Evangelion: A Fool's War
Written by AgentKaji
Pre-Read by Naon Tiotami
Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or any of its associated properties/materials. Evangelion belongs to A.D.Vision and Gainax and any other companies associated with its creation and development.
Author Note:
So much for my promise of consistent updates, huh? Oh well. I can say that I now understand why writers give up and stop writing fics.
Obviously I won't be doing that :) I have sorted out what direction this fic is going in and I intend to finish it, just so I can write down my ideas before anyone else and say I'm stealing. I have a brilliant ending in mind. And thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter.
Thumbs Up
Hope you find the wait was worth it…
(Naon: And it was! Enjoy!)
Chapter 8: Hearts and Minds
"Yes sir, the Second Child has engaged the Angel."
"I see…and what of the First and Third?"
"Rei is here with me, Sh- the Third Child is also with Unit-02." Gendo absorbed this information, several seconds later he spoke.
"Very well. We will proceed with your plan, Captain Katsuragi."
"Yes sir." The holo-screen with Misato's image flickered and disappeared. The command centre was quiet, save for the steady beep of new data as it showed up on tactical displays. He turned to Dr. Akagi.
"Prepare Unit-01, engage the dummy plug." His tone told her arguing would be useless. Nevertheless a scowl appeared on her face, she opened her mouth to speak, but a quick glance to the nervous techs around her told her to just agree.
"Yes sir." With that she left, her footsteps echoing loudly and cutting the silence of the room. A sigh escaped Fuyutski's mouth.
"Will this work?" He said quietly, almost a whisper.
"It must. B-Type equipment is useless under water, this is our only hope." Surprisingly, a grim smile appeared on the Sub-Commanders face as he turned to face his former pupil.
" 'Hope'? I'm surprised to hear you use the word."
"There is always hope Fuyutski…we both know that." Hands were once again in front of his face, eyes staring determinedly in front. Fuyutski stared at him for a second before resuming his watch of the massive tactical display in front of him.
Yes…yes we do.
Shinji was trying his best to keep calm. Flickers of pain raced up his abdomen and shoulder blades, a result of Unit-02's entrapment by the very large teeth of the Sixth Angel. He looked down at the motionless girl beside him, her breathing was heavy, head down, red hair flowing over the front of her face. A veil, one that hid the pained face of Asuka Langley Sohryu.
Looking out, he could see the black darkness around him, in the mouth of the Angel, illuminated only by the glowing red core.
So close…
He turned to his co-pilot.
"…erm, Asuka? What now?" He asked worriedly, wondering how they would get out now. Maybe if we could get the teeth open…? He was shook from his thoughts as the plug was shaken by some outside force. What's happening outside? Realising, he had yet to receive a reply, he called to her again.
"Asuka?...Asuka are you listening?" Nothing. He hesitantly placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling the slight warmth radiating from the plug suit, he ignored it. He shook her slowly and gave a small yelp of surprise as her body slumped back into the seat.
"Asuka!" he glanced at her cautiously, she was still breathing. A small readout on her wrist told him she was still alive. She must've passed out…damn… he sighed and looked over her face, loose strands of hair floated in front of her. Eyes closed, she looked as if she was simply sleeping. Her arms were now loosely enclosed over her stomach. He reached over to a stray lock of her and moved it aside, off her face. Gazing at her, he wondered… She's- another spark of pain brought him back to the reality of his situation.
He shook his head wondering what he could now. The soft beep beep of the internal communications was heard. Once again it was Misato.
"Asuka! Asuka can you hear me!"
"Misato!"
"Asu- Shinji!"
"Misato, Asuka's passed out! What do I do! We're trapped in the Angel!"
"…Okay, calm down. Asuka passed out? Okay Shinji , this is what you're going to do. Now listen carefully…"
She told him what he had to do. He face showed disbelief as he heard this so called 'plan'.
This isn't going to work… the rational part of his mind reasoned. But he grudgingly accepted it as the only plan they had.
"You got that Shinji? You have to hold it still for a minute, that's all, one minute okay?"
"Yes Ma'am." He nodded his head, although she couldn't see it.
"Okay…almost everyone has been evacuated off the carrier… were reeling in the cable…………now!"
