Disclaimer: See Prologue
Author's Note: See Profile
"abc" - Spoken
abc - Thought
abc - Sound Effects
A Tale of Two Cursed Souls
Chapter Eleven: A Lost Boy, A Lost Soul
Part Three
From his perch high above Tokyo-3, Shinji looks down upon the city, unaware of the effect his actions are having on those who have come to know him – both good and bad, for better and worst. Sighing, he pulls his legs to his chest, as he continues to gaze down into the city, pointing out landmarks from his journey while realizing how much of the city he's traveled and how much remains to be seen.
"There's the business district and the hospital… the Tendo's place should be over there near the school. And, way over there is Misato's – wow, I had no idea how far I really am from Furinkan."
"I wonder where Rei and Father live… probably someplace near NERV. But, since NERV is underground isn't every where near NERV?"
Shinji laughs at his observation, as it seems so obvious, he can't believe he hadn't noticed it sooner. He quiets down as he feels a presence behind him and quickly jumps to his feet. Dropping into a fighting stance, he calls for whoever's there to show theirself.
In his quickness to defend himself from the unseen danger, he misjudges his footing standing to close to the edge, which suddenly gives way. Falling to what maybe his untimely demise, Shinji doesn't notice as the presence he felt makes itself known; dashing out of the surrounding forest it grabs him by the wrist stopping his descent instantly.
Looking up from his position of standing halfway on-halfway off the edge, he finds himself face to face with a young man, garbed in yellow and black. The only thing stopping him from following Shinji over the edge is what looks to be an umbrella he's dug into the cliff's edge, as an anchor.
"An umbrella… perfect, it looks like rain." Shinji says with a laugh.
"Well, we better get you back up here before it starts." the stranger replies.
"Yeah, all right, brace yourself - I'm heading over." Shinji states with a determined look on his face.
"You're what?" the stranger shouts surprised, as Shinji suddenly pushes off the cliff's side, launching himself airborne in the process. Realizing what he's trying to do, the stranger pulls Shinji towards him. The combined actions act like bungee cord, shooting Shinji up and over his head. The momentum pulls the stranger, as well, resulting with them ending up in a pile safely away from the edge.
The two boys look at each other, then back at the cliff's edge and burst into a fit of laughter, as they help each other to their feet.
"Man, that was awesome." Shinji shouts.
"Yeah, I thought you where crazy for a second there. But, once I figured out what you where doing, I just went with it."
"And, I'm glad you did otherwise…" Shinji states, as they both look back over the edge and break into a fit of nervous laughter that's silenced by the sudden crackle of thunder and lighting.
"Aw, shit! My umbrella…" The stranger shouts, as he scans the cliffs edge for it.
"You mean – this?" Shinji announces, as he steps next to the panicked boy with the umbrella in hand, opened and ready for the shower to come.
"You lifted it!" he shouts, as his shock at the sight of Shinji holding his umbrella gives way to something closer to awe.
"Um, yeah, so…?" replies Shinji, thrown by the stranger's reaction.
"Nothing, it's about to pour. I - we need to find some cover." replies the young man, looking out into the horizon.
"I passed a small hut on my way up here, it should offer enough cover." Shinji says pointing down a nearby path.
"Great, let's go!" shouts the stranger, as he breaks into a run with Shinji close behind.
Dashing down the path, Shinji's worst nightmare come true as it starts to pour; lightly at first, it quickly strengthens as the rain is carried on a windward course like arrows aiming for their hearts. Noticing the course of the wind, Shinji shouts, "Forward! Hold it, forward!"
"What?" yells the stranger, as he complies; bunching together they hold the umbrella in a slant before them.
Seeing the hut in the distance, Shinji notices a noticeable release of tension in his companion's demeanor that suddenly vanishes as he shouts, "Puddles!"
Lining the rest of the way to shelter are puddles of water and mud, thinking quickly Shinji undoes his cloak and wraps it around them both shouting, "Slide!"
