Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion, or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything belonging to Marvel Comics or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Chapter 9: First Aid
"Here's to Rei, and her new home!" Misato beamed cheerily, holding up her glass to her friends. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" came the bright response from Shinji, Ritsuko, and Kaji. The four of them were seated in the small yet functional apartment that had recently been assigned to Rei, with the albino herself looking quietly about at the people celebrating around her.
Sighing as she took a chug from her glass of tea, Misato couldn't help but frown, if for no reason than the fact that there were a good many other things that she would much rather be chugging, especially in a party situation. But even though a few days had passed since she had been released from the hospital, she was still feeling somewhat shaky. And she had to admit, those few days had been busy ones.
As soon as Ritsuko had been granted guardianship of Rei, she had lost no time in arranging in a new home for the blue-haired girl. And with the aid of the Human Resources department, she had arranged for some new furnishings to go along with that new home. Events that had brought Misato and the others to celebrate.
To Misato's mind, however, the celebration left a good deal to be desired, and not just because of the notable lack of Yebisu. The guest of honor and the owner of the home that they were currently breaking in was a solemn wisp of a girl that night. Rei looked almost lost in this strange new place that had been assigned to her so recently. Lost, and maybe even a bit afraid.
Despite the good cheer of the people about her, Misato could feel an edge of sadness at the albino's disconcerted expression. Even under the best of circumstances, moving into a new home could be a difficult experience. And these were far from the best of circumstances. With the fact that this move had only been made possible by the death of her former guardian.
I swear, if somebody had found only a shriveled prune where Gendo's heart had been when that bastard had been autopsied, I wouldn't have been surprised! Misato decreed within her mind, thinking of the various exchanges she had seen occur between Gendo and Rei, with the girl smiling and acting like a bright, normal girl her age. With his treatment of her an absolute abomination, consigning her to a disease-ridden dump in a section of the city that had been abandoned to crime and decay.
Now that smiling girl was nearly mute at the party that was being held in her honor. Even more withdrawn than she was normally, and bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the girl she had been in Gendo's presence.
Misato frowned somewhat at her dour thoughts. Rei's new home could only be called a good thing, and with her new guardian, the odds were good that things would be better for the girl in the future. The last thing she wanted to do was get things off on the wrong foot by going from party girl to party pooper. So reinforcing her smile, she held her glass in another direction, to another person being honored that day. "And here's to you, Rits. For making all of this happen!"
Sighing as the others there seconded Misato's praise, the faux-blonde shrugged. "It's not that big a deal," Ritsuko responded, seemingly embarrassed by the enthusiasm of her friends. Returning the Major's gaze, the doctor quirked a smile of her own. "After all, it's not like you wouldn't have done the same."
"Maybe I would have. If I had a larger apartment!" Misato gibed, shaking her head. "But I'm not the one who saved the day here, now am I?"
Clearly enjoying the interplay between the two women, Kaji grinned boyishly as Ritsuko sighed self-depreciatingly. "Hey, don't be so modest, Ritsy-poo! You're the hero of the hour here!"
Making a sound of agreement, Shinji nodded. "It was really great of you, doing all this," the boy seconded, turning to look at the other guest of honor. "This sure is a lot better than your old place, huh, Rei?"
The albino's response was to freeze momentarily, her eyes flitting about like of a cornered animal, searching for some manner of escape. With a quiet breath, Rei settled down, and returned Shinji's gaze. "It is…comfortable."
"Wow. High praise indeed," Kaji grinned, shaking his head derisively. "I remember plenty of times when I would've killed for digs like this!"
"Oh, you!" Misato grumbled, rolling her eyes at her former lover's irreverent attitude. Then she looked at Shinji in a conspiratorial fashion. "And he wonders why he's still single?"
With a wounded pout that would have earned him an Academy Award, Kaji moved to drape his arm over the Major's shoulder. "Aw, and I thought our little evening out before really meant something to you."
"Yeah, it did," Misato countered, taking Kaji's arm and shoving it away. "And it probably would've meant a lot more if I hadn't wound up in the hospital!"
Helpless to do anything but smile, Shinji just watched the immature antics of the two of them. Finding himself being reminded of the behaviors of some of his classmates, like the two of them were a pair of goofy older siblings that he had never had. Then he returned his attention to the woman responsible for this. "Still, it really was nice of you, Ritsuko," the boy spoke, taking a sip of his tea. "Becoming Rei's guardian, getting her this apartment. And right next to your place, too."
"Shinji, like I said, it's no big deal," Ritsuko protested, something akin to sadness appearing on her face.
"No big deal?" Misato repeated, raising a purple eyebrow as she gave her friend an incredulous look. "Rits, are you kidding me?!"
"No, I'm not," Ritsuko answered, shaking her head somewhat. As if the scientist was searching for the right words in the faces around her, as the various furnishings that now decorated the new apartment. "Rei…she needed a new guardian, and I…convinced Commander Osborn that I was the right person for the job. It's really as simple as that."
"Simple, huh?" Misato said, the corner of her lips curling up wryly. Snorting with laughter, the purple-haired woman rolled her eyes before once again fixing her gaze upon her friend. "I don't believe this. We go to all this trouble to put together this little party, and you don't even have the decency to let us shower you with praise the way we should be!" When Ritsuko chuckled in response, the Major grinned even more deeply, knowing that her teases had found their mark. "C'mon, Rits! This is a big thing you're doing here!"
"Yes, and as I recall, when you did a similarly big thing for Shinji, all I did was give you a hard time about," Ritsuko pointed out. When Misato snorted at the memory, the doctor lowered her gaze momentarily. "Look, all of you, I really do appreciate this, but...this is just something I…needed to do, okay?" When a deep silence was her answer, the faux-blonde decided to change the subject. "Anyway, how are you doing? Finally feeling back to yourself?"
Shrugging, Misato answered, "I guess so. Still feel a bit crapped out at times." Then her expression soured like an overripe lemon. "Of course, the fact that the doctors told me that I'm not allowed to have any beer for another week doesn't help!"
"Oh, really?" Ritsuko commented. With an impish smile, the doctor swiveled her gaze to young man present. "Tell me something, Shinji. Just how long do you think it will take for Misato to disregard her doctor's orders?" When the purple-haired woman turned purple in the face with annoyance, Ritsuko shot her a devious glance. "Or will some miracle worker actually manage to get her to stay away from anything alcoholic?"
"Uh…" Shinji started, taken by surprise at his suddenly being on the spot. Then the boy blushed somewhat. "Well, actually…"
"Actually, despite what you might think, I am capable of doing what's best for me every now and again," Misato grumbled. Then she grimaced before placing a hand to her forehead. "Besides, I've still got a headache from whatever crap was in that dart! You think I want to add to it?"
"You mean…you're actually following doctor's orders? Without anybody having to force you?" Ritsuko commented with a raised eyebrow. Taking a sip of her own drink, she stifled the urge to laugh at the expression on her friend's face. "And I thought a girl who could make it rain whenever she wants was amazing! Maybe we should call Ripley's while we're at it!"
"Ha. Ha. Ha," Misato groaned, fixing the doctor with a gaze that would have done a gorgon proud.
"Oooh, meow! And the claws are certainly out tonight!" Kaji noted. When both of his college friends gave him annoyed looks, the unshaven man looked at the only other male present. "By the way, where's Asuka at? I was expecting her to be here."
Shrugging, Shinji answered, "Well, you see, Asuka really doesn't like Rei all that much. And…well, she hasn't been in a good mood lately, and…" The boy then fell silent as Kaji signaled that he got the idea.
"Of course, she'll be mad as hell when she finds out that she missed out on seeing you," Misato commented, rolling her eyes as she spoke. "Honestly, that girl has no taste whatsoever."
