TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 18
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – NOTES
This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final two movies / episodes and Touji never lost his limbs during this activation test. Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile. Big thank you and applause to NateGold who edited.
"…" Normal speech
'…' Thoughts
(…) Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean…)
KEEL RESIDENCE
"Please sit down, Lorenzo. I'd offer you some tea, but given the circumstances…"
The gun Yui was pointing at him waved casually towards a large armchair. A pair of metallic objects was tossed to him, which he caught reflexively. The objects in question were a pair of handcuffs.
"Put them on, one end to the chair arm, please."
"I never refuse a lady with a gun…although your taste in jewellery, particularly bracelets is appalling." Keel was showing a remarkable amount of patience. Had it been anyone else, they would have found themselves painfully disposed of by a press on any one of a number of concealed switches. Yui and her children, however, were essential to scenarios being uncovered in the scrolls and must be handled with a delicate touch. Also a number of odd events had occurred. Perhaps she could give him some inkling of what was going on.
After clicking the cuffs into place, he sat back. "Now, what can I do for you, Vice Commander?"
In response, a wafer of plastic and circuitry was tossed casually onto the table in front of him.
"I found this in Shinji's jacket pocket. Care to explain what he was doing with it?"
"I would love to, but I'm not a psychic. I frankly have no idea what you're talking about."
"It's a level six security clearance. No one, including Fuyutsuki has the authority to issue one. Only the upper echelons of SEELE can do so. The validation codes point to you as the issuer." Yui concluded her tone icy.
A number of puzzle pieces suddenly clicked into place. Before he could explain, there was the sound of a car parking, followed by closing doors. Yui whirled, pointing the gun towards the door.
"We'll continue this in a moment, Lorenzo. First I have to attend to some unexpected company."
NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMAND BRIDGE
EVA Unit One reached the surface of the Geo-front and made a dash in the direction of the hospital unit. Once there, it crouched, hands clenched into fists, and eyes pulsating with a brilliant light. A short distance away, Unit 02 stood, poised to stop the seemingly berserk purple unit. Inside the entry plug, Asuka tensed. She had no illusions about her chances of taking out Shinji's unit; the Berserker was nearly unstoppable. She had to chance it, though. She'd be damned if she'd let her Shinji be hurt by his own EVA. The situation was taken abruptly out of her hands.
"Energy spike from Unit One detected…another. HOLY…!" Kensuke's exclamation never finished, as a blinding light flared from the EVA, causing the screen to dim dramatically. When sight returned, it showed the EVA standing fully erect, motionless.
"Unit one…has shut down! S2 engine power output at minimal levels. It's over!"
The staff in the command centre finally let out a collective sigh of relief at the news that the purple behemoth had deactivated itself. Maya broke the silence by issuing orders.
"Start a damage assessment. I'll need a full report made up and ready for the Commanders and Dr. Akagi. Bring Unit One in via retrieval shaft 3 and placed under maximum restraints." A communications window popped up on the monitor, showing Asuka, irritation showing clearly on her face
(Would someone mind telling me vas der Teufel just happened?)
The senior bridge officer sighed, rubbing her temples wearily. "I wish we knew, Asuka. The alert's been cancelled, though. You can stand down now."
(Gott sie dank. I hear a shower calling my name! Sohryu, out.)
The shower was not the only thing on her mind though. Paramount was the condition of a man who she had only first allowed herself to show feelings for.
"Shinji…"
NERV HEADQUARTERS – HOSPITAL CONTAMINATION AREA
The monitors, which only moments before had gone silent now chattered back to furious life. It was an impossibility, no, a miracle! Only moments before, Shinji Ikari had been declared dead, his body hanging lifelessly amidst the web of wires and tubing meant to keep him alive. Now, here he was, wracking coughs coming from much abused lungs as they tried to resume normal function. Weakly he tried to pull off the sensors attached to his body, only to be restrained by the medical team lest he injure himself further.
"Shinji…" Misato whispered under her breath as tears of joy welled up replacing those of sadness and anger. She bolted towards the young man, screaming his name only to be brought up short by Ritsuko
"What the hell do you think you're doing? He's still seriously injured! You've got to stand back and let us do our jobs!"
