2. Alternating Timelines
"Hey Asuka," Kaji said at the breakfast table. Asuka looked up at Kaji slowly from her bowl of cereal, having not spoken for the entirety of the morning. "You remember Misato, right?" Kaji asked. "Well, she's coming onto Over the Rainbow with a power supply for Unit 02. As well as that, the Third Child will be with her so you can finally get to meet him."
I get to meet him, Asuka thought. Knowing already takes away any feeling I would have. Even after going to Unit 02 and feeling my mother's presence it's still like I'm devoid of any feeling. The girl nodded slightly at Kaji's statement before turning her head to the doorway that led out of the ship's canteen. All the crew members entering appeared to be dripping wet. It was odd for Asuka, considering that she remembered the day she met Shinji as a gloriously sunny one.
After breakfast, she left the canteen with Kaji who was quick to urge Asuka to quicken her pace in the open. "Come on, we don't want to get soaked!" he said. The pair ran off to their cabins amidst the pouring rain, trying to keep their time exposed to a minimum. They made it under a roof upon entering a large hallway leading to their cabins. "The helicopter should be arriving later on today," Kaji said. "It's a shame about the weather, but we'll make the most of the meeting."
"Okay," Asuka said, uttering her first word to Kaji for the whole morning. "Can you get me when they're arriving?"
"Sure Asuka," Kaji said. "By the way, are you okay? You haven't said much this morning."
"I'm just tired…that's all," Asuka lied. "See you later, Kaji."
"Okay, sure thing Asuka."
Asuka entered her cabin and once her door was shut, she leaned back against it. Rain…it wasn't supposed to rain…what is going on? Asuka thought to herself before sighing. There was hope that she would simply be reliving the past with the opportunity to change certain events in the hope that the outcome wouldn't be a negative one. However, things were changing already and maybe her actions up to now even had an effect on what was happening now. Asuka even considered the possibility that maybe she wouldn't be reliving the past, but experiencing a whole new past that hadn't been envisaged before. That option was the most frightening, leaving Asuka as vulnerable to whatever the future presented as she was before.
Then again, it could just have been coincidence. Asuka had lost track of how long they had been travelling and maybe they were arriving a day earlier or later. However, that implied that indeed events were changing. Even if they were arriving on the same day as they had before, the weather was different. No matter how Asuka looked at it, it simply seemed that things were not the same this time around. That was a fact that was quickly becoming evident which was ruling out the possibility of coincidence. It was also a fact that had Asuka increasingly worried about how much she could actually do apart from hang on for the ride.
She spent the morning lying in her bed, reading a book that she had brought along for the trip but hadn't opened until that day. It had been several days since Asuka had gone to Unit 02 and ever since she had made no effort to emulate her former self, becoming reclusive and quiet. It had Kaji worried but Asuka didn't really care at the moment. She needed to get to grip with her new reality and it wasn't happening as quickly as she would have liked. Until such a time, Asuka would continue to keep to herself.
She read for several hours before a came knocking from her cabin door. "Asuka, it's Kaji. The helicopter with Misato and the Third Child has arrived."
"Okay, I'll be out in a second," Asuka said. She headed to the set of drawers across from the bed and looked at what clothes she had to wear. Amongst the various items of clothing, she saw that yellow sundress she had worn in her first meeting with Shinji Ikari. Looking out of the porthole of her cabin and seeing that the rain was still falling heavily, she went against wearing the sundress, again seeing that events were transpiring differently little by little. Asuka remained uneasy as she rummaged through her clothes for something suitable for the weather. More and more she felt that her meeting with Shinji Ikari would be a sort of defining moment for this new timeline she found herself in.
Asuka followed Kaji up to the bridge where Misato, Shinji and presumably his two friends would be waiting. Kaji made his appearance first which was followed immediately by a cry of despair from Misato. "Hello everyone," Kaji greeted. "And you as well, Misato."
"I…I wasn't expecting to see you here," Misato growled, struggling to hide her annoyance. She immediately began to ignore Kaji and turned her attention to the redhead following him. "Ah, Asuka. It's been a while. You've grown quite a bit," Misato commented.
Asuka managed a smile and said, "I have, haven't I? It's good to see you again, Misato."
"Likewise," Misato said. "You must be anxious to meet the Third Child. Without further ado…"
"Oh my gosh!! I can't believe I'm on a Nimitz class aircraft carrier!" cried Kensuke Aida, one of Shinji's friends which Asuka had known as of one the three stooges.
"Stop waving that camera around! You almost hit me in the face!" Toji shot out, another of the three stooges.
Asuka chuckled and automatically said, "Don't tell me it's one of them." Her words came as even a shock to her. Maybe there was still a part of the old Asuka left in her after all. "No, they're his friends," Misato said with a smile.