There was a muted laughter at this, laughter that was followed by various forms of conversation. The small group conversing about day-to-day happenings, whether at NERV, school, or anywhere in between. A few jokes were told, some of which left Shinji and Rei confused, and generally took pleasure in the company they shared.
Finally, as the evening dragged on and exhaustion began to take its toll, Misato looked at her own charge and smiled wearily. "Well, not that this hasn't been fun, but Shinji and I have to get to our own home. Because unless I missed a memo, I still have to go to work, and Shinji still has school."
"Oh, right," Shinji got out, looking about in embarrassment. "Uh, sorry, but…"
"Hey, we understand," Kaji returned easily. "And we really shouldn't be keeping Rei up. After all, a new home, an unfamiliar roof over her head…"
"That…does not bother me," Rei spoke. Her quiet manner not quite hiding a slight tremor in her voice.
Smiling sadly, Ritsuko directed a look of compassion at her new charge. "Maybe, but I still think we should turn in for the night," the doctor told her. "We've got a lot to do tomorrow. Remember?"
Her lips tightening, Rei returned the doctor's gaze. Her crimson eyes quavering just the tiniest bit as she looked at Ritsuko. "Yes. I do," was the albino could say.
Frowning somewhat at Rei's reaction, however muted it was, Misato looked at the albino before finally sighing and getting to her feet. I'm tired, I'm still screwed up from whatever crap was in that dart, and I'm too tired to be thinking right now, the purple-haired woman decided. Then she grimaced even more. Besides, with the way the paperwork's been piling up, I'm gonna need all the rest I can get!
Wondering why paperwork seemed to breed that much more quickly when no one was around to see it, Misato stretched while the others there also stood. "Well, anyway, I guess I'll be seeing all of you tomorrow," the Major said. "Good night, Rei."
"Yeah, and…take care," Shinji added, looking from Rei to Ritsuko and back.
"We will," Ritsuko answered. Then the doctor gasped before gently slapping herself in the face. "Oh, I almost forgot! Shinji, wait! There's something I wanted to give you."
"Huh?" Shinji got out as the faux-blonde turned about and went to the sofa, upon which the guests had left their coats. As he watched, Ritsuko sifted through her things before pulling out a grocery bag.
"Ah, here we are," Ritsuko beamed as she stood straight, holding her acquisition up for everyone to see.
"What is it?" Shinji wondered as the doctor approached.
"Some dried fish stock I found," Ritsuko explained, smiling at the boy. "After everything you've been doing for me, I figured you deserved a little reward. I know it's not much, but…"
"Oh, that's okay," Shinji returned brightly, a kindly smile gracing his lips. Blushing slightly, the boy took a quick look inside the bag before returning his attention to the doctor. "Wow, this looks really good. Thanks, Ritsuko."
"It was my pleasure," Ritsuko assured him. Then she winked impishly at the boy. "Just do me a favor. Don't let Misato try and ruin it in one of her concoctions!"
"Oh, ha ha. Yuck yuck," Misato grumbled, rolling her eyes skyward. Then she narrowed her eyes dangerously at grinned at her best friend. "And just for that, I won't bother calling you when Shinji makes something with that yummy fish stock you just gave him."
Feigning a stung expression, Ritsuko brought her hand up to cover her heart, groaning as she took a step back. "Aw, now that's just cruel!" The overwrought expression the doctor wore proved too much for any of them to handle, and soon the foursome broke out in a case of the giggles.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," Misato told her friend, holding up her hands in surrender. Giving the faux-blonde a lopsided grin, she then added, "Anyway, thanks again for all of this, Rits. Just…"
"Yes?" Ritsuko wondered, frowning slightly as Misato's open-ended sentence.
"Well…if you need any help, just let us know, okay?" Misato told her. When the doctor frowned even more deeply, the Major shrugged. "It's…well, having to be a guardian…especially with everything going on at NERV…"
"I know, Misato," Ritsuko answered. "But…this is something I have to do."
"You told me that, and…I'm not trying to tell you were wrong, or anything like that," Misato assured her friend. Then, with an almost ashamed caste to her features, she sighed. "I guess I'm just saying that…if you need us, we're here. Okay?"
Blinking twice, Ritsuko smiled at her best friend before raising her hand towards her. As Misato received the doctor's hand in her own, Ritsuko placed her free hand on the Major's shoulder. "Thanks, Misato. That…means more to me than you can imagine."
"Hey, what are friends for?" Kaji wondered, while Shinji nodded in assent.
"Thanks," Ritsuko returned. Then she gave an impish curling to the corner of her lip. "And on that note, I think it might be a good idea to get home and to bed. I don't want to have to rely on NERV's coffee to help me last through the day!"
"Ugh! Tell me about it!" Misato groaned, thinking of the caffeinated sludge that passed for coffee in the bowls of the Geofront. "All this damned techno-junk, and we can't even make a coffee machine that makes decent coffee!"
"Then I guess I'll just to invent one myself," Ritsuko joked, laughing at her own wit.
"You do that, and I'll be in your debt for life!" Misato grinned. Then she turned towards the door, with Shinji and Kaji following suit. Looking over her shoulder, she waved at her best friend. "Seeya tomorrow, Rits!"
"Right. Tomorrow, then," Ritsuko returned. Misato gave her one final smile before opening the door, and stepping out into the night.
Well, that went better than I would have expected, Ritsuko thought tiredly. Though her superhuman body felt no exhaustion, she was tired in a different way. The weight of her responsibilities setting down on her shoulders even more fiercely than ever as she turned to face the girl before her. And though Rei very rarely showed emotion, she still had feelings. And as the scientist looked at science's creation, the child of both human and Angelic flesh, what Ritsuko saw…was fear.
Knowing what had to be done, but fearful nonetheless, Ritsuko knelt down in front of the girl she had helped torment. "Rei…do you mind if I stayed a bit longer?" the scientist wondered. Determined that, whatever happened next, it would be because Rei allowed it. That as of that moment, Rei Ayanami would have a hand in making her own fate. "There's…some things that I need to talk with you about."
A hint of surprise showing in the girl's face, Rei frowned at first, confusion swirling mercurially about within the depths of her eyes. Then the girl pursed her lips, and finally looked squarely at the doctor. "Very well," she finally replied.
"Alright," Ritsuko answered, nodding. Moving up alongside Rei, the doctor placed a careful hand upon her shoulder. "Come on, let's sit down. This…is going to take awhile."
"Yes, ma'am," Rei answered, allowing herself to be escorted to the sofa by the doctor. The girl never once looking away from Ritsuko as the two of them sat down.
Looking at the girl who was quite possibly her greatest victim, Ritsuko let out a heavy sigh. Oh, God, where do I even begin? the doctor wondered. All of her technical and genetic knowledge all but worthless in the face of the task that lay ahead of her. The undoing of a lifetime of programming and torment for a single human heart.
"Rei…" Ritsuko started, feeling woefully ill-prepared as she spoke. Struggling for words, the doctor faced the girl, and refused to let herself waver. "You…you know why Gendo made you, right?"
The instant these words escaped Ritsuko's lips, the albino was jolted with surprise. Rei just sat there, blinking away a greater level of shock than the faux-blonde had ever seen her express. It was only after an untold amount of time had passed that girl was able to speak, and when she did, she spoke haltingly. "I…yes. Of…course I did. I…"
Bringing up her hands, Ritsuko broke in. "No. I mean…I know what Gendo wanted you to do. What…he wanted you to give him control of," the doctor explained, struggling with her own words. Then she leaned in closer to the girl before her. "But…do you know why he wanted that control? What he wanted you…to give him?" Rei just frowned at this, cocking her head as she was studying the doctor's face, searching it for the answer. Choking down on the bile forming in her throat, Ritsuko shook her head. "You…know about Yui, right?"
"Yes," Rei answered quickly. "Commander Ikari…spoke of her quite often."
