******************
The Crimson Tenshi
by Rei Himura
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Disclaimer: FY belongs to Watase Yuu-sama and Rei Ayanami belongs to the people in Gainax. I belong to myself. End.
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Chapter 3: Be... my... guest, be my guest, put your towels to the test...
******************
The atmosphere was incredible. The party feeling everywhere. Tasuki grinned as he took a swig of sake from a porcelain jug. He, and the rest of the Suzaku shichiseishii, were seated at the far end of the table; alongside with the Emperor of Kounam - Hotohori.
"Hey... where are all the food?" asked Tasuki. His stomach, forever empty, was growling for attention. Chiriko and Mitsukake sighed.
"We have to wait for the girls first." said Mitsukake.
"Oh great... they'll take -hours- to get ready." moaned Tamahome. He too was sharing Tasuki's agony.
"Hey guuuuyyysss!!!" came a cry from beyond. The seishii looked up save for Tasuki and Tamahome. The pair were drawing circles on the rims of their drinking goblets.
"Presenting... Suzaku no Miko and the... erm... girl from another world!" Nuriko exclaimed and clapped his hands in encouragement. A veil was lifted, smoke filled the room and the audience sat, enraptured.
"Who's the girl frmo another world?" hissed Tasuki as he struggled to see beyond the billowing smoke. Tamahome shrugged.
"I don't really know. Miaka didn't tell me much." replied the usually money-minded blue-haired Oni. The pair craned their necks. Chichiri leaned back against a pillar and picked up a piece of fruit. With his good eye, he waited for the figures to discern themselves from the perfumed gas.
"Erm... Miaka, Nuriko, how do you move in this?" whispered Rei. She was trying to gather up the cloth behind her but realised in doing so, she was unable to walk. Nuriko tugged the cloth back and then took her hand.
"Here, I'll help you." he smiled at Rei, a twinkle in his eye. It was amazing what an hours worth of make-up could do to a girl. Or girls. He led the trio, hand-maidens trailing behind them with their heads bowed down.
"Well... how do they look?" asked the purple-haired bishounen. The crowds from along the table cheered and whistled in delight and appreciation. The seishii were awestruck. Except maybe for Mitsukake and Chiriko.
"W-wow... Miaka... is that really you?" asked Tamahome, saliva trailing the side of his mouth. The brunette giggled and then leapt into his lap. She pinched his cheeks.
"Of course its me Tamahome... who else could it be?" she mused.
"A goddess..." came the hoarse response. Miaka blushed and hugged her koibito. Rei blinked and looked around, finding a place to seat. She found one, in beside Chichiri. She had wanted to sit beside Nuriko, but found the latter to be in between Hotohori and Tasuki. The coppery-maned bandit was blinking in bewilderment.
"Geez Nuriko... are you sure you're a guy?" he asked in confusion and utter disbelief. Taking it as a compliment, Nuriko blushed prettily and patted Tasuki on the back. However, knowing his hidden strength, Tasuki nearly flew across the table.
"Erm... haha... opps?" sleeve covering his mouth, Nuriko laughed. Rei took in her surroundings. The palace, was lavishly decorated. She wondered if it was this breath-taking before the banquet, or it was usually stunning every day.
"You look very pretty no da..." came a whisper beside her. She turned her head to find Chichiri smiling at her. Rei blushed and looked down at herself.
Her hair was pulled into a bun, set in place with a string of pearls. A few strands framed her delicate and pristine face which was highlighted with soft and glittery make-up. Her lips were lush and red and Nuriko had done something to her eyes to make them look exoticly enticing. The indigo-coloured garment she wore accentuated the curves she never knew she had well, hugging her minute waist like a glove. She placed the wooden fan with the garden scenery painted on it, beside her on the table.
Just pretty? Nothing more? Wait... what was I expecting? To be as goddess-like as Miaka? Her crimson eyes travelled over to Miaka who was gorging her mouth and oesaphagus with food. She winced. Sometimes I wonder... is she bullimic? Anorexic? No... she still has that figure. What -does- she do to not gain weight? I know Second Child makes sure she watches her figure.... for what reason... I don't know. she mused mentally and then when the first course of the meal arrived, busied her mind sampling the delicacy.
Chichiri busied himself with trying to fold the napkin into something intricate. He had wanted to say she looked spectacular, breath-taking but somehow, the only word that he managed to utter was pretty. Chichiri no baka! He glanced sideways at her, watching the slender curve of her porcelain neck. She just doesn't look pretty... she looks... delicious... The young monk mentally berated himself. He shouldn't be thining of such things. They were... sinful... or were they? An image of Taiitsukuun entered his mind and he shivered.