"Is he allowed a camera in here?" asked the Captain of the ship, looking over at Kensuke in despair.
"Uh, I'm not sure," his Executive Officer replied.
"Asuka, meet Shinji Ikari, the Third Child. Shinji, meet Asuka Langley Sohryu, the Second Child and the designated pilot of Evangelion Unit 02," Misato said.
"A pleasure to meet you!" Asuka said, suddenly happy to see him again, although it would be a first for this Shinji. She extended her hand towards Shinji who looked at her hand for a moment with a puzzled looked. "Um…hello," he said weakly, leaving Asuka's hand where it was.
"What? Have you never shaken hands with a girl before?" Asuka asked.
"Ah! Sorry," Shinji said, shaking Asuka's hand nervously.
This is strange, Asuka thought. When I meet Shinji, I'm suddenly flowing with confidence again…maybe I rediscovered how much of a weakling he is. Is that it? I'm not sure.
"Are you done with this high school convention?" the Captain inquired irately.
"Sir, may I remind you that these children are the designated pilots of their respective Evangelion Units and are a credit to the UN forces, as is your fleet," Misato said, keeping her patience rather well. "I ask for your patience as well as your support in transporting Unit 02 to Japan."
"Bah, are we not already ferrying that toy for you? We have done that much," the Captain remarked bitterly.
"And for that, you have NERV's gratitude," Misato said. "However, in an emergency, NERV's military authority supersedes you own which is where the power supply we brought is necessary. Here are the specifications for it."
The Captain of Over the Rainbow scanned through the document Misato handed over and scoffed. "You expect us to provide that at your desire?" he asked.
"When required, yes," Misato said.
"Argh…very well," the Captain says. "We will have it installed when the weather improves."
"Thank you, sir. Again, you have NERV's gratitude," Misato said, happy that she got her way.
"Now that that's sorted out, how about I treat you to some lunch?" Kaji asked. Misato immediately turned her head away from Kaji, trying to show her intention that she was not going to speak to Kaji. Shinji spoke on her behalf, "Uh, lunch sounds nice."
Kaji, Asuka and Shinji sat at one side of the table while Misato, Toji and Kensuke sat across from them. Not many words were exchanged and Kaji continually attempted to nudge Misato's foot with his own. "So, are you seeing anyone, Misato?" Kaji inquired.
"It's none of your business!" Misato snapped.
"That's a shame," Kaji noted. "Hey, Shinji. You're living with Misato, right?"
"Um, yeah?" Shinji said. "Why?"
"Does Misato still so…wild in bed?" Kaji asked.
There was general shock and horror around the table. I guess that much is the same, Asuka thought.
"I was wondering," Shinji said, "how do you know my name?"
"Oh, everyone has heard about you in our line of business. Shinji Ikari, the famous Third Child who piloted the Eva without any combat training," Kaji said.
Yeah, this is still the same Shinji, Asuka thought. Maybe I should speak to him and find out more about him. It wouldn't hurt, I guess. Asuka turned and glanced over at Shinji before looking down at her empty plate. But isn't an angel supposed to attack today? As they stood up to leave after eating dessert, Asuka approached Shinji and said, "So, the famous Third Child, huh?"
"I don't know about famous," Shinji said with a weak smile.
"You did pilot the Eva without training," Asuka said. "I want to hear all about it. Let's find a good spot to talk." Shinji turned towards Misato as if looking for permission. "Hey, that sounds like a good idea Shinji. You can get to know Asuka better which would be helpful on the job. If you need me, Asuka will know where we are," Misato said with a smile.
"Okay, sure," Shinji said.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Follow me!" Asuka said.
Asuka led him to that same place she found herself in after being brought backwards in time. Things were different thought and Asuka couldn't help but still feel disconcerted by the fact that it was raining when it was supposed to be sunny. "So, tell me, how did you do it? How did you beat the first angel you came across without training?" Asuka asked.
"I…" Shinji said before pausing indefinitely.
"Well?" Asuka continued.
"I'd rather not talk about it," Shinji said.
"You rather not talk about it?" Asuka asked with a raised eyebrow. "Then it's definitely worth talking about."
"It's…it's a long story."
"Stop your whining and tell me the goddamn story!" Asuka snapped.
Shinji sat there with a shocked expression on his face. "Uh, if you really want me to…I guess I could," Shinji said weakly.
"Yes, I really want you to. Tell me already!" Asuka cried.
"Looking back at it…I'm not really sure how I did it…I just did," Shinji said. "I had been summoned to Tokyo-3 by the Commander of NERV, my father, and I didn't know what was in store for me. When I got there, the angel was already attacking the city and Misato drove me to safety. That was, until I got to NERV headquarters where I was forced to pilot Unit 01. When I launched, I had barely gotten my Eva walking before I was attacked by the angel. The rest is a blur really, but I don't think I was in control."