Slamming the umbrella downward, they hop on it and slid the rest of the way, both boys yelling in absolute terror as they can not see where they are going. Their ride comes to an abrupt end, as they slide into the hut and are launched from their ride. Landing towards the back of the hut, both boys quickly hop to their feet.
Simultaneously, checking themselves, both realize that they made it in one piece and more importantly they're dry to the bone which causes them both to start laughing hysterically.
"Man that was close." Shinji says, looking to his companion in amazement at their success in remaining dry.
"Yeah, I hate water." the young man adds adamantly.
"I hear ya." replies Shinji, the gravity of his words match by the stranger's.
Both quiet down, as if they suddenly realized that they've both said more then they should; both begin to laugh uneasily as they search for an explanation for their shared contempt.
"Only change of clothing." Shinji announces.
"Recovering from a bad cold…" The stranger adds, looking to see if Shinji buys it. They both appear to nodding, as if agreeing not to speak of it anymore.
"Anyway, nice moves back there. Martial Artist, right?" asks Shinji, as he picks up and shakes off the umbrella they rode in on. He hands it to his companion, who gladly accepts it, saying, "Yeah, thanks. How'd you know… you a student as well?"
"Yeah, Shinji Ikari, nice to meet you." he replies, extending his hand towards the other boy.
"Same here - Ryoga Hibiki." he states, shaking Shinji's hand as a flash of lighting fills the room and the crash of thunder can be heard in the distance, causing both boys to jump and laugh at themselves once more.
"Well, it might be a while and I don't know about you, but I'm beat." says Ryoga, walking over to the back of the hut and taking a seat against the back wall.
"You're going to sleep, right here?" Shinji asks, looking out one of the hut's windows at the storm raging on outside.
"Yeah, well, when you've been on the road as long as I have, you learn to sleep whenever - wherever you can." states Ryoga, trying to get comfortable.
"You have a point. Well, here use this - I'll keep watch." Shinji agrees, handing Ryoga his slightly damp cloak.
"Thanks." Ryoga replies, balling the cloak in the corner as a pillow.
"You're… welcome?" Shinji pauses, as Ryoga passes out almost instantaneously.
"Odd fellow…" Shinji says to himself, hearing a mental barb of "Looks who's talking."
It wouldn't be long before Shinji followed his companion into unconsciousness as the storm raged on outside the small hut.
It would turn from day to night and then day again before Shinji and his new companion would awaken. Following re-introductions and a quick meal, the boys head on their way down the path to, hopefully, catch the morning bus.
"So, Ryoga, what brings you to Tokyo-3? I mean most people would avoid a place with quarterly Godzilla re-enactments?" Shinji asks, while wondering if he's the hero or villain of that analogy.
"Yeah, well, I have my reasons but I guess… fate happened to bring me to this place, my journey has been long and hard, but I'm close to bringing it to an end." replies Ryoga, sounding a little hesitant at first till the adrenaline starts flowing then he's like an open book.
"Yeah and how are you going to do that?" Shinji asks, thinking Ryoga might be able to give Ranma a run for his money in the intensity department.
"With these two hands, I will end my journey. But, first, I have to find a - Furinkan High School?" he replies, hoping he remembers the name right, as the info he got was a pain to come by.
"Furinkan…? I'm a student there, I'd be happy to show you the way." Shinji shouts, amazed by this turn of events, he hadn't planned on returning to the city yet. But, he thinks that this can't be a coincidence, maybe Ryoga's right and its fate that's brought them together.
"Really…? Man, my luck must be changing. Thanks a lot; you have no idea how much this means to Me." replies Ryoga, hoping his luck holds out.
"No problem, man. But, one question, what's at Furinkan that'll bring your journey to an end?" Shinji asks, realizing that maybe offering to take a stranger someplace without even a hint of their intentions could lead to trouble.
"In a word, my friend, vengeance… Vengeance awaits me!" says Ryoga, before stopping to laugh maniacally.
Shinji looks at his companion with weary eyes thinking, Good guy… not all there, but a good guy none the least.