****************
"Oishii... this is good." Miaka said in between mouthfuls. Tamahome nodded his head.
"Miaka, you better slow down. At the rate your eating, your more like swallowing your food rather than chewing it. Very unlady-like you know." said Nuriko. Miaka stopped stuffing, blushed and swallowed down the morsels of food in her mouth with a loud 'gulp' sound. She grinned apologetically back to Nuriko who sighed and put his head in his hands.
"How's the food Rei?" asked Hotohori. The Emperor had noticed the new arrival's silence throughout the meal. She seemed to have been secluding herself from the world, isolating herself from the usual chatter and banter that occurred during banquets. His eyes fell on Chichiri who was equally isolating himself from the group. It dawned on him, the pair was so alike.
Rei looked up and smiled.
"It's delicious. I've never quite tasted anythign like this." she replied gratefully. Hotohori noticed she had put the meat aside and then narrowed his eyes. Looking back up, Rei noticed his confused expression and mistook it for anger.
"Ano... gomen ne. I didn't mean to offend you by not eating the meat. I'm a vegetarian." she explained hurriedly. The group was silent, Tasuki and Miaka blinked.
"You don't eat meat?" asked Tasuki. Rei shook her head.
"But then you'll be missing out on a lot of good things. How can you just eat vegetables?" he added, curious to know why this onna didn't appreciate the better part of life and preferred eating her greens like a goat.
"I... I don't really know. I'm sorry if I offended you or anything." she whispered, her fingers trembling. A hand came over hers.
"Don't worry, we're not offended or anything. It's interesting to know that there are a few people who don't eat meat too. I'm one of them." Chichiri spoke.
"You didn't offend me or anything my dear Rei. I was just curious. You could have mentioned earlier." apologised Hotohori for making the girl feel uncomfortable. Rei looked up and smiled weakly.
"Arigatou..." she whispered.
"Well then, it's time for dessert." announced Nuriko. Chiriko grinned and Tasuki cheered.
"Alright!!! Bring it on!!!" shouted the copper-haired-fanged individual.
************
The banquet was spectacular and the citizens of Kounam were delighted. All went home with full stomachs and with complete gratitude for their kind and gracious Emperor.
The night was silent and tranquil, with a calming and soothing ambience. Excusing herself from the group, Rei walked out into the gardens. Eager to clear her mind and take a breath of fresh air.
"May I join you?" asked a voice from behind. Rei paused and turned around to find Chichiri smiling warmly at her. His mask was kept in his room. Somehow, he didn't feel he needed to hide behind the mask when he was with her. It was strange, thathe felt so much more comfortable with the enigmatic female than with any of the seishii. What did this mean?
Rei smiled and nodded her head. She waited for Chichiri to move closer towards her until he took a place by her side, before moving on.
"It's a lovely night isn't it?" she spoke, her voice soft, tinged with a hint of sadness. Chichiri looked up, at the stars and the velvety black sky.
"Yes... it is..." he replied. They walked on until they reached the small pagoda-like structure situated beside the pond. Rei entered it and leaned on the bannister. Her gaze swept across the pond, across the illuminating image of the glittering moonlight. Chichiri caught a glimpse of her ethereal profile before leaning on beside her, gazing out on the pond.
"They are very nice people."
"Who?"
"The nice group of people. Nuriko, Tasuki, Mitsukake, Chiriko, Tamahome and Hotohori. Not to mention Miaka." she explained. Chichiri nodded his head. What about me?
"You're very nice too..." she added a moment later. A blush creeped up her face, making her seem more goddess-like than before.
"You should blush more often."
"Nani?"
"And smile too." Rei blinked and turned to face Chichiri. She caught a hint of amusement in his eye and raised hers in bewilderment. His hands came up to cup her chin.
"You're skin is very pale... and you look sad. Almost every time I see you." his voice was low and deep. Their eyes locked and then she looked away. Chichiri removed his hands and continued gazing back out at the pond.
"You stil love her..."
"Huh?"
"Riena."
"H-how did you know? You read the book?" Rei shook her head.
"I saw it."
"But how?"
"I'm not exactly from the same timeline as Miaka. I'm from the future... a very long way into the future. Where the book of the four gods has been animated."
"Well that was a complete breach in privacy..."
"I know... but I didn't watch it. Souryuu-san does and she keeps tell-"
"Souryuu?"
"The Second Children. Souryuu Asuka Langley."
"Weird name..." Rei smiled.
"Why Second Children? Why not First Children or Third or Fourth? What does it mean?"
