TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 01
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
I don't own Neon Genesis or anything 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 2 movies / episodes. Toji never lost his limbs during this activation.
Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile.
"…" Normal speech
'…' Thoughts
(…) Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean…)
KATSURAGI RESIDENCE
'I guess that should do it…' Shinji thought as he placed two envelopes addressed to Misato on the kitchen table with his NERV issued cell phone. He pickup his over night bag swung it over his shoulder and made his way to the front door.
'I wonder if they will even notice. Misato left early this morning, probably to see Asuka' Shinji thought as laced up his shoes. He scanned the apartment one last time before leaving.
The opening and closing of the front door woke Pen Pen from his slumber. He peered around the door of his fridge only to find no one was there. It was the second time someone had disturbed him this morning and he was less than impressed.
NERV HOSPITAL
"How is she doing, doctor?" Misato asked.
"Better. She is a strong girl." The doctor answered as he picked up Asuka's chart from her bed and started reading.
"Do you think she will wake up so?" Misato asked hopefully.
"It's hard to say, Major. She has fallen into a coma and it could be days, months or years before she wakes up." said the doctor.
"What sort of answer is that?" Misato exclaimed. Each time Misato visited her charge, the doctors would give her a similar answer. It was starting to annoy the Major.
"Major, I know you care deeply for her but getting angry is not going to improve situation or speed her recovery." the doctor counter.
"I'm sorry. It has been stressful the last couple of weeks." Misato said sounding tired. The last few weeks have taken its toll on everyone; the truth about Rei's origins and the loss of Unit Zero. Kaoru's betrayal and defeat was what pushed everything over the edge.
"Comas are difficult things to treat because the patient is not in any real danger or pain. From what I have heard about Auska I can guess that a coma isn't going to keep her down." The doctor said sympathetically.
Misato knew the doctor was right and sat down in one of the visitor's chairs. The doctor decided to leave her alone with Auska. She moved the visitor's chair closer to the bed. She took her hand and laid her head down.
TOKYO 3 TRAIN STATION
(Next train to arrive on platform six is the 08:45 for Old Kyoto) the announcement sounded through the PA system.
Shinji sat on one of the benches watching the indicator boards and listening to his SDAT. His favorite track 26 set on repeat. The station almost empty which was unusual for it was a weekday and it should have been full of students going to school and people commuting to work. The news about the end of the angels had not convinced the majority of the city's population to return and rebuild their lives.
(Last call for all passengers to Old Kyoto; please make way to platform six)
Shinji had just heard the announcement through his headphones. He picked up his bag and made his way to platform the train that would take him away.
NERV HOSPITAL
"Damn. I must have fallen asleep." Misato said half asleep. The ringing of her mobile phone had woke her. She didn't intend on falling asleep by Asuka's side, she just wanted to rest her eyes.
"Major Katsuragi." Misato said answering her mobile.
(Did I catch you at a bad time, Major?)
"Ritsuko? What? How?" The voice of the missing head scientist was something that she didn't expect.
(A little too loud Misato…)
"Too Loud! Where the hell have you been? Rumors are flying that you…"
She cut her off (I can't explain over the phone. Meet me where we last saw each other. I'll be waiting)
"Ritsuko, what the hell is going on?" The other end of the phone hung up. "Ritsuko are you there? Hey Ritsuko?"
Misato was now standing and yelling into her mobile. Some of the interns popped their heads into the room to see what all the noise what about. She apologized for the commotion and placed her mobile back in her jacket pocket.
"I'll come back soon." Misato whispered as she placed a kiss on Asuka's forehead.
CENTRAL DOGMA
"How did she take it?" The man asked.
"Not too bad… I guess but we'll find out soon." Ritsuko replied.
"Should we tell Rei and Shinji as well." a second person stated.
"I think that's something Misato would want to do. She grown quite attached to the children. But you know her better us, Mr Spy." Ritsuko said suggestively.
NERV HEADQUARTERS
'The last time I saw Ritsuko… Where the hell was that?' Misato thought as she made her way towards the control room 'I know may be one of the guys might know…'
She reached into her pocket to get her access card when it suddenly reminded her of something.
'Your card won't work unless I give you the access code. My access code' the familiar voice echoed in her mind.
"Central Dogma!" She didn't waste anytime and made a beeline to her destination.
CENTRAL DOGMA
"She's taking her sweet time…" Ritsuko complained to both her companions. Both individuals stood in safety of the shadows that formed from the poor lighting in the area.
"You could have just told her where we are." One of them said.
"I thought Misato would have figured it out. After all she has tactically command of the three most powerful weapons on the planet. I wonder why you placed her in charged sometimes." Ritsuko replied as one of the shadows broke out in laughter from her comment.