"You weren't in control? You mean the Eva…was piloting itself, almost?" Asuka asked.
"Yeah, I guess so," Shinji replied.
That makes sense, Asuka thought. There is more to Eva than I would have ever thought. It's almost alive and has the ability to act of its own will. Another question; is the soul of Shinji's mother in Unit 01? Is that the reason that it goes berserk? I mean, I've seen Unit 01 berserk before but my understanding is greater than ever before. Maybe this will help unravel the mystery.
"What about you? How is…piloting the Eva for you?" Shinji asked nervously.
"Well, I've not been in combat, idiot!" Asuka cried. "It's just been plain sailing for me."
"Training?" Shinji inquired.
"And synch tests, and harmonic tests, and live fire exercises, and simulated combat, and survival courses. Everything I could possibly need," Asuka said, remembering her training days well. "If you think about that, it puts it into context how difficult it is for me to imagine you piloting the Eva with no experience whatsoever. I mean, you didn't even know what Eva was until that day, right?"
"Yeah, that's right," Shinji said.
"And for that, you have my respect and admiration," Asuka said with a smile, hoping to be better friends with Shinji this time around.
"Um, thanks," Shinji said. "I…I look forward to working with you."
The day went by without incident which had Asuka on edge the following morning, internally at least. She had found a new confidence that allowed her to be more like the old Asuka which had Kaji relieved. He watched as the UN fleet closed in on dry land from a balcony at the bow of the aircraft carrier. He had a cigarette in his mouth and the ashes blew away with the warm, coastal winds. "So Kaji, what are you really doing coming here?" asked Misato, who appeared beside the man.
"I'm Asuka's guardian so of course I've had to accompany her across from Germany. It's a long trip by boat, you know," Kaji replied.
"Something tells me you're lying," Misato said, moving forward to lean against the metal railings and breathing in the air.
"You know me too well, Misato," Kaji said. "The truth is I'm being transferred to Tokyo-3. My services are required there."
"Oh great," Misato muttered. "Now I wish I hadn't asked."
"You wanted the truth and I gave you it," Kaji chuckled before glancing over to the NERV Operations Officer. "You know, you're still as gorgeous as ever."
"Shut up," Misato snapped. "I can just leave, you know."
"Please don't," Kaji said with a smug grin.
"Whatever," Misato muttered irately. "Listen, I want to know how Asuka's taken to meeting Shinji. I want those two to work well together."
"All business, are we?" Kaji asked. "Why not enjoy the view?"
"I'm being serious, Kaji," Misato said.
"I think she likes him," Kaji said. "She said that she had a talk with him about his famous first battle with an angel with no combat training and would like to become friends with him if possible."
"That sure seems different from the Asuka I used to know," Misato noted.
"It's definitely different from the Asuka I know," Kaji pointed out. "She changed halfway through the journey and I don't know what it was that did it. She became really quiet and depressed for a while. In fact, she brightened up as soon as she met Shinji."
"That is odd," Misato said. "Well, as long as she's good to go now, that's all that matters."
"Her mood has been a lot better. She seemed to want to spend quite a bit of time with Shinji," Kaji said. "I daresay she might even like him, if you know what I mean."
"Asuka? Not a chance," Misato scoffed.
"Like the chance I have with getting with you?" Kaji inquired.
"I'm leaving," Misato said, turning around and walking away.
"Nice to speak to you as well," Kaji laughed before taking one last pull of his cigarette before tossing it away. It was good to be approaching dry land and the quicker he got of the ship, the quicker he could make his delivery to the Commander of NERV. That was his real mission, but he couldn't possibly tell Misato that.
Asuka watched from port as Unit 02 was slowly unloaded from its transport vessel onto dry land. From here, it would begin its journey to NERV HQ in Tokyo-3. It was a relief to see it there but Asuka couldn't help but feel worried that because they had not been attacked by that angel at sea. It meant it had to attack some other time but until then, Asuka tried to make herself relax and feel happy at the fact that they were in Japan now. "Well, here we are Asuka," said Misato, who had Shinji and his two friends in tail. "Welcome to Japan. It's never been the same since Second Impact, but it's still pretty good."
"They say that about every country," Asuka said. "Still, it's good that long ship journey is finally over."
"Good to hear," Misato said. "Now Kaji said he'd be here shortly with transport for us to Tokyo-3."
Sure enough, Kaji arrived at the scene with a SUV configured to have 7 seats instead of the usual 5. "Hey you guys, hop on in. Next stop; Tokyo-3," said Kaji.
"What about Asuka's Unit 02?" Shinji asked.