Suddenly there was a large thud, as if they had crashed into a wall and then he could feel himself being pulled back, the pain increased slightly as the teeth held on tightly, taking the Angel with him. He hoped the umbilical cable wouldn't break. The core began to glow a bit brighter. Quickly realising he better start to do something he moved forward cautiously, arms reaching out to the butterfly handles.
Eyes widening slightly at the fact that he was practically draped over Asuka's lap, he hoped she would not wake up anytime soon. She'd kill me…. Not that it was uncomfortable… He realised his mind was once again wondering and directed it back to the task at hand. This is no time for such thoughts.
Unit-02, half trapped in the Angel's mouth slowly began to move. The arms slowly raised themselves to the roots of the top and bottom rows of teeth and started to push them apart. Shinji gritted his teeth at the amount of force it was taking to pull on the handles and the growing pain in his chest. He didn't have to open the mouth fully, just enough to get out.
One by one razor sharp teeth were soon free of Unit-02's body, leaving holes several metres in diameter. Tears formed at his eyes and just as quickly were absorbed into the L.C.L.
Now! He was free! Unit-02 quickly sped away from the Angel as it was reeled in like a fish. The Angel, seeing its target was now free honed in towards the fleeing Evangelion like a shark, its teeth bared, like the twisted grin of a tormentor. Shinji hoped everyone had gotten off the carrier and braced himself for the painful impact against the hull of the ship.
Sure enough a sharp burst of pain sprung from his spine as Unit-02 crashed against the side of the carrier. Shaking his head, he quickly, almost frantically tried to turn Unit-02 around. It had reached the surface! Grasping Unit-02's massive hands into the side, it climbed onto the deck.
"-inji! Shinji come in!" Shinji gave a quick sigh of relief upon standing unsteadily on the rocking ship, arms spread out to counter balance the weight. He looked up to see several helicopters in the air quite a distance away. Misato must be on one of those!
"Misato! Did everyone get off!"
"Yes they did. It's all yours Shinji. Unit-01 is almost ready." Unit-01… At those words he quickly glanced in the direction New Yokosuka and immediately spotted a towering form that must've been Unit-01. Turning his view back to the Angel, he spotted it rushing at Unit-02.
Okay…just do it like Misato says…
Unit-02 pressed its feet into the deck of the carrier, steadying, while simultaneously bringing both arms up in front of itself, palms spread out. Shinji waited as the Angel got closer and closer. Not again…
Then the Angel leaped for the Evangelion once more, its mouth open, water flowing out like saliva. With a silent payer he pushed hard against the Angel's body, as it took residence on the deck of the carrier. Shinji's eyes widened as he felt Unit-02's feet starting to slide from under him and doubled his efforts to hold the massive Angel, feeling every muscle, every sinew of the Eva strain with inhuman tension. For a split second his eyes flashed over to horizon…to Unit-01. He blinked…Now!...do it!
"Misato! Now!"
"Unit-02 has the Angel, sir! Do it!" Upon hearing those words, Gendo's eyes shifted downwards to meet Ritsuko's…in that infinitesimal moment that they made contact…wordless thoughts were conveyed, mutual adoration and loathing intertwined as the unspoken command was given.
She looked away. He smirked.
"Maya! Fire!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Fingers danced across the keys in front of her, within a second a resounding click was heard as the command was executed.
The port itself had been evacuated as soon as word of an Angel attack reached it. Soon enough, several divisions of JSSDF troops and armoured vehicles had been deployed as well as two JASDF squadrons to 'support' Nerv. After resounding losses in previous Angel attacks, not to mention the Jet Alone incident, generals were still hoping for success with their tanks. Bureaucrats. Their pride would not let them back down. Their failure to see the Angel's obvious superiority would cost many honest soldiers their lives.
However, the rows of heavy tanks and hovering VTOLs were dwarfed by the impressive sight of Unit-01 equipped with its equally impressive weapon. Unit-01 stood defiant amongst the troops, as it towered over the small buildings, dockyards and warehouses of New Yokosuka. A small number of Nerv technicians milled about the portable power supply, which had been connected to the Evangelion upon arrival. The eyes of the Evangelion glowed, despite it being a bright day. Something that slightly scared those near Unit-01. All looked upon it wearily, as if expecting to suddenly jump at them, like a rabid dog on too short a leash.