"Why? So you can let him die again? To hell with that idea!" She ripped herself free from Ritsuko's grasp, moving to gently embrace Shinji.
"Someone… Someone was crying…" Shinji rasped out between coughs. Only Misato could hear his words as she pulled back from the hug. He slowly reached up, touching her face. "Tears…"
"I'm so glad you're awake. You had everyone really worried."
"Mother… Rei…?" he asked, attempting to stand on shaky legs. Misato gently pushed him back onto a bed.
"Yui has gone home to rest up and get things ready for you" She began fixing his sheets. "Rei, Mana and Aya are clothes shopping for you."
"Shopping? Why…am I not…surprised?" The wry comment, weak as it was, still elicited a chuckle from Misato.
"Hush, you need to rest. They'll be back soon." Misato brushed a few stray bangs away from his face.
"Misato, we have to let the medical team do their thing now." Ritsuko said walking to her side. "We have no idea just what happened, so it's best if you let us take him for further testing."
"I'll allow the team to help Shinji on the condition that the Vice Commander or I are in the room at the same time." Ritsuko was about to protest when Misato continued. "I have tactical command of the Evangelions and their pilots are my responsibility. That's final, Doctor."
"I just love it when you talk that way. I've always admired assertive women." Heads turned to face Kaji, who leaned against the doorframe. "But that's going to have to wait. We have a situation, and I need Shinji's help…"
TOKYO 3 – SHOPPING DISTRICT
'The French had it right; the more things change, the more they remain the same.'
This was Aya's thought as she and her two young companions made their way through the shopping district. Many of the stores she had frequented while living in Tokyo 3 were still open for business. She was sure that most would have given up and relocated because of the Angels. Her thoughts soon turned towards the bar she ran.
"That's right! I'd better ring George and check on things." She turned to her companions. "Tell you what, why don't you grab a snack at the food court. I'll meet you girls in front of that store in a few minutes." She pointed to one of the larger fashion shops where a constant stream of teens and young adults flowed in and out.
They nodded and made their way into the food court, where they took a table after purchasing some goyoza and soft drinks.
"So what do you think would look good on Shinji?" Mana asked trying to make conversation.
"Bright, extravagant colours do not suit him," Rei replied. "Also, nothing too risqué."
"But that's so boring…" the newest pilot complained. Rummaging through one of the bags holding their purchases, she pulled out two items. "Look, which would you prefer to see Shinji wear?" Mana held up a loose plain white t-shirt in one hand and a tight fitting sleeveless muscle singlet in the other. Rei carefully looked at each garment and mentally sighed.
"Perhaps we could find a happy medium."
"Ha! I knew that you would see things my way." The green eyed girl carelessly stuffed the shirts back in the bag. When she raised her head, she started violently as she found Rei's face inches from her own. She hadn't even seen her move.
"Pilot Kirishima, what are you intentions towards my brother?" Rei asked her crimson eyes boring into Mana's.
"My intentions?" she asked. "I thought that it was obvious." The youngest and newest member of the Ikari family continued to stare, in a most unnerving fashion before finally speaking again.
"I wish only to see him happy, and I will protect him from all that might threaten that happiness."
"Crap! I'm beginning to get sick of this 'Protect Shinji' business. He's a man, not a goddamn piece of glass! Don't you think he's old enough to handle things, to make his own choices?"
Rei's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You misunderstand me, Kirishima. For most of our time during the original Angel wars, both I and my brother suffered, Shinji most of all. We were regarded as tools to be used and discarded when that usefulness was deemed over. I will not see that happen again. Many have sought to increase their status via association with him. Now, I must ask you…do you seek his love, or do you merely seek to gain a trophy via a quick 'roll in the hay'? Consider carefully, Kirishima." Then, before a flabbergasted Mana could say another word, Rei had moved on, walking towards the Rendezvous point.
As the standoff between Rei and Mana began, Aya was outside at one of the pay phone booths. She impatiently tapped her phone card against the metal plating of the phone as the ringing went on and on, unanswered.
'He better not be drunk off his arse! When I get back, I'm going to make him sorry that he ever set foot into my bar!"