"There's a NERV crew here getting ready to transport the Eva by air," Misato replied. "Hell, it might even arrive before we do. Anyway, let's go. I could use with getting back."
As soon as Misato stepped in the car, a massive crash was heard as Unit 02 came smashing into the ground. "What the hell?!" Misato cried. The red Evangelion had been knocked off the cranes in the shipyard by what looked like a gigantic cross between a squid, whale and shark lying on the wreckage on what was Unit 02's transport vessel. "Is that…an angel?" Shinji asked in astonishment.
"Holy crap! It's coming this way!" Kensuke cried, filming the entire event. It was a terrifying sight, seeing this massive beast move towards the car like a seal on land. "Get in the car, NOW!" Kaji roared as he prepared to go. There were no questions asked as the SUV received all its occupants. Kaji then put his foot down to get them as far from the shipyard as possible.
Asuka glanced back, horrified that when she was thinking about the angel attacking, it appeared. "It's moving back into the water!" Toji cried.
"It's moving back to its element," Kaji noted. "My guess it that it'll be heading for Tokyo-3 using any waterway available." Misato was in the process of making a phone call using her mobile phone. "Ritsuko? It's Misato. Listen, we have a situation at the shipyard…You've heard? Okay, get Rei launched in Unit 00 and get Unit 01 ready for Shinji as soon as we arrive…What? It's still getting repairs? Shit. Okay, equip Unit 01 with C-Type Underwater Combat Equipment and have it ready for launch…Unit 02 was attacked by the angel when it was being offloaded from the transport ship. The recovery operation is already underway…No, there's no chance that we could used Unit 02…okay, fine. I'll be there as soon as I can, okay? Thanks a lot, Ritsuko."
As soon as Misato hung up, Asuka asked, "What are we going to do about my Unit 02?"
"The angel has left the vicinity shipyard so we'll continue to operation to get it transported to Tokyo-3. The only issue is whether it sustained damage or not on its fall from those cranes. Either way, I don't think you'll be able to take part in this operation, Asuka. Sorry," Misato said.
Asuka sat back in her seat and wondered if this could have gone any more differently. This certainly was not what she expected. How am I meant to be able to make a difference if this happens? This is so messed up! Asuka thought angrily.
"Misato…what are we going to do?" Shinji asked.
"Kaji is going to get us to Tokyo-3 as fast as possible. As soon as we get there, we're dropping your friends off at the nearest shelter and heading for HQ. You'll go underwater to engage the angel in Unit 01. I'm not too sure how to go about it, but we'll find a way," Misato explained. "Ideally, this angel would have waited a few more days to attack, allowing Asuka to take part in the operation. I guess we learn that things are never ideal in this line of work. How long, Kaji?"
"If the roads stay empty like this, give it another half hour," Kaji replied.
I feel absolutely helpless, Asuka thought. Once again, everything rests on Shinji's shoulders …why could I never just at least empathise with him? I always called him the 'Hero' Shinji, but maybe that's more accurate than I would have thought…
"Commander Ikari, are you saying that you currently have no means of engaging the angel?" a UN general asked angrily.
"Our pilot is en route," Gendo replied. "He, along with my operations officer were accompanying Unit 02 and its pilot at sea. They were attacked whilst at port by the angel."
"This is not good enough, Ikari," another UN general chided. "Do you not have any other Evangelion Units?"
"Unit 00 is currently going a complete armour replacement after sustaining heavy damage against the last angel," Gendo replied. "Until Unit 01's pilot arrives, we have no means of fighting the angel."
"So what do you propose we do?" a third general asked.
"Have aircraft stationed over Lake Ashi equipped for anti-submarine warfare, as well as stationing artillery batteries around the lake," Gendo said. "It will buy us some time for our pilot to arrive and launch."
"Agreed," said the third general, who was also the most senior.
"What? How can you agree?! Are you possibly sacrificing those soldiers' lives simply because he needs more time?!" the first general raged.
"We have no other choice!" the third general yelled, louder than the first, dropping an uneasy silence over Central Dogma. "We have to do everything in our power to assist NERV. It may mean the difference between winning and the death of mankind."
The first general was still absolutely furious, but chose to suck up his pride and said, "Understood."
"Very well. Ikari, we'll provide two squadrons of aircraft plus an artillery battalion," the third general said.
"Is that level of manpower necessary?" the second general inquired.
"I would provide more if I had more notice," the third said. "Ikari, you better hope that you're ready by the time that monster arrives at Lake Ashi, because you know our forces don't stand a chance."
"I understand. You have my regards for your assistance," Gendo said.
The three UN generals promptly left, leaving Gendo alone with the deputy commander. "It's not like you to lose face and ask a favour," Fuyutsuki noted.