"What's so funny?" Misato interrupted pointing her side arm at Ritsuko and her 'friends'.
"It's about time. We were starting to get worried. I thought you were lost again like the first day you brought Shinji to NERV." Ritsuko replied casually.
"Enough of the games, Ritsuko. What the fuck is going on?" Misato said stepping closer towards the former head scientist of the E-Project.
"It's ok Misato; you don't need your gun here." Ritsuko said trying to reassure her that she was not in any danger.
"Ritsuko is right, Major." One of the men added.
Misato was under the impression that Ritsuko was on her own and immediately went on the offensive.
"What the hell? Show yourself!" Misato demanded cocking her pistol and pointing in the general direction where the voice came from.
"I know I've been away for a while Misato but I would have thought you could have remembered the sound of my voice?" The man said as he walked out into the light.
"It can't be…" Misato said. Tears began to streak down her cheek.
"Kaji… They told me that you…" She dropped her gun and ran towards the former government spy. He welcomed her with open arms and hugged her tightly. Ritsuko watched the scene between the couple with indifference as the third mystery person relieved himself.
"I hate to interrupt your reunion Major but we have some urgent matters to discuss." Fuyutsuki said.
"Vice Commander? What are you doing here?" Misato asked wiping her tears with the back of her hand.
"I can tell you that…" Ritsuko interrupted.
TOKYO 3 – CITY SURFACE
'I remember things… events… no they're memories. They are happy memories. Memories of him…' Rei thought as she looked at herself in the mirror with only a towel wrapped around her body. Water dripped onto the floor but she didn't care.
'Did I really experience these memories? Yes… Yes I did.' She continued drying herself.
"He will know. Shinji can answer the questions that I have." Rei dropped the towel started putting on her school uniform.
CENTRAL DOGMA
"What's going on Ritsuko?" Misato asked again.
Taking a deep breath, Ritsuko started to explain what was happening. "What I'm going to tell you is not to leave this room. Your safety, the children's and the world depends on it."
"WHAT! Are the children in danger? Shinji…" Misato said in a panic interrupting Ritsuko's explanation.
"Let her finish." Kaji added, putting his hand on her shoulder as a sign of comfort and it seem to work. Ritsuko continued after seeing his actions.
"As you know there are authorities above NERV. You might have heard of an organization called SEELE. In fact, if I remember correctly you were interviewed by some members after Shinji's disappearance with the Twelfth Angel."
Misato nodded at Ritsuko comment. She remembered the interview and had heard some of the rumors going around the place about this mysterious SEELE group.
"I can tell you that SEELE actually exist because I work for them. It's the same for Kaji and the Vice Commander as well." Ritsuko held up her hand to stop the triad of questions she was expecting from Major. Misato looked towards Kaji as if to ask him if Ritsuko was telling the truth. He nodded as Ritsuko continued with her explanation.
"On contrary to what you may have heard, SEELE doesn't want to use NERV, EVA or the Angels to the control the world or initiate the third impact."
"How can I trust you?" Misato asked.
"Just listen some more Major" Futuyuski added before Ritsuko continued.
"SEELE is a secret organisation that operates from behind the scenes. It's sole purpose and existence is to protect the world from all threats, whether they are foreign, domestic or anything else. NERV is actual a sub division of SEELE. They have existed as long as evil has threatened the world. It's older than the UN and all the governments around the world."
"This is unbelievable… Why wasn't I told sooner?" Misato asked dumbfounded. "So I really work for SEELE?"
"Like I said it was for your safety and the children's. If Commander Ikari knew that you were aware of the truth he would see you and the pilots as threat."
"But the Commander is part of NERV and therefore SEELE." Misato commented.
"You are right Major but Ikari doesn't share SEELE goals for the protection of mankind." Fuyutsuki added.
"The Vice Commander is right. In the past Gendo and Yui were actually valued members of SEELE before the accident…"
"What accident and who is Yui?" Misato asked.
"Yui Ikari is Shinji's mother. She was the test pilot for Unit One. During one of the initial activation test, her sync ratio peaked at 400 and she disappeared into the EVA."
"400? Just like Shinji." Misato added.
"Yes that's right. Unfortunately we were not able to extract Yui like we did Shinji. Gendo blamed SEELE for Yui's disappearance and changed after that. When he discovered that a controlled third impact could be used to reunite himself with her and became obsessed. It changed him to the man you know him today."
"I see… therefore going against SEELE means…" Misato commented.
"Correct. That's why he treats Shinji and the other pilots like nothing. They are just disposable pawns to achieve his goal."
"But why tell me now? Shinji killed the last angel. The war is over. The Commander can't start a third impact without any Angels" Misato asked.
