Koros45 doesn't own Mazinkaiser, Getter Robo, or Neon Genesis Evangelion
Stage 20 : [She said; "Don't Make Others Suffer For Your Personal Hatred."]
"So . . . to conclude, you're terrified of using Unit 01 again after what happened?" Doctor Akagi asked.
Shinji nodded and Ritsuko gave him a smile. At least he'd given her a straight answer. That was one thing he had above his father. The meeting was also a convenient way to reconnect with Misato. Since Kaji's 'disappearance', tensions between the two had fallen slightly. Getting to know Shinji better as a person rather than a pilot might be a good start from where they were.
Since both he and her were confined to NERV HQ for the time being, it was all she could do to avoid going crazy from the lack of actual work to be done. Of course, Maya would want her to double check all of her work, although the prodigious Maya Ibuki didn't need Ritsuko looking over her shoulder. Maybe her kohai had impostor syndrome and needed the validation? But in any case the only things to do today were to check the Children for evidence of any Angel infection – which came up as negative – and check the EVAs for the same, and at the moment that was out of her hands. Which left Shinji's mental state the only thing Ritsuko could officially do until the Commander summoned her.
She could tell that the report was boring to Shinji, even as he'd shed a few tears over Kaworu. Once the boy's report was finished and her own analysis was wrapped up, Ritsuko looked to a bag in the middle of Shinji's bed.
"What's in the bag?" Ritsuko asked as Shinji sat against the spartan wall of his new room.
"Oh. Asuka gave me some of my stuff from Misato's since I'll be here for a while. My music player. A picture Misato gave me. And some notes and class work. Father's men wanted me to leave in a hurry so I didn't get time to clear out anything other than the clothes I'm wearing now." Shinji explained as he gave the doctor a slight smile.
"I'm surprised. Given how often she insults you, I wouldn't think Asuka would give you your things like that." Ritsuko said.
"Well that's her in a nutshell. She can't just say something. It either has to be obviously blunt or really . . . uh . . . the opposite of what she's saying." Shinji said, frustrated that the words didn't come to him.
"Yeah. Hey Doctor Akagi, can you let me read these myself?" Shinji asked.
"Of course. I'll give you your privacy, Shinji. Enjoy. And thanks for agreeing to see me here." The Doctor said and stood up, walking out of the room.
/
Shinji pulled out the first letter and started reading.
"Dear Idiot Shinji. I am so glad that you left. It really is great not eating your cooking or hearing you play that cello. I am very happy that I deal with Misato's hangovers on my own now. And most of all, I really enjoy not sharing a bed with you by choice, you pervert."
The writing stopped and Shinji noticed some tears had hit the letter's main body. The writing resumed but it was sloppier.
"I can't lie about this. I thought writing a sarcastic letter would be easy but it's not. Especially not when I'm translating to Japanese, so I'll be as blunt as possible even if Misato is sugar coating what I mean to say here. Even if it used to be fun to wind you up. Now I just miss you. And it's tough. I don't know what will happen to me now. Can't say much more. Misato's on the phone now. Angry about something. Probably Kaji if I had to guess. Make sure you listen to that music player. There are some really cool songs on there. I miss you but can't show it. See you soon. Asuka Langley Soryu."
Shinji dropped the letter and shook. It was something of his! Something he could keep! The passive response he'd given his father regarding his things in the past ignited a fire in him and he was trembling with frustration.
Asuka was going through hell and it was because of him. If he'd been stronger – then surely-
No. You are strong. You are not the problem. Shinji stopped as his inner voice yelled louder now.
You are the one who fights the monsters even if the greatest monster of them all is the one commanding you to do so. He reaffirmed.
He set the letter on his desk and closed it, moving to the other ones.