"It was necessary," Gendo pointed out. "This angel caught us at the worst possible moment."
"Perhaps your distribution of manpower was misjudged," Fuyutsuki said.
"Unit 02's pilot is untested in combat. It was necessary to have an experienced pilot on board that UN fleet just in case," Gendo explained.
"Could you have not sent Rei instead? Unit 00 is currently unusable for combat, whereas Unit 01 is. You could have left Shinji here on standby," Fuyutsuki said.
"Perhaps," Gendo said. "But I made my decision based on getting the package our agent was delivering safe and undamaged."
"Adam, the first angel," Fuyutsuki noted.
"There is no doubt that the angel attacked the port because of Adam's presence and is following our agent to Tokyo-3," Gendo said. "Of that much, I am certain."
"Let's just hope your son can defeat the angel as soon as he arrives," Fuyutsuki said. Gendo didn't reply, but simply looked at the large display at the front of Central Dogma, displaying the position of Kaji's SUV and the angel on a map showing the land south of Tokyo-3. Unfortunately, the angel was racing ahead, despite being restricted to the rivers of the area leading up to the Hakone region.
"The target should be entering Lake Ashi at any moment."
"Roger that, I see the wake of the target. ETA to Lake Ashi, 1 minute." The VTOL aircraft were hovering above the lake, awaiting the arrival of the angel. The mood amongst the UN pilots was tense, as well as amongst the soldiers who manned the artillery batteries several kilometres from the lake. "30 seconds to target reaching Lake Ashi. All units, weapons free, I repeat, weapons free."
"Roger that."
The aircraft armed their depth charges and torpedoes in anticipation of the angel's arrival into the lake. "The target has entered the lake." As soon as that report had been made, all hell broke loose. Dozens of depth charges were dropped into the lake, causing massive underwater explosions and causing huge amounts of water to fly out above the lake surface. The next phase of the attack was the torpedo attacks where dozens of the weapons were unleashed upon the angel. Again, the mere sight of the attack was violent in itself as the sounds of torpedoes detonating seemed to meld into one continuous explosion.
After all the torpedoes had been fired, there smoke was allowed to clear, so to speak. There was a periods of edgy silence as the angel seemed to have stopped moving. They could see it under the lake; it was a clear day and the water was easy to see into. They didn't know whether it was alive or dead however, which was the crucial question.
Suddenly, the angel shot out of the water, using its huge size to reach into the air, catching one of the UN aircraft off guard. The aircraft was swallowed in the gargantuan mouth of the angel, causing panic among the remainder of the two squadrons there. "Pull out, pull out! Let the artillery boys do there thing!" As the aircraft retreated from the airspace above the lake, the artillery batteries let loose, beginning a barrage on Lake Ashi, hoping to at least put a dent in the seemingly impregnable armour of the angel.
"Holy crap," Kaji noted as he closed in on Tokyo-3. They were within a few kilometres of the city when they heard countless artillery guns firing all at once. "What are they doing?" Toji asked.
"They're barraging the angel with artillery!" Kensuke cried. "I can see them from here! Man, they've really giving it all they've got! I mean, there are M110A2 Howitzers, Type 74 and 75 self propelled artillery, M270 MLRS launchers, FH-70 towed artillery, everything!"
"How does he know all this stuff?" Asuka asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Too much spare time," Toji replied.
"Kaji, take the next right!" Misato ordered.
"Are you sure that's the right way?" Kaji asked.
"It's a shortcut through a maintenance tunnel," Misato explained. "Uh, I use it when I'm running late."
"Typical," Shinji said with a disappointed shake of his head.
"Shut up! It's useful, okay?" Misato snapped.
"What about us? I thought you were taking us to a shelter?" Toji asked.
"On second thought, we don't have enough time," Misato pointed out. "And besides, NERV HQ is as safe a place as any." Then Misato glanced towards Kensuke and the recording equipment he was currently using. "Although I'm going to have to take your camera off of you," Misato said.
"Hey! I need that!" Kensuke cried.
"Not in NERV HQ you do," Misato said. "You'll get it back once you get out."
"Damn!" Kensuke muttered.
"Here we are!" Kaji said, driving into the tunnel. "Jeez, it's dark!"
"Just follow it down. It's a straight line so just floor it!" Misato ordered.
"Yes ma'am!" Kaji said, happy to oblige. Misato turned her attention to Shinji who had to be ready to fight the angel in its own backyard. "Okay Shinji, are you sure of the operation?" she asked.
"I think so," Shinji said. "But how am I going to kill the angel? I've never taken an Eva underwater before."
"I'm not so sure," Misato said. "I don't think any of the Eva's gun type weapons will work underwater."
