anyway, thanks for your help, Miss…"
"Oh, no problem - and, it's Kagome. Nice to meet you, um…" states Kagome, smiling brightly as she realizes she doesn't know her name either.
"Shin… I mean Shi, my names Shi." Shinji, now Shi, replies
"Nice to meet you, Shi," Kagome replies with a smile.
"Come on, Kagome; let's go before it rains again." calls Ayumi, as she and the others start walking away.
"Coming, Ayumi. Anyway, see ya, Shi." Kagome says before running off to join her three friends.
"Yeah, likewise..." Shi replies, waving timidly.
With that the girl named Shi is left alone in front of the Tendo Dojo with much to think about, but there'll be time for that later. Now, she must find answers to what troubles her and hopefully some await within this residence.
Steeling her nerves she approaches the front door, all the while admiring how quaint a place it seems. Standing before the front door, she timidly knocks waiting whatever's to come from within. Little does Shi know she's about to face a very annoyed Nabiki Tendo.
"Yes, what is it?" Nabiki asks, glowering in tone.
"Oh, um… I… Shinji..." she mumbles, startled by the girl's temperament.
"For the last time, he's not here. Man, I wish you groupies would give it a break."
"Groupie?" Shi asks, lost at how that applies to her.
"Yeah, it's been three days of this; you vultures have been here constantly ever since. You know… If you really knew what they're like you wouldn't be all that interested." Nabiki states, the wear of the past few days clear for all to hear from her tone.
"Really..." Shi asks, despite not wanting to hear anymore; not at all liking how this is sounding, but can't help wanting to know what this girl thinks of her.
"Yeah, I mean - Ranma, for example, one word comes to mind – annoyingly odd. All right, that was two words, but if his cousin's half as bad… what a freak he must be." says Nabiki, oblivious to the effect her words are having on the girl before her.
"A… Freak..." mumbles Shi, struggling to maintain her composure.
"Yeah, as in a freakin' pain in the butt; anyway, what was your name?" Nabiki concludes her rant with a deep breath, as she calms down and tries to be nice to the girl.
"I – I'm…" stammers Shi, trying but not able to get the words to come out. What can she say? What can she do? She tries to speak up, to force the words to come, but her emotions are getting the better of her.
"Shinji…!" Ranma shouts, as he and Akane happen upon the scene.
With the utterance of that name, whatever calm Nabiki had gathered is shattered as she's sent asunder. She can only stare blankly at the girl standing before her, the timid stance, the ponytail, and those saddened eyes – it's all the same. And with realization hitting her with all the subtlety of an N2 mine, she takes a step back and mutters, "No… Shinji..."
The girl before her involuntarily flinches at the sound of that name, only confirming for her the stark nature of the situation. But, only a slight nod is given in response as she looks to make eye contact with Shinji.
And, in the moment that their eyes meet not a word is uttered, but Nabiki gets the message loud and clear – Am I really a freak?
But, before she can respond - before she can attempt to make it right - before she can apologize – the beautiful, teal-haired girl now confirmed to be her fiancé steps past her and politely asks Akane, "Do you have a place where I can… you know?"
"Huh, yeah, this way…?" Akane replies, gesturing towards the kitchen.
Now, left alone in the foyer with Ranma, Nabiki turns around to catch a fleeting glance of Shinji's retreating figure before unwillingly locking eyes with Ranma. And, in that moment she learns what restrained fury truly is. For while his body gives of the air of his usual care-free self, Ranma's eyes show a fury unlike anything she has and prays will never experience again.
Suddenly, before she can catch herself, her defenses drop and she looks away in shame muttering, "I didn't know."
"What did you say to him?" Ranma calmly asks his tone stern yet surprisingly gentle given the anger he'd shown only a moment ago.
"I… I was so tired of those… girls. And, I said… I… I was – Oh, God - he must hate me?" Nabiki asks, trying and failing to make sense of what accord.
"I'd say, maybe… maybe not." He replies, turning away from her.
Nabiki laughs sarcastically, "Great first impression, huh?"
"Not really. But, you better make damn sure the second one's a hell of a lot better." He states, his normal tone returned with a shrug.
Nabiki looks up at Ranma in surprise; she's amazed by this change in his usually brash personality and realizes that there is more to these two then one gathers upon first impression.
"Well, what are you waiting for…? Go apologize or something?" orders Ranma, grown impatient of the sudden silence.
"Right... Thanks, Ranma." Nabiki quietly says.
Ranma mutters something, as he starts walking away with Nabiki in tow; when there's rapid knocks at the door causing both to stop in their tracks. Exhaling deeply, Nabiki approaches the door with Ranma following close behind.
"Yes, what is it?" she asks, not even trying to hide her annoyance.
"Shinji – Is Shinji here?" Misato shouts, barging through the opened door.
Nabiki's surprised to find a grown woman standing where she expected yet more gossiping schoolgirls. She's surprised to say the least and at a lost for words, but Ranma sure isn't – "Wow, now that's a groupie!"
"What? Shinji… is Shinji here?" repeats Misato, thrown for a moment by Ranma's statement.
Nabiki surprised by the woman's pleading tone, answers, "Shinji, yeah, he's…"
"He's gone. Shinji's gone!" Akane interrupts, bursting onto the scene.
"What?" Misato, Nabiki, and Ranma shout in unison.