"Dear Shinji. I must apologize for this situation. It's been difficult to process things currently, but that's no excuse. Still, as your now former guardian, I feel responsible for you. I can't just let your father neglect you, after all. There's something at the end of this letter for you, but don't let that make you skip ahead. I miss you, and so does Asuka. She wants to reach out but her pride makes that tough. I think you finally got through to her when this happened. Whatever the reason for you leaving was, it won't stop us from trying to get you back. The Photon Labs and Getter Team want to thank you for your actions in Getter Liger in addition to your duties in Unit 01. They legally aren't allowed to send you anything so here's their wishes from me. Hayato even gave you praise and he's even crazier than Ryoma! Kouji and Sayaka complimented the two of you as well. I'm very proud of you both for making friends with them. The message is this: I suspect things will really kick into high gear in the next two days. There's more activity the old Getter Team's devices picked up and on top of that, I'm scheduled to be meeting with Professor Yumi regarding some changes with the Photon Power Lab's alliance with NERV. If that's the case, I'll try and give you some time to catch up with Asuka and Rei. I also feel I need to apologize to you regarding Kaworu Nagisa. I know that he and you were close. Even with my own vendetta against the Angels, it didn't make that order right. No one your age should have to deal with something like that and at the time I didn't see that. Thank you so much for being you. I miss you. Asuka sure won't clean up after me, and since you're gone and Kaji's who-knows where, that means I've let things go to the wayside at home. Pen-Pen is just fine with that, however. Keep going, Shinji. We're almost through this. With all my love, Misato."
Shinji felt a hot stinging in his eyes as he dropped the letter, brushing against the bag and knocking it over. The news was so good to hear, despite what had just happened. She'd likely been the one who suggested Ritsuko give him and Asuka shots together. Even if it had been brief, seeing her had been great. Shinji reflected to the time just about an hour ago and found that he had been all nerves then, but looking back to it, he'd felt great. He blinked when he realized Asuka was using as many excuses to hold him as possible without making it seem affectionate. Not that Ritsuko would care either way.
Shinji looked down to the letter and felt a powerful surge of hope through his body.
And again, it was something of his.
Shinji sighed and blinked. There was a third letter and he hastily tore it open to read its contents.
"Greetings, Shinji. This is my first official letter written in hopes it makes the reader feel better. Therefore I hope it is to your satisfaction. I have been asked to write this transcribing the words of three members of another team. The first message I have been asked to convey is this 'Keep your head up!'. The second is this message 'It is almost over. This particular hell will end before you know it, so be strong!'. And the final phrase is one I do not understand. It was said to me as follows: 'if there is a hole, it is the job of a man to thrust into it!'. Although I assume the person who spoke was joking, I am not sure myself as to if they were literal or not regarding this phrasing. Despite these messages, I would also like to speak to you on my own behalf. The other day was most pleasant despite the battles that took place. It surprised me that you and the Second Child were so close. You are kind and your absence is felt by your peers and even just your acquaintances. Soon I will no longer attend classes. And I must prepare for the next step in events. As such, now I have given the appropriate parties hugs and wished them well. Misato and Asuka were surprised at my actions. Still I am happy that I got to meet you, Shinji Ikari. You are the one who showed me my smile. With love, Rei Ayanami"
Shinji wound up with a smile despite his tears. He set the three letters on the desk, arranging them as though they were not important. If NERV staff thought they were just trash, they'd likely not pay attention to what they said.
Then the music player. Shinji plugged it in and was shocked. There was an extra track on it now.
He pressed play and hoped for the best.
"Shinji, this is the best way to reach you without any red-tape getting your way." Misato's voice said and Shinji's mouth fell open.
"Hey! You got it working?! Let me say something now!" "Asuka, you have one minute."
"Geez! Fine! Shinji. . . like I said, don't do anything like an idiot! Be careful and . . . take good care of Unit 02! And there's a line you have to get in if you want to kick your father's ass! Let Ryoma, Kouji and I get in a lick before you decide to flick him around with Unit 01 or something." "Asuka . . . " "And - please be safe. It's not the same without you around here." "We're counting on you. And we'll be with you all the way from here on out."
"For now I'm just trying to keep Asuka in my residence. As long as she's doing something for NERV, Commander Ikari can't take her away." "That's right! That idiot thinks you're his slave just because he's your biological father! Well the next time I'm in Unit 02, I'll have some very strong words for him! He might even need a translator to understand just how badly I want him to suffer! If you take away our Invincible Shinji from us, we're not just going to let it slide." "I agree . . . the changing circumstances dictate that Commander Ikari's plan is flawed at best and catastrophic at worst. Given how far I am integral to this plan, I will continue to operate as I have been. Yet . . . I will not follow his every whim. I am not his doll anymore." "As you can hear, Rei and Asuka are both in support of us going against NERV's best interests at this point. I hope you've got your headphones in because otherwise we're all very very fired." "Oh please, he probably expected a new song or something." "Noted. Well, that's it. Just take what we've said to heart. All of this will be over soon."
