Chapter 2: I Don't Wanna Dance
It had been a week since they had gotten back, and Asuka had managed to avoid engaging with Shinji the entire time. Hell, she had managed to avoid even being in the same building as him, and quite probably being in the same district. She knew that Shinji's routine would mean he wouldn't be anywhere near the hotel she and Kaji were staying at, and that had meant she been able to think things through without needing to worry about him pestering her or induing another panic attack.
Thankfully she hadn't had any more of those. Seemed to be a Shinji speciality.
The time away from the primary cause of her anxiety had been liberating in many ways. Unfortunately, she had not had any time to synch with Unit-02 (currently being transported down to sit with its sisters in the cages), so she had instead spent her time thinking and trying to get her head around everything that had happened.
It could only be a repeat was what she had decided upon eventually, after several days of picking up the options and examining them at her mental table. She was unsure about the exact nature of how she had been sent back, or why (beyond some vague notion of "fixing things" which was whispered to her as she was closely examining the time travel option – a hell of a tall order from the universe, and slightly unfair that she would need to undo Shinji's faults) – these would have to come to her later, after she acquired further evidence and bounced ideas off her Mama (who would likely know much because she was a brilliant scientist as well as being the mother of the greatest girl in the world).
That meeting, she had been informed, would be "as soon as possible"; Dr Akagi wanted to compare the data she had gathered from the little adventure with Gaghiel to fresh readings in the Geofront. It was a giddying thought – she could pilot again. She wanted to pilot again. There had been a moment before Gaghiel's attack whilst watching her Unit-02 where she had been concerned that she would still be unable to pilot, but it had all come back to her, bringing with it the wonderous feelings (feelings increased now by the fact she knew her Mama resided inside). She couldn't wait to be back in the seat again.
Which meant it was downright heartbreaking when Kaji told her the "good news" that she would be moving in with Misato (and, by unspoken inclusion, Shinji) before the end of the week, and before she would get a chance to rendezvous with her Unit-02.
This was not a pleasant development, inevitable though it seemed to be. Asuka wanted to stay with Kaji (who, despite her valiant efforts otherwise, had still failed to make her teen heart throb again), someone she could at least trust not to make a move on her. Failing that, she would have preferred to stay at the Geofront barracks. Hell, she would have taken Wondergirl or even Akagi at this point (the Commander and Sub-Commander were still a roommate too far however). She couldn't even use Israfel's attack as an excuse to avoid the move because the angel had the nerve to turn up late (where are you, you two-part dancing freak?).
Asuka most certainly did not want to live with Shinji Ikari again, despite the fact he had been nothing short of exemplary as a housemate before everything had gone wrong. But even if he hadn't been weird out in the Pacific, she was still far too conscious of the fact he was a creep and a pervert who would no doubt take advantage of her whilst she slept soundly in Misato's apartment. She could visualise it now: Shinji Ikari, with eyes that took what they wanted whilst he leered over her, his hands pleasuring himself because even as he disgraced her he couldn't bring himself to fully commit to anything.
Disgusting. Don't even need to imagine – only remember.
However, her attempts to either bribe Kaji or build some sort of sisterhood-concern with Misato had fallen on deaf ears. Kaji had told her that Shinji was, despite his warriors' demeanour in battle, harmless outside of it (why can't you see it Kaji? Is it because you are a man too?). Misato had outright laughed at her concerns, informing her that Shinji had been living with her for several months now and nothing untoward had happened (that you know of); furthermore, Shinji had been spending a lot of time with Rei Ayanami, the First Child, so "perhaps his heart was already taken Asuka?" (I bloody well hope so – good to see the idiot's consistent in chasing her at least).
All her powers of persuasion had been tossed aside as the insecurities of a teenage girl, or the tantrums of a child. It made Asuka slam her fist into the walls when Kaji wasn't in their hotel, leaving small dents in the plaster walls.
The real reason she couldn't convince either of the guardians was because she couldn't explain to them exactly the sort of person Shinji was without outing her situation ("Misato/Kaji, I am actually from the future but my body is still the same just my mind has changed and I am repeating history for the purpose of undoing the damage Shinji Ikari wrought upon this earth – oh, and also he is a massive pervert who touches himself over comatose girls and is a coward who leaves them to die and shouldn't be piloting at all and can we get rid of him even though he's the Commander's son?"), which she doubted would be believed. Hell, she could still scarcely believe what had happened, so she could hardly expect anyone else to. Which was why her vague attempts ended up with expected but still disappointing dismissals.
Stupid Wondergirl – next time give me an entrance so I can actually explain what's happened.
Tragically, no Rei Ayanami materialised to be berated. With a defeated sigh, Asuka finished packing her things into the dull white boxes and prepared for the inevitable.
And so, despite her attempts to make it otherwise, she found herself once again standing outside Misato's homely apartment. She had dismissed the movers after the boxes had been delivered, but found herself unable to take those steps into the new (old) home.
Which is fair enough, considering the last time I was here Shinji killed me (admittedly in the weird space that was Instrumentality, but still), and the time before that he and I fought violently after I found out Kaji had been murdered, she thought. Taking a deep breath to steel herself, she shook her head and stepped over the threshold into the chaos her move had brought to the place. Thankfully no anxiety-generated replay happened in her mind as she moved into the hallway and switched into her slippers, but she wasn't going to dismiss the possibility of them returning any time soon.
Best to dispel these demons before they have a chance to destroy me. You can do this, Asuka!
It was eerie how calm and unchanged the apartment was. Immaculate apart from an overflowing bin (mostly of beer cans), it was frankly underwhelming how drastically dull the place was. Asuka logically knew that nothing had changed, but emotionally she had hoped to see some physical manifestation of something to show how everything had changed. A broken window, or ripped wall, or even things just being wildly out of place.
Out of place. Hmmmm….
Which led to her, in one her pettiest acts she could recall ever engaging in, to completely rearrange the furniture. She reversed the space: the TV stood near the entrance of Misato's room, the futons twirled around to face it, the cabinet was half dragged across the room before her 14-year-old muscles gave up, and the dining table found itself shifted closer to the bathroom. She admired her handiwork between the city of boxes and the shifted apartment landscape and nodded in approval.
That looks better – it wasn't a revolutionary change, but it's something different, something new that I put into place. Now someone else will be weirded out and not just me.
Asuka had only managed to unpack her unmentionables before she heard a sound that could have been either a squawk or a strangled yelp. Making sure she was fully clothed, and her underwear was safely hidden, she made her way to the main living area.
Gotcha, she smirked to herself. At least I still have some form of control over my life. I wonder if that was Pen Pen or Shinji?
As things transpired, it was both of them.
