Disclaimer: GAINAX and Anno retain any and all rights to Evangelion-related stuff. However, if you wish to use Ghost in any of your fics, just make sure to say that he's mine, and I won't complain.
The Death of Many, the Pain of One
The trio was drawing near to Mount Fuji. From there, they would finally see if the rest of the world had suffered as much as Tokyo - 3 had. They had been walking for two days now, at a strenuous pace set by Ghost. Shinji and Asuka had to push themselves constantly to keep up with him, but he seemed completely relaxed, not even slightly winded. However, he took enough breaks to allow Shinji and Asuka to recover sufficient energy. But now, they were near their goal, the large mountain known worldwide as Fuji. Pretty soon, they would be hiking up the steep downgrades, and probably would have to climb some parts.
They were taking a short break for lunch, seeing how it was high noon. Ghost supplied them with two more food packets. He himself refrained from eating until dinner, and a small snack in the early morning. He took stock of their food and water supply. There is still enough for three days, four if we ration correctly. However, traversing Fuji will take a toll, one I would prefer to be prepared for. Oh well. There is nothing to do but hold out and see what crosses our path.
Shinji and Asuka were resting on a rock, muching and talking casually. Once in a while, they swapped around different portions of the meals to satisfy their likings. They were looking out to the west, remembering where they had emerged from the LCL. It seemed so long ago they were residing in their little basement, stocked with enough provisions to last for at least a month. However, they held no regrets for leaving, since they knew it was better if they found a populated area to settle in, instead of staying isolated near the LCL.
Asuka finished eating, and discarded the used container. She leaned on Shinji's shoulder, remembering what had transpired between them a few days ago. They had been resting, when some movement had placed them extremely close. They had kissed softly, letting their emotions flow through their actions. It would have continued for a long while, had not Ghost playful interupted them, sneaking up behind them. Now, they sat together, looking out to the vast desert, wondering what the future would have in store for them. Whatever happens though, Shinji thought, I'll be with Asuka, and that will be enough for me. I'll take my chances, and try to live a happy life with her by my side. And if I can't... well, it's better to have loved and lost, they say.
Ghost was looking out to Fuji again, mentally planning paths and calculating distances, when he caught wind of another sound, different than the helicopter a few days ago. It's another vehicle, but it seems to be on the ground; I can feel tremblings in the earth. Slow-moving, but large. More than one, maybe? Ghost glanced over to the kids. "Hey, you two! Company from the east. Hide behind your rock." Shinji and Asuka obeyed, sliding down and ducking behind their sitting rock. Ghost had already slid behind a large boulder, hiding his case, and peeking around to see what it was.
A few moments past, when a large, train-looking vehicle crawled by. It was lumberous, and shaped of black steel. Numerous steam pipes bellowed out masses of white cloud, while a huge smoke stack sent out exaust in a dipsersing stream. Ghost recognized the design. Well, I'll be damned! An old caravan, merchant by the looks of it. It doesn't appear military. Great! We can restock our supplies with the merchants, if that is what they are. He stepped out from behind his rock, and whistled loudly, a sound the kids were becoming familiar with.
All three saw a hatch open up top, and a hand wave to them. Surprisingly, Ghost waved back enthusiastically. The head went back under, the hatch closed, and the train-like vehicle engaged it's brakes, slowing down to a screeching halt. Ghost motioned for the kids to follow him, as he headed out with his case towards the machine.
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"So, you three survived the blast, huh? Well, that's mighty impressive! Welcome aboard our merchant train, Fuji's Ring. We make year-longtrips around Fuji, and stop at several villages on the way, supplying them with anything they might need to survive. Our final destination is Nagosati, a small town on the far side of the mount."
The trio had boarded the traveling vessel, and were amazed at the size of it. Easily larger than five commercial buses, it was full of large spinning gears, engines, and workers running around to keep it in tip top shape. However, it was too hot and crowded inside the engine areas of the Ring to stay for long, so the captain, who's name was Geto, had invited them into the quartering area of the ship. It was not incredibly spacious or luxurious, but it was enough for a crew of 78 to rest comfortably for the night. Geto had sat them down, and made initial greetings with them. Then he and Ghost had sat down together at a table, while Shinji and Asuka looked out the circular window to see the sandy expanse whiz by.
Ghost had briefly explained their situation, while refraining from elaborating on any paritcularly touchy subjects, such as the nature of the explosion, or the attack from the military. Ghost had then inquired deeply about the vessel, which the captain was only too happy to brag about. After explaining the Ring's inner workings, Ghost got to the point.
"Well, we are travellers, heading over to the far side of Fuji, and I was wondering if you would mind selling us some equipment for the journey."
Geto put on a smile. "We can do better than that! At a fee, we can let you stay aboard as passengers, and in about a month's time, we'll arrive in Nagosati."
Ghost shook his head. "I'm sorry, but that will take too long. It would be quicker for us to trek over Fuji. The view would also help us plan our next move."