"Yeah, I know," Ritsuko spoke, thinking of the times she had heard Gendo talk about his wife. When she would wake up in his bed after a loveless night, and would finding him looking over his treasure trove of pictures and mementoes. How sometimes, when he thought no one was present, Gendo would speak to Unit 01 about all his plans for the future, unaware or uncaring that Ritsuko had been there to listen. A woman who had long since been broken with hopelessness, the knowledge that he was the master of her fate.
Her eyes tearing, Ritsuko sniffed loudly as she looked away, wringing her hands as she did. "Do you have any idea…how much I hated that woman?" the faux-blonde confessed, unable to stop the emotions that were welling up within her. A broken chuckle escaping her lips, Ritsuko shook her head at her own foolishness. "I mean…I never even met her, but I still hated her! And do you know why that is? Hmm?" Seeing Rei shake her head out of the corner of her eye, Ritsuko went on. "Because she was married to Gendo. That's why."
"You…hated her…because she was his wife?" Rei asked, her face lined with confusion.
"No," Ritsuko answered, leaning back on the sofa, exhaling as she looked at the ceiling. "Because I knew she was always going to be his wife. That she was the one he would always love…and not me." As these words passed through her lips, memories came along with them. Memories of days past, before she had even started dying her hair. Before her hatred of her own mother reached its ultimate depths. "When I first met Gendo…I wasn't that much older than you are now, Rei. And he…"
"Yes?" Rei wondered.
Gasping at feelings and memories that had not quite been buried, Ritsuko couldn't help but smile. "When my mother would bring me to the base, Gendo would always talk to me. We would talk about what I was doing at school, my studies. He would…care for me. Listen to me. He even gave me a guided tour of the base, showed me everything that there was to see here." Even more images came to the fore, times when she had been innocent of the evils Gendo and her mother had been participating in, when such things were completely unimaginable to her. When NERV had been GEHIRN, and GEHIRN had been a world of magic for her eager young mind.
"You know…when he was around me, he always seemed to be a…different person," Ritsuko continued, becoming more lost in those idyllic memories. "He was never too busy to see me, he was always eager to hear how my day was going, how my studies were coming." The faux-blonde smiled as she swung her gaze to the girl. "And when this magnetic inductance machine I made won first prize at my college science fair, he threw a big party in my honor. I mean…it was no big deal, really. Just a simple experiment I'd been doing. Even my mother…she wasn't impressed by it. But he…he made such a show of gushing over it. And at the party, he kept telling everyone how eager he was for me to graduate. That he was hoping that I'd…decide to work for him as well."
Sniffing as the memories became too much, Ritsuko was forced to wipe her eyes before continuing. "And of course I did. After all, what better place for a budding scientist to work then GEHIRN? Funding was being cut everywhere else, and…all the best technology was available to us. It was just…logical," the faux-blonde explained, while her audience remained silent. "And having someone who already believed in me…that made it even better."
Frowning, Rei considered the doctor's words before responding. "Then…you came to NERV…for the Commander?"
"Yes. Yes, I did," Ritsuko answered, becoming further lost in the past. "And you know something? For a while, I was actually enjoying my work. My place in the world." Then she shook her head, bringing her hand to her temple as her trip down memory lane hit a bump. "That was before…the MAGI were first activated." When a slight gasp of fear escaped Rei's lips, the doctor gave her a solemn smile. "Yes. That was when everything changed, isn't it? For…both of us."
Rei said nothing. She didn't have to. For someone who knew her as well as Ritsuko did, her expression was all the answer that was needed.
Looking away, Ritsuko gazed up at the ceiling, and once again lost herself in the past. "When I saw her there, with you - with the First lying next to her, standing above the MAGI, I…I didn't know what to make of it. It didn't seem…real to me," she went on, her eyes clouding over with pain. "After that…it all went by so fast. Mother's funeral, the scandal, everything. It was all…too much for me. And you want to know the real irony of it all?" As Ritsuko once again looked at Rei, the albino's face was tinged with confusion. "The man who…sent the First, the man who made it all happen, was the only thing that kept me sane through it all."
"Commander Ikari…" Rei murmured.
Nodding, Ritsuko's expression twisted with bitterness. "He was there for me the entire time. Always there, with a kind look, a word to help me through," the doctor explained, seeing it all as clearly as she had when it had actually happened. "Then one day…he looked me in the face…and told me that he wanted me to succeed my mother. To be the new Head Scientist."
Heaving a heavy breath, Ritsuko once again looked to the girl beside her. "I…I was so happy. The man I admired, who…was practically my hero…he wanted me there. He was giving me the chance to prove myself. To show the world what I was capable of," she went on. "He kept giving me new responsibilities, new challenges, and I kept meeting them. It wasn't long before the people here forgot about Dr. Naoko Akagi. It was Ritsuko Akagi that everyone would praise." Then, with a gasping laugh of bitter irony, the woman allowed a tear to fall from her eye. "And just when I thought…I couldn't be happier…Gendo took me in his arms…and kissed me."
Her lips tightening, Rei narrowed her eyes at the woman beside her. "Then…it is true," she murmured. "The two of you…were lovers."
"Lovers? Is that what…you think we were?" Ritsuko asked, her stomach tightening into a knot. Smiling bitterly, the woman gazed at the crimson eyes before her. "I guess I can't blame you for thinking that. After all, that's what I believed for the longest time." The past continued to scroll past Ritsuko's eyes, a past that quickly became darker. "Then something happened. Something that made me see…just how wrong I was."
"What?" Rei asked, her voice holding a nervous tremor to it. "What happened?"
"The truth," Ritsuko explained. Her mind filling with images of sin, both Gendo's and her own. Of the things she had been exposed to over the years. "Oh, I didn't see it right away. And even when I did…I looked away. Pretended that it didn't matter, that it wasn't real. I did…anything I could to avoid it." Feeling her hands clenching into fists, wanting to do anything but what she was, yet desperate to do this and be done with it, Ritsuko once again looked at the child beside her. "But it didn't matter. There was nothing I could to do avoid it. Avoid the fact that…I wasn't the one Gendo loved. And…I never would be."
As Rei continued to watch, Ritsuko took hold of the hem of her dress. If for no other reason to feel something within her grasp. "When I realized that…I knew that everything he had done…everything I thought that we had together…had all just been a lie. Just part of his plan to be with Yui again," the doctor went on, the thought of the memory, that horrible realization making her want to collapse into tears then and there. "And the worst part of it was…was that there was nothing I could do about it."
"Why not?" Rei asked. Her voice free of malice, her eyes holding nothing but genuine curiosity.
"Because…I was a part of this nightmare, Rei. I…was so deep in his in plans…I was every bit as guilty as him and SEELE," Ritsuko told her, her culpability clinging to her like the heaviest chains conceived. "And even if I…had tried to do something…I knew that it wouldn't matter. There was nothing I could do, no one I could tell, nothing I could use against him. And – and…"
The silence that followed Ritsuko's words was as thick and suffocating. Completely unbearable, even by the albino. "Yes?" Rei prodded, leaning closer to the doctor.
"And…I knew that if…I did try to do something…he would have killed me," Ritsuko told the girl. Snorting miserably, the doctor thought of all the evidence she had of this. "After all…it's not it would've been the first time." As these words slipped past her lips, Ritsuko thought of those other times. Of the brave souls who had learned so much as a fraction of the knowledge that she held within her mind, who had tried to do something about it…and paid for their courage with their lives. People whose remains Gendo had been happy to show to both Ritsuko and Fuyutsuki. All to remind them just how powerless they truly were.
