Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion or anything associated with it. I'm writing this story simply because I enjoy writing.
Chapter 21: Hearts Intertwined, Part 2
To say Ritsuko Akagi was on edge would be a study in understatement.
The battle between Unit 01 and the 4th Fallen was a display of raw savagery unimaginable to anyone, even those who had thought that they had seen the horned destroyer at its absolute berserk worst. And as she, Fuyutsuki, and the rest of the bridge crew observed the ultimate weapon of humanity from the relative safety of NERV Headquarters, its entire body dyed red with the blood of its enemy and bands of orange light swirling about its form, each and every one of them felt numb with fear.
Even as Ritsuko battled to force down her fear, a voice from behind her broke the deathly silence. "What's going on out there?" Fuyutsuki asked, even his voice muffled by the tension. "What's the status of Unit 01 and Major Katsuragi?"
Broken out of their stupor, the three bridge techs slowly turned to look at the Sub Commander, only to return their gazes to their stations. Working as quickly as they could, they sought out the answers to Fuyutsuki's questions. Before long, Maya turned about to look at her superiors. "The Major appears to be okay, but…"
"But what?" Ritsuko asked, slowly regaining her faculties.
"It's just…this cross-synchronization," Maya explained, a pensive look adorning her features. "Her vitals and brainwave patterns are overlapping with Shinji's, as well as with Unit 01's own harmonics. It's almost impossible to discern between them."
Pinching her lips tightly, Ritsuko considered the matter. "It must be Unit 01's berserker mode. The heightened activity is making things even worse," the scientist finally concluded. Trying to stay safe within the realm of cold, hard facts. Trying to remain impassive in the face of the horned abomination that they had unleashed. Then she narrowed her eyes at the other techs. "What about those energy bands? What's causing them?"
"It's Unit 01's AT-Field," Shigeru announced, paling at the readouts as sweat rolled down his face. "The Eva's energy output is so intense, the damn thing is visible even without being expanded!"
Impossible, was Ritsuko's initial thought at this revelation. The thought that such power could ever exist a terrifying one. So much so that the faux-blonde was unable to wrap her mind around it, and ultimately was forced to try and shy away from it. And yet, as she stood there, staring at the impossible made real, she found that she couldn't deny this reality as it shook her to the core.
"And the Fallen?" Fuyutsuki wondered warily. "Is there any sign that it's survived? Or that there are others out there?"
"No sign of additional Fallen, sir," Makoto reported tersely. Then he frowned, his eyes narrowed with concentration before he turned towards them. "But…we're still picking up this Fallen's AT-Field. It's much weaker now, but we're still getting a definite reading on it."
"Where's it coming from? Unit 01?" Ritsuko asked warily. The foul fluid that coated the Eva sending up red flags within her mind.
"Negative, ma'am!" Makoto replied in a confused manner. "It's radiating throughout the entire city! I can't really get a fix on it!"
This news soured Ritsuko's expression, something that grew deeper when Fuyutsuki said, "That doesn't make any sense. If the Fallen is still active, then why would it spread its field out so thin?"
"I know. That is strange," Ritsuko admitted, unable to see any logic in such a maneuver.
Not liking this in the least, Fuyutsuki decided to move on to other matters. "What about the 1st Child? Can you contact her?"
"I think so," Maya answered, frowning as her own trembling fingers worked to make the needed connection. Though each and every one of them was a professional, and had long since become used to working under pressure, the speed with which the Fallen had attacked and its bizarre talents had thrown each of them for a loop, impeding their normal efficiency. Adrenaline shaking her hands, the brunette still managed to establish the connection, resulting in Rei's face appearing before them.
"Pilot Ayanami, what is your status?" Fuyutsuki demanded, locking gazes with the 1st Child's image.
"I…am uninjured," Rei answered, her features twisted with pain. Her synchronization with Unit 00 causing her to feel the Eva's agony, the pain of having both lower legs removed.
"Just stay there. We'll have you retrieved as quickly as possible," Fuyutsuki informed the girl. Fully aware that Rei's predicament was the least of their problems.
This became all the more real when alarms once again sounded through NERV, sending the people there into a new state of confused awareness. "What's happening?!" Ritsuko demanded, only to be stopped by the sound of the Eva's horrid roar. Looking straight to the display that showed the field of battle, she and everyone else there saw Unit 01 roaring defiantly into the sky, baring its teeth and glaring hatred at the heavens. "Oh, no…what the hell is going on?!"
"Something's happening to Unit 01! Another pattern is overlapping with the cross-synch harmonics!" Maya announced, her words dripping with horror. "But I can't…identify the source!"
"No! It's the Fallen!" Ritsuko blurted out. Her eyes taking in the evil liquid that had stained the Eva's entire body with red. "Its blood…it must've infected Unit 01!"
As this declaration filled the bridge, it was overpowered by another hateful screech from Unit 01. The entirety of the staff there looked up at the display, helpless to do anything but look on in dread as the horned destroyer staggered against one of the buildings. Practically crushing the pillar of steel, the stained horror brought both of its hands to its head, growls of pain and confusion escaping its mouth. It's entire body shuddering beneath its armor, the Eva then grabbed hold of the building and slammed its head against it. It did so again, and again, the sound of the impacts like a funeral bell.
Breaking free of his stupor, Fuyutsuki finally broke the spell woven by the uncontrollable abomination. "We have to stop Unit 01 now," the old professor declared. "Eject the plug! Immediately!"
"Sir, no, we can't!" Ritsuko protested. When the old professor swung his formidable gaze towards her, the doctor recoiled briefly before taking the plunge. "There's no way of knowing how Misato or Shinji would react to being separated that way! The result could be like giving them both a lobotomy!"
"And if we don't disable Unit 01, the results could be the destruction of the entire city!" Fuyusuki countered. He then stared harshly at the bridge techs. "Do it!"
"Yes, sir!" Maya answered. The young woman quickly depressed a set of controls, only to turn to face her superior with a despairing face. "No response, ma'am! Auto-eject has failed!"
Of course! Why in God's name did I think it would actually work for once?! Ritsuko growled within her mind. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to find the idiot who designed the goddamn useless things and shove her entire leg clear up his or her ass. Shinji gets sucked into an Angel, Toji gets mutilated! So why would I ever expect something that cost millions of yen to design to actually function the way it was supposed to?!
As Ritsuko cursing government contractors with everything she was worth, another alarm split the air. "What the hell?!" Shigeru cried out, pounding upon the controls. With a gasp torn from the pits of his heart, the tech whirled about to face his superiors. "Something's overriding all of Unit 01's support systems! We're being locked out of them!"
"No…the Fallen's taking control of it!" Ritsuko gasped, feeling a dread chill claim her heart as she fell back in time. Memories of a disaster she never witnessed taking hold of her. A shattered life…and her greatest failure. Wincing at the pain the past brought her, the faux-blonde gave a quick shake of her head, her mind returning to the present with lightning speed. "We have to snap Misato out of it! Break the cross-synch!" Ritsuko declared, thinking feverishly. "Can you increase the pressure in the Entry Plug?"
"Negative! All of the control functions have been taken over!" Shigeru announced. The Lieutenant gave his superiors a gaze that was filled with horror. "It's completely locked us out!"
"Wait! There's a signal being routed through Unit 01's com-system!" Makoto announced, goggling owlishly at his station.
"Can you identify the source?" Fuyutsuki asked, his demeanor that of stone.
"It's the Fallen, sir!" Makoto answered instantly. "It's taken over the com-system, and it's sending to Major Katsuragi!"
A dark pit welling up in her stomach, Ritsuko eyed the tech fearfully. "Can you show us what it's sending her?"
"I think so. We still have full access to the Eva's telemetry," Makoto answered, seeming almost surprised by this break. "Just give me a sec to patch it through, and -!"
"-ou hear me, Misato?!" came a desperate, pleading voice over the speakers. A voice that slammed Ritsuko with a wave of shock even as she gaped at the display, and saw her own face looking out at her. Beads of sweat rolling down her cheeks, and fear deeply engrained in her image. "At least three Fallen have started growing inside the Geofront! You have to get back here before they are able to hatch! I repeat -!"
"What the hell?!" Fuyutsuki demanded as other voices were heard in the background. The entirety of the current bridge complement giving facts and figures to back up the desperate image of Dr. Akagi before them.
"Oh, my God…" Ritsuko murmured, her voice low with disbelieving terror. Her mind overloaded with fear, it automatically performed the math that came so naturally to her, and came up with their doom. "The Fallen is trying to lure Misato back down here while Unit 01's still berserking!"
Whirling about to face her superior, Maya's face sagged with horror. "But…sempai! If Unit 01 attacks while in this state…!"
"It will completely annihilate us," Ritsuko intoned. Speaking as casually as a man reading a stock report or the local news would. "And even if it doesn't, if the Fallen can access its self-destruct…"
"Then we have to stop Unit 01 before it can get back here," Fuyutsuki declared. Furrowing his brows, the old professor stared at the image shown before him. Of Unit 01 slowly standing straight, its baleful eyes sweeping the city, growling lowly as it ground its teeth in anticipation. "Blast it all! Where are the other pilots, anyway?! What's taking them so long?"
As these words filled the room, Shigeru and Makoto jerked in their seats, growing several shades paler. "What is it?" Ritsuko asked, nervous energy propelling her a step forward. Looking towards the doctor with a telltale mix of shame and embarrassment, the techs practically oozed guilty. Something that caused the faux-blonde to shift from fear to anger. "What the…don't tell me!"
"Um…" Makoto started, shrinking back from the wrathful scientist. He shrank even more as Fuyutsuki and even Maya gave him and Shigeru glares of scorn. "Well, you see…with everything happening so fast…uh…"
A disbelieving silence fell upon the bridge as Shigeru and Makoto became the center of attention. A silence in which a pin could be heard dropping until Fuyutsuki found his voice. "Are you trying to tell me that you never even called them?!" the old professor roared, purpling with rage.
