Author notes: Planned before the release of 3.0+1.0. My take on Asuka from Rebuild thrown into the TV series timeline. Hope you enjoy reading it.
The Asuka Variations
Chapter 1: Asuka Strikes
"She's waking up."
Where was she? Something tugged at her memory. The red earth beneath her feet, a cold lifeless world from horizon to horizon. But now she was somewhere else.
She feigned sleep a little longer.
"And the test results?"
"Human."
The words drifted over her as she slowly regained her senses. The bed was softer than she was used to. The comforting familiarity of her plugsuit replaced with something looser. A hospital gown? She kept her eyes closed and listened, trying to keep her breathing steady. The conversation beside her carried on.
"Is she a danger?" A man's voice. It was stern and something told her she should know who he was. She tensed.
"We won't know until we talk to her. This is unprecedented to say the least. I've asked Major Katsuragi to bring in the Second Child as a precautionary measure." The other speaker's voice was also familiar, a woman.
"Good."
Second... Child? The words conjured up a collage of images and thoughts and she could feel her brow knit in concentration as she began to remember; Wille's attack on Nerv HQ, her and Mari's fight against the dual piloted Unit-13. That brat. And then...
And then?
Stranded. With only Shinji and the other for company as they made their journey to safety. How many days had they travelled? It didn't matter, she could have gone on. They had only stopped so she could get her bearings. It certainly didn't have anything to do with Shinji's snivelling. And his complaints about how tired he was. How hungry he was. She was getting sick of it. She sat away from that pair, the brat and the doll. They were made for each other.
He didn't need help, it was pity he wanted. He could shove it up his-
She recalled closing her eyes to drown out the soft sounds of sobbing from the kid when an overwhelming wave of tiredness hit her. The last thing she remembered before darkness claimed her was a flash of red eyes paired with the faintest of smiles.
And now she was here. Did they find us? Have we been rescued? The conversation around her had ebbed into silence and lying here was going to get her nowhere. No sleep for the wicked, she decided to get it over with.
She bit down on her inhibition and opened her eye. And regretted the action immediately as she cursed at the harsh lighting overhead. Flinching, she turned her face aside. She ended up facing a man.
He had a beard and wore round, tinted glasses. Recognition sparked as their eyes met.
Her mouth went dry as she continued to stare.
And then white, hot rage ignited within her. Before she knew it, she had risen from the bed into crouching position and then pounced at him. At least, she tried to.
Her legs were weaker than expected, and she only covered half the distance she had hoped. It was still enough to make him stumble as she landed at his feet, his hands coming up to defend himself. In the background she recognised the sound of a door slamming open. More voices; angry and commanding, filled the room.
She ignored them.
She lunged at him, pushing him back to the wall with one hand holding onto his collar. She cocked back the other into a fist and growled out his name with contempt.
"Ikari."
And then punched him with all her strength.
Misato led Asuka through the corridors of Nerv's Geofront hospital. Neither looked pleased.
Except for short, simple instructions, Misato hadn't said a word to Asuka since their arrival. Asuka was now equally silent but had spent the journey here from the apartment making it clear exactly what she thought of this little trip.
I'm an independent young women, dammit. Don't I get a say? She had been preparing for her after-school shower when Misato had arrived and all but ordered her to Nerv HQ.
Asuka had not taken this well.
Loud protestations followed throughout their journey in the car. Not even the Major's cavalier attitude towards the rules of the road was able to deter the wrath of the Second Child. Insults, insinuations and threats to both Misato and a certain 'idiot' flew sharply and swiftly.
As a testament to her skill as Nerv's head of Tactical Operations, Misato weaved through the streets of Tokyo-3 as she held off the verbal barrage whilst simultaneously holding a conversation on the phone with Dr. Akagi.
At least, Asuka assumed it was the doctor. She didn't care for the details of the conversation and it was only when she caught Rei's name mentioned did she quieten down and accept her fate. She wasn't about to let wondergirl show her up in front of everyone.
And Misato still hasn't told me why they want me here, some guardian she is! Her foot tapped loudly as they now stood waiting for the elevator to a different floor of the hospital.