"The bus stop is right around this bend." Shinji says, recapturing Ryoga's attention, as his momentary lapse of sanity comes to an end.
"All right, let's go." Ryoga shouts, taking the lead with a renewed vigor.
"Um… the bus stop is this way?" Shinji calls out to Ryoga, who had made a left and was heading back into the mountains.
"Oh, um, yeah..." Ryoga replies, with a laugh, rushing to catch up with Shinji.
Definitely not all there... thinks Shinji, as they break into a run and make it down the path, just as the bus arrives; further proof in Ryoga's eyes that his luck has taken a turn for the better.
Approaching their destination, Shinji notices that the bus ride was shorter than he remembered. Yet, it gave him ample time to learn more about his new friend. Ryoga filled him in on the cause of his journey, and how what one may call a simple bread feud exploded into an all out quest for revenge. Thanks, in no small part, to his rival's apparent lack of honor by breaking a sacred vow between men.
Listening to Ryoga's tale, Shinji could tell there was more to it than his friend was letting on, like the identity of his rival for one thing, but who was he to judge, as he had also left out some key facts as to why he was wandering the countryside; including a certain bio-humanoid fighting machine and sex-changing curse among others.
But, there was one thing they both knew to be the honest truth – they both enjoyed the others company. As, they've found in each other a kindred spirit, one who, like him, has seen and endured more in their short time on the earth than most would in a lifetime. And, they've been able to openly laugh and express themselves freely for the first time in quiet awhile.
Alas, their time together was at an end for they now stood before their destination. Shinji gestures dramatically towards the large structure, announcing, "Well, here it is… Furinkan High - The last bastion of enlightenment in this God-forsaken city."
"And, so it is here that my trials come to an end. Thank you, Ikari; my travels haven't been this enjoyable in quiet sometime." says Ryoga with a laugh, patting Shinji on the back, a sign of his gratefulness for arriving at the final destination on his trek for vengeance.
"Same here and Shinji - will do. I hope you find the ending you're looking for here." he replies, while looking at Furinkan which causes the mixed emotions bubbling beneath the surface to come breaking threw.
Shinji looks away with a scornful look on his face. Ryoga notices this but decides not to comment on it, instead saying, "I plan to, my friend, I definitely plan to."
"Well, classes don't start for a couple of hours… are you sure you're going to be cool till then?" Shinji asks, having successfully regained his control of his emotions.
"Yeah, I'll go wait in the school yard, he's bound to show up sooner or later." Ryoga replies with a shrug.
"All right, well, it was nice meeting you, Ryoga." Shinji says, shaking Ryoga's hand.
"Likewise, Shinji, I'm sure the answers you're looking for are out there somewhere and that our paths will cross again someday." Ryoga states firmly, hoping that his words hold true.
"Me too… Well, later." Shinji replies, seeing Ryoga off as he enters the Furinkan schoolyard.
Once, Ryoga is out of sight Shinji releases a heavy sigh, thinking, His trails maybe coming to an end, but mine are just beginning.
Shinji laughs bitterly, as he turns to head on his way, not really sure where he's headed, but hopefully someplace where answers await.
Turning the corner to Furinkan, Nabiki finds herself mere feet from the last person she expected to run into, given the current set of circumstances.
"Shinji?" she shouts, without thinking of the consequences. She feels slightly panicked as he stops mid-stride and slowly turns to face her.
"Damn!" he mutters, as he hears a familiar voice breathlessly call out his name.
Now, face to face, neither seems to know what to say, as an uncomfortable silence surrounds them. The crisp morning breeze blows threw their hair as Shinji brushes aside a few loose strands from his face, Nabiki breaks the silence as she clears her throat and takes a few hesitant steps towards Shinji, "I'm sorry."
It's said so suddenly, so quietly, that Shinji loses track of it, amidst the cool breeze, forcing him to ask her to repeat herself. Nabiki fidgets for a moment before repeating, "I'm sorry, Shinji."