Boy and bird stood in the entrance of the apartment, staring around in bewilderment, jaw (and beak) open as they took in the carnage around them. Asuka's internal grin turned Cheshire as she watched Shinji's face go through several emotions, finally falling back into pure shock. Pen Pen wasn't usually as expressive, but the slow blinking and flapping of his wings indicated he was clearly baffled by the change in a normally changeless apartment layout.
All three stood still, but then Shinji's wide cobalt eyes fell on Asuka.
"Wha-? What-? What is going on here? The boxes I get, but did everything need to change?" Shinji sounded just as put out as he had the first time she had moved in. Good to see I am not the only one who gets freaked out by things not going according to the script, Idiot-Shinji.
"Calm down Third, it's not that big a difference," Asuka snapped, although she couldn't keep the smirk completely off her face. It was funny seeing his reaction, especially as he had no idea of the lie behind her words.
First words to him since Gaghiel and you have layered them with irony. Very clever, Asuka.
Shinji just gaped around some more, before shaking his head and shuffling off to his new room, grabbing his (pathetically small) box of possessions en route. Pen Pen took a little longer to admire her handiwork, but he too shook his head, grabbed a beer from the fridge, and retreating to his freezer, leaving a smirking Asuka behind.
Yes, it felt good to be the one less confused for once. Score one, Asuka.
When Misato came home, she saw the change, did a double take, and ordered Asuka, Shinji, and Pen Pen out into the kitchen. Shinji and Pen Pen initially made sounds of complaint and blame, but Misato held up one finger, and went to the fridge to get a beer. The three stood there in silence, the clock on the wall (another recent change courtesy of the whirlwind apartment alteration) somehow louder than usual, and Asuka feeling the glare from her other housemates as Misato drained her (piss-weak) beer.
And the silence continued.
Somewhere in the background Asuka thought she heard a pin dropping, and struggled to stop the snicker that threatened to escape her. Eventually, when she thought she was about to burst (she was physically shaking), Misato lowered her can and gave them all her Captain Stare.
"I see you have moved in Asuka. Alright you three, what's going on?"
Shinji and Pen Pen exploded in a flurry of sound and mobile limbs, hurling accusations and indignant squawks (it was surprising how many squawks an irate Shinji could make, and how compelling Pen Pen's complaints were) until they were just a wall of noise. Asuka couldn't stop the giggle that escaped at the nonsensical sounds that were being made, which drew Misato's stare.
"Care to explain young lady?"
Misato's tone was iron, and her glare was intense (causing Shinji and Pen Pen to stop talking and watch). Asuka sobered up immediately and felt a bead of sweat drip down the side of her face. Have I gone too far? It really wasn't that big of a change. I mean, it was just some futons and a TV cabinet…
"Just some futons and a TV cabinet?" Misato echoed, eyebrow raised.
Crap, said that out loud.
"Uh, yeah. I wanted to freshen the place up, and since I have to live in this tiny Japanese apartment with a lecherous pervert, I thought I might as well do something to make myself feel at home," Asuka stuck her nose up in the air as she spoke, but not before she directed a pointed glance at Shinji (who was glaring daggers at her).
Misato nodded along to this little explanation, also staring intently at Asuka. Those piercing brown eyes of a commanding tactician, honed by years of experiences, delved into her sapphire ones, searching for any malicious intent.
And then, against all expectations, Misato opened her mouth and laughed. And laughed, and laughed, and laughed.
It was an infectious laugh that spread rapidly to Asuka, who snickered, then giggled, then started laughing properly along with Misato. Pen Pen too seemed taken in and began chirping in merriment, moving up and down in his typical penguin way.
Only Shinji seemed to be uninfected by the joyous mood, although the sharpness had gone out of his eyes, and he just looked confused. And then mildly panicked when Misato's howls of laughter stopped as she keeled over and he rushed to her side. Asuka too felt her face twist in concern momentarily as Shinji helped Misato back into her chair, but the giggles returned when Misato shooed Shinji away.
"Oh Asuka, I've missed you and your wild ways." Misato's voice was slightly haggard from laughing, and she was still giggling periodically, meaning it took several attempts to get her sentence out. "I've been meaning to shift things up here anyway. But next time please call me before you decide to change things – Japanese culture places a lot more emphasis on collaboration and working together than German culture."
Asuka only nodded in response, so Misato turned her attention to the boys. She had finally managed to get some semblance of control, but started giggling again when looking at them.
"As for you two, your reactions were ridiculous. You'd better get used to wild things like that with Asuka – she's a force of nature!"
Shinji grumbled something that Asuka couldn't quite make out ("Never changed before?" or was it "Damn German girl?" Speak up Third!) but nodded and went into the kitchen. Pen Pen at least had the decency to look a bit bashful before he bowed slightly and waddled off.
Asuka turned to look at Misato, still giggling slightly. "Any idea why he's so grumpy?"
Misato shrugged, finally managing to get full control over herself. "No idea."
Her revenge was short lived.
In her previous life Shinji had attempted a few times to diversify his cooking from bland fish and Japanese cuisine, but, while it was edible, it never really held a candle to what she was used to back home. The chefs in her father's home had always ensured the best was available to her, and those paled in comparison to when her parents had time to prepare meals – David Langley-Sohryu was an expert vegetarian chef, whilst Kyoko could make some of the most inspiring German comfort food imaginable.
Even her stepmother could whip up something delicious given enough notice.
So Asuka was thoroughly shocked when instead of some form of Japanese dish to "welcome her" as she expected, Shinji produced an array of German foods – chicken schnitzel, käsespätzle, eintopf, even a currywurst or two were laid out in between baskets of bread in a divine-smelling feast that had her mouth salivating. The only thing stopping her from squealing in delight was the surreal fact that the thoroughly Japanese, never-before-left-his-homeland-that-was-still-recovering-from-the-Second-Impact Shinji Ikari had made a near perfect post-Second Impact German banquet.
Misato had no such reservations.
"Ooh Shinji! Is this why you have been gathering all these unusual ingredients? That was so thoughtful of you. Asuka, this is what I was referring to earlier regarding Japanese culture focussing on being aware of others. Can we start yet?"
Shinji chuckled – cooking had clearly lifted his spirits – and nodded. "Dig in everyone!" he smiled, and took a seat opposite Asuka, motioning for her to eat. She raised her fork (he had acquired a fork? Where?!) to her lips with a chunk of schnitzel on it. Feeling his eyes on her, she bit into it, feeling the warmth spread from her mouth through her entire body and suddenly felt home. It was wonderful and amazing and made her heart strings pluck and twang. And then her head caught up with her heart.
That Shinji could make exquisitely tasty German food was in itself supremely weird (even when compared with all his other oddities). That he made it exactly the way her Mama made it (and that it nearly brought tears to her eyes) was frankly grotesque.