"Yes and no my sweet Major" Kaji said flashing a sexy smile. Before Misato could take a swing at him he continued, "The Eva are copies of the Angels and therefore they can initiate a third impact. All he has to do is get one of the units close enough to 'big white' who you just passed and it's all over." He referred to the crucified angel that Central Dogma contained.
"You're right. We have to stop him!" Misato stated in a determined voice.
"That's were you come into play Major. SEELE has agreed to our plan which will see Commander Ikari removed as head of NERV." Said current Vice Commander.
"I see but if Ikari was such a threat why didn't SEELE get rid of him sooner?" she asked.
"That's because SEELE still needed Ikari to defeat the Angels. He might have been a thorn in their side by he was the best man for the job. They originally brought Yui and him in to establish NERV and with Yui gone they had no choice to but to let him continue." Kaji answered.
"I see…" Misato said 'I wonder what Shinji and the others would think of this…'
TOKYO 3 – CITY SURFACE
'Ikari should be able to answer my questions…' Rei thought as she approach Misato's apartment block.
'Pilot Sohryu still has not recovered from her condition. Should I be concerned?' she asked herself.
"Hey young missy, you should watch where you are going?" The truck driver yelled as he pulled on his horn. Rei was so busy with her thoughts that she missed the don't-walk sign at the pedestrian crossing. Ignoring the truck driver's abrupt behavior, she quietly moved aside without blinking.
"Bloody kids…" The truck driver complained as he passed by her.
'I'm nearly caused myself harm as a result of thinking about pilot Soryu's condition…'
CENTRAL DOGMA
"You want to do what? I thought if that happen it would…" Misato exclaimed.
"It's alright Misato. There will be provisions in place to ensure that it doesn't come to that." Ritsuko stated, trying to reassure her.
"But how can you guarantee their safety?" Misato asked upset by the plan the three of them had put forward.
"It will all be set up. SEELE has organized everything on the outside. All we need is for you to do your part." Kaji added.
"Why doesn't SEELE just use a sniper or send a hit team after him?" Normally the Major wouldn't be so apprehensive about a plan when the pilots were involved with the Angels but was a different case.
"SEELE don't want to kill Ikari, just remove him from his current position so he can't pose a threat. The idea of doing it visibly will have a greater impact. They still see him as a valuable asset." Fuyutsuki answered.
"I see… But who should it be? I mean Asuka is still in hospital and Rei is still recovering from Unit Zero's self destruction…" she asked but deep down knowing the answer herself.
"Major, I know you care for Shinji a great deal but if this isn't done then I'm afraid everybody's sacrifices to this date would have been for nothing" said Fuyutsuki.
She nodded sadly. Everyone knew what had to be done and Shinji was the only one that could do it. They all knew what he has gone through and didn't like the idea at all but it was now or never.
"I'll come with you Misato. It might do some good if I'm there for Shinji as well." Kaji said walking next to her.
"Thanks Kaji. Shinji has asked about you. Seeing you again will put his mind at ease." Misato said depressed.
"Cheer up Misato. After this is done there will be no need for NERV or the EVA Units. Shinji can have a normal life." Her former collage friend said in an attempt of encouragement.
"Dr Akagi is right, Major. SEELE have promised that Shinji will have compensated when everything is over" Said Fuyutsuki.
"Ok… We better go and tell him now. He was still in bed when I left home this morning."
KATSURAGI RESIDENCE
'Ikari is usually prompt when answering the door?' Rei thought as she rang the buzzer again.
Meanwhile, Pen Pen was getting angrier by the second as the buzzer rang again. He exited his fridge and started waving a fisted flipper towards the front door. Suddenly the buzzing ceased and he calmed himself. Thinking that it was all over he walked back to his fridge when the ringing of a mobile phone pushed him over the edge.
'Unusual, Ikari is not answering his cell phone? Has something happen?' Rei thought as she hit redial on her NERV cell phone again.
"Rei? What are you doing out here?" Misato spotted her as she come out of the lift.
"Good morning Major. I'm here to see Ikari. I have a few questions that I would like to ask him." Rei stated in her usually manner.
"Good Morning Ms Ayanami. You're looking lovely as ever." Kaji commented as he appeared from behind Misato.
"Mr Kaji? I was informed that NERV no longer required your services. What is your business here?" the young girl asked getting straight to the point.
"You're right about that. I'll explain everything inside." He answered.
"I see…"
"Why hasn't Shinji let you in? He should be awake by now." Asked Misato as she searched her pockets for her apartment swipe card. When emptying almost all of her processions she managed to get the front door open. Kaji and Rei entered first and were greeted by a very pissed off Pen Pen. Misato entered after shoving everything back in her pockets and offered a beer to the penguin. It had the desired effect on the warm water bird.