Off in the distance, a fleet of ships could be seen, smoke rising from it likes some unholy armada and they knew that Unit-02 had engaged the Angel. It was at this point, the command came. A feral growl was heard, as it resonated in the ears of those near, Unit-01 adjusted its weapon, and looked at the horizon. A mere second later a bright flash was all that could be seen from the area as it fired the Positron Rifle. Recoiling from the immense power it stopped briefly and then it fired again…and again, almost firing randomly yet the shots flew in the same direction, towards their target.
Eight rounds were discharged. And then all was quiet.
"Misato! Now!" he shouted, feeling his mouth incredibly dry, an odd sensation considering he was breathing liquid.
C'mon! Shoot already!
Shinji was slowly loosing ground to the Angel, Unit-02 was almost near the edge of the deck and it was about to fall into the ocean. A prospect Shinji was hoping to avoid. It was at this point Asuka awoke from her impromptu slumber. Her eyes not opening at first, content to stay closed despite the situation.
"…Ugh…where am I-"
"Oh cra-"
The first of the positron rounds impacted and visibly charred the flesh of the Angel. All Shinji saw was a searing white flare and heard a deafening explosion as seven more followed culminating in the destruction of the Angel, as it core was exposed by the second. The Third impacted and cracked the red orb, three, four, five and six mercilessly pounded on it. The seventh finally breached it, and the massive Angel went limp, its broken core dull and destroyed.
Unit-02 was grappling with the Angel when it was destroyed, luckily, Shinji remembered to bring up his A.T. Field. The Over the Rainbow however did not possess the near impregnable defensive capabilities of an Evangelion and it was, without hesitation, instantly vaporised in the ensuing detonation. Shinji's breath was knocked out of him, a feeling he was soon getting used to, and like Asuka before him, passed out.
Of course! The 'great' Third Child is nothing but a wimp. He would get knocked silly after blowing up an Angel. How he became an Eva pilot in the first place is beyond me…of course having your daddy as Commander of Nerv must have its perks. Not that I need special treatm- Asuka's mental speech was cut short by the appearance of Misato. Asuka immediately sat up from her position on the hospital bed, not wanting Misato to think she was tired…or hurt.
"Oh! Hey Asuka! The doctors say you can leave, I've signed the paperwork." A crumpled piece of paper was waved in front of her for emphasis before hastily being put into the pocket of the red jacket.
"Good! I was getting sick of this…" She looked around in obvious disgust, and gestured to the pale white walls around her "…room."
"Hehe, how are you feeling? Shinji said the Angel hit you pretty hard." Asuka noted the tone of concern in Misato's voice but quickly ignored it. She wasn't here for sympathy. And how dare that Third Child make me look weak! I'll show him! That in mind, she gave Misato a confident grin.
"I'm fine Misato. Really…maybe you should check up on the Third. I'm sure-" Misato's visage faltered for a second, but she quickly hid it. What?...What now?
"Misato…the Thi…Shinji is okay isn't he?" Misato quickly looked up at her, scanning her face.
"Yes, yes…why shouldn't he be?" She's lying…She could see it a mile off, the way Misato's eyes quickly looked about the room. Not making eye contact.
"Misato…where is he? I need to 'thank' the idiot for using my Unit-02." Wait till I get my hands on that idiot. However, as soon as the words left her mouth, she noted a glint in the older woman's eyes.
"Oh! You want to thank him huh? Well… he's in room 307, I'll make sure you're not disturbed by any of the nurses…" Asuka's mind went blank for a second, imagining the possible scenarios that Misato's comment created in her mind.
"I… did… not… mean… THAT! How can you think of such a thing Misato! Eww…now I'm going to have to take a bath."
"Hahaha…well Asuka you did say-"
"I know what I said and I certainly didn't mean that! Geez Misato, grow up!"
"But where would the fun be in that! C'mon…I saw what you made him wear…I'm sure you got a good look-" She winked as she said that, more images of pilot of Unit-01 came unbidden into her head. She could feel her face heating up and shook her head to get rid of these thoughts. Ugh…No! No…don't think of that!
"Misato, you pervert!"