"He went to the bathroom to um… change? And, when I went to ask if he wanted a change of clothing, he was gone and the window was open." explains Akane, her worry surprising everyone but none more than herself.
"Damn, I got to find him!" Misato shouts, yanking out her cell and hitting her speed-dial.
"He just left. Did you see him… what? No, he's definitely gone… Fine, some lookouts you are… Whatever... Katsuragi, out..." Misato sighs in defeat, she suddenly becoming very aware of the three pairs of eyes currently burrowing a hole into the back of her head; make that two, as the third has found something of more interest further south.
"Oh, yeah, hi..." She begins, but is interrupted by a not so simple question.
"Why is he running from you?" Everyone looks to Ranma, whose eyes are now locked with Misato's, an untrusting glare being sent her way. Misato winches under his gaze, as an almost forgotten piece of information comes to Nabiki's mind.
"Katsuragi… Misato Katsuragi?" asks Nabiki, remembering details from Kensuke's expose-style investigation into Shinji.
"Huh… Oh, yeah, pleased to meet you. Wait, how do you know...?"
"Shinji's school records list you as his guardian." states Nabiki.
"Okay and how did you see those?" Misato asks, more than a little on guard, wondering about this kid's apparent connections.
"Doesn't matter... Now, I'm Nabiki Tendo – that's Akane, my sister, and he's Ranma, Shinji's cousin."
"Nice to meet you all… And, yes, I am currently Shinji's guardian. He's been on the run, you could say, for two days now. So, when I heard he was here I…"
"Why… what did you do to Shinji? He wouldn't run – it's not in his nature." Akane sternly asks voicing the sentiments felt by all three teens.
"What? I… nothing... He…" Misato quiets down, as all three bear in on her, clearly none believing a word she's saying.
"Oh, a guest and she knows Shinji how nice." a voice cues in on the intense scene.
"Kasumi…?" Nabiki replies turning to find her sister standing behind them, none sure as to when she arrived.
"Well, why don't we all sit down for a cup of tea, and Miss Katsuragi can tell us what she has and has not done to Shinji. All right, this way, please." asks Kasumi, not leaving any room for objections as she heads for the kitchen.
As, the four move to follow Kasumi into the house, the tension of a moment ago gone, a shared thought crosses their minds – How'd she do that?
Running isn't something that comes naturally to Shinji, or so he would like to believe. But, for something so unnatural he sure has been doing a lot of it lately, and it's bothering him to no end.
"Why did I run? It was just Misato… she's probably worried sick by." wonders Shinji.
"Yeah, maybe, but about what...You or her job?" a voice from behind Shinji asks.
Shinji looks back to find he's staring into the eyes of the girl named Shi.
"What do you mean? Of course, she's worried about me. She's my…"
"What... Our friend… our boss… our lover… or is she supposed to be our new mommy? I don't know about you, but I don't trust her… any woman who flaunts herself around like that is only one thing…"
"What's that?" Shinji asks, suspecting what her answer might be.
"Troubled..." Shi sullenly states.
"Troubled?" he repeats, not at all the word he was expecting but intrigued by its implication none the least.
"Yes… troubled. As, in having issues, but then again do we all not have our own issues… are we all not troubled. Some more so, then others, but troubled none the less."
"I would have to agree, I guess. Yes, we all have our quirks and foibles, but that is what makes us unique – it's also what makes us human, these flaws."
"Too true, like take yourself for example: you can't accept me… you hate me - cause of what I am. And, thus you can never love me."
Shinji's silenced by her words and their implications. Has he not accepted her, even worse could he possibly hate her and does she really want love – his love? As, he looks upon her all too familiar form, his heart reaches out to her. He watches as tears stream down her cheeks and without thinking approaches her.
"I don't hate you." He softly states, now mere inches away from her.
"Yes, you do." She replies turning away from him.
"No, I don't. In fact, I think I might…" he begins hesitantly but boldly continues.
"Liar..." she shouts, her distaste for his words made audible.
"What?" Shinji asks, surprised by her fervor.
"Don't lie to yourself – that's not possible and you know it." She says, her tone hardening as she speaks.
"Why?" he honestly asks, unsure of her words.
"Because I don't love you... Now, get out of here, you coward… you make me sick." She shouts, turning her back on him.
"But, I… wait!" he yells, grabbing the departing female by the shoulder.
"Get your hands off of me, Coward!" yells Shi, with venom unlike anything he's heard before. Pulling back, she lets him have it with a slap across the face.
"Huh, what..." Shinji shouts with a start.
"Hey, buddy? Is this your stop?" the twenty-something sitting next to Shinji asks, as he nudges him awake.
"Uh, yeah, yeah… thanks." Shinji replies quickly, scanning the bus for any sight of his female companion.
"No problem, pal." The friendly passenger replies, as Shinji makes his way down the aisle and off the bus.
Shinji watches as the bus pulls away leaving him at a canopied bus stop. As, he scans his surrounding he sighs, thinking, Man, where the hell am I?
Shrugging it off, he begins walking down a nearby trail becoming lost in the beauty of nature that surrounds him. Pausing for a moment, he looks back down the path at the bus stop and shakes his head.
"Man, what an odd dream." He says aloud, as he chalks it up to stress and lack of sleep. He decides not to ponder its deeper meanings, as its all ready begun to fade from his memory. Yet, one image remains vividly intact leaving him with a sadness he can not shake – the gloom in her eyes.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: See Profile…