"I…I didn't know what to do, Rei," Ritsuko went on, unable to stop the tears now. Unwilling to even try. "So…I didn't do anything. I just let him do whatever he wanted to me, and I didn't even try to fight him. I…I had already lost to him." Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, the doctor continued. "Even if I had died, even if I killed myself…it wouldn't have mattered. He…would have found someone else, some to replace me, and seduced him or her into doing whatever he wanted."
"No, he couldn't," Rei countered. Her mouth falling open in surprise, Ritsuko looked at the blue-haired girl, whose face was set with certainty. "You are human. You can't be replaced."
Almost laughing at the girl's words, Ritsuko shook her head shamefully. "Oh, I can be replaced, Rei," the woman assured her, almost laughing at the irony of it. "Gendo might not clone me, but…he could've replaced me. He…he would have replaced me." Looking Rei squarely in the eye, Ritsuko added, "After all…I was my mother's…replacement."
Her lips parting, Rei could only stare at the doctor for a time. "What?" was all she could say to this.
"That's right," Ritsuko told her. Then, with a helpless shrug, she added, "So…I guess that means that…I'm also the Second. Like you."
Now it was Rei's turn to fall silent. The blue-haired girl simply sat there, looking at Ritsuko in disbelief. Until she finally averted her eyes, and looked down at the floor before her. "I…don't know what to say."
Nodding, Ritsuko placed a hand upon the girl's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything. I'm the one…who has to apologize," the doctor explained. When Rei looked up again, her eyes narrowed with confusion, Ritsuko sighed wearily. "You see…every time I would look at you…I saw Yui's face."
"That is not surprising," Rei admitted. "I am partly of Yui Ikari."
Snorting in laughter, Ritsuko found a genuine smile forming on her face for what felt like the first time in a painfully long time. "No, no. That's…not what I meant," the doctor responded on the girl's face. So tired of hating and hurting that it was beyond her ability to express. "You see…whenever I saw Gendo talking to you, the way he looked at you…it was the way I wanted him to look at me," Ritsuko told her. "And…it reminded me that…it would always be Yui that he loved. Not me."
"Really?" Rei murmured, more astonished than Ritsuko had ever seen her.
"Yes," Ritsuko answered, her voice breaking beneath the weight of her own shame. "And I hated you for it! It was wrong, I know that, but…I couldn't help it." Bringing her hand to her forehead, the doctor was once again tempted to collapse beneath her guilt. "I…I wanted him to love me. And you…the way he looked at you…just kept reminding me that that would never happen. Ever."
Frowning intently, Rei examined the doctor. As if searching her face for proof of the veracity of her words. Then, after a seeming eternity, the girl finally asked, "Do you…still hate me?"
With a weary sniffle, Ritsuko shook her head. "No. Not anymore," she assured the girl. Gingerly taking Rei's hand in her own, the doctor then placed her other hand on top of it. "Rei…I'm so tired. Tired of the hurting and the hating. And…I just want it to end."
The words she had been struggling towards finally said, Ritsuko felt a tremendous weight fall from her shoulders. Not all of it; the doctor knew she would never be completely free. Knew that she could never expect to be forgiven for her transgressions. But she knew that she had to say this. Had to do this for the girl Gendo created to be nothing more than a tool, a slave who wouldn't even dream of freeing herself.
Had to let Rei know that, not only was freedom potentially within her reach, but something that she should reach out for. For both their sakes.
"Rei…when we go to NERV tomorrow, I…want you to come with to Terminal Dogma," Ritsuko told her. When the girl frowned her confusion, the doctor managed a smile. "There's something I…need to show you. Something…very special."
"What?" Rei asked. Fear returning to her young face.
"Something good, Rei," Ritsuko assured her, gently caressing the girl's hand. "Something good." When the fear abated somewhat and was replaced by confusion, the doctor just smiled. "C'mon. You better get ready for bed. We both have an early morning ahead of us."
Her mouth popping open, Rei looked as if she wanted to ask the doctor something. As Ritsuko sat there, she could only watch as the girl's emotions swirled about inside, unresolved conflicts still warring within her. But finally, Rei could only nod. "Yes…Dr. Akagi."
"Oh, Rei," Ritsuko murmured, tears still falling from her eyes. Without even realizing what she was doing, the faux-blonde wrapped her arms about the girl's slender frame, eliciting a gasp of surprise from Rei. Leaving the albino frozen as Ritsuko draped her head upon the girl's shoulder. "I swear…I'm going to make things better. I don't care how, but…I'll make it right."
Stunned by Ritsuko's actions, by the warmth and gentle strength of her embrace, Rei could only sit there in wonderment. Feeling a warm body being pressed against her own, and the doctor's tears falling upon her shoulder. A combination that eventually led to Rei returning the embrace, leaving the two to sit together for a long while. Unknowing and uncaring about the passage of time.
"You're looking pretty worn out, Major Katsuragi," Makoto noted, giving Misato a concerned look even as he performed his duties. "Are you sure you're up to this?"
"Don't worry about me, Makoto," Misato returned, forcing an upbeat look to her face. "I just had a nasty run-in with all the paperwork that's been gathering on my desk, that's all."
"It does have that tendency," Ritsuko admitted, something that caused a tiny smile to appear on Shinji's face. The boy was securely ensconced within Unit 01's Test Plug for that day's synch test, even as Asuka and Rei were undergoing their own evaluations. And much to his surprise, he was actually feeling rather good.
Despite everything that had been happening, the grief that had come of his father's death, things actually seemed to be working out for the best. Rei's new home, Misato's recovery, and the unexpected support Shinji had found in the form of Ritsuko and Wilson Fisk, along with the treasure trove his mother's things had all reinforced the boy. Given him strength despite the tragedy.
And there was something else. An idea that remained absurd to his mind, yet remained one he was unable to banish from his mind. Of a woman whose face he didn't know, who claimed him as someone who had once saved her life.
I still…can't believe it… Shinji mused, a smile tugging at his lips. And yet, his closed eyes continued to show him that memory. The terror of that day, and its bounty…
"Hey, Shinji! Can you hear me?" Misato's voice came, this time much more clearly. When the boy opened his eyes, he saw Misato on the holographic display within the Test Plug, and she was beaming her best, brightest smile. A good sign if there ever was one.
"Oh, hey, Misato!" Shinji replied, smiling in anticipation of good news. "So…how are my test scores?"
Shinji felt his heart leap as Misato gave him a thumbs up. "They're great, Shinji-kun!"
"That's right," came Ritsuko's voice. The scientist's face then poked into view, hanging over Misato's shoulder. "It's official Shinji. You are now our Number One Pilot."
"Whhaaaattt?!!?!" came the outraged voice of Asuka, even as Shinji gasped in delight. A grin practically splitting his face in two.
I…I did it! Shinji thought, his heart pounding feverishly in his chest. I did it! I beat Asuka's score! I really did it!
Since arriving in Tokyo-3, Shinji had quickly learned a few things. Mainly that the people there set great status on being a pilot in general, and a person's piloting ability in particular. And while Shinji had attracted a fair amount of attention as a result of his capabilities, Asuka had drawn a flock of followers at school. And while Shinji was aware that quite a bit of this was due to the German's beauty, he knew that her status as top Eva pilot was a major part of her allure. Something Asuka had never lost an opportunity to remind him of.
Which was why, as Shinji and the others were summoned from their Test Plugs and were standing before the NERV personnel overseeing the test, the 3rd Child completely ignored Asuka's infuriated grumblings, and focused entirely on the congratulatory looks and the figures being given them. "You're current ratio is 79.8, Shinji," Ritsuko informed him, causing the boy's smile to broaden. "That's nine points higher than Asuka's present synch value."
"I don't believe this!" Asuka grumbled, staring daggers at the doctor. "Are you sure all this junk is working properly?"
"Of course we're sure," Ritsuko returned, ignoring the muffled snickers coming from one of the techs. "You know how important it is to obtain accurate figures regarding your piloting ability. Every system is checked and double-checked, then checked again."