Deciding to attack the source of the problem she quickly threw a pillow at Misato, rushed out of the room. The sound of her laughter echoing in the hallways as the door closed. Her thought clouded and muddled, Asuka tried to calm herself, yet despite herself, her thoughts returned to Shinji Ikari. Third Child she mentally corrected herself, no sense getting too familiar with a boy.
Misato had told her what Shinji did, how he took control of Unit-02 despite her state of unconsciousness. My Unit-02…mine. It amazed her that he was even able to control Unit-02 let alone hold up against an Angel in it. One that had disabled her so easily. It was an assault on her pride. She wouldn't say it of course but she was impressed, no sense letting the twerp think he's better than me, which he isn't. Just another challenge for the great Asuka Langley Sohryu!
Unintentionally a genuine, though small, smile appeared on her face. Shaking her head, she gingerly placed her feet on the floor, grabbing her bag on the chair, she walked through a door into the small bathroom. After washing up and changing out of the dreadful hospital gown and into some of her clothes, she decided to stretch her legs and visit the ailing Third Child. Idiot probably isn't even awake yet. She laughed silently to herself.
The hallway was empty, the orange hue of the light streaming in through the windows suggested it was late afternoon and that soon night would arrive. She walked along until a few doors down she came upon room 307. She stepped up to the door, it was no different than any of the others, the same bland design. Let's get this over with…
She opened the door to be greeted by the sight of the First Child, sitting demurely in a chair by the bedside. Shinji lay apparently still unconscious. Asuka hesitated for a second, her face going blank before reverting back to its confident expression. She'd be damned before she showed weakness in front of her.
"What are you doing here First Child?" Asuka bluntly asked, not at all expecting anyone else to be in the room, and was annoyed at this…unexpected situation. Not that it mattered. Rei didn't look up, but continued staring at the sleeping form of Shinji.
"I…am waiting for Pilot Ikari to awaken." Asuka nodded slightly, her annoyance further aggravated upon realisation that her presence didn't warrant a cursory glance. Calm down…no sense getting angry…Reigning in her temper, she came to a decision.
"Really? Well…in that case I'll wait as well."
Pulling up a chair, she sat down on the opposite side of the bed. A look round the room, she took in the featureless walls and pristine white floor. Are all Japanese hospitals so tasteless in décor? she absently wondered. It certainly seemed so. Several times she looked at the First, mentally reminding herself of the red eyes. How is that possible? Doesn't anyone find it…wrong? At some level, it scared Asuka…to see a living manifestation of her nightmares in front of her. She wouldn't tell anyone this of course. Glancing up again, she made eye contact with Ayanami.
It would seem she was under similar scrutiny.
"Is something wrong?"
"No!...no, why?"
"You have looked in my direction several times now. Is there a problem?"
Asuka immediately went on the defensive, not used to being questioned by people. Certainly not by red-eyed albinos she said to herself and decided the straightforward approach would work best.
"Why…are your eyes red? You know that's not normal, right?" She watched as Ayanami continued to look in her direction before turning away to stare out the large windows, orange light illuminating her pale face.
"I…know, I have always been like this. It is…how I am." Not really satisfied with the answer, Asuka asked again.
"Why though?"
"I do not know why…others have commented that my hair and eye colour are…unusual, but I do not mind it. I prefer it…like this." She said, finally turning her face back to Asuka.
Something in them words told Asuka 'unusual' was the least that was said about her and involuntarily felt a small amount of pity for the girl. Great way to start a conversation Asuka! Just point out she's a freak… really good job! She mentally berated herself and decided to change the topic.
"So erm, what do you think of the Third here?" Motioning the unconscious Shinji Ikari, genuinely curious about what her new co-pilots thought of each other.
"Ikari is a competent pilot and has adjusted very well to his piloting duties."
Duty…that's what it comes down to doesn't it? There's no one else but…us. But back on the current conversation, Asuka's thoughts were clearer… That's it?
"What else? C'mon there has to be something more than 'he's a good pilot'. I know that already and don't you dare tell him I said that! What do you think of him First?"
"What else is there?"
Asuka was taken aback at the girl's attitude and her confused expression. What's wrong with this girl?
"Well….er….what's he like?"
"…what he is like?"
"You know!...like….like, does he talk much? What's his favourite food? What are his hobbies? Those sorts of things!"
"What does it matter?"
"What? It matters because…because er…your co-pilots! Yeah, shouldn't you learn about each other so…er, it improves teamwork? Yeah!"