The tick, tick, tick of the mechanism as it counted the lift's passage through the building put Asuka further on edge.
Of course, I had to be picked for this little trip. Couldn't have Shinji ruin his beauty sleep. Once I'm done here I'm gonna-
Shinji was spared any imaginative insults as a soft beep announced the arrival of the lift. The doors opened and Asuka made a move to enter before she was abruptly stopped by Misato, who stuck out a hand. She shrugged it away, annoyance rising before seeing the reason for stopping. She didn't need to follow Misato's lead as they both hastily stepped aside. A grim-faced Commander Ikari stalked past.
The large bruise colouring his cheek didn't go unnoticed by either of them.
"Sir! Are... are you okay?" said Misato, overcoming her shock.
Commander Ikari spared them the briefest of glances before continuing on.
"Dr. Akagi will brief you. Carry on."
And then he was gone. They both stared after him before silently entering the lift. Asuka hesitated only for a second before joining Misato. For the first time since they had left the apartment, she began to worry.
First the secrecy and now the Commander looks as if he's been in a brawl.
Misato spent the ride staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts clearly elsewhere and deftly avoiding Asuka's attempts to catch her eye as she tried to glean any information on what they just saw and what she was walking into.
They exited into another corridor and Asuka noted the presence of Section 2 agents spaced periodically along the hallway. Increased security?
Before she could think about the implications of this, Misato stopped her at a door to one of the hospital's rooms. Nothing about the door in front of them marked it differently to any others. Misato turned to her, a reassuring smile on her face and allowing her to go in first.
Fine, let's get this over with. She took a breath and made to open the door. But then she paused, hand outstretched as she caught snippets of words from the other side.
"...can't help... if you don't..."
Dr. Akagi. She was talking to someone.
Misato must've noticed her hesitation as she started to speak.
"I'll come inside with you, but it's just... well," Misato said. "It's best you see for yourself. As far as we know, she's completely... normal."
She? Normal?
Before Asuka could go through the door, she was interrupted by another voice, this time, from the far end of the hallway.
"...telling you, I'm not the 'Second Child,' I'm an only child! And just where the hell-"
Something about it was eerily familiar but the thought quickly disappeared upon hearing the next speaker.
"Now, now Asuka, I'm sure Dr. Akagi will be able to-"
Kaji!
Both herself and Misato turned to see Kaji come around corner and Asuka's heart leapt into her throat as relief began to fill her. I'm saved! Kaji would be able to deal with whatever this was and then she could go home. Thoughts of finally having a warm shower permeated at the back of her mind. She pushed aside the other voice she heard, it had been a long day after all and no doubt her tiredness was making her hear things.
Now, smile! Chin up and eyes forward, she waved at Kaji whilst not so subtly positioning herself in front of the older woman.
"Kaji!" she said, taking a step forward, but immediately stopped when she realised he wasn't alone. Two burly Section 2 agents trailed behind him with someone else in between. Kaji came to a halt in front of them and silence filled the hallway between the two parties. He stared at them, confusion evident on his face before he wordlessly stepped aside to reveal the individual trailing behind him.
Asuka tensed at the sight, not quite believing what she was seeing.
A mirror? Was her first thought - No.
It was a girl. With a face and brilliant red hair identical to her own. At least, it seemed identical. Even the school uniform she wore was the same. Asuka watched the other girl examine her in return, mouth open in surprise. Something deep inside her recoiled at the sight of what appeared to be an exact copy of herself. She blinked the errant thought away.
As if on cue, the two pointed accusingly at each other.
"Who are you?!" they said.
The shock that had flooded Asuka was now giving away to anger as her mind tried to rationalise the sight in front of her. A lookalike? A cheap wig? Anything to explain what she was seeing. She turned to Misato who looked equally opened her mouth to speak, to ask all the questions that were racing through her but the other girl beat her to it.
"Miss Misato?! They've got you too?" The lookalike stepped forward to approach them before she was stopped by Misato's raised hand.
"Identify yourself!" she barked, causing both girls to flinch. Asuka recognised that voice, the one normally reserved for when Misato was commanding the Evas. The effect was not lost on the other girl as she withered under Misato's glare.