"We never had the chance!" Shigeru protested desperately. "First the Major got set to launch, then we found about the Fallen, and then the Evas wouldn't launch, and -!"
"You idiots! You might have killed us all!" Ritsuko howled before snatching Makoto up by his jacket collar, she hauled the bespectacled tech out of his chair and shook him vigorously. Her heart pounding furiously in her ears, the doctor wanted nothing more than to wrap her hands about his neck and give him the abuse he so richly deserved, before she gave the same treatment to his fellow incompetent. Instead, the faux-blonde turned her gaze to the one tech she found she could trust. "Get Asuka on the phone right now! She's our best chance right now!"
While Maya went about her orders, and Shigeru tried to avoid the attention of his superiors, Ritsuko shoved Makoto back in his chair. Alternating between staring daggers at the two buffoons and gazing at the terrible demon that was Unit 01, a demon that was once again moving, she practically jumped out of her skin when she realized Fuyutsuki had come up beside her. "You know that the 2nd Child wouldn't stand a chance against Unit 01," the older man intoned. Speaking so that only Ritsuko could hear him.
"I know," Ritsuko returned beneath her breath. "But Asuka could stall them. The sight of Unit 02 might even be enough to break through the cross-synch berserker state."
"That's a long-shot at best, doctor," Fuyutsuki muttered. When Ritsuko glanced his way, she saw the darkness in his gaze. There was no fear to be found, as she well knew. Both of them had long since stopped caring about their own lives, much less fearing for them.
Still, that didn't mean that there weren't those in their lives that they didn't care for. Which was why the doctor turned to look at Fuyutsuki, and asked him, "Do you have any better ideas?"
Fuyutsuki said nothing in return. He simply stood there, eying the doctor sadly, when Maya's voice broke through to them. "Sempai! I got through to Asuka!"
"Put her on the com! Quickly!" Ritsuko ordered, sparing a glance at the Eva as it stalked towards one of the launch tube hatches. A deep pit forming within her as she realized that she was running out of time.
This…this can't be happening… Asuka thought to herself. She did so over and over again, trying in vain to convince herself that the horror that now filled her eyes wasn't, couldn't be real.
Despite her best efforts, the nightmare Asuka was embroiled in continued to progress. Growling hatefully, the boy shambled about, clutching at his own head. Some distance away, Unit 01 towered above them, covered in gore and perfectly emulating every move the boy made. Leaving Asuka standing frozen, torn between a series of conflicting impulses. Part of her wanted to do something to snap Shinji out of his state, but every time she worked up the courage to actually think of doing so, the boy would look at her. His eyes that of a mindless predator that would gladly kill anything that got in its way. A look that left Asuka recoiling, and without any idea as to what to do.
Then a change came over the boy. His eyes shot wide open, then narrowed again. Standing straighter, Shinji began looking about the area, with Unit 01 mirroring him perfectly.
"Sh-shinji?" Asuka murmured warily. Hoping against hope that this change signaled that he was coming out of whatever madness had claimed him. Gingerly stepping forward, the German found herself almost smiling…until Shinji looked her way. It was just a glance; the boy was still sweeping the entire area, as if searching for something. But in that moment when their gazes had locked, Asuka had not seen the gentle eyes of the boy she had come to almost respect, but of a ravenous monster that was on the scent of a new prey.
Jumping away as if burned, Asuka brought up her arms in a defensive posture. Waiting for the moment to pass. And watching as the boy then set out in a new direction. Letting out a confused whimper, the redhead could only stand there and watch as Shinji started away, every movement he made lithe and deadly.
What the hell is all this…? Asuka wondered, wanting nothing more than to wake up from this reality and find it to have been nothing but a nightmare. Then Shinji would make her breakfast as Misato chugged down a cola with her own food. And everything would be back to normal, and…
This brief flight of fantasy was shattered by the sound of a cell phone ringing. A normal sound from Asuka's regular life that practically had the German girl jumping out of her skin. Staggering as her pulse and breathing went clear through the roof, Asuka instinctively grasped the offending device, only to look from it to the boy that was moving away from her. The deadly creature that she feared would be alerted by the sound, and would come back and crush her.
If Shinji or whatever he had become had heard the phone, he gave no sign of it. He simply continued forward, his destination unknown.
Heaving a deep gasp of relief, Asuka flipped open the phone. Numbly, she hit the button that would patch the call through, and murmured, "H-hello?"
"Asuka!" came a familiar voice. A voice that was just loud enough that the German jerked, once again checking to see if Shinji had heard it. Her heart pounding in her chest, Asuka glanced in the boy's direction, only to practically faint upon realizing that he was still oblivious to her. "It's me, Ritsuko! Can you hear me?!"
"Dr. Akagi!" Asuka hissed back beneath her breath. Relief flooding her veins as she found an anchor to the world of sanity.
"Where are you?!" Ritsuko demanded before Asuka could anything. "Are you near the Geofront?! And where's Shinji?!"
"W-we got cut off! The Fallen…it-it -!" Asuka stammered out, her memories jumbled by the intensity of recent events.
"Never mind!" Ritsuko got out harshly. The anger in her voice working like a bucket of ice water being thrown on the German's head. "Listen very closely to me! The Fallen's blood has somehow hacked into Unit 01's systems, and is feeding it false information!" Ritsuko allowed Asuka a brief moment in which to process this information. "If we don't find a way to stop Unit 01, it's going to attack the Geofront! And possibly destroy everything in it!"
As these words spun about Asuka's mind, she felt as if the metaphorical ice water she had felt earlier was now swirling about her blood. Her face fell in horror at the very image of the psychopathic Eva running rampant through the Geofront. The horrid monster that had obliterated the seven Fallen falling upon NERV Headquarters and everyone in it, ripping them apart with the same savagery it had demonstrated just minutes ago. Her tongue falling flat in her mouth, the German was helpless to do anything but stand there, seeing the annihilation within her mind's eyes, while Ritsuko continued. "Now, tell me, do you know where Shinji is?"
"Shinji?" Asuka gasped out. Acting on sheer impulse, she glanced over in the direction she had last seen the boy. He was still moving about, somewhat confused and disoriented, but his every action was that of something else. A savage killer, not the gentle boy Asuka had grown to know.
Gulping loudly, Asuka reported, "H-he's here. Just…he's right here. He's…"
"Thank God!" Ritsuko gasped, her voice flooded with relief. Then she regained herself, and once again became the voice of authority. "Asuka, listen very closely! We've lost all communications with Unit 01! You have to try and talk to Shinji! Snap him and Misato out of the cross-synch! It's our best chance of stopping them!"
"What?" Asuka got out, gulping as fear once again washing down upon her body. The very thought of going anywhere near the berserk thing the boy had become intimidating for her.
"Asuka, please!" Ritsuko pleaded. "We're closing off all access shafts to the Geofront, but if that doesn't work, then you're our only chance!"
Their only chance. Those words resounded within the mind of Asuka Langley-Sohryu, along with its many implications. How many times had she begged for this chance? For a time when everyone would need and depend on her when all else had failed, to be a hero in the eyes of everyone?
But in all the times Asuka had pictured that perfect, glorious moment, she had always imagined it as being her saving the world from an Angel or a Fallen. Some mindless, hateful monstrosity that was bent on the destruction on the planet. Now she was needed to go up against one of her one. Her fellow pilot and housemate. She was nowhere near her Eva, alone on the decimated streets of Tokyo-3, with Unit 01's footsteps echoing eerily about the towering skyscrapers.
Even worse was the awareness she now had. The fear that still echoed within Asuka's heart when she had thought she had killed a friend. It was with her even then, giving her mental images of what would happen should she fail, pictures intensified by the deliberate killings committed by the Fallen as it had stomped towards them.
Making it even worse was that it was just her. There was no backup plan, no Invincible Shinji waiting to save the day is something went wrong. There was only Asuka. No Eva, no weapons, no allies to call upon to save the day.
Just Asuka…and the madman that she once thought she knew so well.
"Asuka?" Ritsuko's voice came. Sounding so distant that the redhead barely noticed. "Do you understand me? Please answer!"
"I -!" Asuka jumped, the doctor's voice knocking away the various layers of emotional chaos that had appeared to envelop her mind. Gulping loudly, trying to regain herself, she gave a quick nod before remembering that Ritsuko couldn't see her. "I – understand!" she finally got out, swallowing a lump of bile in her throat. Forcing a more confident beat to her voice, she added, "Don't worry about a thing! I'll take care of that idiot!"
"Just don't screw this up, understand?!" Ritsuko ordered. Her fearful barb followed by the click of the line disconnecting.
Great. Like I really needed that! Asuka thought bitterly. Though ironically, she found herself almost comforted by the anger that now flowed as a result of Ritsuko's words. Good, familiar anger. Anger that pushed her ahead, anger to get her juices going. Anger similar to what she felt whenever Shinji would apologize for every little thing, causing her fingers to ball up with aggression and almost allowing her to forget about the fearsome fire that now burned in the boy's eyes.
Almost.
Just forget about that! Asuka shouted at herself, sending some of that good, clean anger into her legs. Causing them to start moving towards the boy. So he's linked to his Eva! So what? He's still the wimpy little baka-Shinji! If he gives you any trouble, a few whacks on the head oughta straighten him out!
Feeling better as she stoked her internal fires, Asuka picked up speed. Drawing closer and closer to Shinji, already planning on knocking him on his butt, just to vent some of her frustrations and anxieties. Only to stop momentarily, frowning her confusion. For Shinji had come to a halt as well.
Studying the boy from a distance, Asuka watched as he bent down. Raising up his fist, Shinji then fired off a blow to the ground, a blow that was accompanied by the thunder of metal shattering metal. Physically shaken by the force of the blow, the German quickly looked about, and saw Unit 01 a distance away. The purple Eva was crouched in the same fashion as Shinji, growling lowly as it pried off the metal covering for one of the Eva launch tubes.