TOYKO 3 - CITY STREET
Kaji was driving as fast as he could without causing any discomfort for Shinji who was seated in the back of the SUV, supported by Misato and Ritsuko. Against her better judgement and only at the insistence of both Kaji and Shinji, Ritsuko had administered experimental adrenalin shot developed for military use. It would boost his awareness and energy levels while masking the weakness produced by his injuries. The down side was the excessive drain on Shinji's already low physical resources, and side effects which included possible heart attack, among others. As a result, Ritsuko was constantly checking his vitals, prepared for the worst. Misato, in the meantime played mother hen.
"Kaji, you're driving much too recklessly! Can't you be more careful?"
'I'm driving recklessly? And this coming from someone who acts like crowded roads are her own high-speed test track!' These were Kaji's amused thoughts, but aloud…
"I'm trying dearest Mi-Chan but I'm afraid that if we get there too late…"
"Misato does have a valid point." Ritsuko said, looking up from her latest check on Shinji's readings.
"It's alright, Kaji." Shinji spoke up. "It's partly my fault anyway." Misato looked at him, sadness and concern reflected in her brown eyes. 'Why do you always have to put yourself down? None of this is your fault.' she thought sadly.
"Shinji, you should really be isolated after what happen to you. We're taking a big chance here…"
"Ah, ease up on him Ritz-Chan. The lad is as tough as they come." Kaji joked looking in the rear view mirror again. "By the way Shinji, you should clean yourself up a bit before we see the Vice Commander." He tapped the side of his mouth.
Shinji slowly wiped the area on his face that Kaji pointed out with the back of his hand. He groaned when he saw the reddish stuff that was smeared there. "Someone, please tell me this isn't what I think it is."
"I think I'll let the Major answer that one." The Section Two agent said with a smirk. Ritsuko was also beginning to smile as a deep blush began to appear on Misato's features.
"It's not what you think! You weren't breathing …I had to give you mouth to mouth and…" Misato struggled for an explanation, her predicament causing Kaji and Ritsuko to begin laughing aloud. "Shut up you two!"
"Well, I'm glad one of us had a good time. Not really my colour, though." Shinji shot a reproachful glare Misato's way, and then shook his head.
"How much further Kaji?"
"Just around the corner." The laughing stopped.
"What will SEELE do if they get there before us?" The Head of Section Two didn't know how to answer Shinji's question and was asked another. "Do you have a spare gun?" His request shocked both Misato and Ritsuko. Eventually, Kaji reached over to the glove box and pulled out a NERV issued glock.
"One's already in the chamber and the safety is on."
"What are you doing! There's no reason for Shinji to have a gun!" exclaimed Misato who watched, stunned as Shinji ejected the clip, checked the magazine then slid it back into the gun exhibiting a sure knowledge of firearms.
"Misato…" She looked up at him. "I'm not that little weakling that lived with you all those years ago." She started to protest but he interrupted her. "I'll explain everything when we get back."
"Alright but you stay right besides me." He nodded. "And I never ever thought you were a weakling." The car pulled to a stop.
"We're here." Kaji exited the SUV first, leaving Misato and Ritsuko to assist Shinji. "Looks like we got here first." He surveyed the front of the house.
"But that doesn't mean they haven't arrived." said Ritsuko.
"Hmmm… I'll go first; the rest of you stay close behind." He walked ahead with his side arm drawn and ready. Shinji slung each arm over Misato's and Ritsuko's shoulders for support and they followed Kaji towards the house. He reached the front door, slowly pushing it. The squeaky hinges alerted Yui and she instinctively fired a bullet through the thin wood. Kaji reacted by kicking the door shut and backing up beside the door frame.
"Vice commander! Hold your fire!"
"This doesn't concern you Kaji! You have no business being here!" she shouted from the inside of the house.
"That's no way to thank someone who brought you a present. There is someone here I think you should meet." Another bullet tore through the door, small shards of wood flying in all directions. "I always knew that that your mother was the fiery type, Shinji"
"This is no time for cutesy comments!" the man's casual demeanour annoyed Misato. "Yui! It's Misato! I have Shinji!" It was some time before Yui replied.
"It can't be! That's impossible." The mere mention of her son's name caused hesitation in her actions.
"Don't shoot. We're coming in." Misato announced as they slowly swung the door open revealing Shinji being supported by the NERV major and head scientist.
"SHINJI!" Yui immediately dropped her gun and ran towards him. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the door way, silhouetting their forms.