"I'm the First Children. Ikari-kun is the Third Children. Suzuhara-kun is the Fourth. We are all pilots."
"Pilots? Of what?"
"Evangelion..." she turned to face Chichiri who was now watching her with much interest. She sighed... and so here comes the tale of her so-called life.
"You don't really have to tell me... You're upset by it. I understand." Rei blinked. How did he know? She nodded her head and smiled. To be reminded of home so soon... so early... wasn't what she wanted to do. She had figured Kami-sama wanted her to take a break from the life she lived. Her mind was too preoccu[ied to realzie what was actually happening around her. Without knowing, she suddenly felt another pair of lips brushing over hers. A soft warm tongue pushing them open. She obliged willingly, and the kiss deepened. Chichiri's arms snaked around her waist and held her closer to him. Her arms entwined themselves around his neck.
"Rei..."
"Chichiri..."
Was this what it felt like to be loved? This kiss was so much different than the one I shared with Ikari-kun. I feel... emotions... Strong emotions. Not fleeting ones that come and go. So powerful... I like this feeling. The emptiness in my heart is gone. Love... I love love... I love... Chichiri...
Light surrounded Rei and Chichiri. It began as a soft pruplish glow that began to grow in intensity. The pair suddenly torn apart and Rei disintegrated along with the flash of light.
"Rei?"
No answer.
"Rei?"
No response.
"REI!!!"
****************
Where am I?
Rei opened her eyes. She was submerged in a familiar orange liquid.
LCL...
"Rei." she knew that voice. Deep, hollow, devoid of warmth and emotion.
She nodded her head.
"It's done. Get dressed and we will go for lunch." Gendoue Ikari adjusted his spectacles, after receiving a nod of confirmation from the blue-haired female floating in the tank of LCL before him, he walked away. He did not see the single tear escaping her closed eyelids. He did not see her mouth open to utter a name.
"Chichiri..."
****************
Author's Notes: Muahhahaah!!! Guess what? It ends here!!! Yes!!! Finally, I have gotten rid of the Crimson Tenshi. Sorry, this was written on a spur of the moment. Maybe I'll want to continue, a sequel perhaps. Then again, NOT!!! It's over!!! Done!!! Kapush!!! Hallelujah!!! Omodetou gozaimasu to ME!!! So now that it's over, review it ne? ^_^
[rei]
The Crimson Tenshi
by Rei Himura
******************
Disclaimer: FY belongs to Watase Yuu-sama and Rei Ayanami belongs to the people in Gainax. I belong to myself. End.
******************
Chapter 3: Be... my... guest, be my guest, put your towels to the test...
******************
The atmosphere was incredible. The party feeling everywhere. Tasuki grinned as he took a swig of sake from a porcelain jug. He, and the rest of the Suzaku shichiseishii, were seated at the far end of the table; alongside with the Emperor of Kounam - Hotohori.
"Hey... where are all the food?" asked Tasuki. His stomach, forever empty, was growling for attention. Chiriko and Mitsukake sighed.
"We have to wait for the girls first." said Mitsukake.
"Oh great... they'll take -hours- to get ready." moaned Tamahome. He too was sharing Tasuki's agony.
"Hey guuuuyyysss!!!" came a cry from beyond. The seishii looked up save for Tasuki and Tamahome. The pair were drawing circles on the rims of their drinking goblets.
"Presenting... Suzaku no Miko and the... erm... girl from another world!" Nuriko exclaimed and clapped his hands in encouragement. A veil was lifted, smoke filled the room and the audience sat, enraptured.
"Who's the girl frmo another world?" hissed Tasuki as he struggled to see beyond the billowing smoke. Tamahome shrugged.
"I don't really know. Miaka didn't tell me much." replied the usually money-minded blue-haired Oni. The pair craned their necks. Chichiri leaned back against a pillar and picked up a piece of fruit. With his good eye, he waited for the figures to discern themselves from the perfumed gas.
"Erm... Miaka, Nuriko, how do you move in this?" whispered Rei. She was trying to gather up the cloth behind her but realised in doing so, she was unable to walk. Nuriko tugged the cloth back and then took her hand.
"Here, I'll help you." he smiled at Rei, a twinkle in his eye. It was amazing what an hours worth of make-up could do to a girl. Or girls. He led the trio, hand-maidens trailing behind them with their heads bowed down.
"Well... how do they look?" asked the purple-haired bishounen. The crowds from along the table cheered and whistled in delight and appreciation. The seishii were awestruck. Except maybe for Mitsukake and Chiriko.
"W-wow... Miaka... is that really you?" asked Tamahome, saliva trailing the side of his mouth. The brunette giggled and then leapt into his lap. She pinched his cheeks.