Aware that Shinji was waiting patiently for her verdict, she felt the food turn bitter in her mouth. He's just trying to win my affections so he can use me again. Sleaze bag. The warm sense of homecoming that had been infused into the meal and had surged through her with the bite turned into burning oil instead, liquid fire in her veins and gut. Forcing herself to swallow the dead morsel, she nodded once.
Shinji positively beamed with satisfaction. Misato congratulated him, and Asuka grumbled out a "thanks" before trying to eat another bite. It was even worse, poisoned by her realisation with Ikari's goal. She somehow made it through dinner before she made some form of excuse and stumbled back into her room, all the positive emotions from earlier in the day blown away by one meal that would have once upon a time meant the world to her.
You win this round Third.
Shinji seemed to be completely oblivious to her hostile attitude the next day, greeting her in the morning with a smile and a tentative wave, along with a bento for her lunch - which she promptly threw out, unable to stomach more of that meal that tasted amazing and was sickening to consume (and then had had to half sheepishly, half indignantly lie to a horrified Shinji that her period pains made her unable to eat the meat-heavy meal). After a secondary bento of more basic rice and vegetables had been hastily made, they trotted out of the apartment and made their way to school.
That was not a fun start to the day. I might have to be more proactive in distancing myself from Shinji, otherwise-
"Hey Asuka, can you slow down a minute? I- I wanted to talk about last night, and about on the Rainbow a week ago."
… Damnit.
"What is there to discuss Third? I dislike you, and don't want to talk to you beyond piloting necessities."
Shinji blinked and stopped walking. Asuka did not, and powered on ahead, but heard him running after her a moment later.
"Asuka, wait. Asuka, please stop!"
His hand grabbed her arm and yanked her back, her red hair swirling around her face with the sudden change of direction. He's stronger than I recall.
"What the hell Third?!" Asuka shouted, but was stopped from her oncoming tirade by Shinji's eerie blank face and icy eyes.
"I need you to answer one question: what does 'Lilin' mean to you?"
Silence for a beat. Then:
"What the hell is a 'Lilin'? Have you completely lost your mind, Third? Let go of me!" Asuka shook her arm free, and glared at Shinji, her sapphire eyes blazing in the sun. She could have sworn she saw a momentary flash of something like relief on Shinji's face before the rest of his emotions caught up with him, and he puffed out his chest and jabbed his finger at her.
"Have I lost my mind? Have you lost your mind? Why are you like this? What have I done to make you dislike me so much?!"
Asuka stared at him, eyes open and mouth agape. How dare he ask. How dare he! Even if it wasn't this Shinji who had done damage to her, he was still a Shinji who could and would. It didn't matter how different he was; it didn't matter whether he could cook delicious food, or speak German, or smile in that cute way when he focussed on his cooking or when he was caught flat-footed. What mattered was that Shinji Ikari was a boy who would hurt and betray her, who could never be the man she wanted or needed.
How could she not dislike him? How could she not be consumed by that rage that even now was causing her to start shaking, that was causing her face to turn bright red, that was causing her heart to smash against her chest?
"Because you are dangerous, Ikari. I have seen the kind of monster you are, and I do not want anything to do with you. If I had my way, I would have thrown you overboard when I first saw you because you are a menace to everyone around you. Now leave me alone - you disgust me!"
Somehow, she had found the control not to spill her secrets (though she was shaking violently at the effort) but still get some of the weight off her heart. Perhaps Mama's brief appearance was better for me than I originally thought…
Shinji didn't say anything, his face morphing into something that seemed like horror and fear and despair mixed into one. His arms were slack by his side. The warm summer breeze was stirring his hair and seemed to move his mouth as well, the almost silent whisper that could have been "What have I done?" or could have been "Please no…" or could have been a prayer of anguish coming from those barely moving lips, carried by that soft wind to her ears in the garbled way that winds steal words and mix them around.
Asuka decided she didn't care what he was mumbling about. When it became clear she had broken Shinji (good), she turned her back on him and stomped away, ignoring her still trembling body and thundering heart. School was nearby, and she wanted to get in there and make a good impression. Performing the perfect pilot role was usually a good way to calm herself – it gave her an opportunity to become the girl that everyone wanted. And last time it had been enjoyable being the centre of attention. Thankfully just the thought of all the fawning was already cooling the bubbling sensations in her, and they kept decreasing as she closed in on the school.
She was closing in on the entrance now – that gate that was so thoroughly underwhelming for a school which taught the defenders of humanity. The school itself was also unimpressive, both as an institution of learning as well as a babysitting service for Asuka – it was more decrepit than she remembered (perhaps she had never noticed it before), with concrete rot in some of the corners of the walls, smudged widows, and the moss that covered the gate seemed to be more entrenched than the metal it was on. The hustle and bustle of the children moving into their prison of learning was music to Asuka's ears, and she found the churning in her stomach and trembles in her arms subside.
At least I didn't have another panic attack, though it seemed pretty close. I am so glad it came out as anger rather than terror – I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if Shinji had seen me panic again. At least he's gone now, which means I can-
"Hello there – you must be the new exchange student! My name is Hikari Horaki – pleasure to meet you. I have some of the necessary notes, and I will need you to introduce yourself to the class when we go inside. Was there anything I can do to help you settle in?"
And there she was, as before. Hikari Horaki, in their ridiculous school uniform and her wonderful, childish pigtails. Those soft, plain Japanese features speckled with freckles and lit up by her polite, welcoming smile were a sight for sore eyes. Asuka had to resist the urge to wrap her friend in a hug.
She doesn't know you yet Asuka, calm down.
"Hi Hikari – I'm Asuka. Pleased to meet you too. Say, we should be friends!" Asuka's genuine enthusiasm helped hide the slight wobble in her voice, recovering as she still was from her earlier confrontation. She hoped the wavering would be chalked up to an accent difference.
Hikari blinked for a second, then her smile took on a warmer tone. "That sounds great, and I am sure a girl as friendly as you will make many friends here. Here are the notes, and I will need you to stop by the main office to get everything ready before you come to class. You are in class 2-A – that's with me – which is down the hall and up the stairs on the right. Please prepare a little welcome speech for us to tell us a bit about yourself when you join. See you there!"
The speech sounded rehearsed (the words were overly formal and used all the correct honorifics for respect and politeness) and slightly forced, but the tone was warm and the gleam in Hikari's eyes was genuine. Not as friendly as when she had seen Hikari last (wrapped up in a blanket, Pen Pen in her arms, concern written on her face as Asuka rotted away in front of a screen), but it was certainly happier than when she had first seen her over a year ago (or right now? This time loop nonsense was really messing with her).
"Thanks! See you in there," Asuka called after the retreating Hikari. She smiled and felt her beating heart at last return to a normal pace, the sweat on her forehead back to just being in response to the eternal summer in Japan, the shaking of her body a thing of the past.