Aw, damn! It's practically in already?! Asuka shouted at herself. I can't believe I wasted so much time cowering around! Honestly, even the Third has more of a spine than that! Fresh anger flowing through her system, Asuka sprang forward, shooting across the span between herself and her goal. Before Unit 01 could cast aside the doors from the launch tube, the German came up behind Shinji.
"Hey! Hold it right there, baka!" Asuka cried out. Shinji didn't respond. He just kept moving, lost in the madness of the Eva as he moved in perfect synch with Unit 01 as it eased itself into the tube. He was ignoring her, oblivious to the German's presence.
Asuka's ire increased, for if there was anything she hated, it was being ignored. "Hold it right there, Third!" the redhead ordered, taking hold of Shinji's shoulder and forcing him about. And was faced with the eyes of a monster.
Sucking in a horrified breath, Asuka froze. Once again repelled by the reality that the boy she knew and the beast she confronted were actually one and the same. That Shinji's eyes could blaze with such feral intensity, his gentle continence capable of being twisted with such savagery.
Taking advantage of Asuka's pause, Shinji took hold of her hand and flung it off. Asuka staggered back a step while the boy turned away, with Unit 01 sliding down the tube. Soon to be unleashed upon the Geofront.
No! I'm not gonna let that happen! Asuka snarled at herself. The memory of her previous failures stoking the fire of her fury, the German once again grabbed the boy and spun him about.
"Now, look here, Shinji! I- !" Asuka started, only to be cut off when the boy grabbed her. With an animalist snarl, he once again shoved her aside, but with greater force. The German backwards, almost falling to the ground in the process, but after spinning her arms about for a moment, she was able to recover.
As soon as Asuka regained her feet, she gazed at the boy for a short time before several veins bulged from her forehead. Never the most patient of individuals, Asuka preferred quick and simple solutions, rather than complicated situations requiring intricate situations. And after being scared out of her mind, running from giants for fear for her life, and feeling so thoroughly out of her depth, the last thing she was in the mood for was to be pushed around by Shinji, of all people!
"Alright, baka! Now you listen up, and listen good!" Asuka snarled. Stomping up to the boy, she made sure to grab him by the wrists this time. Lost in the cross-synch, Shinji was unaware of the girl until she dragged him up to his feet, shaking him about viciously. "There aren't any Fallen inside the Geofront! Do you understand me?! I -!"
Gnashing his teeth, Shinji snarled hatefully at the girl. Rearing back his head, he then swung it forward, bashing Asuka on the brows. Stunned by the blow, Asuka relinquished her grasp on one of his Shinji's wrists. But the pain she had suffered was the final blow to her self-control. Glaring daggers at the savage child, she balled up her newly freed hand, and with a scathing Germanic oath, she drove it right into Shinji's face. Bone impacted upon cartilage and flesh, and the 3rd Child was sent flying off his feet to tumble upon the concrete.
A smile of victory split Asuka's face, until a massive crashing was heard in the distance, followed by a cloud of dust. Whipping about, the German then goggled when she realized what had happened. Unit 01 had been knocked to the streets, and was now groaning in dismay and confusion.
Several seconds passed as the redhead stared blankly at the toppled giant, only to swing her eyes to the groaning Shinji and back again. No way, Asuka thought disbelievingly. Her mind on the various cartoons and comics that were so popular amongst children her age, with the scene before her torn straight from them. You've got to be kidding me! There is absolutely no way it could possibly be that simple!
Still, as Asuka watched the two of them moving perfectly in synch with each other, Unit 01 perfectly mirroring Shinji as he tried to get back to his feet, more and more she felt like she was right. Darting over to the 3rd Child's side, she eagerly drove her foot down upon his hand. A surprised growl from Shinji and a surprised roar from the Eva melded as one within the air, cementing Asuka's convictions.
"Well, what do you know?" Asuka spoke, grinding her heel down hard upon the captive hand. Shinji growling fiercely at his ill treatment, he grabbed the girl's leg, only to have the German step down on his chest as well. Asuka sensing more than seeing his Eva perfectly mimicking every move he made. "I guess this means if you can't go anywhere, neither does your big purple freak!" Casting a hateful, primal glare at the German, Shinji snarled impotently as Unit 01's famous roar shook the very core of Tokyo-3. Neither one even touching the feeling of triumph, of value and meaning that Asuka now felt.
Leaning down over Shinji, the German smiled gloatingly at him. "Now, we're gonna stay right here, until you either get that damned Eva outta your head, or -!"
Releasing a roar that was old and deadly in a time when man still dwelled in the trees and jungles, Shinji grabbed hold of the foot that was pressed against his chest. Pushing it off of him, the boy sent Asuka off balance once again before leaping to his hands and feet. As the German recovered and looked at him, Shinji arched his back like a jungle cat, and growled beneath his breath.
Great. I knew I shoulda clobbered him when I had the chance! Asuka thought sourly. Pressing her lips together, feeling a cold chill run down her spine as the boy tensed up, the German tried to bolster herself. Well, it shouldn't be too tough. This is Shinji, remember? The little baka's so slow, I shouldn't -!
Asuka never even saw him move. One minute, Shinji was crouched on all fours, all humanity gone from his eyes, the next he was a blur as he shot towards her. Unprepared for his charge, Asuka was completely bowled over by the boy's feral assault. Crying out in pain, the German gasped as Shinji wrapped his arms about her waist and sank his teeth into the nape of her neck.
Screaming in German, Asuka acted on pure instinct and fired off a powerful knee straight to Shinji's midsection. She wasn't sure exactly where the blow landed, but the impact knocked Shinji up and off of her somewhat. Enough to provide her with the room needed to grab hold of his shoulders and flip him to the ground. With the sound of Unit 01 mirroring the battle off in the distance, Asuka braced herself up against Shinji's chest, then driving another punch at his face. Swiveling his head just enough to avoid the blow, Shinji countered by biting down as hard as he could on the German's tender flesh.
"Aaarrgh!" Asuka cried out. The pain and surprise she felt at the attack enough to let Shinji punch back, the blow sending the redhead flying off of him.
Instinctively grasping her wounded forearm, Asuka then looked up at the boy. Saw him spit out a bit of her own flesh as he gazed down about her. The boy she knew locked within the mindset of a killing machine.
A wave of frost-fingered fear washed over Asuka as she realized what she had gotten into. That she was in a battle to the death with someone who she cared for. And it was a battle that she wasn't certain she could survive, let alone win.
"What is the 2nd Child doing out there?!" Fuyutsuki demanded. Watching as Unit 01 whirled about like it was sick with madness. Lashing out at empty air, toppling buildings and tearing the city apart with its crazed gyrations.
"She must be fighting with Shinji," Ritsuko deduced. Her mind flashing back to Misato and how she had acted when under the influence of the cross-synch. "Because of their link, Misato and Unit 01 are doing everything Shinji does!"
"And trashing the entire city while they're at it!" Shigeru added, wincing as skyscraper was knocked off its foundation. Before it had completely crumbled to the city streets, the uncontrolled Eva had already moved on, clawing mindlessly at empty air before ramming into another building. "So much for our budget!"
"At least she's bought us a little time," Ritsuko decided, trying to remain a scientist. To distance herself from the danger and look at the facts and figures. To not panic and find a solution. "Now we have to get to work! There must be some way to break the Fallen's control!"
"I've been trying, sempai, but it's no good!" Maya spoke up, her face creased with fear. "I've been trying to bypass the control routes, but the Fallen keeps blocking me! We're completely locked out!"
"What about Unit 01's power? How much longer until its batteries are drained?" Fuyutsuki demanded, a faint bit of hope in his words.
"It still has ten minutes until total power loss!" Shigeru returned. Turning to give them a fearful look, he then added, "And…"
"I know. There's no guarantee that it will stop even without power," Ritsuko frowned, having already considered that dread possibility. "If Asuka can't snap them out of the cross-synch berserker, then…"
"Hold on! I think I've got something!" Makoto piped up. All eyes fell upon the bespectacled lieutenant, who gave them the first hopeful smile they had seen in some time. "I've been analyzing the Fallen's AT-Field, trying to lock onto it! And it turns out that it's been spread out much further and thinner than we thought! It's extended beyond the city limits!"
"What?" Ritsuko gasped, taken aback by this revelation. "But why would the blood do that?! It makes no sense!" Then she began to analyze this information, processing it, and came to a conclusion. "Unless…the AT-Field isn't coming from the Fallen! It's being received by it!"
"Huh?!" Maya got out, raising an eyebrow at her mentor.
"Think about it! All this time, we've been focusing on the Fallen themselves!" Ritsuko went on, becoming more and more sure of herself. "But what if they were being coordinated by an external brain! One that relayed the power for their AT-Fields to them!"
"Of course!" Maya gasped, her face a picture of amazement. "That explains the echo effect!"
"Right! There must be some central core bouncing it's AT-Field off the individual Fallen!" Ritsuko grinned ferally. "Which means if we can find and destroy it -!"
"I'm on it!" Makoto announced, his fingers raining upon his controls.
"Start with the school! That's where this thing first showed up!" Ritsuko declared. "Unless there's something out there we haven't found yet, then that has to be the source!"
"You got it!" Makoto answered.
"Lt. Ibuki, activate Unit 02's Dummy Plug," Fuyutsuki ordered coolly.
"Sir?" Maya started, turning to look questioningly at her superior.
"If the core of the Fallen is generating an AT-Field, then we'll need an Eva to destroy it. And with Unit 00 disabled, then Unit 02 is our only chance," Fuyutsuki explained. Then he gave the male lieutenants a scathing glance. "I assume that it is armed and ready to launch?"