"That's right," Misato added, smiling easily as she spoke. "Don't shoot the messenger, just because Shinji finally caught up to you."
"Oh, sure! Take his side, the way you always do!" Asuka sneered, venom dripping from her words. Then her sour gaze took in the blissful expression on Shinji's face, and the German practically exploded. "That's right! Go ahead and gloat, why don't you?!"
"Hey, I didn't do anything!" Shinji protested, wincing at the volatile redhead as she leaned towards him. Then, trying to affect damage control, he added, "I mean, it's not like it's a competition or anything, right?"
"Then what's with that smug look of yours, hmmm?" Asuka demanded, stepping closer to the object of her ire.
"Asuka, that's enough," Ritsuko stated. When the redhead turned to face this new assault, the doctor added, "If you want the top spot back, you'll just have to work for it. It's that simple."
While Asuka was fuming, Misato assumed a more businesslike stature. "Anyway, it's like Shinji said. This isn't a competition," the Major explained. "As far as I'm concerned, any synch improvement from any of you can only be a good thing."
Her face turning red as her hair, Asuka whipped away from the NERV personnel. When Shinji made the mistake of meeting her gaze, the German speared him with a glare that would have wilted the 5th Angel through its AT-Field. "You better enjoy the top spot while you can, Third! Because, mark my words, you're not gonna have it for very long!"
Having delivered her ultimatum, Asuka stomped off, leaving Shinji and the others behind. And yet, not even the venom in her words was enough to take away from this moment. A moment that was added to when Misato and Ritsuko came up to him.
"Just ignore her, Shinji," Ritsuko advised. "I'm sure she'll get over it, sooner or later."
"Yeah," Misato agreed. Heaving a deep breath, she quirked that famous smile of hers. "Anyway, why don't you get dressed? I think a stop at an ice cream parlor is in order, don't you?"
"Uh, sure! That sounds great, Misato!" Shinji grinned, feeling better about this by the second. "I'll be with you soon!"
"Sure thing!" Misato beamed.
The happy gazes of Misato and Ritsuko fortifying him, Shinji took his leave. It's too bad Wilson wasn't here to see this, the boy thought smilingly, thinking of the large man who had been so openly supportive of him. But Fisk himself had told him that he had much business here, and having the others there was enough in and of itself for the moment.
This didn't change the fact that Shinji was practically brimming to overflowing with excitement. Though he was normally quiet and reserved, the boy found for once that he simply didn't want to keep silent. He wanted to talk, to say something. And as he noted Rei following alongside of him, his mouth fell open in eagerness.
"Uh, by the way, Rei," he started, trying to think of something to say that wouldn't come off as being egocentric. "How…are you doing? With your new place, that is?" When the albino gave him a black look in return, Shinji shrugged helplessly. "I mean…I know it's not easy, moving into a new place and all, and…"
As Shinji trailed off, Rei pursed her lips. "I…am doing well, Ikari-kun," she answered.
"Oh, good," Shinji answered. Only to look on in concern as Rei frowned. "W-what is it? Is something wrong?"
"I…" Rei started. Then the girl frowned with her entire face, her gaze falling to the floor. "No. Never mind. It's nothing."
Automatically frowning, Shinji continued to look at the girl. There was something in the tone of her voice that contradicted her words, something he didn't like. Yet Shinji wasn't the best with the kind of situation, and he had no idea how to proceed unless Rei would tell him upfront is something was bothering her.
And in all honesty, he was still feeling too good to let himself be brought down so easily. So with a look of boyish confidence, Shinji finally told her, "Well…if you ever want to talk about anything, just…let me know, okay?"
"Yes," Rei answered. Though her worried demeanor persisted, even after the two of them separated.
"This sucks! It's not just that I lost!" Asuka ranted, throwing up her arms in disgust. "How could such a loser beat us both so easily?! I'm so pissed off I can't even think!!"
Yes, and your ire is doing nothing to help me think, Rei thought as she dressed. Though in all honesty, she was almost glad for this. For the time she had been dreading since before she had gone to bed last night was fast approaching.
The time for her meeting with Dr. Akagi. A meeting that would take place within the dreaded depths of Terminal Dogma.
"Oh, he's so great! He's so wonderful!" Asuka continued, her voice helping to blot out Rei's fears. "Ugh! The way people here coddle that little baka makes me sick!"
Frowning somewhat, Rei looked over her shoulder even as she donned her blouse. "Why are you so upset?"
Jumping somewhat at this, Asuka whirled about and gave Rei an incredulous look. "What, you mean you actually have to ask?!" the redhead shrilled. Grimacing in disgust, Asuka shook her head vehemently. "We've been training to pilot for our whole lives, only to have some little twerp who's never been in an Eva before he got to this stupid city outdoing us both?! How can you possibly stand it?!"
"Why should that matter?" Rei asked. When Asuka made a surprised noise, the albino elaborated. "Our assigned duty is to defeat the Angels. Why should it matter which of us has the highest synch ability, as long as that is accomplished?"
"What, are you kidding me?! Don't you have any pride at all?!" Asuka demanded, her features becoming more and more contorted with outrage. "Oh, sure! We're here to save the world from the Angels and all! But you have to know that everybody will be keeping count of how many Angels each of us got, and who the best pilot is! It's the heroes who make the history books, not the zeroes! And the Third and all the rest of them are out to make us both into zeroes!" Turning about to face her locker, Asuka growled deep within her throat. "So our job becomes a little easier! This also means that the two of us will have to be doing double-time just so that we're not left behind!"
Finding herself unable to comprehend Asuka's diatribe, and realizing that she would have to get moving if she were to make her appointment, the blue-haired girl moved towards the door. "I'm leaving," Rei said simply before exiting.
The sound of a fist slamming into one of the lockers reaching her, Rei started towards her goal, her heart pounding just a bit faster than normal. As she made her way, every hall and corridor long since etched within her mind, the albino considered what was ahead, and suppressed the urge to shudder. For in the depths of Terminal Dogma were the summation of every fear and nightmare Rei had ever had. And possibly even worse, dangling hopes that scared her even more.
Rei found herself wanting to believe Dr. Akagi's words from the night before. She wanted to believe that the doctor no longer bore her any ill will. And indeed, Ritsuko's confession and the emotion that had come flowing forth with it all seemed to support words. For although Rei didn't understand emotions very well, she knew them when she heard them. And what she heard in Ritsuko's voice conveyed a torment that the albino could feel in her own heart. And yet…
Feeling a faint chill as she stepped into the elevator, Rei frowned inwardly. As much as she wanted it to be true, as much as she wanted to believe that she need not fear for her existence any longer, the fear she felt refused to be dismissed. Fears she had felt for so long, and so many different times. Fears that had taken away her strength when she had needed it most, and had rendered her helpless in the face of her creator.
And as Rei descended into the depths from which she sprang, she was frightened by the fact that her life depended on a person who had hated her for so very long…
Dammit, not again! Ritsuko fumed. Gritting her teeth and resisting the urge to look about as her spider-sense once again blared its warning. Once again informed her that she was being watched.
After the big show with Shinji's congratulations, it had taken Ritsuko some time to escape the crowd and start towards her rendezvous with Rei. A situation made worse by the fact that her spider-sense insisted on buzzing for her attention almost every step of the way. The same low-level buzz she felt whenever someone was watching her intently. The gaze of a spy.
Looks my friend, the Invisible Man, is back on the job! Ritsuko thought sourly, resisting the urge to look around in response to her spider-sense's urgings. To draw any undue attention from the regular NERV personnel that happened to be passing by. Either that, or about a dozen more security cameras were installed while I wasn't looking!
Feeling that she would only be mildly surprised by such an occurrence, Ritsuko frowned as she headed towards one of the elevators. Preparing herself for her appointment with her new ward.