It was good to be back with someone as pleasant as Hikari, who Asuka knew would be in her corner (so long as I could keep being a good pilot – which, now I knew what was coming, shouldn't be a problem). Perhaps she would help the class rep get the boy she desired (a mystery for the ages as to what she saw in the gorilla, but to each their own). But instead of going straight to the office, Asuka took a detour to the sports field towards the rear of the school.
There was someone else at school she wanted to see.
"Hey, you! Wondergirl!"
Silence.
"Hey! Ayanami!"
Continued silence that seemed slightly angrier than before.
Asuka frowned. She had found Wondergirl (Rei a voice in her head that sounded suspiciously like Rei admonished her) hidden in a little shady nook, Schopenhauer's The World As Will And Representation in her hands, the sun hitting her impossibly pale legs in a way that made them almost shine. Those eerie red eyes were focused on the words (actually in German, Asuka noted) on the page, either oblivious or deliberately ignoring (probably that, if the slightly angry silence indicated anything) the fact another presence in her vicinity.
Asuka stepped closer, blocking the sun.
Rei shifted so that the book was in the light again.
Asuka stepped closer again.
Rei moved again.
Asuka stepped closer a third time.
"Could you cease intruding on my sunlight?" Wondergirl's voice was that soft and lifeless monotone, without any trace of anger or irritation. Her body, despite sitting at a mildly surreal angle now, gave no hostility or aggression. She was a porcelain puppet, waiting to be played with.
I can see why you and the Third hit it off so well, considering his predilection for girls who can't fight back. Gross…
The silence had stretched on a beat too long, but Asuka didn't care. She glared at Rei, watching her for a reaction. When none came (despite Asuka's hopes that there would be a difference), she at last spoke.
"So, how did you do it Wondergirl? Don't know the details, but somehow you and your boyfriend are going to kill us all and then bring me back for kicks. Since I don't want to kill either of you just yet to stop that, I want to know how you did it. How did you end the world, and bring me back?"
Somewhere in the distance, cicadas sang their shrill song. The heat caused a slight haze around the building, making the air seem like it was crying. Distant children at the school laughed at something, their voices somehow indistinguishable yet all collectively joyous and despairing as school children are wont to be. And through all this, Rei sat, face and stare vacant, whilst Asuka watched, face and stare hostile and inquisitorial.
"I assume you are Pilot Sohryu. I am afraid that I do not understand your humour." Rei's empty eyes immediately gained focus, and lasered in on Asuka, who could only blink once at the comment.
And then blink again.
Rei sat, her head slightly cocked to the side now as if she were attempting to read Asuka's thoughts. Perhaps she was. Spooky angel-doll.
Wait, she doesn't know who I am?
"Wait, so you don't know who I am?"
Rei blinked once. "Are you not Pilot Sohryu? You match her description of a red-haired Eurasian girl, but I could be mistaken."
Auska raised her finger and opened her mouth, but paused and lowered her hand. Rei still sat there in that unnatural manner that surely was uncomfortable. How does she not know who I am? She's the sole reason I am here!
"Can you confirm you are Pilot Sohryu? If you are, I have been told by Pilot Ikari to avoid antagonising you," Rei's body at last began the gentle process of returning to some form of human shape, her lower half sliding to meet the upper, her arms closing her book, and her legs returning to a standard position. Somehow through all of this, she managed to not get stuck in Asuka's shadow, while her red eyes continued to peer at Asuka's blue ones.
"I am Asuka Langley Sohryu, Second Child and pilot of Evangelion Unit-02," Asuka managed to get out between gritted teeth. Her left eye twitched – how was it the animated doll still playing dumb?
"That is good. Could you explain the nature of the joke to me? I have no desire to irritate you by my not understanding."
"Why? So you can tell your idiot boyfriend Shinji and laugh at me too?"
Rei cocked her head. "Pilot Ikari is not my boyfriend."
Asuka's immediate response died on her lips. Wait, they're not a couple? But Misato said he spends most of his time with her?
"Your attempt at humour as a bonding method is interesting, Pilot Sohryu," Rei continued, standing up as she put the book back into her bag. It didn't quite fit, and the cover bent as she wedged it between the laptop and other books.
Asuka wanted to reply; the energy was there at the tip of her tongue, but the words would not form – too caught in between her pressured teeth. Instead, they receded into her throat where they instead produced an unusual hacking sound, which drew a quick glance from Rei.
"Second Child, are you-?"
A bell sounded somewhere in the distance which drew the attention of both girls (Asuka in a sharp, sudden motion; Rei more languid in her approach). Asuka shook her head, the bizarre sensation of being confounded by Rei Ayanami yet again rattling around in her head. First the ghostly appearance out on the ocean (some weird angel magic perhaps?), and now the complete obliviousness? How was that possible? It was almost like-
Like Rei Ayanami was playing with a doll.
By the time this realisation hit her, Wondergirl had vanished, leaving only the sound of the distant school children and cicadas in her wake. Clenched fists shaking, Asuka stormed off, resolving to get answers from Ayanami after class.
Class came and went, a whirlwind of excitement and chatter and stares. Asuka played the game, smiled at girls like Mana Kirishima or scowled at boys like Keita Asari, but generally paid the other students no heed. She had no need to – she already knew their secrets and desires (at least at a surface level). Although fading, her time in Instrumentality had gifted her that at least.
Useful if I need to blackmail anyone. I doubt I will though.
Shinji had arrived late. She avoided him as much as she could during class – not difficult considering she was swamped by the curiosity of the other students. He seemed to sulk and ignore her for the most part.
Good.
After the final bell she had flattered and insulted most of the girls, who congregated after class to gossip and snipe, by stopping in for only a brief moment to say hello and then goodbye (a change of pace – she had in another lifetime spent much time after class engaging in politics). Asuka thrilled at the attention for its momentary enjoyment, but there were more important matters to attend to.
However, the more important matters in the shape of a blue haired teenager were rapidly vanishing out the school gate, and Asuka had to run to keep pace with her as Rei walked out of the school and towards the abandoned industrial part of Tokyo-3.
What the hell is she doing here? Doesn't she live in the Geofront?
But no, it did not seem like Rei Ayanami lived at the Geofront. Instead, she picked her way through streets long overgrown with weeds and waste. Distant sounds of trains and trucks hammered the air around Asuka, making the heat haze pulse in time with their predictable sounds. Rei nearly disappeared several times from Asuka's sight – visually the other pilot seemed to exert no effort with her actions, yet she moved at a lightning pace; a pale figurine dragged along by invisible strings, given energy that was not her own to achieve tasks that were not her goals.
It was similar to how she piloted.
Why does a half-angel hybrid want to fight other angels anyway? Do they want to be the sole reason they obliterated the world?