Hearing her fully this time, Shinji smiles at her, but she can tell before he even says a word that there is no joy behind that smile – no happiness to be seen. So, she's not surprised in the least by what she hears next.
"Thanks, but you have nothing to be sorry for. You where only speaking your mind and to be honest most of it holds true."
"No, Shinji, I'm really sorry. You… I was wrong. There's no truth in what I said. Well, Ranma, maybe… but, you…"
She pauses, as she hears something not completely foreign to her, but in its current incarnation it might as well be; she hears laughter – Shinji's laughter. She can't help but smile at the sight before her; she can't help but think how innocent it all seems. But, her smile would vanish in an instant as Shinji's laughter is suddenly silenced and replaced by a disgusted groan.
"Shinji Ikari?" an authoritative voice asks.
Nabiki looks all around to find themselves surround by about a dozen or so black suited men. She locks in on the one who had spoken as he approaches Shinji, who has not taken his eyes off her.
"Yes." Shinji replies, glancing over his shoulder at the agent he assumes to be the squad leader.
"You are required to return with us in accordance with clause eight of the public security act. We are to escort you back to headquarters where you will be put into custody until further notice. Do you understand?"
"Fully..." Shinji answers, looking away from the agent to Nabiki with that joyless smile once more upon his lips.
"Sorry, about this, Miss Tendo." he says, his voice lacking any emotion whatsoever.
He politely nods before turning away from her as the squad leader motions for him to follow. Nabiki watches as the squad begins to disburse with Shinji close behind, and she quickly comes to realize the full impact of what was said.
"Wait – Shinji!" Nabiki yells, taking a solitary step before being grab by an agent she didn't even realize was still behind her.
"Hey, what are you… that hurts! Let…" Nabiki protests, as she struggles to shake him off.
But, before she can even finish protesting she finds that she's guard by Shinji. As, in the blink of an eye, he runs over and knocks the agent away from her with a single blow to the chest that sends the agent sprawling to the ground.
The remaining agents stand on guard despite knowing in no uncertain terms, from their mission briefing, that there's not a man among them that could hope to take him, and they would be right in the assumption that Shinji knows it too.
"Hands off… Now, is that any way to treat a lady?" Shinji asks, keeping his sights squarely on the fallen agent, while tracking the movement of every agent in the vicinity.
Smiling or maybe smirking, Nabiki can't tell which, Shinji walks over and extends a hand to the agent which he hesitantly accepts.
"Sorry about that – but, I won't allow any harm to befall my friends, understand?" Shinji states, while giving the agent's hand a vice-like squeeze to help stress his point, as he helps him to his feet.
"Ye… Yes, completely…" replies the agent, nodding vigorously as he checks his now freed hand.
Turning back towards Nabiki, Shinji smiles, with what for him could be considered brightly, while walking towards the squad leader, saying, "I agreed to return with you… Please, Sir, let me see Miss Tendo on her way."
His answer is a simple nod of the head, as he motions for the entire squad to fall back. He's the only one to remain in plain sight, but Shinji is not foolish enough to believe they're truly gone.
Coming to a stop before Nabiki, Shinji bows slightly while muttering an apology to which Nabiki simply replies, "No problem?"
"But, it is a problem. He laid a hand on you because you where with me. I'm sorry; I seem to do nothing – but, cause you trouble." he replies, looking Nabiki straight in the eye with an intensity that captivates her, leaving her unable to look away.
"That's not…" she begins to object, but Shinji cuts her off, "Miss Tendo, I'm…"
"Nabiki…" She says, returning the favor, cutting him off mid-apology.
"Huh?" Shinji replies, a slight blush on his cheeks at the sight of the playful smile resting upon her lips.
"My name's Nabiki, remember? Call me, Nabiki." she says, laughing as she thinks that she must be surrounded by the politest kids in Japan.
"Oh, sorry… Nabiki…?" he hesitantly replies, finding the sound of her name on his tongue foreign yet welcomed.