"M-miss Misato, it's me, Asuka! Asuka Langley Soryu!" When this information didn't solicit a response, she continued. "From school!" she added, frustration creeping into her voice.
Misato took in the girl's words before responding in a measured tone. She gestured towards Asuka beside her.
"This is Asuka Langley Soryu. I'll ask again, identify yourself. And how did you get here?"
"I can answer that," Kaji said, stepping forward. "She was spotted wandering in the centre of the city. Section-2 received a report of a girl matching the Second Child's description who, seemed lost- ow!" A swift whack on the arm caused him to yelp in pain.
"I was not lost!"
"You were standing in front of a tourist's map of the city." Kaji said as he massaged the arm where the faker – Yeah, 'faker' was right. - had struck him
"I was simply confirming what I already knew," she crossed her arms, as if daring anyone to contradict her further. Mein gott, she's annoying. Asuka felt a pang of sympathy for the man. He made a face before continuing on with his explanation.
"I happened to be nearby, so I got to her first."
"Kidnapped is what you did! Unless picking up teenage girls is normal for you? Answer that!" Kaji ignored her.
"Of course, I grew worried when she didn't seem to know where she was. Or even who I was. So, I decided we should give the good doctor a visit-"
"Why didn't you call me?" Misato cut in. She had remained stone-faced throughout the display and now directed her ire at Kaji. He held his hands up defensively.
"I did. Your line was engaged," he said and before Misato could speak further, "and I called the apartment but Shinji told me you were already on your way here. Coming here seemed like the right call, huh Katsuragi?" Asuka noticed the other girl perk up at the mention of the boy's name.
Now how does she know that idiot?
Misato huffed, accepting Kaji's words, if not the sly wink, directed at her. Then she turned her attention back to the girl. The girl claiming to be her.
"I was on the phone with Ritsuko, she asked me to come. Not because of her but someone else." Misato said thoughtfully before speaking to the lookalike again, "How do you know who I am?"
The girl looked dumbfounded for a second before taking a deep breath that Asuka instantly recognised as someone gathering their patience before speaking. When she did speak, it was slowly, as if to a child.
"Because. You're. My. Teacher. In. School!" she paused at the looks they gave her "...What?"
Not only is she a damn dirty faker, she's crazy too. Asuka had heard enough and made a move towards the door, as Misato motioned them all to go inside. The Section 2 agents cajoled the other girl who complied unhappily.
"Serves you right, trying to impersonate an Eva pilot." Asuka said, not quite whispering. She only partially heard the response.
"Least I'm not wearing a cheap wig." Asuka whirled around at the words, red faced.
"What did you say?!"
"I said, you're nothing but cheap copy and once I get out of here I'll-" Smugness radiated off the girl. Asuka's fists clenched in response and she shook with barely contained anger as she imagined pummelling her into dust. If only Kaji wasn't here... She decided on some choice words of her own, voice rising.
"I don't know what your game is but I'll-"
"That's enough!"
They all turned to see a very annoyed Dr. Akagi standing in the now open doorway. She glanced at the assembled group, raising an eyebrow as she looked over the two identical girls. With a quick nod, she turned to go back inside the room and motioned the others to follow.
"Misato, Kaji, you'll need to see this. And you too, Asuka," she said, catching herself as she looked back at them. "...Both of you."
Asuka didn't like how casually the doctor accepted the seemingly impossible. Is no one else seeing how crazy this is? Am I the only sane one here? She grudgingly walked into the room, with the others – including the imposter – behind her.
It was a hospital room. Just like any other; spartan in design, large window, incredibly uncomfortable bed, See? Nothing scary-
She froze. On the bed was another girl who looked just like her. Well, almost. One eye was covered by an eyepatch. The sight proved too much for Asuka. The real Asuka. She mentally reminded herself of such a thing before a shrill screech escaped her mouth.
"Ehhhhh?!"
Misato and Kaji ducked their heads in as they followed the other Asuka. Even they couldn't stifle their gasps. Already having overcome shock once before, Asuka was quick to recover and this time let out that annoying pit of frustration that had been growing all evening.