It had been Rei Ayanami out on the ocean, floating outside a porthole. Asuka had learned in Instrumentality that her fellow pilot was part Lilith. So, with that in mind, surely even without flowing into her full form she could project images across the sea to watch Asuka and laugh her eerie, doll-like laugh…
Actually, had she even seen Rei Ayanami smile, let alone laugh?
Perhaps this is a dumb idea Asuka. What are you going to do – announce to her you know her hybrid nature and then demand to explain why you are here? Her confusion from earlier seemed genuine, but she also has no emotions to speak of, so perhaps this was a ruse? But Wondergirl can't act to save her life – and she has the social grace of a brick in a tutu. Honestly what does Idiot Shinji even see in her? Actually, she denied being with him, so what is his game?
And why did my heart feel slightly lighter at that thought? He's still a disgusting-
Asuka's line of thought was cut off as Ayanami disappeared out of her line of sight around a corner. The Second Child cursed, then sprinted after the other girl, skidding round the corner to see a series of buildings that were (hopefully) scheduled for demolition. Steel pylons, half covered by broken concrete and entirely covered by rust, stuck out of it, forming fingers of red metal that reached up and away. Between these steel digits, refuse was strewn, and the buildings had a sweet smell that made something gurgle unpleasantly in Asuka's stomach. Rei was nimble in navigating the mess, hopping across the ruined area to a stairwell that looked like it had been pulled together by an amateur architect with a drinking problem.
What kind of place do they keep you in, Miss Perfect? I thought you would be like a queen with all the preferential treatment you get.
Rei Ayanami was one of the holes in Asuka's knowledge from Instrumentality. Along with Shinji's parents and her own mother, Rei was simply had not been present during that great storm, presumably after being completely subsumed into her greater whole that was Lilith. Asuka had no real idea what sort of life Wondergirl had experienced up to this point, although it seemed like her preconceived notion of living it up in the Geofront with the Commander and Akagi at her beck and call had been grossly misinformed. The little she had gotten from those who had worked with or on Rei had shown not a pampered life of attention and love, but cold trays, LCL-soaked neglect, and the crocodile smile of an Ikari.
Had she also not been a primary key to the Third Impact, Asuka would almost have felt sorry for her.
Almost.
As Asuka approached the staircase which had swallowed Ayanami, she ran through her planned confrontation with the hybrid angel. There wasn't much to go over though – Asuka herself was not fully sure how to handle the situation.
On the one hand, she could try murdering Rei: remove the key and then they would all be powerless to initiate the Third Impact. But Asuka also knew that Rei had an unfortunate habit of coming back to life – she had survived literally blowing herself, her Eva, and an angel into oblivion before. The how was murkier – did the angelic part of her utilise micro-AT Fields, or was she somehow one of many Ayanamis, hidden until they were called for the finale, flowing over the globe as the crest of a red and blue tide?
Akagi's feelings on the matter had blurred and distorted the flashes Asuka had experienced (the same flashes she relied on to understand what was going on) – she couldn't understand if the thousand little Rei faces staring back during those experiences were somehow clones of Ayanami, or simply the doctor's guilt manifesting itself and working with the Rei-Lilith monstrosity to punish Akagi. Fuyutsuki had similarly rarely dealt with Rei, merely considering her a stand-in for the women he had thought he loved, and the multiple faces were too similar to Yui Ikari to be of any use.
Besides, it wouldn't matter what method Rei would utilise to survive, because Asuka wasn't entirely sure she was comfortable murdering someone in cold blood. Killing Rei seemed wrong somehow, and some voice in her head whispered that Wondergirl's death would be a terrible mistake. And, despite everything, Asuka was no killer. A warrior, leader, and pilot of a superweapon it was true, but the process of battle was very different to ending someone with one's bare hands.
Besides, she knew what murder felt like, and it was not pleasant.
Two blue orbs meeting a single sapphire eye. Fingers around the windpipe. Pressing, holding, breaking, crunching, gurgling. Tears, spit, blood, salty red water.
Eerie silence as a thousand screams never uttered float away into nothing.
Not pleasant at all.
So murder was out. Could kidnapping work?
Too risky, would likely end in immediate disappearance of one Asuka Langley Sohryu at the hands of Section 2.
Report her to Misato?
Similar result to murder most likely – would the guilt be worth it? And that's assuming she believed me.
Or perhaps try and convince her not to give into her angelic calling?
Could that even be done? It certainly didn't work on the other angels – but then why doesn't she go down now and simply end it all? Could it be she doesn't know…?
That thought hit her like a bolt of lightning. An angel unaware she was an angel, her human side shielding her from her Lilith flesh until the critical moment when she was reunited with her progenitor? But if that was the case, how had she been floating over the sea? Unless Future (Past? Omnipresent? Fucking time-travel…) Rei wanted to show off her skills (very un-Wondergirl behaviour though – she was infuriatingly modest and obedient, not a braggart) – or perhaps it was a sign from Future Rei that she didn't want that disaster that was the Third Impact any more than Asuka did.
That could make sense.
Perhaps what was needed then was an accord with Miss Perfect; a ceasefire in their rivalry and mutual disdain for each other so they could help quieten the angel within her. With Rei doing as Asuka commanded, she would likely be freed from that desire to end it all, and she would hobble SEELE and the Ikaris' plans to annihilate everything.
Yes, enlighten then work with Rei to solve the call within her. Simple enough exercise for someone as good with people as Asuka – she was the only one who had experienced Instrumentality and survived, and it wasn't for nothing she was the most popular girl in school after all.
Decided, Asuka came to the end of the stairwell, marched into the main corridor…
…And dodged right back around the corner again when she saw the looming presence of Gendo Ikari, Commander of NERV, standing in the walkway. His back had been towards her, so Asuka wasn't worried that he had seen her, but she started to shake anyway – something that increased when his grating tenor came round the corner.
Something about Ikari men and freaking me out…
"Rei, are you alright?"
"Yes."
"Good. I have been told that you are spending a lot of time with the Third Child? Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Asuka glanced around the corner and saw Rei shifting slightly, a second of hesitation before providing the Commander with a response. Her eyes were focussed on him, shining slightly in the late afternoon sunlight.
"He has been assisting me with homework, and been providing me with ideas on how to pilot the Eva more effectively," her voice was soft, light, halting; a faint breeze unsure of itself.
Ikari's body didn't change, but his tone did: it had more presence, gaining not in volume but intensity.
"Rei, you know I want you learning at school. But you must avoid the Third Child – he is dangerous and can no longer be trusted."
Wait, what? Ikari doesn't trust his own son? Just what timeline is this that I have landed in?
Rei remained silent, staring up at the tall man in front of her. Asuka saw Ikari's shoulders reduce their tension slightly, and he titled his head slightly. She could visualise the Commander's face easing slightly into something akin to paternal concern (as if the man could claim to be a good father. Shinji was not entirely to blame for his messed-up attitude).