"Uh, yeah," Shigeru answered, virtually turning to stone beneath a glare that would do a basilisk proud. "Battery packs and prog axe! Unit 02 is ready to launch! All I need is -!"
"Got it!" Makoto spoke up, his words heralding a sense of triumph. "Dr. Akagi was right! The focus of the AT-Field is near the kids' school! All we have to do is take it out!"
"Then activate the Dummy Plug," Fuyutsuki ordered. "Eva launch!"
"Bringing the Dummy Plug online…!" Maya announced. Only to have her jaw drop as her display board beeped in protest.
"What's wrong?!" Ritsuko demanded, only to turn ashen. "Don't tell me it's rejecting it!"
"Confirmed! No response on the Dummy System!" Maya confirmed fearfully.
As hope faded from the bridge, Makoto looked about the room. "Can't we…use the missile launchers to take out the core?"
"Negative. As long as the core is generating an AT-Field, we won't be able to even touch it," Ritsuko told them bitterly. The disgrace she felt at her invention's latest failure there for everyone to see. "It looks like it's all up to Asuka."
As a deadly silence filled the room, Shigeru turned to look at the others. "Maybe not…"
"Yeaarghh!" Asuka shrieked as she tumbled across the street. Every breath she took burning her insides, the redhead struggled to stand when the air was cruelly driven from her lungs by a devastating kick to her midriff. Crashing to her back, the German blanched as she saw another blow coming. Rolling to the side, she narrowing avoided the double-fisted blow Shinji had intended for her.
Jumping to her feet, Asuka winced at the various scrapes and bruises she now endured. Bleeding and purpling in more spots than she could imagine, the redhead turned towards her opponent, who had also showing wear and tear from this running battle. But unlike her, Shinji showed no signs of exhaustion. Worse, he showed no signs of humanity.
Isn't there…anything of him left in there? Asuka wondered as the boy cut loose with a guttural cry. Bracing herself, she watched as Shinji charged, his hands reared back and his fingers arched like claws. Jumping back a step, Asuka avoided his attempt to claw at her, but was ill-suited avoid the second stroke. Crying out as four parallel gashes were tore across her cheek.
Pain adding fire to her anger, Asuka came back and grabbed hold of Shinji's outstretched arm. Turning his momentum against him, the redhead twisted the arm about until she was behind her antagonist. But before she could wrap her other arm about his neck, Shinji flung his head backwards and bashed the German upon the nose. The sound of cartilage cracking filled Asuka's consciousness, and further pain stunned her enough so that the crazed Child could turn about and grab her by the wrists. Gasping as she realized her predicament, Asuka could only watch as the boy brought up his right foot and slammed it into her chest with all his strength.
Crying out as her arms were nearly dislocated, Asuka flew back as the sleeves of her dress were shredded. Falling back upon the street, she was able to brace herself up by one hand, wincing as the concrete drew fresh blood from her hand and legs. Then Shinji's cry once again heralded his assault, and the German gasped as she saw him charging, bloodlust shining from his eyes.
Instinctively, Asuka reared up her legs before the boy could reach her. Shinji's charge practically landing him on top of her feet, the redhead then turned his momentum against him by uncoiling her legs with all her strength, and sent her adversary flying overhead. Crying out in hatred, Shinji tumbled in mid-air, flipping himself about before landing so as to land on his hands and feet. His palms skinned and bleeding, the boy screamed hatefully at his enemy.
Dammit, Third! What's it take to make you want to just give it up?! Asuka thought wearily, every move she made bringing some fresh spark of pain to the fore.
Allowing the girl no reprieve, Shinji dug into the ground and once again charged at her. Just before he reached her, Asuka dropped to the ground and launched into a sweep kick that knocked her antagonist's feet out from under him. Catching himself before his face hit the ground, Shinji snarled and grabbed one of Asuka's legs and pulled on it. Gasping in shock, the redhead rolled about just as Shinji fell upon her, grabbing her by the hem of her shirt.
Desperate to get some room to maneuver, Asuka drove her palm against Shinji's face, mustering up all the strength she could find in an attempt to dislodge him. But no matter how she fought and struggled, no matter how badly her dress tore, Shinji would not allow her to fight her way free.
Dammit! This is crazy! Asuka thought, every faculty she possessed strained to the breaking point. Not only was she making no progress in subduing Shinji, but she could still hear Unit 01 somewhere in the background. The angry throes of the giant wreaking havoc upon the entire city.
I…I have to do something! Asuka realized, dread images filling her consciousness. If the Eva gets too close, it might crush us! Or Hikari or the others!
At that moment, destruction filled Asuka's mind. In the midst of battle, her view was replaced by the sight of Hikari and the others. Bloodied and broken by the rampaging Eva, crushed beneath tons of rubble, and all of them staring at her with dead eyes.
Accusing her. Blaming her.
No! Stop it! I won't let that happen! Asuka screamed within her own mind. I just…have to knock some sense into the little baka's head!
"Shinji…knock it off already!" Asuka groaned, barely able to speak beneath the burden of battle. "It's me! Asuka!"
Animalistic snarls were Shinji's only response. The madness spurring him ever forward, the 3rd Child fought to draw himself closer.
"Dammit…baka! I don't have to time to be messing around!" Asuka grunted, anger and fear fueling her every word. "Whatever's up with you…you gotta snap out of it! You -!"
The sound of cloth tearing stopped Asuka, the redhead gasping as Shinji reared back. Crying out his rage, the boy brought both of his fists down upon Asuka's chest, eliciting a scream of pain. Specks of blood flying from her mouth, the German could only lay there helplessly as Shinji pounded upon her again and again. Pain shifted to numbness as her body weakened, Asuka brought up her arms, trying to ward off the blows that rained down upon her. She was able to block one strike, but Shinji quickly changed tacts, firing a punch at her at face. Pain and knuckles filled Asuka's eyes as her head smashed down upon the concrete, stunning her and leaving her open to a second blow. Then a third.
As Shinji levied the fourth blow against her, Asuka regained enough awareness to catch his fist in her hand. Snaking out her free hand to grab his neck, the girl used the turnaround to fling Shinji off of her. Not wasting a moment, the German got to her feet, just before Shinji launched himself into another rushing tackle.
I don't believe this! Asuka thought, the adrenaline catching up with her as she narrowly avoided the charge. When – how – since when did Shinji -?!
Before Asuka could finish her thought, another sound was heard. And though she was winded, Asuka had worked alongside the Evas and their various forms of equipment to recognize the sound of an Entry Plug's escape thrusters being fired.
What the…were they able to get Misato out? Asuka wondered. She wasn't given the time to wonder any further before her distraction proved to be her undoing. Her insides lurched as Shinji slammed into her, carrying the German straight into the side of the building.
"How are you doing, Rei?" Maya wondered, the tech's image hovering before the 1st Child.
"I am…unhurt," Rei answered truthfully. Though ghosts of pain still lingered with her from her earlier battle, she was uninjured and as ready for battle as she could be.
"You should arrive in less than a minute," Maya informed the girl tensely. A slight frown appearing before she added, "Do you think you can handle this?"
"There is no other option. I have to do this," Rei answered matter-of-factly, her own condition of no concern to her. If she failed in her mission for any reason, then everything she had grown to care for would die. Therefore, she would not fail. She would not allow herself to do so.
As much as Rei didn't want to think about it, she could still be replaced. Her loved ones could not.
Even as this disturbing thought crossed the albino's mind, Ritsuko's image joined Maya's. "All right, now listen carefully, Rei. Maya's got you on course for the exit gate where we're sending Unit 02. As soon as you land, you'll have to hurry and mobilize the Eva as quickly as you can," the doctor explained tersely. "I don't know how longer Asuka can keep Shinji occupied, but we can't take any chances."
"Understood," Rei replied. Much to the albino's relief, the doctor disappeared from within her Entry Plug. Leaving nothing but the mission…and her own thoughts.
Asuka and Shinji. Apparently alone in the streets of Tokyo-3. Locked in a combat that was a direct result of the crazed Eva beast the 3rd Child had been given. An image that was anathema for the blue-haired girl. For though she was aware of Asuka's volatile nature, had born witness to her verbally abusing the boy, she couldn't picture her actually going as far as to physically attack him. And the idea of Shinji doing what was being described to her, to incite the level of violence Rei had observed before being launched from Unit 00…
Ikari-kun…what has happened to you? Rei wondered somberly. Sadness lining her pale face at the thought.
"Rei, you're almost there!" Maya announced, breaking the girl from her thoughts. Looking up sharply, she once again locked gazes with Maya. "You better brace yourself, though!"
Nodding, Rei tightened her grasp on the control yokes. Though the Entry Plug thrusters made for a quick escape in an emergency, they were designed primarily for speedy exits that put the pilot a long ways from peril. Safe, precision landings in the middle of the city had never been in the blueprints, especially with the budget limitations placed upon NERV. With the only safety buffer available to the girl the LCL that cushioned any impact.
The fact that Rei was essentially flying blind didn't help, either. Leaving the girl unable to see the gut-wrenching impact that hit before it actually sent her spinning. The entire would seemed to explode with thunder as the Entry Plug spun about madly. Gritting her teeth as she held on for dear life, Rei crouched forward, helpless to do anything save for riding out the controlled crash.
Another impact echoed about the Entry Plug, the sensory overload and the liquid vibrations hitting Rei all at once. Crying out in pain, the albino still maintained her grip on the yokes and consciousness. And she continued to do even as a final, resounding crash shook her to the core.
Residual vibrations settling into the massive metal tube, Rei panted heavily from the abuse she had just been subjected to, the instinctive need to breathe an overpowering one in her dazed state. As she slowly recovered her wits, the blue-haired girl took stock of her situation. While she was in pain, her body still seemed nominally functional. And her Entry Plug was battered and rolling about, but it had made the voyage.