"Of course its me Tamahome... who else could it be?" she mused.
"A goddess..." came the hoarse response. Miaka blushed and hugged her koibito. Rei blinked and looked around, finding a place to seat. She found one, in beside Chichiri. She had wanted to sit beside Nuriko, but found the latter to be in between Hotohori and Tasuki. The coppery-maned bandit was blinking in bewilderment.
"Geez Nuriko... are you sure you're a guy?" he asked in confusion and utter disbelief. Taking it as a compliment, Nuriko blushed prettily and patted Tasuki on the back. However, knowing his hidden strength, Tasuki nearly flew across the table.
"Erm... haha... opps?" sleeve covering his mouth, Nuriko laughed. Rei took in her surroundings. The palace, was lavishly decorated. She wondered if it was this breath-taking before the banquet, or it was usually stunning every day.
"You look very pretty no da..." came a whisper beside her. She turned her head to find Chichiri smiling at her. Rei blushed and looked down at herself.
Her hair was pulled into a bun, set in place with a string of pearls. A few strands framed her delicate and pristine face which was highlighted with soft and glittery make-up. Her lips were lush and red and Nuriko had done something to her eyes to make them look exoticly enticing. The indigo-coloured garment she wore accentuated the curves she never knew she had well, hugging her minute waist like a glove. She placed the wooden fan with the garden scenery painted on it, beside her on the table.
Just pretty? Nothing more? Wait... what was I expecting? To be as goddess-like as Miaka? Her crimson eyes travelled over to Miaka who was gorging her mouth and oesaphagus with food. She winced. Sometimes I wonder... is she bullimic? Anorexic? No... she still has that figure. What -does- she do to not gain weight? I know Second Child makes sure she watches her figure.... for what reason... I don't know. she mused mentally and then when the first course of the meal arrived, busied her mind sampling the delicacy.
Chichiri busied himself with trying to fold the napkin into something intricate. He had wanted to say she looked spectacular, breath-taking but somehow, the only word that he managed to utter was pretty. Chichiri no baka! He glanced sideways at her, watching the slender curve of her porcelain neck. She just doesn't look pretty... she looks... delicious... The young monk mentally berated himself. He shouldn't be thining of such things. They were... sinful... or were they? An image of Taiitsukuun entered his mind and he shivered.
****************
"Oishii... this is good." Miaka said in between mouthfuls. Tamahome nodded his head.
"Miaka, you better slow down. At the rate your eating, your more like swallowing your food rather than chewing it. Very unlady-like you know." said Nuriko. Miaka stopped stuffing, blushed and swallowed down the morsels of food in her mouth with a loud 'gulp' sound. She grinned apologetically back to Nuriko who sighed and put his head in his hands.
"How's the food Rei?" asked Hotohori. The Emperor had noticed the new arrival's silence throughout the meal. She seemed to have been secluding herself from the world, isolating herself from the usual chatter and banter that occurred during banquets. His eyes fell on Chichiri who was equally isolating himself from the group. It dawned on him, the pair was so alike.
Rei looked up and smiled.
"It's delicious. I've never quite tasted anythign like this." she replied gratefully. Hotohori noticed she had put the meat aside and then narrowed his eyes. Looking back up, Rei noticed his confused expression and mistook it for anger.
"Ano... gomen ne. I didn't mean to offend you by not eating the meat. I'm a vegetarian." she explained hurriedly. The group was silent, Tasuki and Miaka blinked.
"You don't eat meat?" asked Tasuki. Rei shook her head.
"But then you'll be missing out on a lot of good things. How can you just eat vegetables?" he added, curious to know why this onna didn't appreciate the better part of life and preferred eating her greens like a goat.
"I... I don't really know. I'm sorry if I offended you or anything." she whispered, her fingers trembling. A hand came over hers.
"Don't worry, we're not offended or anything. It's interesting to know that there are a few people who don't eat meat too. I'm one of them." Chichiri spoke.
"You didn't offend me or anything my dear Rei. I was just curious. You could have mentioned earlier." apologised Hotohori for making the girl feel uncomfortable. Rei looked up and smiled weakly.
"Arigatou..." she whispered.
"Well then, it's time for dessert." announced Nuriko. Chiriko grinned and Tasuki cheered.
"Alright!!! Bring it on!!!" shouted the copper-haired-fanged individual.
************
The banquet was spectacular and the citizens of Kounam were delighted. All went home with full stomachs and with complete gratitude for their kind and gracious Emperor.