"Rei, you must not forget your purpose. All our hopes rest on you: the future of mankind is yours to shape. You mustn't let yourself be distracted by small things such as human connections - they are a distraction from your ultimate goal. The final way to extinguish loneliness is through you."
"I do not forget." No hesitation there, but Asuka saw whatever life was in those eyes vanish, and she somehow seemed to become more robotic in her voice.
"Good. Come Rei, let's go inside," as he spoke, Commander Ikari placed his hand on Rei's shoulder, and guided her towards her room. Wondergirl almost melted under his touch, turning her head and resting her cheek on his knuckles, allowing herself to be pushed into the room.
Asuka stood there until the door clicked shut behind them, body still, mind very much moving.
She knows – but doesn't want to. She wants to stop being lonely and has been convinced Instrumentality is the only way to do that. She adores Commander Ikari like a dog loves its master. We will have to fix these things – see if I can get her some friend or something. Maybe Misato will want another stray? That would be good – then I can move out and live with Mr Kaji. Or we can get rid of Shinji…
Mind still whirring, Asuka decided to go back to Misato's apartment. There was nothing more to be gained by listening to whatever the Commander intended to do to his pet.
It had been a mad week. She had spent most of it avoiding Shinji and his Stooge-friends – in fact, she had pretty much avoided everyone.
By Day Two she had acquired the enmity of the female population (except Hikari) when she stood in front of the class and returned each and every declaration of love from the boys, an act which earned either the envy from those girls who were single, or the humiliated wrath of those whose boyfriends had attempted to step out on them.
She had also received letters from many of the girls, but elected not to read those out.
Day Four saw the sordid Kensuke Affair come to light. She had found the photos Kensuke-Stooge was selling of her in various stages of undress, a tip coming from some mild recollection from Instrumentality. The bespectacled boy was currently in hospital recovering from his injuries, and the fact Shinji had gotten away with minimal damage was due to Hikari holding Asuka back (despite his false protestations of innocence and his offers to help find and destroy them. I know what sort of pervert you are Third!). It had also given Asuka another panic attack, once the dust had settled and she had secluded herself in the bathroom – fortunately she had managed to avoid having more of those beyond this incident.
She had not had time to speak to Misato alone regarding the First Child – her negligent guardian had already begun her descent into booze and work, and was only home on very rare occasions, during which she was either drunk out of her mind, asleep, or eating food made by Shinji (who always seemed to have an extra can of beer for her – do you want her liver to rot before she hits thirty Third?).
Her time spent observing Rei had created more questions than answers. Wondergirl was still robotic, icy, obedient. Sad. And yet, not overly different to her previous life. Unlike Shinji Ikari.
Why?
If there was Lilith-magic involved, why would Rei be the same yet Shinji different? Why should Asuka be here at all if she needed a female pilot to fix the wrongs of the past/future, why not use the literal avatar of an angel to repeat things if they needed to be fixed? And if Rei was being manipulated into causing Instrumentality, how could she convince her break away from that – especially because it seemed at least Commander Ikari was leaning on her to do this?
Much to contemplate. Asuka had repeatedly found herself punching walls or growling at herself trying to figure it out.
The good news of a synch test at the end of the week had buoyed her spirits.
That Saturday, the cicadas had changed their melody outside to a higher pitched, more melodic sound. Pen Pen had not squawked (but he had taken too long in the bath), and Misato's hungover groans had somehow seemed to be less pained to Asuka's ears.
Mama – I'm coming to see you again.
Asuka smiled through breakfast (yet another wonderful German breakfast of rye bread, Schwarzwaelderschinken, eggs, and perfect black coffee – and for once not leaving her feeling ill). Shinji had finished his post-breakfast cleaning and was making his unhurried approach back to the table, glancing at Asuka all the while.
"Thank you for breakfast Shinji. It tastes good." Asuka smiled, speaking before her brain could catch up, disarrayed as it was by delicious food and the exciting prospect of speaking with her Mama again.
Shinji missed his seat and promptly landed on the floor, his eyes wide and his lips rising slightly, ever so slightly at the corner of his mouth. It made her heart beat warmer for one second.
"You're welcome," he replied, his voice aiming for warmth and causing Asuka to freeze in place. The food was poison once again.
"You better stay away from me," she snarled, standing to leave.
"Asuka, what's your problem? I have tried-"
"You have tried nothing Third. Just because we couldn't find any photos of me in your room doesn't prove you didn't have any!"
"Asuka, I already told you – I thought Kensuke wouldn't take photos of you this-" Shinji snapped his jaw shut, but the damage was already done.
"And I already told you I don't believe that for a second Third!" Asuka's fist slammed on the table, causing the cutlery to rattle, a glass hovering precariously at the edge tottering closer to an untimely demise. It fell down but did not shatter; instead, it cracked and chipped – ruined but not a hazard.
Shinji stood there, mute in voice but loud with pleading eyes, dark blue orbs that were designed to elicit pity and sympathy. To avoid giving in to their assault, Asuka grunted and stomped out of the kitchen and into her room. She slammed the door shut behind her and replaced the barricade of boxes she had erected to ensure no night-time visits could occur. Safe in Fortress Asuka.
"Hey 'Suka? What'd tell you 'bout slammin' th'door?" Misato's slurred voice came through the paper walls, barely audible and easily ignored.
The journey to the Geofrint had been a silent and awkward affair, with Shinji and Asuka sitting as far apart as possible in the car. It had been unbearable, and Asuka had bolted from the vehicle once they had arrived, much too eager to get to Unit-02 to bother with pleasantries like waiting for her companions.
Mama Mama Mama Mama Mama!
Whilst they didn't lose track of her, the other two had evidently decided she needed space, and had kept their distance accordingly. Shinji occasionally spoke in low mutters to Misato, who would nod along and make positive sounds, but otherwise the trip was uneventful. Not that what the other two were talking about was on Asuka's radar – her mood, previously unstable and surly, had risen with each step down, with each door entered, with each staffer passed.
Mama Mama Mama Mama Mama!
Getting back into the plugsuit no longer held the weirdness she had experienced before Gaghiel, thankfully. It felt right again, and the warrior inside her heart cheered. Not even the entry of the First into the change rooms could dampen her spirits now. After she threw everything unneeded into a locker, she all but ran to the cages, nearly bowling over a few hapless NERV staff that had the misfortune of being in her way.
Mama Mama Mama Mama Mama!
And there she was, the red ambassador, the crimson colossus, her Unit-02. The marks from Gaghiel were gone, and she looked as beautiful as ever; the light shone off the armour and gave her a glaring brilliance that bedazzled her pilot. Asuka flew into the pod that would take her in and willed the process to be faster.
Mama Mama Mama Mama Mama!