Suddenly, Asuka saw an opportunity to at least try and help with the knowledge she possessed. "Hey, the angel…it had a mouth right? If the core of an angel is in the centre of its body, then maybe you can get to the core by going inside this one's mouth and blowing it up."
Misato's face lit up, "That's a brilliant plan Asuka! I wonder why I hadn't thought of that! All Shinji has to do is cause a large explosion inside the angel by going through its weak spot, being its mouth! An N2 mine out to do it!"
"An…N2 mine?" Shinji asked nervously. "Are you sure that's necessary?"
"We don't want to take any chances with anything smaller! So Shinji, all you have to do is get the angel's mouth open, toss the N2 mine inside the angel's mouth and wish it goodbye! Simple!"
"Yeah…simple," Shinji muttered.
"I'm glad you agree!" Misato said. "Kaji, slow down and watch out for the wall. When you get there turn left then right."
"I thought you said it was a straight line!" Kaji said as he pressed the brakes.
"It's pretty much a straight line. I thought it was and I ended up nearly crashing into that wall," Misato explained.
"Well, that's good to hear," Kaji said.
Within five minutes, the SUV was parked in a NERV parking lot and everybody was running into headquarters. Time was a commodity quickly running short. Misato was the first to enter Central Dogma where Ritsuko was waiting. "Where's Shinji?" was the first utterance out of the blonde doctor's mouth.
"I'm here, Dr Akagi," Shinji said, who was right behind Misato.
"Get yourself suited up and in Unit 01 as quickly as possible," Ritsuko ordered. Shinji nodded his before running off to prepare to launch. Ritsuko sighed, feeling the stress mounting before noticing Asuka. "You must be Asuka Langley Sohryu," Ritsuko noted. Asuka nodded her head. "I'm Dr Ritsuko Akagi, head of the science division here at NERV. I apologise for your arrival not being under less chaotic circumstances."
"It's okay, it's nobody's fault," Asuka said.
"What's the situation with the UN forces?" Misato asked.
"The aircraft have pulled out because of the artillery barrage but it appears that they're running short on ammunition. Once they've depleted all the rounds that they have, I'm sure that those artillery crews won't think twice about hightailing it out of the area. We're pretty much on our own," Ritsuko answered.
"Do we have any N2 mines?" Misato next inquired.
"An N2 mine? Yeah, one or two. Why?" Ritsuko asked.
"Because the plan involves an N2 mine right in the mouth of that angel," Misato said.
"I see. That will probably work if Shinji can pull it off," Ritsuko said. "And if the C-Type equipment holds up."
"What do you mean?" Misato asked.
"We haven't had much time to check and fine tune the C-Type equipment. If it fails underwater, then I don't know what we can do," Ritsuko pointed out.
"It won't fail. Shinji will pull it off," Misato said confidently.
"Always the optimist, Misato?" Ritsuko chuckled.
"Someone has to be," Misato said with a smile, although it was far from comfortable.
Asuka watched nervously from Central Dogma as the technicians hastily went through last minute launch checks. "This is the first time Shinji has fought underwater, huh?" Kensuke asked.
"I think so," Toji said. "Shinji's strong…he'll pull it off."
"I hope so," Kensuke said. "I mean, remember the last time we saw him…that was close."
"Don't talk about that," Toji snapped.
Asuka had heard the entire conversation and asked, "What about the last time you saw him?"
"Huh? Oh, we, well, um, ended up inside Shinji's Eva with him…" Kensuke began.
"Long story, you don't want to know how we ended up there," Toji added.
"As I was saying, we were in Shinji's Eva and he was fighting this big, red, scorpion, snake like angel with huge glowing tentacles! Misato told Shinji to retreat as soon as we got in the Eva but he attacked it anyway with his knife. Just as the angel died, Shinji's power ran out," Kensuke explained.
"It was a close call," Toji noted.
"Was that his last battle?" Asuka asked.
"Nah, he had another one after that, but Shinji doesn't talk about piloting Eva," Toji said. "We know it's hard for him, so we support him by not mentioning it around him whenever it's possible."
"I see," Asuka said.
At that moment, Shinji was on the verge of being launched. "Okay Shinji," Misato. "There will be an N2 mine waiting up there for you in one of the utility buildings. Grab it and head straight for Lake Ashi. Jump in and take out that angel. We're counting on you."
"Roger that," Shinji said tensely.
"Okay…Evangelion Unit 01, LAUNCH!" Misato ordered.
From high up in Central Dogma, Gendo Ikari and Kozo Fuyutsuki observed the operation commence in a stone silence. The commanders were joined by Kaji who unlike them had something to say and something to deliver. "I have your package," Kaji said.
There was a moment of silence before Gendo said, "The angel attacked you whilst you were at port because of Adam's presence."