"Everyone get down!" someone shouted. Everything was happening so quickly, Yui thought it might have been Kaji's voice. She then watched the shadows shift and change as two people were pushed to the ground. The sound of machine gun fire shattered the night, bullets beating a lethal staccato against the house. Yui watched, horrified as the remaining figure slowly collapsed to the ground.
FOUR WEEKS LATER
The sound of distant voices in quiet conversation was the first thing he heard. His eyes opened and slowly focused. "Another unfamiliar ceiling…" Shinji croaked.
'Why does this always happen to me?' Seeing a pitcher and cup near him, he took a deep drink easing his dry throat. He looked around the room, taking in his surroundings.
'Definitely not a hospital room.' The area around him was very spacious, complete with carpet, study desk with laptop and a built in wardrobe. An entertainment unit sat against one wall, with television, DVD player and game console. The paint was a warm cream colour, recessed lights giving off a feeling of warmth and comfort. He was lying in a western style bed, a pair of messy futons nearby. Off to the side was a highly advanced portable surgical centre, which showed signs of recent and frequent use. All this was relegated to the back of his mind, as he caught sight of an old and dear friend.
In the corner was his cello. He stood up, hesitant at first, but gaining confidence when he didn't collapse immediately. Bracing himself by holding onto the furniture, he made his way over and took hold of the instrument for the first time in years. Almost reverently, he ran his hands over the wood, old but polished to a high gloss. He plucked at the strings, adjusting the knobs and tuning by ear. Placing the bow to the strings, he thought momentarily about what piece he should perform, but ultimately decided to improvise. Soon he became oblivious to the outside world, lost in the thrall of his music.
Yui, Rei, Asuka and Hikari were in the kitchen when the first mellow notes began emanating from Shinji's room. Soon, they too were caught up in the melody. The song seemed to encompass the full spectrum of human emotions, one moment dragging them down in hellish despair, then lifting them in triumph up to the heavens.
No one who heard it could remain unmoved. Yui sat transfixed, tears running down her face; she knew of his music from his memories in Unit One, but to actually hear it for the first time…! She felt exalted, no; transcendent would be the better term. For Asuka, it brought back memories of their days together rooming with Misato. She remembered the first time she heard him play, and recalled their very first kiss. For Hikari, it was a revelation; suddenly a door had been opened affording her a rare and precious glimpse at the soul of the shy and enigmatic pilot. And for Rei, it was easily summed up; her brother had finally, truly returned. All too soon, reality intruded, as Hikari remembered the physical condition of the musician, and ran to his room, tearing open the door.
"Shinji! What are you doing!" Hikari yelled from the doorway. "You shouldn't be sitting up!" She hurried towards him trying to get him to lie back down onto the bed.
"Really Hikari, I'm fine." He tried to stop her fussing. "Just where am I, anyway?"
"You're home… where you belong…" A familiar voice said softy. Shinji looked around Hikari to see his mother standing in the middle of the room. "Oh Shinji…" she cried rushing to his side. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…" Yui hugged him around the waist and cried into his shoulder. Hikari, sensing that they needed some time alone, shooed the other girls away and closed the door
"Please forgive me, Shinji." Yui's weeping had intensified. "It's my fault… It's because of me that you got hurt… It's because of me that you nearly died!"
He started to ask what had happened, when it occurred to him that she wasn't in any condition to answer his questions. He decided to let them go for the moment and just put his arms around his sobbing mother, continuing to hold her until the tears subsided. He then posed his questions.
"Mom, please, just tell me what happened. Where are we, anyway?"
"We can talk about that later." She began wiping the tears from her face. "You must be hungry. It's about dinner time. Do you want me to have Hikari bring you something?"
"I think I can manage." He attempted to get up again.
"You're staying put until I tell you otherwise." Hikari marched back into the room, wheeling a tray which held a simple bowl of Miso soup with rice, green tea and fruit gelatine. She watched as Yui gleefully spoon fed a thoroughly embarrassed EVA pilot. But after a few mouthfuls he stopped eating and spoke up.
"I remember going somewhere… You and Kaji were there. Something happen with a bright light and then nothing…"
Yui placed the spoon full of food back into the bowl. "You were shot several times…" her tears threaten to spill again and Hikari thought it would be best to answer.