"Rei!" Maya cried out. Directing her gaze towards the holographic image, the 1st Child saw a panicked Maya crying out desperately. "Rei, are you alright?!"
"I…am intact," she replied more-or-less truthfully. Her insides vigorously protesting the experience and begging that they not be similarly abused in the future.
"Listen, you landed about a block from the exit hatch!" Maya reported. "Unit 02 is almost in position! As soon as you see the launch gantry appear, head right for it!"
"Right," Rei returned. Not waiting for the Plug to stop moving, she went for the emergency hatch and started twisted at the release. It took some effort, her muscles and the Plug's internal workings equally battered. But with several determined grunts, Rei eventually succeeded in freeing the hatch from its frame, through which both herself and LCL soon spilled out of.
Falling to the streets, Rei grimaced before heaving up the foul fluid that filled her lungs. Several choking coughs then forced the remainder of the LCL from her lungs, allowing her to draw in a clean, deep breath of blessed oxygen. As she acclimated to once again being in the air, the albino took stock of her surroundings. True to Maya's word, Unit 02 was less than a block away, it's head just above street level with a gantry providing easy access to its Entry Plug.
Not losing any time, Rei got to her feet and started into a brisk run. She was still disoriented, her body protested every mover she made, and sounds of destruction filled her ears as Unit 01 blindly rampaged across the city. Rei paid heed to none of these things. She simply pushed herself for everything she had, racing against time for the crimson titan that was their salvation.
By the time the blue-haired girl was safely ensconced within Unit 02's Entry Plug, aches and pains burned in every part of her body, sapping at her as she began the activation sequence. Brilliant lights and colors flashed about her as she opened a channel to NERV. "Sub Commander Fuyutsuki," she spoke as the old professor appeared before her. "I've arrived at Unit 02."
"Good," Fuyutsuki responded. "I know you never tried piloting that Eva before, 1st Child. But you have to do this! If you can achieve just a fraction past the borderline…"
"Yes," Rei answered. Reaching out with her thoughts as she made the necessary nerve connections. Reaching out to the living essence within the Eva's core. Feeling the Eva's body as if it were her own.
I do not what your connection to Pilot Sohryu is, but I do need your help, Rei pleaded. Searching for the nebulous entity that now existed next to her own consciousness. Sleeping, barely aware, but present, nonetheless. Please, help me save her and Ikari-kun.
As Rei pleaded with the Eva, focusing on her mission, she felt something. Something within the Eva reaching back to her, even as the crimson beast curled its fingers, raising its hand up towards the axe mounted upon its armor…
Pain exploded throughout Asuka's body as she was lifted into the air. A crushing blow to her jaw lifting the girl into the air, which was followed by her ankles being snared. Aware of her plight and helpless to prevent it, Asuka cried out in German as Shinji spun her about. Growling wildly, the maddened boy's visage burred in and out of the German's field of vision. The tiny glimpses she had of it filling her with terror as he finally tossed her away.
Crying out helplessly, Asuka was cut off as she finally slammed into the side of a building. The agony of impact filled her conscious as she screamed a silent scream. And Shinji charged at her like the devil himself, shrieking in triumph.
Asuka's conscious mind demanded that her body move. It shouted commands across her nervous system as loudly and clearly as it could. But her body was clawed and battered, her school uniform hung from her in tattered rags, and the bitter taste of defeat was once again seeping into her mouth. Stealing what little strength she had as Shinji pounced on her, wrapping fingers that seemed as strong as steel about her throat.
"Shinji…" Asuka gasped out in vain, her eyes filled with malevolence personified. Every pain and frustration and evil thought that the boy had ever known burning into her soul. His teeth gritted together, Shinji tightened his grasp about her throat, unheeding of Asuka as she took hold of his wrists.
No…I can't…I can't let it end like this…Hikari…! Asuka thought. The image of her best friend returning to her, adding to her desperation. Allowing her to keep fighting, even as the world turned red before her.
"There's the core!" Ritsuko cried out. The telemetry from Unit 02 giving them a perfect view of everything Rei was seeing. Including the deep crater from which the 4th Fallen had emerged, at the bottom of which lay a monstrosity like a germ the size of a small building. The central core pulsating evilly, shining its cruel light everywhere.
"Rei's synch with Unit 02 is 32.8!" Maya announced, scrutinizing her display. "The Fallen's AT-Field has been neutralized!"
"Do it now!" Fuyutsuki cried out.
A grunt of effort her only verbal response, Rei drew back on the yokes. Heaving the prog axe high above, Unit 02 then slammed it down with the force of an N2. The lethal edge of the weapon cleanly bisected the Fallen's central node. It's light died out almost instantly, leaving it to slowly shrivel away.
"That did it!" Maya announced, relief dripping from each word. "All energy emissions from the Fallen have ceased!"
"And Unit 01?" Ritsuko demanded fearfully.
"Raarrrgh!" Shinji screamed. Tearing his hands away from Asuka's throat, the boy brought them to his head as he staggered backwards, every portion of his body twitching uncontrollably.
Collapsing to the street, Asuka instinctively grabbed her throat, trying to soothe her abused flesh as she sucked in breath after ragged breath. Her eyes wide with fear and bewilderment as she watched Shinji cry out again and again, his convulsions worsening until it seemed impossible that he could remain on his feet.
What the hell?! Asuka wondered tiredly. Gulping loudly, the German could only watch as the boy continued to stagger blindly, all the while the towering abomination he was bonded to wallowed drunkenly about, crashing into several buildings in the process.
Struggling to her feet, Asuka frowned uncertainly. Though she wasn't certain what was going on, she did know an opening when she saw it. And while she didn't know what caused Shinji's fit, she did know what would happen if she squandered this opportunity and the madness reclaimed him.
With a guttural cry, Asuka shot forward, pushing her tortured limbs to their limits as she drew back her fist. Shinji too lost in whatever was happening to even notice before she channeled every last scrap of strength remaining to her into this single blow. Catching the punch upon his cheek, Shinji reeled backwards until he crashed into a streetlight. To Asuka's horror, the boy growled loudly as he lurched to his feet, his eyes floating aimlessly until they once again settled upon her.
I'm dead, was the only thought on Asuka's mind as her impending doom took a step forward. Only to groan beneath his breath, his eyes rolling up into his head. The madness coming to an end as Shinji tottered about before crumpling to the streets.
Unable to believe her own eyes, Asuka just stood there, staring down at Shinji, only to practically jump out of her skin as a resounding crash split the air. The pounding of her heart filling her ears, the girl looked about wildly, only to watch in disbelief as Unit 01 rolled about beyond a series of shattered buildings. It's jaw slightly open as its eyes went completely dark.
Every breath she took coming with difficulty, Asuka lowered her gaze and looked down at the streets. "That better have done it," she said to herself, if only for the sake of hearing another voice. "Because I am not in the mood for any more schisse!"
Somehow forcing herself to start walking, Asuka winced at every scrape and bruise she had earned that day. Though she was used to the pain of battle, of feeling everything that happened to her Eva, she had never felt those things as clearly as she felt what happened to her own body. And the pain and misery of battle all vanished the instant she broke the connection with her Unit 02. Instead, the damage and the pain were lingering with her, stabbing at her constantly.
"Dammit, Third," Asuka muttered as she approached the boy. Examining him closely to make certain that he would cause not further trouble. "Why'd you have to cause so much trouble, anyway?"
Giving a rueful shake of her head, Asuka was startled once more by the sound of her cell phone ringing. Lacking the energy to be scared or angry or anything like that, the German slowly picked up the phone and held it to her ear. "Hello?"
"Asuka, are you alright?" came Ritsuko's voice.
No, I'm not alright, you phony blonde bitch! Asuka thought bitterly. I've just had one of the worst days of my entire life and I look and feel like hell!
What she actually had the strength to grumble out was, "I've been better."
"Listen, we've confirmed that the Fallen is now completely destroyed," Ritsuko went on. "The bits of it that contaminated Unit 01 are already decaying, and it looks the cross-synch has been severed. How's Shinji?"
"Shinji?" Asuka repeated tiredly. Looking down upon the stilled boy with a hint of trepidation. Like he was a rabid bear that could come awake with the slightest noise. "He's…out like a light. I…had to a get little rough on him, that's all."
"Yes, so we gathered," Ritsuko answered with a hint of ill humor. "Listen, we've got a lock on your cell phone. We'll be sending a medical team to pick you up as soon as possible."
"Right," Asuka nodded. Pressing her lips together, the German added, "Oh, and…there was a bunch of kids from school, and this guy we found out here. They…weren't able to get to the shelters, but…they were heading for this parking garage, and…"
"Don't worry," Ritsuko spoke, her tone a soothing one. "We're sending search and rescue teams to the affected areas. They'll be alright."
"Yeah. Sure," Asuka replied. Wishing more than anything that she could be certain of that. "Just…get somebody out here, okay?"
"We're on it. Oh, and Asuka?" The German frowned slightly as she waited for the doctor's next words. "Good work out there. We never would have made it without you."
Blinking rapidly, Asuka stared at the phone in amazement. Wondering if her ears were as battered as the rest of her, the redhead finally said, "Well…sure. Whatever you say."
Not even bothering to see if Ritsuko had cut the line, Asuka lowered the phone. Too tired and too overwhelmed by everything that had happened to even think, she gingerly sat down on the curb, resting her chin in the palm of her hand. Left with nothing to do but wait, and watch the boy who had so nearly killed her. Afraid that he might rise again, still a monster.
How did that happen, anyway? Asuka wondered, unable to wrap her mind about it. Is it because of the Eva? Or…there something inside of Shinji? Was that…thing…really a part of him?
Sighing heavily, Asuka lowered her eyes to the street. Only to have them shoot up again as muffled noise was heard. Eyes that focused on the tattered boy who was shifting about in the land of nod, moaning in his sleep.