"And, stop apologizing – you haven't done anything wrong. Not a damn thing, got it?" Nabiki yells frustrated by his insistent apologizing. He makes it hard for anyone to admit they're wrong as he insists on thinking that everything is on some part his fault.
"Sorry… I mean…" Shinji's cut off, as the agent coughs loudly finally injecting himself into a conversation that appears to be going nowhere.
"It's time we are on our way." the agent announces, sounding surprisingly gentle.
"Understood, Nabiki, um…" Shinji says hesitantly, not sure what he should say as Nabiki cuts in with a nod and an understanding smile, saying "Sorry…?" with a sullen laugh.
"Yeah…" he replies with a smile that matches Nabiki's exactly, a smile that says – I know how you feel.
"Shinji, I…" Nabiki begins to say, not wanting to let her time with him end in such a way, but Shinji shakes his head, saying, "I got to go, um, later?"
"Yeah… later." she replies, standing there watching as they leave and curses herself for her lack of tact. She wonders why she can't just say she's sorry and feel like she means it, or why she can't get through an entire conversation with him without feeling guilty.
As, she ponders this, she remembers some unwanted advice Kasumi had given her after Misato left the dojo – When you finally see Shinji, remember to be honest with him, but more importantly, be honest with yourself.
"Stupid! God, I'm so stupid. Honesty… I have to be honest." she shouts, shaking her head as she heads for school, thinking, Wait till everyone hears about this…
Unknown Hours Later…
Sitting alone amidst the darkness of his holding cell deep within the bowels of NERV, Shinji can't help but wonder if he was able to find any of the answers he was looking for during his excursion.
Looking back on all the people he meet, the things he saw, and the friends he made, he truly believes he has at least found the answer to one of his questions. Question, now, is – is it the answer he was looking for.
As, he continues to go over what he had hoped to learn, and what he has learned, the door to his cell is suddenly opened. Light floods the room, squinting as his eyes adjust to the sudden brightness. He's not at all surprised to see a very familiar figure standing in the doorway, not at all looking pleased.
"Captain Katsuragi?" he says with all the formality of someone who is addressing and superior officer.
"Well, now that you've had four days to think, have you reached some sort of a conclusion?" asks Misato, hoping he, at least, reached one as she is as lost as ever. She hopes this conversation will help her reach one of her own.
"Yes… No… I believe so." Shinji replies, not sounding at all sure of himself, the certainty of a moment ago lost in Misato's presence.
"And…" Misato begins, letting the word fill the cell, knowing she doesn't even have to voice her question, as he'll understand.
"And… will I pilot the Eva?" Shinji says, voicing her unspoken question; just as she knew he would.
"Well, will you?" she asks, deciding – no – knowing that his answer will be the conclusion she's been looking for since he left.
The resolve with which he answers her is steadfast, but is his answer true of how he really feels. His answer throws Misato, it is too vague, too general an answer, she needs for him to elaborate more if it's going to determine her next course of action.
"And, is it because you want to be an Eva pilot or not?" she asks, studying his reactions as he hesitates for a moment; it's only a moment, but it's enough for her to get her answer. Misato has reached her conclusion and she knows that it's for the best, after seeing the hesitation in his eyes while trying to find an answer.
Finding his answer after deciding that honesty is always the best choice, Shinji begins to explain himself, " Honestly, no, I'd rather not pilot it, but it's not fair to Rei or the people living in this…"
"Oh, cut the crap!" Misato shouts, silencing him instantly, tired of - what exactly - even she isn't sure.
"What?" he asks, not believing what he's hearing. He sees the anger in her eyes, but he can't fathom what could cause such a reaction.
"Drop the whole noble warrior act – Okay! For someone who acts so all together, you're quiet insecure. And, someone as insecure as you, will only wind up being a burden for us and eventually dead." Misato speaks without thinking, letting her emotions get the better of her, as she tells him exactly what she thinks.
"But, Rei and the others…" Shinji counters, still not believing what he's hearing, but not able to fully disagree either.