"What the hell is going on here!?" She directed the question to Dr. Akagi, who seemed nonplussed at the outburst. "Was there a secret meeting of 14-year-old redheads I wasn't told about!? Do you want to explain this!?" One arm was waving angrily in the direction of the bed bound girl. She stomped towards the edge of the bed to get a closer look.
"Don't tell me, your name just so happens to be Asuka Langley Soryu too, right?" She couldn't help but sneer.
This one remained silent, staring at her. Asuka caught the briefest flicker as the girl on the bed looked over to the other copy. She rolled her eyes when no answers were forthcoming and turned back to Dr. Akagi, intent on resuming her rant.
"Tell me doc, what was it? A secret experiment? Expert mimes? Cloning? Ripped open a hole in the space-time conti-"
"Shikinami."
Asuka paused at the words from bed-faker, not quite sure she heard her right. She whipped back around to face her. Shiki-what? The whole room was now looking at her and Asuka took the moment's pause to take in more apparent differences between them. Her hair's different to mine... not quite as red.
"It's Shikinami. Asuka Shikinami Langley." A quiet chuckle escaped her and she directed her next statement to Misato. "And I don't believe I was ever that much of a brat." She smirked at Asuka, who scowled in return. She hadn't failed to notice that the girl had been handcuffed to the bed either.
"So, you can speak." said Dr. Akagi.
The girl shrugged in response.
"And the incident before? You understand why we had to restrain you?"
Another shrug, "I... mistook him for someone else. I was just... surprised."
"Dr. Akagi tells me you were found unconscious near one of the entrances to the Geofront," Misato said, "where are you from? And why do you have a plugsuit?"
"I don't know how I got here exactly, and plugsuit? Isn't it obvious? I'm an Eva pilot, of course." The girl's tone was calm, almost nonchalant. The other girl, rushed forward to the foot of the bed beside Asuka.
"So, you're not from here either?" She said. Asuka couldn't help but blanch at the almost pleading tone she put on. Great. You found a friend, and she's as much of an imposter as you. Now get lost.
"Seems we're both visitors to this place," Shikinami gave a curt nod to the other Soryu before turning to look outside.
"So, doctor, what's the diagnosis?" said Kaji.
Ritsuko looked over the new arrivals. With them all now in the room at once, the normally oversized space was feeling much more crowded and she leant against the window frame as spoke.
"Well, I've already run a blood test on Miss 'Shikinami' here, she's not a clone of our Asuka. In fact, there's a slight difference in her DNA. She may look almost identical but she isn't our Asuka," she turned to the other non-Asuka, "I will need a blood sample from you as well. For both your and our safety, you understand." It wasn't a request.
The Asuka that had arrived with Kaji had been slowly inching away from the group towards the door, before she was addressed.
"Do I have to? Look, I just want to go home, I won't tell anyone-" There it was, the lost girl routine again. Misato approached her and knelt down towards the girl and putting on a smile for her.
"Hey, there's no need to worry. Dr. Akagi will make sure you're all right and then we'll figure out a way to get you home. Is that okay?"
Oh look, Mommy-Misato has made an appearance. It's just an act, that angry little voice within Asuka thought, surprising herself with how bitter she sounded. To add to her ire, Kaji decided to join in.
"And I'm sure Asuka, ahem, our Asuka will be happy to keep you company. Am I right?" he said. He looked over to her and gave her that smile. The one that caused all sorts of funny feelings in her stomach, and in this case, kept her from objecting. Feeling a slight warmth in her cheeks, Asuka nodded, deciding to not cause a fuss. Only because I want to get this over with, she thought.
She watched the other girl quietly accept Dr. Akagi's request; now apparently reassured. The implication of what she had agreed to suddenly hit her. Wait... does that mean I can't go home?
"Good, we'll have both of you set up in rooms nearby." Dr. Akagi said as Asuka rounded on her.
"What? Why me?!"
As if expecting this response, she clasped her hands with a smile that seemed almost predatory.
"You're our control sample, of course. I would hope with your education, Asuka, you would understand the need for a proper scientific evaluation."
But I want to go home!
She didn't like it but she knew Dr. Akagi was right. And faced with all three adults waiting for an answer plus, these two imitations all looking expectantly at her, she wasn't going to chicken out now.