Oh, no. If he's waking up again… Asuka thought warily. Bracing herself for the worst as she watched the boy's head roll about, a look of distress on his face. A look that was purely human, and familiar to her.
Settling down a notch, Asuka gave a sad smile at the boy. He must be having a nightmare, she finally decided. Snorting derisively, she said to herself, Well, duh! He just had an Eva and a Fallen going crazy with his brain! Who wouldn't be screwed up after something like that?!
Giving the boy a look of weary affection, Asuka let out a slight groan as she fought her way to her feet. Her body already stiffening, the German took ginger steps forward until she finally knelt down next to the boy. Watching as he shifted about in his sleep, she raised her hand towards his head.
"Misato…" Shinji whimpered out. Stilling Asuka's hand, causing her lips to part in surprise. "Please…don't leave…me…"
As the desperate, lonely voice of the boy before fell upon her, Asuka frowned sadly before gently placing her hand on Shinji's shoulder. "Don't worry…baka," she said as she sat down next to him. Things unsaid swirling about in the background of her voice. "She's going to be fine. You'll see."
The two of them remained that way for an untold length of time, Asuka keeping watch over the boy. Shinji remained completely silent after that, even when the medical team arrived to take them to safety.
"Whew…" Ritsuko muttered, wiping her brow free of sweat. Giving her subordinate a weary smile, she added, "I'm definitely getting too old for this."
"Not a chance, sempai," Maya countered enthusiastically.
"Indeed," Fuyutsuki added, giving the doctor a wry look as he moved to the center of the bridge. Clearing his throat in a fashion that drew the attention of everyone, he waited for them to turn to face him. "Well done, all of you. Considering the suddenness of this crisis, and every that happened as a result of this Fallen's attack, I must say that I am very pleased with how each and every one of you handled yourselves."
"Thank you, sir," Ritsuko answered, the rest of the bridge crew smiling their pleasure.
"However," Fuyutsuki continued. Focusing his formidable gaze on the two male lieutenants. "The fact that you two actually forgot to call in our remaining pilots was an excusable oversight. And while you may have helped mitigate that mistake, I still cannot simply overlook such a grievous error."
Shigeru and Makoto exchanged quick looks, visions of the unemployment line looming within their minds. "I quite agree, Commander," Ritsuko spoke up, an impish smirk on her face. "But if you don't mind, I'd…like to deal with them myself."
"You would?" Fuyutsuki got out, shooting a questioning look at the doctor.
"Yes. In fact, I think I have the perfect thing for these two," Ritsuko added, grinning down at the two techs.
"You do?" Shigeru and Makoto gulped out.
"That's right," Ritsuko assured them. Then she shed her air of mischief and became businesslike. "In the meantime, I want a full tech division made ready. I want a full analysis conducted on the embryonic Fallen as soon as possible."
"Right, sempai!" Maya nodded eagerly.
Apparently satisfied, Ritsuko turned to leave. "I'll leave to you, then," the doctor said. "In the meantime, I better get down to the medical center. There's no telling how Shinji or Misato might have been affected by this."
"I understand," Fuyutsuki nodded. The doctor then left the bridge, leaving Shigeru and Makoto wondering as to their eventual fates.
White. Everything surrounding Asuka was white. The hospital room she was in, the blankets of the bed in which she rested. Even the medical gown and the bandages that covered so much of her body were white. Only her flesh and blood gave any color to this room.
Still, as she breathed in the antiseptic air of NERV Medical, Asuka felt a shroud darkening this place. A shroud that even the lights and white of her room couldn't pierce through.
I never realized, Asuka thought. Her mind as exhausted as her body was, and overloaded with images of pain and devastation. I mean, yeah, I…I saw what happened to those ships when I was on the Othello, but…I never really realized. I…
Heaving a sigh, Asuka couldn't help but think back to when she had seen the 4th Fallen stomping through the city. How huge and terrifying a figure it was, as powerful to her as a human was to an ant scurrying about for food. Completely uncaring about the fate of the tiny insects upon which it tread. Seeing them as pests as worst…and at best, as something to eat. Something worth ripping apart the frail towers of humanity in order to get to.
As horrifying as these images were, Asuka could no drive them from her mind, couldn't stop thinking of them. Even worse was that she had no desire to stop thinking of them. Because she knew if she did…her thoughts would wander to even more uncomfortable things.
Caught between the mental equivalent of a rock and a hard place, the German was grateful to hear the sounds of footprints. And so she looked up, and was greeted by the sight of crimson eyes gazing gently at her.
"Greetings, Pilot Sohryu," Rei greeted her, standing just outside the room.
"Hey, there, Wondergirl," Asuka returned, curling up the corner of her lip at the albino approached. Pleased to be provided with a distraction. "Hey, what are you standing around for? Come in." Giving a nod, Rei did as Asuka asked. Carefully seating herself on the bed, she watched as the redhead gestured to herself. "So what do you think? Do I get a role in the next mummy movie?"
Narrowing her eyes as she considered Asuka's bit of humor, Rei chose to ignore it. "There is something I need to tell you," the albino said instead. "Something…you might not like."
Oh, Gott, what else are you gonna spring on me today?! Asuka fumed inwardly. "What is it?"
"In order to destroy the core of the latest Fallen, Sub Commander Fuyutsuki and the others were forced to use Unit 02 for that mission," Rei explained carefully. "However, the Dummy Plug was unable to activate your Eva."
"Hmph. Big surprise. That thing's been totally useless right from the start!" Asuka griped, folding her arms in derision. Then something clicked together, and the redhead raised an eyebrow at Rei. "Wait a minute! Are you saying…?"
"Yes. They had me pilot Unit 02," Rei confirmed. "The bridge crew was able to evacuate me from Unit 00, and get me to your Eva." Giving this a moment sink in, the blue-haired girl then lowered her gaze. "Still, given how sensitive you are in regards to Unit 02, I thought it best that I…tell you what I had done."
Unable to speak at first, Asuka then relaxed somewhat. "Eh, don't get so bent out of shape about it, Wondergirl," the German finally said. "I mean, you did nail that thing, right?"
"Yes," Rei agreed. "Still, I thought it best that I should be the one to tell you that..."
"And I'm telling you to forget about it, all right?" Asuka countered, raising her voice an octave. "It's…no big deal…"
"Very well," Rei said, something that could almost have been called relief ghosting across her face. "There is one other thing." A querulous noise echoed in Asuka throat as she narrowed her eyes at the albino. "Sub Commander Fuyutsuki and the others wish to speak with us both. Do you…feel well enough for this?"
"Huh?" Asuka got out. Quickly realizing that Rei has been sent in to test the waters, she finally shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
Nodding, Rei stood and went to the doorway. Gesturing out into the hall, the albino returned inside, and was soon followed by Fuyutsuki, Ritsuko, and the three bridge techs she knew. "Hello, 2nd Child," Fuyutsuki started as the others took up station along the wall. "Feeling a bit better?"
"I'll be alright," Asuka grumbled. Taking note of Rei as she came to stand beside her bed. "So…what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Just a few things," Fuyutsuki explained. The old professor's face beaming a tender warmth at the girl. "First of all, the search and rescue teams located your friends. They've been brought to NERV for medical treatment, as well as a complete debriefing."
"Medical treatment?!" Asuka squawked, suffering a dread chill. "You mean -?!"
"Just a few bumps and scrapes. That's all," Ritsuko assured her. "Also, you might be interested to know that that driver you found? He's being treated for a mild concussion." When Asuka released a confused squeak, the faux-blonde smiled. "That's right. He's going to be just fine."
The driver. The wounded man who had just been unlucky enough to be in the wrong place in the wrong time. Asuka had forgotten all about him while she had been tossed about by the throes of madness. And to find out that he would be fine, that Hikari and the others were safe…
"What of Ikari-kun and Major Katsuragi?" Rei wondered.
"They're still asleep. They both got a bit…beat up during the battle," Maya replied, a somber look on her face. "And the Major…there looks like there was a biofeedback wash when the Fallen was killed. It doesn't look severe, but…"
"But?" Asuka prompted, her stomach clenching at the brunette's hesitation.
"It's this whole…cross-synchronization," Maya finally admitted. "The two of them were linked to Unit 01 when it was berserking, and…"
"For now, there's no way of telling how it may have affected them, in addition to everything else," Ritsuko explained. "We'll have to wait until they wake up before we can tell you anything further."
The two girls lowered their eyes as one at this, and only looked up again when Fuyutsuki spoke once more. "We'll be sure to keep you posted on their current condition," the old professor informed them. "However, I wanted to tell you something." Waiting for the pilots to focus completely on him, Fuyutsuki quirked a knowing smile. "The two of you performed very well, especially under the circumstances. Especially you, Pilot Sohryu."
"Huh?" Asuka got out, her eyes bulging at this declaration. Looking about at the people there, the German pointed towards herself. "Me?"
"That's right," Ritsuko smiled. "If you hadn't kept Shinji and Unit 01 busy, who knows what might have happened today?"
"In all likelihood, you saved the lives of everyone here," Fuyutsuki informed her. "Well done, Asuka."
"In fact, we also brought a couple of people who…wanted to add their own congratulations," Maya added. Smirking evilly at Asuka's resident detractors, who collapsed beneath her gaze.
"Uh, yeah," Makoto got out, sweat-dropping as she approached the girl. "So…good job out there, Asuka."
"Sure," Shigeru agreed nervously. "You really saved the day."
While Asuka was frozen, trying to comprehend what was happening, Ritsuko and Maya exchanged a sideways glance. "Hmm…that was okay," Maya decided.
"Yes, I agree," Ritsuko smirked. "But that doesn't mean we should let them off the hook."
"Oh, I totally agree, sempai!" Maya grinned.