"You were in surgery for over twelve hours. It was lucky that we had your blood and plasma packs from you infection already out. Otherwise it would have been a different story…" Shinji checked his chest and back and found a number of bandaged patches over certain parts.
"It doesn't hurt…"
"You've been asleep for almost a month. The majority of your injuries have heal and rather quickly." He looked towards the pile of messy blankets and futons on the floor.
"You've been watching over me."
"We all have." His mother spoke up. "Everyone was really worried."
"I'm sorry for making everyone worry." Yui shook her head.
"You have nothing to apologies for." She picked the spoon again. "Now eat. You need to regain your strength." Contempt with the answers so far Shinji continue to eat as much as his body would accept.
When he was finished, Yui moved the tray and Hikari skilfully, so much so that he never noticed, injected him with a sedative ensuring that he wouldn't be getting out of bed by himself tonight. After that, mother adjusted the covers over her sleeping son, Hikari dimmed the lights, and gently closed the door.
TWO NIGHTS LATER: IKARI RESIDENCE.
"I can't believe it!" she said excitedly. "This is going to be our first dinner as a family together in our new home!" Yui gushed, pushing her troubled thoughts to the back of her mind momentarily.
'New home? What did she mean by that?' He sniffed the air, detecting a delicious aroma which caused his stomach to rumble very loudly. Much to his annoyance, he was not allowed to walk, instead being pushed in a wheelchair by his mother.
When Shinji entered the room he was greeted with the sight of his former 2A class mates seated at an oversized rectangular dining table capable of accommodating at least twelve people. Aya was busily running back and forth from the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on tonight's meal. Meanwhile, Rei was dishing out equal portions of rice in everyone's bowl. She stopped momentarily, going over to Shinji and giving him a strong hug. "Welcome back, Onii-san."
Touji and Kensuke also rose from their seats to greet him, and helped him to his place at the table.
"Hey, Katsuragi!" Aya called out from the kitchen. "Make yourself useful and give me a hand with these trays."
"All right," She yelled back. "But I get to sit next to Shinji." She placed her hand on his head, ruffling his long locks before leaving the room. Yui and Rei went to help as well, while Touji and Kensuke repaired to their seats directly opposite him. This left Shinji alone on one side of the table, a fact quickly picked up on by Asuka and Mana, who scrambled into seats on either side of him.
"Make way everyone!" Misato picked this moment to return, carrying trays loaded with scrumptious looking food. She pulled up short, outraged by the alteration in her plans for a seating arrangement.
"What the hell is this?" She shouted. Asuka's reply was short and very succinct.
"You snooze; you lose." Remarkably, Mana backed her up; this would be the first, and most likely the last time they would agree on anything, a fact noted by the stooges.
"Whoa," Kensuke led off. "Did Hell just freeze over or something?"
"Yeah, that's gotta be it. I mean, the "Battling babes" agreeing on anything? And here I thought miracles never happened!" The insults never got a chance to really start, being abruptly curbed by a sharp crack to both noggins by Hikari.
"Let's just sit and enjoy this meal. We didn't cook all this just to have it spoiled by petty squabbles." Aya interjected and placed her tray on the table.
"I agree." Yui added. "Let just enjoy this." She took her place at the head of the table and started the feast with the traditional "Itadakimasu!" Everyone began eating except for Shinji who was still trying to sort out exactly what had happened. His mother noticed this and asked "What's the matter?"
Before he could answer, a soup spoon filled with some broth was placed in front of his lips. "I've cooled it down." Mana said. At the risk of being impolite he accepted, sipping appreciatively. "It's good, isn't it?" He nodded. "Here. Have some more." Everyone watched as Mana gathered more soup and blew on it like a mother would do for a baby. Not to be outdone Asuka offered a portion of Sukiyaki with rice to Shinji.
"You're better off sharing with me. You never know what diseases Mana might be carrying."
"I'm fine. I can feed myself."
"You should be more appreciative. It's not every day that you get waited on hand and foot by two lovely ladies." Aya called out from her end of the table.
"It's not that I don't appreciate it, I'd just like to know what's been going on. Where are we for starters?"
"This is your new home." Yui politely wiped her mouth before continuing. "To be more precise, we're in the Geo-Front."