"Yeah, I assumed that as well," Kaji agreed. "It just happened to be the worst time imaginable."
"No matter, you are here with the package, as well as delivering Unit 01's pilot when he was needed. That is all Kaji," Gendo said. Kaji about faced and took his leave, joining Misato on the lower level.
Asuka didn't notice Kaji arrive. Her eyes were glued to the screen which showed Evangelion Unit 01 with an N2 mine tucked under its right arm running at full speed for Lake Ashi. Somehow I wish it was both me and him in that entry plug…at least that way, I could do something to help, Asuka thought. That feeling of helplessness was something she was feeling on a regular basis and it was amplified now with Shinji heading out to face an angel that they had originally fought together, albeit in the same Eva. Shinji…good luck, go and kick that thing's ass, Asuka thought.
"I'm almost at Lake Ashi," Shinji reported.
"Be careful when you go in," Misato said. "It could get you without warning so be on guard."
"Okay," Shinji acknowledged. The C-Type equipment consisted of several attachments around the limbs and the body of the Eva which propelled it through the water in sync with the pilot's directions. It wasn't particularly bulky and didn't hinder Unit 01's movement on land. The real test was when Shinji entered the water. He didn't know what to expect from the C-Type equipment.
Soon, he was at the water's edge. The artillery barrage stopped as soon as Unit 01 arrived on the scene. "Shinji, I've just got word from the UN forces; they're pulling out. You're on your own," Misato said.
"Got it," Shinji said.
Asuka saw his look of determination on the video screen. She could also see that he was tense and nervous. He was about to battle an aquatic angel in its element. "Okay, I'm going in," Shinji said. "Uh, should I just jump in, or walk in?"
"I don't know," Misato said.
"He should jump in," Asuka said.
"You hear that, Shinji?" Misato asked.
"Was that Asuka who said that?" Shinji inquired.
"Yeah, it was me," Asuka said. "Jump in and go for it Shinji. I'm sure you can do it! Just one thing; watch out for the teeth."
"The teeth?" Misato said to herself quietly with a bit of confusion.
"Okay then, I'll jump in! Thanks Asuka," Shinji said.
Unit 01 leapt into the air with its umbilical cable hanging behind it before landing in the water. "Okay, I'm in," Shinji said. "The C-Type equipment seems to be working fine…although I'm moving a bit slowly."
"Crap, is he meant to be moving that slowly?" Misato asked anxiously.
"I don't know. We never really got to test it," Ritsuko replied.
"Damn…okay Shinji, you'll just have to deal with it. I think that's the fastest that the C-Type equipment will take you," Misato said.
"Roger that," Shinji said.
"Is the N2 mine still with you?" Misato next inquired.
"I've still got it, yeah. No sign of the angel though," Shinji reported.
"Lake Ashi is quite big," Ritsuko noted. "The angel could be anywhere in the lake."
"Um, if you don't mind me asking," said Kensuke, "are you saying that the artillery and the aeroplanes did nothing to it?"
"Conventional weapons don't work against angels and N2 mines have minimal effect if they are deployed against the exterior of the angels," Ritsuko explained.
The AT-Field, Asuka thought. They can't tell anyone outside of NERV about it though.
"Something's heading toward me! It's the angel!" Shinji cried.
"Hurry, get ready to put the N2 mine in its mouth!" Misato said.
"Damn…it's moving quickly!" Shinji said. Before he could react, the angel had opened its mouth and snapped its jaws shut on Unit 01. The C-Type equipment had absolutely no chance of manoeuvring the Eva out of harm's way in time. "The angel has Unit 01 in its mouth!" exclaimed Maya Ibuki.
"Damage to the abdomen section of Unit 01 is considerable!" added Makoto Hyuga.
"Shinji, are you okay?!" Misato cried.
"My stomach…argh, it hurts," Shinji said weakly.
"The pilot is losing conciousness!" Shigeru Aoba yelled. "Pain experienced by the pilot is comparable to that of a shark bite!"
"Dear lord…" Misato said forlornly.
"He can't lose conciousness! If he does, then Unit 01 will lose grip of the N2 mine!" Ritsuko cried.
"Pilot is suffering from internal bleeding!" Maya reported before turning away from her console. "This is horrible…I can't watch!"
"Pilot's is about to black out," Makoto said.
At that point, Asuka had had enough. She pushed Misato out of the way and moved forward towards the communications equipment. "Shinji, can you hear me? I know you can hear me Shinji!" Asuka yelled down the comm. link.
"Asuka…?" Shinji said, his voice barely a whisper.
"Listen to me; you've got to detonate that N2 mine!" Asuka urged.