/
The day had started in a hurry and Benkei was at a loss for words. Ryoma, Hayato, and Go still hadn't returned from the latest trip using Shin Getter and given the circumstances, that was very bad.
"We're going to need to cover for our departed Shin Getter Robo at this point." Benkei said with a frown as he looked to Gai.
"But with Kei still recovering, we-" Gai began.
Then the door opened and a woman clad in a padded white pilot suit saluted. She had sharp eyes and long red and frayed hair.
"Reserve pilot Sho Tachibana reporting, Sir!" The woman yelled with a serious tone and Benkei grinned.
"She's here to relieve Kei as the second pilot of Neo Getter." Benkei said.
"But can we really use Neo Getter effectively under these circumstances? Surely the Japanese government won't like that, even if it doesn't run on Getter Rays!" Gai asked.
Benkei frowned. "Let em' complain. It's never fixed anything for them before." He said.
Benkei looked to a screen showing that Great Mazinger had exited Earth's atmosphere, it's pilder-less body strapped onto the Great Booster. It was sent up to the NISAR base for additional repairs and a new alloy Z coating.
"As Great Mazinger is now departed, we'll need to keep Mazinkaiser on standby as much as possible. Especially since the Japanese Government picked now of all times to render our Shin Getter inoperable." Benkei explained.
A screen opened up, displaying Ryoma, Hayato, and Go on three parts of the screen.
"Still Hayato. Good call on using Shin Getter while we did." Ryoma said. "Now we know what NERV's big surprise is. We'll just have to shut off Shin Getter until the right time presents itself. I don't think NERV or the government will find it if it's turned off."
"What did you see?" Benkei asked.
Hayato chuckled. "Given our current standing with the authorities, the information isn't enough to save us and put our foes in check all at once - yet. However from what Shin Getter Robo detected, NERV has an Angel in their basement."
Benkei looked confused and Go nodded.
"It would explain why the other Angels are drawn to NERV. And also why the Evangelion series is able to consume and absorb parts of the Angels in combat."
"So that's it? They got an alien under wraps?" Kouji asked, scratching his head.
"Not just that. There's also Rei's situation." Go said. "A series of clones. Now whittled down to one copy per her request."
"So NERV's cloning people and using alien biology to make the EVAs?" Kouji asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. The frustrating thing is – I can't figure out how ANY of this has to do with the Human Instrumentality Project." Hayato said with a smirk.
"They could just be a means to an end?" Sayaka suggested. "What even is this Project, anyways?" She asked.
"Well - " Hayato began. "An evolved state of humanity where they all merge into a single collective. Why NERV and SEELE want this is beyond me."
"But – how would they even do that?" Boss asked.
More shrugs. Professor Yumi cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Kouji found some back-up files in Kaiser Pilder when we synced the recovered Hover Pilder to it. I read through them and it seems Doctor Kabuto left quite a few important things there before he died."
"Well?! What did you find!?" Kouji asked, irritated at the mention of his grandfather's death.
"Well for starters . . . your mother was an associate of Shinji's own mother. And both of them knew about this 'Human Instrumentality Project.' Doctor Kabuto even included information about this SEELE group in some encrypted notes. I only was able to access them since he'd given me his permission to refine and research Photon Power." Professor Yumi said.
"Now we keep this information to ourselves here. As tempting as I know it is to reach out to the EVA pilots, that will only make their situation worse at the moment." The doctor said and Kouji gulped.
"Now we get to the more complicated part of this story." Yumi said and Hayato nodded on the screen.
"We just need to wait a little longer. Once NERV and SEELE make their move and we expose them, we'll be able to speak with the Children." Ryoma said. "Understood?"
"Yeah. It's just so daunting when all three of you are so tight-lipped about it." Kouji said with a nervous chuckle.
"Well Kouji, this particular bit of history might be personal for you. If you'd like I can tell you in private." Professor Yumi said.
"Personal?" Kouji asked and looked over to Sayaka and Boss.
"You two mind if I hear this myself?" Kouji asked and Sayaka shook her head.