LCL filled the entry plug, and the voices of the NERV technicians filled her head with static, enthusiastic sounds that could have been Swahili for all she cared. Akagi said something, and it was a series of meaningless words. Then the rainbow lights of the activating entry plug flashed across the screens, and then…
Mama Mama Mama Mama Mama!
Asuka! Schätzen! I have missed you!
She was there – like before she sounded faint, as though the LCL was deadening the connection somehow, the oxygenated liquid making Kyoko sound like she was behind a glass in an Asuka aquarium. Asuka shifted in her seat, feeling the pinch of the neural connection as it snagged on something in the ego-mental wavelengths that bonded pilot with the Eva, something she had always just assumed was a normal part of the process of connecting to a lifeless machine but was starting to wonder about now that her Mama was here...
Where were you Mama?!
Asuka my dear. You kept your heart closed to me for so long.
Why did it take the end of it all to show yourself? I was safe in your arms, and I never knew it.
End? What end little one?
The end of the world Mama – what we were fighting to stop. It happened anyway.
What-what-whaat-wht-wt - whaaaat?
Kyoko's mental presence glitched, catching on itself and playing back and forth, lengthening and shortening as the LCL temperature rose slightly and the screens started to display yellow warning messages.
"Asuka! The synch rate is going absolutely insane – low one minute and high the next." Silence for half a second. "And I thought I just saw the Eva move! Is everything ok in there?"
"It's – it's fine Misato." Asuka attempted to growl, but her voice wavered slightly. "Just getting used to it. Give me a minute to clear my mind."
"Alright. But if it looks like something is going wrong again, we will cancel this test."
"Yeah, yeah."
Calm down Mama – I don't want to show you everything. I don't want to be alone, to have you leave me again.
Again?
Yes Mama – you were gone. Gone for so long. I grew up all by myself.
Asuka, what has happened-happened-hppnd?
More glitches and beeps from the screens. Asuka took a deep breath in.
I want to show you Mama, to not have to do this alone anymore. But I am afraid. They may take you away from me, and I don't want to be apart from you ever again. It's so much even for me…
If it is too much to bear Asuka, then it is important to share with me. We can only do things together, open our hearts to no longer be alone.
And with that final push, Asuka's last walls around her heart fell away to nothing, and she allowed Kyoko in. Asuka showed her everything – the deadening rage against her Mama for her madness, and eventual suicide and abandonment; the disheartening disappointment towards her father and step-mother; the ten years of intense training and studies that matured her and stunted her; the Angel Wars and her blossoming into a young womanhood that was brutally cut short; the end of the world at the hands of a boy she thought she loved but who had spurned, humiliated, and abandoned her; the terrifying impossibilities and intimacies of Instrumentality; and how she was now back in a world that was unchanged bar the one person she wanted most and least to change.
And Kyoko, no matter how faint she was, accepted it all. She poured her regret into how she left her with a body that was not even a shadow of a reflection of herself; she seethed with anger and betrayal as she learned about the faithlessness of the husband who had promised to care and love her and their daughter; she radiated pride and wonder at the brilliance of her Asuka during her ten years, and how she not only met the impossible standards but overshot them in her brilliant, wonderful way; she recoiled in horror at what the Angel Wars had done, and what they still might do, to her growing little girl, and promised Asuka to care for her no matter what happened, no matter what the Ikari boy or anyone else did.
It was so nice to finally open herself to someone she knew would never hurt or abandon her again, someone who could always be there. Ten long years of solo performance, and she had finally found one to duet with, someone who could pluck the strings of her heart without tearing them; someone who could be moulded to the statue Asuka had made herself into.
The LCL suddenly seemed wetter than normal, and it tasted saltier than the tangy flavour she was used to. Warmth flowed from the liquid and from the neural connectors, and it felt like love and happiness and sadness and regret all in one, wrapped in her mother's voice and presence which she had needed but been denied for so, so long.
And for the first time in ten years, Asuka let herself cry.
"What the hell is going on in there? Asuka, what's wrong?"
"N-nothing, nothing," a mixture of sniffles and laughs. "Just happy to be back in the safety of an Eva. Can I stay in here a bit longer?"
"You were in one only a week and a half ago, and it wasn't that long ago you were doing tests in Germany. You need the Eva that much?"
Yes. "Yes."
"Huh. I suppose we can leave you in there a little longer then. But do you have any idea why your score fluctuated so rapidly when-"
"No idea." She switched off the comm, and Asuka sighed and relaxed in the embrace of her warm, watery mother.
It all ended of course – all good things do, and a synch test could only go on so long after all. And though Asuka wanted to stay longer, the plug was uncomfortable, and she felt an ache in her back and legs from sitting still for too long.
I will be back Mama.
I know you will little one.
After disembarking from the ejected plug, she had made her way to the change rooms, a spring in her step and a smile on her face. Her eyes were slightly red, but she did not mind. They matched her hair now, she supposed.
I spoke with Mama. She's here – she's looking out for me, like she always has! She won't leave me ever again!
Nothing can make this day go badly!
"Hey Asuka!"
Except you.
"Get lost Shinji," Asuka snapped, picking up the pace of her walk that no longer involved springing footsteps. He kept pace, and Asuka cursed the fact that the male and female change rooms were next to each other, and she would have to put up with his company for another couple of minutes.
"Asuka, wait. I know… I know things have been awkward, and I know it's my fault," Shinji panted slightly as he tried to recite his obviously-rehearsed speech and keep the brisk pace Asuka was setting. The words were probably an overture to a lovely rendition of "woe is me" that she really, really didn't want to hear, especially not from him. She picked up her speed, almost into a trot, hoping Shinji would focus more on walking than talking.
Unfortunately, Shinji did not get the hint.
"Look Asuka I… I wanted to say I was impressed with your synch rate today! You must be an excellent pilot if, you, uh…" he trailed off as he tried to catch his breath, his speech somehow even more pathetic in the auditory deadness of the corridor they were walking down.
My synch rate? That's the best you can come up with?
"Look Third, I just had a wonderful reunion with my M-Unit-02, so I don't want to hear about your feelings. Be a man and get lost," Asuka managed to keep her calm – she still had enough positive energy flowing through her from her earlier elation – but that was being chipped away by Shinji's attempts to interact.
Shinji opened his mouth, but they had arrived at the change rooms, so he closed it again.
"OK," he said as he deflated, and shuffled off to the male section. Asuka nodded, and headed straight for the showers, immediately disrobing and spending time to wash the crusted LCL from her hair. She stepped out of the showers, drying herself as she went to put her uniform on, becoming aware of Wondergirl's sudden appearance and red eyes gazing at her.
"What do you want?" Asuka snapped, before she kicked herself mentally. Trying to ease her away from the Ikaris Asuka, need to tread gently…
Rei stared at her for a moment more.
Then the angel alarm started blaring.