The night was silent and tranquil, with a calming and soothing ambience. Excusing herself from the group, Rei walked out into the gardens. Eager to clear her mind and take a breath of fresh air.
"May I join you?" asked a voice from behind. Rei paused and turned around to find Chichiri smiling warmly at her. His mask was kept in his room. Somehow, he didn't feel he needed to hide behind the mask when he was with her. It was strange, thathe felt so much more comfortable with the enigmatic female than with any of the seishii. What did this mean?
Rei smiled and nodded her head. She waited for Chichiri to move closer towards her until he took a place by her side, before moving on.
"It's a lovely night isn't it?" she spoke, her voice soft, tinged with a hint of sadness. Chichiri looked up, at the stars and the velvety black sky.
"Yes... it is..." he replied. They walked on until they reached the small pagoda-like structure situated beside the pond. Rei entered it and leaned on the bannister. Her gaze swept across the pond, across the illuminating image of the glittering moonlight. Chichiri caught a glimpse of her ethereal profile before leaning on beside her, gazing out on the pond.
"They are very nice people."
"Who?"
"The nice group of people. Nuriko, Tasuki, Mitsukake, Chiriko, Tamahome and Hotohori. Not to mention Miaka." she explained. Chichiri nodded his head. What about me?
"You're very nice too..." she added a moment later. A blush creeped up her face, making her seem more goddess-like than before.
"You should blush more often."
"Nani?"
"And smile too." Rei blinked and turned to face Chichiri. She caught a hint of amusement in his eye and raised hers in bewilderment. His hands came up to cup her chin.
"You're skin is very pale... and you look sad. Almost every time I see you." his voice was low and deep. Their eyes locked and then she looked away. Chichiri removed his hands and continued gazing back out at the pond.
"You stil love her..."
"Huh?"
"Riena."
"H-how did you know? You read the book?" Rei shook her head.
"I saw it."
"But how?"
"I'm not exactly from the same timeline as Miaka. I'm from the future... a very long way into the future. Where the book of the four gods has been animated."
"Well that was a complete breach in privacy..."
"I know... but I didn't watch it. Souryuu-san does and she keeps tell-"
"Souryuu?"
"The Second Children. Souryuu Asuka Langley."
"Weird name..." Rei smiled.
"Why Second Children? Why not First Children or Third or Fourth? What does it mean?"
"I'm the First Children. Ikari-kun is the Third Children. Suzuhara-kun is the Fourth. We are all pilots."
"Pilots? Of what?"
"Evangelion..." she turned to face Chichiri who was now watching her with much interest. She sighed... and so here comes the tale of her so-called life.
"You don't really have to tell me... You're upset by it. I understand." Rei blinked. How did he know? She nodded her head and smiled. To be reminded of home so soon... so early... wasn't what she wanted to do. She had figured Kami-sama wanted her to take a break from the life she lived. Her mind was too preoccu[ied to realzie what was actually happening around her. Without knowing, she suddenly felt another pair of lips brushing over hers. A soft warm tongue pushing them open. She obliged willingly, and the kiss deepened. Chichiri's arms snaked around her waist and held her closer to him. Her arms entwined themselves around his neck.
"Rei..."
"Chichiri..."
Was this what it felt like to be loved? This kiss was so much different than the one I shared with Ikari-kun. I feel... emotions... Strong emotions. Not fleeting ones that come and go. So powerful... I like this feeling. The emptiness in my heart is gone. Love... I love love... I love... Chichiri...
Light surrounded Rei and Chichiri. It began as a soft pruplish glow that began to grow in intensity. The pair suddenly torn apart and Rei disintegrated along with the flash of light.
"Rei?"
No answer.
"Rei?"
No response.
"REI!!!"
****************
Where am I?
Rei opened her eyes. She was submerged in a familiar orange liquid.
LCL...
"Rei." she knew that voice. Deep, hollow, devoid of warmth and emotion.
She nodded her head.
"It's done. Get dressed and we will go for lunch." Gendoue Ikari adjusted his spectacles, after receiving a nod of confirmation from the blue-haired female floating in the tank of LCL before him, he walked away. He did not see the single tear escaping her closed eyelids. He did not see her mouth open to utter a name.
"Chichiri..."
****************
Author's Notes: Muahhahaah!!! Guess what? It ends here!!! Yes!!! Finally, I have gotten rid of the Crimson Tenshi. Sorry, this was written on a spur of the moment. Maybe I'll want to continue, a sequel perhaps. Then again, NOT!!! It's over!!! Done!!! Kapush!!! Hallelujah!!! Omodetou gozaimasu to ME!!! So now that it's over, review it ne? ^_^
[rei]