When the two techs visibly sagged, Asuka turned and looked to Rei, silently asking for answers. To her surprise, the albino seemed as baffled as she did. So the two pilots shot their questioning gazes at the others, gazes that Ritsuko noticed. "I'll tell you about it later," the doctor smiled. "Anyway, Asuka, if you're feeling up to it, would you like to check on the others?"
"Up for it?" Asuka repeated. A familiar, cocky grin spreading itself across her face as she took off her sheet and swung her legs off the bed. "You couldn't keep me away."
"I kinda thought that would be your answer," Ritsuko replied as the German moved up to her. "C'mon. I want to stop at Rika's room first. I'm sure Toji would like to see her while he's here."
"Yeah. It'd be just like that Stooge," Asuka agreed. Grateful to be moving, to be thinking of her friends, even as new thoughts sprouted within her mind.
How many times had she fought the Angels, seeking to prove her value to the world? How many times had she risked her life, simply for the acknowledgement that she was indeed the best, to bask in the praise of others? How many times had she wanted to save the city, to be a hero to all?
Asuka thought of those times, and the many years she had spent training, with those just rewards always in mind. Only to be fraught with confusion, almost disbelief at what she felt now. Myriad emotions swirling about within her, too complex, even frightening. With one thing towering above them all. That on the day she had fought and won, had earned the praise she had been wanting so desperately for so terribly long, she hadn't been in an Eva, she hadn't been fighting an Angel. She hadn't even levied the finishing blow against the monster that had threatened them.
And yet, somehow, Asuka had the largest hand in their salvation. She had made a difference, saved lives, and had been praised for it, like she had always dreamed of, just the same…
"Misato!"
This was the name that sprang from Shinji Ikari's lips when consciousness cruelly found him. The name that beat fervently within him as he sprang up from his bed and looked wildly about, confused and disoriented.
Where was he? What had happened? What day was it? These things were all unknown to him, but one question weighed far more heavily on his mind than any other.
Where was Misato? And with that question, came a thousand tiny fears. Was she dead? Was she wounded? Was she missing? All these and more flooded Shinji's consciousness as he leapt from a strange bed in a strange room and went straight for the door. Practically bending the door handle in his desperation, Shinji dashed out into the hallway, and looked about.
"Misato!" Shinji cried, fevered with fear. A dread certainty that something horrible had happened giving further urgency to his actions, as did his confusion. His disorientation.
"Oh, Shinji!" came a woman's voice. Not Misato's. Not familiar. Looking about, Shinji saw a young woman approaching wearing the uniform of a NERV Medical nurse. "You're awake!"
The boy paid no heed to the nurse's pleasant face, her reassuring demeanor. He simply reached out and grabbed her by the wrists. "Misato!" Shinji cried again, growing more panicked. "Where is she?!"
Taken aback by the boy's actions, the nurse managed to force her smile back into place. "Major Katsuragi is just fine, Shinji," she explained carefully, kneeling down to look him in the face. "She's resting right now, and…"
"Take me to her!" Shinji demanded, fear and a thousand images of horror intensifying his grip. When the nurse shrank back somewhat, some of his shyness took over. "Please…I have to see her…please…"
Her lips tightening, the nurse eventually nodded. "Alright. I'll take you to her," she finally said. "But…she's resting right now, so we can't do anything to disturb her. Understood?"
Shinji nodded his assent, not really caring about the conditions given to him. All that really mattered was that he would be seeing Misato. That Misato was safe.
The nurse quickly looked about the area and the people there before she stood. Shinji couldn't tell what she was thinking, nor did he care. All that he knew was that nurse was soon moving along the corridors of NERV Medical, and he moved with her.
Shinji had no idea how long they walked. It probably wasn't all that long, but it felt like an eternity to him. An eternity filled with worries and fears, all of which added to the chaos of his mind. Leaving him mostly unaware of what was happening around him. Until the nurse finally spoke again. "Here we are."
Now fully aware of his environment, Shinji watched as the nurse opened the door before them. And beyond that door was a hospital room much like the one he had awoken in. The same color, the same ceiling that he so hated. All of these things he didn't notice. All he cared about was the bed at the center, upon which lay a woman. A woman who had given everything he had in his life.
"Misato…" Shinji whispered, his heart almost breaking at seeing her so still. So very still…
"She's alright," the nurse told him. Once again giving Shinji a look of pure compassion and understanding. "But she does to rest." Frowning as his fears gave him no peace, Shinji once again looked over at his guardian. "Shinji…you can stay here for now, but you have to promise that you won't disturb her. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Shinji answered quietly. Not bothering to even look at the nurse as she let go of him, the boy moved tenderly towards Misato, and finally knelt down beside her bed. His eyes taking in every aspect of her. Her hair, the rising and falling of her chest, her slender wrist upon he gently placed his own hand, giving it a thoughtful squeeze.
Misato… Shinji thought, practically collapsing in tears. Self-condemnations filling his soul as he looked at the woman who had gone to battle in his stead. I told you…I didn't want you to pilot that monster…!
"Shinji?" came the nurse. When Shinji aimed his tearing eyes at her, she said, "I'll be right outside…if you need me."
Unable to respond at first, Shinji finally nodded. It was all he was able to do, with pain and sorrow robbing him of the power of speech. But the nurse seemed to understand, and with a final, consoling look, she left him to his vigil.
As the door closed, Shinji returned his gaze to the woman who had become so dear to him. He watched her breathe, he felt her pulse, her warmth, and he waited. He waited for her to wake up so that she could be the Misato who laughed and teased and cared for him again. He waited so that he could tell her how sorry he was for not being there to pilot when he was supposed to. He waited so that he could just be with her again.
If you only knew, Misato, Shinji thought, never once looking away from her. If you knew how much you meant to me. How much I…
It was then that something snapped within Shinji, something that led to realization. But…how can you know? he asked himself. I mean…how could you know? I…never said anything. How could you know that I…?
As this thought proceeded along its logical course, Shinji began to realize just how many things he had left unsaid. That despite almost having lost her once before, he had still never thanked her for giving him a home, or that he appreciated her telling him about her own pains and why she had joined NERV. He had never told her much he loved to see her laugh, and how good it felt to know that he had someone who cared for him the way she did.
As each of these piled up, Shinji hated himself more and more for never once giving voice to those things. And ultimately, it was this that led him to looking Misato in the face, and making a vow to himself.
I don't care what it takes, Misato, Shinji thought, not a trace of hesitation in his mind. I'm not going to run away anymore. One way or the other…I'm going to tell you…how I truly feel about you.
"So he's finally awake, huh, sempai?" Maya asked as she walked alongside her friend and mentor.
"Apparently so," Ritsuko answered, putting away her cell phone. "He's visiting with Misato right now."
"Is that alright?" Maya wondered nervously. "I mean…I know that he cares about her, but…"
Giving her understudy a thoughtful look, Ritsuko answered, "I know what you're saying, Maya, but I don't keeping the two of them apart right now would be a good idea. I know it would upset Shinji, and besides, having him nearby might do Misato some good as well."
"You really think so?" Maya asked.
Ritsuko didn't answer this at first. She just thought back to the day when they had attempted to retrieve Shinji from Unit 01 after thirty days of being trapped within the Eva. Of the weeping, defiant woman who had roared her fury at the purple abomination, and demanded it give Shinji back, and the love that shone so clearly in her voice.
"Yeah, I do," Ritsuko finally said. Fully aware that these words were incapable of conveying the emotion behind them.
Setting such matter aside for the moment, Ritsuko then winked playfully at her subordinate. "Anyway, we're going to have a lot of work ahead of us tomorrow…so I suggest we enjoy our little night as much as we can!"
"I'll say!" Maya agreed, winking at the doctor. "By the way, all this shopping has given me an appetite. You think we can stop someplace for something to eat?"
"Definitely. I think we must have covered the entire mall twice by now," Ritsuko smiled. Then she looked over her shoulder, her expression hardening. "Come on, you two! Hurry it up! We don't have all night!"
"Aw, gimme a break…!" Makoto whined in response. The bespectacled lieutenant sweating profusely, with Shigeru at his side. Both of them carrying several bags filled with items now belonging to the two women.
"Yeah," Shigeru groaned miserably. "Seriously, we have to work tomorrow as well…!"
"Oh, I'm perfectly aware of that," Ritsuko smirked deviously. "And aren't you glad for that?"
"She's got a point, you two," Maya chimed in. The two wilting lieutenants gazing helplessly at their friend, the brunette shoved a metaphorical dagger into their sides. "After all, Fuyutsuki could have just fired the both of you."
"That's right," Ritsuko decreed. "And considering the global economy, I'd be grateful to have a job at all!"
"We know that, but…!" Makoto strained out.
"Good. I'm so glad we understand each other," Ritsuko cut in, wagging her finger in triumph. "Now, how about we find something to eat? I don't know about you, Maya, but I am dying for some Chinese right now!"
"Ooh, sounds great, sempai!" Maya giggled. The two women continued onwards, leaving the two lieutenants staring at them in dumbfounded disbelief.
Their joints creaking beneath the weight of many purchases garnered at many different stores, the two lieutenants looked at each other despairingly. "I hate my life," Makoto groaned miserably.
"Same here," Shigeru agreed before the two of the collapsed to the floor.
Author's Notes: I know it's been a while since I've updated this story, but I have been kind of busy. I just hope that I got this latest chapter right! Please, read and review! And maybe check out my other stories, please?
Also, I did a little tweaking to the previous chapter. The largest thing I did was include the discovery of the embryonic Fallen. I skipped over that before because I let my impatience get the better of me (something I've been known to do), and I thought that the chapter was getting kind of long, anyway. But after looking at it some more, I thought that scene needed to be written, and I only hope that it didn't turn out as total garbage.