"Oh my god…he's drifting in and out of conciousness," Makoto said. "Internal bleeding isn't too serious, but he's in a lot of pain. Any minute he'll be completely unconscious."
"Shinji! Don't give up on us! We need you to do this for us! Just push through for us and detonate that N2 mine!" Asuka cried.
"Asuka…it hurts…" Shinji gasped.
At this point, Asuka dropped to her knees in front of Misato's console and struggled to hold her head up high. This wasn't the reason why she went back. She didn't want to see Shinji going through such intense pain. She wanted to help but all she could do was watch. However, a part of her told her to keep going, to keep on shouting at Shinji, in the dire hope that he might just be conscious enough to set off the N2 mine.
"Please Shinji…you've got to…set off that N2 mine," Asuka said, fighting back tears. "Everyone here doesn't want to see you die at the hands of this stinking fish…we all care about you, Shinji. Misato, your friends…me…we want you to go on Shinji…please…for us…for me…"
"Asuka?" Shinji said weakly.
"Unit 01 is moving!" Shigeru cried ecstatically. "The N2 mine…it's been activated!"
"What?!" Misato cried. By some miracle, half of Unit 01 was inside of the angel's mouth. The half which held the N2 mine was inside the mouth and once Shinji had activated the N2 mine, he was free to let it go. "The mine is moving down towards the angel's core," Makoto reported. "Detonation in 5…4…3…2…1."
The screen turned to snow as the explosion was heard as a rumble even from down in NERV HQ. "Get us video feed, NOW!" Misato ordered. "From the air, anywhere! I don't care; just get that video feed up!"
Within seconds, there was an aerial shot of Lake Ashi on screen. A huge amount of water had been displaced by the explosion and was falling down liked rain over the lake and Tokyo-3. "The angel has been destroyed," said Shigeru with relief in his voice.
"Where's Unit 01?" Misato asked frantically.
"It's…there! Can you see it? Bottom left of the picture!" said Makoto.
"Pilot is unconscious but alive. He needs medical treatment to make sure that internal bleeding doesn't get out of hand," Maya said.
"Send a team to recover the pilot! I want them there five minutes ago!" Misato ordered.
"Yes ma'am!" Shigeru responded. "A team is already on their way."
Asuka was still on her knees when she saw Unit 01 in a shallower part of the lake. She blew a sigh of relief upon seeing the angel defeated and hearing that Shinji was all right. "Asuka," said Misato, placing her hand on the redhead's shoulder. "That was good of you…thank you." Asuka nodded her head in acknowledgement but kept her eyes glued to the screen. Once Misato had walked away, Asuka whispered, "Shinji…you idiot…" before allowing a lone tear to flow down her face. She felt that she could allow herself just one tear to make sure that she remained in touch with her emotions, something which she never allowed herself to do before. Maybe things would be different and this would only be the start. Contrary to what she might have thought and proved by today's events, Asuka had no idea what to expect from this future but she had a new optimistic outlook, hoping that maybe if she could change herself, it could make a change to bigger, more significant things. She would start by visiting Shinji at the hospital once he received treatment.
Shinji slowly opened his eyes to a sight he had seen before. "That ceiling again…I've been here before," he said quietly. Shinji began to sit up but stopped when he felt a pain in his abdomen. He inspected his stomach area and saw stitches where an operation had been performed. Wincing at the pain, Shinji brought himself to a sat up position in the bed. Much to his surprise when he looked across from his bed, he saw Asuka, asleep in her chair. Asuka? What is she doing here? Shinji asked himself. Then he realised that she had been waiting for him to wake up ever since he was put in the hospital. She must be exhausted after her long journey so couldn't help but fall asleep while sitting there, Shinji reasoned. Still, it was surprising to see her there. He remembered her forcing conversation out of him on the he arrived on Over the Rainbow. She was pushy and overbearing, but Shinji could not help but feel that it was all in a nice way.
The next issue at hand for Shinji was figuring out how he ended up in hospital. He remembered seeing the angel close in on him whilst they were in the lake but afterwards, everything was a blur. I'm alive, so I guess I must have beat the angel somehow…I just wonder how, Shinji thought. He glanced over to Asuka once more, never expecting to wait in his hospital room for him. He had barely known her for a day, yet she was willing to do this for him? That's…that's really nice of her, Shinji thought with a smile. I never thought anyone would do that for me. His thoughts turned back to the battle and trying to make out what happened. As his memories became slightly clearer, he realised there was something constant within his mind during the battle. It was the sound of Asuka's voice. He couldn't really remember the words she was saying but he could remember activating the N2 mine because of something she said. From the sleeping form of the redhead, he realised that it was because she cared. She told him that she cared and somehow he managed to set that N2 mine off. Shinji felt better at the realisation; happy that maybe he had met somebody who really did care.