"If I am ordered to then I will."
What? 'Ordered to'…something is definitely wrong here…
"You shouldn't rely on just orders First…what are you? A doll? Do it for yourself…I do." Asuka spat the word out, though didn't mean it in a harsh way… So she was surprised when she almost felt a hint of anger radiating off the blue haired girl.
"I am not a doll."
Asuka eyes narrowed…by all indications, that statement wasn't entirely true, from what she'd seen anyway. Crimson eyes stared back, unflinching under her gaze.
"I will do what is required of me, noth-"
She snapped.
"And that's it! What kind of life is that! If you want something you should take it! Not wait for it be handed to you!"
She didn't know why she was shouting, why she was getting so…angry just because of a few words uttered by a complete stranger. But she was. The realisation hit her and she remembered her surroundings. Calm down Asuka…calm down…your trying to cheer the girl up not…not…what's the point? She sat back down, taking deep breaths head down.
"…I…I am here…of my own free will. No one ordered me to wait by Ikari's side."
"Really? Well congratulations!" She clapped her hands for emphasis, however only did so half-heartedly, her heart no longer in, she let out a hollow laugh. "Ha…this what the great Asuka Langley Sohryu is reduced to… arguing over…over…why are we fighting anyway?" She questioned, her anger spent and leaving her slightly confused.
"…I do not know."
Hearing this, Asuka was quiet at this as she stared at the blue haired girl, sitting back straight against the chair. Her eyes roamed over the First Child Still wearing that tacky uniform I see…this girl needs some fashion sense and red eyes stared back at her. She looked away, choosing to observe the pristine white floor of the Nerv hospital.
"…You know what? I don't know either…" Oh what the hell "…hey…First Child…" She stood up, surprising herself, and walked round the bed and next to the First. She stuck out her hand…
"…let's be good friends." She slapped on a smile.
Asuka held a breath as she waited for a response from the quiet girl. She watched as Ayanami first stared at her and then her hand. She waited…gritting her teeth, telling herself this wasn't a mistake…Ayanami did nothing.
Fine then- Just as she was about to turn away, the First child stood up and grasped Asuka's hand in hers and said one word…
"…friends."
"…Ugh…" Great…what now? Asuka turned to see a dazed Third Child awake, to be greeted by the sight of Asuka and Rei shaking hands.
His eyes widened as he saw what was in front of him, dark brown hair falling down over his forehead. Ah, looks like prince charming here is awake… Asuka thought. Her words however…
"Well…it's about time you woke up, you idiot. Do you know how long we've had to wait here…" Asuka ranted, not caring that her voice was rising in volume to a level that most would cover their ears for. For the first time since the battle, since leaving Germany…she felt relaxed. Maybe I could get used to this place…
Misato sat at the wheel of her car. She had come straight here after checking in on Shinji and seeing Asuka.
She sighed.
Figures they'd do something like this…it was…inevitable. But Shinji…how am I going to explain to him that…that he… Even to herself she couldn't finish the sentence. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as she fought back tears. No…be strong. It'll be okay. It'll work out. They're not stupid...
She took out a crumpled piece of paper, and made sure to read once again. After doing so she put it onto the passenger seat and laid back against her own seat, resting her head and let out a sigh. She looked at the paper again, making out some of the words not hidden by shadows:
Marduke Institute
Pilot Selection Committee
--------------------------------
It is the decision of this committee that Shinji Ikari (hereby referred to as the Third Child)…….
End of Chapter 8
Author Notes:
Once again apologies for the lateness of this chapter.
Well that's done. I had trouble with the Rei/Asuka scene and I'm aware that there is OOCness, I hope that I put enough 'conflict' into their conversation without it seeming that they became friends too easily…Asuka still has her reservations as you will see in future chapters. Their 'friendship' will be quite unstable but I needed it to be like how it was when Asuka first met Rei, I don't think she hated Rei…more like a rivalry between Pilots. Any thoughts on that will be appreciated Thumbs Up
The letter at the end will be explained by the next chapter or two, as for all the other stuff….it'll be explained….eventually, I haven't forgotten about it. Thanks for reading for everyone! Thanks to Naon for pre-reading.
Please review. Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated.
Until the next chapter…