"Have you seen Shinji, Pen Pen?" the owner asked her pet.
Pen Pen was too busy with his beer to pay any attention to Misato's question. She then left Kaji and Rei in the kitchen as she went to Shinji's room. Pen Pen returned to his fridge with his beer.
"What's that you got there, Rei?" Kaji asked as he noticed Rei picking up two envelopes and a mobile phone.
"Shinji's not in his room. I guess he's doing some grocery shopping." Misato stated as she returned to the kitchen.
'I don't like where this is going…' Kaji thought as he put the envelopes, cell phone and missing Shinji together.
"What's this Rei?" Misato asked.
"It appears to be two letters addressed to you. Shinji's cell was also found with these." She said as handed them over. Misato open the first envelope and started reading aloud
Dear Misato,
You can probably guess what I have done from the envelopes. I'm leaving Tokyo 3. I have included a second envelope with my access cards and some money, which should be enough to cover my expensives during my time with you.
All the angels have been defeated and there is no need for me to stay here or pilot EVA. It also occurred to me that all my life I have done things for other people. Even playing the cello was my idea. Nothing I have in my life is mine. I have go and find something myself; something that I want. Something that no one told or ordered me to do. Something to call my own…
I really appreciate everything that you have done for me. You were the first person to ever care for me and I'll never forget that. Hope I wasn't too much of a disappointment to you.
I'm not sure if I'll return or where I'm going. All I know for the moment is that I just have leave. I'll let you guys know where I am when I find what I'm looking for.
Tell Rei that I'm glad that she's all right and to keep smiling.
Tell Asuka that she has always been the best pilot and she never had to prove anything to me.
Tell Toji and Kensuke that I was honored to be their friends and a stooge.
And tell the rest guys at Nerv that it was privilege to work with them and that they are the real heroes of this war.
Take care, love always Shinji Ikari
"Shinji… you were never a disappointment… I'm so sorry Shinji… It's my fault…" Misato said breaking down. She collapsed onto her knees in the middle of the kitchen. Kaji bent and hugged her. She started to cry and shake uncontrollably. Kaji was having difficulties hiding his own tears as Misato read the letter aloud. For the second time in Rei's life she cried. She had only ever cried for Shinji Ikari.
After sometime, Kaji put Misato to bed. She had cried herself to sleep on his shoulder. She was still moaning Shinji's name as Kaji closed her bedroom door. He then offered to take Rei home. He noticed that eyes were red and swollen as well. Kaji didn't try to start a conversation with the young girl.
After dropping her off he waited until she entered her apartment safety and reached into his pocket to pulling out his cell. Using the speed dial option he called Ritsuko.
(Dr. Akagi) she answered after a couple of rings
"Hey Risu, it's Kaji"
(Hey, I'm here with Fuyutsuki going over the plan once more. How did things with Shinji go?)
"Not Good…"
NERV COMMANDER CENTRE
"Man… I hate these night shifts…" complained Hyuga as he entered the control deck on the commander centre.
"Yeah… but what are you going to do about it?" Aoba replied as he collected his things. Their work schedules demanded that the control centre be manned around the clock. It was Hyuga's turn to do the night shift.
"I don't see the need for anyone to be here. Shinji killed the last angel." He younger technician said.
"Yeah, you can complain all you want but you still end up coming back." Aoba added before he left Huge on his own.
Sighing in defeat, Hyuga logged into his terminal and started the monitoring tools. He setup his terminal to beep at the first sign of possible danger and proceeded to take a quick nap. Soon the only sound coming from the control centre was Hyuga's snoring.
EVA HOLDING CAGES
The EVA units were in the holding cages and all the technicians had gone home for the day. An eerie silence filled the chamber. The cooling liquid where the Eva's were stored seem almost solid with a reflective surface. The umbilical cables were disconnected and entry plugs were ejected from unit One and Two causing the head of each to tilt downwards.
Unit One had a reputation of activiting itself without user assistance. Everyone just put this down to either software or mechanical bugs. After all, the EVA units were still relatively new and unknown technology. Tonight would be one of those instances.
The eyes for Unit One glowed brightly as the entry plug inserted into itself.
NERV COMMANDER CENTRE
A loud beeping woke Hyuga from his nap. At first he thought he was back at home in bed and it was his alarm clock. He suddenly realised that he was in the control centre and something what wrong.
"What the hell is going?" he said as he punched into his terminal "Unit One is active… That can't be… Wait... There's someone piloting…" He picked the red phone and began to alert the relevant parties.
END OF CHAPTER
AUTHOR'S NOTES
This is version 2. I didn't make any changes or do a major rewrite. I just cleaned up some of the glaring mistakes.
Wonga316