The Ghosts of Rome

A Gunslinger Girl fan fiction by:

Sintendo

Chapter 6

"They're going to what?"

My first reaction to the procedure that was about to undergo the boy was rather stomach churning and should never be mentioned again. The statement I made was justice enough.

"It's just part of the agreement," Rico told me with much confidence, "You can't complain though. You don't know how many strings I had to pull in order for this to happen, Giulio. I think it's a miracle for this to be even happening, you know?"

He was right; Even though I can't even imagine it, I heard rumors from my fellow comrades that he literally went upon his knees and begged the new agency's "Chief" to let the boy I watched over be their first assignment.

I still remember the briefing they gave me. Constant medication needed to be applied on a monthly basis, and careful rehabilitation under the constant surveillance of their resident physiologist. Apparently several organs needed to be replaced with donors, so I understood why there was a need for medication and rehabilitation, but the "constant surveillance" part had me confused. I wasn't a doctor, however, and anatomy was never one of my strongest subjects in school, so I took it in stride. I also found it odd that the hospital the boy resided in had to comply with the new Agency and reserve medical equipment and an operation room for us; they simply stepped aside after talking with a few of the agents. Strange, yes, but I knew the power of the government.

Then there was the issue of who the boy belonged to. Of course, I stepped up and, after a few arguments with a man who was assigned to take the boy for some reason; I was awarded custody of him. The victory never really seeped into my skin until it was time to sign several documents. These included his new date of birth, place of residence and other such legalities. It was also time for me to name the boy. It never occurred to me that I'd have to choose the boy's name, and of course, I asked Rico for advice. He politely rejected the offer, and even more adamantly rejected the idea of the boy being named after him. It wasn't a big deal; I didn't want his name to have any particular meaning of symbolism, I'm not that type of person. I just wanted it to be a nice name.

"Tobias."

"What was that?" Rico asked.

"How's that for a name? 'Tobias'?"

"Hell if I know."

"Not too strange and out of place, then again, it isn't too common. I like it. It's German too."

After all was singed and dated, there was only one other loop I had to jump through.

"So," Rico said, "'Tobias' huh? You choose that on purpose or what? It's German you know."

That fact hadn't entered my mind until now.

"How are you going to explain this to Tatiana?"

Of all the things to be delayed by my brain today, this one hurt me the most. Now (as the "slightly-younger-yet-not-of-my-generation" generation might say) we're only dating, and my private life is still my own and she is not to be concerned with it. But many people like to agree with me when I describe myself as a fairly mentally weak man. I wanted everyone to feel content, I'm not selfish. I played out the entire scenario in my head over and over again, and every time it ended with her being angry or worse! Not a very good sign. Still, the time had to come when I had to reveal my new Tobias to her, and whatever the outcome I would respect with all of my heart.

It didn't help at all when, after Tobias' surgery, that we were told that we couldn't visit him during his recovery. I asked why, and they (One of the surgeons, though he sounded like one of my bosses) said he needed rest. Again, I wasn't too keen on what the human body is all about, so after trying to get a peek as they wheeled the boy out, I left with Rico. The ride home was silent; Rico chose to let me decide what to say to Tatiana. He was never really great with the opposite sex.

As dramatic as things played out in my head, the actual event of me confessing to Tatiana resulted in a less-than-expected reaction. It probably helped that I opted to take her out to one of the fanciest Ristorantes in Rome…. Add to that the fact that I sprung for one of the oldest bottles of wine available, she was able to take my announcement without any fuss.

"That's wonderful!" She beamed, "You're doing a great thing, Giulio."

"Am I?"

"Yes!" She said, "You're helping an unfortunate boy. How could that not be a great idea?"

"Well," I thought, "For one, I never discussed it with you…"

"Do you have to ask me before you do anything?"

I continued, "I have absolutely no idea how to take care of a child…"

"He's almost a teenager. He can take care of himself while you're at work. Giulio, why do you doubt yourself?"

I had no answer for that.

"So," she went on, "When can we visit him?"