The journey to the depths of Terminal Dogma wasn't simple. It required the use of multiple elevators, and the implementation of special security codes and cards. Leaving only a select few with the level of authority needed to descend into the foul den of secrets that was at the base of NERV Headquarters.
This was a journey Ritsuko had made many times in the past, and she was quite aware that she would make this trip again in the future. But it was a journey that never ceased to inspire a sickness of her heart, for there were times that it felt like that everything evil and forbidden was to be found within Terminal Dogma. And the fact that she was about to do something potentially dangerous did nothing to soothe her nerves.
I just hope my spider-sense can keep tabs on everything going on, Ritsuko thought somberly as she finally arrived in the hateful depths. Various laboratories and work areas that were all but abandoned spreading out in every direction. The last thing I need is for any invisible spy nosing around right now!
The doctor's footsteps the only thing reaching her ears, Ritsuko looked about the gloom of her surroundings, unable to keep a shudder from making its way up her spine. If ever there was a place where it seemed like the boogeyman could pop out and attack, this would have to be the place. Even the amount of time she had spent training in these foul depths was not enough to accustom her to this horrid place.
Yeah, look at me. A spider-creature playing in a graveyard for monsters, Ritsuko thought sourly. If I'd known this was what it would be like to be a scientist, I think I would've become a stripper. A lot saner, and probably better money in it, too.
Laughing at her own mild wit, Ritsuko continued onward, her destination well-imprinted in her mind. Avoiding the main cloning lab, where genetic duplicates of Rei were created and stored, she made her way to a different location. The point where Rei and her first incarnation had first drawn breath as true, sentient beings, carrying both the soul of the girl, and a fragment of the essence of a being ancient and powerful beyond imagination.
The lab that tapped directly into the Chamber of Gauf, the receptacle of souls that had given both Rei and Eva 00 their essences. And when Ritsuko stepped into that darkened room, feeling a chill at the power of science and ancient powers that lurked within that place, her keen eyes pierced the gloom, and focused on the tiny girl standing before her.
"Dr. Akagi," Rei murmured, her red eyes settling upon the faux-blonde. Sparks of terror still shining within them.
"Rei," Ritsuko returned as she moved closer. Heaving a deep sigh breath, she tried to relax, to focus on her spider-sense. Waiting for the slightest tingle to pierce her consciousness, the tiniest warning of that someone was watching.
When it failed to so much as burp, Ritsuko sighed, and resolved herself to doing what she had come here to do. She went over to the table upon the first Rei had lain when she had received her soul, and where the girl before her had been granted that same precious cargo. "Rei…you know what this equipment is for." When Rei's answer was silence, the doctor sighed heavily, examining the technology before her. Even now, the scientist within her couldn't help but marvel at the sophistication, the intricacy of engineering. Equipment based on information found within the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as the artifact data found within the Geofront itself. Nodding thoughtfully, Ritsuko ran her hand along the machines, all of which culminated into a metallic crown. A crown Rei had once worn.
"This…whole setup…designed to manipulate the soul…tamper with its memories, control what remained…active, and what was suppressed," Ritsuko muttered, shaking her head slowly at the device. Then she looked over at the girl, smiling sadly. "But you know that, don't you, Rei. In fact…you probably know that better than anyone."
For just about anyone else, the emotions flitting about Rei's face would have been missed. The slight narrowing of her eyes, the tightening of her lips. The fear that caressed her entire body. But Ritsuko's eyes missed nothing.
Still feeling nary a twitch from her spider-sense, Ritsuko knelt down before the machine, and opened up one of the hatches in it. With the ease that came from many years of manipulating such advanced technology, Ritsuko found the circuits she was looking for, and set to work.
"What are you doing?" Rei wondered.
"I'm bypassing the memory modules for the transfer mechanism," Ritsuko answered as she pulled out several connections and plugged them into different places. "As soon as I'm done, this won't be capable of manipulating any souls it transfers."
Though she wasn't looking at Rei, Ritsuko could practically feel the albino's shock. "What?" the girl finally gasped out. "Then…if I were replaced…?"
"You can't be replaced, Rei. Not anymore," Ritsuko informed the girl as she completed the first portion of her duty. Though the mechanisms used to influence a soul were too intricate to alter with anything short of the most intricate of tools and several weeks time, the device was modular. Making it easy to install, replace…or block out entirely, all with just a few crossed wires. "Even if something happens to you now, your memories will be transferred intact. No manipulations. No omissions. Nothing."
Which wasn't an ideal solution, Ritsuko knew. In her heart, what she really wanted to do was go down to the cloning lab and destroy every single copy of Rei that was there, floating mindlessly, laughing their soulless laugh at all those who entered.
At the same time, however, she knew that she couldn't. Right now, she had to be a good little pawn in Fisk's eyes, couldn't do anything overt to defy him. And that meant the base material for the Dummy System had to stay. And she felt that she had to do something overt for Rei's sake, something she could show the girl, to give her tangible proof that Ritsuko was no longer her enemy. And destroying every physical copy of her simply didn't fit that bill.
Also, as much as Ritsuko wanted to deny it, she wanted her invention to remain. She wanted to see the moment when something she had invented came to life and made a difference in people's lives. She wanted the adulations for something that was solely her work, not something of her mother's that she had simply expanded upon, to step out of Naoko's shadow once and for.
She wanted the spotlight as Ritsuko Akagi, not Spider-Woman.
Shaking this selfish thoughts from her mind, Ritsuko turned from her completed labor, and stood to look at the girl. "Rei…you might not believe me. In fact, I wouldn't blame you if you didn't, but…I swear, I'm going to do my best. From now on, I want to help you. In any way I can," the doctor assured her.
Rei didn't respond at first. In fact, the girl just stood there, looking at Ritsuko, a tiny frown on her face. And even for Ritsuko, it was almost impossible to discern what the girl was thinking.
Finally, Rei looked at the doctor, her expression taking a desperate caste. "Dr. Akagi, I…don't know what I should do now," Rei admitted, her voice shaking somewhat. "Commander Ikari…gave me a purpose, but…he is gone. What…should I do now?"
Sighing, Ritsuko moved to place her hands upon the girl's tiny shoulders, even taking a bit of blue hair in her hand. "Whatever you want, Rei," the doctor assured her. "Whatever you want."
Heaving a deep breath and still feeling no warning from her spider-sense, Ritsuko stood up and looked at the girl. "C'mon, Rei, let's get out of here," she said. Quirking a wry smile, the doctor looked about at the room they were in. "I don't know about you, but I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to."
"I…agree," Rei answered with a nod. That said, and her task complete for the time, Ritsuko placed her hand on the girl's back, and the two of them left as one.
Man, this bites, Shigeru thought grumpily as he sat at his station at NERV, practicing with a guitar that wasn't there. I can't even remember how long its been since I've played with my band!
Taking a moment to curse the Angels for interfering with his private life and wondering if his buddies would eventually decide to toss the part-time guitarist out on his ear, the long-haired Lieutenant sat back and looked at his fellow bridge bunnies. Makoto was checking out some manga, while Maya was reading some rather risqué magazine.
And moving about the bridge, acting like he didn't quite belong there, was the new Commander. Harry Osborn. Pacing about behind them like he really didn't know what to do with himself.
Glancing over his shoulder at the fidgety Commander, Shigeru was forced to reign in the urge to laugh. Osborn was so different from Commander Ikari that it bordered on the ridiculous. Whenever the guitarist had looked up to see Gendo gazing at him, he half-expected to be turned to stone by the force of the gaze. The new Commander's gaze couldn't petrify a rock, and he certainly wasn't anybody's idea of an authority figure.