"The Geo- Front? I thought you had an apartment on the surface?"
"We did until we all moved."
"Ok…" her answer confused him. "But why move in the first place?"
"It was ordered by Commander Fuyutsuki." Rei added between bites.
"Ordered?" he was surprised. "Why would he do that?"
"After the… incident…" Yui still found it hard to talk about that night she visited chairman Keel. "… The Commander and I thought it would be better for everyone to relocate to a NERV secured apartment block."
"Yeah… Me and Hikari have a place upstairs. Kensuke and Mana are on the same floor." Touji answered specks of rice flying out of his mouth.
"It's Hikari and I, and you shouldn't speak with your mouth full." said Hikari shaking her head. "I sometimes wonder why I'm marrying you." Her statement startled Shinji, making him choke on his rice.
"Marriage?" He sputtered as he thumped his hand against his chest in an attempt to clear his wind pipe.
"What are you doing Hikari?" Asuka grabbed the nearest napkin and began wiping his mouth and then the table. "You can't surprise him like that."
"Here Shinji; drink this." Mana proffered a cool drink to ease his coughing. Her gesture received a dark glare from Asuka. The green eyed girl was only too glad to respond in kind.
"Oh yeah… I was going to mention it but it kinda slipped my mind." Touji scratched his head. "You know wit' all this great food and all." He resumed eating but was interrupted when Hikari gently elbowed him in the ribs causing more food pieces to fly out.
"Then… everyone knows… you guys are planning…"
"That's right Shinji." Hikari replied. "Actually… Touji and I were wondering if you would be the child's god parent." She pattered her stomach which showed a tiny bulge. He almost choked a second time, but managed to get it under control. He bowed, smiling, signifying his acceptance.
'Why didn't notice your stomach early?'
Hikari beamed, and then grabbed Touji by the ear.
"Shinji, Touji has something he'd like to say to you now…" The head stooge tried to slink away, but was held fast by Hikari's vice-like grip.
"Yeah, well…I'm not too good wit' dis kind of thing, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry that you got hurt like that by the Angel. If I'd known something like that was going to happen, I never would have run off like dat." He then bowed in apology.
Shinji waved it off, a tight smile on his face. "I don't blame you for what happen." He thought for a moment. "You didn't know that an Angel was in Unit One. It would have showed itself when ever I pilot next any way."
"You're too forgiving if you ask me." Asuka voiced her opinion. Relations between her and the only other male pilot were still strained.
"Every time you step into your entry plug could be your last." Shinji said solemnly. "We all know this. Especially you, Asuka."
Meanwhile, at the other end of the table a private conversation had started between Aya and Misato.
"Ritsuko told me something interesting regarding Shinji." Misato whispered across the table.
"Oh, what would that be?" Aya replied casually from behind her bowl of rice.
"They found some interesting scarring in Shinji's body…the kind one gets from a bullet wound. He's been shot before." This caused Aya to stop eating. "I know that didn't happen when he stayed with me. When we went looking for the Vice- Commander he asked Kaji for a gun and he knew how to handle it." Aya placed her bowl and chopsticks down before her. "Something happened when he stayed with you and I want to know what."
"It's not my place to say. You should ask Shinji if you really want to know."
"Don't give me that crap." Misato struggled to keep her voice and composure down. "If you put him in any danger…"
"Danger! I'm not the one throwing him into some over sized robot and sending him out against those Angels! Don't you dare accuse me of putting him in harms way? If you were such a concerned guardian, then where the hell were you when he needed you the most? You want to dig up some dirt? Use your own shovel! I'm not going to do any of the work for you!" She got up abruptly, the chair being upended in the process. Without another word, she stalked angrily from the room.
END OF CHAPTER
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Big thanks you to all the positive reviews. I had two episodes of the flu (which I'm still getting over) that knocked around the creative juices. My ever trusty proof reader stepped in and added some of his creative flare which pretty much saved this chapter. So if this chapter seems a little off par, you now know why. But the next chapter will contain some twist and turns as well as some action.
By the way, a close friend's better half is going into hospital soon. I'll like to wish her all the best for her and the family. I hope for you have speedy recovery and if anyone has any room in their prays, could you add her in. Thanks.