And so she found herself back in Unity-02, standing and keeping vigil on the beach, Unit-01 somewhere to the right of her, Unit-00 somewhere in the hills behind them. The angel's tardiness had given NERV the time to repair Wondergirl's Eva enough so it could provide support as a sniper, but not enough time to repair Tokyo-3's defences, still in tatters after Ramiel's battle.
Asuka tapped her fingers on her controllers, breathed in and out, and stared at the waves on the shore. For a second the water turned red in Asuka's eyes. The LCL bubbled around her, matching her increased heart rate, and she thought she saw two figures fighting in the ruins, but she blinked and they disappeared, the water of the ocean returning to its healthy turquoise.
Hush little one. There is no need to worry.
Feeling her heartrate return to normal and her breathing even out (funny, she hadn't even noticed the anxiety building up), she thanked her Mama and focussed on the sea again, and the unusual waves that were forming around an object submerged that was making its way to the shore.
About time you showed up, Israfel. You're very late. Still are, considering how long it is taking you to get out of the water.
It breached the surface of the sea at last, not with a magnificent wall of white foam but instead with a slow swell and pathetic dribble of water from ragged half-moon shoulders. It did not stand still, opting instead to sway to and fro, a drunken mess of an angel where once a proud and menacing thing had stood.
What's wrong with it?
Shinji had evidently thought the same thing because his intercom sounded. "Misato, any idea why it looks so… lifeless?"
Lifeless was an apt description. Outside of the swaying, it did not give off the energy of a nimble nemesis. No, instead it looked faded, with cracks and scars running over its body. The core was still intact (insofar as a dual core could be), but everything else about the angel seemed to be scorched or dulled. Burn marks along its hide were nothing compared to the chunks that were missing from its torso and arms.
It looked unhealthy and on its last legs, less a monstrous eldritch horror bent on destroying humanity as much as a sad colossus teetering in the sunshine of its demise.
"No idea Shinji. Perhaps this will make life easier for us all. Get to it Pilots!"
The Shinji on Asuka's screen nodded, then glanced over to his video feed to speak to Asuka. She beat him to it.
"Third, we take this together. As I have more experience I will take lead, and you provide cover. When I reach the building closest to it, I will cover you to the building opposite. Then we strike the core with our prog knives simultaneously. Got that?"
One advantage of Instrumentality was that exposing your flaws and disasters to everyone in the world could give insights into alternative courses of action to avert those problems. Purely academic in the soup at the end of the world; extremely useful when recalled at the right moment before a battle.
Asuka had seen several re-interpretations of this battle. And whilst none had featured a very injured Israfel, they still played out with a resounding victory using this strategy.
"Eh?"
So long as Idiot Shinji could for once do what he was told.
"I said, got that Third?"
"Yeah – just surprised, Asuka."
"Good. Though you shouldn't be surprised at my brilliance. Now let's finish this."
Asuka was vaguely aware of Misato calling something over the radio, but she focussed instead on hopping her Eva across the ruins to where Israfel swayed in the tide. The angel did nothing but vaguely raise an arm when Asuka came briefly within range, but Unit-02 was long gone by the time the claws came down.
After getting into position, Asuka called at Shinji to move. He followed in her footsteps, Unit-01 moving in a surprisingly graceful manner across the buildings. As it passed Israfel the angel once again tried to swipe at the purple Eva, but Shinji had taken his machine well out of range by the time the arm was raised. He landed with a small twirl, the pivot landing him in perfect position to strike upon instruction.
Stupid Invincible Shinji and his showy nature.
Focus Asuka.
Right – thank you Mama.
Israfel stumbled and crashed into a building.
"This is obscene how easy this is," Asuka muttered.
"Be thankful it is Asuka – in war we don't often get free kicks like this." Misato's voice was still commanding but carried an almost relieved smile with it.
"Yeah, you don't have to tell me," Asuka responded, then turned Unit-02 to face Unit-01. "Ready Shinji?"
"Ready, Asuka!"
"Then let's finish this. Go!"
The two Evas sprinted out from their position, drawing their prog knives and activating them as they made their way to the fallen angel. Convenient sandbars, brought up by Israfel's sluggish movements and pathetic fall, provided ideal landing spots for the Evas, which landed in perfect synch. Unit-01 and Unit-02 were mirrors of each other, standing up in unison, and pulling their arms back in perfect time, blades pointed at the dual core of the hapless creature.
She kept expecting the other penny to drop, kept expecting Israfel to split into their respective parts, kept expecting the false weakness of the angel to be cast aside and a real fight given to them.
None of these things happened.
Instead, the two Evas were able to drive their weapons home, pushing into the fracturing core.
And Israfel, angel of song and poetry, the creature that had led Asuka on a merry dance of humiliation and embarrassment in another life, folded in on itself and exploded.
Unit-01 stared at Asuka in utter disbelief, and in truth she could barely believe it herself. The coiling anxiety and bubbling LCL all seemed absurd now. Whoops and cheers over the intercom were distorted and tinny, sounding more like excitable crickets than the humans they were. Somewhere below her, the small tsunami caused some of the rubble and sand to be swept against Unit-02's legs.
Ironic – more damage was caused by the death than the angel itself.
Shinji opened his communication channel to her, his face an uneasy smile. "Well done Asuka – you saved the day!" his voice was wavering and sounded distracted, but the smile became warmer as he spoke.
Asuka herself remained quiet. When she had defeated the angels previously, there had been a feeling of victory in her chest, and the adoration from the others at NERV had been nectar for her ego. Even aafter the confusion of Gaghiel round two there had been a sense of accomplishment.
Looking at the tattered remains of the half-drowned city around her, Asuka didn't really feel anything at all; only a niggling sensation that something had been broken when she and Shinji had killed an already damaged angel.
A/N: Asuka has a proper goal to aim for beyond surviving – now to see if she can pull it off.
This was a sizable thing to write, but it is done and even been through a beta reader (exciting stuff I know - many thanks to them as well).
My knowledge of Japanese schooling is non-existent, so I have tried to cleave as close to what appears in the show as possible (that is, not much at all). Let me know if I have bungled it, and I will adjust as appropriate. I will probably avoid too much school scenery in the future unless it's essential for the plot. Sorry to anyone who wanted a school-driven drama.
Also, there appears to be some minor drama in the comments (nothing overly serious, but I am surprised I managed to generate any). IMO – your thoughts are interesting, and your input does make me think about the story, so thank you for your review. You shall have to hang around to find out what direction I choose to take (I have it planned and have already written the ending – it's now just about getting there). To the guests who have defended me – thank you kindly as well. I appreciate it, and you are right that it is marked Asuka/Shinji for a reason.
To the other commenters – thank you very much, and I hope you find this chapter enjoyable as well. I have taken your thoughts and and contributions on board and they have all made me think about what can be improved in the story going forward. Please keep them coming!