"Nah, Kabuto. It's your history. And I wouldn't wanna hear stuff that your gramps only wanted you to hear." Boss seconded.
"Thanks guys. Then I'll hear you out, Professor Yumi."
"And you understand I will have to communicate this information with Hayato?" Yumi asked Kouji.
"Yeah. I just don't want Shiro overhearing is all. If it would upset me, I can assure you it would upset him." Kouji whispered. "And – if it's that personal, I appreciate your proposal."
Yumi looked to Hayato and nodded. "Then, Commander Jin, I'll leave this group to you. We'll talk later about the secret of the Kaiser Pilder."
"Then I'll hear from you later, Professor. Kouji." Hayato said as Professor Yumi put a hand on Kouji's shoulder and led him out of the main hall and into his private office.
/
"That concludes my report regarding the First, Second, and Third Child, Commander Ikari." Ritsuko finished and the Commander was silent for a moment.
"Unit 00's reconstruction has begun. It should arrive in Japanese airspace within a week since we already have the most important parts here." Gendo said. "But that hardly matters now."
"Yes . . . soon it will be over." Ritsuko said.
"Now . . . I would like your full report, Doctor. Tell me everything. Thoroughly." The Commander said as he turned to his bed.
"About that – I was applying a disinfectant to the Children earlier and don't want you to be contaminated. NERV can't function without it's Commander, after all."
"I have taken the necessary precautions. Your full report." He repeated, a hard line in his voice.
Ritsuko swallowed and prayed that it would be the last time she'd humiliate herself so. Despite her earlier confidence that she'd had a way out, Rei's check-up would have to wait.
/
"Yui Ikari. She was one of the big brains behind the EVA project. She consulted with Doctor Kabuto before joining in on the project and was close friends with Nishiori."
Yumi pressed a button, projecting an image of three women all wearing labcoats and smiling. The first was his mother, Nishkiori Tsubasa. A woman with the same mischief in her eyes and some sideburns of her own. The next was Yui Ikari. Shinji's mother, with his same soft features and gentle posture. The third was a mystery to Kouji but her red rimmed glasses and humorous smirk set her apart from the other two. The three were about the same height, with Yui being the tallest.
"She worked with your mother and one Mari Makinami before she joined the EVA project. Makinami went with her to work on the EVA project, but it seems Yui stayed in contact with Nishkiori shortly before she disappeared."
"But – how come that's personal to me?" Kouji asked.
"Because the same group that Yui Ikari was so afraid of – the same group that Nishiori told Juuzo Kabuto about – they didn't just target Yui."
"So they – came after my mother?" Kouji asked.
"Yes. Juuzo's notes stated that Yui Ikari vanished in mysterious circumstances – he wasn't privy to how or why. But Nishkiori was another story. She had been raising you while Kenzo worked on perfecting Great Mazinger. Seeing the devastation of Second Impact as well as this shadow group targeting his family, Doctor Kabuto started work on Mazinkaiser."
"So she knew my mother was in danger, but didn't say anything?" Kouji asked.
"Juuzo believes that Yui feared for her own life. Speaking out to anyone could have put Shinji in danger as well, and prompted this SEELE group to target more people than just herself."
"But still - If she'd said something, my mother might still be alive-! Shiro and I – we wouldn't have to grow up the way we did." Kouji said, closing his eyes.
It was late. Far too late once Professor Yumi finished the yarn he'd told Kouji. It seemed the Kabuto family history had been a bit more complicated than he'd thought. And that was surprising considering Kouji's father had done enough to make things confusing when he seemingly re-appeared from the dead with Tetsuya and Jun at his side.
"Knowing this is difficult, I know." Yumi said and Kouji looked up at him with a smile.
"Well it happened a long time ago, right? I was just a kid when it happened. Holding a grudge with the dead won't lead anywhere." Kouji reasoned.
"Still – you understand the implications this carries?"
"You mean that both Doctor Hell and my Grandfather had some sway over the EVA project – or at least what the EVA project would become?" Kouji asked.
"Not just that. Also the power that this SEELE group holds. I don't think even Gendo Ikari could influence political policy so far as to ban Getter Ray research in these labs. Only SEELE could move the Japanese Government to reach such a rash decision in so short a time."