Mike313, I know what you're saying about Asuka, but this is something I've had planned for some time. All along, I've want to get her away from her obsession with Eva, and this seemed about the only way (save for actually showing her all the nasty plans Gendo has intended for the entire world), and I really didn't want to do that. I wanted to put her in a situation where she decided to try and do something good for the right reasons, and I really don't think she would have gone to help Hikari and the others if she didn't feel that fear.
Now, don't get me wrong. I know you've commented on how I have Asuka do things that are really stupid, but I do know that she is a college graduate, and that she is capable of coming up with some pretty good strategies, like in the case of the 9th Angel. But like most of the Eva characters, she doesn't exactly strike me as being people-smart, and she often seems rather lacking in common sense. And as for her intellectual capabilities, maybe it's my dislike for her getting in the way again, but I've always felt that any advantage that those qualities offer her are more often than not ruined by her arrogance, impulsiveness, and temperament. It's her tendency to leap before looking that gets her into her worst jams, in my honest opinion, and the only time she really demonstrates her strategic ability is when the 9th Angel basically forces her to stop and do so.
Major Mike, I'm glad you think this Fallen is suitably loathsome. I know I'm probably gonna get royally chewed out for this, but most of the Angels really didn't seem very impressive to me. A lot of them were powerful, but they tended to just sit around and make target of themselves (The 5th Angel being a prime example of this). When I created the Fallen, I wanted to come up with monsters that were smarter and scarier, and I can hope that they're doing their thing.
Slayer Rocker77, I've got special plans for Kaworu. You can bank on that.
Tobi, the Evas are going to be getting a serious overhaul, and not just Unit 00. As this battle just demonstrated, all the Evas have some flaws that are going to have to be overcome before the next Fallen rears its ugly head (heads?). As for the thousand synch, you have to remember that's with Shinji and Misato's individual ratios combined and enhanced. The two of them were like Shinji was during the battle with 14th Angel. As for why they weren't absorbed again, that's something I'm going to be getting into in the next chapter. As for Asuka, she's definitely going to be doing some heavy thinking in the future, with Shinji being only one of the things she'll be thinking of.
Oh, and as for artwork, I do have a site on DeviantArt. I've primarily done pics for the Superwomen stories, and I've still got to get some more practice and equipment to really get my stuff to shine, but you could check it out. I post under the same name there as I do on this site.
Omake
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Misato grumbled, wincing at the harsh pounding that was coming from her door. The Major grumbled loudly as she opened the door, and was greeted by the faces of eight women of various ages.
"Alright, you disgusting, purple-haired freak!" Naru Narusegawa demanded. "Where the hell are those cowards?!"
Blinking rapidly as she took in her guests, Misato actually managed a smile. "Well, if it isn't the Violent Bitches In Anime," the Major notes. Then she looks at one particular member and smiles even more. "Hello, Asuka! How's your society meeting going?"
"Come off it, Misato! Now where are they?!" Asuka demanded. As Misato looked even closer at her and the other girls, she realized that seven of them were holding beaded necklaces, and each of them was carrying capsules courtesy of Capsule Corp.
"And who exactly are you talking about?" Misato wonder impishly.
"The men! Who else could we be talking about?!" Akane Tendo demanded fiercely, brandishing her mallet.
"That's right!" Kagome Higurashi chimed in. "It's time for our traditional mall raid!"
"Oh, wonderful," Misato groaned unhappily. "I guess that means I shouldn't bother planning a shopping trip for at least a week. Everything worthwhile will be picked clean after the bunch of you is all done."
"That's the whole idea!" Bulma Briefs shot back. Then she added a nasty smirk. "After all, it's not like we can't afford it. Unlike some people we know!"
Glaring at the green-haired woman, Misato retorted, "Well, then what the heck are you all doing here?"
"Because we can't go shopping without the men," Anna Kyoyama explained shortly.
"That's right!" Leena Toros agreed. "What, you actually expect us to carry our own stuff?! That's what men are for!"
"And you think that they're in here?" Misato asked incredulously.
"Maybe not, but I know a soft-hearted slut like you would know where those perverts are all hiding!" Naru sneered, closing in on Misato. "Now, out with it! Where are those filthy cowards?! We're wasting time at this dump when we could be raiding the mall!"
"Oh, really?" Misato cooed dangerously. "Well, why don't you tell me something? If you girls are all so special, why can't you find them on your own?"
Smirking as Naru's face turned as purple as her hair, Misato just shook her head in distaste. Naru fashioned herself as a true Queen of Fan Service, and superior to Misato herself in every fashion. She simply didn't understand that you couldn't be a Queen and a total bitch at the same time.
"Oh, forget about this!" Sakura Haruno snarled. Forcibly shoving Misato aside, she stomped into the apartment. "Let's just find those cowards and drag them to the mall already! We've got shopping to do!"
"You said it!" Asuka grinned, following close behind. Misato was then practically shoved out of her own apartment as the parade of bitches stomped their way in.
"Well, don't even ask if you can come in!" Misato shouted as the bitches began turning her home inside out in search of the missing men. Only to smile nastily at her invaders, thinking of the poor, abused males in their lives, and how they had come to her earlier, asking if she knew of someplace where they could hide from the bitches that had dragged them to Tokyo-3.
You'll never find them, you bitches! Misato thought triumphantly. They're hiding in absolutely the last place you'd ever think of looking for them…
"Here's your ramen, InuYasha. And yours, too, Naruto," Shinji said, handing a tray laden with several bowls of noodles to them.
"Great! Thanks!" InuYasha returned as he took a bowl for himself.
"Yeah, Shinji! Thanks a lot!" Naruto added, quickly slurping up some of the noodles.
"Okay, and Vegata? You wanted the Steak Supreme combo platter, right?" Shinji went on, taking hold of the tray in question.
"Yes, that is correct," the Saiyan prince retorted grumpily. "Now give it here!"
Taking Vegata's abrasiveness if stride, Shinji handed him his order before returning to the rest of the food he had gathered. "And, let's see…Keitaro ordered the Chinese platter, and Bit wanted the triple meat combo pizza…"
"That's right!" Bit Cloud declared. Nodding, the boy headed towards the table the blonde Zoid ace shared with the bespectacled ronin.
"Yeah, thanks again, Shinji," Keitaro Urashima said pleasantly.
"And Ranma, you and Yoh wanted the triple-cheeseburgers, fries, and soft drinks," Shinji concluded, delivering their orders to the separate tables.
"Hey, thanks a lot, man!" Ranma Saotome grinned easily.
"Yeah!" Yoh smiled. "Wow, it sure was nice of you to get our orders for us!"
Shrugging helplessly, Shinji answered, "Well, I know this mall better than any of you, so I know where to hide if I have to." After a moment's thought, he added, "Besides, we'd kinda stand out if we all went out. And if the girls decided to look for us here…"
"Ugh! Don't even mention it!" Naruto protested as Shinji took his seat and began eating as well. "The last time Sakura dragged me out for a shopping trip, I was out of it for three days! And even that stupid fox inside of me can't handle that kind of abuse!"
"I know what you mean," Yoh nodded. "Anna's an unholy terror when she doesn't get her way! Especially with these society meetings!"
"Yeah, man! The few weeks after each meeting are the absolute worst!" Ranma chimed in from his table. "It's like Akane has to prove just how bitchy she is, just to keep up with the rest of those tomboys!"
"I know what you're saying," Bit agreed instantly. "The last time she got back from a meeting with those other crazies, Leena ordered a set of particle cannons for her Zoid, and used me for target practice!"
"Dude, I don't even wanna think about what they're gonna be pulling on us this time around!" Ranma grumbled. "Why do we have to get stuck with those nut-jobs, anyway?!"
"Well, at least you got stuck with Akane because of an arranged marriage!" InuYasha commented from a distance. Snorting as he sucked in more ramen, the half-demon let out a low growl of self-disgust. "I can't believe I was so stupid to get with Kagome, just because she was reincarnated from Kikyo! The way she gets sometimes, I'd rather go out with Kagura! And she's part of Naraku, dammit!"
"That sounds familiar," Vegeta grimaced, folding his arms across his chest. "Bulma is so impossible! If it weren't for the fact that I needed to sire an heir, I…!"
"Then why did you decide on her?" Keitaro wondered from his seat.
"That's none of your business!" Vegata snarled, causing the nearly indestructible ronin to cringe. "In any case, considering how much time you spent pining over the biggest bitch of them all, you're hardly in any position to talk!"
Grinning helplessly, Keitaro lowered his gaze. "Yeah, I know. I guess it's what I get for letting childhood dreams make my decisions for me." The bespectacled young man then grimaced. "Well, those and hormones."
"I know how that is," Shinji admitted sourly. "I guess I was really stupid about Asuka when I first met her."
"Been there, done that!" Naruto piped up.
"Well, at least there's a good chance you'll wind up with Hinata Hyuga," Yoh commented helpfully. "She's a real cutie, and as kind and nice a girl as you could want! And given how popular that pairing is…"
"I guess all I can do is hope, huh?" Naruto muttered dreamily.
"Hey, Shinji, speaking of hope, did you hear?" Ranma spoke up. When the boy looked at blankly at the martial artist, he added, "It looks like there's a good chance you'll get paired with a better girl in those Rebuild movies they're making!"
"R-really?" Shinji answered, almost afraid to hope. "Are you sure Asuka won't be able to mess it up?"
Grinning, Ranma returned, "Not if what I heard is correct, she won't!"
"Damned bitches!" InuYasha grumbled, knocking back a stiff drink. "I swear, the people who wrote us cooked them all up just to make our lives a living hell!"
"Heh! You said it!" Bit agreed.
Looking at each other, the Battered Males Of Anime held up their glasses to each other. "Damned bitches! Just leave us alone!" they said as one, before gulping down a healthy portion of their chosen beverage.
(Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina, Naruto, Ranma ½, InuYasha, Dragon Ball Z, Zoids, Shaman King, or anything associated with these assorted anime. I'm writing this story simply because I enjoy writing.)