I wonder how he managed to get the job, Shigeru thought, and not for the first time. To say that Osborn seemed ill-suited for the position of Commander was like saying an Eva was a bit dangerous. Then he smiled as he recalled the last newcomer to NERV that was about as jumpy as Osborn seemed to be. A person who had made quite the reputation of himself since then, and was now their top pilot.
Unfortunately, Shigeru knew there was precisely one real way to rate Osborn's command ability. Wait for a monster capable of wiping out all life on Earth to show up and hope like crazy the guy in charge of everything didn't fold under pressure. Or if he did, that Misato was around to nursemaid him through the crisis.
About a minute after thinking these things, Shigeru was kicking himself for even daring to tempt fate as the alarms blared their warning. Every screen displayed the red alert sign, sending everyone there into a more alert position.
"What's going on?!" came Osborn's voice. Sparing a moment to glance over his shoulder, Shigeru saw the young Commander looking about in confusion before focusing his gaze on Maya. "Status!"
"I'm not sure, sir!" Maya replied as her fingers danced upon her station at warp speed. "There's nothing from the Fuji Observation Center, but -!"
"But what?" Osborn asked blankly. "What is it?! What's going on?!"
"Something's been sighted above the city!" Makoto told them, having set aside his book. "It just appeared out of nowhere!"
"What?" Osborn got out, a tremor in his voice that Shigeru didn't like. "Is it an Angel?"
"I'm not sure! The MAGI are conducting an analysis right now!" Maya announced tersely.
"We're not detecting an AT-Field!" Shigeru added, not liking the looks of it. An untested Commander with your standard Angel was bad enough. Now it was looking like they were getting some extra-special mystery monster instead.
Fortunately, Osborn seemed to be handling things so far. "Where is it?" the Commander asked, sounding a bit more composed now. "Can you get a visual?"
"On it, sir!" Maya returned. With extreme efficiency, the brunette pounded at her controls. It wasn't long before they were rewarded by the holographic screen displaying the latest bundle of misery to descend upon Tokyo-3.
Much to Shigeru's surprise, it really didn't seem all that dangerous at first glance. A perfect sphere hanging in the skies, with black and white stripes covering every surface. No fangs or claws, no menacing face, nothing but a giant superball hanging above them. Still, the Lieutenant wasn't ready to be relieved yet. This mystery monster was still giving the MAGI a hard time, and he still remembered what happened when an airborne shape with no fangs or claws popped on by. And how close the 5th Angel had come to taking them all out.
And apparently, neither was Osborn. He stood there, his face impassive as she watched the display, even as Maya gave them further details. "The target is advancing at about 2.5 kilometers per hour," the brunette announced. "It's currently approaching the eastern district."
"Alright. Order an immediate evacuation of that district. And call for the rest of the bridge staff and the pilots," Osborn ordered. His voice a bit shaky, but at least there wasn't any sweat on his brow. "And keep me updated on that…thing."
"Yes, sir," Shigeru answered as he and the others set about their task. Completely unaware that one of the staff was already aware of the peril.
"Arrrghh!!" Ritsuko shrieked as she flung herself from her bed, her fingers digging into her scalp as she crashed against the wall. Her spider-sense having jolted her awake with the force of an N2 screaming within her mind.
Groaning as she tried to regain herself, Ritsuko squirmed against the wall, grimacing as she tried to sort out two conflicting feelings. One was the fear, the knowledge that if her spider-sense was going off this badly, then something truly dangerous had to be nearby. The other was the resentment of being so forcibly awoken after enjoying the first real peaceful sleep the doctor had enjoyed in a long time.
Somehow managing to get to her feet, Ritsuko finally managed to shove the pain back enough for her to decide that it might actually be a good idea to find out exactly what was causing her spider-sense to shove red-hot pokers into her brain. Rushing through her apartment and heading for the door, Ritsuko flung it open…and felt her eyes bulge clear out of their sockets.
"Dear…God…" Ritsuko gasped as she saw the monstrous sphere hanging in the skies above her. Her spider-sense almost forgotten in her shock.
As Head Scientist of NERV, Ritsuko was no stranger to the Angels. She had worked extensively with Lilith, as well as the remains of the 4th and 5th Angels. But never before had she been out in the open with an Angel. An actual, living Angel that was bearing down upon her, without the many layers of protective armor shielding the Geofront to protect her from the monster's wrath.
Acting on impulse, Ritsuko rushed over to Rei's apartment and began pounding on the door. "Rei, open up!" the doctor ordered, her fear and the shrieking in her mind driving her fist. Only to have fear turn to dismay as the doctor bashed a serious dent in the wooden door. Wincing at the consequences of her own power, Ritsuko took a moment to look over her shoulder at the encroaching sphere of doom, and decided that now was not the time to think about the niceties.
"Rei, can you hear me?!" Ritsuko shouted, resisting the urge to just pull the door out of its frame. "There's an Angel coming towards the city! Can you hear me?! There's an Angel out there!!"
When she was initially answered with silence, Ritsuko balled up her fists, the temptation to do something drastic growing with each second. About three seconds away from tearing the door of its hinges so that she could drag Rei out of bed, the door finally opened. Just as the doctor was opening her mouth to speak, Rei poked her head out the door, nude save for the cell phone in her hand. "NERV Headquarters just called," the blue-haired girl said. Then she looked past Ritsuko towards the Angel, displaying absolutely no fear of the horrifying monster bent on their destruction. "I take they also alerted you to the Angel."
"Uh…" Ritsuko stalled, taken aback by the girl's manner. Then her spider-sense began screaming just a little bit harder, and the scientist was jolted back into motion. "Look, we have to get going! You better get dressed! I'll meet you at my car!"
Nodding her assent, Rei disappeared back into her apartment, leaving Ritsuko to rush back to her apartment. In what had to be record time, the doctor threw her clothes on, taking special care to put on the watch, belt, and bracelet that would deploy her costume. Though she had no idea what Spider-Woman could accomplish against an Angel, she still wasn't willing to be parted from those essential items.
As Ritsuko finished dressing, a plaintive meow caused her to gasp in shock. Then she gave a weary sigh before smiling at Miko, the tabby rubbing against her leg in the manner of a feline impatient for breakfast.
Right. How silly of me, Ritsuko thought in a sardonic manner, rolling her eyes as she put her other shoe on. First feed the cat, then save the world.
"Okay, okay, I haven't forgotten!" Ritsuko grumbled good-naturedly. Or as close to it as she could manage with her spider-sense ringing off the hook and the Marble of Doom floating ever closer. As quickly as she could manage, the doctor gave her feline friend fresh food and water. As the cat moved to partake of both, Ritsuko ran her hand through her fur. "Now, take care, Miko!" the faux-blonde cooed before standing to leave. "Don't expect me back right away, though. We've got an Angel coming!"
At these words, Miko growled deep in her throat, causing Ritsuko to laugh despite everything. The tabby simply hated the sounds and sensations caused by the building retracting into the Geofront and back again.
Giving her faithful friend one last smile, Ritsuko darted out the door, sparing a moment to lock up before rushing downstairs. When she reached the first floor, she wasn't surprised to see Rei had beaten her to the car. Hurriedly unlocking the doors and getting in, Ritsuko jammed the key into the ignition before Rei had even seated herself.
"Buckle up, Rei," Ritsuko gritted. Twisting the key almost enough force to break it as the car groaned in protest. The girl strapping herself in place just in time for the engine to finally turn over. Shifting into reverse, Ritsuko pulled out of her parking space, and began the trek to NERV.
This is pathetic! Ritsuko thought sourly as she looked over her shoulder, checking both for any other traffic and the Angel that was drawing closer. The accelerator pressed firmly to the floor, and yet the car seemed to be slogging through molasses. I'd rather just webswing to base! It'd be a lot faster! Hell, I could probably just run there and still outdo this old kludge!