"The people at the agency said not for a few days. They probably need to make sure he's ok until he's allowed to be released."

She changed the subject, "This new office, The Social Welfare Agency, was it? They sound like a great program."

"Oh they are," I said proudly, "They're doing all of this for free."

"Free?" She asked, "How is that possible?"

"Maybe we've recently had a major jump in the economy, I'm not sure."

"But right now, even the U.S. is having a hard time. That Regan fellow seems to be turning things around a bit, but I doubt the effects of his policies would even reach us this fast."

"Hell if I know." I shrugged, "Mind you, I still have doubts in my mind. I'm afraid that I just entered a room full of loopholes and full of shady people that I'm going to owe favors to."

"Oh come on," She laughed, "You're just being paranoid."

I sipped the last bit of my expensive wine and said, "I suppose."

The day had finally come for me to take the boy home. In preparation, I took the time to clean out the guest room of my house, converting it into a regular room. I intentionally left it plain so that Tobias can decorate it himself. I was a teenager once, of course, so I know how a boy his age thinks. At least, I hope he thinks the way I think he'll think….

Donning my best suit, being cleaned shaven, complementing my freshly washed boy with cologne; you'd think I was going out on a romantic date. I always like to dress to impress.

It was no surprise to me that there were a few others in the room with Tobias when I arrived. Obviously a few of the SWA personnel wanted to see him off, but I wasn't expecting the Chief herself to attend. The sight of her nearly stunned me; Rico told me she was young, but I didn't know that she would be around my own age.

"Good afternoon," she extended her arm to me, "Sgt. Giulio Draghi, was it?"

"Yes, ma'am." I didn't know how to formally greet her, so I quickly saluted first, and then received her hand.

"I'll have none of that Sergeant," She smiled, "We aren't part of the military."

My face flushed with redness, "Right."

"So you'll be taking care of this boy from now on, correct?"

"Yes."

"And you're volunteering yourself for this?"

An odd question, but I answered nonetheless, "Yes I am, Ma'am."

"Why is that?"

"Well," I coughed, "He was one of the children my team and I rescued in Taranto."

Her eyes narrowed, "I'm aware of that incident, Giulio. What I want to know is why do you want this boy? Is it pity? Are you that much of a charitable man?"

I hesitated, but then answered with confidence, "I just want to help him. There isn't really any other reason besides that."

"I see," she shrugged a bit, and then "In that case, would you please sign this final set of paperwork?"

Included in the clipboard were several release forms. The last document, however, was a strange one to me. I didn't even know if I should sign it or not, so I asked a question.

"What is this?"

"Just a legal agreement."

I continued reading the form and asked, "What for?"

"Well, we are a government agency," She smiled, "You know how it is; regulations and all…. By signing that document, you are required to bring him into our offices for a bi-monthly check up."

"Seems reasonable." I laughed, quickly entering all the necessary data and signatures where needed on the forms.

Still, I couldn't help but backtrack to my very own words from last night about owing favors from now on. Too many coincidences have been happening in my favor lately, so I couldn't really help but feel a bit more suspicious than normal. Then again, nothing, not even the fine print on these forms indicated that I would have to jump through loopholes with chains attached if I did agree to this.

"Everything's in order," The Chief said after scanning through the documents, "Well then, Sgt. Giulio, we'll be seeing you in two weeks for-" She paused to read something, and then, "We'll be seeing you in two weeks for Tobias' checkup."

With that, The Chief and her entourage quickly left the room. I hadn't realized it until we were alone, but the boy on the bed was already sitting up. To say I was nervous while walking toward his bedside would be an understatement, and it felt like I had to take 30 steps just to move forward an inch. But when I eventually reached his side, every single emotion and thought that I had for the past few days emptied from my entire body.

His face was full of strength and vigor. In only a matter of days, this boy transformed from a sickly, near dead thing into this seemingly normal child. It was nothing short of a miracle.

"Hello," I said to him warmly, "My name is Giulio Draghi."

"Hi."