"I'll have the commander undo the engagement, so don't feel like you're obligated to remain here." she says, cutting him off, not wanting to hear anymore as her mind is made up.
"But, I…" he says trying to get through to her, but she cuts his off again, saying, "Yes, it hurts to lose a pilot but we'll just rewrite Unit 01 for Rei." It's said as if read from a script, so bluntly, so factually, that Misato can't believe it came from her lips.
"But, you can't… What will…?" Shinji shouts, his resolve weakened but holding firm while Misato seems to be wavering; as the hurt and panic in his eyes is crushing hers.
Realizing that she must end this before she folds to the pleading tone in his voice, she pushes onward telling him exactly why it must be this way, "I'm sorry for asking so much of you… It was simply too much, too much of a burden to put upon you. Go back to your Uncle's and forget about Eva, forget about us, and go back to your old life."
Shinji stares at her blankly, not believing a word of what he's hearing. After everything that's happened is it really as simple as saying 'Our mistake, forget everything that's happened and just go home.' He can't believe that – won't believe that; his jumbled thoughts are focused, as Misato turns way from him and begins exiting.
"Misato…?" he yells, jumping to his feet and giving chase as she steps out of the room.
"Goodbye…" Misato says, as she looks back at him once more before looking away, trying to avoid the hurt in his eyes.
"Wait!" he yells, reaching the door as it closes, separating him from his now former guardian.
"Shinji..." Misato finishes, as the door shuts with her on the other side. Staring at the now shut cell, Misato reconfirms with herself that this is what's best for her - Shinji - everybody. Walking away, she continues to reconfirm her actions thinking, This is for the best… right?
A Short Time Later…
"Understood, yes, it'll be approved." a voice void of emotion states.
Gendo Ikari sits within his massive office with Fuyutsuki and Rei standing before him, having just received Misato's report on Shinji's status; he looks to Fuyutsuki, who steps forward asking, "So, what does Captain Katsuragi have to report?"
"Apparently, the Third Child has decided to severe all ties with NERV. He's scheduled to leave by train in the morning."
"He won't remain in the city with your brother?" Fuyutsuki asks, surprised by this turn of events.
"No, he's decided to return to that woman." Gendo answers, not succeeding or really trying to hide his disdain for Nodoka Saotome.
"And, what of his engagement to Rei… Will it be called off?" asks Fuyutsuki, his amusement with this situation barely in check.
"Now, I don't see why that would be necessary. Don't you agree, Rei?" Gendo asks, glancing at the First Child.
"Sir…?" Rei replies, the unsure tone of her reply catches Fuyutsuki's attention.
"Now, Rei, should it be you don't know or that you couldn't care one way or the other?" Fuyutsuki asks, looking to see if she'll react outside her usual range of emotion of zip and none. He is admittedly intrigued when Rei looks up at him with a reproving look, as if she is collecting her thoughts on the subject. But, before an answer can be given she looks away from him, looking back at the Commander, politely saying, "Excuse me, but it is late, and I have tests in the morning."
"Understood, you're dismissed." Gendo replies.
"Sir, Sub-commander." She replies, looking to each man before making her exit.
Fuyutsuki turns back to Gendo, upon Rei's exit, to find an amused, well amused in his case, look upon his face.
"Did she just avoid answering my question?" Fuyutsuki asks, laughing at how surreal what just toke place is.
"It appears so." Gendo replies, amusement heard in his voice.
At Gendo's response, Fuyutsuki chuckles, surprised to realize how long it's been since he's had this good a laugh. Finding Fuyutsuki's reaction amusing, an honest to God smile graces Gendo's lips.
This serves to instantly silence Fuyutsuki as he's thrown by the sight of such an odd occurrence. His shock only amuses Gendo even more, causing Fuyutsuki to clear his throat to compose himself.
"Anyway, about Pilot Ikari… you don't expect him to board that train, do you?" states Fuyutsuki, already suspecting what the answer is. Gendo doesn't respond, but his expression or lack there of is all the answer he needs.