"Fine."
"I'll have extra security assigned to both of them. This is still a secure facility and we can't take chances are far as the Evas are concerned." Misato said. Ritsuko gave her an empty smile.
"The Commander shares your concerns. He's tasked Rei with overwatch duty," she jerked a thumb over her shoulder to the window outside. "In her Eva."
They all turned to stare out the window. In the far distance, towering above the trees, was the unmistakeable sight of Unit-00, In her hands was a massive sniper rifle propped up against a makeshift barricade.
It was aiming directly at the room.
The silence that followed told the doctor all she needed as to what they thought of that. Asuka still couldn't believe what she had gotten herself into.
I always thought the Commander was a little odd but this is...
Behind all of them, unsure why they had all gone slightly pale, the other Soryu raised a hand.
"Er... what's an Eva?"
It was the end of another school day as Shinji made his way home, grocery bags in hand and thankful for the slight breeze around him. It had been five days since Misato had whisked Asuka away to Nerv HQ and if the call this morning was to be believed, they would be returning home tonight.
Details as to what the two had been up to had been scarce, only that Asuka was required for some extra tests.
They even cancelled this week's sync tests. Maybe I'll find out more when they come home.
He had tried to ask Misato more questions. Worried as to what could have taken his roommate and fellow pilot away. Misato had been evasive, reassuring him it was nothing dangerous and that it may be best if he made a special welcome home dinner for her, as well as two extra guests.
Again, Misato had been vague as to who they were or why they were coming to dinner. She had only told him that whatever Asuka would like, her guests most likely would too. This didn't sit right with Shinji, but he decided to trust in Misato's faith in him.
I suppose I can be grateful she's not insisting on cooking herself. In the end, he had decided on steak. It was simple enough to be made in the time that he had but something he was sure Asuka would be fond of, especially compared to the normal food she ate in the Katsuragi household. He realised that the peace and tranquillity of the past week that he had enjoyed on his own would be broken.
Still, his roommates would be back. I hope they enjoy the food.
"Ikari?"
He was jolted out of his reverie to find he had arrived at the apartment block with Rei was standing next the entrance.
Was she waiting for me?
He shifted a bag to the other hand and raised it in an awkward wave.
"Oh, uh, hi Ayanami, have you been waiting long?" She was wearing her usual school uniform though she had not attended today or even the past week. He had wondered whether the timing with Asuka's absence was a coincidence but as he didn't have contact with either party, could not confirm. Would Rei even tell him?
She looked at him, gazing down at the shopping bags in hand but making no move to offer any help.
"The Second Child is to return to your apartment today."
He blinked, not expecting anything to hear about Asuka's mysterious absence from the girl.
"Ah, yeah. Misato told me this morning. Were you taking part in those tests too?"
"No."
Oh. That killed whatever conversation he may have tried to get answers out of the stoic girl. I guess I'll find out in a little while in any case. He shifted awkwardly as they both stood there and decided he should invite her in. Plus his arms were starting to ache. Before he could offer, she started walking away.
She stopped just before passing him.
"Good luck, Ikari." And then she was gone, leaving a confused Shinji in her wake.
What did she mean by that?
Author notes:
So this was originally inspired by a picture posted on the Asushin subreddit of two Asuka's staring wearily at each other with poor Shinji off the side. It's my take on finding a resolution to the Shikinami/Shinji relationship at the end of 3.0 and most of the ideas in this story were from before I saw the final Rebuild film.
I was mostly happy with how it resolved and I know character's crossing over is not a new idea but still wanted to put my spin on it. Plus I've got a third Asuka in there too. For anyone who doesn't know, she's from the Ep. 26 AU and I wanted her in this because she provides such a nice contrast to the other two who've only known Eva piloting all their lives.
Massive thank you to SheriffJohnStone for pre-reading, some very helpful edits and great advice around keeping things a little clearer than they originally were. Who knew things could get confusing with three characters sharing the same first name and looks? The next chapter I'll have them officially be given names that all characters can refer to them by and should makes things easier to follow.
I think it'll be a fun character study if nothing else.
Thoughts and constructive criticism welcome as always and thanks for reading.
AgentKaji