The temptation to simply abandon the gas-guzzling secondhand piece of junk for the freedom of the open air was certainly a strong one. And if it weren't for the fact that she didn't want to attract undue suspicion, not to mention that Rei was seated right next to her, odds were good that Ritsuko would have done just that. Since that day she taken to air, whether by her gliders or by webswinging, the sensation of being able to rise above it had become an intoxicating one for her. And the ability to distance herself from the Angel, from the danger it represented…
Oh, just knock it off already! Ritsuko grumbled inwardly, shaking her head, wincing as this only served to add to her spider-sense-induced migraine. You should've known this might happen when you agreed to take Rei in, remember? Then she took a moment to smile bitterly. Besides, it's not as if you can expect to fight a monster like that on your own! So really, getting Rei to NERV is really the best thing you can do now! In fact -!
"Dr. Akagi," came Rei's quiet voice. Which when added to the things she was already enduring, felt like a knife being shoved into her ear.
"Rei, please! I'm trying to drive here!" Ritsuko gritted, taking a turn that left her on two wheels.
Nonplused by the manic driving, Rei turned to look at the doctor. "The Angel…appears to be following us," the albino told Ritsuko, an edge of concern to her voice.
At these words, every single thought in Ritsuko's mind went flying out the nearest window. Even her spider-sense seemed to go dead. "What?!?!!" the doctor cried out, gaping at Rei just before she looked over her shoulder. Only to blanch at the sight of the terrible orb hanging in the sky. An orb that was drawing closer.
No… Ritsuko thought in dread awe. A split second passing before she returned her eyes to the road. It can't…it has to be a coincidence!
Doing her best to force that thought into a reality within her mind, Ritsuko focused on the task at hand. "That's impossible, Rei!" the doctor gritted out as she took another hairpin turn. "Look, we'll…we'll get to the base soon! Just hang on, and -!"
"Look," Rei murmured. Her eyes still fixed on the Angel.
All of her old animosity towards Rei coming back to her, Ritsuko bore her teeth in a ferocious snarl, and was ready to let the albino have it when her spider-sense began to buzz with even greater intensity. Startled from her rage, the doctor once again looked at the Angel…and felt her heart plummet into her stomach.
When Ritsuko had turned earlier, she had swung right of the Angel's path. Now she watched in icy dread as the monster not only altered course, but began to accelerate.
Just as the full horror of their situation slammed into Ritsuko, things took a turn for the more bizarre. Before her very eyes, the Angel rippled…then disappeared from sight.
Her mouth falling in shock, the doctor was vaguely aware of Rei also making a physical expression of surprise. But before Ritsuko could articulate a question, she winced in agony as her spider-sense screamed its most intense ever. And even as the doctor looked about wildly, trying to evaluate the situation, she gasped in horrified awe as darkness spilled down upon city, covering the streets. A darkness that caused the many buildings to begin sinking beneath street level, and was spreading towards them…
Author's Notes: Yes, I know. A rotten place for me to cut off, but my muses are being fickle at best right now. I basically know where I want to go from here, but getting to that point if a far more problematic thing. Still, I hope you'll all read and review. And maybe check out my other stories.
Now, I know this was another quiet chapter, but I plan to make up for it with the next one. As we've already seen, things are getting very dangerous very quickly.
And as for Ritsuko making those modifications to that device in Terminal Dogma, well…I guess I just wanted to show that she really was trying to help Rei. To show her that things have changed, and will continue to do so. And for the reasons mentioned in this story, destroying the Rei clones was out of the question.
Xardion, I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding that kiss of Asuka's. The Red Devil seems to have a talent for making Shinji's life a living hell, whether deliberately or not.
Vect the Atoner, trust me, Fisk is a schemer at heart. And the fact that he's doing what's he doing not for love, but for his own, hidden agenda, will hopefully make for a very interesting story.
Mike, it's true. The volcano dive almost was an easy mission. There were also so many things that could've gone horribly wrong with it, including getting nuked by the military. That alone raises the stakes a bit, in my mind.
Okay, that's said and done. Time for the omakes!
Omake 1
"Yes," Ritsuko answered, her voice breaking beneath the weight of her own shame. "And I hated you for it! It was wrong, I know that, but…I couldn't help it." Bringing her hand to her forehead, the doctor was once again tempted to collapse beneath her guilt. "I…I wanted him to love me. And you…the way he looked at you…just kept reminding me that that would never happen. Ever."
Frowning intently, Rei examined the doctor. As if searching her face for proof of the veracity of her words. Then, after a seeming eternity, the girl finally asked, "Do you…still hate me?"
With a weary sniffle, Ritsuko shook her head. "No. Not anymore," she assured the girl. Gingerly taking Rei's hand in her own, the doctor then placed her other hand on top of it. "Rei…I'm so tired. Tired of the hurting and the hating. And…I just want it to end."
As Ritsuko sat there, gazing into Rei's face, the doctor was surprised when the girl eventually smiled. "Very well," the 1st Child told her. "I am willing to accept this…but on one condition?"
"A…condition?" Ritsuko repeated, completely stunned by this turnaround.
"Rei, aren't you done yet?" Ritsuko wondered, unable to believe what was happening.
"Not just yet," Rei answered, a couple shopping bags hanging from her shoulder, and a cone of frozen yogurt in her free hand. "There are still three stores Pilot Sohryu has mentioned to me, and I wish to investigate them."
Sighing tiredly, an affect that was added to by the several dozen bags hanging from Ritsuko's shoulders and the thought of what her credit card bill would be like, the doctor looked squarely at the albino. "I…don't believe this, Rei! Couldn't you have checked these places out before now?"
"No," Rei answered evenly. The girl arching a blue eyebrow in disbelief. "As you are well aware, both Commander Ikari and yourself expected me to be both unemotional and uninterested in things such as shopping for clothes. This is my first opportunity to do so without attracting undue attention." Then a twisted grin sprouted on the girl's face. "And having you pay for these new items makes for…a nice bonus."
Letting a disgusted sigh as Rei turned on her heel and continued, Ritsuko could only shake her head in disbelief. I never would have believed that she could be so devious, the scientist thought as she continued onward.
Omake 2
"Rei…when we go to NERV tomorrow, I…want you to come with to Terminal Dogma," Ritsuko told her. When the girl frowned her confusion, the doctor managed a smile. "There's something I…need to show you. Something…very special."
"What?" Rei asked. Fear returning to her young face.
"Something good, Rei," Ritsuko assured her, gently caressing the girl's hand. "Something good."
"You are a very bad liar, Dr. Akagi," Rei informed the doctor. The blue-haired girl staring in awe at the cloning lab she and Ritsuko now occupied.
"What are you talking about, Rei?" Ritsuko asked incredulously. "I told you this was something good, didn't I?"
"That's just it," Rei pointed out, grinning smugly. "You said it was just good. You didn't tell me it was extraordinarily wonderful."
Giggling at the girl's commentary, Ritsuko shrugged. "Well, you have to admit, with all the fighting we've all been doing over Shinji, it would be nice if there was more of him to go around."
"Indeed," Rei noted, looking at the genetic copies of Shinji that floated before her. "I note, however, that you decided to make some…modifications."
"Oh, don't get me wrong! It's basically impossible to find someone kinder and understanding!" Ritsuko replied. With a slight blush and an impish smile, she added, "Still…it doesn't exactly hurt to…age him to perfection. And put on some extra muscle while we're at it."
"True," Rei agreed. Then she frowned in thought. "But…how do you intend to animate them? Shinji only has one soul, and…"
"I know, I know," Ritsuko countered, taking a moment to leer at the finely masculine specimens she was breeding. Then she gave the girl a look befitting a true mad scientist. "Let's just say that…I have a plan. And you get to help us with it?"
"Us?" Rei asked. Only to smile as Ritsuko leaned forward and began whispering out the details of her scheme…