"That's true. And if they've just been waiting all this time to act against us – that means they don't care about keeping the world safe." Kouji said.
"From what Doctor Kabuto's notes said, they're a death cult. They seek only the end goal of Human Instrumentality."
"And I don't suppose we know who any of them are?" Kouji asked.
"No. Hayato has some guesses, but that's all they are. They're a well kept secret. Juuzo only knew about them because Yui told him and Nishiori in person." Professor Yumi finished.
"Damn." Kouji said and scowled. "What a bunch of cowards! The Earth is being torn apart by man made disasters, and on top of that, Shin Dragon! And they just want to – combine all of us into some kind of singular being? That's not going to solve any problems!" Kouji yelled.
"According to them, it will. They don't care about the Invaders. They only care about this end goal. Hayato's own intelligence confirmed this." Yumi said.
"SEELE, huh? I bet they're one reason why Grandfather went into hiding when he made Mazinger Z and later made Mazinkaiser." Kouji said and Yumi nodded.
"It wasn't just the threat of Doctor Hell that kept him on his toes. Your Grandfather was brilliant. Brilliant enough to know he couldn't live a carefree life if he wanted to live long."
"Then you were right. This just got way more personal." Kouji said, standing up and frowning. "Especially if Unit 01 is Shinji's mother - than she is still alive and knows about all of this!"
"Kouji – please don't -" Professor Yumi began.
"Obviously I know I can't just tell Shinji about this, or drag Unit 01 out of the Geofront demanding answers." Kouji reasoned. " - But I also want to request we don't tell Shiro about this either. Not until it's over. Please, Doctor." Kouji said, turning away from Professor Yumi.
"Of course, Kouji."
"Then let's be on our way. I want to hear what Hayato has to say and then I'm going to turn in."
Professor Yumi agreed and led Kouji out of the office as they headed out to see Commander Jin.
/
Rei Ayanami was surprised at the sight in front of her. She had entered the standard LCL container for monitoring and had waited there for about twenty minutes. Then the doors swung open and a blonde doctor staggered into the area, the doors closing shut as she got her bearings.
Doctor Akagi was . . . panting? The woman's normally calm face was scrunched up in frustration as she stormed into the room and threw a folder of documents at the far wall. She was hunched over, legs quivering as she struggled to compose herself.
"Damn that man." Ritsuko whispered as she tossed aside her jacket and made her way further into the area.
"Rei, are you ready?" Ritsuko asked once she'd taken a breath.
" . . . Yes. I am. Are you feeling well, Doctor?" Rei asked.
Ritsuko paused and injected herself with the same chemical she'd exposed the Children to. She was paranoid enough to think the Commander's ignoring of her safety protocol was that serious. Even if he just wanted a quick roll in the hay before the plan was set in motion.
"Fine. Just have some thinking to do. I've been seeing the wrong person, I realize." She smiled. "Maybe I do need to follow my own advice." Ritsuko said.
"Doctor Akagi . . . . I thought about what you have said. And I have a request to ask of you."
Ritsuko looked up to the girl in the LCL. Completely exposed. And completely at her mercy. Just like she'd been in the Commander's room as he'd silently vented his frustrations through his actions.
"What request is that?"
"Once this check-up is over, may I leave? I wish to visit a friend in the building."
A friend?
"Rei, you know that your own condition is important to maintain. I can't have you seeing the Commander at this time."
"I will not be seeing Commander Ikari."
"What? You mean . . . you don't want to visit him?"
"No. Unless I am ordered to. Rather, I request to see the Third Child instead."
/
"Shinji . . . can I come in?" He heard. It was a faint whisper, hardly audible. The time was one in the morning. And he hadn't been able to sleep at all. The voice was a nice reprieve. He was startled to say the least but it was far preferable to being by himself, listening to the recording on repeat.
"Yeah." Shinji breathed, wondering if he was being monitored.
Still, the door beeped with a proper entry code and the door opened before it shut soon afterwards. The sliver of light from the open door widened before trickling into darkness again.
Shinji heard even paced footsteps. Someone walked up to him and felt around the bed, putting a hand in his face before moving it to the top of his head.
"There you are. May I join you?" The voice of Rei asked.
"Rei-?! Yeah. That would be . . . nice." Shinji whispered.