Geto looked a little disappointed. "Oh well, don't say I didn't offer. But yes, I can sell you anything you'll need for your travels." And so, Ghost and Geto got into a strategic, mind-numbing battle of barganing, pricing, and counter-pricing. The kids turned around momentarily to try and follow the exchanges, but they quickly lost themselves, and turned back to watch the old world go by.
After an exahusing ten minute round, Ghost and Geto were both satisfyed by the results of the barganing. Geto sent a crewman to fetch the supplies, while Ghost counted out the cost. They made the exchange, and Ghost loaded the new provisions into his case. He then signaled to the kids, and all three said a farewell to Geto and some of the crew, and made their way back to the hatch. Fuji's Ring slowed down just enough to let the trio leap off, before speeding off again into the distance. None of them had realized how much time had past, and Ghost decided to set up camp for the night, before they began their initial trek up the mountain. All three munched happily on one of the newly obtained food packs, and quickly settled in for the night.
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It was like a feather blowing by his ear. A wisp so light, it was almost impossible to hear. But Ghost heard it. He snapped his eyes open, and tried to focus on the far off sound. It sounds so familiar. I know I wasn't dreaming. It was soft, but out of place. It wasn't the wind. I'd better go check it out. He glanced at the kids. They'll be fine. And this might be a danger to them. So, he got up from his sleeping position, which was not that different to the way he usually slumped, hoisted his pack onto his back, and took off at a jog towards the sound.
It took him only a minute to see the light in the distance. Fire! It was an explosion! I need to go back and warn the kids..... No. It's extremely far away. They couldn't move fast enough. I have to go alone. It's better they don't get involved, whatever this is. He took a deep breath, settled his mind, and started sprinting. Faster, and faster, he accelerated past the rocks. He was reaching a speed that would match cars on a highway, when he stopped, ten minutes later. The sight of it sent ice through his blood.
Oh, no..... The caravan! It... It's completely destroyed! Sure enough, the train they had ridden on, only a few hours before, was engulfed in rising pillars of flame. Nobody he recognized was outside. A smell of gasoline filled the air. The gas must have caught a spark...... Terrible. Geto..... rest well.
He advanced towards the flaming hulk, when he heard voices. Across the ridge! Survivors! He rushed over to the hill, and was about to cross over, when something went 'click'. The sound sent a nausiating wave through his gut. His eyes widened to discs as the recognized that sound as well. A hammer.... that was a gun being cocked..... This isn't right....
He went lying into a prone position, his case by his side. He slowly shuffled up to the ridge, dragging it along carefully. When he reached the top, and was able to peek over, a terrible ripping went through his stomach. All his muscles tensed as he took in the scene in front of him. A squeak almost escaped his gaping mouth. His breathing became staggered. His eyes began to water. No, no, no, no..... This isn't how it's supposed to be...... It can't be..... His brain began to throb. His mouth was dry, and with each inhale, sand rasped inside his throat. He grasped his hair with his hands. NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! Impossible! Why do they have to be here!? Why did it have to be them!? They shouldn't even be alive!! They should be burning in the deepest pits of Hell, the murderers!! Scum!! Wretched filth!! Why did it have to be them!? Why!? Why!?
............ No........... Not again............. I won't let it happen again................ Never again............. I'll redeem myself............ I'll avenge her.............. I'll KILL THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!
He screamed the last phrase, letting all of his rage loose. Never before had he suffered from such anger, such viciousness. But these men had violated the last line in Ghost's heart. He had sworn certain things before he died. He swore to be a better person. He swore to protect her. The blue bead on his ear symbolized that.
But he also swore revenge against his enemies. The ones who had so easliy thrown both his and her life away. He swore never again to let them strike. He had failed. They had struck again, this time killing more people than was tolerable. Even one death would have triggered Ghost's anger, but the multiple deaths only served to increase it exponentially. He grabbed hold of his case, and swung it around in front of him. He gave the top a solid blow, and the two wings spread out. Some shouting had surfaced, and orders were being yelled. A spotlight had been aimed at him. Gunfire roared out as Ghost took cover behind his shield. He yanked open the case, sending the two doors flying away. He kicked at a hidden switch on the bottom, and the equipment fell away. Behind them, a rack lined with various metal pieces was exposed. He grabbed two of the pieces, and began fitting them together. One barrel, two barrel, three barrel, four. Trigger, Stock, Clip. Assembled. He heard the gunners begin a flank to his right, so he grabbed the rifle in his left hand, gripped the case cord with his right, and leaped to the side, covering an immense distance, and effectively repositioning his enemies so that they could only attack from one direction. He repositioned his shield so that it was laying flat on it's back. He let his legs slide into a stury position, his right leg stretched far out while he squatted on his left. He placed the rifle on top of the box, and took aim. Having no scope, Ghost had to rely on manual sights, but he was quite practiced with shooting manually. He let his mind focus, and he felt where his shot would fall. Adjust for wind, gravity, distance. Let the hands cradle it. I'm ready. Now it begins..... Time to cleanse the world of these damned bastards.
And with that, Ghost let his fury fly.
Notes: Don't worry - Action will be concludedduring the ninthchapter. I hope this really catches some of the doubters out there. It only gets better, so stay tuned.