"I see. Well, if you'll excuse me, Commander." says Fuyutsuki, following it with a knowing smirk that surprises Gendo, as it seems so out of character for the Professor that it's comical.
Following Fuyutsuki's exit, a sound as shocking as it is frightening is heard – the laughter of one, Gendo Ikari.
School had been to say the least an interesting affair. Following what happened with Shinji and what Kensuke identified as NERV Security and Intelligence, otherwise known as Section 2, Nabiki informed the others of what accord. After that everyone appeared to be in dour spirits, as they all seemed to be concerned with the fate of the noble Ikari, as Kuno had so poetically put it.
Everyone has their own way of handling their worries; Nabiki for example, refuses to think about it and in doing so could think of nothing else. Not that returning home to find an answering machine full of messages concerning Shinji and Ranma helps at all. Erasing them all, she heads upstairs to take a hot bath hoping that will help clear her head.
Which seemed like a good idea, but in the end she could only wonder about Shinji's fate and what she should say to him next time they meet. As, images of his joyless smile gave way to startling fantasies involving a towel clad Shinji, offering to scrub her worries away. Quickly, Nabiki decides she's soaked long enough, thinking, Wow, the heat must be getting to me.
Emerging from the bath, Nabiki heads for her room when she hears the phone ring. Yelling for someone to get that, but receiving no reply, she huffs in frustration as she makes her way downstairs to the phone.
"Fine, I'll get it." she shouts, as she answers the phone, just as the answering machine was picking up.
"Hello, Tendo residence." Nabiki says, slipping into the familiar skin of her Ice Queen persona.
"Genma Saotome. I need to speak with him." a man states, the sound of his voice filling Nabiki with an overwhelming sense of dread. She can't explain it but she definitely wants to get off the line with this man as quickly as possible.
"Sorry, he's not here. Can I take a message?" she quickly replies, but the man doesn't respond in kind.
As seconds that fell like minutes pass, Nabiki can't help but get antsy, thinking, What's taking him… a simple yes or no, will do. Just as she's about to voice her displeasure, the man speaks, "Fine. Tell him, Gendo called about the boy. Tell him…"
"Gendo… wait, aren't you Shinji's dad?" Nabiki shouts, cutting him off. She doesn't give him time to answer before bombarding him with questions, "Boy…? You mean Shinji, right? What about him… Is he, all right?"
Nabiki quiets down realizing that she's rambling, but again Gendo doesn't respond letting an uneasy silence fill the line. "Hello… you there?" Nabiki asks, hoping he didn't hang up on her.
"Child, what is your name? Gendo asks, a slit hint of amusement in his voice.
"Nabiki… Nabiki Tendo, sir." she replies, surprised by the reverence in her tone.
"Tendo, I see." he replies, pausing momentarily before asking, "Miss Tendo, what is your intent towards Pilot Ikari?"
"What…?" she asks, neither expecting nor sure how to reply to such a question.
"I'll say it another way… what do you want from Pilot Ikari?" asks Gendo, his tone unreadable, not a hint of his intentions to be found.
"I – I don't know, sir." she replies honestly, hoping he accepts it as such. Again left hanging, Nabiki wonders if there's possibly anything Shinji could want from someone like her.
"Well, child, I insist you find an answer before proceeding any further." Gendo states, leaving Nabiki even more concerned as to what she should do or feel towards Shinji. With Nabiki lost in thought, Gendo continues speaking, "Now, if there won't be any further interruptions… tell Genma, Pilot Ikari has opted to part ways with NERV and will be leaving by train in the morning. That is all."
"What… leaving! Sorry, yes… understood." Nabiki replies, even though Gendo is long gone.
Finally, she hangs up the phone as shock gives way to a surreal sense of reality. To believe that Shinji would quit piloting, then just up and leave the city seemed unthinkable. Yet, that's exactly what was going to happen, and Nabiki can't help but believe that she played no small part in this outcome. Running up to her room with one goal in mind, she doesn't notice that the answering machine now has one message saved on it.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: See Profile…