"OK." The girl responded. He felt the covers move as Rei got in beside him. She was wearing some kind of pajamas and put her hands on his shoulders, giving them a squeeze. Then she pulled the covers back over the two of them.
"Rei, why are you here?" Shinji asked, even as she held him against her.
"Right now your emotional state is at a low point. Given Nagisa's death, Asuka and I agreed I would stay with you tonight. Is that – alright? – I could use the support as well."
"Y-yeah." Shinji stammered. "Hold on – Asuka agreed to this?"
"Yes. She will be alright. Misato is looking after her. Given Commander Ikari's orders to keep us on base, this is the best situation." Rei whispered.
"I'm - glad you and Asuka care so much." Shinji stated and shook.
"Shinji, may I continue to hold you?" Rei asked.
Shinji answered with an action, wrapping his arms around her. Once his hold was firm, he could feel Rei shift her body so that they both rolled on their side.
"I want to hold you, Shinji." she directed, pushing up as to roll him on top of her.
"What?! But - I don't want to get in your personal space – like last time!" Shinji whispered back, panicking as the memory of his accidental fall on top of Rei came back, his shame grappling with his current feeling of bliss as Rei hooked her arm under his waist and started to succeed in turning him over.
"I appreciate your concern. Asuka in this case would say you are an idiot because you are 'missing my signals'. However, I also do not understand what she means by this. Regardless, I do not mind.
"But – won't that be uncomfortable for you?" Shinji asked.
"This bed is small. We can lie on our sides but there's not much space. And additionally I find that I do not mind if my partner is on top of me. In fact I seem to enjoy it given the events of last night." Rei whispered.
"W-what happened last night?!" Shinji wondered, blushing heavily as Rei finished her maneuver, pulling him on top of her, holding him so that their bodies were more or less parallel to each other.
"Last night – Asuka was scared. So I stayed by her side and I listened to her." Rei said as she put a hand on the back of his head.
"I – I can't believe this. What made her change so much?" Shinji asked and Rei stroked his back.
"We did, Shinji. She was – glad to lower her barriers last night. However – she was quite skeptical at first."
"Skeptical of what?"
"My ability to be as good of a 'cuddler' as you, as she put it." Rei finished.
"Now, listen. I need you to hear listen, even as strange as it may seem at first." The First Child whispered.
"Y-your plan? OK. I'll listen, Rei."
"Very well." She said, whispering her goals into his ear. Shinji was admittedly less shocked about it than Asuka but then again she didn't run the risk of tripping any alarms if she shouted too loud.
Lilith and Adam. The Seeds of Life. The Black Moon. And how she fit into Gendo Ikari's plan. Shinji heard all of it. As well as Rei's own plan in response.
"So – you want to play along at first?" Shinji asked her.
"Yes." Rei said stoically."It is the only way The Commander will not know about it."
"So then – we – Asuka and I – have to play along as well?"
"Yes." Rei said again. "Although you will mostly act naturally as pilots if my intelligence regarding the Human Instrumentality Project is accurate."
"Well – that all sounds – pretty insane, but I trust you, Rei. You always have protected me ever since you swore you would. So I'll do whatever you need." Shinji responded.
"Than live." Rei said simply. "I do not want you or Asuka to see the other fall. After all, you two must be the start of everything again."
"The start-?" Shinji asked.
"I apologize. It is difficult to explain this concept. We will only know how it feels after we experience it. And I will be directing the entire thing." Rei said.
"But – won't that be just what Father wants?" Shinji asked.
"Asuka asked the same question. And it will be – at first. But I plan to deceive not only him, but also the shadow group behind him. And the Invaders as well. As strong as the Getter Team and the Photon Labs are, this is the best scenario I can think of in case they cannot stop it." Rei finished.
"Go told me that he saw an Invader wearing my face. Therefore it is best that I follow Commander Ikari's orders until the last minute. Such an Invader would likely strike at NERV when we are most vulnerable."
"I see." Shinji said .
"Then I thank you. Now please try and sleep. We will need our strength for what lies ahead." Rei said.
/
/
/
At first I wasn't sure what to call this chapter but then I realized the phrase could apply to Ritsuko who projected a lot of her own issues onto Rei in the canon of EVA and though it fit appropriately enough.